A young man stood in front of the gates that lead to the Raiqi Labyrinth. He had done his research beforehand about the temple from other people who had successfully visited and those who failed. He knew ahead of time that the maze would be dark and almost impossible to navigate through. Jared smiled and shoved the gates open. He looked at his side to check if his little sister Taliana was with him. Another reason that he had done his research. He wouldn't have brought his sister unless he was certain that he could protect her from the dangers of the temple. 

"Make sure you stay by my side sis." He said to her, "Don't let go of my hand for any reason. Got it?"

He walked with her down to the maze. It was just as dark as he'd been told. Lowering himself to the ground, Jared touched the surface and focused on what he felt. The vibrations through the ground were clear. Standing back up, he began to travel through the maze. As a child he adored puzzles and riddles. Instead of playing kickball with the other children, he would play with mazes and magic. After two dead ends, he figured out the trick and managed to guide the both of them to the end. They were free, finally! It was a fun little game that he enjoyed, despite the two failures. Seeing the path ahead of them, Jared knelt down to the ground. 

"Here. Get on my back and I'll give you a ride." He said to Taliana. 

Once she was on his back, he ensured she was safely on and stood up. Jared climbed his way towards the Celestial Citadel. Eventually they got to the doors. The doors were made up of blackened steel. The constellations seemed closer now than ever before. But that was not why there were here. He shoved the doors opened and entered the citadel. Jared walked through the hallway, still carrying his little sister on his back. It wasn't until they entered the throne room that he put her down. Once Taliana was on the ground, he took a moment to observe the room. It was owned by a god, that was crystal clear. Jared ran his hand through his hair as he relaxed for a moment. 

"Looks like we finally made it." He said with a smile. 

Talia enjoyed to stay by Jared's side. He could hardly go anywhere without her being nearby. Her large mulberry eyes gazed up at him seriously. "Yes, Jared." A small hand slipped into his, a firm grip tying her to reality. Once they stepped into the maze, something she would have loved solving, her world went dark. Jared's hand told her that he was still there, despite the lack of light to tell her otherwise.

"Jared, why does the ground tickle?" she asked as they felt the vibrations. They walked and walked, having had to double back twice. Talia thought she was beginning to understand the trick of the maze by the time they made it out. Large towers stood high above them, lava bubbled somewhere below. She climbed onto Jared's back when offered, if only to gaze up at the Celestial Citadel in wonder. Jared marched on ahead, up to the large steel doors and into more darkness.

When the hall opened into a circular room, Talia's breath was taken away by the large dragon that sat in the center, it's claw on the marble throne. As desperate as she wanted, however, she knew better than to run up and investigate a large, fire breathing reptile. So, as she climbed off her brother's back, Talia tucked her hand in his again. "Do you think the master would let me play with his dragon?" she asked curiously, giving Jared a pleading smile.

Ferrus was never one to easily back off from anything, no matter how dangerous, harsh or even un-called such thing could be. However this situation in which he was now was……well it wasn't too much but it did made him have instinctive second thoughts. Thankfuly his body and instincts served him, not he them, so he could easily supress his mental weakness for as long as he needed to and oh boy it seemed that he would need to keep them supressed for a while. When he heard of an gate to a domain of an God to be located on this here Island, he almost could not contain himself. Another living God to meet, oh how stimulating. The power he must have and knowledge he must posses, truly an oppurtunity of an liftime if not several! He took off immedietly to have an audiance with this god……despite all the warnings local gave him. 

Now he knew that he should have heeded them. If he did he would have been better prepared. Oh well at the very least the worst part, the hellish climb up a active Volcano, was now behind him. Now he had to deal with being blind in a maze. 

To be frank he had no problems with being blinded, he had to deal with such circumstances many times before and had gotten used to using his Omnisian Axe as a walking and support cane. However having to navigate a maze while blind?  It was something else. 

"No matter." He thought. "I just need to be persistent and clever about this." 

And so after a long while (Telling exact time in a maze while blind is rather difficult) Ferrus managed to leave the accursed maze and moved on towards the Citadel. He however had noticed that there was someone else up ahead of him. Another pilgrims perhaps? Oh well might as well get aquainted. 

Soon Jared and his sister could see and hear an figure approaching them. Said figure was hunched over and also completely obscured by an crimson cloak. Only exception being gloved hand clutching a strangę ornamental pole-axe. Said weapon's head was composed of a fairly normal axe blade and a spear head. …but also a strange ornament in place of an hammer head on the other side of the blade. Said ornament appeared to be half of a massive cog with an half of an skull sculpted inside it. The Pole-Axe would also Spark with energy from time to time. 

- Ah hello fellow travelers - he greated Jared and his sibling. The tone of his voice was jovial and friendly, however the voice itself was weird. It didn't sound natural, like it was produced by vocal cords. It also lacked an eatheric echo which was common with magical communication. It didn't sound right, like something inaninate trying to copy emotions.
- I assume you too have came here to have an audiance with the God residing in this realm? If yes I must say that I am quite excited to meet you. Oh but where are my manners. Please excuse me. - He said as he bowed down slightly  - My name is Ferrus Faustinus, pleased to meet you. …?

It had been a long day. That encapsulation of the day was a complete and utter understatement. Syn listened to the water as a small splash of water rippled through her large bath. Long tanned legs were exposed to the air as they hung over the side of her porcelain bathtub. Her golden eyes watched as droplets of water fell to the floor, where she was certain a small puddle was forming. At the moment she didn’t care. She sunk further into her tub until she was fully submerged. Red hair floated around her like a halo until finally the vixen resurfaced for a gasp of air. When above the water again, a silent servant was standing near the door of the bathing room. Syn made no effort to cover her naked form while lifting a brow of question towards the man. ”Visitors have made their way through the maze and into the Temple,” his voice subtle, yet a firmness to it. Syn filed that away for later in hopes to make him use that tone with her again. ”Fine. I will be down in a moment. We shan’t bother our Lord with this until deciphering their reasons for being here.”

Water splashed from the tub as she lifted her legs high to exit the tub. Back turned to allow a robe to be wrapped around her shoulders. Syn had a mischievous smile upon her lips, but business was always to come before pleasure. As she turned away from the attendant, her fingers traced the male’s arm to indicate later intentions.

The assistant took little time to get dressed considering her clothing was far from being elaborate. Syn wore her tight fitting black dress that barely covered the ample curves of her ass. Straps were thin to hold them over her shoulders, along with a deep cut V to accentuate the cleavage. Black high heeled shoes clicked on the marble floor as she made her way down to the throne room from her private quarters.

The scents in the air told the vampiress that there were now three pilgrims that had made their way to the throne room. A well sculpted brow lifted in curiosity of what could have brought all three at once to her Master’s home. Few were able to get through the maze, let alone three at the same time. Manicured red nails flipped the high red pony tail that was tied perfectly at the top of the back of her head. She allowed her nails to brush the silver large hoop earrings that adorned her pointed ears. Her outfit wasn’t the best one she had, but for a quick pinch it would work.

Clicking of her heels announced the red haired vampiress’ arrival into the throne room. Three oddly mixed arrivals waited patiently, though two of them seemed connected considering the way the girl clung to the man. When her golden gaze fell upon the man, her smile exposed her canines in delight. He was handsome. The other male in the room was odd to say the least. Her ‘fascination’ was not heightened in the least.

Syn cleared her throat while moving across the room. Hand grazed the outline of the obsidian dragon in a sultry way before her elbow rested on the throne’s back. ”Well, well, well,” she purred at her guests. ”It’s not often we get so many in one little pack. Pray tell me what brings such a group of fine travelers to my Master’s abode.”. Her eyes shifted from person to person, though they lingered longer upon the young man. Head tilted slightly to the side in a predatory way with a glint in her eye.

"Maybe. But we'll have to as him later." Jared said with a soft smile to his sister. 

When the hunched over figure wrapped in a crimson cloak drew near, Jared positioned himself in front of his sister, in case the stranger got any ideas. When the stranger spoke it was jovial and friendly but unnatural. Jared kept a weary eye on the stranger but realized that he wasn't going to attack them outright. He watched as the stranger bowed as a greeting then decided to speak. 

"Jared." He introduced himself, "And she's Talia. Nice to meet you." 

His words were brisk and to the point. Whomever the stranger was, they would have to be careful. Unlike humans, fae, or even vampires, he didn't seem to have any easy to exploit weaknesses. Before he could ponder this new puzzle, a stranger stepped into the throne room. Jared first could hear the sound of her heels clacking against the floor before she revealed herself. Her eyes scanned the group but made a particular stop at himself. Then she spoke with a purring voice as she inquired to their visit. 

"A little bird told me that a Vampiric Court would be set up under The God of Wraths' rule." He explained, "I would like to take this opportunity to serve him in the court. This little one here is my sister. I bring her with me as much as possible." 

The main reason for joining any Vampire court was simple. Safety. It was an unfortunate truth that the majority of the world would kill a vampire the second they saw one. A vampire court gave them numbers against these foes, when by themselves they would have to rely on raw strength. As for why he chose this one, it provided a unique opportunity. Many vampire courts cared more about breeding than pure talent. With this one, they might have a shot to expand and prosper. 

He waited to hear the stranger's explanation but kept his eyes on Syn. Jared noticed that her eyes lingered and had a glint of…mischief. He'd seen it before. Despite her lovely dress and the fiery red hair, Jared had to focus on the business at hand. It was never a good idea to get distracted when figuring out the details of work. Especially when it involved working for a god. 

Patience was a virtue. Even in Jared's line of work. As a result, Talia did not balk, nor did she fidget as she stood still at his side, waiting for what was to happen next. She quirked her head to the side as the strange, unnatural voice came from the cloaked stranger, but kept silent as she often did. While the stranger seemed jovial enough, appearances can often be deceiving. 

Instead, her eyes were drawn to where heels clacked against the floor. Talia had seen that dismissive look upon many before, just as she saw that mischievous, hungry look to her brother. Her hand tightened around his fingers. It wasn't that she distrusted the woman, but that she feared that one day, a woman would bat her eyelashes and lead him astray. Still, this was a woman who he was trying to acquire information about the Vampire Court, a court that could help them.

"I can be of use to the Court too," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "I know you're not the master, but may I play with the dragon? Or at the very least pet it?"

Sometimes… Patience was hard to practice.

An Vampire Court…..well well if that wasn't a suprise. If Ferrus still had them he would have probably raise his eyebrows at this one. He didn't have the most stellar history with the members of the vampire-kind…..to be honest more often than he had to, more or less, wipe them out whenever encountered. Still he had to get that audiance with the God residing here, the Master of the lady who seemed more than comfortable with exposing her ample assets with her reaveling choice of clothing. An Vampiric Temptress, hungry for some carnal pleasure it would seem from the way that she looked at one who named himself Jared. He felt a tinge of sympathy for his fellow traveler. He probably sought out this court for his safety and safety of the little thing clinging to him, but it was clear from they way that Bloodsucking Tempress gazed upon him that he would find more safety in a sewer, rather then in her company.

Oh well no matter, he thought, they were vampires and it was of little interest to him as to what vampires do behind closed doors…….aside from probably tearing eachother to shreds. He had to focus on what was truly of import, namely the opportunities that would be afforded to him if he was to join this court. He would be able to have an daily contact with a God and would benfit from a literal divine protection. Plus if it was a Vampiric court it would certainly mean an easy access to well…..Vampires. Afterall, a chance to dissect one always eluded him, but here he could finnaly get his hands one and see what makes those bloodscukers tick on the inside. There was also probably nigh unlimited amount of resources he could probably manage to gather for his experiments…..if he plays his cards well enough and endears himself to the Master of the court, as well as Knowledge and secrets a God has to certainly have.

Oh so many glorious possibilities, he barely could manage to contain himself. But he could not get ahead of himself, he still needed to join this court, he had to present himself to the best of his abilities before the Temptress, as she was certainly one that would recommend to her Master who would be worthy to join this little nest vipers. He turned his gaze towards the lady vampire and spoke out in his unnatural, artificial voice that was nonthenless jovial and cordial in tone.
- Curiosity brought me here my lady. I heard from the locals that a living God resided here and I just had to find that out for myself! For one rarely gets an oppurtunity to meet a God, afterall. And to me, a scholar who prides himself on seeking out knowledge and secrets, on preserving them and maintaining them…….well that just made it all more harder to resist. And while I had no prior knowledge of the formation of this court, I would too also want to serve in it. For all good royal courts ought to have Royal Chroniclers, those whose duty it would be to put down on paper the goings on of the court and the great events that are certain to transpire during it's existance. However if that's not enough, for me to be allowed in, I would also like to add that I also posses other talents and skills. Like engineering, medicine, blacksmithing, arcane arts and the occult. And even after all this my request shall be denied than so be it, all I ask of is that it would be given proper thought and that it would be judged fairly.

Long, elegant digits drew circles on the edge of the throne as her arm was dangled over the distinguished chair. Her gazes lingered on each of the pilgrims that had made their journey to the temple. It was still intriguing to her that they all had made the trip in similar time and fashion. The rumors had only been put out into the network a short time ago; to already have some takers was interesting. Hopefully, her patron would be pleased with the selection available.

The vixen’s smile softened as she allowed her body’s curves to rest into the carving of the dragon. Index finger tapped upon the obsidian as she listened to each of them speak of how they had come to Orme. Gold orbs shifted to the little girl that was designated the handsome man’s sister. Her brow lifted in curiosity of a child being brought to the temple of Wrath…but then again it was not her family or choice.

When the girl spoke, the red lips of the vampiress curled upwards in a smile that was reserved for the littles. The girl had gumption. ”I know that it looks real, but that is testament to the talent of the artist. This dragon is a statue, nothing more, dear girl.”. Syn stroked the cold stone as if it would prove her words true. ”That does not mean we do not have the assortment of beasts within the walls of my Master’s home. Our Lady Alairia has quite a group of charges. I am sure if we ask, we can see them all.”.

It was the cyborg that was her focused fascination. What in the seven hells was the creature? Syn allowed her one hand to play with an earring while listening to the metal man. A chronicler for Lord Raith? Not exactly what her deity had had in mind for this little gathered group, but could have advantages.

Syn brushed her hair over her shoulder before moving down the small dias with the clicking of her heels. She first made her way to ‘metal-man;’ tracing a long digit along his cloak while walking around him. ”You would be an interesting add considering your appearance. Quite the unique member, you would be.”. The vixen stopped in front of Ferrus with a predatory grin upon her features. ”Our lord has some particular jobs he will ask of the Coven I am putting together. Will these duties be something you would object to less than savory tasks?”. Her question was posed to all in the room.

She backed up from the magi-tech creature in order to move over to Jared and his sister. ”This Coven I’m creating is not for the light of heart. It will not be for those that are looking for a peaceful, and happy living. Though I am sure that my Lady Alairia would take care of your little sister on those sort of missions.” Syn did not want to put the girl into a dangerous position, but this Coven was going to have to do certain things that would not be appropriate for a child….even if Syn had done such things at a younger again than this girl.

After life on their own, he knew that they would never have a peaceful life. They were half vampires. Never to be accepted in a normal vampire world but never to be allowed in the human or fae one. Everywhere they went, they would be in trouble. And then there was the truth that he couldn't protect his sister forever. She had already been exposed to performing crimes of thievery and had seen enough violence for a lifetime. At least here she would get rewards for those deeds. Ambition glittered in Jared's eyes as he knew this was the place to get higher in life. 

"I don't think I would bring my sister to a temple on a volcano if I was worried about safety or peace." He stated, "I'd rather have her learn to be the wolf than the victim." 

He knew the Coven was going to be doing things considered evil but if that was what they needed to do in order to succeed, then so be it. Jared decided to demonstrate his abilities. A hint of mischief passed through his eyes before he teleported behind Syn. There was a double in his place that would keep her attention and make it seem as though he never left. Jared whispered gently into her ear.

"Is this your card?" 

As he spoke he handed her a beautiful jester's card. The jester's card was unique. The jester was dressed up in colors but had a mischievous cat like smile. Behind the Jester was the moon and darkened creatures staring up at the jester with wide empty eyes. Jared teleported back near his sister and let Syn keep the card. He had plenty more where that came from. 

"My talents are in performances like dancing, singing, and espionage." He explained, "Thievery and assassination's are other performances I have experience in. Ever court needs a Jester." 

A professional fool. A trickster with open ears. Somebody who could get into any place, whether it was a local tavern or a gorgeous palace. Slipping in and out of places without even needing to give a real name. His magical abilities assisted in his work and he had many tools at his disposal. Right now he was being upfront about his abilities but this would be the one and only time. 

Ferrus listened intently to what the lady vampire had to say, and it was just about what he had expected. Warnings of how this endeavor is not for the faint of heart, of how they will have to do things some would consider Evil. Truly a rather banal and plain talk. Ferrus knew from the momment he heard "Vampire Court", that an easy and peaceful life was not an option if one would join it's ranks. That morality would be thrown out into the trash on more than occasion. That much was obvious from the start……however this was not the reason the man obscured by an crimson cloak seen all of this with such nonchalantness. True reason was that……he never was a moral person, nor was his life ever peaceful and easy. He has invested most of his life into seeking out secrets and knowledge, a pursuit that would leave those faint of heart in the dirt…..or worse. He had to do many a despicable things, not out of plasure or need to do them, but because they were necessary and necessity oft is not equal to a higher moral ground.

So, after Jared was done showing off his ability to teleport, and listed out his quite interesting skill set, Ferrus steped forth. His visage still obscured mostly by the red cloak, hiding away more of his foreign-to-this world features. He looked, with his two glowing green lights that stood in place of his eyes, straight into the golden orbs and begun to speak.

- My lady, like my companion said, if we wanted an easy life we wouldn't have chosen to climb up a volcano and trudge on through a maze completely blind. - His tone was now considerably more serious than before, although the voice itself still was an unnatural one - And it would be naive of us not to expect for a price to be paid for joining this court. Unsavory tasks, despicable actions and acts of evil will be asked of us, but we…..I am ready to carry them out. My conscience is already burdened with such things and few more will not make an difference. Besides…….those tasks will be given unto us by an divine will and what divine ordain must be done, should it not?