Forgotten Glory }{ By Invite Only

[deraj]

“Nonsense,” insisted Deraj, “ You are our guest and will always be welcome in my house so long as I... live.” He was hesitant to say the word “live” and this was noticeable. He awkwardly looked around to ensure that no one noticed only drawing more attention to himself.

He was glad that Vexxus played along with not telling Raine about her family. Deraj considered dispatching of them himself later that night if he could somehow distract Vexxus and Raine long enough.

Alfonso drifted up through the floor and awkwardly interrupted the conversation. “Sire, the knights have returned and we are finally putting his Excellency's kitchens to work. Tis ironic that they are better suited for finding food when they no longer require it. Does your Majesty require assistance in finding the dining hall?”

Deraj awkwardly looked around again as if Vexxus or Raine would be more suited to answer the question. Ashamed of not knowing of an entire section of his great estate, he attempted to save face. With great fury he begun. “Alfonso! How dare you talk to your Lordship in such a manner?!” I hope I can get outside of earshot of Vexxus and Raine and apologize to him soon. He appeared to calm down and spoke in a more reasonable tone, “Though perhaps you could escort Lady Raine as we walk.”

Alfonso carried himself with a false humility sensing the situation. He felt bad for his master and went along remembering the days of his youth. Ah love…

[Vexxus]

Vexxus blinked and held back laughter as Deraj struggled with his...position. She hoped he had not seen her short, escaped smirk when he yelled at Alfonso. Knowing that Deraj had no need of a kitchen, nor food, she knew for a fact he had no need to know where it was. In an attempt to save him any further discomfort on the matter, she spoke.

"May I suggest Raine go first? She needs the food the most, and I'm not especially just yet." She looked at Alfonso, who nodded.

"So," She turned to Raine. "If you don't mind me asking...what's your story? I'd imagine it's not a normal one, and as you probably suspected...neither is mine or Deraj's." She glanced at the Lord, who was standing in a rather excessively-pompous posture, and back to Raine. She figured he was trying to maintain his dignity, which was exactly what the Deraj she knew would do.

[laraine]

Raine smiled back at the two. "Do you really want to know? I'm afraid I can't tell you right now. It's complicated and getting you both dragged into it will only hurt you both. That's why I plan to leave soon." Her smile turned sad.

I cant let them get close to me...I have to not care...

She started walking towards the dining room with Alfonso. "It's not that I'm trying to be rude, I'm very grateful for you both helping me. I just don't want to cause you both harm."

Without another word, she started to speed up her walking.

[Vexxus]

Vexxus watched with a tinge of sadness as the pink-haired girl left with Alfonso. She walked to Deraj's side, still gazing down the hall.

Thinking about what they saw in the forest, she doubted whether Raine could handle the demons by herself if it came down to it.

"I think we need to do something, Deraj..."

[deraj]

"I think we need to do something, Deraj..."

“I agree but I’m not sure what. Even if they wish her harm, they are still her family. I haven’t had any visitors here. If she managed to wander out this far, she must be resourceful. If I had to guess, she’s already had a chance to destroy them before. As strange as it may sound, I’m not sure I could… do away with them without her consent. Perhaps once she has some of that food she will be more willing to discuss her past.”

[Vexxus]

"Perhaps..."

They continued into the dining hall. Vexxus knew that Deraj did not eat, but would probably stick around anyway.

She had taken mental note on where Raine and Alfonso had gone, and hoped that the place where they had turned was the door leading to the hall. Unfortunately, it was simply a massive hallway.

[laraine]

As they walked down the massive hallway, Raine kept thinking about what she said earlier. Should she have been less direct? It was obvious the two were still curious about her past. But Raine kept pushing them away, trying to come up with a plan or a reason why she should leave.

I cant believe how stubborn I am. When Deraj first wanted to help I let him. Why am I so afraid of help now? Maybe I'm just tired of being hurt I guess.

She grabbed her arm with her other hand and it lay hanging at her side. She dug her nails into it, trying to ease her mind. She took a couple deep breaths and wondered just how long this hallway was and when she could sit down and eat. Her stomach had gone past grumbling and straight into leeching energy from other places. She was going to pass out soon if she didn't get something to eat.

[deraj]

"Perhaps..."

She said nothing else as they proceeded down the great hall. Deraj had never been in this part of the keep and did his best not to gape in awe at august beauty of the place. The scent of freshly cooked meat hung about the air, pleasant but foreign to Deraj. He did not know what this feast was that lay behind the great double doors at the end of the chamber but he was excited. He quickened his pace.

[Vexxus]

Following the smells, Vexxus and Deraj entered the great dining hall. Wild foods of all sorts prepared in the best ways decorated the long table. Berries, nuts, meats, and spices were mixed and combined in every way you could imagine.

Vexxus smiled, and looked at Deraj. "I didn't know that the dead could cook....of course, I would imagine all of history's greatest cooks are dead." She chuckled, grabbed his hand, and they headed towards the end of the table.

[deraj]

Deraj was reluctant at first but then glad that Vexxus was leading him by the hand. He had no idea as to where he should go or what he should do in this situation. There was also something comforting about just having someone there with him other than his phantasmal court.

She led him to the head of the massive oaken table. He saw her standing by the chair to the right of the head and followed Alfonso’s lead when he pulled out the chair across the table for Raine. He then went to the larger chair at the head of the table and after a reassuring nod from his manservant, he sat. All was quiet as the grave as his court drifted in through the walls to fill the other chairs along the table. All turned to Deraj who leaned in to Vexxus as discretely as he could and whispered in her ear though all could hear in the silent hall. “What now?”

[Vexxus]

“What now?”

Vexxus again couldn't help but smirk, but she tried to hold it back.

"Well, to make it a bit easier on the majority of us, we'll skip the formalities and," She looked at Raine. "You and I can eat." Looking back at Deraj, she continued. "You and the rest of the court can converse...or do whatever you please." She smiled broadly, and began eating what was already on the plate in front of her.

[laraine]

Raine was at the table the instant they walked in. She sat down and nodded to the two others. She started to eat the things she had on her plate and finished pretty fast. She even asked for seconds.

Well, now what? After I am done stuffing my face I guess I should find a place to break off from the two and just leave. It seems rather rude but...I just don't have many options anymore. I'm sure by now my family has found me...

[deraj]

Deraj awkwardly waited while Vexxus and Raine ate. His court looked on the two eating with longing and regret. Deraj could never again relate to his brothers and sisters in death in this way. As pleasant as everything smelled, something about the act of eating just seemed disgusting to Deraj. When he finally spied the whole roast pig halfway down the table, garnished with an apple in its mouth, it was all he could do to remain civil and sit still. However, he managed without too much squirming.

He turned to Raine who had managed to eat twice as much as Vexxus in the same amount of time. Forsaking his formal nature he spoke plainly, “Why the hurry?”

[laraine]

"I'm really I guess." She grinned slightly. "I probably shouldn't eat too much too fast since it will be bad for my stomach. but I guess I really want the energy right now, in case something happens..." She trailed off, not sure what to say next. Her face shifted back into a smile.

"Anyway Deraj, you two seem close. Are you both, well boyfriend and girlfriend?" She eyed the two, wanting the conversation to not be on her anymore.

[deraj]

Deraj may not have been a great socialite but he knew that she was hiding something. Ignoring her question he pressed on. Surely she won’t weasel out of a direct confrontation. “What were you saying? What do you expect to happen?”