Private The Last Sound

[Raphael Boucher]

Destin Du Château ~ Illyria ~ Late Night
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Raphael Dimitrius Alexander Von Black

The Blood Prince

Raphael Dimitrius Alexander Boucher

The Viscount

Twisting winds fell over Destin Du Château. These sacred halls which has been erected over two thousand years ago. The manor was an ancient structure, carved into the face of Illyria's largest mountain, MT. Reach. It was so far above the lands that it reigned over that it seemed to touch the very skies that would otherwise reign supreme. No matter the time of day, even at high noon, a certain shadow descended upon this part of the world. It was not a simple shadow born from a lack of light, yet a shadow birthed from the eternal darkness of the Force. The never ending nether of the Dark Side had extended it's reach to the mortal realm and delivered it's embrace upon this single, sinister place. Yet, there was peace. The airs surrounding this black manor were even and light, easily breathed to the point where one would not even notice the corruption slowly sliding into one's soul.

Thunder boomed and lightning screamed, casting sharp rays of light over the obsidian walls that covered the manor. The lightning struck again and again, until finally it seemed the highest tower had become scorched by a stray bolt. The brief crack that exploded out when the bolt slammed into the tower was quickly overshadowed by a deafening boom. Where lightning had been traveling from the skies to the castle, the roles had briefly become reversed. Massive streaks of lightning exploded from the tower into the skies above. The dark clouds were struck by these bolts and stilled at their command. Even the rains that fell seemed to shiver at the unnatural occurrence.

For some time the clouds remained still as if they were awaiting another vicious strike. It never came. So the storm above continued as it had for hours and hours, drowning the mountains in what seemed like an eternal rain.

Upon the highest tower of the Manor, where smoke and the stench of burnt cobble could be found, stood a single man draped in a black cloak. His breathing was heavy and labored, to the point where his chest visibly rose and fell through the thick cloth that covered his body. The floor below him was quickly invaded by thick crimson droplets of blood. They became one with the flood of water that the rain had birthed and as soon as they appeared they disappeared in the current. The blood fell from the man's hands in steady droplets while he stood, holding them carelessly at his side.

He stood in the rain for several minutes, his eyes gazing upon a metallic podium that seemed violently misshapen and held the same scorch marks that the rest of the tower had gained. His eyes, which were hidden under the black cowl he wore, finally turned from the structure as he made his way away from the scene. He turned to the sole exit of the tower, a set of stairs that seemed to lead into a spiral down the tower. His hands came up to brush against the metal railing. No blood flowed. The wounds that were inflicted upon his hands were in their final stages of healing as he made his way down the stairwell.

The noise of the storm and rain soon faded into the man's memory as he found himself gazing at a large metallic door. He muttered something in High Illyrian and the door flowed open to allow him entrance to the tower, proper. When he stepped into the next room, which was a lavishly furnished study that had been beautifully decorated with all manner of tapestry and decor, he was met by a small staff who kept their heads bowed in silent respect. There were two young women dressed in simple maid attire, while an older woman and older man were wearing a rather impressive set of matching suits.

"Was it successful, my lord?" The older man asked, walking up to the still figure before him. He tsked softly, pulling the thick, wet robes from the man's body. Raven hair fell into the figure's eyes as he spoke softly.

"No. As I expected the storm was not nearly powerful enough." He spoke out in an even, calm tone.

"Damned bad luck, m'lord." The older woman said, pulling a towel from one of the young women to begin patting the Lord's damp skin. "You must be more careful. You'll catch death."

Now these words caused the figure to laugh as he smoothed his wet hair out of his eyes. "Wouldn't that be something interesting?" Raphael said in a low, yet amused tone. The older man made a sound of discontent at the Viscount's words before taking the wet robes and handing them to the young servant closest to him. "No, no it would certainly not, my lord. It would be a horrid experience for all to be without your presence. Now, you have a meeting in a few minutes my lord, why don't I have Almida prepare you some warm tea?" Raphael looked to the two with something bordering amused affection before nodding and taking a few paced steps from them. "Yes, please. Have it sent to my study in the main hall. I'll meet my guest there." The man said before making his way out of the Tower and into the manor's main hall.

"Very good, my lord." The two elder servants echoed as all four bowed their heads once again.

Vytal Noctura

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Illyria. Yes, the Nightmother found herself surrounded by its influence as of late, which was a matter of interest to the Witch. Long had the Vampirika been cloaked in darkness only to draw her eye to them as of late. Perhaps they held no conscious effort toward this collective emergence, and it was merely the will of Great Spirits or Deities that brought them together. Only time would yield the truth of such matters -- provided the Nightmother found the right soul to bargain for the answer.

Most recently there was such a creature that Vytal had heard possessed a talent of some personal interest. 'The Viscount' they called him.

Upon her approach, the Witch had found the surrounding Mount and its environ quite the display. Had it been this way through the centuries, or was it conjured by the man that now dwelt in the shadow? A dreary landscape quite hostile toward unwanted guests or advancing ground forces. Streaks of lightning and the war drums of thunder would certainly deter the casual or humble people of the planet. There were more hospitable places to be -- if you had been born on planets full of plenty with every need catered to.

Surely, the Nightmother would not wish to walk to this escape where darkness crept. Yet, brought in by a hover carriage, she had naught to complain about. Her green eyes peered out into the distance off to one side curious what manner of beast lurked just out of sight. Hopefully one that would put survival on the line, else they were hardly worth consideration -- except as ingredients.

Once the carriage circled before the manor, the pale woman stepped out and patiently strode into the Viscount's not so humble estate. Vytal did not fear the rain, especially when a covering had been offered to shelter her from the storm. She made it plain her desire to meet their lord and patiently waited as the man was said to be momentarily indisposed. From the crescendo of the storm, she gave thought as to what he was occupied doing, but felt no more impatient than she had before setting foot in his territory.

Not long passed before a servant of some kind bid her to follow. The Nightmother did so at a measured pace through the Main Hall and to what appeared to be a study or private room of some kind. A promising development to progress from the door to deeper within.

Tag: Raphael Boucher

 

[Raphael Boucher]

Moving through the halls of the manor, the Viscount was trailed by a small staff. They were very adept at their trade, falling in behind their lord and helping him to adjust the damp clothing he'd wore. As he walked, he pulled the wet shirt from his body, passing it back to one of the servants behind him, only to have a freshly pressed shirt thrust into his hands. His attire had shift now, from the simpler clothing he had worn to a deep, dark green surcoat with a matching pair of trousers. One of the servants passed him a comb, which he used to bring the few stray hairs he was sporting into a neat line.

His steps were sure as he approached a single door, leading into the study. The servants beside him bowed their heads as the Viscount turned the handle and opened the door. He'd entered the study through a side door, his eyes almost immediately turning to the woman who had been awaiting in his study.

"It is not a habit of mine to allow my guests to wait." He said, before nodding his head respectfully at the woman. "My apologies." He brought two bent fingers to the edge of his brow in a silent gesture of greeting. "My Lady." He greeted her in a more formal manner before stepping into the room and closing the door behind him. After their privacy was assured, the Viscount turned back to the study, adjusting the surcoat that lightly hugged his body. He approached the Nightmother, holding a hand out to take the woman's hand in she would be so inclined. "Viscount Raphael de Boucher." He bowed his head, lightly pressing his brow to her hand as was proper court etiquette. "Please. Can I interest you in some tea? Something more lively, perhaps?"

The man made his way over to the fireplace. A lit fire kept the room nice and toasty. The soft crackles of the fire caught the Viscount's eye and he found it to be an appropriate place for a meeting. He stepped towards the fireplace, causing two chairs on either side of the hearth to shift and accommodate the two. Raphael gestured towards one of the seats for Vytal, awaiting her to take a seat before doing so himself. "It is an honor to host you here. Although the reason for our meeting is likely apparent to you. I would like to look into working with the Solanaceae, as I believe your knowledge could be a valuable boon to my research."

Vytal Noctura

 

[Vytal Noctura]

The Nightmother turned calmly as the sound of the door crept through the room. Her green eyes took in the Viscount's appearance and found it appropriate for a man of his position and title. With the demeanor of someone used to carrying authority and commanding power, the Witch was far from disappointed before Raphael had even said a word. It was his moment to ruin.

Yet, Raphael exhibited the manners of one that sported such an appearance. A blessed occurrence a man did not ruin a handsome visage with the crudest of sentiments. So as much as Vytal hated the formalities of the offworlders, the pale woman politely gave a tip of her own head in response. She accepted the man's hand when it was offered while he introduced himself. "My pleasure, Viscount de Boucher."

"Tea would be best under the circumstances." Some thought alcohol helped in wielding magick power; Vytal was not one of them. Not that she had never done it before, but a clearer head seemed the prudent choice. Would they conjure power here? She could not foresee the future; though it would not be inconceivable they might perform an experiment or two.

She watched as the Viscount crossed toward the fireplace and had the furnishing rearrange themselves to accommodate the room's occupants. Soon enough Raphael would extend the offer to join him before the hearth; which the Nightmother did with a small smile on her dark lips. Slowly she moved forward and passed by the man to glide down into the comforts of the seat.

Not a bat of her green eyes followed Raphael's admission of intent. "As you no doubt know, the Solanaceae are open to all with an interest to learn the mysteries of Creation. I would be eager to learn what it is you are researching, Viscount, and how I or the other Witches might aid you in this endeavor -- or any other you may pursue in the future." They were an accepting community of scholars. Even the ones knowledgeable in martial pursuits were of a mind of perpetual enlightenment.

Tag: Raphael Boucher

 

[Raphael Boucher]

It was not long into their conversation when the elder man would open the door into the study. He was trailed by the older woman who was pushing a cart filled with a number of items. The man walked over to the two, bowing his head as he spoke. "Tea, sir?" Raphael glanced over to the pair before nodding. "Yes, two cups please." He said, raising two fingers. The pai nodded and from the cart they produced a small heating plate and all of the items for two cups of Sapir tea. The scent of the tea soon began to fill the room. As the tea steeped, the servants stood by without so much of a peep, so not to disturb the meeting.

"My research is expensive. Though it is easier to tell you what I am currently researching." The man produced a small crystal from his pocket, holding it up for the Lady Witch to see. It had a very distinctive presence in the Force, yet it was likely nothing like anything the woman had ever felt before. He set the crystal down on a table between them before clearing his throat. "Cryistal de vie." He spoke in High Illyrian the name of the crystal. "For years I have been researching a number of metals and minerals containing certain reactive properties, yet my current project is tricky. This crystal is a synthetic creation inspired by a number of different elements. It is superconductive, stable, and where other crystals can empower objects this has a very interesting ability."

"Almida, the outputter please." He asked. That was when the older woman nodded softly before turning and setting down a small device. It held a small blue light and some type of pressure plate. "Allow me to explain. The crystal proactively feeds off of a particular source of energy. Electricity is one of it's favorites, although they can take in kinetic, magnetic, and even gravitational energy." Raphael set the crystal on the plate, watching as the blue light flickered until eventually it faded. The crystal, which naturally had a misty white coloration was now glowing a deep shade of blue.

"Now here is a little bonus." The man pulled a similarly glowing crystal from his pocket, setting it beside the first. "This crystal absorbed the exact same amount of energy that the crystal we have here had just taken in. The only difference is that the one I just pulled out was energized nearly seven hundred years ago." He tapped the crystals with a smile. "Their energy does not seem to decay."

"Rather intriguing, do you agree?" He asked, watching as Almida set down a cup of tea for each of them. "I am wondering if you are knowledgeable of any artifacts that may be able to magnify the crystal's ability to attract energy?' The Viscount sipped the tea in his hands, exhaling a sigh of relief before looking to the Witch. "Well, what do you think?"

Vytal Noctura

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Expense. Credits were what made things possible in the galaxy. They were a trapping that held back much advancement, the Nightsister was sure of it. That, however, was not her problem. Or rather, Vytal had quickly realized even before coming to the Confederacy that it was a problem she could not fix, and therefore was best to accept reality as it was rather than rail against it futilely.

The crystal which Raphael soon produced was of far greater concern -- and value, she imagined. What he said regarding its qualities was not mistaken from what she saw either. It was certainly a curiosity. Not any less so once he confessed it was 'synthetic' either. Unless its creation stole from Creation more than its share, whether something was created by a sentient's hands or by the gods hardly mattered. Though often it seemed the natural world possessed a unrivaled strength... if you could find it.

Vytal watched in silence as the man demonstrated the effect the crystal had on its environment. Raphael spoke of electrical, magnetic, gravitational, and kinetic energies that could feed this crystal, which was quite interesting. Useful as a defensive weapon... unless it could be taken to such an extreme it affected life itself. She wondered if the remark how it was unlike most crystals might somehow be overcome as well in order to extract the energy it gathered after all. A rechargeable source of energy much like a spiritual or 'Force' crystal fed off the Nether.

Then the man produced another crystal and claimed it had held its charge for seven centuries. From what the Witch understood of galactic technology that was quite an accomplishment. There were sources of power with seemingly limitless energy, but that was largely due to the relatively shorter lifespan of those using it. That being said, all they had to judge the crystal by was its glow. How much energy had it actually retained over those centuries, she wondered?

"That is a remarkable creation," Vytal agreed, not one to dismiss his hard work into the matter. Just because they'd not discussed nor found a 'use' for it yet hardly meant the research was 'pointless.' Some things took time -- even when it came to matters of the soul.

A flicker of attention bounced to the woman that provided them the tea. So far Vytal had not distracted from the conversation to interact with those that stayed out of their affairs. Even Nightsisters had attendants charged with such duties. Still, they did exist and their service was welcome. Slowly the pale Witch stretched her hands forth to retrieve the cup of tea.

"A Nether Sphere." That said, the Witch took the opportunity to savor a calm, quiet sip of her own tea. Its warmth filled her body, and soon a smile graced Vytal's black lips. "Lovely tea, thank you."

Yes, but she had delayed long enough now hadn't she? "I can think of many artifacts that may channel mystical energies, but in this case a Nether Sphere or something close to its ilk would be best. Instead of bolstering the strength of the crystal's ability to draw in energy -- which only seems natural for a superconductive material to do," she was far from a physicist or electrical engineer, but Vytal did listen when she spoke to such people, "you should reduce the resistance of the world around the crystal. The energy will naturally be drawn to it."

"You have been researching this for some time," the Nightmother noted, "have you a particular use in mind for it?" The question was followed by another sip, and a lift of the eyes over the rim of her cup in Raphael's direction.

Tag: Raphael Boucher

 

[Raphael Boucher]

Raphael was learned man. He'd spent his time in exile very well. Every day was a lesson and every night a review, so he was very interested to see just what it was the Witches of Ryloth could present him, if anything. As the Lady of the Witches spoke, he found he was not disappointed. His lips curled into a sure smile as he drank down a bit more of the tea. He let out a sigh of content pleasure before setting the cup down on the table as he listened intently.

"A nether sphere." The man repeated with a bit of an interested response. As the woman spoke he nodded in his head in agreeance. "I see, it would certainly put less strain on the crystal and maintain a more organic flow of power. Impressive." He said, a slight smile coming to his lips before he took his tea into his hand once again. "With a proper attunement of both items the amount of power they could siphon may very well prove to be limitless." He said, before pressing a single finger to his chin in thought.

When Vytal asked about the application of the crystal, Raphael considered it for a moment before speaking evenly. "I believe it may be possible to power planets for years by draining remote starts of their energy and transferring it into a crystal power source. However, there is yet much research to be done and even crystals holding exponentially less energy are showing problems with outputting anything near what they are able to intake."

"It's almost like filling a pool with water. We have a massive pool space, a large amount of water, yet no spout to drain the water when it comes time. The crystals are rather stubborn in that regard. Which is likely one of the properties that makes them so stable."

"However, that is also a component that leaves them unlikely to be weaponized, at least in their current state." He said, finishing the rest of his tea and setting it on the table before him. "Now, do the Witches of Ryloth have a Nether Sphere handy?" He asked curiously.

Vytal Noctura

 

[Vytal Noctura]

Limitless. Yes, that would be quite interesting to see -- aside from the potential to rob every star in the universe of its energy and send every planet into darkness and death. It would still be quite the accomplishment, however. In both senses. Though the Nightmother doubted the universe would prove itself either so poorly constructed or so efficiently constructed to make such 'proper attunement' possible. The deities were not without their sense of humor.

"It is true," Vytal agreed, "I have heard a star's power is considerable." She was no physicist, but many had been engaged in conversation over the years. Some had similar ideas involving plates, rings, or spheres. The latter seemed the most far fetched even to a Witch -- the sheer amount of resource necessary was well beyond her ability to comprehend. Entire planets would need to be consumed for such a construction.

After she carefully set the cup down, the pale Witch's green eyes lifted up to regard Raphael. "We do. To extend its influence over such vast distances, however, we may need to procure a few rare minerals. Most that have studied using its power have not required interstellar distances -- yet. I have heard a few wished to perform such studies, but hadn't the materials to do so." Evidently not the sort one just bought on the open market. Well, sometimes objects of great power or influence required rare components.

"We could test it with a local star -- in an uninhabited system, perhaps -- to prove the theory before searching for the additional minerals," she suggested. After all, if the Nether Sphere did not create a vacuum that drew surrounding space into the crystal as intended what use would there be spending Raphael's resources acquiring the additional substances? Their time would be better spent exploring an alternative option.

Vytal's fingers fell across the lower portion of her face, with her index finger crossed over her lips for a moment. "It would take additional work, but perhaps we could create the opposite effect to draw the energy back out of the crystal as well. We would need to control where the energy went so it did not simply radiate in all directions, of course." If the power responded much like cells in a body with fluid and minerals flowing in and out of cells in order to reach a state of equilibrium, then there was no reason what was placed in the crystal could not be retrieved. Though it would help to better understand the structure of the vessel.

Tag: Raphael Boucher

 

[Raphael Boucher]

Raphael considered the Nightmother's words while running a hand over his clean-shaven chin. The man seemed to be in considerable thought for several moments. "We must ensure the Nethersphere and crystal do not have naturally opposing natures before anything can be tested at length." He explained to the Nightmother with a certain air of caution. "The last thing we want to do is unleash some manner of calamity, even in a remote system it would not end well."

The Viscount stood from where he'd been sitting, looking to the Nightmother. "If you are willing, we can arrange a place to begin controlled observation of the two items. I can inspect the Netherspere while you familiarize yourself with the Crystal. After we have both ensured that the artifacts meet our requirements we can begin a controlled test." He suggested.

"We can start with a significantly smaller power source. Energy cells perhaps. We can gradually increase the energy intake at monitored levels until we are satisfied it can handle more critical levels." The Viscount looked to the two servants who had remained in the corner of the room, standing silently with their heads slightly bowed. He waved his hand dismissively and the two turned out of the room without a second thought. Raphael adjusted the collar of his shirt before beginning to pace around the room at an easy stride. "Yes...that could work very well. However, I do believe there is a cautionary need for the testing to be on a rather desolate world. As the crystals ability to siphon energy grows, so does its ability to siphon energy from systems we may need to maintain over-watch on it. Also, there is a number of horrid situations that would come from testing such a device in the confines of space."

The Viscount looked back to Vytal with an amused expression. "So, my Lady. Will you assist me in this venture?" He asked, turning his eyes to the woman with a seamless expression of interest.

Vytal Noctura

 

[Vytal Noctura]

It was a risk, wasn't it? Entrusting an artifact to someone you had essentially just met. Of course, the same could be said for Raphael entrusting a Crystal with her for the same reason. There was a risk, but then he wouldn't be handed something that could destroy a city or drain the life from all the people of a planet. There were acceptable risks when it came to studying the ways of magick and of the many artifacts in the galaxy; an exchange of this nature was one of them, else you would be embroiled in endless conflict where one or more objects of power could be lost as a result. Was it not more effective to cooperate with one another?

The Nightmother hadn't moved when the man stood. Her green eyes followed his movements and listened to what he had to say in silence. When he finished and invited response, the pale Witch slowly rose to her feet with a small smile on her black lips. "I am pleased to find you concerned with intended consequences, Viscount. We need not imperil each other or those whom we care for needlessly. The Nethersphere can be delivered for your examination wherever you feel would be appropriate. I could also have the Sisters and Brothers that studied this artifact suggest a location suitable for our needs given the concerns you raised."

"I look forward to working with you, Viscount, and all that we will learn together." Vytal wouldn't mind learning more about the man personally either. Now wasn't the time to drop that in there, however. Too much of a departure from the current topic. Something that would naturally arise given their proximity, she expected. This experiment need not be the only or last they accomplished. "So," a subtle raise of the eyebrows, a curl of the lips, "when shall we begin?"

Tag: Raphael Boucher