Feast of the Vernal Equinox - Blood Moon Contest (CLOSED) | Page 1 | Contests | Guild Forums

Lord Bloodthorne
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Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 10:02 am

This is where I will put the submissions for the Blood Moon contest. Please PM your submissions and do not add them yourself. I will assign each work a number and place them here for unbiased and fair voting. The authors will be revealed at the end of the event.

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 10:03 am

Entry 1

In the days when the worlds were still young, there was a beautiful realm of magical night. A sacred place abundant in clear waters, lush fields and majestic forests. In the midst of one such forest was a clearing where fragrant roses bloomed the color of the pale moonlight. As the years passed and the realm grew prosperous it was noticed that one rose never faded or withered like the others. This came to be known as the immortal rose, or Rosencroix. The vampiric race took a particular interest in this rose and built their kingdom around it. Rosencroix Kingdom became a place synonymous with beauty, elegance, and immortality. This lasted for several centuries until a strange and powerful ruler took the throne. Unlike the past kings and queens, he was cold and cruel. He ruled his kingdom with an iron fist, silencing any who dared oppose him. His name was Nicolae. Under Nicolae, a reign of terror swept the land. The cries of the dead rode on the wind and the waters ran red. Nothing could sate his thirst for blood or his lust for absolute power. Nearby villages were burned to the ground to increase his kingdom and the villagers forced to serve his every whim. His castle walls were built with their bodies, strengthened with their bones and blood. In the end, Nicolae still wasn't satisfied.
One evening he wandered through the castle pondering as to what more could give him power and satisfaction when he saw a pale figure in the castle's gardens. Intrigued, Nicolae approached closer. The figure was that of a beautiful woman cloaked in white, standing amongst the roses. Immediately, a strong thirst overwhelmed him as he watched her. Her beating heart resounded through his head and he could smell the fragrant blood that rushed through her veins. Resisting was futile. Instantly, he grabbed her and fed. The woman's blood flowed through him, but instead of renewing his power and satisfying his thirst, Nicolae began to grow weak. He let go and stumbled back, his eyes wide in confusion. The woman's white dress was soaked in her blood turning her whole countenance crimson. Slowly, her form vanished to reveal the immortal rose, Rosencroix dyed red. Nicolae had fed off the spirit of the immortal rose. Overhead the moon bled crimson until the entire surface was blood. It's cursed light shone down on the land causing it to wither and die and the waters to become blood. As he looked on, the immortal rose turned to stone. The land was cursed. The blood that Nicolae drank weakened him further until he withered away and turned to dust, but even this was not enough. The deed had been done and it was too late. Forever must the immortal rose be stone, and forever must the moon proclaim the tale in blood.

Lord Bloodthorne
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Lord Bloodthorne
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Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 6:30 pm

Entry 2

The start of night and ceaseless thirst,
The hunger for greed and love so cursed.
Lust filled intentions and starlit skies,
Tonight the bloody moon shall rise.

Cursed was she in the starlit sky,
All for one unthinkable lie.
A being so fair telling so many lies,
Tonight the bloody moon shall rise.

Mortal was she once before,
lusted quite like a lost Lenore.
Away she stayed from the skies,
Tonight the bloody moon shall rise.

So many lies for her to behold,
who knew that one could be so cold.
Look away from this maiden's eyes,
Tonight the bloody moon shall rise.

Sunlit days and moonless nights
No mortal should need to see those sights.
The lustful wishes of one unwise,
Tonight the bloody moon shall rise.

The moon, she had fallen from grace,
and away into a most sinful place.
Her brother bade her the sky's goodbyes,
Tonight the bloody moon shall rise.

Blood worked into stone and engraved,
One vain wish for the moon to be saved.
A sacrifice for one worthy of the moon's skies
Tonight the bloody moon shall rise.

Lifted away was the moon to the skies,
having faced almost complete demise.
Oh how the moon eternally cries,
for tonight the bloody moon shall rise.

The start of night and ceaseless thirst,
The hunger for greed and love so cursed.
Lust filled intentions and starlit skies,
Tonight the bloody moon shall rise...

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 3:55 pm

Entry 3

Gather round ye children fair,
A tale I shall unravel soon.
Do ye pause and look in awe,
At the light of our crimson moon?

It did not always seem this way,
The rays were once pure white.
Thus how did it come to pass,
That moonlight bleeds on night?

The legend comes from ages past,
Soon after night realm's birth.
When spilling blood of innocents,
Was way to prove thy worth.

Upon that great celestial sphere,
A dragon made his lair.
Breath laden with evil intent,
And poison in his stare.

The beast waged war cross the land,
Demanding souls of all.
Nothing could free our chains,
Forged by dragon's thrall.

Seasons past as hopes grew dim,
Death was our favored path.
When warrior rose to save us all,
From savage dragon's wrath.

He traveled far in heaven's reach,
To challenge dragon's reign.
Vowing loudly not to rest,
Till foul creature he had slain.

The battle waged long and hard,
Combatants moved with grace.
As we watched their shadows war,
Projected on moon's face.

Exhaustion at the dragon's claws,
Sent warrior to his knees.
He knew that soon his life would end,
As blood gushed out with ease.

Dragon roared in triumph,
Victory was his to take.
Yet rearing back in haughty glee,
Proved his one mistake.

Warrior drew his final breath,
And ran the dragon through.
And from the creature's fanged jaws,
A fount of blood did spew.

The lives of each opponent mixed,
Spreading like a flood.
Soon our fair and snowy moon,
Was bathed red in their blood.

It remains yet to this day,
Telling of the great fight.
So my children, you now know,
Why the moon still bleeds this night.

Lord Bloodthorne
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Lord Bloodthorne
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Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 5:29 am

Entry 4

In the Dead Forest, I was lead by the young girl through the brush. Only a few hours into the festivities, I found someone that demanded all of my attention. The burning desire in my heart to be with this girl consumed his thoughts. When we settled at the base of the tree, I could only keep her close by my side with a wing around her body and pulling her close to my chest.

“Look at the moon, Dark.” The girl pointed up to the moon. I could see the scarlet red disappearing from its surface. “It’s growing white. The moon is becoming white as your wings.”

I smirked, “You really like my wings, don’t you?”

She stopped her excitement and looked back up at me, “They are pure. As pure as the moon that is becoming white. Everyone’s purity is being reflected right now.”

I was confused. Purity? All around me I could see death and decay. How could anyone be pure here? If anything right now the moon reflected hate and lust. Two main emotions humans and creatures expressed equally.

“I mean, when the moon is red, I believe people are crying and are in pain. They use that pain to commit heinous acts of death, destructions and heartache. People stain their hearts in blood when they use their pain to hurt others. In turn, the moon itself reflects peoples’ bloodstained hearts.” She explained while turning to lean on my wing. I held her up so that she could see the moon properly, without the obstruction of the decaying trees.

“Let me get this straight then. It sounds like you’re saying the moon itself is a heart stained with people’s sins and wrongdoings.” I turned to her. The idea was not unheard of in heavens. Some angels laughed at the sins of the world and how people were so ignorant on how sin could effect the world. It ticked me off that they would think so high of themselves. I thought those angels deserved to fall just as much as I have.

Faith smiled back at me, “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying!” She continued to beam at me. “Thank you. You’ve made things so much clearer.”

“Rose, if that were true when did people become so pure?” I asked her.

Faith looked up at the moon again, “When they finally set aside their differences and decided to forgive each other.” Her own smile was pure as the moon. I don’t know what she had done in the past, but it seemed now she had forgiven her own demons.

I thought about her words. If that was true, then my heart was becoming pure also. I had forgiven the person who had made me a fallen angel. Perhaps she already knew that I was pure the moment she saw my wings. I should be able to return to my rightful place in heaven. The problem is, though, I’m not suppose to fall in love. I’ll be stuck on earth a lot longer, but at least I know that I will have the person who has given me a light in my heart more than the heavens itself.

“Faith, I think you are right.” I smiled, but when she rose, shivering in fear, I knew whatever peace was once hear was about to disappear.

“Dark, don’t leave me.” She whispered. I looked up at the moon again. It was beginning to turn red again. Someone was about the stain the moon with his or her own sins.

Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2011 5:09 am

Entry 5

The Morning of the Moon

It was a cold night. I had my shawl wrapped around my shoulders and Vincent even gave me his coat to wear, but still I shivered, looking over the town in the pale moonlight.
He had begged me to come out here, even though it was hardly necessary. I would of come no matter what the circumstances. He moved closer to me and wrapped his arm around my waist. His hand went to my chin and raised it so that his eyes could look into mine. I couldn't bare this. Everything else, but not this. I let my eyes drift to the side so I couldn't see the pain in his.
“Why do you not look at me, petal?” I could see the corner of his mouth bend down in a frown and I sighed. “You know why, Vincent. I shouldn't even be here. I leave through the tunnels at first light. We must say goodbye now.” My voice was unsteady. I hated this.
Vincent moved his hand from my chin and caressed my cheek lovingly. “My dear, it is not first light yet. The night is young and the moon is full and bright.” Then he shifted, facing me fully. “I will not let that pompous b*****d have you.” I was torn between giggling and utter shock. The look on his face was deadly serious which could only mean he was planning to do something completely impossible.
“Vincent..” I said his name in a tone that he knew all to well.
His hands rested on my shoulders and for a moment I thought he might shake me, but instead he grinned, his eyes almost looked crazed. “I'll steal the sun for you.” He said simply. My jaw dropped and then I giggled. I couldn't help it. Vincent merely watched me with a smile on his face. It was a couple of minutes before I realized that he wasn't joking. “Vincent, you can't steal the sun. That is impossi~” I stopped myself as his grin grew even more wide. “Impossible is just an excuse for the sane, dear petal.” I knew that was coming. That's what he always said before doing something ridiculous.
“The repercussions of such an act...Vincent do not attempt to do this.” My voice was steady now. The voice of a future queen. Vincent stood and looked over the town below. He reached for my hand and I gave it to him. He pulled me up next to him and pointed out across the valley below us. “Tell me what you see, love.” I frowned at him. He wasn't listening at all. I opened my mouth to object once more and he held a hand up to silence me. “Please tell me what you see.” I sighed and followed his gaze out across the sleeping city.
“I see peace. I see contentment. Happiness even.” I told him. He nodded. “People are at peace when they sleep. Tucked in by the darkness. This is what I give to you. Eternal night. Eternal happiness.” His reasoning was ludicrous as always. I opened my mouth to object, but his lips claimed mine. My eyes closed as his arms wrapped around me. The kiss was warm. Hungry. Longing. Tears ran down my cheeks. I knew that despite his heartfelt gesture, this would be the last time we saw each other.
He broke the kiss. I didn't dare open my eyes. I felt his hand brush away the tears on my cheeks. “I will rip the sun from the skies, my love. I will be with you. Don't worry. Don't fret. Wait for me..” He kissed my forehead and my eyes jerked open.
He was gone. I stood on the hilltop and held his coat close to me while I cried.
**********

The commotion out side of my chambers woke me. Hurried feet and raised voices. I quickly got up from my bed and threw on my robe. The floor was cold under my feet, but I ignored it and crossed the room. I opened my door and almost walked straight out in front of a maid. The young girl stopped abruptly, almost spilling the contents of the various potion vials she was carrying.
The maid curtsied, “Pardon me, my lady.” Her eyes were fixed down to the floor. I smiled. “Please look at me and tell me what all the commotion is about.” The young girl looked up and visibly relaxed when she saw the smile on my face. “The scientists have called on the help of almost all the servants, my lady. They've had us running back and forth getting things all morning.” The girl spoke a bit annoyed.
“Why do they have you running about? Who gave them permission to keep you from your normal duties?” My voice was a bit irritated at the rude awakening. The maid looked confused. “Your father did. My lady, it is already noon and the sun has not risen.” The look on my face must have told the girl something. She walked into my room and opened the curtains.
My heart almost stopped. It was dark as night outside. The moon shown like a pale goddess in the sky. The girl went around and lit the candles in my room. She was almost finished when another maid walked in. She was an older woman. She spoke with a certain air of authority. “Elda, please go on about your other tasks. I will see to the princess.” The younger maid bowed and quickly gathered up her vials and left the room.
“My lady, the King wishes to see you.” I nodded a bit dazed by the events.
“Please help me dress, Maggie.” I ask and the older woman bowed.
*******

My father sat in his throne a wine glass filled with blood in one hand. I knelt before him. “My dear daughter, tell me what you think of this strange occurrence.” He spoke with a certain tone that made me feel as if I were in trouble.
“I'm not sure what to make of it, father. Perhaps one of the witch clans that we feud with has~”
“A witch? No no, I believe we are dealing with a thief.” I bit my lip.
“A thief? Father, no one can steal the sun, it's imposs~”
His grip tightened, shattering the glass and spilling the contents all over the marble. “Do not lie to me, child! I know you were with him last night! I can Smell him on you!” His voice boomed throughout the room and I flinched. He stood and walked over to me. “Get up girl.” He ordered and I obeyed. “You will make that filthy creature put the sun back. Do you understand?” His voice was dripping with hatred, his fangs were unsheathed. A threat.
I took a step back from him. I don't know what came over me. I have never so much as raised my voice to my father before, but now he not only threated me, but also the man I loved. “No..” I mumbled. My voice trembling. I willed myself to look at him. I stood tall, my fist clenched at my sides and I glared at him. “No! I will not.” His face broke into complete shock. Then utter rage.
His arm moved so fast. Just a flicker of a movement and his fingers were around my throat. “Do not try my patience, daughter. You are just as replaceable as anyone else in this room.” He spat at me. My hands were on his wrist, my nails digging in. He lifted me up so that my feet dangled above the ground. Then he threw me across the room and I slammed hard against the marble wall.
I laid on the floor, the taste of blood in my mouth. I could hear his shoes click as he walked closer to me. His fingers grabbed at my hair and pulled me up. I felt the tip of his nail pressed hard against my throat. “Now, what is your answer?”
I swallowed my fear and dared to look into the eyes of the man I called father. “I will not denounce him. I will not follow in your footsteps. I love him. I will be with no other and I will never make him give back the sun.” My father growled and held me up against the wall. “Foolish girl..” He raised his hand, intent on driving it through my chest and ripping out my heart.
“Let her go!” I didn't need to look up to know who shouted the words. The way my stomach flipped told me it was Vincent. I tried to cry out to him but my father's fingers found my throat, squeezing it to silence me.
“Well well, if it isn't the b*****d thief himself. Come for a trade have you?”
Vincent grinned, “Trade? No. I'm here to take back my petal. You'll let her go now or you'll never see the sun rise in this world again.” I never heard such venom in his voice before. Even father looked surprised.
“You Dare threaten me, boy?” His fingers tightened and I let out a small cry. “Guards!” My father's voice rang out and I could hear the rushed footsteps clicking on the floor. “Now, boy. Will you give me the sun, or should I just kill you and~”
Vincent was fast. In one second I was pinned to the wall by my father's grip and in the next my father was across the room and Vincent's arms held me. I looked up into his deep green eyes, “Shall we die together, my love?” I asked feebly. He grinned big and wide.
“I shall steal death from you, my petal. Close your eyes.”
“What now, thief? Do you really think you can escape here? You will die along with my failure of a daughter.”
I looked up a bit worried as the skin on Vincent's back split open to release his dark wings. He put one wing over me. Sheltering me from what was to come. I closed my eyes and listened to his voice rumble in his chest. “False King, You have sat upon this throne too long. You have forgotten the darkness from which you came. Allow me to remind you.” The light was so bright. I could feel the sun's warmth seeping through his wing and my skin sizzled. The men in the hall were screaming. I could almost see them burning beneath the brilliance of the sun.
Then, just as soon as the light came, it was gone. The world was dark once more. Vincent lifted his wing off of me and put me down. The room was blackened. Charred from the light. There was nothing left of the guards except for ashes and a horrible stench of seared flesh.
I looked to Vincent. His skin was smoking, but he look unharmed. He took my hand and started to lead me out of the hall when a voice cut through the silence. “W..what have you done?” As soon as the words escaped the king's lips a breeze blew through the throne room. It stirred up the ashes on the floor, blowing them out the windows. Soon my father was among those ashes.
As I watched his body crack into dust the sky began to change. Instead of the pale light shinning into the dark room, it was pinkish. I moved to get a better look outside and I gasped. The moon was turning red.
Vincent came to my side, “He weeps for his lost love.” His arms hugged me from behind and we watched the morning of the moon.