*Eldovian Era 1714, 1st day of the 12th month*

They came from every known corner of the world. Ships from Empires, Kingdoms, Republics and Merchant Fleets, all clamouring for a spot in the harbours of Rouke Island. Still, even with the hundreds upon thousands of ships that had come over the past several weeks, none had stood out more, nor drawn more attention than those with the deep red sails and the Moonshadow Crescent.

It had been a year now since Moonshadow’s expansion to Eldovia, and of course their introduction of the new range of charms.

The Communication Charms especially had unlocked a new era, with ‘relay houses’ popping up all over the world that were set up specifically for those in possession of the charms to relay messages across vast distances. It had meant an incomprehensible shift in power. It was clear to any who could see it that whomever possessed a Moonshadow Charm wielded more power than their opponents.

Of course, rumour had it that Moonshadow always kept the best for themselves. The rumour was not unfounded.

There were some things, Ishta thought to himself, that Moonshadow had been able to do that would have been impossible before the introduction of their charms. Well, that and their none-too-ordinary founder. Setting up five new locations and a production house in under a year was one thing, but having a head known for frequenting all of them. One had to question whether or not he had a charm that could not just transfer his voice, but his body as well. Ishta was only partially convinced. He’d had a taste of Rassa Moonshadow’s presence before, and Ishta couldn’t help but think that the man was capable of making those trips in a night that should have taken a month without the aid of one of his miraculous charms.

Ishta stood from his desk, stretching his arms up and to the side. Much preparation had gone into preparing for this Trader’s Festival. The Gold Token had been his for four years now, he was ready to make it six. He smiled out at Port Cresh, assured of his victory despite it only being the first day of the festival. Moonshadow may have been renowned and formidable, but they were still an infant. One continent was nothing compared to Ishta’s Golden Sands Trading Empire.

“You seem deeply contemplative, Ishta”.

Ishta froze in surprise. He had not even heard the other man arrive. He turned his head ever so slightly to see the head of Moonshadow himself running his fingers across the bookshelf to the side.

“This is the second time that you’ve come into my office uninvited,” Ishta grumbled.

Rassa gave a small smirk of amusement as he turned back to Ishta, “Relax, I’m not here to threaten or coerce. If anything, it’s just to offer my greetings”.

“We’re businessman, Mr Moonshadow,” Ishta replied, “Even greetings have a purpose”.

Rassa chuckled as he walked over to Ishta, turning to glance out the window, “Then, formalities aside, how willing are you to talk about the deal we discussed a year ago?”

Ishta raised an eyebrow, “Expanding too quickly will have devastating consequences for new companies”.

“Are you giving me advice?” asked Rassa.

“Just an observation from experience,” replied Ishta.

Rassa nodded in acknowledgement, “I don’t share your concerns. I believe Moonshadow has already proven itself to be beyond the norm, no?”

“You’ll have to forgive me then,” Ishta replied as he sat down in his seat, “For I’ve become far more cautious since…well, our last meeting”.

Rassa stared at Ishta a long moment, a half-smile on his face that looked every bit a King looking down on an ignorant Peasant. For once, Ishta didn’t feel offended. He knew instinctively that Rassa was not wearing a façade. But the same could not be said for his company.

“Then, should I provide the proof you seek?” asked Rassa.

“Then, I would be open to discussions,” said Ishta.

Rassa smiled, stepping around the desk towards the window, “Then I’ll be sure to return with proof”.

A slight breeze blew in and the hulking shadow that had seemed to cover the room disappeared. Ishta released a long breath. He had never felt as weighed down by another’s presence as he did when he was with Rassa Moonshadow. A sinking reality began to settle over his head like a storm cloud. Ishta may be able to keep his Golden Token for now, but it was only a matter of time before Rassa Moonshadow took his place. Ishta no longer felt like the King of Trade. He felt like a puppet sitting on a throne in the place of the Shadow King behind the curtain.

***

In Rouke’s Southern Port of Leis, on the famed Charm Street, on the second floor of the building that had started it all, a single room emitted a low light even after all the staff had been dismissed for the day.

Within the room, sat on one of the eight chairs surrounding the massive crystal in the centre, was the Lady of the Ruin herself, Iah Moonshadow.

Her olive toned skin was clear and without blemish, her honey coloured eyes tinged with just the slightest hint of red. Her brown locks pulled up into an elegant bun on top of her head. She wore an elegant blue dress that was also a fashion statement started by Moonshadow. The elegant dress that rather than flare out, fell straight down to the ankles, slits on either side of the skirt up to the mid-thigh allowing for easier movement. Her neck and ears were adorned with matching jewellery, small sapphires that spoke of her wealth and status.

Those that appeared in the other seats around the table appeared just as wealthy despite the fact that they were but images. Their likenesses transferred hundreds of kilometres so that they could converse on this special night. The fourth anniversary of Moonshadow’s Founding.

Mathius Silvermoon, the head of the Barday branch, sat on Iah’s left. To be deceived by his elderly look was the downfall of many a customer. Mathius had proven a ruthless businessman, a quality often needed in a central location such as Barday.

Beside him was Neva Goldmen, the ex-slave from the south whom had proven herself a worthy leader of the Circle Quay branch of Moonshadow. Her dark skin had been an oddity amongst a population that was largely pale, but she had never let it impact on her business dealings. She’d taken the same last name as her past mistress, Elsbeth Goldmen, the head of the Varkevia branch who sat three seats from her.

Between them were also ex-slaves from the south, Logan Lythal, a overbearingly large man who’d taken the name of his birth village as his surname, and Josephine James, who’d taken the name of her late brother who’d died in the Warrior’s Arena.

Following Elsbeth, with her always regal and mature bearing, was Ebony Moonshadow, Iah’s sister for all intents and purposes, with her golden hair and green eyes. For a while, Iah had been at odds with her thanks to Ebony’s unplanned turning of Mathius who had always been a dear friend to Iah. But once Iah had been turned herself following the beginning of the new year, she’d found it impossible to keep up the grudge. She had come to understand impassively just how much of a burden the hunger could be, and had even struggled with it herself. Ebony had helped her, just as she had helped Mathius, and they had grown closer in their roles. Iah as head of the Rouke Island branch, and Ebony as Rassa’s second and head of the Moonshadow Base at Shigeni Mountain.

The chair between them, which Rassa was supposed to be occupying, remained empty. Iah glared at it with the same annoyance as Ebony before she leaned forward to address the others.

“I believe our esteemed leader would offer congratulations and of course a heartfelt thanks for our work,” stated Iah.

Ebony pursed her lips, “He left late last night, he should be there by now, Iah”.

“Oh, both of you stop it,” Elsbeth sighed, “We all know what he’s like, flitting from here to there. He’s barely taken a breath the past year thanks to the Expansion, and now he’s to spend two weeks in the one spot for the Trader’s Festival”.

“Aye, he’s likely out keeping himself occupied,” Mathius agreed, “Something that is well-earned”.

Iah and Ebony both looked at each other before they calmed, “Very well, Ebony, Mathius, your rooms are prepared for your arrival in a few days. Hopefully by then our fearless leader will have deigns to show up for the festivities”.

“You three remember to stop and enjoy yourself to,” Elsbeth smiled warmly, as she looked at the three Vampires in turn, “The Moonshadow Empire will not be worth building if you do not enjoy it”.

Iah returned the smile, “Thank you for the reminder, Elsbeth. And all of you, take a break for this anniversary. Enjoy yourselves”.

A chorus of agreement rose up as Iah leaned forward and touched the Communication charm, it’s glow, and the images in the seats surrounding it vanishing until the room was dark once more. Iah sighed, pushing back her chair and standing as she turned to walk out. Only to pause at the figure in the doorway who watched her with a warm smile.

His crimson gaze and dark hair all too familiar to her. Unlike the rest of them, Rassa Moonshadow could be mistaken for a commoner with the way he dressed. His only adornment the moonstone cuff that had been given to him by a business partner and childhood friend, Falla Startree.

Iah froze for a moment as she took him in.

“Did you miss me?” asked Rassa with a smug smirk.

Iah’s gaze turned to a glare, “You could at least have the decency to show up on time for these meetings”. Iah shoved passed him and out into the hall, “Really, I don’t know why you organise them if you’re just going to miss them anyway”.

“Have you ever seen the Moon from the top of the Volcano?” asked Rassa as he followed her, “It was very pretty”.

Iah paused, huffing a laugh as she looked over her shoulder at Rassa, “For a man who leads such a world-renowned and integral business chain, you’re incredibly…”

“Charming?” Rassa suggested.

“Free-spirited,” Iah rolled her eyes.

“That wouldn’t be so bad if you didn’t say it like it was an insult,” Rassa sighed.

“I’m just saying,” Iah replied, “Maybe you should try and take your business meetings more seriously. Seeing as it is your business”.

Rassa sighed as they entered Iah’s office, plopping down on one of the couches, “But what’s the point of running this business for eternity? It will get incredibly boring. Surely, I can just push it in the direction I want and let everyone else take care of the details”.

“And if those details are handled in a way they shouldn’t be?” asked Iah.

Rassa huffed haughtily, his eyes flashing red, “As if any of them would dare”.

Iah sat down on the couch opposite him, “You say that…but it has been quite some time since you last had to threaten anyone. They follow you now because you took those measures before, but with how you act now, people could take that as you loosening the leash so to speak”.

“So, you’re saying I should threaten a few people to remind them to keep in line?” asked Rassa.

Iah sighed, “No…I’m saying you should take your job more seriously so they do as well”.

Rassa leaned back, “It sounds like too much hard work”.

Iah rolled her eyes, as she stood, whispering under her breath, “Lazy Blood Blister”.

“What was that?” Rassa chuckled.

“Yes, O Fearless Leader. Whatever you say, goes,” Iah replied.

Rassa chuckled once more before he looked out at the dark sky, “Up for a hunt?”

“I ate earlier,” Iah replied.

Rassa’s smile faded, “Oh. I guess I’ll just go on my own then”.

Iah gave a small smile, “I left a gift for you in your Pent House. Pretty bows and all”.

Rassa sat up quickly as he looked at Iah in surprise, “Seriously?”

Iah shrugged, “Think of it as an anniversary gift…and as motivation to take this Festival seriously”.

Rassa relaxed somewhat, a smile on his face as he stood and approached Iah, leaning forward to give her a brotherly kiss on the temple, “You didn’t have to”.

“I know. Call it a whim. Ebony thought you were a little down lately so she suggested it,” Iah replied.

Rassa turned to look away, “I can’t sneak anything past you girls”.

Iah tilted her head to the side in curiosity, “Are you okay?”

Rassa gave a small smile, “I’ll be fine. Always am. Thanks for the gift”.

Then Rassa vanished without providing a further answer. Iah’s eyes narrowed. Over the past year, she’d come to realise there were two sides to Rassa Moonshadow. There was the side who wanted something and would work to achieve it as quickly and efficiently as possible with an air about him that was dark and dominant. Then there was the side of him that at first seemed content, only for him to miss appointments and disappear without a word for sometimes weeks on end before he’d reappear. It was that side that worried her and Ebony. The side that seemed to be shrouded in a loneliness that they barely had a chance to help with.

After discussing it at length, Ebony and Iah had come to the conclusion that Rassa was missing somebody. By their guess, it was most likely Aegin Bloodthorn.

***

*Eldovian Era 1714, 2nd day of the 12th month*

Rassa woke late the next morning with three sets of lips caressing various parts of his naked body. He was not in the least bit inclined to stop them. The young women had been more than generous the night before, and having the three of them meant that they barely missed the blood he’d taken from them. Of course, he’d erased that part of their encounter.

Rassa had been positive that they’d been hired at first, but he’d been mistaken. He had no idea what Iah and Ebony had said or did to convince these women to offer themselves up for no-strings-attached sex when giving up their maidenhood, but that was exactly what had happened. Still, he appreciated the distraction – and of course the pleasurable free meal.

Another two hours later, and Rassa allured them to wash up and dress before they left. Their ‘bows’ lay strewn across his bedroom, and Rassa took a moment to appreciate the beautiful chaos of it all before he instructed his shadows to clean up. He stepped towards his wardrobe, raising his voice slightly as he did.

“Sel!”

The Eunuch dropped down from the roof onto the balcony attached to Rassa’s bedroom.

“Master?” Sel asked.

Rassa raised an eyebrow at the Eunuch, “How did Iah get them to cooperate?”

Sel gave a rare smirk, “I believe it was they who approached her, Master. Rumours of the handsome but mysterious head of Moonshadow are quite abundant these days”.

Rassa huffed a laugh, “Though both are true, I would appreciate a warning next time, which I hope there will not be”.

Sel raised an eyebrow, “You sounded happy enough to me, Master”.

Rassa raised an eyebrow back, “And you would know”.

Sel rolled his eyes at the Eunuch joke, “I’m just saying, Master-”

“I know,” said Rassa as he picked out his clothes and moved to walk to the bathroom, “But Eternity is an awfully long time to become stuck in a routine”.

Sel bowed his head, “Now that, I certainly wouldn’t know, Master”.

Rassa gave a small smile, looking over his shoulder, “Anything to report?”

“Ishta Alamone sailed into Port Cresh this morning. Apparently he was delayed by Pirates on the trip from the South,” stated Sel.

Rassa chuckled, “Very well, thank you Sel. Inform Iah I’ll be at the Moonshadow Dinner tonight. It should appease her for now considering both she and Ebony would have my head if I didn’t go”.

“Yes, Master,” Sel stated before he turned and leapt over the balcony rail.

Rassa sighed. Sel had proven himself loyal and trustworthy over the past year. He’d taken to staying outside Rassa’s room when he was on Rouke Island. Layton, the youthful ass, had taken up residence with the Crafters at the base. He’d taken an interest when Rassa had suggested to Kei that there could be a method to combine the Evanine with the metal of weaponry if they could get a furnace burning hot enough. A job now made easier with the handful of Fire Magicians now in employ at the Moonshadow Base as Charm Craftsman.

The Recruitment had been another thing that had gone surprisingly easily. Magicians had flocked to join Moonshadow. Far more than he had expected, and had been none-too-surprised nor unhappy to find that the requirement for employment at Moonshadow involved breaking from the Guilds. Some had been unhappy at the prospect of the blood contract though. It had been almost amusing to see how many had backed out of the deal upon realising what the blood contract would do. There were one or two that had tried to test it or find a way around it. The blood within them had warmed painfully as a reminder of how bad of an idea that was, and Rassa had visited them soon after.

The Blood Contract had been a good choice. His Crafters were guaranteed to never reveal his method, even after their term of service ended. Their terms were anywhere between two and ten years, whichever they had felt comfortable with. Upon hearing the other terms of the contract, most had chosen longer ones.

Dressed in a simple white cotton shirt and black breeches with a leather jacket, Rassa pulled on his boots, flipped his hood up and descended from this apartment and out onto the street, electing to walk in the afternoon sun towards the Ruin.

The streets were busy here, and dressed so simply, the only thing that made people take a second glance at him was his deep hood that shielded his face. Charm Street was just as busy as ever. The foot traffic seeming to congest around the Charm Shop itself. Rassa stepped into the shadows of a nearby café, watching for a moment as customers came and went before he stepped into an alley and climbed easily up onto the roof of one of the buildings. He stepped over onto the roof of the Ruin, then slipped down onto the balcony of Iah’s office.

Iah’s voice echoed from within, “Good afternoon, I trust you were well looked after”.

Rassa sighed, leaning against the door as the sea breeze came up from the port, “Whilst I appreciate the sentiment behind it, and the easy meal, please don’t do it again”.

Iah stood, moving across her office to stand by him, “I apologise, but we have all sensed that something is wrong, Ebony and I only wished to do something to fix it”.

Rassa turned to looked at Iah, stepping forward to put a gentle hand on her cheek as he looked at her.

“It is not your job to fix it,” Rassa replied, “Though I do apologise for my lack of involvement over the past few months. I found myself pushing for a world that does not understand the power and advancements I can give it. There is so much I desire to achieve, yet pushing too far, too fast…I fear that will only end in disaster”.

Rassa dropped his hand, and stepped inside Iah’s office.

“Will it help if you speak of it?” asked Iah, “You say you have plans, yet you rarely endeavour to share them with any of us until you see fit to implement them”.

Rassa sighed, “You are too young”.

Iah frowned, “I am older than you”.

Rassa chuckled, “In years lived, perhaps, but that is not what I am talking about. You may have gained immortality a year ago, but with it comes the cost, and you must learn to accept it and be it’s master before I can diverge more burdens upon you. Or any of the others for that matter”.

“I think we have accepted it,” Iah replied, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Not in its entirety,” Rassa replied, “You’ll know when you’re ready”.

Iah huffed, “Alright, enough with the cryptic answers about your future plans. We know there is something more to it anyway…you miss Aegin, don’t you?”

Rassa turned to look over his shoulder at Iah with a sad smile, “Of course I do. But he made his choice. Just as he will have to make the choice to return on his own”.

“Then you haven’t been searching for him? That time when you were gone?” asked Iah with a frown.

Rassa shook his head, “No”.

“Then where have you been?” asked Iah.

Rassa shrugged, “Everywhere and nowhere”.

Iah sighed, “Fine, stick with the cryptic answers routine, we’ll talk about business instead. What are our plans after the festival?”

Rassa sunk onto one of the couches as Iah stepped over to join him, “Our Eldovian stores seem to be going well”.

“Profit hasn’t slowed since opening,” said Iah, “If anything it increases the longer we are open and the more uses for the charms that are discovered”.

Rassa nodded, “Then perhaps we will hold off on more new products for now. What of the staff?”

“Including the Base at Shigeni, we have a workforce of just over a thousand, including those we employ for transport,” Iah stated.

“And they are loyal?” asked Rassa.

“Well those at Shigeni most definitely, nobody enters there without having signed a blood contract. Even the Transporters are only allowed in the outer courtyard,” Iah replied, “As for the rest of the staff, I would say about 80% are loyal, the remining 20% are either new or have questionable behaviours that we have taken note of”.

Rassa nodded, it was understandable to have spies amongst his staff. But as Iah had mentioned, none were allowed into Shigeni without having signed a Blood Contract.

“Then, how long would it take to triple the workforce?” asked Rassa.

Iah’s gaze snapped up, “T...Triple?”

Rassa nodded, “The south is comparatively larger”.

Iah’s eyes widened, “You want to expand to the southern continent?”

Rassa shrugged, “It certainly seems like there is a demand there. I saw six southern merchants make large purchases just within the last few hours”.

Iah nodded, “I cannot deny that. Interest from foreign parties has increased since our expansion. I often get inquiries as to our plans to expand South”.

“Being located in a Key Trade Port between the continents you would,” stated Rassa.

“Still, I thought we discussed with Falla that there would be a supply problem if her Mine was to support the southern continent as well,” Iah supplied.

“Yes, that was why I was going to make alternative arrangements,” said Rassa, “I started on that a while ago, now it seems I should enquire whether or not the leading party is still interested”.

Iah’s eyes narrowed, “The leading party? You mean the one with the biggest supply of Evanine on the Southern Continent? Is that not Ishta Alamone?”

Rassa gave a small smile, “He arrived in Port Cresh ahead of his flagship last night”.

Iah frowned, “You can’t be serious? You’re going to attempt to make a deal with Ishta Alamone?”

Rassa put a finger to his lips, “The deal was proposed when I first came back Iah, he had favourable thoughts of it then. I can’t imagine, with all the success Moonshadow has had, that he would be any less sincere now. If anything, I may be able to demand more”.

“But he-”

“Is an asshole?” asked Rassa, “Yes, you’ll find most businessmen are in one way or another. The key is knowing how to control them. Ishta bows to profits. You, out of everyone, should be the last to deny how much profit Moonshadow can make”.

Iah sighed, conflicted.

Rassa nodded, “You concentrate on the workforce. I’ll handle Ishta and our source of Evanine in the South”.

“It’ll take at least half a year to train them all, not to mention that we’ll need to expand the fleet,” Iah replied.

Rassa stood and headed back towards the window, “I’m sure Talo will be thrilled”.

Iah stood quickly, “Don’t forget the dinner this evening!”

“Yes, yes, I’ll be there,” Rassa waved her off then jumped back up onto the roof.

Iah huffed, “It’s like talking to a wizened old tree. One minute they’re giving you all the wisdom of the world, the next they’re so caught up in the spring breeze you can’t capture their attention to save a life”.