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"200", "submission_right_thumb_medium_x": "120", "submission_right_thumb_medium_y": "120" } ], "description": "On April 2nd, I celebrated my 3 year anniversary of starting my Substar. This was the first of two parts shared in celebration of that. Something I've had in the works for a bit. The start of a new series, a gathering of many of my immortal or exceedingly long-lived characters. Several familiar faces are in this first gathering, and a few new ones that will be expanded upon in later parts. Later gatherings will have even more.\n\nThis is just the first part, setting up the scene and establishing everyone who is here at this first event. Why is this what I did for my celebration? Well, you'll have to read this and the next part to find out.\n\nCameos:\nIaisa / Phantom Stripe, owned by [fa]jafferroshak[/fa]\n\n- - - - -\n\nA massive thank you to my top tier subscribers:\nSedyna | [fa]jafferroshak[/fa] | RoleplayCentral | [fa]akinkyyfox[/fa] | [iconname]Karmandel[/iconname]\n\nIf you would like early access to my stories, weekly previews and updates, access to my private discord, chance to have your character become part of the lore, and other bonus content, please consider subscribing to my [url=https://subscribestar.adult/xp_author]SubscribeStar[/url]", "description_bbcode_parsed": "On April 2nd, I celebrated my 3 year anniversary of starting my Substar. This was the first of two parts shared in celebration of that. Something I've had in the works for a bit. The start of a new series, a gathering of many of my immortal or exceedingly long-lived characters. Several familiar faces are in this first gathering, and a few new ones that will be expanded upon in later parts. Later gatherings will have even more.

This is just the first part, setting up the scene and establishing everyone who is here at this first event. Why is this what I did for my celebration? Well, you'll have to read this and the next part to find out.

Cameos:
Iaisa / Phantom Stripe, owned by \n\t\t\t\t\tjafferroshak

- - - - -

A massive thank you to my top tier subscribers:
Sedyna | \n\t\t\t\t\tjafferroshak | RoleplayCentral | \n\t\t\t\t\takinkyyfox | \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKarmandel\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t		\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKarmandel\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t


If you would like early access to my stories, weekly previews and updates, access to my private discord, chance to have your character become part of the lore, and other bonus content, please consider subscribing to my SubscribeStar", "writing": "[center][b][u]The Gathering of Immortals[/u][/b][/center]\n[center][b]The First Gathering[/b][/center]\n[center]By XP Author[/center]\n\nThe room was spacious, with comfortable blue carpeting and rich wood-paneled walls. A long table sat against one wall, lined with food, most of it bit-sized. A few of the resort's staff, all dressed in the same uniform of black slacks, a white shirt with a red vest, were just setting out the last of the food, arranging it to be easily accessed while looking presentable. At the center was a large, round table with a number of comfortable seats, more chairs sitting against a wall, should more need to be moved to the table. The table was covered in a white tablecloth, draped a few inches off the edge, with a lovely but not overly ornate centerpiece of flowers at the center.\n\nStanding at the door was a slender mink, appearing in his mid 50's, his fur pure white, his black hair trimmed short and styled neatly. He wore a simple black suit, tailored to fit him perfectly, an off-white shirt to stand out from his fur, and a black tie. All of it was subtle and simple, but the outfit cost more than most people made in a month. And he owned dozens of such outfits. He had no issue spending such money on something as simple as clothing. After all, Vance Rannek was the single richest person in the world, and this was his private island, Sanctus Isle, home to a resort for only the wealthiest and most connected people... and sometimes his personal friends.\n\nToday, he was hosting a very special little gathering. A group of individuals that all shared one unique trait: They were all immortal, or at the very least, impossibly long-lived. This was the first such meeting of its kind, though there was no goal to be achieved, just a way for these people to know one another better. After all, the number of such people within the world was but a few, and only others of such long life could truly understand one another. Though if such meetings led to large changes within the world, what better place could there be than on Sanctus? Vance himself had shaped the world in many ways, his biggest endeavor in recent decades being his acquisition and rebranding of the D-Gen forums, turning them from a generic shock site into the darkweb's foremost hub for all things debaucherous.\n\nHe glanced at the path leading from the resort suites to the conference hall when he saw movement. A smile crossed his lips as he saw the woman approaching, unsurprised she would be the first to come. She also gave him a big smile, as the two were old friends. He reached a hand out as she got close. \"It is good to see you again, Iaisa.\"\n\nThe white tigress nodded. \"Always good to see you, my friend.\" She was dressed in a surprisingly elegant evening dress of black satin that hugged her curvaceous figure to the hips, where it split at the left side to flow about her legs. Her white hair was styled equally elegantly, leaving it loose and wavy as it spilled down her back like a waterfall of milk. A far cry from the wild mane it normally was atop her head. Her crimson eyes still stood out starkly against her otherwise snowy complexion.\n\nVance motioned for her to enter, which she did. \"Go right ahead and come in. I'm sure the others will be joining us soon. Feel free to grab yourself some food in the meantime. And if there is anything specific you would like to drink, do not hesitate to ask the staff.\"\n\nShe smirked, chuckling softly as she stepped past him. \"Oh, I know just how extensive your wine cellar is. I might just have to ask for something fancy. As long as I won't have to worry about the bill before I leave.\"\n\nThe mink returned her smile. \"Please, what do you take me for? An American CEO? It would be quite uncouth of me to charge the guests I invited. No, all expenses for this little gathering are being covered by myself for the duration of your stay.\"\n\n\"Well that's good to hear.\" He turned as another woman spoke from just outside of the room. He smiled as he saw a short, slender doe standing before him. \"I'm not exactly flushed with cash at the moment.\"\n\n\"Ah, Miss Victoria. A pleasure to see you again.\" He motioned for her to enter, which she did with a polite nod. Like Iaisa, she was wearing an elegant evening dress, hers in red that slightly shimmered as she walked. Her brown hair was done in a bunch atop her head.\n\nThe doe waved a gloved hand slightly. \"It is, Vance. And it's just-\"\n\n\"VICKY!\" Both looked as Iaisa called out, the tigress hurrying over to give her friend a hug. \"I'm so glad you could make it! C'mon, let's get some food and order the most expensive bottle of wine we can think of!\"\n\nVance smirked, chuckling as the two women immediately started chatting as they moved to the display of food. He turned back as another pair of figures approached. The first was a wolf with brown fur and bright yellow eyes. He wore a simple, but nice suit in dark navy blue. \"Ah, Ivan. Welcome.\" He reached out to take the man's hand, shaking it. \"I am glad you could come.\"\n\nThe wolf nodded. \"Yeah, this sounded like an interesting opportunity.\" The man spoke with a thick, but easily understandable Romanian accent. \"Though I wish you would have told me this would be a formal event. I would have brought much nicer suits than this.\" The suit was still a designer brand and well tailored, if nowhere near as expensive as the one Vance wore.\n\nVance shook his head. \"It is only semi-formal. The ladies just took the time to get themselves fashionable.\" He nodded, motioning inside. \"Please, come in, and get yourself some food. We've only two more guests expected, and I see one now.\"\n\nThe wolf gave a nod, though did glance back to see just who this last person was. He quirked an eyebrow as he saw. \"Oh. I look forward to finding out just what this one is about.\" He chuckled and stepped inside fully to look at the food.\n\nThe man in question stepped forward, giving a slight bow. \"It is an honor, Sir Rannek.\" His voice was deep and rumbled like thunder in his chest, with a mixed accent that was impossible to completely recognize. He was a tall, but slender equine, his fur a shade of ocean blue. He wore not a suit like the other men, but instead a flowing robe of maroon that hung about him like drapes. The large hood was pulled up, partially obscuring his face, but a pair of shining orange eyes were still visible within the shadows of the hood.\n\nVance returned the polite half-bow. \"The honor is mine, High Archmage Arazel. I will not lie, I was surprised to see you accept my invitation. I would have thought your duties would keep you too busy for such indulgences.\"\n\nThe horse gave a deep, rumbling chuckle. \"Under most circumstances, that would be the case. However, I would never deny an invitation from someone of your status.\" He looked at the others already inside. \"And I admit, I am curious as to the others of our unique nature. I understand we each share a different path to this state. It is always good to learn more of the true world.\"\n\n\"Well said, Archmage. But do try to enjoy yourself, as well. Guests on Sanctus are expected to have fun, even when conducting business.\" He smiled wide. \"It is a resort, after all.\"\n\nArazel let out another rumbling chuckle. \"I am sure I can manage that.\" He gave another light bow before entering and finding a seat for himself at the table.\n\nVance looked around to see if the last person they were waiting on was coming, but he saw no one. He had not been told she had arrived on the island yet, so he suspected she either could not make it, or simply had decided not to come in the end. She was the most mysterious of the intended guests, so he was not particularly surprised. After waiting for a few more minutes, he decided it had been long enough. Stepping inside, he clapped his hands gently a few times. \"Attention staff, all those not assigned to stay must make your leave now. Thank you for the help setting up.\" All but three of the staff nodded, saying their goodbyes to the three that remained and stepping out of the room. Once they had left, he closed the door and turned to the group. \"Very well. Our last guest seems to have decided not to come, so I think it is time we-\"\n\n\"Oh no, I'm here.\" Everyone jumped as the voice of a woman sounded.\n\nVicky let out a startled yelp as she noticed the woman sitting beside her. \"Where the fuck did you come from!?\" Only moments before, there was no one in that seat.\n\nJenasys let out a soft giggle. \"Oh, don't worry about that. I'm here, that's all that matters, right?\" She was a short, thin, rat-like woman. Covered in cream-colored fur, her sandy hair was incredibly long, hanging down past her tail, even as it was tied into a thick ponytail by a large, red ribbon high atop her head. She wore a long dress in very light fabric that almost floated about her, thin enough that a great deal of herself was shown, even through the clothing. She had very angular features, her nose and ears both long and pointed, her fingers equally long and tapering to almost a claw-like point. She also only had three fingers and a thumb on each hand. Her bright, blue eyes almost crackled with life. \"Sorry if I was a bit late.\"\n\nArazel tilted his head. \"Fascinating. I was watching and did not see you enter. I thought this island was protected from magics.\"\n\nVance nodded. \"It is.\"\n\nJena giggled. \"Oh, I can't use magic.\" She stood up fluidly. \"Oh, food. Looks lovely.\"\n\nThe mink shook his head as he approached the table. \"Someday, I will learn how she does that.\"\n\n\"No you won't!\" Jena called out as she loaded a plate with pieces of cheese and fruit.\n\nHe shook his head. \"Well, now that we all are here, I think it is time we start the first official Gathering of Im-\"\n\n\"Hold a moment, sir.\" Vance sighed as Arazel spoke up. The horse motioned to the three members of staff standing nearby. \"Should we be discussing this with them present?\"\n\nVance looked up, nodding slowly to the staff. As if signaled, one of the three stepped forward, a young mouse that looked to be in her late 20's. She gave a polite bow. \"You need not worry about us, Sir. We have all been informed that what we hear within these walls is of the greatest secrecy.\"\n\nA second stepped forward, a deer that looked a little younger, his antlers small atop his head. \"We have all agreed that when this meeting is finished, in order for us to not divulge any secrets heard, even by accident, we will be reporting directly to the kitchens.\"\n\nThe last of the three, a slightly older coyote, moved forward. \"Unless, that is, one of you wishes to take us back to your room for whatever reason.\" She rose one hand up. \"But should you not wish to kill us yourself, we will still die before the day is done. No secrets shall ever leave this room because of us.\"\n\nThe mouse spoke again. \"And if anyone has any objection, please do not worry. We have been given the best lives by Mr. Rannek. It is our honor... and our pleasure... to die for him.\" All three bowed in unison.\n\nVance smiled. \"There you have it. Satisfied, Archmage?\"\n\nThe horse nodded slowly. \"Yes. I am impressed with the loyalty your staff have to you. Would that some of my own people were so willing to die for their beliefs.\"\n\nIvan chuckled. \"This is why I like visiting your lovely island, Vance. I will have to debate the offer to take one for myself later. But for now, I think we should start.\"\n\nVance nodded. \"Yes. As I was saying. We shall now officially begin the first official Gathering of Immortals.\" With that, he pulled a seat out and sat down. \"I think we should start with introductions.\"\n\nVicky looked around. \"Um... Vance, you're... also joining us?\"\n\n\"Of course he is, child!\" Vicky quirked an eyebrow as Azarel called her that. \"Do you not know who he is?\"\n\nVance smirked, looking forward to Vicky putting the man in his place. \"All in good time. How about you start us, Archmage.\"\n\nThe horse sighed, but nodded. He stood up, then reached up to slowly and deliberately draw the hood of his robe back, revealing the face of a man in his 30's, as if it had some meaning. \"I am Ignatius Bathomere Arazel, holder of the Flames of Frendalaz, keeper of the secrets of Zinzatach, wielder of the Staff of Mars, and High Archmage of the Cadegua Collective of mages.\" He smiled. \"I am also 308 years old.\" He said this as if that number would be somehow impressive to the group.\n\nIaisa smiled. \"Oh, so you're the leader of Cadegua?\"\n\nVicky leaned over, quietly asking. \"What's Cadegua?\"\n\nThe tigress answered quietly in return. \"Secret order of mages. They are the biggest group that opposes Noxumbra.\"\n\nThe doe nodded. \"Oh! Okay. Are they any relation to the Covenant of Jatal?\"\n\nAzarel tilted his head, a little taken aback by this. \"Y-yes. I am surprised you know that name. The Covenant of Jatal eventually became the Cadegua Collective. How does someone like you know of it?\"\n\nVicky shrugged. \"Because they trapped me in a stone box at the bottom of a lake for a few decades.\" She popped a cherry tomato from her plate into her mouth.\n\nThe horse was even more taken aback, almost flinching from surprise. \"Wait, how is that possible? The Covenant disbanded and reformed centuries ago, before even my time!\"\n\nShe shrugged again. \"I'm older than you are... [i]child[/i].\" She took great satisfaction spitting that word back at him. \"Quite a bit older. In fact, it would not surprise me to hear I am the oldest person at this table.\" Jena couldn't help but giggle, but didn't say anything.\n\nIvan was the one to ask. \"Forgive the impoliteness of the question, but how old are you?\"\n\nVicky shrugged. \"I guess it's my turn for introductions, then. I'm Vicky. Or that's the name I'm currently going by. Don't even remember my original name anymore. Sometimes it pops into my head, but it fades away again. Kinda like all the other memories from the last seven thousand or so years.\" Everyone at the table was quiet. She glanced at Arazel as slowly sat back down, humbled enough for her satisfaction. For now, at least. \"I killed someone in a temple for Bianis, though she was known as Iris to my people at the time. She didn't take kindly to death in a temple of life, even if it was in self-defense, so she had Mors banish me from death. I cannot ever die until I atone. Though the gods haven't exactly been very forthcoming in just how I should go about doing that. A lovely side effect is no pregnancy, so I know popping out babies isn't the fix.\"\n\nJena tilted her chair back a little as she leaned back. \"So you got a blessing with the curse.\" Vicky gave her a questioning look. \"No pregnancy. I call that a blessing.\"\n\nThe doe smirked. \"I guess I can't disagree. At this point, I'd not only have outlived any kids I had, but I'd have outlived the entire civilization they were a part of by now. Long enough that I've been a part of cultures that have been forgotten... even by me. I may be cursed to live forever, but they didn't give me a bigger brain to remember it all. Lots of foggy half-memories at best. It's only a few key moments I ever remember. Faces more than names.\"\n\n\"That is where my method comes in ahead.\" Ivan stood up. \"I will go next. My name is Ivan Lupu. I was born in Wallachia, what is modern day Romania, in 1527. I am an alchemist, one of the few that discovered the method of creating a philosopher's stone, and with it, the elixir of eternal youth.\"\n\nJena chuckled. \"Oh thank goodness. For a second there, I thought you were going to say you were the real Dracula.\" Everyone looked at the rat. \"What? I can't be the only one thinking it.\"\n\nIvan suddenly let out a hearty laugh. \"It has been some time since anyone has just said it out loud! But no, I was not Dracula. In fact, Vlad Tepes was a century before my time. Also he was not a vampire. Just a man using fear to defend his home from superior numbers. He was a hero to the people at the time.\"\n\nThe rat nodded. \"Neat!\"\n\nThe wolf kept his large smile. \"Yes. The history of the man is quite... 'neat.' But we can discuss him another time. For myself, the Elixir of Youth grants a benefit of halting aging. This has given me the time to research even more into alchemy. I have discovered methods of enhancing memory, rapidly building muscle, reducing body fat, enhancing sexual virility, both in men and women, and even ways of healing from grievous injuries. I may not age, but I can still bleed. Though I do not get ill anymore.\"\n\nIaisa smiled. \"That's impressive. I'll go next.\" She slapped her hands on the table and stood up. \"So! I'm Iaisa. I don't actually know how old I am. Over a hundred by now, but I'm not exactly sure. It all gets a bit fuzzy the closer I get to when I died.\"\n\nAzarel tilted his head. \"Did you say died?\"\n\nThe tigress nodded. \"Yup! See, I'm not technically immortal. I'm already dead. Though how I actually died is a little fuzzy. I think I got my throat cut in a fight. Or lost my head.\" she shook her head. \"In any event, I am a phantom. Or wraith. Or... specter. It's hard to know what word applies. But, I am definitely a ghost of some kind. Though I've learned how to manifest a physical body. Does let me do some neat tricks.\" She suddenly walked forward, phasing right through the table as if it were air. She stepped around and picked up a piece of cheese from Jena's plate, popping it into her mouth as she walked back to her seat, dropping into with with a slight flourish. \"I can also do all kind of poltergeist haunting tricks when I put my mind to it. Blood running down walls, my limbs and body parts floating around in the air, make random things clatter and fly around a room, that kind of thing. It's a bit gaudy, but it works the scare the shit out of people that annoy me.\" She shrugged. \"Or if I get bored and just want to terrify some random asshole.\"\n\nJena smiled. \"I'd like to see that some time. You'll have to show me.\" Everyone looked at her expectantly as she ate something off of her plate. \"What?\"\n\nVicky nudged the woman. \"It's your turn.\"\n\n\"Oh, yeah, okay.\" She stood up and cleared her throat. \"I'm Jenasys Stryphe. You can call me Jena. I am a Cleyran, but rat is close enough. I'm 5'5\", blonde hair, blue eyes, cream fur, and 100% a lesbian.\" She nodded. \"Oh, and there is no way to actually calculate just how old I am. Probably in the thousands at this point. Maybe more. Maybe less. But almost definitely more.\"\n\nArazel, now feeling quite humbled around so many others older than he is for once, had to ask. \"Why is it so impossible to calculate how old you are?\"\n\nThe rat shrugged, dropping down into her seat. \"Simple.\" She picked up a piece of watermelon. \"I'm not from this reality.\" She said it as casually as she popped the fruit into her mouth.\n\nEveryone except Vance was in stunned silence. Even the typically unflappable Iaisa was a little thrown by that. \"What... does that mean exactly?\"\n\nShe shrugged. \"Exactly what it sounds like. I'm not from this reality. But it's not magic, and it's not science. It's something else entirely. I'll explain it someday, but not today. The magic part is why I'm immortal. Auto-heal and auto-revive became permanent statuses on me, and when I first realmstepped, they got boosted to insane levels. So now I can't die, and I heal from any injury. They've only gotten more powerful over the years, too. Even anti-magic doesn't stop it.\" She picked up a grape. \"I've tried a bunch of times.\" She popped the grape into her mouth. \"Enough about me. It's your turn, Van.\"\n\nVance smiled. \"Yes, I suppose it is.\" He pushed his chair out and stood up, moving around behind the chair. \"All of you know who I am, but allow me to stand on ceremony.\" He slipped his suit jacket off, hanging it over the back of the chair. \"I am Vance Rannek. Owner of more businesses than we have time to recount today.\" He pulled his tie loose and slipped it free, setting it across the chair. \"Of course, that is what the public knows.\" He started to unbutton his shirt. \"As for who I truly am...\"\n\nAs the man started to pull his shirt open, Jena chimed in. \"Does this explanation require you to give us a striptease?\"\n\nHe smiled. \"It does.\" He slipped his shirt off and laid it across the chair. \"I need to show who I am, after all.\" He turned around to show is now bare back. Standing out on the pure white fur was a black mark, starting just above his tail, splitting in half and crawling its way up his back on either side, ending at his shoulders. Small points came off of the mark, giving it the distinct and unmistakable look of a pair of antlers.\n\nVicky suddenly shot out of her chair, backing away from the man in fear. \"Y-You're a... that's...\"\n\nJena tilted her head, leaning in a little closer. \"I know that mark. I've seen it...\"\n\nArazel frowned. \"As well you should! It is the mark of Zanduchi!\"\n\n\"Zanduchi... Zandu... OH! One of your gods, right? The one of death and fucking, right?\" The horse let out a growl, but she just talked over any protest he might have about her flippant opinion of the divine. \"Relax, horseshoe.\" She sat back in her chair. \"So... you're a priest or something?\"\n\nVance shook his head as he turned back around. \"So much more than that. I am a divine champion. A chosen of my god, granted boons by her blessing, in exchange for doing her bidding. In my case, spreading death and life in equal measure, keeping the world in balance. But also dealing with certain...\" He paused for a moment. \"Aberations. And here sit several before me.\" He motioned around the table. \"Two men, their lives artificially extended, one by magic, one by science. An undead who does not heed the call of the grave. A woman banished of death. And...\" he looked at the rat. \"Whatever abomination you are.\"\n\n\"Rude!\"\n\nHe looked up at the doe cowering against the wall, then cast his gaze around the table. Ivan also looked quite unnerved. Arazel and Iaisa both already knew, the tigress was doing her best to keep from laughing. She and Vance both broke at the same time, suddenly laughing and breaking the tension in the room. \"Relax, all of you! That particular part of the job is not my task.\" He started to pull his clothing back on. \"I have no authority to reverse your banishment of death, nor can I enhance your punishment. Though I am sorry to say, I also do not know your solution.\" He motioned to Ivan. \"As for you, the means of extending your life was accomplished using the natural world. The same for the Archmage. It was not necromantic magic, and so Zanduchi accepts it.\"\n\nIvan nodded. \"What of the... ghost?\" He glanced at Iaisa. \"No offense.\" The tigress just shrugged.\n\n\"She did not choose to be what she is, and does not inflict it upon others.\" He started to tie his tie once more. \"In fact, she is one of my most trusted aids in a personal project of mine.\" As he slid his jacket back on, he glanced up at Vicky. The doe was still standing against the wall, though she didn't look like she was about to climb it in terror anymore. \"Please, my dear, you can relax. I promise, I am not going to do anything to you. I would not set all of this up just to trap one unfortunate person.\"\n\nVicky nodded slowly, doing her best to calm herself. As she moved back to her seat beside Iaisa, she slapped her friend's shoulder. \"You should have warned me! You know how I feel about champions!\"\n\nIsisa held up a hand. \"Hey, it wasn't my secret to tell.\"\n\n\"Um, excuse me?\" Jena raised a hand as all eyes turned to her. \"This is probably going to sound really stupid, but... what is a champion in this context?\" When everyone gave her a questioning look, she frowned. \"I did say I'm from another reality, didn't I? I've only started visiting this one in the last few years. And even if I had learned it, I get around a lot. Things get mixed up in this pretty little head of mine.\"\n\nOnce dressed, Vance took his seat again, pulling it up to the table. \"Very well. I shall explain. And while I am at it, I might as well tell my tale. It has been a long time since I have said it to anyone...\"\n\nJena perked up. \"Oh, cool! Storytime.\" She glanced over her shoulder at one of the three staff. \"Hey, how about a fresh cup of coffee? Strongest stuff you've got. And make it a big one. Cream and sugar on the side, I'll order it myself.\" The coyote nodded, hastily moving away to a back room where they could put in the order for an extra large pot of their strongest coffee. \"Alright. Gotta get a nice coffee for a good story.\"\n\nVance smiled. \"A fine idea.\" He looked at the other two staff. \"Bring some refreshments for everyone. Finest bottle of wine for Iaisa and Vicky, the top shelf aged brandy for Ivan, and...\" He looked at the horse. \"Herbal tea for the archmage?\" Arazel nodded. \"Very good. And some honeyed tea for myself. I feel my throat will need it soon.\" The staff all bowed and moved to get those orders as well. \"Very well. With that out of the way, I shall begin where all stories should begin. At the start.\"\n\n[center]* * *[/center]", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "
The Gathering of Immortals

The First Gathering

By XP Author


The room was spacious, with comfortable blue carpeting and rich wood-paneled walls. A long table sat against one wall, lined with food, most of it bit-sized. A few of the resort's staff, all dressed in the same uniform of black slacks, a white shirt with a red vest, were just setting out the last of the food, arranging it to be easily accessed while looking presentable. At the center was a large, round table with a number of comfortable seats, more chairs sitting against a wall, should more need to be moved to the table. The table was covered in a white tablecloth, draped a few inches off the edge, with a lovely but not overly ornate centerpiece of flowers at the center.

Standing at the door was a slender mink, appearing in his mid 50's, his fur pure white, his black hair trimmed short and styled neatly. He wore a simple black suit, tailored to fit him perfectly, an off-white shirt to stand out from his fur, and a black tie. All of it was subtle and simple, but the outfit cost more than most people made in a month. And he owned dozens of such outfits. He had no issue spending such money on something as simple as clothing. After all, Vance Rannek was the single richest person in the world, and this was his private island, Sanctus Isle, home to a resort for only the wealthiest and most connected people... and sometimes his personal friends.

Today, he was hosting a very special little gathering. A group of individuals that all shared one unique trait: They were all immortal, or at the very least, impossibly long-lived. This was the first such meeting of its kind, though there was no goal to be achieved, just a way for these people to know one another better. After all, the number of such people within the world was but a few, and only others of such long life could truly understand one another. Though if such meetings led to large changes within the world, what better place could there be than on Sanctus? Vance himself had shaped the world in many ways, his biggest endeavor in recent decades being his acquisition and rebranding of the D-Gen forums, turning them from a generic shock site into the darkweb's foremost hub for all things debaucherous.

He glanced at the path leading from the resort suites to the conference hall when he saw movement. A smile crossed his lips as he saw the woman approaching, unsurprised she would be the first to come. She also gave him a big smile, as the two were old friends. He reached a hand out as she got close. "It is good to see you again, Iaisa."

The white tigress nodded. "Always good to see you, my friend." She was dressed in a surprisingly elegant evening dress of black satin that hugged her curvaceous figure to the hips, where it split at the left side to flow about her legs. Her white hair was styled equally elegantly, leaving it loose and wavy as it spilled down her back like a waterfall of milk. A far cry from the wild mane it normally was atop her head. Her crimson eyes still stood out starkly against her otherwise snowy complexion.

Vance motioned for her to enter, which she did. "Go right ahead and come in. I'm sure the others will be joining us soon. Feel free to grab yourself some food in the meantime. And if there is anything specific you would like to drink, do not hesitate to ask the staff."

She smirked, chuckling softly as she stepped past him. "Oh, I know just how extensive your wine cellar is. I might just have to ask for something fancy. As long as I won't have to worry about the bill before I leave."

The mink returned her smile. "Please, what do you take me for? An American CEO? It would be quite uncouth of me to charge the guests I invited. No, all expenses for this little gathering are being covered by myself for the duration of your stay."

"Well that's good to hear." He turned as another woman spoke from just outside of the room. He smiled as he saw a short, slender doe standing before him. "I'm not exactly flushed with cash at the moment."

"Ah, Miss Victoria. A pleasure to see you again." He motioned for her to enter, which she did with a polite nod. Like Iaisa, she was wearing an elegant evening dress, hers in red that slightly shimmered as she walked. Her brown hair was done in a bunch atop her head.

The doe waved a gloved hand slightly. "It is, Vance. And it's just-"

"VICKY!" Both looked as Iaisa called out, the tigress hurrying over to give her friend a hug. "I'm so glad you could make it! C'mon, let's get some food and order the most expensive bottle of wine we can think of!"

Vance smirked, chuckling as the two women immediately started chatting as they moved to the display of food. He turned back as another pair of figures approached. The first was a wolf with brown fur and bright yellow eyes. He wore a simple, but nice suit in dark navy blue. "Ah, Ivan. Welcome." He reached out to take the man's hand, shaking it. "I am glad you could come."

The wolf nodded. "Yeah, this sounded like an interesting opportunity." The man spoke with a thick, but easily understandable Romanian accent. "Though I wish you would have told me this would be a formal event. I would have brought much nicer suits than this." The suit was still a designer brand and well tailored, if nowhere near as expensive as the one Vance wore.

Vance shook his head. "It is only semi-formal. The ladies just took the time to get themselves fashionable." He nodded, motioning inside. "Please, come in, and get yourself some food. We've only two more guests expected, and I see one now."

The wolf gave a nod, though did glance back to see just who this last person was. He quirked an eyebrow as he saw. "Oh. I look forward to finding out just what this one is about." He chuckled and stepped inside fully to look at the food.

The man in question stepped forward, giving a slight bow. "It is an honor, Sir Rannek." His voice was deep and rumbled like thunder in his chest, with a mixed accent that was impossible to completely recognize. He was a tall, but slender equine, his fur a shade of ocean blue. He wore not a suit like the other men, but instead a flowing robe of maroon that hung about him like drapes. The large hood was pulled up, partially obscuring his face, but a pair of shining orange eyes were still visible within the shadows of the hood.

Vance returned the polite half-bow. "The honor is mine, High Archmage Arazel. I will not lie, I was surprised to see you accept my invitation. I would have thought your duties would keep you too busy for such indulgences."

The horse gave a deep, rumbling chuckle. "Under most circumstances, that would be the case. However, I would never deny an invitation from someone of your status." He looked at the others already inside. "And I admit, I am curious as to the others of our unique nature. I understand we each share a different path to this state. It is always good to learn more of the true world."

"Well said, Archmage. But do try to enjoy yourself, as well. Guests on Sanctus are expected to have fun, even when conducting business." He smiled wide. "It is a resort, after all."

Arazel let out another rumbling chuckle. "I am sure I can manage that." He gave another light bow before entering and finding a seat for himself at the table.

Vance looked around to see if the last person they were waiting on was coming, but he saw no one. He had not been told she had arrived on the island yet, so he suspected she either could not make it, or simply had decided not to come in the end. She was the most mysterious of the intended guests, so he was not particularly surprised. After waiting for a few more minutes, he decided it had been long enough. Stepping inside, he clapped his hands gently a few times. "Attention staff, all those not assigned to stay must make your leave now. Thank you for the help setting up." All but three of the staff nodded, saying their goodbyes to the three that remained and stepping out of the room. Once they had left, he closed the door and turned to the group. "Very well. Our last guest seems to have decided not to come, so I think it is time we-"

"Oh no, I'm here." Everyone jumped as the voice of a woman sounded.

Vicky let out a startled yelp as she noticed the woman sitting beside her. "Where the fuck did you come from!?" Only moments before, there was no one in that seat.

Jenasys let out a soft giggle. "Oh, don't worry about that. I'm here, that's all that matters, right?" She was a short, thin, rat-like woman. Covered in cream-colored fur, her sandy hair was incredibly long, hanging down past her tail, even as it was tied into a thick ponytail by a large, red ribbon high atop her head. She wore a long dress in very light fabric that almost floated about her, thin enough that a great deal of herself was shown, even through the clothing. She had very angular features, her nose and ears both long and pointed, her fingers equally long and tapering to almost a claw-like point. She also only had three fingers and a thumb on each hand. Her bright, blue eyes almost crackled with life. "Sorry if I was a bit late."

Arazel tilted his head. "Fascinating. I was watching and did not see you enter. I thought this island was protected from magics."

Vance nodded. "It is."

Jena giggled. "Oh, I can't use magic." She stood up fluidly. "Oh, food. Looks lovely."

The mink shook his head as he approached the table. "Someday, I will learn how she does that."

"No you won't!" Jena called out as she loaded a plate with pieces of cheese and fruit.

He shook his head. "Well, now that we all are here, I think it is time we start the first official Gathering of Im-"

"Hold a moment, sir." Vance sighed as Arazel spoke up. The horse motioned to the three members of staff standing nearby. "Should we be discussing this with them present?"

Vance looked up, nodding slowly to the staff. As if signaled, one of the three stepped forward, a young mouse that looked to be in her late 20's. She gave a polite bow. "You need not worry about us, Sir. We have all been informed that what we hear within these walls is of the greatest secrecy."

A second stepped forward, a deer that looked a little younger, his antlers small atop his head. "We have all agreed that when this meeting is finished, in order for us to not divulge any secrets heard, even by accident, we will be reporting directly to the kitchens."

The last of the three, a slightly older coyote, moved forward. "Unless, that is, one of you wishes to take us back to your room for whatever reason." She rose one hand up. "But should you not wish to kill us yourself, we will still die before the day is done. No secrets shall ever leave this room because of us."

The mouse spoke again. "And if anyone has any objection, please do not worry. We have been given the best lives by Mr. Rannek. It is our honor... and our pleasure... to die for him." All three bowed in unison.

Vance smiled. "There you have it. Satisfied, Archmage?"

The horse nodded slowly. "Yes. I am impressed with the loyalty your staff have to you. Would that some of my own people were so willing to die for their beliefs."

Ivan chuckled. "This is why I like visiting your lovely island, Vance. I will have to debate the offer to take one for myself later. But for now, I think we should start."

Vance nodded. "Yes. As I was saying. We shall now officially begin the first official Gathering of Immortals." With that, he pulled a seat out and sat down. "I think we should start with introductions."

Vicky looked around. "Um... Vance, you're... also joining us?"

"Of course he is, child!" Vicky quirked an eyebrow as Azarel called her that. "Do you not know who he is?"

Vance smirked, looking forward to Vicky putting the man in his place. "All in good time. How about you start us, Archmage."

The horse sighed, but nodded. He stood up, then reached up to slowly and deliberately draw the hood of his robe back, revealing the face of a man in his 30's, as if it had some meaning. "I am Ignatius Bathomere Arazel, holder of the Flames of Frendalaz, keeper of the secrets of Zinzatach, wielder of the Staff of Mars, and High Archmage of the Cadegua Collective of mages." He smiled. "I am also 308 years old." He said this as if that number would be somehow impressive to the group.

Iaisa smiled. "Oh, so you're the leader of Cadegua?"

Vicky leaned over, quietly asking. "What's Cadegua?"

The tigress answered quietly in return. "Secret order of mages. They are the biggest group that opposes Noxumbra."

The doe nodded. "Oh! Okay. Are they any relation to the Covenant of Jatal?"

Azarel tilted his head, a little taken aback by this. "Y-yes. I am surprised you know that name. The Covenant of Jatal eventually became the Cadegua Collective. How does someone like you know of it?"

Vicky shrugged. "Because they trapped me in a stone box at the bottom of a lake for a few decades." She popped a cherry tomato from her plate into her mouth.

The horse was even more taken aback, almost flinching from surprise. "Wait, how is that possible? The Covenant disbanded and reformed centuries ago, before even my time!"

She shrugged again. "I'm older than you are... child." She took great satisfaction spitting that word back at him. "Quite a bit older. In fact, it would not surprise me to hear I am the oldest person at this table." Jena couldn't help but giggle, but didn't say anything.

Ivan was the one to ask. "Forgive the impoliteness of the question, but how old are you?"

Vicky shrugged. "I guess it's my turn for introductions, then. I'm Vicky. Or that's the name I'm currently going by. Don't even remember my original name anymore. Sometimes it pops into my head, but it fades away again. Kinda like all the other memories from the last seven thousand or so years." Everyone at the table was quiet. She glanced at Arazel as slowly sat back down, humbled enough for her satisfaction. For now, at least. "I killed someone in a temple for Bianis, though she was known as Iris to my people at the time. She didn't take kindly to death in a temple of life, even if it was in self-defense, so she had Mors banish me from death. I cannot ever die until I atone. Though the gods haven't exactly been very forthcoming in just how I should go about doing that. A lovely side effect is no pregnancy, so I know popping out babies isn't the fix."

Jena tilted her chair back a little as she leaned back. "So you got a blessing with the curse." Vicky gave her a questioning look. "No pregnancy. I call that a blessing."

The doe smirked. "I guess I can't disagree. At this point, I'd not only have outlived any kids I had, but I'd have outlived the entire civilization they were a part of by now. Long enough that I've been a part of cultures that have been forgotten... even by me. I may be cursed to live forever, but they didn't give me a bigger brain to remember it all. Lots of foggy half-memories at best. It's only a few key moments I ever remember. Faces more than names."

"That is where my method comes in ahead." Ivan stood up. "I will go next. My name is Ivan Lupu. I was born in Wallachia, what is modern day Romania, in 1527. I am an alchemist, one of the few that discovered the method of creating a philosopher's stone, and with it, the elixir of eternal youth."

Jena chuckled. "Oh thank goodness. For a second there, I thought you were going to say you were the real Dracula." Everyone looked at the rat. "What? I can't be the only one thinking it."

Ivan suddenly let out a hearty laugh. "It has been some time since anyone has just said it out loud! But no, I was not Dracula. In fact, Vlad Tepes was a century before my time. Also he was not a vampire. Just a man using fear to defend his home from superior numbers. He was a hero to the people at the time."

The rat nodded. "Neat!"

The wolf kept his large smile. "Yes. The history of the man is quite... 'neat.' But we can discuss him another time. For myself, the Elixir of Youth grants a benefit of halting aging. This has given me the time to research even more into alchemy. I have discovered methods of enhancing memory, rapidly building muscle, reducing body fat, enhancing sexual virility, both in men and women, and even ways of healing from grievous injuries. I may not age, but I can still bleed. Though I do not get ill anymore."

Iaisa smiled. "That's impressive. I'll go next." She slapped her hands on the table and stood up. "So! I'm Iaisa. I don't actually know how old I am. Over a hundred by now, but I'm not exactly sure. It all gets a bit fuzzy the closer I get to when I died."

Azarel tilted his head. "Did you say died?"

The tigress nodded. "Yup! See, I'm not technically immortal. I'm already dead. Though how I actually died is a little fuzzy. I think I got my throat cut in a fight. Or lost my head." she shook her head. "In any event, I am a phantom. Or wraith. Or... specter. It's hard to know what word applies. But, I am definitely a ghost of some kind. Though I've learned how to manifest a physical body. Does let me do some neat tricks." She suddenly walked forward, phasing right through the table as if it were air. She stepped around and picked up a piece of cheese from Jena's plate, popping it into her mouth as she walked back to her seat, dropping into with with a slight flourish. "I can also do all kind of poltergeist haunting tricks when I put my mind to it. Blood running down walls, my limbs and body parts floating around in the air, make random things clatter and fly around a room, that kind of thing. It's a bit gaudy, but it works the scare the shit out of people that annoy me." She shrugged. "Or if I get bored and just want to terrify some random asshole."

Jena smiled. "I'd like to see that some time. You'll have to show me." Everyone looked at her expectantly as she ate something off of her plate. "What?"

Vicky nudged the woman. "It's your turn."

"Oh, yeah, okay." She stood up and cleared her throat. "I'm Jenasys Stryphe. You can call me Jena. I am a Cleyran, but rat is close enough. I'm 5'5", blonde hair, blue eyes, cream fur, and 100% a lesbian." She nodded. "Oh, and there is no way to actually calculate just how old I am. Probably in the thousands at this point. Maybe more. Maybe less. But almost definitely more."

Arazel, now feeling quite humbled around so many others older than he is for once, had to ask. "Why is it so impossible to calculate how old you are?"

The rat shrugged, dropping down into her seat. "Simple." She picked up a piece of watermelon. "I'm not from this reality." She said it as casually as she popped the fruit into her mouth.

Everyone except Vance was in stunned silence. Even the typically unflappable Iaisa was a little thrown by that. "What... does that mean exactly?"

She shrugged. "Exactly what it sounds like. I'm not from this reality. But it's not magic, and it's not science. It's something else entirely. I'll explain it someday, but not today. The magic part is why I'm immortal. Auto-heal and auto-revive became permanent statuses on me, and when I first realmstepped, they got boosted to insane levels. So now I can't die, and I heal from any injury. They've only gotten more powerful over the years, too. Even anti-magic doesn't stop it." She picked up a grape. "I've tried a bunch of times." She popped the grape into her mouth. "Enough about me. It's your turn, Van."

Vance smiled. "Yes, I suppose it is." He pushed his chair out and stood up, moving around behind the chair. "All of you know who I am, but allow me to stand on ceremony." He slipped his suit jacket off, hanging it over the back of the chair. "I am Vance Rannek. Owner of more businesses than we have time to recount today." He pulled his tie loose and slipped it free, setting it across the chair. "Of course, that is what the public knows." He started to unbutton his shirt. "As for who I truly am..."

As the man started to pull his shirt open, Jena chimed in. "Does this explanation require you to give us a striptease?"

He smiled. "It does." He slipped his shirt off and laid it across the chair. "I need to show who I am, after all." He turned around to show is now bare back. Standing out on the pure white fur was a black mark, starting just above his tail, splitting in half and crawling its way up his back on either side, ending at his shoulders. Small points came off of the mark, giving it the distinct and unmistakable look of a pair of antlers.

Vicky suddenly shot out of her chair, backing away from the man in fear. "Y-You're a... that's..."

Jena tilted her head, leaning in a little closer. "I know that mark. I've seen it..."

Arazel frowned. "As well you should! It is the mark of Zanduchi!"

"Zanduchi... Zandu... OH! One of your gods, right? The one of death and fucking, right?" The horse let out a growl, but she just talked over any protest he might have about her flippant opinion of the divine. "Relax, horseshoe." She sat back in her chair. "So... you're a priest or something?"

Vance shook his head as he turned back around. "So much more than that. I am a divine champion. A chosen of my god, granted boons by her blessing, in exchange for doing her bidding. In my case, spreading death and life in equal measure, keeping the world in balance. But also dealing with certain..." He paused for a moment. "Aberations. And here sit several before me." He motioned around the table. "Two men, their lives artificially extended, one by magic, one by science. An undead who does not heed the call of the grave. A woman banished of death. And..." he looked at the rat. "Whatever abomination you are."

"Rude!"

He looked up at the doe cowering against the wall, then cast his gaze around the table. Ivan also looked quite unnerved. Arazel and Iaisa both already knew, the tigress was doing her best to keep from laughing. She and Vance both broke at the same time, suddenly laughing and breaking the tension in the room. "Relax, all of you! That particular part of the job is not my task." He started to pull his clothing back on. "I have no authority to reverse your banishment of death, nor can I enhance your punishment. Though I am sorry to say, I also do not know your solution." He motioned to Ivan. "As for you, the means of extending your life was accomplished using the natural world. The same for the Archmage. It was not necromantic magic, and so Zanduchi accepts it."

Ivan nodded. "What of the... ghost?" He glanced at Iaisa. "No offense." The tigress just shrugged.

"She did not choose to be what she is, and does not inflict it upon others." He started to tie his tie once more. "In fact, she is one of my most trusted aids in a personal project of mine." As he slid his jacket back on, he glanced up at Vicky. The doe was still standing against the wall, though she didn't look like she was about to climb it in terror anymore. "Please, my dear, you can relax. I promise, I am not going to do anything to you. I would not set all of this up just to trap one unfortunate person."

Vicky nodded slowly, doing her best to calm herself. As she moved back to her seat beside Iaisa, she slapped her friend's shoulder. "You should have warned me! You know how I feel about champions!"

Isisa held up a hand. "Hey, it wasn't my secret to tell."

"Um, excuse me?" Jena raised a hand as all eyes turned to her. "This is probably going to sound really stupid, but... what is a champion in this context?" When everyone gave her a questioning look, she frowned. "I did say I'm from another reality, didn't I? I've only started visiting this one in the last few years. And even if I had learned it, I get around a lot. Things get mixed up in this pretty little head of mine."

Once dressed, Vance took his seat again, pulling it up to the table. "Very well. I shall explain. And while I am at it, I might as well tell my tale. It has been a long time since I have said it to anyone..."

Jena perked up. "Oh, cool! Storytime." She glanced over her shoulder at one of the three staff. "Hey, how about a fresh cup of coffee? Strongest stuff you've got. And make it a big one. Cream and sugar on the side, I'll order it myself." The coyote nodded, hastily moving away to a back room where they could put in the order for an extra large pot of their strongest coffee. "Alright. Gotta get a nice coffee for a good story."

Vance smiled. "A fine idea." He looked at the other two staff. "Bring some refreshments for everyone. Finest bottle of wine for Iaisa and Vicky, the top shelf aged brandy for Ivan, and..." He looked at the horse. "Herbal tea for the archmage?" Arazel nodded. "Very good. And some honeyed tea for myself. I feel my throat will need it soon." The staff all bowed and moved to get those orders as well. "Very well. With that out of the way, I shall begin where all stories should begin. At the start."

*     *     *
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