Within the Vampire domains, Zoffa descends down the mountain range, her shadow gliding over the snow as if it's completely unaffected by the laws of physics. Being in her shadow allows her to pass through the tick snow undaunted, bar her occasional surfacing to check her direction. She eventually reaching a clearing, the snow much lighter than up the mountain range. Zoffa is actually able to see a good distance in front of her now, and looking down at the foot of the mountain range, she sees a sight she's very familiar with. Located on the largest bit of flat land in this region, the single city of this country that houses all its citizens bar some in the advanced settlement, Seppire.
Seeing the outline of buildings covered in snow makes her feel like she's come home, a soft smile involuntarily forming. Zoffa doesn't waste any time sinking back into her shadow and darting down the last of the mountain range. Respecting the rule of no shadow traversal within the city, Zoffa passes through the entrance checkpoint on foot, her status streamlining her entrance. Frustrated at how slow traversing is in the city, Zoffa boards a fancy looking carriage.
Despite the carriage going as fast as it can through the hand ploughed streets, Zoffa is struggling to hold in her impatience as her leg wildly shakes. Zoffa wants to get out and run instead, but she knows trekking through the snow would only get her there slower. Eventually, the carriage passes through the gates into the noble district, the journey becoming much easier and faster due to the better maintained roads.
The carriage approaches a big residence within the central area, and as soon as the carriage reaches the gate, Zoffa kicks the carriage door open and jumps out. The guards, unfazed by such actions, simply open the gate enough for a person to pass though as if they were ready for it, Zoffa not breaking her stride as she sprints through. A maid polishing a vase near the doorway has the life scared out of her as the front door is practically rammed open. The vase falls to the floor, but luckily the maid has fast enough reflexes to activate her shadow and capture it so it didn't break.
Zoffa frantically looks around the foyer, practically shouting, "Where is she???" as she repeatedly alternates her head from side-to-side searching for a trace. An individual, Betty Caligari, happened to be descending the stairs, "don't make such a fuss! She's in the dining hall with your grandmum, mother, and sis-". Betty is cut off from Zoffa bolting down the hallway without a single word exchanged between them, the action resulting in Betty's exasperation as she descends the rest of the stairs, "not even a word of greeting for her mum? What a robustious child. I wish she'd take after me more...even if it was cute when she was younger".
Zoffa wastes no time bursting into the dining hall, her eyes immediately locking on one individual. Sitting at the far end of the dining table is a Vampire with short and wavy white hair, Calliope Caligari. The dangling earrings accentuates her beautiful smile that forms once she spots Zoffa, "dear, your home!". Calliope goes to stand up, but another woman, Penelope Caligari, stops her from getting up, "she'll come to you, so there's no need to strain yourself".
Penelope is right, Zoffa quickly walking up to them without a second to waste, "she's not here yet, is she?". Relief washes over Zoffa as she sees Calliope's full form sitting down. Calliope runs a hand over her pregnant belly with a tranquil smile, "no, she wanted her mum to be here it seems. I'm a little past due now, so it should be any day now". Zoffa is relieved beyond belief, sinking to her knees and closing in on Calliope's belly, joining Calliope in stroking it, "is that so, Opal? You wanted me to be here?". Calliope raises her other hand, caressing Zoffa's cheek before running her fingers though Zoffa's hair, "and I wanted you here too, dear".
As Zoffa and Calliope share a moment, staring into each other's eyes, Penelope and one other individual, Abigail Caligari, look upon this sickly-sweet scene with sparkles in their eyes, letting out sighs of admiration once Zoffa rises and shares a kiss with Calliope. Abigail, "how I wish her grandmother could have seen our granddaughter like this". The last individual in the room, Zenia Caligari, has averted her eyes from the public displays of affection, "how I wish I wasn't exposed to such eye-burning scenes".
Penelope doesn't let this pass by despite her infatuation, "it's because of that bitterness that you're still single, sweetie." Zenia snaps back, "I'm single because my younger sister stole my fiancée!". Abigail: "it's been 12 years, dearie. Stop using that as an excuse and reflect on your bitterness. You're only hurting yourself". Zenia bitterly mutters under her breath, knowing it's no use arguing with them, "it's the principle of it. She's never apologised for it".
Betty, who followed after Zoffa, bends down and kisses her daughter on the cheek from behind, "then speak to her about it instead of waiting for her to apologise. Your stubbornness is actually why you're single". Zenia plops her head on the table in defeat, "why does everyone gang up on me but leaves her alone? It's so unfair!". Betty pats her daughter on the back, "bring home a girlfriend and they'll leave you alone".
Betty turns to Zoffa, who's rubbing her cheek against Calliope's belly, "switch to your indoor attire. It's bad manners to get snow inside". Zoffa, "I need to go to the palace, so there's no point". Betty is exasperated, "you came here before giving your report? Why do something so irresponsible?". Zoffa, while her hair is getting lovingly stroked by Calliope, "there's nothing urgent to report, so this much is fine".
Betty goes and grabs Zoffa by the collar and pries her away from Calliope, "why do my children love to give me headaches?". Zoffa flails her arms at Calliope as she's being dragged away, "no! The baby was kicking! I want to get kicked in the face some more before going!". Calliope wants to reach out and bring Zoffa back to her, but manages to restrain herself.
Betty drags Zoffa towards the door, "you can get kicked in the face all you want later. But if you don't go now, I'm going to kick you in the face!". Zoffa sulks as she gets further and further away from her wife. As Betty passes Zenia, she has an idea, letting go of Zoffa's collar and letting her pool on the ground, "perfect. Take your sister with you and sort out this never-ending feud of yours".
Both Zoffa and Zenia visibly protest, but Betty's ominous smile shuts them both up before they can get their word out, "I've given you two some lenience because you were both young at the time, but its been 12 years, and now both of you are in your later 20s. It's time to grow up and finally put this to bed. If you two come back with this unsettled, there's going to be consequences. Understand?". Her tone makes it clear there is no refusing, the both of them reluctantly agreeing in unison, "...ok".
As Zoffa and Zenia trudge out of the room, Betty turns to Penelopy and Abigail, the sight of her smile causing the two to flinch, "and you two. If you utter such thoughtless comments again and make things more complicated. I'm going to assign my personal maids to oversee you two for an entire month. And they will report absolutely everything you do to me...everything. Understand?". Both of the reluctantly agree, "...ok", while Penelope pouts with her face turned to the side, I'm the former matriarch, and she's my wife, so why am I getting treated like this? It makes no sense.
Satisfied with Penelope's cute pout, Betty turns to Calliope, "is everything alright with you my dear? Might as well ask me for something while I'm on a roll". Calliope shakes her head while she stokes her belly, "no, I've got everything I've ever wanted". Betty, "it's a wonder how I got such a wonderful daughter-in-law with a daughter like Zoffa...guess I'm not one to talk, considering we have the same taste in women", she says as she glances at Penelope out of the corner of her eye. Penelope gives a smug smile in response, "you know you love me".
Betty sighs as she faces forward again, the object on the wall coming into her view. Mounted firmly on the wall is a jet-black coffin. It's not decorated in anything fancy, simply polished to give it a nice shine. It can be understood at a glance that it's well maintained. Betty bows to it with her right hand crossed over to her heart, "may the Progenitor bless the unborn child, and may our founding matriarch watch over our bloodline". The rest of the room also follow suit, repeating the exact same actions and words.
In the foyer, Zoffa and Zenia reluctantly put on their coats and head out the door. Zenia, "why did I have to get dragged into this?". Zoffa, "aren't you the cause of it all?". Zenia, "that's rich coming from you. All you cause is trouble". Zoffa, "I do not. I'm the perfect example of a good matriarch". Zenia, "you're a competent matriarch, I'll give you that, but you're a pretty shitty sister". Zoffa, "when are you going to get over what happened with Calliope? It was over a decade ago".
Zenia takes a breath, the cold air feeling like it's stabing her lungs, "I never had to get over Calliope in the first place. My problem has always been with you". A silence settles on the two for a moment, the sound of snow compacting beneath their feet filling the awkwardness. Zoffa eventually interjects, "I'm not apologising for loving Calliope". Zoffa sighs, "I never asked you to, nor did I expect you to. My problem was never that you loved her, it's that you took her from me."
Zoffa grits her teeth in frustration from the redundant statement, "I told you I'm not apologising for it". Zenia feels like she's about to snap, "I shouldn't have to spell it out for you like you're a baby. You should have just known what's wrong, especially after becoming the matriarch, but you're ignorant or incompetent. Either way, you're an ass". Zoffa's irritation meter is almost maxed out, "I'm not apologising, so deal with it!"
Zenia snaps around, facing Zoffa with a look that could kill, "fine, I'll explain it to you like you're a kid! I was the default successor to our House, and that position was taken from me by my exceptionally talented little sister. Just that alone is enough to push me to the bottom of noble society, making me basically a noble in name only. Even if I was damaged goods, I still had some value as a member of the 1st Shadow House. I was supposed to serve as a bridge between our and Calliope's family and strengthening our position in high society after our grandmother took a commoner as her wife. But then you stole that from me! That completely killed my life as a noble. Nobody wants to associate with me, let alone want to marry me! Even being a member of the 1st shadow house isn't enough to help me anymore!".
Zoffa is frozen to the spot, stunned by the emotional outburst of her sister that left her short of breath. The two just awkwardly stand there, looking at each other, unsure if they should look away or say something while Zenia regains her breath. Zoffa's hands tense as she starts to speak, "I'm not ignorant of your situation. However, I felt that apologising would be...I donno, I felt that on top everything that happened, me apologising would feel like pity to you. And I know that type of stuff gets on your nerves. I felt like I'd just be rubbing it in...I don't know what I'm trying to say".
Zenia takes a breath before talking, "you're right. I don't want your pity. But I'm not asking you for your pity. I'm asking for you to acknowledge everything that you're decisions have put me through so that we can move forward, because my god, sometimes I just want to pull your hair out when I think about it and you seemingly not giving a crap about it." Zoffa feels like the air in her lungs have been punched out of her by Zenia's directness, "ok...I understand. I am sorry that my decisions have negatively effected you...are affecting you. I can't say I didn't expect you to be affected in some way, but it turned out more...dire that I expected it to be. I am really sorry".
Zenia exhales, "ok. Thank you for that. I appreciate it. I expected to feel better once I heard you say that, but I'm not sure how I'm feeling to be honest. Well, since I guess that's settled, I'm going to go home. I am definitely not going in there with you". Zoffa looks to the large castle Zenia is pointing to, "we're already here?". Zenia, "yep...good luck", as she begins walking back to their mansion. Zoffa tries to catch her as she goes, "are you sure? We could discuss possibly being more aggressive in arranging a marriage while we wait". Zenia waves to Zoffa behind her, "no chance. We can do that at home. Enjoy".
Zoffa watches as her sister's figure gets smaller in the distance as she tries to gather herself. She eventually does, giving a few choice words to the awkward nearby guards who overhead her sister's outburst, "if any of this gets out, heads will roll". The guards gulp at the threat as she walks by them, fearfully exchanging glances. Inside the castle, Zoffa is greeted by a row of maids. Zoffa recognises the maid who comes to greet her, the only maid who's skin is a tint of pink and has a slave collar, "please follow me. The Vampire Lord has been waiting for you".
The maid, in her extremely modest maid outfit, guides Zoffa towards the center of the castle. Zoffa isn't surprised once she's led past the privy chamber, straight to the Vampire Lord's bedroom that's she been to many times before. As soon as the maid knocks on the door, a sultry voice from within gives permission to enter. Zoffa enters the room after the maid holds the door open for her. Inside, laying on the bed in nothing but a lose robe that barely covers what needs to be covered, is a woman on her side with a blunt bob, her white hair perfectly framing her beautiful face.
The Woman, Zenobia Nocturna, is the one the whole world fears as the Vampire Lord, "Zoffa...what perfect timing. I just finished up. How's the wife? Has your mini-me been born yet?". Zoffa stands at attention, "no, not yet. Though I'm sure she'll be born at any moment". Zonobia, "hm...then I won't keep you too long. Dealing with you when your baby-brain takes over is something I tire of quickly. How was the advanced settlement?".
Zoffa, "progress is steady and uninterrupted. Nothing abnormal to report". Zenobia, "good. Your slave welfare programme has done wonders for their motivation. Keep mining and trading. Our current situation means that without trade, my people won't have enough food. We've long surpassed what the seaward plane can grow by itself. Also, try to get another a Heat Tortoise from the Demons. I want to put one beside my throne, too".
Zoffa looks towards the source of heat in the room, allowing Zenobia to wear nothing but a thin robe in this snow-stricken country. The large tortoise is eating a piece of charcoal while heat naturally radiates from its shell, "understood. I'll informed the delegate". Zenobia listlessly props herself up to sit on the edge of the bed, crossing her legs slowly but elegantly, "now, tell me about your mission. How were the Dark Elves? Any hope of the Queen killing that bastardly old man for us? I wish he'd just suffocate to death on some slave's tits. A fitting death for that lecherous scum that had to gall to lust for my body like I was some lowly lesser bitch off the streets."
Zoffa shifts uncomfortably on the spot as Zenobia's face starts to contort with rage, here she goes again. I need stop here before she gets too far into her rant so I can get back to Calliope quicker, "The Dark Elves were overall just as they are rumoured to be. Each of its military personnel possessed far greater individual strength than we do. Even among the regular citizens, there are those who can casually lift heavy objects that would take a dozen Vampires to do". Zenobia stops Zoffa there with a casual wave of the hand, "enough. I can read your detailed report regarding your recognisance of the Dark Elves later. Right now, I simply want to know how the main purpose of your mission went".
Zoffa welcomes the need for only a short report, "understood. I was unfortunately unable to observe the training of their upper ranks, so all I have is information on the training of their regular troops and the tournament". Zenobia, "can't say I'm surprised. They knew you were there, so they were probably watching you closely. I'm surprised you were even able to observe their troops. But again, I'll read that in your written report. Just tell me about the Queen already. Does she have any hope of killing that bastard?".
Zoffa, "the Queen of the Dark Elves was a ferocious fighter. Her strength was leaps and bounds above their regular troops, ensuring a fatal hit to anyone that takes a hit from her. Speed would be the obvious way to counter her in close combat, but she was able to use a burst of speed that allows her the close the distance in a split second, making relying only on speed unreliable. Her decision making while in combat was also cool and collected despite how heated she was. I would recommend a well co-ordinated team of at least 10 Vampires to even stand a chance in close combat. However, ranged attacks would be ideal".
Zenobia, "hm...overwhelming power is simple, but effective. Combine that with a burst of speed and a cool head makes her a tough opponent for most people to handle. But...". Zoffa, "it's as you surmise. Our regular troops would likely struggle, but just one of our House matriarchs would likely be an even match".
Zenobia sighs as she falls back onto her bed, her robe completely dishevelled, "the humans are left relatively alone to be slave livestock. The Elves have the mountains as their natural fortress. I had expectations for the Dark Elves because they survived on just their strength, and I guess that's accurate, but her strength is not as scale tipping as I was hoping for. Sure, they'll be difficult to deal with as a whole because they're all collectively strong, but it's no wonder they don't leave their forest and go on the offensive. They can't close the gap created from not being able to use magic with strength alone".
Zoffa, "yes, it's as you say. I'm unsure of past Demon Kings, but the current Dark Elf Queen could only hope to be equals with a Commander". Zenobia sighs even louder than the last time as she rolls onto her front, "there goes my plan to have the bastard clash with someone and then take out the exhausted winner. She wouldn't be enough. I just need that bastard out of the way, but even I can't guarantee victory against him. I wouldn't lose, but winning is a different story...you haven't gotten lost in your own world yet. You're only like this when there's something important".
Zoffa sucks up to Zenobia, "as expected of my Lord. The Dark Elf Queen was indeed not as strong as you were hoping, but there was a competitor who bested the queen and won the tournament". Zenobia perks up a little as she turns her head to look at Zoffa, "oh...so you didn't fight the Queen directly then". Zoffa, "no, I was to go against him in the finals, but I felt that without using the signature trait of my House's shadow magic, I would have lost. But even with it...I'm not confident I could win, and that would have went against your orders". Zonobia perks up a little more, but still not rising from her position, "hm...to make you say that, they must be quite formidable".
Zoffa, "he was human, and horribly inexperienced. Despite that, his Unique was so overwhelming that it allowed him to triumph over the Queen with that alone". Zenobia, "hm...that's not all. There's something you know will get me interested". Zoffa, "his Unique is lighnting". Zenobia sits up at that unexpected piece of news, "well, that's surprising. Tell me everything".
Zoffa, "not only could he launch lighting bolts far distances, he can create swords made out of lightning. And his last attack...I didn't see it. I wasn't expecting it. I don't even know how he did it, but he destroyed the Queen's sword at a distance, yet not by launching a bolt at it. And I'm sure the Queen would have noticed an irregularity with her sword. I don't know how to express how surprised by it she was, how everyone was".
Zenobia, "so it's the birth of a new human hero, and one with the same power as the Demon King at that. This is unexpected...but very welcome. I had little hope of receiving great news from your mission, but you've outdone yourself this time Zoffa. I'll allow you three days uninterrupted vacation. I hope your mini-me is born within that time. Your excused while I'm in a good mood". Zoffa quickly excuses herself, careful to hide her eagerness to leave. Now alone, Zenobia enters a deep thought, "the question is, how to get them to clash so I can swoop in and finish off the winner. With them out of the picture, there's no one to stop me".