David
He could smell the vampire from what felt like a mile away, as well as Sylvar. So his shapeshifter wasn't dead or turned, that was good. It would seriously dampen his mood if someone had killed his thief. Trouble always seemed to follow their ragtag crew, and Noctis was finding that he wouldn't mind just a short break from the incessant unpleasantries. 

Sitting up from where he'd been laying, an impossible spot upon one of the mast rigging poles where a cat should have had trouble finding balance- his silver eyes flicked across the banks until it landed on what must be the vampires figure. Certainly an attractive one, willowy and yet curvy enough to be pleasing to the eye. That however was as interesting as chipped paint in comparison to her clothing- it was no cheap fabrics, and certainly not made by anyone less than a master seamstress. 

*"Interesting..."* He hummed, and he swung his legs around to sit on the pole. Vampires had a unique scent- just as Demons did he'd discovered. It was a somehow both intoxicating and repulsive, but the repulsive bit was hidden so deep that only someone of Noctis' ability- or dogs, could smell it. The faintest sickly sweet scent of death, old and decrepit. The living dead, beings that had been around since the time of the gods. Noctis was sure it was the result of a mortal playing with one of the gods of death and finding a permanent punishment. Whatever the case, this one had apprehended his thief, or had been taken by him. Unlikely, Sylvar was good with the blade but wasn't a powerhouse, Valac far outstripped Sylvar in raw combat prowess. Yet Sylvar could outstrip anyone in the cleverness department, and he wouldn't just get caught so easily. Interesting indeed.. 

As they got to the Onyx Crest, he dropped down from the masts rigging and landed lightly on the deck. With a flourish of his cloak he hooked one ankle behind the other and bowed low, tilting his head up to look at her. 

"Welcome aboard my lady, I was not expecting suc

H lovely company this evening. Please, allow us to introduce ourselves in some privacy." He said as he straightened up. "Sylvar, go drop off your things below deck and you can join us when you return." It gave Sylvar a chance to put away any pilfered valuables and come up with a way to alert Noctis if there was danger. 

Leaning against the railing of the boat, Noctis gazed at Eliza. He was for lack of any better words, the most beautiful man to have walked Aeterna. 

Somehow both masculinely handsome and femininely beautiful, he had large almond eyes with a silvery color and raven black hair, dark as pitch. It was soft as silk and yet thick, curling at the edges around long and dark lashes. His jawline was strong, his cheekbones high but never too pronounced and his body was lean and yet had a deadly presence too it- like that of a hunting beast. 

Even his voice was musical with only the slightest rasp, a siren song of sound- and his scent always shifted to be whatever the person talking to hims favorite or most attractive smell was. It was as if he'd been custom made by the very gods themselves. 

Now that they were alone, his pleasant smile widened into a dangerous grin. 

"What are you doing here, blood sucker?" He asked, revealing that he already knew exactly what she was.
Levi
*Eliza followed a few paces behind Sylvar, still suspicious of the tall shapeshifter, after all he had tried to rob her only hours ago in the form of a irritable squirrel. As the pair approached the ship her eyes danced across the ships appearance, she could appreciate the craftsmanship on the vessel. It wasn't the most lavish thing she had laid her eyes upon but it certainly had style to it.*

*The countesses scarlet eyes paused their scanning upon glimpse of a tall man high up on the mast, the man had an usual appearance. Certainly unlike most individuals she had met in her long lifespan. Eliza's eyesight was comparable to that of an eagles, she noticed the man's facial expressions as he studied her. She would be keeping an eye on this one.*

*Eliza made her way towards the deck, her hands postured at her waist in a regal fashion, her elegant clawed fingers interlaced into a basket. She tried her best not to sully her garments as she stepped onto the ship, her balance was impressive considering her attire. A skin tight long silky dress hugged her from the waist down, the dress had a small slit in the front revealing a glimpse of her statuesque legs. The dress transitioned into lace as it got closer to her neck. Due to the sunlight she also carried a frilly aristocratic umbrella*

*As the new stranger dropped in front of her feet her eyes widened, that aroma. It had to be coming from him, it was irresistible to her. She paid attention to the semi healed wounds that seemed to still be bleeding, how delectable this stranger was.*

*She met the man's gaze and studied his appearance, he was rather handsome for, whatever he was. She couldn't place a finger to the man's race, he was a complete mystery to her, something that she found rather irritating.*

*Eliza was unnaturally beautiful, like a gothic painting come to life, clad in gleaming metals and glittering jewels. Her long ash brown hair in loose curls blew in the salty wind.*

*The tall woman smiled at the man's pleasantries, though she wasn't fond of interaction with mortals as she found them ignorant she thoroughly enjoyed his theatrics.*

*Her expression seemed unchanged as the handsome man commented on her condition, although she wasn't fond of her term he used* 

"Tsk tsk , such poor manners" *She spoke in a sultry yet hungry tone, the scent of his blood filling her mind with ravenous fantasies.*

"My intentions are none of your business, man" *She spoke quickly, pausing before her last syllable. She licked her lips before reaching for the man's arm, holding it in front of her face, eyeing his fresh would with a sick look in her eyes. She then reached her hand out, hoping to get a sample of his deliciously scented blood.*
David
He watched with an an almost lazy amusement as she maneuvered his limbs. Ahhh, she was *Old*, and likely quite strong. Her sense of presence and self was so strong it practically radiated out like an aura. So she could smell what he was, then couldn't she? What she was after was "Ichor", the blood of the gods. It was what Valac had sensed within Noctis when they'd first met too. As her hand moved to touch his side, the wound that Esme had healed had split open again after a tough fight with a strange beast- his own hand caught her wrist. 

In fact, in less than a blink she'd find that roles had totally reversed. One hand held her wrist in a vice like grip so firm that she could have sooner shaken herself free from beneath a mountain than get out of his hold. 

His other hand had taken her jaw and tilted her head up to gaze up at the stars above them, and he'd lean in and whisper into her ear. In that moment, with one thumb pressed against her neck and his other fingers curled against her jaw- she'd realize just how titanic his strength was. It wasn't just that he was inhuman, he was something else beyond. Something that made even her vampiric strength seem like a kitten against a mammoth. 

*"Breathe one word of what I am to my companions, take one drop that I don't give you, and I'll leave you staked and chained naked beneath the suns loving gaze to die a beautifully slow death."* He whispered, his own voice a low, seductive bedroom tone that, despite the threat- almost seemed to caress her ear. Letting her go, he leaned back against the railing with a sweet and warm smile. 

"So, let's try this again shall we? What are you doing on my ship?" He asked, his tone polite and carefree, as if the entire exchange had never happened.
Levi
*Eliza's undying ecstasy was interrupted when the man stopped her wrist. The strength of his grip startling her into dropping her parasol, the soft fabric of the tool bouncing in the wind as it fell to the ground. His grip on her only solidified her brewing suspicions about the stranger. He was no mortal, no creature of earth could boast such an irresistible aroma. She bit her lip just thinking about how it would taste.*

*Before she could even move she was pinned, his larger hands pressed onto her neck. Eliza has lived a fruitful life and taken down foes that made most modern armies look like toy soldiers but this man was different. While concealed in the shade of her parasol she felt weak against his grasp but now exposed to the sun, her bones may as well not even have muscles attached to them she was so weak. She winced in pain as her visage faced the sky, the sun beating down on her face like ray of fire. She gulped, for the first time in ages feeling true fear, he even knew how to properly dispose of her kind, something she thought would've been lost to time by now. Once he let her go from her grasp she frantically picked her parasol up from the floor, dusting it off with her hand before raising it above her head. Sighing with relief as she was now once again concealed in the shadows safe from the suns harsh rays. She gave him a peculiar look, one that seemed to agree with his proposal, she wouldn't utter a word.*

*Taking a moment to compose herself she cleared her throat before speaking*

"Your shifter friend believes you could use me on your travels, and I happen to be searching for... Something. And am in need of protection" *She paused before finishing her sentence, examining the man up and down again before resuming eye contact*

"You don't expect a fragile woman like me to travel alone do you?" *She spoke in a comedic tone, it was obvious the woman wasn't fragile nor did she need any protection of any kind. But she certainly liked the idea of it.*
David
"Of course not my dear, of course not. However, travel and protection both take time and resources and the only way to recover either is coin. I'm assuming of course you can pay your way?" His own smile was as relaxed as she seemed to be, even flirtatious. Noting the way she examined him, he couldn't help but feel just a shiver of excitement. Vampires were dangerous and it was not often that this new age tested him. If this woman was as wealthy as she appeared to be, then he'd have a reliable source of coin and a vampire in his growing menagerie. All he had to do was make sure he had what she wanted, and not to let her have it until he'd gotten his uses of her.

As he let her consider her options, he took the time to look her up and down. Truly attractive, a supernatural beauty to almost rival the twilight witch, maybe a rival if for entirely different reasons. It was like comparing the ocean to the sky, both infinitely beautiful and dangerous, both entirely unexplored. 

"My name is Noctis Camille, a traveler. The small man you'll see around sometimes is Valac, you've met Sylvar and soon I'm sure his cat. We travel often and my business is conducted in many places, hopefully that's suitable because our destinations are non negotiable."
Levi
*Eliza let out a sultry chuckle at the man's proposal, she assumed he would expect payment. But his urgency to receive such payment amused her.*

"That's only fair, surely this will be enough no?" The woman reached into her satchel, rummaging around for a moment before she found what she was looking for. She raised her gloved hands and opened her palm, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful deep red diamond. She took the man's hand opening his palm and placing the gem within it. She wasn't foolish enough to pay it all in full, but she was a woman of her word.

"Money?" *She giggled, mortals were so amusing* "For each day I travel with you and you're lackeys I shall pay you handsomely." *She smirked when she spoke her final word, admiring the man's features once more before looking around the ship for a moment, taking in the layout so to not be lost later on.*

"So, *Noctis*~, what kind of business do you preform?" She spoke with a sultry playful tone. Though she was a woman of business she was at the end of the day a hedonist, and the attention of a handsome man would always keep her interest. What intrigued her more though, was the meaning of this crew of vagabonds.*
David
Noctis merely glanced at the diamond, with a flourish of his hand it had vanished into a pocket as if he'd never been holding it. Once he'd had enough money to buy his own palace, he could have taken land from any of the nine realms and ruled over it as its Archduke, never worrying for gold. Now he was thousands of years ahead and his fortune had likely fallen into the hands of dragons. Yet he needed money, money was a universal language and it could be used to accomplish many things that pure might just couldn't. 

"Wonderful, it'll be a pleasure to have such a delight as yourself aboard my humble vessel." He replied to her payment, his voice carrying just a hint of mockery. 

As she looked around the ship, he gazed out at the mountains around them and his heart ached. Three thousand years ago he'd been born within the Forstead mountains. Somewhere within this region an ancient grave sat where his mother had been buried. If there had ever been a woman that had loved him without gain for herself, it had been her. 

Hoping she sat with his father within his ethereal throne, he turned to her once more as she questioned him. 

"We pick up jobs where we can, and I am something of a researcher. I have my interests and my crew have their own. We work on mutual interest." His voice is smooth and he leans towards her as they speak- to any other eyes it was a picture of pure flirtation, the two of them wrapped up in each other. 

It was only the start of a dangerous game that both of them would be playing, and in truth it was a welcome distraction from other thoughts. Thoughts of the Far Spirit Wood, of the haze and what he'd seen and worst of all, it's primary resident and caretaker.
Levi
*Eliza watched with amusement as she masterfully placed the gem into his pockets, first the Drow and now him? She made a mental note to not leave her pockets unattended around them. She watched with as the man gazed into the mountains she could taste the reminiscence in the air as he stared into the snowy slopes. Her undead heart though cold, was still compassionate.*

*She too soon gazed into the mountains, though it was her home she had unpleasant memories of the forstead wilds. Eliza winced with pain as memories of her escape into the secluded manor in the mountains flashed before her eyes. Why was it only she made it? Surely her estate would be in better hands if her father had survived, she got her cunning from him after all... And her mother, far too tender and kind for the fate brought upon her. The countess regained mental clarity before returning her attention to the eccentric man before her. As she analyzed his reply a smirk grew on her face, she could tell the man was enamored by her beauty. It was only natural, a vampires greatest strength is how easily prey fall into their grasps, but this was a stand-off of two apex predators. Eliza blinked slowly before replying.*

"Sounds like a grand time, I do so love to travel... Make connections" *She then passed the man, her elegant dress grazing the man's leg as she seemingly glided past, taking a glance around the ship. She ran her hands across the crude craftsmanship of the vessel before turning back towards her new companion.*

"I'd love to hear more about your excursions Noctis, perhaps you can show me to where i'll be staying? I have some unpacking to do" *She spoke with a soft smile, the faintest sight of her long sharp ivory teeth could be seen below her plush cushion like lips.*
David
Good, she'd picked up on the signal he wanted her to get. Vampires were predators, designed through dark powers to lure in their victims with beauty, to seduce them and then to ensnare them. He'd lived his life just like them in many ways, he knew her game and he intended to play it well to ensure she stayed on a leash that she'd never know she was wearing. 

The easiest way to convince someone of something was to actually feel it, so when she brushed alongside him he let a faint shiver of delight go across his body. Easily subdued and yet just as easily released. 

His silver eyes lingered on her lips as he spoke and he smiled back at her, a crooked one showing pearly white and decidedly not sharp teeth. 

"Right this way." He said, and he lead her down the stairs. A woman like her would accept nothing but an actual bedroom and there was only one, which he'd decidedly claimed. He'd have to give it up and sleep on hammocks with the other two, a small sacrifice for what he'd gain. Pushing open the door to the captains cabin, he gestured with his hand. 

The room was not fancy, it was plain with one porthole to look out over the river and had a single bed with a footlocker, a writing desk and chair that were mounted in place and a wardrobe similarly mounted. Sitting against the bed was a beautiful longsword with a rubied pommel. 

"Please make yourself at home. I'll be removing my things momentarily." Finally pulling his gaze from her, he stepped into the room after her and left the door slightly cracked so Sylvar could feel free to enter. 

He then began to take his spare cloak, boots and socks to wrap into a script to move into the bunking quarters. 

"Will that manor of yours be secured in the meantime then?" He asked, his back turned to her as he stood in the wardrobe.
Levi
*Eliza delightfully followed the man as he lead her through the ship. The incessant rocking of the ship mildly irking her. As they entered the room she paused, posing her hands in front her at her hips in a distinguished fashion. It was no spectacle, but there was something inviting about the place. She then shifted her gaze to Noctis' possessions that were scattered across the room, paying extra attention to the craftsmanship of his sword which had to have costed a fortune. She tapped her chin methodically, it was strange how inviting these people were to her arrival. Thoughts stirred in her mind, was this a trap, are they doing this out of fear? She truthfully had no clue, and frankly didn't care, the only threat on board seemed to be enamored with her.*

"How gracious of you, offering your own quarters up to a guest." *She spoke in a surprisingly genuine tone, delighted to have a space to herself. She soon looked around before setting her parasol on the writing desk. She rolled her eyes over to Noctis as he asked about the security of her manor.*

"I've left the maids in charge, they will ensure the place is just as I left it when I return. You're friend is the first person to find the establishment in nearly half a century so i'm not too worried." *She spoke in a confident tone, she left the manor in the hands of her girls many of times over the years.*

*She then set her large obnoxiously fancy suitcase onto the bed, unpacking a few gowns and putting some pieces of jewelry into the dresser.*
John
*Once Sylvar boarded the Onyx Crest with Eliza and Noctis told him to go below decks to store the valuables he collected, he remained there while the two became acquainted. He stored the money and the necklace he acquired in a safe place, then took the time to have some downtime with Luna. When he first arrived below, the green-eyed black cat was curled up in a blanket on his bunk. He picked her up and cuddled her in his arms. This was a rare show of pure affection when no one else was around. Luna was his comfort, in all things.* 

*Soon enough, from the crew quarters, he could hear Eliza and Noctis talking. He immediately assumed Noctis gave up the Captain's cabin for her. Eventually, he decided to go join them. Sylvar approached the door, hearing the part about him being the first to find her manor in half a century. He took pride in that. He pushed the door open gently, immediately leaning against the doorframe, glancing at the both of them. He had removed his satchel and cloak, but his weapons remained at his belt. Luna was hunched on his right shoulder, kneading her paws into the fabric. Sylvar didn't seem to mind.* 

"Acquainted now, I assume?" *He asked smoothly, glancing at the jewelry Eliza was lying out. He hadn't bothered to alter his appearance, to his usual disguise. There was no need for it now. The Captain's quarters were bigger than the crew quarters and much nicer, but he didn't mind much because he simply didn't sleep. His form of sleeping was meditative trances for a few hours at a time.*
David
"Yes, you've brought us a lovely new traveling companion Sylvar. I'll have to commend you for it later." He said, finishing his packing and slinging the bag over his shoulder before crossing the room and picking up the longsword. He glanced between the two, curious how their initial meeting had gone. Well regardless, the resourceful pirate had survived it and found a way to bring in an income. Sylvar wasn't the type to act without thinking- he must have assumed that Noctis would be able to bring her under heel. 

Noctis wasn't absolutely sure he had, in fact he now had someone who'd delight in pricking him full of holes to drink from like a casket of wine- and just might do so in the night. 

"And how acquainted are you two?" He asked, and the unspoken question was whether or not Sylvar knew she was a vampire. This would be good to know. He came to a stop beside the bed, silver eyes still studying the newcomer and Sylvar alike. Those eyes were pools of ancient intensity, always seeming to be attempting to burrow through the skin and see what composed the person he was speaking to.
Levi
*Eliza could hear Sylvar approaching, his footsteps were graceful and quiet but her keen hearing could anticipate his arrival. Once he entered the room she forced a small polite smile. Glancing over to Noctis as he spoke, his silver eyes capturing her attention and adding to her already growing suspicion. Her eyes like ruby pools of crimson nectar, curtained by elegant lashes that looked almost doll like.*

"We had some lovely conversations at the estate, I thought it was best to cut our visit there short. I could only keep the girls off of him for so long." *Her speech interrupted by a small chuckle, her maids were just some normal workers but instead young troubled girls she would save and bring to her manor hoping to give them a second chance, something she wasn't given when she was their age.*

"Is your neck feeling any better dear? You must forgive Bris, he's rather playful" *She spoke in reference to the four puncture wounds on Sylvar's neck from his encounter with her vampiric feline. She reminisced for a moment about the taste of Sylvar's blood, in her opinion Drow wasn't very appetizing but his was much better than most. As if being summoned, the black cat scampered into the captains quarters as he had been exploring the ship as Eliza made herself at home.* 

"You won't mind if he comes along right? He's a very friendly boy" *She giggled as she spoke, holding out her arms as the feline jumped into her arms, cradling the cat like a baby as she rubbed their noses together affectionately*

*Bris kept his large crimson eyes locked on Luna, it had been decades since he has seen another cat, let alone one who looked so similar to himself.*
John
*Sylvar was glad to have somewhat pleased Noctis with bringing Eliza along. After all, they were getting paid. The more people who joined, the more he was prepared to face Drake, even if they didn't even know of his plan at all. Not yet, at least. Sylvar trusted that Noctis could deal with Eliza, considering his strength, and that's why he mainly left the two alone. The Drow glanced between the two, considering Noctis' question but let Eliza answer it.* 

"Yes. We had quite a nice time."

*That was one way to put it, frankly. He was being slightly sarcastic because he was still sour about getting bitten. He still wasn't a fan of the looks the maids had when they looked at him. It was good to be away from the manor. Sylvar kept his expression carefully neutral when she asked how the cat bite was. It still hurt, since it, for some reason, hurt more than a regular animal bite. He rubbed the back of his neck before replying.* "It will be fine. And playful? I don't doubt the cat would've eaten me if I were still a squirrel," *He said with a slight sigh.* 

*Then, suddenly, the cat appeared. Sylvar raised a brow slightly. As soon as Bris came into view, Luna dug her claws into Sylvar and had her hackles up. She didn't like other cats much, because she never interacted with them much, as far as he had her, at least. Gritting his teeth, he decided to let Noctis answer that question. It was fine, as long as Luna didn't attack him or vice versa.*
David
Noctis looked puzzled but shrugged, what was another cat. 

- - - - 

Several hours later the Onyx Crest had begun its travels down the length of the ice cold rivers. Around them the jagged Forstead mountains rose up like the ivory tipped maws of some ancient dragon, waiting to clamp its jaws shut and lock them inside its belly. Light snow drifts came down around them as the moon rose high in the sky, casting them into a brilliantly snow lit world.

The deck of the OC was well lit, with several lanterns set ablaze to cast a warm light across its wooden surface, the dark sails rippling from their tied position as they drifted along through the will of the currents. A table had been brought out and fastened to the forefront of the ship and had an array of food, beasts that had been hunted by the crew and then prepared, as well as some vegetables, bread, cheese and spiced wine purchased a day ago from traders. 

The most interesting sight perhaps to any watching would be the raven haired young man who held a black bladed sword in his hand and was holding it in a low stance. Despite the cold, he was shirtless and shoeless, wearing midnight black harem pants instead that came up to his midriff and hugged his ankles, but was loose everywhere else. 

His body held no visible scars, no imperfections- it was all smooth planes and hard muscle, lithe and powerful like that of a jungle cat. His platinum earrings dangled from short chains, small insignias of the first emperor. Noctis was training his fire magic, using it to warm his body and keep away the effects of the cold. His shoulders were rolling waves of muscle as he rolled them, and gestured with his free hand. 

"Remember Sylvar, Enhancement Magic is about feeling your body. To even begin to tap into it, you need to be consciously aware of yourself and look within. Keep your mana activated the entire time you attack me but do not use any specific magic, just keep it burning while we fight to see if you have the potent

Ial to use Enhancement. If all goes well, you'll should at least see a glimmer of yourself within your mind. It'll be overwhelming at first and might cause a serious headache." He jumped from foot to foot, moving as if he were unrestricted by gravity, his slender fingers easily curled around the hilt of the longsword, seemingly unabashed to be so lightly clothed in the presence of all aboard the ship. 

Noctis truly was as if the gods had crafted the most beautiful marble statue and then breathed life and power into it, a walking pinnacle of mortal beauty and grace.
Levi
*After setting up in her new quarters on the ship Eliza swift went to sleep waking a few hours later, smiling and she glanced through the singular window in the captains quarters to a familiar sight of the moon. While the suns rays were detrimental to vampires, the moons rays were comparable to how a human enjoys the sunlight. She yawned before standing from her bed, stretching her whole body as she straightened herself out. She then began to change into something more presentable than a nightgown. She rummaged through her belongings before finding a beautiful gown with large frilled sleeves. She let out a sigh of delight as she stripped to her undergarments before carefully sliding into the dress, careful not to damage it.* 

"Isn't it lovely?" *She spoke as she looked over to her feline companion who was watching her change while flicking his abnormally long tail. The cat let out a soft meow before Eliza slipped on her heels and headed towards the deck.*

*As she emerged from the captains quarters she caught a glimpse of some unfamiliar faces, not very interested in anything but a meal she reached into her small satchel, rummaging around for a moment she finally took her hand out to reveal a small glass vial with silver accents, it was filled with blood, her favorite kind O- to be exact. Eliza swirled the liquid in the bottle before taking a modest sip, licking her lips with satisfaction afterwards . She heard a familiar voice and quickly noticed Noctis and Sylvar training together, the glimpse of fire magic made her uncomfortable as her kind was naturally susceptible to it.*

*Begrudgingly she walked over to the pair, keeping a comfortable distance from the fire dancing through the air. She examined Noctis, frowning to see that his wound had closed as if it never existed. That sweet delectable aroma was now a mere whisper, truth be told she was disappointed. Much to her delight he was much more fit than she first believed, somehow.*

*Eliza simply watched the two train, her eyes dancing between Sylvar and Noctis as they conversed, occasionally opening her luxurious vial to take a sip of her snack*