Matthew
Alright, I'm starting it right?
Clarence
Under the cover of night, Neoma, ventured into the Elder Forest, situated to the north of Ambrosia. The moon's pale light filtered through the dense canopy, casting an ethereal glow upon the forest floor as Neoma treaded cautiously amidst the towering trees.

"So this is the elder forest~" A voice that sounds cheerful and jovial, a creature of the night, filled in the small vicinity around her, a lone night for the vampire. 

The rustling of leaves and the hushed melodies of nocturnal creatures became her companions. Neoma's senses heightened, attuned to the subtlest shifts in the forest's energy. Shadows danced in the moonlight, figure that stroll down the empty path, an one in a lifetime moment of her inner tranquility.
Tessa
Between the the dense trees, an imposing man towering even some small trees, walked in, he was clearly prepared for battle, with a sword on his hip, he stride forward into the what called "Road".

As he walked down the road, he sensed something off about the area, the energy isn't right, so he turned to look around, he unsheathed his sword, water-like engraving on it started moving like a flowing river, he used a basic spell to make a small light and looked around depending on his battle-hardened senses to catch any small detail.

"Im sure there is something off here, is it a... Vampire?" He said under his breath, his senses heightened for any movement in the darkness, he started thinking every fallen branch is a vampire from the stress of this creature, he was not afraid or weak, but this area is like the perfect place for a vampire to fight.
Clarence
Neoma, on the other hand, she finds a peculiar sense of delight and amusement in the wariness of others, an entertainment that sparks a mischievous gleam in her eyes. The forest, though a public area, holds no inherent threat to her, for she is akin to the creatures that lurk in its darkest corners.

Approach or to waltz off, those are the two options that can be granted to her. A deserted place, isolated away from others, a fight can occur if one of the party engage into an act of offense. It's a matter who would take the first initiative of hostility. 

The sound of bush rustling and leaves can be heard approaching him swiftly, and that's where a pair of blue eyes staring right into him, a coy smile curled in the corner of her lips. 

"Boo~"
Tessa
My lips curled into a smile, as water suddenly raised from the ground and make a small cage around the two of us, my basic light spell illuminating all darkness in this already small space.

I said in a stern tone "Didn't you feel the ground? It full of water, and that seems like my powers, i already knew you were here and wanted to bait you in, and here you are. You are a young and inexperienced vampire I assume?" 

My previous aura of worry disappeared, as an overwhelming aura of intensity exuded me, it was like swords cutting through your skin, a sign of my strength in swordsmanship.
Clarence
"Young?" Neoma blink in the moment, taking a step back and thought to herself. A jovial smile, however, adorned her lips, her blue eyes brightened in indescribable happiness. 

"Oh! Do I look young? You flattered me! I was afraid I've grown wrinkles and the such~!" Her tone carried a lighthearted sense, placing her hand at the top of her forehead in and extravagant behavior. 

"Careful now." She laugh, licking her fangs. "I don't bark, but I do bite~" Uncertain whether she was joking or not, it can be interpreted in two ways at once.
Tessa
"I see you are quite the sarcastic person, i like that!" I laughed loudly as i heard her, my sword's distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water are still glowing, i looked at her, as i got a small glass from my back pocket and spilled it on my sword. 

My sword illuminated her face as it glowed with grace and divinity, i said "Im not the young one either, my lady".

But i didn't attack, it was a clear sign that im open to negotiations, i said calmly "You don't want to fight do you? If you wanted you could've attacked from the beginning" With a slight smile.
Clarence
"Observant? I like that." The female cackle to herself, showing an amusement towards the elf that stood before her. 

"Most people strike at the sight of a... Vampire." Neoma walked around his stature, her eyes glower dimly underneath the moonlight above them. "I appreciate you didn't do the same. Or it would be a bloody mess, wouldn't it?"

Once again, a laughter elicited from her parted lips, carefree and unbothered whether there had been some sort of a tension or not.
Tessa
"It will be one indeed, your kit is... For an adventurer i see?" I said with an amusing expression, but didn't do anything.

I looked at her calmly, but then just walked to a tree used my sword to cut two pieces of wood that could server as chairs and sat on one of it.

"How about we sit and discuss it like sane people do? Maybe a little duel after it won't hurt. After all these years we loose the spark of younger people aggressive politics"
Clarence
"Am I not in the younger people classification? You did call me young a few seconds ago!" Neoma's voice chirped in delight, gracefully she walk to the unoccupied wood and take a seat. 

"Contrary, I wouldn't anticipated for my late night stroll to be accompanied by an elf." Neoma's leg are raised over the other, crossing as she prompt her hand on the top of her thigh and rested her head on the palm. 

"From the looks, you're also a guard, which is inconvenient. Are you Intending to report your finding of me to your commander or such?" She'd tease him with a coy smile, an eyebrow are arched with a subtle hint of curiosity.
Tessa
"I may or may not my lady" I said slyly as i looked at her calmly and observed her kit.

I said calmly "May i know your intentions here, miss vampire?" And unsheathed my sword slowly.

I then said after a pause "Your answer may affect the late night of this forest very much"
Clarence
"Curiosity kills the cat, you know~" Neoma playfully said, her head crooked and observed him from her peripheral point of view. 

If she wanted to, she make her grandeur escape in a way no one would've expected it to be. However, she believes there's nothing harmful in indulging further in this interaction between the two of them.
Tessa
I continued her quote "But satisfaction brought it back" I looked at her and said "I know you think you can leave this fragile cage, but i already made 13 layer behind it, so if you wanted to break through it all, i can take care of it"
Clarence
"The predator become the prey," She mused. "An interesting and inconvenient turn out." Neoma leaned back and sat properly, her hands right in beside her body, supporting her light body weight. Or so, she believes so. 

"If I had harmful intention, I would've done something by now." Neoma's finger reaches to tap repeatedly against her chin, her head raised to face the dark night sky, a look of contemplation crossing across her visage. 

"As I believe so." She turned to look back at Mikado with a playful smile. "Thought, a stroll and an unexpected company had certainly light up the night to daylight in my case."
Tessa
"I don't think 'light up' is a thing to use as a vampire" I chuckled and looked at my sword a little.

"You didn't tell me what you wanted here my lady" I told her as i was inspecting my sword engravings.

I looked at the night sky and focused on the stars, and said nonchalantly "I love to see the stars"
Clarence
"A stroll. Would that be sufficient to answer your unquenchable curiosity?" Neoma observed Mikado silently, watching every single action that has been executed by the man before her. 

"Basic knowledge, night is where my kin can have a breather. The day? Huff, living in the shadows as if we're rats." She ended her small explanation with a sly smile gracing her lips. "Though if I were to question your reason here, I would've certain it must be due to your duty."

"So, dear soldier, won't you spare this lovely lady out of the confinement? I have no intention to be a damsel in distress." A hand rested by her forehead and she behave in a melodramatic ways.
Tessa
I pondered for a moment then said "Do you want to see the city?" I had clear eyes, clearly looking through her dramatic facade.

"But you will need to form a pack with me, the contract will be: the vampire neoma de albrecht will be under Mikado control for one day, and in return he will have her wandering the city like a normal person, but she needs to cover any sign of her being a vampire. Of course it will be a magical contract to assure or both safety" 

After that formal request, i sighed and took out my helmet, my long silver hair flowing behind in a mid-bun, showing that i was wearing a black mask that covered both my eyes and my cheeks, with just little two eye-holes in it.
Clarence
Neoma look at him in silence, there was an uncharacteristic blankness in her playful demeanor. However, a smile twist at the corner of her lips and the twinkle of mischief found in her blue eyes. 

"Oh? You knew me? What an honor." Suddenly, she stood right in front of him. Curse vampire and their agility from times to times. "I don't think I knew you, dear soldier."
Tessa
"I am Mikado, an officer in the army of Kahlo" I said politely with a bow of my head.

"And don't underestimate my intelligence abilities my lady" I laughed like it was the most funny thing in the world.

I then calmed down and looked her calmly at the eyes and waited for her response to my request
Clarence
"Mikado," She murmured his name, stepping a few steps back. A look of contemplation once again flash in her face, no matter how great his offer was, there are... Certain things she wanted to avoid. 

"The city isn't some place I would like to stroll in." Neoma's smile appear cheeky and infuriating, her eyes gleamed below the shimmering light. "Vampires are a race that was avoided... And at times, discriminate."

Neoma place her chin on top of her fingers, "Beside... I've said it before~ I don't bark, but I do bite!"
Tessa
"Hmm... You are sad" I said with a compassionate tone, my eyes were like a deep calm lake, i walked a few steps towards her but kept a healthy distance.

My aura now was not hostile, but more like a worried captain or a nervous father, and said firmly without emotions "I might be polite and friendly, but i am nothing weak"

"I asked you and ask you again, do you want to come into the city under my protection or not, don't tell me your race history"
Clarence
Neoma blink in astonishment, looking up at the taller elf before her. "Sad?" She look... Flabbergasted? Out of all emotion, she never feel herself to be associated with sadness. 

Huh, that's unique. She decided to keep that in mind and look into it later on. 

"Don't worry about it, Mikado." The vampire remained lighthearted and cheerful, turning to look up the night sky. "The city surely are most empty during the night. It waste the point of a city if it's not crowded."
Tessa
"You are lying to yourself, when you go alone, think of it yourself" I said sternly.

"And yes it's mostly empty in night, do you want to go in the day?" I said nonchalantly then paused and thought for a moment.

"We can pretend that you are a slave of mine, i am an officer no one would say anything to me because of that matter"
Clarence
Neoma arched an eye brow in favor to his suggestion. Out of all things he could've suggested, that would be acting like a slave of his. 

Unfortunately, she wouldn't like to be treated so. "I'll have to pass, Mikado." Neoma burst into a fit of laughter, her steps are placid as she place her index finger by his chest, a light jab. 

"Eager much to spend time with me, soldier?" The vampire turn around, her long white hair flutter in sync with her movement. "Careful who you befriend with~!"
Tessa
"Forgive me I didn't explain right, you will just act as my slave, you will not be. And after the trip you won't be asked to do anything, if you want to continue as so after our said time, it's up to you" I flooded her with words, not giving any loophole in my words.

"Now tell me if you really want to leave or want to do it, listen to your heart." I said in a soothing tone.

"And don't worry about your safety because our contract will be magical, so the heavens themselves shall punish whoever of us who dare to cheat on the contract"
Clarence
"Hah, you're one persistent elf." Neoma look back into Mikado, her smile preserving against those enigmatic behavior of charade. 

"Fuh, fuh, fuh~!" Neoma make a small, weird sound of herself. Whatever it supposed to mean, she seems to be rethinking and rethinking, looking back once again within the deal. 

"Why so persistent? Your duty are to ensure no suspicious individual entered the kingdom, was it not?"
Tessa
"I found you quite pleasant actually" I said nonchalantly as i played with water between my hands.

"You are not expecting your previous words to be evil right? It's quite cute" I said amusingly.

"So tell me, you want it or not?" I said in an assertive manner.
Clarence
Neoma tapped her fingers against her chin once again, pondering whether it would be wise for her to participate in this idea. Again, and again she think, think, and... Think. 

"This is a bad idea, you see." She pretend to be all wise and all of that stuff, nodding to herself repeatedly. "You see, I would've usually decline such an offer."

"So, give me hmmm... 2 reasons why I must come."
Tessa
"I will not" I said sternly as i stood up and started walking towards her slowly.

"Now, choose between two, one. You will come with me, two you will leave peacefully." I said while wearing my helmet.

"Choose wisely" I told her in a low voice, a little above a whisper.
Clarence
"Awh~ Gatekeeper!" Neoma laugh happily, sticking out her tongue in his direction. 

Though during such a short amount of time, she managed to come up with a decision. "During the night." She stated, lifting up her finger, swinging it left and forth. 

"I tend to avoid the day or I'm too lazy to wear the cloak." She place a hand on the top of her chest, standing on top of the piece of wood in a theatrical display. "It would be a shame if I hid such a beauty in the darkness of a cloak."
Tessa
"Very well, how would you like to act as my slave? A leash? Or could you act weak in front of the guards?" 

I started contemplating the possibilities honestly, with no hidden intention and i wanted to show that.

I looked at her waiting for her answer.
Clarence
"Contemporary illusion." With a mischievous smile playing upon her lips, she offered a fresh perspective to the concept of illusion.

"It won't be hard for me," She thought, her thoughts echoing in her mind. "For a short while, every time we pass a guard, I can simply alter the surroundings into an illusion. In their eyes, it'll look like something I want them to see, but it's a different case in reality."

Neoma's mind was a whirlwind of cunning strategy as she contemplated her abilities and the possibilities they held. A sly smile curved her lips as she realized the potential to manipulate the perceptions of guards and shape their reality.
Tessa
"Hmm? It's a good idea, but a top-notch ability like that to be used in such lowly situations..." I pondered.

"Tell me neoma, are you interested in teaming up? We can do... A lot together" I said with a mischievous smile.

"You see... I always had a bigger ambitions, but what can an orphan bastard do between blue-blooded high positioned men?"
Clarence
Neoma head crooked at the talk of his ambition. It divert away from the current topic the two of them had formerly held; however, these fulfill the requirement to piqued her interest of his offer. 

"Careful," She whispered, a smirk evident on her face. "Careful what you ask for, soldier. It's a different thing entirely to take a small bite of a poisonous apple, you're trying to take a drink of these entire poison."
Tessa
I smirked and said "Great risks bring great benefits" I paused in a weird moment.

"Can you tell me one man in history that was someone powerful without risks? I can't" 

"And im sure with your long years of experience you can see that i am no mere soldier"
Clarence
"...I did not stay in one place for too long." Neoma playful charade slip away from her visage, her eyes are bright, unwavering and held solemnity within those blue hues. 

"You dedicated yourself in your kingdom, boy." She'd finally address him with a muse, placing her fingers to hold her face gently. "And there's no telling what might happen to you if you follow. I'm a vampire at heart, you know what that means, do you?"
Tessa
"I am giving you an opportunity, would you bet against your first thoughts and aid me, or would you continue on your opinion" 

I gave her my back and looked at the sky through the water cage, a sign for her that i have the minimal trust in her
Clarence
Neoma's gaze sharpened as she fixed her eyes on Mikado, her curiosity piqued by his unwavering insistence. She studied him intently, searching for the underlying motivation that fueled his fervent suggestion. 

"What is it, boy?" She inquired, her voice laced with a hint of scrutiny. "What makes you so adamant about this idea?"
Tessa
"First, im not a boy" I said sternly as i continued to watch the sky.

I looked back at her and looked her right in the eye and said in a very confident aura exuding my body and words "I guess you were wandering for a lot of time now, and i give you the opportunity to settle and raise your power, and potentially make your race a rave that can live in harmony with others and not as a monsters"
Clarence
Neoma's gaze locked onto Mikado, her smirk mirrored by a glint of something deeper in her eyes. With deliberate steps, she closed the distance between them.

"I'll tell you one reason why I've been wandering alone, boy," She spoke, her voice carrying a mix of allure and intensity. The word "Boy" Rolled off her tongue, a reminder of the vast difference between their ages and experiences. "It's not because I want to. But it's because I *Need* To."

Neoma's gaze remained fixed on Mikado as she continued, her voice soft yet tinged with an undeniable intensity. "I cannot settle because, unlike any vampire who can hold in their urges, I will go ballistic. Both my existence and my power alone depend on blood."

"I won't be responsible for any potential death." She stepped away, looking at him with sly smile. "Despite knowing this, would you still willing to take such a risk?"
Tessa
I stood before her, towering over her with clear and sharp eyes, i said "In every new king ascending to crown, rivers of blood flood the earth, so what you are saying as a weakness is actually a great sword i can hit my enemies by" 

I extended my hands to its fullest for the sides, and shouted "This world is going to see a new king, we will face tremendous amounts of armies and aggression, this is the perfect place for you and your kind! It's like heaven for you, unlimited food!"

I suddenly returned calm and said "I want your full trust in me, and if you have any kinsmen of your race, bring them too, i am trying to be build an empire where everyone is equal and safe! I will bring justice, safety, and prosperity for my people!"
Clarence
Neoma's laughter filled the air, a musical sound tinged with a hint of mystery. She observed Mikado with a mix of amusement and curiosity, her eyes shining with a knowing glimmer.

"I doubt some of us can agree with your sentiment, Mikado," She replied, her voice carrying a note of gentle taunt. 

She casually brushed her long white hair to the side, the movement accentuating her ethereal presence. "Some of us, we'd rather dwell in the dark, embracing the solitude that it offers. But it's quite intriguing to see such ambition in you."

"I'll play along. However, I have no intention to be part of your empire, Mikado." She made herself clear before any assumption can be made in his mind.
Tessa
"I need your help now, being part of it or not is completely up to you" I said with a sly smile as i looked at her, my face filled with emotions yet well preserved
Clarence
Neoma's smirk deepened as she leaned forward, her fangs glistening in the dim light. The air crackled with anticipation as she made her declaration. 

"...I'll join," She stated, her voice laced with a mix of amusement and intrigue. The offer to join Mikado's ambitious endeavor had clearly piqued her interest. 

A mischievous glint danced in Neoma's eyes as she continued, her tone dripping with playful menace. "However, you have one requirement..."

"Gather people. People who are exceptional, who are worth of my attention." Soon, she stepped away, walking by the cage and hold to the water. "I won't join unless you do so. That's all, now allow me to leave."
Tessa
The cage dissolved and fall back into the ground, i stood and looked at her as i said "I will work on the internal part of the kingdom, try to form a pack of your race, even from different races if you can, and when you hear about me again, come and aid me, neoma"
Clarence
Neoma's smirk deepened, a playful glimmer in her eyes as mist swirled around them, casting an air of mystique. She held Mikado's gaze, her voice carrying a note of intrigue.

"It depends, boy," She replied, her tone teasing yet enigmatic. The mist intensified, wrapping around her form, obscuring her from view. Her blue eyes sparked with an otherworldly light, adding to the sense of wonder.

"If you manage to fulfill those requirements... Perhaps," Neoma continued, her voice echoing through the mist. 

The ethereal fog enveloped her completely, consuming her figure until she was no longer visible. It was a testament to her mastery of illusion and her ability to vanish swiftly.