A cold, misty morning had descended over Estalod, the light shining through gaps in the cloud looked almost like a rainfall of light over the small number of houses and shops. Winter barely noticed this, however, and was more occupied with who she was waiting for. The other night her companion (or more accurately tag along) had told her he was going for a nighttime stroll to stretch his legs. Her companion, Morkus, was a vampire, with long black hair, blood red eyes and a claw marked scar down the left side of his face. Winter had barely given him a second thought when he'd wandered off with his hood above his head, but she wasn't about to leave Estalod and leave his on his own, mainly because of the trouble he might cause just by himself.

"Oh, I thought I was just an irritating tag along," he'd said after Winter replied.
"I'm not about to let you wander alone in a village," Winter retorted "do what you have to and come back."
"So I guess you do like my company," Morkus' characteristic smile had shown on his face once again.
Winter had ignored him, and let him wander off into the darkness.

Morkus hadn't returned the following morning, neither the following night. Winter wasn't worried about him or what he'd do, but she'd prefer to keep an eye on him since he was a pure blood vampire meaning he would undoubtedly try and take someone else's blood for a snack. She sighed and titled her head back, looking up at the clouds slowly parting to let more light in.

A small scuffle caught her attention, she looked around and eventually focused on a spot to her left just around the corner. She wandered over and saw a figure hidden in a black cloak and staggering.
"Are you done?" She asked after registering Morkus' features beneath the hood.
"You could say that," the vampire replied, standing up straight to lean against the wall behind him.
Winter looked down and saw one hand was clutching his side, a dark stain spreading from the spot.
"What happened?" She asked in a calm tone.
"Got into a bit of trouble on the way back," he replied.

"Just what were you doing anyway?" Winter asked.
"Heh, I know someone here has knowledge on the blade you're searching for," Morkus explained "turns out someone else got to them first."
"What?"
"There's another vampire in this village," Morkus appeared to be talking to himself "I can smell him."
Winter didn't like being ignored, however if there was more than one vampire here, and the same vampire had assassinated Morkus' quarry then the chances were there was someone else searching for the blade.
"Morkus," she began "this other vampire, was he the one who attacked you?"
Morkus chuckled weakly and shook his head.
"Vampires aim for the neck, not the body," he explained.
Winter made to retort but remained silent, after traveling with Morkus long enough she'd learned not to provoke his comical personality.

The duties of a Demon Hunter were sometimes a gift and sometimes a curse. In Thúllivren's case, it was both. The villages would call for a Demon Hunter, and when he'd show up, they'd doubt his skills, seeing as he wasn't a bipedal. Humans could be such fickle creatures. Not that it mattered to Thúllivren. He was simply here to purge the sinners that spit upon his Goddess's land. It was his duty as a Draug'Ist and a servant of the Light. And so he had walked through the village as the villagers went into the houses and hid, his sword floating above his back, his transparent gold eyes searching his surroundings, and his glowing white pelt like a beacon in the darkened area of the village. It was late in the night, and this would be the perfect time for such creatures to prowl. Up ahead stood the man he would be protecting, a philosopher who studied the history behind the Trinity. Thúllivren himself was interested in such sacred weapons, hoping to own a Blade of Holy to better fight against the forces of the nether.

"You beckoned my services?"

"Yes, there seems to be an attempt on my life occurring tonight. A group of men with hooded cloaks tried to kill me yesterday, but luckily I was in the company of a Paladin and they were driven off. They swore to return tonight."

"Luckily you're still in the presence of a Paladin."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Never you mind. Get inside your house and lock the doors and windows. I will patrol the streets out here. My speed is something you cannot fathom, so I will be there to protect you at the slightest wrong-doing." Thúllivren said. Having the feeling he had been dismissed on purpose, the Philosopher went into his little cottage and did as Thúllivren had told him. Walking slowly down the street, Thúllivren kept his mind clear, to allow his natural sixth sense to reach out throughout the area. Being in affinity with the light, Thúllivren could naturally tell when evil made itself known to his presence. It was a Latent Magic that had saved his life numerous times. And as that thought reached his brain, his mind prickled. They were here. Turning and sprinting towards the cottage, he came to find it engulfed in black flames, with the Philosopher upon the ground in front of it, dead. Around him were a group of three.

"The Trinity shall remain hidden. It is not for mortal eyes."

"I am no mortal, scorn! Prepare thyself!" Thúllivren roared, before unsheathing his sword with his mouth and rushing towards them with uncharted agility. However, they were faster than him. They chuckled darkly as they all vanished into wisps of purple and black smog. Thúllivren snarled and looked at the Philosopher. He had been slashed numerous times, making him almost unrecognizable. Blood swam around his fallen body freely, running through the cracks and groves of the street. How did they do it? How could he not have known in time? Whomever they were, they were far stronger than Thúllivren anticipated. Something suddenly caught his eye. At the base of the man's neck was several puncture wounds, almost like bites. Thúllivren narrowed his eyes. Vampires...

He rushed down the street, hoping their ability wouldn't let them get far, when he saw a man in a black cloak running down the street. They had separated. Thúllivren lunged forward, a faint white arc following his movements as he slashed his sword into the man's side. A gasp of pain, then in an instant, the man was gone as well. This was getting nowhere. Thúllivren snarled and walked forward, seeing an opening to another section of the village. There, a young girl with twin katanas strapped to her back was talking to a hooded man gripping his side. He hadn't gone far. Thúllivren entered out of the shadows, his eyes gleaming as his sword dripping the tainted blood of the vampire. He was lucky he hadn't reinforced his blade with Holy Magic, or else the wound would be so much worst.

"So, here you are, scorn. You will never be able to outrun the divine hand of judgment. Prepare thyself!" Thúllivren said, before rushing towards the hooded man and aiming for his stomach once more.

"Hm?" Morkus noticed the hesitant reaction.
"Nothing," Winter replied.
She hadn't noticed that Thúllivren had followed Morkus, her focus was centered completely in front of her, making her unable to detect what was coming from behind and making her the ideal target to sneak up on. Morkus on the other hand was practically facing Thúllivren, however speaking to Winter he hadn't noticed him either, and the wound in his side wasn't the best accompaniment when trying to discern movement's in the dark.

These facts prevented either of the two from noticing that Thúllivren was still there, at least not until he spoke. Winter looked behind her, half cursing her weakness and raising a hand to one of her katanas. Her reaction this time were too slow, Thúllivren had already rushed too close for her reaction time to deal with, so she had to settle for jumping out of the way to the other side of the street. Looking back she noticed that Thúllivren hadn't been aiming at her, his attack was aimed at Morkus again.

However due to the warning, Morkus was able to dash out of the way, using his agility to his advantage, and reach the end of the street before collapsing on one knee and clutching his wound. A few drops of blood hit the ground beneath him.
"Damn, that was dumb," he breathed.
Winter had frozen for most of the scene, spending most of the experience watching the event unfold. As soon as Morkus stopped however she turned her gaze back to the stranger.

Choices set, she drew one of her blade and jumped into the air again, landing between Morkus and Thúllivren.
"I appreciate the warning, but try not to kill people when I'm around," she said "I have an undying habit of not letting people die in front of me."
She glanced back at Morkus, the same blank expression showing on her face. He looked back at her, his usual smile playing about his features. She turned back to Thúllivren.
"I take it you have a reason for trying to assassinate him?" She asked.

His sword clanked against the hard surface of the wall behind the vampire as he jumped out of the way. Thúllivren looked to his right as he watched the being land and then buckle under his own weight, clutching the wood that he had given him only moments before this second encounter. Thúllivren backed up and made to lunge forth once more, before being halted by the young maiden against. She wielded one of her two katanas and seemed to be protecting the scorn of darkness. Though her eyes held properties similar to those akin with the shadows, Thúllivren sensed no evil about her. Strangely enough, the same hollow aura emitted from the vampire as well. Could it be possible to have be an offspring of evil and not have the same affinity plague your heart? His thoughts were interrupted by the girl's voice.

I appreciate the warning, but try not to kill people when I'm around. I have an undying habit of not letting people die in front of me.

"People? This scorn is the birth of darkness itse--"

I take it you have a reason for trying to assassinate him?, she interrupted. Thúllivren seemed taken aback for a moment, but regained his composure and looked at the woman who addressed him. She seemed so familiar. Dual katanas. Snow white skin in contrast to burning blue hair and eyes. Slitted pupils. His eyes suddenly opened as he realized that this was indeed Winter, the Speed Specialist who was part of his organization, B.A.D.I., a group that was strong in terms of power and divinity. She was a fellow servant of the light. Thúllivren suddenly sheathed his sword and bent his front forth in a sort of bow.

"I apologize, Winter. I did not recognize you. I was hunting this man for I thought he was behind the death of my employer and the source of information on the Trinity, but if you protect him, then I must be mistaken." Thúllivren said to the ground as he dared not look up until his unjust actions were forgiven in the eyes of his comrade.

Winter didn't bother to hide her surprise by the man's reaction, however she did sheath her own weapon as he did. She wasn't in the habit of starting an unnecessary fight against an unarmed man. She bowed her own head, signaling for him to stand up straight.
"Thankyou," she replied.
She then shot Morkus a suspicious look. Morkus raised his arms in mock surrender.
"I killed no one," he explained "although I think I could have chosen more appropriate attire for the journey."
Winter made no change in expression at the poke at humor, but turned back to Thúllivren.

"It's Thúllivren isn't it?" She asked "I wasn't aware you were in Estalod, of course I don't usually keep up with news."
Morkus chuckled behind her but Winter ignored him again.
"This employee of yours, who was he?" She asked "as it happens I happen to be searching for information on the trinity myself, and any lead I can get are vital."
"He was the person I was going to meet," Morkus interrupted "however it seems others got to him first."
Morkus suddenly stiffened, sniffing at the air like a dog. Winter watched him with a curious expression.
"What is it?" She asked.

Morkus didn't answer, instead he craned his neck into the air, sniffing.
"Blood," he replied "I smell blood on someone's hands. Three people. Possibly the real assassins."
Winter suddenly looked behind her, wary of her weakness of not focusing on her back, but nothing came.
"Assassins?" She muttered "is the trinity that dangerous?"
She remembered what another had said to her on the subject of the blades, something along the lines of losing that which she held most dear. Winter tossed the warning aside, she held nothing dear to her and certainly wasn't prone to such a weakness.

Thúllivren nodded, listening to the vampire explain the situation. So, Winter and her 'partner' were searching for information on the Trinity. Hoping for answers, they came to Estolad to talk with Thúllivren's employer, Philosopher. But now, Philosopher was dead and by the prickling in Thúllivren's mind, the assassins were still around. Even as his Detect Evil magic picked up their presence, the vampire began to sniff the air.

Blood. I smell blood on someone's hands. Three people. Possibly the real assassins.

"I sense them as well. They are closer than they give off. They are watching us." Thúllivren said, his throat giving off a thick and intimidating growl as he reached back with his mouth and locked his jaws around the gold-encrusted hilt of his sword. As soon as he showed that he knew of their presence, three cloaked figured suddenly appeared out of the darkness, their forms smoking with black and purple wisps as they did so. They stood upon the roof of the nearest building and looked down at the group of three with mild interest.

"Excuse our rudeness from before, Draug'Ist. We have no idea your race still existed. We were sure Lady Darkness had finished off the last of your kind."

"She missed one, scorn. Your crimes will not go unpunished, no matter what purpose you executed them for."

"On the contrary, little wolf, we won't be stopped from vanquishing any and all who seek the Trinity. It's our duty." The cloaked figure on the right said, the voice emitting from the hood giving away that they were female. The male in the middle spoke once more.

"You, who seek the Trinity, shall be slain tonight, and their secrets shall be preserved forever." He said, and with that, sent a Magic Missile towards Winter as the female jumped down and revealed twin Chakrams, before making a swipe at the distracted Winter. However, a small flash emitted from them as they were blocked by Thúllivren's blade.

"Your opponent shall be me!" Thúllivren snarled, before pushing her back and digging his paws into the street firmly. His eyes then gleamed as he uttered the incantation for Bless Weapon. "Galu Crist!" He muttered, and his sword's edge instantly gained a faint blue hue.

"So the doggie wants to play, eh!? Let's play!" She cried, before sending a Chakram at Thúllivren like a spinning buzzsaw, who ducked beneath it and then lunged forward for a straight on slice, which was blocked by her remaining Chakram. The third cloaked figure didn't say a word, but produced a large spear and chased the vampire out of sight, both of them disappearing into the shadows of a back alley as the sounds of struggle were heard.

Winter whirled about, glaring up at the three figures on the roof. It wasn't that they had been able to sneak up on her, it was the method which they used.
"Wha...?" The word died half way through as she gazed at the figured.
It was hard to discern the three under their cloaks, however that wasn't important right now. The fact that they had appeared out of nowhere made them sound more dangerous, and if it wasn't an illusion and they really could vanish into smoke Winter doubted her chances against them.

"You, who seek the Trinity, shall be slain tonight, and their secrets shall be preserved forever."
At this Winter's eyes narrowed aggressively, and she reached for one of her katanas. She'd barely grabbed the handle, however, when a spell was shot at her. Winter barely dodged out of the way, having no magic of her own she was unable to block the attack. She glared up at the three figures as one jumped down to attempt to assassinate her too.

The one who shot the spell lunged over Thúllivren, firing another spell at Winter. She rolled out of the way, still unarmed. She glared up at him as she got to her feet.
"I think you'll find, that I tend to be incredibly difficult to kill," she replied coldly, drawing her weapon at last.
She watched Morkus and the final figure run off into the shadows, fighting themselves. She turned her attention back to her opponent, his attacks appeared magic oriented, and since Winter had no magic herself she wasn't able to defend or retort against them, as much as she hated to admit it, she might actually be outmatched in this battle.

Concluding it was better to charge rather than run, she ran at the figure and raised her katana for a slash attack. The cloaked figure dodged it, he seemed to float back as though he was nothing but air, Winter's blade just swiped the edge of his robe as he did so.
"Huh?"
"Resistance or not," the figure said "you shall be slain tonight."

With each warrior pitted against their match, it was hard to help one another. Even as Thúllivren met his opponent blow for blow, he could hear Winter's struggle against the leader. By the sounds of his attacks, he seemed to focus on magic, something that Thúllivren himself was affiliated with in small ways. Deciding it'd be best to switch things up, Thúllivren jumped back to avoid another slice from the female vampire's Chakrams and then rushed forward, tackling his shoulder into her chest and sending her flat on her back. Taking advantage of her daze, Thúllivren turned around and lifted his sword, before slicing it vertically in the air even as he spoke the incantation against the sword.

"Vexl!" Thúllivren shouted as a powerful blast of Holy Magic was sent into the caped vampire as he made to send another Magic Missile at Winter. He was caught square in the back and flew several feet before falling on his knees and hissing in anger and pain. Rushing forth, Thúllivren lowered his head as he flipped the sword over to his right side with his tongue.

"Winter, defeat the Chakram Vampire. I will take care of the Arcane one." Thúllivren said to the Speed Specialist as he passed her. Even as he closed the distance between himself and the Arcane Vampire, the Chakram Vampire rose and spun her blades against her gloved fingers.

"That little doggie better think twice before showing his back to me!" She yelled, before tossing both of her Chakrams towards Thúllivren's back, spinning with tremendous velocity. Meanwhile, the Arcane Vampire had risen and produced a bastard sword just in time to block Thúllivren's charge. Instead of stopping, however, Thúllivren flipped over and brought the sword down from overhead, only to be blasted into the air from a Telekinesis Blast that the Vampire had dealt to him. Landing on all fours, albeit shaking, Thúllivren brandished his weapon without hesitation, even with the two projectiles coming his way.

"Your skill is impressive. No wonder the Trinity has remained dormant for so long."

"Your comments do not flatter me, Draug'Ist. You are simply prolonging the inevitable. All three of you shall be slain by us, The Ancient Ones, and the secrets shall not be discovered." The Arcane Vampire responded, before swiping his sword as a crackling bolt of black lightning was sent his way. Thúllivren's eyes widened, but he dodged the streaking attack and rushed forward in the same instant, aiming his blessed weapon at The Arcane Vampire's stomach. This is bad. He can conjure magic without reciting the incantation. Silent Spell. I'll have to be on my guard..., Thúllivren thought as his sword connected with the bastard sword in a flash of white and a shower of sparks.

Winter dodged a clap of lightning sent her way, feeling ti rush past as she did so. She glared back at him, she was able to tell when he was about to cast a spell, and dodge them easily but he still held an element of surprise in what he was doing. She readied herself for his next spell, thinking of getting closer while he was distracted. She raised his palm again, Winter braced herself for a spell to hit her. However nothing flew out of his hand, instead the ground beneath her burst open.
"What the...?"
A set of snake-like vines shot from the ground, aiming to wrap about her. Winter span about and cut them clean through with her katana, they fell to the ground, limp. Winter's satisfaction lasted barely a second as a spell hit her in the back with enough force to throw her forwards and cause her to drop her katana.

She grabbed it quickly and span about to see the mage prepare a new spell. However he was interrupted as Thúllivren hit him with a spell of his own. Winter turned to look at him.
"Winter, defeat the Chakram Vampire. I will take care of the Arcane one."
Winter nodded, not wasting time in a reply. She looked over to the female as she took advantage of Thúllivren turned back and hurled both her weapons at him. At this Winter's eyes instantly narrowed.
"Coward," she muttered.
Winter rushed into the line of fire, deflecting the first one with her katana and raising her arm to the second, it bounced off leaving a deep cut in her arm just below the wrist. She winced but thought nothing more of it.

The vampire caught her weapons and gave Winter a spite-filled expression.
"Do not get in my way," she spat.
"Hard luck," Winter replied "I may not approve of killing, but even in my books, a coward must pay for their actions."
Wither that she charged towards her, drawing her second katana and using both to cut downwards at the Vampire's chest.

The Ancient Ones were skilled beyond anyone Thúllivren had ever fought. Especially The Arcane. Not only was he skilled in magic, but his prowess with a bastard sword, especially for one so slim built, was awe-inspiring. Thúllivren could only see out of one eye, for the other was blotted with his own blood from the steady stream that flowed from his brow. He was panting heavily, and sporting several burn marks on his body in various places, as well as some bruises. He had avoided being sliced for the most part. Even though he could heft the heavy sword around, it did take it's toll on speed, which allowed Thúllivren to anticipate it's movements and act accordingly. At the moment, however, Thúllivren was being pushed to his limits.

"Come, Draug'Ist. Surely the servant of the Gods themselves could provide me a better sport. Just when I thought I was going to be pushed. How pathetic." The Arcane said, before sending another Enervation spell at Thúllivren, who shouted the incantation for Holy and send a slicing blast of holy magic into the ground before the crackling black energy, mixing the two and causing an explosion that send rubble and debris into the air. The force of the blast sent both combatants flying, but Thúllivren caught him first and lunged forth in midair by pushing off a piece of rubble, slicing into The Arcane's stomach. He hissed in pain, before sending Thúllivren to the ground with another Telekinesis blast. Thúllivren hit the ground hard, causing him to whimper and loose grip on his sword, which hit the ground with a clatter. The Arcane landed before him and grasped his furry through with his gloved hands, before lifting his massive body with ease, bringing him to eye level.

"Know this, Draug'Ist. The Trinity are far too powerful for any worldly being to possess. Our job is to deny the unworthy ones and vanquish them. Good or Evil. Light or Dark. We do not judge. Now, prepare for judgment." The Arcane said, before pulling back a hand and charging up nether energy, before closing his hand and opening it again. Thúllivren gave out a howl of pain as an invisible sword sliced into his underbelly, leaving a deep, bleeding gash in his flesh.

Winter's attack was deflected by the chakram that the vampire already wielded, causing her attack to bounce off. Winter took a few steps back to try and avoid any counter attacks, but the vampire only got to her feet. She thought quickly about the methods the assassins were using, the one that had gone off fighting Morkus was using a spear, a polearm weapon designed to keep the enemy at a safe distance. The other used a wide variety of projectile spells whilst wielding a heavy bastard sword, and the final one seemed to use throwing weapons. From what Winter gathered their tactics seemed to be to keep their prey at as far a distance as possibly with their attacks, meaning Winter would need to come up with a plan to get closer to her opponent.

"No time for daydreaming!" The vampire warned.
"Huh?"
Winter had been too wrapped up in her own thoughts to notice that another chakram had been thrown at her, she felt it cut through her shoulder and fly on. She dropped her katana and grabbed the wound, sinking to one knee. She'd been wounded in that shoulder before that was almost fatal, ironically it was a vampire that had done it. She looked up as the vampire assassin laughed with malice.
"Know this, scum," the vampire spoke "even if you defeat us, you shall never unlock the powers of the trinity, it is beyond you. Your mission has failed before it has even begun!"

"We'll see about that,"
She let go of her wound and picked up her dropped weapon, but instead of getting to her feet she jumped high into the air, over the vampire. Catching it by surprise she landed behind it and managed to hook one of her blade round so she could stab it into the vampire's heart at the slighted movement.
"I despise killing," she said "but since you're undead anyway, I'm not sure this'll count, however" she grabbed one of the assassin's arms and pulled it up behind her painfully "since you seem to know a lot about the trinity, then spill!"

((OOC: Sorry about this, but I'm about to retire the character and don't want to keep you waiting. PM Denzel, and we'll discuss an alternate RP plot.))

Thúllivren was dropped to the ground in a heap as The Arcane stood over him, his boot crushing into Thúllivren's wounded stomach. Blood slowly poured out as he let out another howl of pain. A deep laugh eminated from The Arcane's hood, before he suddenly stopped. His head turned towards the sky as if someone was calling to him. After a moment of simply standing there, The Arcane lifted his boot and turned away from the Draug'Ist.

"Chakram. Projectile. We are being summoned. Leave these weaklings and come at once." The Arcane sound, his voice carrying over the immediate area. Chakram, the female vampire, nods and suddenly dispersed into a cloud of smoke, Winter's hold on her meaning nothing once she was in such a form. Projectile, the spear-wielding vampire who had chased after Winter's partner, jumped into view, before dispersing as well. This only left The Arcane. He turned and looked at the beaten up form of Thúllivren.

"You never had a chance, Draug'Ist. Never search for the Trinity again. You won't be saved a second time." The Arcane warned, before dispersing into wisps of purple and black. Thúllivren was already on his feet, albeit shaking violently, and was shouting at the top of his lungs.

"Come back, you cowards! Fight me!" He continued to yell. However, he knew they were gone. He could no longer sense their presence. Sighing, Thúllivren turned to Winter.

"I apologize, but I must take my leave. I have much training to do." He said, his pride broken into a thousand pieces from the defeat he just had. Swallowing the pain, Thúllivren ran at his full speed, disappearing into the night in a matter of moments as he left the city to find the Ancient Ones.