Where Darkness Consumes Light

Country Information
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Lorecia

People: The population consists of mostly humans but there is a growing population of elves.

Landscape: There is a large mountainscape to the north/east of the country. The mountains make it very difficult to invade, especially during the harsh winters. The middle of the country is mostly plains, which is perfect for fields of flowers, farmland, and farm animals. The south and west touch the ocean, where there is a lot of shores. They own quite a few islands off of their coasts.

Neighboring countries: North touches the enemy country. The east is an eleven country, Vanini, who are allied with Lorecia. There are no countries to the south and west as that is the ocean.

Capital: The capital is at the edge of the mountains. This is where the castle and the royal family live. It is also the second biggest city in the country and named after the De’Lucas. It is a place of prosperity, as there are many high-end merchants and the city focuses on enlightenment (Think Italy during the enlightenment period). Since the capital is huge, it is easy to get lost in but most parts of the city are very well taken care of and impressive.
Largest city: The city of Sybil is the largest city in the country and is a port city to the south. The royal family has a second castle here where they visit and sometimes stay. It is a warm, sunny city and very inviting to travelers. Although the docks can get grimy, the rest of the city is well taken care of. And it has many inspiring sights, like their Gardens of Poguin.

Culture: Thanks to Princess Rosemary’s great grandfather, the country of Lorecia is currently in an age of peace and great profit. They are known as great artists and researchers and continue to revolutionize the areas of products and art. These are the things that they prioritize. However, the people have never cared for violence as they find it unsavory. Most do not sign up for the military so it has been getting smaller over the last century, but the weapons that are used continue to be upgraded thanks to the country’s advancements. This also caused most crimes to be treated with things like community service, or if bad enough, banishment. The people are a kind, warm group that is happy to welcome travelers into their country. They also have great respect and love for the rulers of the country, the De’Luca’s. Any harm to them would cause great grief to move through the country.

Religion: The people in this country have three gods, the Lady of the Moon, the Sun Lord, and the Earth Mother. They have festivals, holidays, and rituals that reflect this. They thank and pray the lady of the moon for the gentle ocean, and lighting their way in the dark nights. The Sun Lord for filing their days with brightness and giving them and their farmlands warmth. And, the Earth Mother for life and the items they can find in nature.

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Keora
Not much is known about the kingdom of Keora, a vast Kingdom to the North. Gnarly trees and shrubbery block most of the paths that lead towards the Kingdom's territory. Only the bravest souls dare to adventure into the woods leading to the elusive Kingdom. Many travel towards it seeking fame, but most don't return.

Traitors are what those of Keora label those who adventure into the Kingdom's land without invitation. Hanging them from the trees that line the paths to the villages. Allowing those from the outer Kingdoms to retrieve their dead and take note that heathens aren't welcomed on their sacred land! Because that is what Keor's view their land as. A sacred plateau that was gifted to them by their ancestors many years ago.

landscape: Mostly thick forests, filled with thorn-covered trees, bushes, and poisonous flowers. Towns are few and far between as it's hard to cut down the trees and shrubbery, but the places that are habited, are large areas, caged in by the trees. Mountains are sporadic and random in the Kingdom, making the weather constantly unstable. At least, that's what it seems like to outsiders.

Population: Vampires are the ruling species here, a couple of hundred humans live here as well but are kept as slaves or pets.

Religion: The Vampires don't really believe in any higher being, but they do thank their ancestors on a monthly basis. As in they thank the cursed one for leading their kind to this heaven. An alter made up of obsidian is made up in the center of each town for the people to place their offerings.

Capital: The capital is called, Lore. The capital is a huge city that surrounds the tallest mountain in the territory. It literally surrounds the base of the mountain. It's the biggest trading location in the Kingdom as well. The castle that the royals live in is actually carved into the mountain. Stone and gems mark the walls of their dwelling. Showing off their vast wealth to those they invite inside on the rare occasion.

@ BearGirl

"Please Princess lets just go back to the carriage!"

Princess Rosemary looked back at the worried guard, giving him a small shake of her head. "I am not turning back, Ramsey. We are almost at the border. And I promise we won't be there for long. I just want to see it for myself and then we can go back." She said as she held onto one of the trees for balance for a moment before moving farther through the forest.

"Princess Rosemary, we are in the Vanini's country. It is improper of us to roam around their lands. Also, we are expected to greet the elven king and Queen by nightfall and I -"

"And we will be there by nightfall." Rosemary cut him off. "You said yourself that we were ahead of schedule, did you not? And this road is right next to the border of Keora. They are fighting us, not Vanini. I just want to see if the trees are truly pink there and then we will continue our journey and get there safely. Everything will be fine."

"If you do not turn around this instant I will carry you back to the carriage myself!" Ramsey said as he started to move a bit faster towards the princess.

A large smile came over her face as she looked back at her personal guard, who was clearly getting frustrated. "You will have to catch me first!" With that, Rosemary started to sprint through the forest to get away from Ramsey. She knew he was just following her father's orders but he was being a real sourpuss in that moment.

Though as Rosemary ran, giggles of joy left her, finding the chase quiet fun. And as she ran up a hill, Rosemary suddenly stopped at the very top. Her eyes widen as she looked out at the lands before her, seeing that the rumors were true. A pink forest laid before her. And, although the color was warm and bright, there was an eery feeling that wafted from her enemy's lands.

Rosemary was only allowed to take it in for a moment before she was suddenly lifted off of her feet and thrown over her guard's shoulder. A little 'oof' left her lips as was pressed against his armor. Ramsey wrapped his arm around her waist tightly before turning and almost stomping away from the strange lands. "You saw it, now let's go. I shouldn't have to chase you through the woods! You of all people know why we are going to the elven castle so for you to even be at the border is an atrocious act of defiance against your father."

Rosemary let out a defeated sigh. "Fine Ramsey, take me away then."

@ BearGirl
The oddly-colored tree branches swayed in the light breeze. Their brightly colored pinkish-purple leaves reflecting strangely in the dimming light of the rising moon's light. Causing an ominous sort of feeling to fall over the land of Keora. Causing a raise of shivers of fear for those who have not been raised in the land of Keora. A light mist that usually coats the forests floor this time of year started to raise and coat the small troop's feet and stopping under most of the men's legs. Dark cloaks covered the men, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings.

One of the soldiers dressed in a dark cloak moved up towards the front. Moving to stalk in pace with the one leading the attack. "Sire, we are approaching the border. Do we disburse now?" The soldier asked, his voice hush and gravely sounding. A small hum escaped from the man in charge. His cloak just as dark as the others, but a dark blue sapphire brooch that was outlined in tiny diamonds held his cloak shut and sat nicely on his right shoulder blade. "Disburse, and have the archers lead the way in their movements. I want them to be the main force in this ambush." The man, Crown Prince Killian, said as he raised his head. Allowing for his eyes to land on the man who was to be his right hand once he raised to a power. The man nodded his head and then fell back so that he could rely upon the message to the other soldiers.

A little birdy told the Prince that a pretty little herb was making her way towards his Kingdom's land. Acting as a spy, sightseeing, not knowing what she was doing. Killian didn't care for the reason. Rosemary, the delicious herb that always coated his taste buds in that annoyingly strong taste. Seeming so docile, but had thorns that poked and prodded. Was going to be his. A ploy to get the Kingdom of Lorecia to bend their knees. To hail to the ones with the true power in this land. The ones who were really in charge. The vampires, the cursed beings who were exiled to land that was in decay and barely habitable. A species that was able to tame the untamable.

The beautiful melody of a woman's laugh caught Killian's attention. They were close to their target. Raising his right hand, Killian made a motion that was swift and precise, his men moved out into the forest to wrap around the girl and her guard. The Prince paused his movements, getting into position in the forest by hiding behind a tree that actually gave him a good sight of the young girl and her guard. An odd feeling filled the Prince's stomach at the sight. A man should not touch a young lady like that. Much less a knight touching a Princess like that. Moving his lips into a circular sort of motion, Killian let out a small whistle that sounded like a bird call. Then, all hell rang loose as Arrows shot out and landed in a semi-circle in front of the knight and Princess. Their distinctive black tips giving away who were the ones who shot them.

"It's not very nice to spy on people's territories," Killian said in a monotone voice, the words echoing slightly in the darkening forest. His men started to move forward, releasing that they had half trapped the Princess and guard. Staying in his hiding spot, Killian tilted his head to the side. "Lay your weapons down, and you just might leave with your lives."

@ BearGirl
The oddly-colored tree branches swayed in the light breeze. Their brightly colored pinkish-purple leaves reflecting strangely in the dimming light of the rising moon's light. Causing an ominous sort of feeling to fall over the land of Keora. Causing a raise of shivers of fear for those who have not been raised in the land of Keora. A light mist that usually coats the forests floor this time of year started to raise and coat the small troop's feet and stopping under most of the men's legs. Dark cloaks covered the men, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings.

One of the soldiers dressed in a dark cloak moved up towards the front. Moving to stalk in pace with the one leading the attack. "Sire, we are approaching the border. Do we disburse now?" The soldier asked, his voice hush and gravely sounding. A small hum escaped from the man in charge. His cloak just as dark as the others, but a dark blue sapphire brooch that was outlined in tiny diamonds held his cloak shut and sat nicely on his right shoulder blade. "Disburse, and have the archers lead the way in their movements. I want them to be the main force in this ambush." The man, Crown Prince Killian, said as he raised his head. Allowing for his eyes to land on the man who was to be his right hand once he raised to a power. The man nodded his head and then fell back so that he could rely upon the message to the other soldiers.

A little birdy told the Prince that a pretty little herb was making her way towards his Kingdom's land. Acting as a spy, sightseeing, not knowing what she was doing. Killian didn't care for the reason. Rosemary, the delicious herb that always coated his taste buds in that annoyingly strong taste. Seeming so docile, but had thorns that poked and prodded. Was going to be his. A ploy to get the Kingdom of Lorecia to bend their knees. To hail to the ones with the true power in this land. The ones who were really in charge. The vampires, the cursed beings who were exiled to land that was in decay and barely habitable. A species that was able to tame the untamable.

The beautiful melody of a woman's laugh caught Killian's attention. They were close to their target. Raising his right hand, Killian made a motion that was swift and precise, his men moved out into the forest to wrap around the girl and her guard. The Prince paused his movements, getting into position in the forest by hiding behind a tree that actually gave him a good sight of the young girl and her guard. An odd feeling filled the Prince's stomach at the sight. A man should not touch a young lady like that. Much less a knight touching a Princess like that. Moving his lips into a circular sort of motion, Killian let out a small whistle that sounded like a bird call. Then, all hell rang loose as Arrows shot out and landed in a semi-circle in front of the knight and Princess. Their distinctive black tips giving away who were the ones who shot them.

"It's not very nice to spy on people's territories," Killian said in a monotone voice, the words echoing slightly in the darkening forest. His men started to move forward, releasing that they had half trapped the Princess and guard. Staying in his hiding spot, Killian tilted his head to the side. "Lay your weapons down, and you just might leave with your lives."

@ FallenHope95

With the sudden arrows that were shot in front of them, Ramsey jumped a bit, having not expected it. But he was quick to turn towards where the arrows had come from. He pulled his sword from his side and moved it expertly in front of himself to protect them both. Just a quick look of the arrows and Ramsey knew who it was. The Keorans. He could only hope that it was a small, unimportant group of soldiers. Though they should have an easy enough time getting out with their lives. But he worried that was not the case.

"No spying was occurring here!" Ramsey called out, unsure as to where exactly the voice was coming from. The echos through the forest made it too hard to locate. "We were just leaving! We mean no harm!"

Rosemary tried to slide herself off of Ramsey's shoulder but he now had a death grip on her. She smacked his side, trying to get him to let go but the man didn't budge. So she whispered angrily under her breath. "Let me go Rasmey or I swear to our Lady of the Moon, I will tell the kitchens to cut pickles up into your meals for the next month." There was hesitation but Rasmey carefully set the princess down on her feet. Though the moment she was set on the ground, Ramsey moved in front of Rosemary to protect her.

Now that she was free, Rosemary also faced where the voice was coming from, although she was not positive that she was facing the right direction entirely. "I must offer you my deepest apologizes. We only came to the boarder to see the beautiful pink forest but we would have never crossed it, I assure you. I am sorry that our sudden appearance has startled you and your men, good Sir. My...friend here will set his sword down and we will leave peacefully."

Rasmey glanced back at the princess for a moment before setting his sword onto the ground in front of himself. Rosemary laid her hand on his shoulder wanting to guide him as they started to walk backwards. She wanted to get out of there before they realized who they were. She was careful to move slow as they started to back away.

@ BearGirl
The right corner of Killian's lips twitched. He couldn't help but find this whole thing amusing. The Princess was playing innocent, acting like she was a mere commoner when it was obvious who she was. Her pretty dress was not something a mere commoner could afford. Much less the armor the man wore. It had the gleam to it that only a trained male could hold to his armor. Precise polishing scratches along the shoulders and chest from pricing with a dull blade. Just little things that the human eye couldn't pick up, but a vampire could.

Pursing his lips together in that odd motion once more, Killian made that strange whistle sound in a slightly different tone. His men on the other side of the Princess and her guard shot their arrows and cut off their escape route. Meaning there now laid a line of arrows on two different sides of the two nosey peaks.

"I never gave you permission to leave, Princess," Killian said smoothly from his hiding spot. His one blue eyes and one white eye focusing on the young girl as she stopped moving. His eyes taking in her stance, trying to seem all brave when he could practically smell the fear rolling off of her in waves. "Why don't we play a game, Princess?" Killian spoke out, a twisted gleam showing in his eyes. A sight that if the Princess could see, it would cause her to faint from fear. "I will allow you to run, and if you escape. You shall be freed to carry on your merry way. If you're caught, then we will kill your little boy toy."

Not waiting for any sort of reply from the Princess, Killian made another whistling sound. One of his men shot his arrow through the trees and had it slide into the knight's right thigh. "Oh, and your Knight was shot with a poison arrow. We'll give him an antidote if you escape so he could crawl to freedom if you win." Killian lied, they'll kill the man as soon as the Princess was in his arms. Which, will be almost immediately if his calculations were correct. She'll probably run towards him and he can just catch her in his arms as she runs towards his direction.

@ FallenHope95

Before Rosemary was even able to open her lips to respond to the man, an arrow was shot through her knight's thigh. It was horribly frightening how it was able to just pierce through his armor. A horrifying shriek left Rosemary and she fell down on her knees to his side, wanting to help Ramsey. But her guard was quick to push her away from his injury.

"What are you doing?! Run!" He yelled at her. "Goddamn it! RUN!"

Not needing to be told twice, Rosemary scrambled onto her feet. She glanced behind her for a moment, wanting to go back into the territory from which she came but it was blocked off by two lines of arrows. There was only one way to go and that was forward and around. She had no idea where these monsters were and that made it all the worst. Nonetheless, Rosemary started to run towards the only way to escape.

Although her skirts were at the perfect, proper length for a princess, Rosemary found herself tripping over them quite quickly when she started to run. They caused her to almost face plant into the ground. But she was quick to grab onto them and lift them up so her feet were free of any restraints. It seemed like an odd think to think about, but Rosemary found herself thankful that she decided to wear her riding boots that morning.

The woman's poor human heart was beating fast and hard in her chest. The pounding, the blood rushing through her was all that Rosemary could hear. If Ramsey was screaming, she was unsure if she could even hear it. She feared that this all might cause her to faint but she needed to get away, needed to get back to safety before it was too late. There was no doubt that this horrid man would hurt her deeply, especially as he knew who she was.

@ BearGirl
Calculations and predictions were easy as pie to Killian. Reading his enemies was something that he learned early on, having gotten rid of his own older brothers to to raise as the heir. His father's pride and joy, his mother's little terror. Killian will take over as King once his father finally decided to step down. Then, it will be time for Keora to rise as Killian had plans, big plans that will take their kingdom that's been hidden to the world to new heights. They will no longer be the thing of myths and whispers in the dark. They will become the true nightmares of the world.

Watching the young Princess stumble her way unknowingly towards him brought a flutter to Killian's stomach. He loved it when his plans went into motion. She was going the exact way that he had planned, cornering her and herding her towards her ultimate demise. As his captive, his little marionette. Soon, she shall be falling over herself to lay at his feet. She will worship him, Rosemary will beg for Killian's attention.

Sidestepping from the tree as footsteps approached, Killian threw his arms open and easily caught the girl as she ran right into him. His arms wrapping around Rosemary's waist and stilling them slightly from the force of their impact. Killian of course though, didn't fall over or anything foolish like that. He kept them upright, and his two different colored eyes looked down at the Princess with amusement. The right corner of Killian's lips twitched up into a smirk, easy. This was way too fucking easy. "I thought I told you to run away Princess, not towards me." He teased in his deep voice, his head tilting ever so slightly to the right as he looked at the young girl that was in his arms.

Behind the pair, Killian's men swarmed the fallen knight. His cry of pain echoing in the night as his men slaughtered him like a pig. Most likely giving him the most painful death they could offer him. Severing his body limb by limb, Tearing out his eyes with their mere hands, whatever their little hearts desired, Killian wasn't the one to judge. He himself was a psychopath.

Slowly, Killian ran his tongue over his lips as he eyes the beautiful Princess that was in his arms. Pressing her body against his, against her will but who cared? "The info we've collected couldn't do you any justice on your beauty." Killian murmured quietly as he moved his hands to her waist and easily picked her up. The Prince threw Rosemary over his shoulder and started to head back towards their capital. What was the point of staying in the woods? He wasn't going to fuck her, at least, not yet. No, he was going to take her home and lock her in a cell. He was going to fuck her in his own room the first night. The second night he was going to fuck her where ever he felt and so on and so forth. But first, he needed to get into her head. Put her in a cell, make her beg to be let free.

@ FallenHope95

A large gasp left Rosemary as she suddenly slammed her body into another being. She quickly felt arms wrapping around her body and the princess was quick to push her hands against the stranger's chest. Though his grip was too tight for her to just push herself out of. He even managed to keep them both upright during it.

Panic was already rising in her frame though as the man started to speak, her blood really started to run cold. Her head slowly lifted up to see who had just a tight grip on her. Another gasp left her lips as she saw his two different colored eyes. Rosemary couldn't put her finger on what it was but she knew deep in her soul that wasn't a good sign. Her body tried harder to get out of his grasp but found the attempt fruitless.

At hearing Ramsey's cries of pain, Rosemary let out a yell. "Ramsey!" She screamed toward where her knight had been. "RAMSEY!" She cried out louder but there was no response back. Rosemary felt her heart being crushed and it felt like she was being choked as she found it hard to breathe. Tears threatened to spring forward but she managed to at least hold those back. She would not give this thing the satisfaction.

As she was turning to start yelling at him, Rosemary was suddenly being lifted up by her waist and thrown over his shoulder. "Let me go, you monster!" Rosemary yelled at him, hitting the stranger in the back as she tried to kick and knee his front. She felt so foolish now leaving her dagger at the castle. Rosemary thought it would be rude to her host but now she can see that she needed it, although she barely knew how to use it.

"I said, Let me go now!" Rosemary yelled at him. All of her movement on his shoulder caused the tiara that sat on her head to fall onto the ground.

@ BearGirl
Nothing in the would get Killian to let his prize go. Not even all of the screaming in the world would get Killian to let go of the Princess that was on his shoulder. She could try to kick him, pumble his back. She could do whatever she damn well wanted to, but it wasn't going to get her anywhere. She was his for the taking, his to do with as he pleased. Tightening his hold around the girl's waist, Killian turned towards the direction his men had come from and started the slightly long trek back home.

"You keep screaming, and you'll lose your voice," Killian spoke softly as he walked, his eyes glancing to the side as he took in the expensive material of the dress. It looked pretty on the girl, but that was about it. It didn't seem to protect her in any sort of way. What a shame it would have been if Killian would have let his second in command lead the operation and allowed him to take advantage of the girl before he could get his claws on her. "Don't make it boring for me, Darling. I'd like to hear that pretty voice of yours screaming more than that knights name."

Pretty soon, Killian heard rustling around him. He could easily tell it was his men as he's memorized all of their walking habits, the way they carry themselves was inked into the man's mind. It was one of the many abilities that he held onto.

"Jack! Head to the palace, make sure the Princesses room is prepared for her!" Killian called out to one of his trusted me. He didn't even hear a yes sir as the sound of one man's feet sped up to relay the order that the Prince had given him. "Don't worry Princess, you will feel at home." Killian mused as he could see the mountain that the capital and the castle were located around. Soon, she'll be begging for his attention, wanting nothing more than to look upon the Prince with adoration as she served him.

@ FallenHope95

"You're a sick freak!" Rosemary screeched at him as she tried to knee him hard in the stomach. Though it seemed no matter what she did, the man was totally unaffected. His grip on her was hard and his walk was unwavering. What would it take to just bring him down a few pegs, not even to just escape from him? Even with that thought in her mind, Rosemary continued doing anything and everything she could come up with to get out of his grip.

It took a while until Rosemary finally gave up on getting out of the man's grasp. He was totally unmoved and unbothered by her attempts and she had truly given everything she had. In fact, she had gotten tired. And to make matters worse, the bastard was right about her losing her voice from all of her screaming. Not that it mattered much now... they were so far away from the boarder at this point. No one that would want to protect her would be this deep into enemy territory.

So she had gone limp against the stranger, letting him just carry her to whatever room was prepared for her. She would have to make a plan to escape that didn't involve battling this beast. And there was nothing she could do until she was actually brought to her new prison and left alone...well maybe not alone but in the least, this strange man was gone. At least once they got there, his sick hands wouldn't be on her and Rosemary could cry for Ramsey...that poor man.