Finally!!! [Intro]

A smile formed across Vincent's pale lips when he noticed the castle cold stone walls. He pulled his cloak closer to his body, hoping that he would find warmth within the castle he pushed forward. When he was a little boy, growing up within the regions of Eastmarch, he would have never saw snow fall like this or experience such freezing cold weather. To say that he was out of his element would be a understatement, and he was currently having a hard time adapting to the cold weather. "I am almost there" he muttered under his breath, watching the cold air condense the moisture within his breath into tiny droplets of liquid water and ice. If his familiar was here, the crow would have been perched on his shoulder, and he would have been mentally cursing him out for Vincent taking him into such a cold climate. 

But since Vincent did not know theses people well, he decided to leave the crow familiar behind. So no doubt right now Ainur would be perched next to a fire enjoying the warmth, lucky little buzzard. Sometimes Vincent wished that he could simply dominate the creatures mind and live life as a crow: life would be so much easier than. 

One of the million snowflakes fell onto Vincent's porcelain mask and down onto his shoulder, where it collected into the mounds of snow that he was tracking through. If only he could be one of those divine creatures from his realm, those that could take to the skies in the form of dragons or great eagles, that would make traveling so much easier. But no he had to be a mortal, someone who could not change his shape to take to the skies, someone who was weak and pathetic. His eyes started to flare with anger, and he clenched his fist. If Ainur was here he would know the right words to calm Vincent down, but the stupid bird decided to be lazy and sleep next to a fire and stay warm. "You know Ainur, if I get into this guild I am going to make you fly here" he grumbled to himself, great he was now talking to himself. 

Vincent turned around to admire the snow tracks they made, and decided that it was time to stop his grumbling. Eventually after what seemed to be hours of walking through the snow, Vincent finally arrived at the front of the fortress. For a moment he wondered if he should actually join this evil guild: furthermore, he wondered if they would let him in.  Granted he would do anything in order to recreate his coven and avenge the death of his mother, his mother. The thought of her threatened to bring tears, but he managed to replace sadness with anger and open the door to the devil's den. He would not let his family down. Vincent couldn't help but feel a sense of fear rush through him, and he wondered what twisted creature shall greet him first.  With a note of hesitation Vincent alone entered into the cold fortress, past the doors and into the castle itself.

It was in the early afternoon that Ahote dared to leave the comfort of his room. As usual, he had been doing various tasks and studies for the past several hours. Days had passed since the boy had last slept, and the bed in which he would slumber remained untouched by either his fleshed or metal fingers. However, his activeness was nothing out of the ordinary. He was an oddity, a young workaholic who fixated himself on many trifles in order to keep his mind occupied.

However, any boy at this age could not find an absolute delight in studies and literature alone. It was not the texts in his room that sustained him, as much as it fueled him, but the aimless wandering, cooking, cleaning, talking, and thinking that occurred in between. From time to time over a span of hours, he would exit his room and into the dimly lit halls of the Basilisk fortress, always greeted by its familiar dusty air and chilly temperatures.

Up until recently, he alone would lurk about these corridors. He alone would think, sleep, drink, eat. Or, at least as far as he knew. But with the sudden introduction of Katherine and absences of a various many others, the feeling of isolation no longer seemed so prevalent.

Dressed in a short sleeved, black shirt and beige shorts, Ahote strolled down the corridors of Basilisk Fang and into the tavern, which contained the kitchen and the closest thing to a living room, and was also the space nearest to the entrance of the fortress. By his side, or at least trailing behind, was his acquaintance, Katherine. Earlier, he felt his stomach twist and turn, hungry for some sort of nutrition. But frankly, he was far too comfortable to move from his desk, and so he remained idle. But hours passing, it seemed as if hunger drove him away from his studies and down the halls together with his crimson haired friend. Really, she was required to come along and he hadn't planned on fixing a meal for them both to share, but for himself. The company was appreciated.

Stepping into the space, Ahote noticed an abnormal difference in temperatures between the tavern and the area by the entrance. A chilliness that anyone who homed themselves on this snow covered rock could recognize. With raised brows, the raven haired youth felt more surprised that the stranger, if a stranger, would waltz into their grounds in silence. But only an investigation could tell. Quietly, the boy came to a halt, peering wearily at the wall that separated the tavern and the large, heavy doors leading to everlasting winter of Mt. Hakobe, "Stop. It appears we will have to make a detour to greet whomever just walked in. Regardless, keep your guard up, Katherine. he ordered before resuming his pace, which he knew Katherine would as well.

Quickly, the pair would find the light of Mt. Hakobe's clouded skies shine into the darkness of their fortress, and at the tip of the light cast stood a black haired masked man. Ahote crossed his arms over his chest, topaz hues examining the stranger, "And who might you be? I do hope you know where you are, for your own sake and my convenience." he questioned.

It wasn't his first time exploring a castle. When he was little Vincent would often travel with his mother to the various ancient fortresses from the first struggle of his realm, and help he discover lost treasures and whatnot. This would be however his first time exploring a castle in this unknown world and furthermore, it would be his first time exploring a castle with human or mostly human inhabitents. The fortresses within his world was usually filled with the undead or other foul creatures created by Mitatron: the evil god in his realm. But that was during the times Vincent wouldn't be forced to study somesort of arcane text that held many secrets of the dark arts. Ah, those where the good times doing nothing but reading ancient books, having people waiting on you hand and foot, and simply being rich and free. 

Of course now those days are gone, no thanks to those twisted witch hunters. Luckily his mother managed to muster up the rest of her magic, and send him to this divine forsaking world they known as Fiorie. That memory of his mother literally burning up due to the amount of magical energy raised; it haunts him. Vincent can't even go to sleep or close his eyes without having that scene play-out in his head all over again, it was a constant reminder that he needed revenge on the people who wronged him. Which was the reason he was here. 

Turning his attention to what seemed to be the main hall or living-room of the castle. Vincent was trying to figure out what he should do. He didn't want to make such a loud scene and alarm everyone of his presences, which would also know doubt piss people off. Should he have sent letter by mail? At this moment he was somewhat confused and simply standing in front of the entrances, letting the cold wind from the everlasting winter, into the castle: maybe he should shut the door? It was the best course of action to shows some manners and close the door, as to not freeze everyone within the castle and pee them off. So Vincent turned his attention to the large wooden reinforced doors, and then use his weight to push the doors shut. 

Then he heard someone's voice and for some reason felt a moment of panic. He wasn't as powerful as he was in his realm and he was sure that anyone within this guild could dispose of him quickly, and would do so without any hesitation. "Relax I mean you no harm" he murmured softly under his breath: he placed on a slick but bratty smile. Which was hidden underneath his mask. He turned around to see a rather cute boy with black hair, and dressed pair of beige shorts and a black short sleeve shirt. Noticing someone behind the boy Vincent knew that he was ultimately screwed if a fight is to break out. So he decided to play thing's safe. 

"My name is Vincent Valkorion, the last survivor of the Valkhorion coven." He introduced himself with a note of pride. "Now I think it is only fair that you introduce yourself and ah your friend to me, it would only be fair" he paused for a moment, and reached over to take off his mask and clip it to his belt. Reveling his crimson red eyes and pleasant facial features: as well as his slick smile. "Then we can get to the important stuff, like why I am here, what you are going to do to me" he yawned like a child. "That stuff" 

Ahote remained idle when the stranger would respond to his demanding requests with a cheeky tone. Far too friendly did he act with the residents of the fortress. Although, Ahote was no stranger to this tone of his. In the time he had spent at the Basilisk Fortress, anyone would eventually get their fair share of cheekiness or arrogance, or perhaps even disrespect. Though, these behaviors were far more prevalent when Sol and Aguya were present, which seemed to be far from the case after noticing the fortress's calmness and the inactivity in his castle.

Ahote raised his metal arm to his raven threads, pushing them back behind his ears to create a clearer view of the man in front of him. He was taller than him, for sure, but most people were anyway. He had long, messy black hair, as he already observed earlier. His body figure, however, remained a mystery as it had been submerged under several layers of clothing. It was the little details the boy had took into consideration for his own security. As far as the man went, he didn't seemed to appear to be a hazard, but his lax attitude could also be a symbol of his comfort in a tense situation. He could prove to be otherwise, though Ahote had doubted that possibility.

The man had finally introduced himself as Vincent Valkorion, a lovely name that rolled off the tongue nicely. Following that statement did he claim that he was the last survivor the Valkhorion Coven, a place, group, or person that Ahote could not recall ever knowing, and therefore attached no significance to. Though, it did peak his interest. What happened to this coven and what did this Vincent character do to survive? All questions to ask much later.

Ahote raised his brows at Vincent's confidence, truly a remarkable characteristic to have in such a very intense, heavy guild. There were only three possibilities when it came to this man's reason for his arrival: joining Basilisk Fang, seeking conference with Famine, or a hopelessly curious traveler. It seemed the third option was far less likely than the first two.

The youth's topaz hues rolled over to his shoulder, which supported the weight of the chilled Katherine who spoke as if this scenario was a qualm, "Quite often, as of late. Most visitors wish to join Famine's cause. . . observe." he whispered back.

Finally, Ahote had returned his attention to the wandering Vincent with his still-raised brows, "Fair it would be if I did such a thing for you, and under normal circumstances,
I would've. But having an uninvited guest here before us, our names are irrelevant until you detail your purpose in being here." Ahote retorted, arms returning to their crossed position against his chest, "For now, you can identify me as the present authority figure and his colleague. Now, speak."

---

---

Vincent's crimson hues for a moment flared like fire, before quickly returning to their dull bland state. For a moment he wondered if theses two mages in front of him was the best that this guild had to offer, but that thought quickly disappeared. He didn't know who this little fellow in front of him was, and he didn't know who his companion was. From the tone of his voice Vincent would have made a educated guess that this person was either protected by someone powerful or that he himself was powerful in some way or form. Though he decided that now wouldn't be the best time to take action on such speculations, after all he was still a little tired from his journey. And with out his dear sweet familiar Ainur here, he felt even more weakened and vulnerable. Those crimson hues turned his attention to the girl that was behind him indeed the odds are not in his favor, but he quietly wondered why she was hiding behind him. 

Taking notice in the metal arm, Vincent couldn't help but find it fascinating. In his realm technology both arcane and mundane was limited, so seeing someone with a metal arm was rather interesting and new to the Sorcerer. He made mental note to question the other male before him how he got the arm, and what happened to his old arm. Currently he didn't have the right to ask such a personal question, but he would ask him when they get to know each other a little better. If that was to happen. Once again he turned his attention to the figure hanging off the male's shoulder, and he couldn't help but wonder if they are a thing. 'Ewww' he thought to himself. Relationships are one thing that Vincent was not allowed to do, unless it was to gain power, besides that it was considered a weakness. A big no, no for him. 

He once again turned his attention to the girl that glancing over his shoulder, her quietness was starting to worry him. Could there have been a trapped placed around him or are they preparing to attack him, nonetheless he continued his confident demeanor. "Say, why aren't you talking?" he questioned bluntly before placing his attention on the male. "Why am i here? Why are all members of this guild here? I think you know the answer to that. I wont answer anymore questions until you two reveal who yourselves are, then I will tell you everything you need to know about me" he placed on his charming smile again, and folded his arms over his chest. "But I will say this I am here to help the guild, that is if the guild can help me" 

---

Ahote felt the weight lift from his back as Katherine would remove herself and stand independently. She was almost abnormally sensitive to the chilly weather, as it was only the mountain winds that blew into the comfort of the fortress, also rivaling the heat being released by the fireplace. He took note of that and resolved to provide her with extra sheets when she would be able to dorm by herself.

The boy peered over to Katherine upon making her hushed comment, rolling his eyes with a weak smile, "Hush." he mumbled, nudging her in the shoulder. It was amusing, this interaction between them, both understanding that she was not a colleague, but something much less than. It was was a rather dark exchange of jabs between the two, but he appreciated them nonetheless.

Ahote's gaze returned to Vincent, who had a notable presence, and frowned in his comment on Katherine's silence. The boy suppressed the urge to retaliate and remained silent as he continued on, detailing his purpose in being here. It came to no surprise that Vincent would respond arrogantly, Ahote already understanding it must take a rather arrogant person to walk into private property and have such demands.

Softly, Ahote sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in feeling the man's comments wear him down into a state of absolute jadedness. "Listen, mister Valkorion," he pointed to the two large doors behind their guest, "you may leave now. I shouldn't have to explain this for obvious reasons, but we are not obligated to disclose any sensitive information like that until you clearly state your purpose in being here. . . what you said was more of a riddle than it was a statement." the boy would scoff. Although his words were rather harsh, his tone was soft and tired. He was far beyond getting angry and was more thinking of how to get rid of a weird trespasser.

"If you're here to join the guild, I think you must understand that you don't speak to the residents here as if they are stupid. Now, if you will please leave. . ." Ahote stepped forward, closer to the door in order to indicate that he should start moving, "Here, we value respect and cooperation. If you have none of those things,
you are not welcomed here, my friend."