Testament of Alexei pyr Docro

[Chasing Daybreak]

From a young age, my family quickly discovered that the end  is always around the corner and it is good to be prepared for the inevitable, as warriors that trade in death; beyond the power, fame, and glory, there is just the battlefield, and it is constantly evolving around us.. To live is a wonder, to live through many encounters is a miracle in itself. I picked this up from my sister, and there's a copy of her own testament available in our manor's archives if you'd like to have a gander. With that said...

I am dead, somehow, someway. A scheme went unfortunately awry or I was caught by surprise, and Lady Luck decided I'd enjoyed far too many favorable rolls of the dice. She's willed a sword to my gut that I didn't deflect in time, a fireball to the face, or a dagger of ice to the neck. Who knows. But I am now on my way to Hel, a chorus of dastardly spirits singing with  my descent, to uncover whatever great mystery befalls us in the netherworld. How will you all cope without me? Who will the parents tell stories of to get their children to behave? I'll leave that to you, dear reader.

So, where do I begin? My life has been lengthy. Enough experiences within these past fifty years for ten men. Once upon a time, not entirely long ago, I felt a need to die -- At the lowest of the low, a broken man with nothing to lose after my marriage went awry, eager to pass it all on to my lovely children and find a fancy tomb to bury myself in. That of course changed when I joined the Eternal Night after a particularly impulsive, gold dust influenced decision: And let me tell you, whoever claims that vampires are soulless, corpse puppeteering thieves are lying to you. It was, and has been, a total rebirth, a new lease of life that I find myself ever grateful for; my kind live and breathe what we feel, and I was very much an incarnate of all that I had lived and tried to conceal. Wrathful, prideful, lustful - Shamelessly so! I am what you wish you could be.

I'm glad for it. Surrounded by mediocrity and hypocrisy, being human was wholly unappealing in the end after I took the plunge and discovered the other side.

I wish the dead could read what I'm about to write. Maybe, someday, I'll find them and tell them myself.

To Nikolai: Of our entire family, I did not expect you to be the sensible, level headed one, but it seems in the end when compared to the rest of us, you inherited the most of your grandmother's talent for control when everyone else loses their minds. I'm proud of you. Be the Don you're meant to be.

To Ilya: I was lying when I belittled you. You're exceptional. I knew as much when you began taking up riftmancy, something I never had the knack or patience for -- In fact, I want you to surpass Ryker. Sorry that you took me killing your mother badly, but things get complicated in love and war, all right? Anyway, Insatiable is yours, take it off Blair and find him something else. My will dictates it.

To Seth: The most entertaining Docro! Beloved by many, just like your mother was. Again, sorry for caving your face in like that, but I loved you in my own way. Master the sun, and the winter.

To Blair: From father to step-son, look after my daughter. She's not been the same since the Empire withdrew. And while I know you Rhoynish are effectively barbarians, you understand honor. You won't fail me. Protect my family, because they are your family.

To Illythia: The love of my life. You were... perfect, unbelievable. A surprise each step of the way. We promised we'd be together for an eternity, and that we will. I have no doubt in my mind that should I pass before you, then we'll find each other again in the netherworld, and show the demons down there what a true Devil and Matron are capable of. Blood binds our souls as one.

To Niffty: You knew this day was coming eventually, didn't you? But look, think of the rest of the family and your duty to them. You were my bestfriend, my razuka! We had so many great memories together, and I couldn't have asked for a more reliable companion. Make sure Nicky is as great as you in the end, yes?

To Nidaz: An inspiration. You were always there, like some kind of mad uncle, juggling a dozen projects at once. I'll be riding on your skeletal dragon with you in spirit.

Now, to the dead.

To Matryona: I know you're probably disappointed, but I did my best! Besides, it's on the children to correct the mistakes of their parents. Have faith in them!

To Xenia: Did I do you proud, in the end? I had to work twice as hard without you. It still fucks me up that we never did reconcile before you were taken from us, but I hope we're reunited -- if someone like me is to be granted that. Which I doubt. But it sure would be nice!!!

To Natasha: I'm sorry I wasn't a better husband and what you needed. And for, you know, killing you. Yeah, I really fucked up. You were my sun for a long, long time, and I assure you that I suffered for my mistakes, if it makes it any better.

To Dimitri: I'm going to make you kiss my boot in Hel too, fucker. See you soon xo