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1The vampire lead the demiangel into the cracked Azraelite cathedral that rested at the highest point on Agartha. It was a dismal and eerie place, one laden with corrupt magic and a sky overhead that never quite looked normal. Inside, the roof overhead was cracked and torn away on the eastern end, which, for whatever reason, was the side that Malentine chose to settle into.
2
3The lack of some of the ceiling here let cold winds and snow drift inward, providing little comfort or refuge to any living person who might have ever stumbled inside in search of proper shelter, though there were no signs that anyone had ever tried that.
4
5The western end of completely overtaken by darkness and shadows, aside from the daylight that streamed in through the windows. Furniture on that end, along with the desks and shelves, were coated in thick layers of dust that spoke of their long time dormancy.
6
7Malentine floated in and took a seat in one of those cold, cushioned chairs, and he extended his arms along the rests, gesturing for Aurora to take her own.
8
9"It's the only place I feel marginally at home on this god forsaken continent." he said casually, some of the snow and frost that had settled on the table and the surrounding seat collecting in the air to be discarded off to the side. "And fortunately no one ever approaches it, given it is the site of the riftgate."
10
11"Can I get you anything?" Malentine suddenly asked, almost like this was a simple get together and he was the host. "I can assure you; this place isn't only stocked with blood or strange oddities. I used to entertain politicians and nobles from across Agartha here, and I was very much responsible with keeping up with their favorite drinks and dishes."
12
13A pleasant smile followed, and a distinct glow in the elder Invidia's eyes provided its general sense of unease, even if he was trying to be as welcoming as possible.
14(Malentine Invidia)
15The vampire lead the demiangel into the cracked Azraelite cathedral that rested at the highest point on Agartha. It was a dismal and eerie place, one laden with corrupt magic and a sky overhead that never quite looked normal. Inside, the roof overhead was cracked and torn away on the eastern end, which, for whatever reason, was the side that Malentine chose to settle into.
16
17The lack of some of the ceiling here let cold winds and snow drift inward, providing little comfort or refuge to any living person who might have ever stumbled inside in search of proper shelter, though there were no signs that anyone had ever tried that.
18
19The western end of completely overtaken by darkness and shadows, aside from the daylight that streamed in through the windows. Furniture on that end, along with the desks and shelves, were coated in thick layers of dust that spoke of their long time dormancy.
20
21Malentine floated in and took a seat in one of those cold, cushioned chairs, and he extended his arms along the rests, gesturing for Aurora to take her own.
22
23"It's the only place I feel marginally at home on this god forsaken continent." he said casually, some of the snow and frost that had settled on the table and the surrounding seat collecting in the air to be discarded off to the side. "And fortunately no one ever approaches it, given it is the site of the riftgate."
24
25"Can I get you anything?" Malentine suddenly asked, almost like this was a simple get together and he was the host. "I can assure you; this place isn't only stocked with blood or strange oddities. I used to entertain politicians and nobles from across Agartha here, and I was very much responsible with keeping up with their favorite drinks and dishes."
26
27A pleasant smile followed, and a distinct glow in the elder Invidia's eyes provided its general sense of unease, even if he was trying to be as welcoming as possible.
28(Malentine Invidia)
29From one of the cupboards, two glasses drifted out floating in the air on their own. Snow and ice was collected as it was purely falling down, stopped above the cups whereupon it was suddenly melted, though kept at a cooled temperature. It created two glasses of water that settled before Aurora and Malentine with ease.
30
31He looked down and took up his own drink before taking a sip from it, appreciating Aurora's 'cut to the chase' mentality. He hadn't invited her up here for no reason, and she should know that. Malentine's let out a little laugh and leaned back in his seat.
32
33"No, unfortunately not. I'd love be 20,000 crowns richer, but the Sakamoto woman has been seen up here less and less, if likely due to your presence."
34
35"No, I wanted to talk to you because I've been asked to kill you."
36
37The vampire took another sip from his drink, making no motion as if he was going to make good on the statement. He was still, and casual even, as if he had just asked her what she does for a living and replied with his own description of a career choice.
38(Malentine Invidia)
39She preferred not to beat around the bush. ..And who could blame her? When you are not immortal, time is of the essence. You are on a clock. And although Aurora was young to think about it- she would have been a fool to do such a thing. To leave things up for fate to decide? To not worry about when the day comes?
40
41No, no. It wasn't like her.
42
43And even as the vampire mentions word of her death, a sip is taken and the demi-angel doesn't let it startle her. Maybe if only because she knew that if he did intend to kill her - he could've done so already. The conversation could've been spared, and if not, then it could've been held during a fight.
44
45"Oh? Well, it isn't really new, is it? The first guy who wanted to kill me came after getting a lesson from you. Godfrey. I only wonder who it was this time," the crystal ball luminates with its glow that grows a bit stronger, shades of the rainbow painting the room with different colors.
46
47"Not Rindou. Because you have no reason to listen to her, and I doubt she has enough coins to convince you. ..Not that coins are very convincing," they become a rather meaningless resource after a certain number. She'd know.
48
49"Hm, hm. Then who? It can't be Gehenna either. I doubt they'd hire a vamp- well, no. I think they could do that. I just don't think you would."
50
51"Many people would prefer if I was dead, if I am honest. Some for the crimes of my uncle, some because of the person I killed, and some... Simply because they're cowards. I accept all of those reasons. Do you know why they asked you?"
52(Aurora Cruor)
53Once more the vampire was quietly appreciative for Aurora's knack at reading the conversation. Though he had certainly opened so boldly in order to get her attention, the fact that he had arguably threatened her life might have been received with hostility. Instead she spoke with him like he was with her; ordinarily and with class.
54
55"It's not new for you, no, though it is a matter of someone playing in your blind spots, taking advantage of your current state of being locked up on this mountain without travel and waiting for a wrong turn or two." He held his glass pompously in his palm and brought one leg up to cross over the other.
56
57"Rindou Sakamoto wants you dead, but I would never kowtow to a lesser being. No, no.. I've been tasked with killing you for your blood, but I've found I have little incentive to continue operating with this.. person." Fingers tapped idly along the icy glass of the drink, and the liquid within even began to fog up as it froze over some.
58
59"They have plans, ideas for the future that I would love to see come to pass. They've told me that betraying them is death, and yet they do little to really keep my loyalty." He looked over to Aurora again, Envy still trickling out of his gaze, "What is it you want? You're up here with Ultovex, with faces and creatures you were raised to despise and hate. What path do you think your life is headed down, Aurora?"
60(Malentine Invidia)
61"Playing badly, you mean," she corrects, a finger tracing the lines of the cold glass she'd been given. "I am alive and well. And you've yet to lift your sword. I can figure it out who it was and take them down myself-- but where's the fun in that? A part of me already suspects who it is, and the other part is tempted to peer into my crystal ball - and allow it to show me the truth itself. But there's fun in uncertainty. After you peer into the future once, you learn to appreciate the unknown. What you cannot expect."
62
63The finger that moved along the lines of the glass moved away, and the cup merely lifted into air. There's not a hint of gravity magic, but rather, a familiar sense of arcane magic. It's no where near as powerful as Sors or Malentine-- but it's there. And the image of a ruby-eyed familiar fades in and out of existence, almost as if implying that the power came from it.
64
65It was no threat, of course. But Aurora playing a little. Showcasing the vampire that although she never pursued lessons from him, she'd achieved what many others sought him for.
66
67On her own.
68
69Because it was the type of person Aurora Cruor was. A doer, and not just someone who felt comfortable with their words.
70
71"Actions prove much more than words, Malentine. You should know. You've turned this continent upside down once. And only recently my uncle and Nyphadora have done the same," the demi-angel conveniently forgets to mention that it was her who put down the shadow of the vampire.
72
73It didn't really belong to this conversation.
74
75"I've grown, I am afraid. I've seen the truth - the lifestream is a lie. Not entirely, of course. It exists. It's important. But it will never truly break. All the arcane and rift magic in the world won't tear it forever. There are so many people who fix it-- so many creatures that exist to mend it... The pleasure in chaos magic practically offers itself to anyone who's willing to look past what they're taught. I still do hate necromancy, if you're curious about that. But for different reasons."
76
77The glimmer of starlight from her weapon almost spoke of them.
78
79"I don't have an intention to build an army or a city. I don't want to tear the skies in half for some rift either. But I intend to be written in Agartha's history books all the same, Malentine. I've just yet to decide how."
80
81The demi-angel had the luxury of being picky.
82(Aurora Cruor)
83The use of the arcane and the mention of Aurora's crystal ball being used to see into the future still held the vampire's attention and interest. He felt he didn't really need to go on too long in regards to giving Aurora more information on the subject of being hired to kill her. Asking her what her future was, what she planned to do might have indicated that he even wanted to see such a thing come true, and killing the Cruor would stop that all in its tracks.
84
85No, that wouldn't be fun at all.
86
87His pleasant smile persisted, and the calm mannerisms of a gentleman taught how to keep his guests happy.
88
89"It's a silly thing, isn't it; people who still stand alongside such a structure as the Lifestream, believing it to be so very important and influential in their lives. I've never believed I could truly defeat it, but that's the idea when it comes to warring against Fate itself. I take what victories I can, even if such a victory is to make it bleed from a wound for a few years." As abhorrent as Malentine's rift had been, that was all it had ever amounted to; a small scratch on an otherwise unbeatable opponent. The rest of Agartha saw it as horrendous, people from Huangzhou to Crafthold in the time had called for riftmancy's complete halt in practice following the event.
90
91And for what?
92
93To stop what amounted to papercuts on a giant's finger?
94
95"But you're correct. Actions have always proven more than words. Someone tells me their plans and while I become intrigued, my interest is a thing that has to be kept. If I grow bored? I have no reason to listen, to stay. I am not a servant." he said with some weight, as if Aurora had called him one, even if she didn't. There was definitely some underlying anger, as if he had to reaffirm such a thing to the very person who might have insinuated as much. "And I never will be."
96
97A small pause passed while Malentine regained what miniscule composure he had lost.
98
99"But words are still important. Plans and goals are necessary. Right now my 'employer' has what I would call 'good ideas'. It benefits me most to help them, to move pieces around to push their goals further, to hunt who they cannot." For the vampire didn't believe the one who wanted Aurora dead could do it on their own. He even knew this to be true. He looked very satisfied by this fact, and even more pleased to be having this current conversation with the Cruor.
100
101"But if someone else had better ideas? If someone came along who held my interests closer to heart? Mm.. maybe I would appreciate being.. appreciated operating alongside them."
102(Malentine Invidia)
103It's thanks to the respect that Aurora held for Malentine that she doesn't laugh in his face at this very moment. No, she respects him far too much to do that. Even if these words, coming from someone who appeared like they were only a teen, were quite funny to hear. There's a hint of insecurity in them, and a splash of wanting to be led, almost. And even as he claims to not be a servant - and he does menacingly, all things considered - Aurora isn't entirely convinced.
104
105Why did he care so much for what she was doing, if the other was boring him? Why did the Invidia need to replace whoever it was who bore him with her? She knew of his nature, of course. Of his sin. But for the first in her life, the Cruor might have just noticed what that emerald stare of Malentine meant. What it stood for. ..Where it hid all this time.
106
107And the crystal ball wasn't even necessary, was it?
108
109"I've had that thought for a while. Did you know? A few years back. I considered doing the same. The rift. Not just anywhere-- but in Levengard. The place my mother built. I wanted to take what my uncle built - the lighthouse, which I am sure you are familiar with - and bring it to Hel. Send it somewhere where it won't ever return. I settled after I realized how meaningless it'd be. The vampires who go under the procedure to become a dhampir are weak," it sounds as if she's speaking about one or two in particular, "and the undeads... Well. I've never had a problem with them dying. Only with how long it might take."
110
111A smile tugs at the corners of the demi-angel's lips. Reminiscing tended to be fun these days, when she was so far away from home.
112
113"Ah, I'd be the last you need to remind that, Malentine. I knew who and what you were the first time I sought you. You were sort of like a childhood hero for me-- for all the wrong reasons, yes, but a hero all the same. Your stories were inspiring."
114
115"I've told you that day, when we met - I have one intention. And it's to defy fate. I still do. It's why this crystal ball was made. It's why it never leaves my side. It was my mother's legacy, and I made it my own. But if we ever were to work together? No, I wouldn't care for saying ideas to keep you interested, I am afraid. I am not some errand girl, or a jester in your court. I would care to find something that we were both interested in."
116
117Because he was still the same person she admired so much. With and without the insecurities.
118
119"Speaking of which..." The cup is held this time, and Aurora takes a long sip. "How is your niece? Or should I say thrall?" 
120
121She was referring to Cordelia, of course. There was little to question there.
122
123(Aurora Cruor)
124"Disappointing that you could not pull it off. Gates to Helheim have a certain beauty to them that is very much indescribable." But the vampire had been able to witness such a thing. It was his greatest achievement, to this day, a gate that had sundered this very building and scarred Agartha's skies. He knew Sors had often times planned to create something similar, though no projects had ever come to life. Instead the Ultovex had his novelties, his creations to toy with.
125
126To be called a childhood hero made the light in his eyes shimmer again. Malentine had been called a lot of things in his life, but a hero? It warmed his cold, cold heart, even if that sentiment didn't really mean much at all. "Oh of course. I would never expect you to be an errand runner or a clown. I would expect you to be a visionary, someone I could consider an equal, or else I could never really stay interested." He was pleased to hear the concept; that Aurora would defy fate alongside the vampire without cause of trying to keep him listening and cooperative.
127
128For whoever or whatever he was following now, it was obvious Malentine's desires were shifting. Things might have been said that pushed him back, a dislike had been created to be treated in such ways. And now he was warning a target of what might come, tipping Aurora off to the danger she might find herself in.
129
130"I don't rightly know how Cordelia is doing, unfortunately.. but if you find out for me, be sure to bring her back, would you? I'd pay a fair sum to be the one to shove her trident through her midsection." He sipped from his cold drink again and then tilted his head. It was obvious he was content conversing with someone who wanted to converse with him, engage with someone he didn't have to prove himself to.
131
132"You have my interest, Aurora Cruor. For what it is worth; I've enjoyed this conversation."
133(Malentine Invidia)
134"I know under who's care she is. Where she likely spends her time these days. It shouldn't be too hard," it almost sounds as if the Cruor had this plan already. To bring the lost Invidia to the vampire as a prize-- but that... That would merely be a coincidence.
135
136Or a future Aurora's already peered into.
137
138Whatever was the case, she'd likely keep it in her mind more now. If only because of what Malentine desired to do to her. "I won't need any pay for it. I have enough coins to last for a life time, and perhaps even two, without lifting a finger. Doing this for you would be more like a favor. ..And it'd be fun, I am sure."
139
140That sly smile remains plastered to her face as she rises from her seat, the floating crystal ball seemingly eager to follow after its owner.
141
142"Oh. And do give my regards to Anastacia, yes? She is family, after all."
143
144Aurora knew all along. Whether if the help of the stars was necessary or not is a question of its own-- but one thing was certain. The demi-angel was not someone who could simply be lied to or tricked. She heads for the door, intent on departing now.
145
146"We'll see each other again, Malentine. I am sure. Take care."
147(Aurora Cruor)
148Malentine nodded along with Aurora's plans to bring the lost 'Invidia' home. He didn't regard her as family anymore, not ever since she had betrayed the choice he had given her. It was an easy one, Invidia or Death, as the saying went. And with Cordelia's actions, she had made her selection very obvious.
149
150A simple shruge when Aurora said she didn't need to be paid for it, and another amused look when the demiangel acknowledge it would be fun to see the Dhampir die. "I'll try to make a show of it then, if you wont' take the coin. I'm certain it'll be a something you'll never forget."
151
152He stood as well, the glasses storing themselves on their own into the cupboard while cushioned seats pushed into the tables without a touch. Malentine tucked his arms behind his back and gave Aurora another small nod of his head.
153
154A pleasant smile followed and he said, "I'll be sure to let her know you're thinking of her. It's very important to keep our family close, I think." He started to float into the air to prepare to exit himself, though not before giving Aurora her time to make her own travel.
155
156"Until next time then. Farewell."
157(Malentine Invidia)