His eyes narrowed ever so slightly, studying the locket she seemed to almost unknowingly hold in a delicate grasp. A glint of silver, then her fingers parted, he could just see the image of a crescent moon decorated with ornate filigree. She still wore it. He felt emotions that would betray him rush to the surface, and he turned his back to her. It was all he could do to retain his composure. Taking three steps up the grand staircase that lead to the upper floor from the vestibule he turned his gaze on the ancient stain glass window that served as a centerpiece to appreciate as one climbed. The light of the moon shone red through what remained of the panes, years of decay abusing the once grand spectacle. The atmosphere was soaked in a haunting, eerie note.<br/><br/>'This house was once magnificent..' He began, his eyes fixated on the ruined glass. 'It is easy to see.. if you use your imagination..' he gestured to the window. 'Though it's master, was a fool. Or so the legends say. The eldest son, was prone to flights of fancy. He often left home to pursue personal interests.' His gaze fell, his head dropping as he looked to the floor. His tone changed ever so slightly to one of sadness. Though perhaps he merely sought to add to the telling of a tragic tale. 'He was a beautiful creature, a noble elf of the light. Talented in most all of the commonly valued expressions of your culture.' His tone shifted to a sharper one, with an air of judgment. 'One fateful night, while he was away with the majority of his warriors prosecuting a war he was betrayed. His closest friend murdered his father, mother, and siblings. Should he have made wiser decisions, instead of concerning himself with the glories of war, the house would still be a spectacular sight to behold even today...' He turned and glared at the Empress. His eyes holding her in contempt. 'You are a fool, like he was.. only worse, because your house is greater than was his.'<br/><br/>He turned, and took slow foreboding steps toward her. 'You were foolish, Empress. You accepted a mysterious invitation, that bade you to remove yourself from your protection. Even after that note revealed a unpalatable power for one of your ilk.' He referred now to the seal of blood that worked magical wonders in the light of the crimson moon. 'It has become your undoing..' His tone suddenly filled with choler and blood lust. His left hand slid the lapel of his coat around to expose the blade slung at his hip. It was a fantastic thing, of a devilish origin. His right hand reaching across his body and grasping the hilt, slowly drawing it from the sheath, revealing the depth of his intent. The blade was forged from a mysterious black metal that echoed it's depraved purpose. Double edged, with a cruciform hilt that depicted twin demons. A brilliant marquise ruby faceted at the center of the guard seemed to call for her to surrender her lifeblood. His step turned to stride as he rushed her with a hellish speed, leaving her only a moment to respond.