The Lord of Twilight

~A journey through life~

I entered Boden’s house and passed through the hallway that leads to his office.
“You have a job for me?” I asked.
“Yes. A client wants you to retrieve an object of great importance. A family heirloom. Your services were specifically asked. It appears that your reputation is growing.”
“The reward?”
“100 gold coins. 90 after you give me my split.”
“100 gold coins? That’s an insane amount of money! Wait… this can’t be right! What’s the catch?”
“No catch. The client greatly desires that object.”
“Fine… I’ll take it.”
“He awaits you in the Clockwork Mansion. On the second floor’s balcony.”
I turned and walked towards the door. Boden stopped me.
“Be careful.”
“Careful is my middle name. You worry to much old man.”
I exited his office and walked towards the Mansion. It was very chilly outside… unusually chilly for that time of the year. The valet let me in and for a second I thought that his eyes were really blurry but then he turned and walked away.I heard it mumble something about red eyes.
“Yup…He’s crazy!” I thought.
I climbed the stairs and went to the balcony. A freezing wind started to blow as I opened the door. At first I couldn’t see anything and anyone but suddenly something red started to glow in the dark.
“Now I am the one who is crazy” I thought. “What is wrong with me?”
I ignored my instinct, the same thing that helped me stay alive through all these years it was telling me now to run. I made another step towards the 2 little red dots. Now there were three pair of sparkling red dots.
“What in the world is going on?” I asked myself again.
“Why, hello there, young lady! His face was covered so I couldn’t see his eyes. Are you the thief we requested? Mel?
“Yup. So what would you like me to do on this lovely evening? I asked. Then I thought “my imagination is really wild tonight”
“My family was originally from these parts. My great-grandmother actually was born here. I have something here that it was left behind. My grandmother is very sick and she asked me to bring this heirloom to her as it was the only personal item that it was left from her mother. She would be very happy if I brought her this orb… But I am unable of getting it myself.” He said softly. His voice sounded so sad that I could almost cry…almost…
“So where is this orb?”
“That’s the problem. It seems that my great-grandmother was a secret descendant of the Darkthrops and this heirloom it is located inside the Tower.”
“That can’t be!” I said. “ There were no survivors of the Darkthrop family. They died 200 years ago and there were nobody left.”
“That it is not entirely true. There were survivors and my great-grandmother was one of them.”
“Wait…so that makes you a Darkthrop? I asked.
“You could say that. Although, I’m afraid that my blood-line was very diluted. “
“Oh…”
“So… will you help me?”
“I don’t know… If you are from around here then you should know that the tower is cursed.”
“I can guarantee you that the legends are false.”
“Really… Ya think?” I asked being really skeptical about it. Everybody knows that the Darkthrop Keep is cursed.
“Look I’ll double your reward. How’s that?”
“You really want that thing do you?”
“More than you know…” His voice sounded a bit weird. Like knowing I’d say yes…
“Fine…I’ll do it. I’ll be back in a couple of ours.”
“Make sure you’re back before dawn. I want to go see my grandmother as soon as possible.” he said
“Riiight…”
I wasn’t buying that great-grandma story… I mean, if he was a Darkthrop then that would make him a sorcerer and he wouldn’t need me to get that stupid orb. But I was in no condition to make complains. He would pay me 200 gold coins just for a stupid orb. Easy money were always welcome.
I walked towards the woods East of Harburg where the tower was located.
“Darkthrop Keep…here I come” I said. After a few minutes of walking, I was at the tower base. It was even darker than the night that surrounded it.

~Running from fate~

I grew in Harburg my whole life, so I knew every corner of the city or it’s surrounding woods. The Darkthrop Keep, a place I have sworn that I would never set foot in was just west of Clockwork Mansion.. I went straight towards the sewers. When I was crashing at the local Tavern I heard someone saying that the Tower was locked and that the only way in was through the sewers. Although it didn’t led in the actual Tower it was said that something of great importance lies beneath it.
As I stood in front of the tower I could feel cold shivers going down my spine.
“Come on…stop being such a scaredy cat. It’s just an old tower! Possibly cursed but…” While I kept saying that to myself I tried to put on foot in front of the other and slowly approach the sewers.Finally I reached the entrance of them. There was an iron made ladder that led deep under the Tower. Oddly enough, the sewers were enlightened by some sort of torches. As I made my way through the icky and mossy surfaces I ran across an old chest. Well I practically bumped into it and nearly broke a toe, but… Anyway, inside I found an iron knife; better than my rusty old one so I took the new one with me. The sewers were really tricky because there were a lot of puzzles along the way. I even had to push a huge boulder somewhere and I nearly got squashed between it and the wall. I saw a few bats that scared the life out of me… Finally, I reached the center of the sewers and there it was, standing on a pedestal, an orb made of some sort of crystal. I had no interest into keeping it (as it belonged to an old and dad and crazy magician) so I tried to remove it. As I first touched it, warmth passed through me. Somehow, that orb felt…familiar.
“Strange…I’d better get out of here because this place creeps me out.”
I rushed through the sewers and made my way back to the surface.
“I think that after this, I’m gonna be claustrophobic.” I thought.
When I got outside, I felt so relieved that I could almost kiss the ground and the grass.
“I never thought I’d be this happy to see the sky.” Well I couldn’t really see it because of the thick clouds but still, the fresh air was good to my lungs.
When I entered the city I heard the city clock beating 12 beats. Midnight.
The door of the Mansion was opened and the valet was nowhere to be found. I ignored my instinct again and went towards the balcony. Something has changed. The 3 men were standing in the corner of the balcony and the client (whose grandma was sick) was mumbling something. He suddenly stopped when he noticed that I was standing near the door.
“Come!” he said softly. “Do you have what I requested?”
“Yes!” I said.
“Give it to me!”
“Why such a rush?” I asked.
He didn’t say anything at first but then he mumbled something about his grandma.
“Oh, come on! Do you think I’m stupid? I don’t buy that Darkthrop stuff you told me early. Know what? Why don’t I keep this heirloom for myself? I mean, since I got thought all the trouble of getting it…” I shouted while I took the orb out of my backpack.
“You don’t want to go there, Mel.” he said with soft voice. I could feel my knees get weaker and weaker by the second… what was he doing? My legs were moving towards him and my hands lifted and handed him the orb although I didn’t wanted to. Then his companions gently took my hands and were holding me.
“Come now, my sweet Darkthrop child. Let me take you home. You do want to go home, don’t you?”
“Yes…”
What was I saying? Home? This was my home. What was going on? As I kept trying to figure out what was happening, the man opened something that looked like a portal. Suddenly, I heard a noise and on of the men that were holding me from falling over turned to ash. Then the next one followed. I shook my head and started to go away of that man. A woman jumped in front of me and whispered:
“Stay close behind me.”
Then she spoke with the man standing in front of her.
“Hello, dear brother. What are you doing so far from home?”
“Hah! I could ask you the same thing.”
“I am here to make sure that you don’t mess up like you usually do. Give me that orb and I’ll not harm you. Refuse and I shall destroy you.”
“I don’t think so.” Said the man and suddenly jumped in front of the woman and started to fight. They were moving so fast that I couldn’t see anything. Then, all of the sudden, the man fell, then he got back up and said:
“You know that you can’t watch her forever. I will find her eventually.”
Then he jumped into the portal and vanished.
“Curses!” said the woman. “Come, we must go!”
“Go? Go where?” I said.
“We’re going to Thais because you just angered a powerful vampire and gave him an orb with the power to destroy light.” She walked towards the door.
“An what? Wh… What are you talking about? Who are you?”
“My name is Te’ijal and we shall talk more on our way to Thais.”

Nice story, reminds me of playing aveyond 3

@Necro: Obviously. It's a retelling

Hey...does anyone think I should continue to write this?

Nobody should have to tell you to continue or not, LOL Write for your own sake

You should continue. For I'm reading.

Thank you:*
I shall write the next chapter today
Hope you'll enjoy it:!

~A delicate situation~

As we rushed towards the exit of the city, we entered Shadow woods the only known route towards Thais. For a while I didn’t said anything but eventually the questions got out one by one at such speed that even I couldn’t understand very well what was I saying.
“Um…Who are you? And was that man your brother? And you’re really vampires? And where do you live? And what are you doing here? And what is my part in all this? Am I going to…?
“Calm down rabbit! She said softly. You don’t want to have a stroke or something, do you?”
“I’m just trying to understand what is going on?”
“I shall tell you. But we must keep walking otherwise my brother will find us. As I said early, my name is Te’ijal and you just had the privilege (her eyes flashed when she said that) of meeting my brother Gyendall. And yes, we are vampires. I live in a city called Ghed’ahre. There is a prophecy which says that a Darkthrop will rule the world. My brother found out about it and is planning to destroy human kind as it is merely food for him. And for that he needs the orb, the Orb of Darkness, which will help him complete his plan. Don’t let his soft words fool you. He is the most vicious beast that has ever walked on this land.”
“But what does he still want me? I mean, I gave him that stupid orb.”
“I do not know… Perhaps…”
“Te’ijal, what are those things down the road?” I said.
“Vampires! They have found us!” she whispered.
Then, it all happened so fast that I couldn’t see anything. One second I was standing in the middle of the road looking terrified at those vampires and the next second I was standing next to a bush and Te’ijal stood right in front of me in a position that I recognized it as being defensive. She bared her fangs and her eyes glowed red as she was looking for any sign that we have been spotted. Nothing. Not a single noise.
“I must leave you now. I will distract them. Then you run and don’t stop until you’ve reached Thais.”
“But…I don’t want to be alone…”
“Don’t worry my lamb. I will be here to collect you, eventually. Just make sure you don’t go out on dark nights. My brother’s magic is stronger then. Be safe! And if you encounter vampires, use this…” she said while she reached to her pocket and pulled a small bottle. “It’s holly water. I have one last gift to you.” Then she bit her finger and she moved so fast that I couldn’t see anything again. After this I felt a strange taste. Suddenly all my scratches were healed.
“Wow…how did you do that?”
“You don’t want to know.” She smiled. I must go to retrieve my husband. He has escaped, again.”
“Um…you’re married?”
“Yes. It’s a long story.”
“Ok…Good luck with that.”
“I will go now. Oh… I almost forgot. I have another quest for you. When you reach Thais, search for a man named Ulaf. You can find him at the School of War and Magic. Tell him that I sent you and give him this…” she said as she reached down to her pocked and handed me a letter.”
“Wait…” I whispered but she was gone already.
Shortly after, I heard the vampires hissing and then nothing. Slowly, I left my shelter and ran towards the exit of the forest. I didn’t stop to look behind. I was afraid of what I would see. Maybe Te’ijal was dead already…and it would have been my fault…No! I can’t think like this. Te’ijal is strong enough to destroy them she can manage. I kept running on the rocky surface and a small part of me was surprised that I haven’t tripped even once. I saw a sign somewhere in front of me so I stopped to look for directions. Thais was north-west of here. I realized that I was all alone in this goddess forsaken place, unsure where I was going with nobody to rely on… I have never felt so alone. This was going to be a long night. Somewhere in a forest I heard a wolf howling…

Hmm, interesting take on how the story went.

This is going to get a bit nitpicky. I apologize beforehand if I end up sounding harsh.

It's kinda funny because the dialogue is different. Te'ijal never said where she lived, she didn't know there's a prophecy about the Darkthrops (at this point, NOBODY knew a prophecy was involved), and she was harsher than how you write her. She called Mel a fool for getting tricked into nabbing the Orb, and threatened to kill Gy if he doesn't hand over the orb.

And, I have to say how you write GYENDAL AND MEL is giving me the shivers He was all mean and demanding and nasty to her in-game. His minions were dragging her all nastily. Here you made him... well, act nice to her.

Backing up to the first chapter, Gyendal has already been trying to appeal to Mel's good graces from the start. I wonder if this is just how you see the Aveyond vampires, i.e sweetly seductive, or if it's a hint of what I am supposed to be expecting in the future?

Mind you, the thought of Gyendal calling Mel "sweet" in a soft voice just sends my imagination into a frenzy. I'm sure you know I'm a huge Gyendal/Mel shipper. Any hints toward that direction, accidental or not, makes alarm bells go a-ringing in my head

Well it's just an act. My image of Gyendal is pretty complicated. because he wants Mel to come willingly as that would be more effective in completing his plan. In fact, having to be nice to her it's driving him crazy! But in the future I don't plan on keeping him nice. At all...
If you read carefully, you can see that Te'ijal worn Mel that Gyendal isn't as nice as she thought. "He is the most vicious beast that has ever walked on this land.”


As for Te'ijal, she is just too busy trying to save their lives. She will be meaner...(as will all the vampires)
And, as for Gyendal's minions, they are just acting nice because their Lord asked them too.

So, have I answered some of your questions?

Okay... Because canonically Gyendal didn't even think of being nice to Mel until TLO, when he had to pretend to become Spook. Initially he just used force and drags her around. So. Nice Gyendal too early on in the story, fake or not = eye-twitch moment

I mean in-game both Te'ijal and Gyendal were mean to Mel, even as Te'ijal was saving her. I cannot imagine her saying any of her dialogue "softly". Quietly maybe, as in whispering or something, but not softly. Soft implies a gentle tone.

So yeah, I just have a totally different view of canon, so. Not your fault.

I'm glad you forgot/purposely left out Gyendal's line "When I'm done with her, she'll be worse than dead". If you put that with the rest of the prose, it just sound so wrogn on so many different levels.

Well Gyendal is a really good actor and he can pretend to be nice. At least this is how I see it. But as I said before, I don't plan on keeping him to act nice

~Towards Thais~

I stopped running. After all there was no point in running since my trackers were so fast. Outside it was pitch black. There was no point in making a fire either, as that would have only attract unwanted attention. So I kept walking as Te’ijal told me to. I was being a good rabbit.
“This is ridiculous! Where am I supposed to go now? I’m just going to get lost if I keep going like this. There must be a way to be sure that I’m going in the right direction. Of course, there is no point in talking alone. I’m going crazy here!”
Well, the sign said that Thais is north-west of here. I looked up at the sky and saw the stars and then I started to walk again. After one hour of walking, I found an entrance to a cave. Near it was another sign that said “Towards Thais”. I entered. Here was even darker than outside but I managed to get on the other side of the cave with just a few scratches. (I acquired them when I bumped into a skeleton. Lucky for me, that skeleton had a purse with a few gold coins in it.) After another hour, I had to pass through another small cave. Finally I reached Brightwood Forest. I figured it was nearly 6 in the morning. The sky was beginning to brighten up. I slowed my peaces to admire the forest. It was so green. I could see that even though it wasn’t enough light to see all the colors. It was also very peaceful and quiet. The path was big and I realized that I had no chance of getting lost. After another hour of walking I could see Thais somewhere in the distance. It was so big! The city itself was surrounded by a huge wall that one could never climb. On the city walls there were a few armed guards walking around and protecting the city. The gate itself wasn’t guarded but I saw that those men were staying close to it. As I walked in the city I realized that I have done it! I escaped from vampires and I managed to walk through the mountains and the forest and I reached Thais. I survived. I didn’t go to the local Inn. Instead of that, I asked for directions and went straight to the School of War and Magic. Near the school, there were many students. I asked one of them if he could tell me where to find Ulaf. He looked at e surprised and said:
“You don’t look noble… anyway, you can find him inside.” Then he pointed towards the school.
“Thank you!”
“Who does he think he is?” I thought… “<<You don’t look noble!>> I’ll show him noble. And I am supposed to stay here? I’d rather be caught by vampires than staying here.”
I entered the school and went to a man that I saw standing in the lobby.
“Do you know where I can find a man named Ulaf?” I asked.
“I am Ulaf. And you are?” he said raising an eyebrow.
“I’m Mel. I have a letter for you.” I searched through my backpack and gave him the letter. “Te’ijal sent me.”
“Ah…I see. Let me look at this letter.” He opened and read it. “Aha… I see. She has asked for me to enroll you as a student. Are you a mage?”
“Um... no!”
“Not a mage. A fighter, perhaps?” He said while swinging his sword.
“Ouch!” I said when the sword hit my hand.
“Not a fighter either. I’m sorry but I’m afraid I don’t have a spot for you.”
“Oh, come on now, professor! You have to place her somewhere. Maybe she can fit into Professor’s Gray group. Look at her! She’s skinny enough and with those clothes of hers she can practically blend into the walls. I bet she’s clever too.” said one of the students.
“Boy, I should throw you out this instant!” said Ulaf. “But you may be right. Girl, are you clever?”
“I’m not sure how to answer that without sounding offended!” I shouted. “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t I leave! I’m sure I can find a better way to amuse myself while I’m stuck in this stuffy city. I don’t need to attend any classes of yours.”
“Oh no, you don’t! Te’ijal would be… unpleased if I let you leave. You will go and see Professor Gray this instant. You there!” he said looking at the boy next to me. “Take her to see Professor Gray. I’m holding you responsible for any trouble she causes.”
“Follow me!” said the boy.
He took me through several chambers and finally we reached a closed door. He looked at me very serious and said:
“Here we are. Remember, you must not speak of anything you see or hear in there. Okay?”
“Fine!” I said.
“By the way, I’m Edward.” He said while he lifted his right hand.
“I’m Mel.” I lifted mine and we shake hands.
“Nice to meet you!” he said smiling. “Good luck!”
“Thank you!”
Then he left. I stood in front of the closed door for a minute and then I opened it. In a small chamber without windows was a small desk, a chair and many papers. On the chair, was standing an old man dressed in a black robe with a white hat. He got up and looked at me surprised, while I was staring at him.
“Are you Professor Gray?” I asked slowly.

Update please. It's been AGES since you make one.

Don't keep Professor Gray waiting to answer too long. XD XD

I was going to update it but the I got very busy with school. But I managed to finish it so I will be posting today.
Sory for keep you waiting

~Living as a spy~


“Yes, I am he. Are you lost? This area is restricted.”
I stared at him for a while. His voice was grave and with a weird accent. Nothing like the voices I was used to… Formal, actually.
“Um, no. I’m… I was sent here by professor Ulaf. He said that you might have a spot opened for me. I’m Mel”
“Let’s have a look at you… Skinny little thing aren’t you? A thief, perhaps?”
“What?! Of course not! I’m an….a…. seam street.” I said. I was actually amazed that he was able to tell that by only looking at my clothes.
“Hmm… bad liar. We’ll have to do something about it. Still… I find you interesting… Can you read?”
“Not very well…”
Gray hesitated for a second. Then he said:
“Very well. I shall teach you if you can prove that you are worth training. There is a man in this town called Ely. He owns a large manor. Go inside his house and bring me back a small statuette. I shall be waiting.”
“That’s it? Fine. I will come back with that statuette. But, what do you teach here?”
“That is for me to know and you to find out. Bring me the statuette and you shall know.”
I left Gray’s office. Was it just me or this task was way to easy. There was something wrong with it. Anyway, middle of the day is not a good time to steal anything, so I went to the local inn for a nap. Thanks to my “date” with Gyendal and then bumping into that skeleton, I had a few gold coins.
When I woke up it was already dark, so I went around the city to find that manor. It wasn’t so hard, as all the nobles live in the upper district of the city. When I reached it eventually, the front door was locked.
“Obviously…” I thought.
“You’re not going to get in through the front door you know…” said a voice.
I turned and I saw...
“Edward! What are you doing here?”
“I thought Gray would give you something to steal.” He said laughing. “You should try the window over there.”
“I knew that.” I said. I was getting a bit angry. How could he have known what I had to do? But when I went to the window it was opened. He was right…again. This was becoming a bit awkward. Before I entered, Edward said:
“You know, there is a puzzle on the second floor that is a real pain to do by yourself. Want some help?”
“No… but thanks.” I said. I wasn’t going to become a damsel in distress or something for him. I could take care of myself.
I entered the house. Nobody was home. Empty. It was pretty dark so I couldn’t see much but the house was really big. Nobles… I kept wondering what they do in six bedrooms that they couldn’t do in… well… two, for example… As I reached the second floor, I saw the puzzle that Edward was talking about. There was a locked door a lever near the entrance of the hallway. I pulled the lever I went towards the door that unlocked. As I reached it, it suddenly closed again – nearly crushing my toe, for that matter. I heard laughter behind me.
“You!” I shouted.
“I told you that are needed two people to do it.”
Actually he didn’t say that. He said that “it’s a real pain to do it by yourself”. I was really angry.
“What are you doing here? Go away Edward!”
“Come on. You have to let me help you. Admit it!”
I hesitated.
“Fine, but only this time. You pull the lever while I go and get the statuette.”
He did what I said. When I entered the room I saw the statuette in shape of an elf, made of crystal. It was pretty, for something so small. But when I took the statuette I heard the ticker that went off. I rushed toward Edward with the door slamming behind me.
“Hurry! Let’s get out of here! There was a ticker under the statuette. When that goes off this whole place will be locked down…” Edward hesitated.
“You know what a ticker is?” he said surprised.
“Of course I know. Do you think I’m a fool? Well, don’t just stand there! Move!” I shouted.
We both started to run. When we reached the window he said:
“Climb!”
“No, you go first…”
“Go! Now, otherwise we’ll both be trapped in here.”
I didn’t say anything. When we reached outside I thanked him.
“It’s okay. It was fun. Really!” he giggled.
“You’re crazy, you know that?” I laughed. I was relieved. And he was…well…almost nice. Almost cute. Almost sweet. “Hey…I said, how come you know this house?”
“Mmm… my family knows Gray. Well, I’d better get home. See you tomorrow.”
“Bye, Edward.”
I started to walk towards the Academy. I was so tired. I could have slept for an entire month. As I entered Gray’s office and showed him the statuette he started to smile.
“You did it!”
“Yup. Here it is!” I place the elf on Gray’s office.”
“Very good. Class starts tomorrow at 8. Sharp! Don’t be late.”
“Thank you. But, what do you teach here, anyways?”
“Welcome to the Red Wing Intelligence Agency!”
“I’m training to become a spy? Wow… I’m honored!”
“Go and get some sleep. Come back tomorrow. Good night Mel!”
“Good night Professor!”
I left Gray’s office and went towards the local inn.
“Wait a sec. If I am to train to become a spy I’ll have to stay here. And I can’t stay at an inn. I have to find some place to stay.” I thought.
I remembered hearing someone talking about a Rental Agency. It was near the inn. “Maybe I can rent something.”
Half an hour later I was standing with a key in my hand in front of Apartment 2B. My new home, a true one since it was the first time I had an apartment. I unlocked the door and here I was. Home.
It was small, but perfect. I liked it. And I went straight to bed.
My last thought was Te’ijal. I wondered how she was. She said that she had to retrieve her husband. I wondered what that meant… And then I fell asleep.

Yayz, an update finally! Sorry neh if I had make you trouble with forcing to update through your hectic school-works ^^'

No problem. I like to write..a lot. And I'm so happy you like it (or at least read it, for that matter)

Of course, I read it even twice--though I just dunno what to comment and yeah, I'd nitpick it when I have free time (ya know, I'm a busy student full with exams these days ^^' XD Well, looks like yours is the only one I'm reading these days in HBT. ^^

Don't worry, even if I dun comment, just keep on updating for I dun read them ONLINE, I printed your chapters out, clipped it together with your other chapters in a file and read it OFFLINE XD