Dark Calling

[Cara]

Lord Oron was nodding. He peered over the edge again down to the street. All he could sense down there were helpless humans, dying or dead, and vampires. "I know a fast route. It's down in the tunnels. Usually we don't go there, because the vampires can lurk in the darkness there..." he paused. "But I doubt now that they will want to stay in those stinking sewers. They will be above ground, feasting," he said, as he listened to the screams in the background. "They follow the metro to the city center, where the Kriivida stronghold is. That is where everyone will be..." If there are any left, he wanted to add, but didn't.
"Alright then, let's go," Adarmen said, his face expressionless. The young vampires down below did not frighten him in the least and his eyes gazed out in rigid determination. "They will search the rest of the buildings once they have captured the majority of the humans," he said. "The rest of you need to find a place to hide. We will call you once we are inside."


Canislea was so happy, that it took all her might to contain her expression. "Percy, just look!" she said. Only her long time friend and servant recognized her glee. "This is the revolution to a start of a brilliant future," she said. "How are the changings going?"
"Very well. I am helping to select the best, the smartest, and strongest of our human lot. They are welcomed into our blood."
"Good, good. Humbers?"
"Unsure, but men report back that at least three quarters of the city have been taken and being surrounded, not much has gotten out. Our hackers have shut the town off from any outside communication as well, except for what we wish for them to see."
"What of the Kriivida stronghold?"
"Working on it. They are holding strong."
Canislea glared down at him. "The Kriivida are no more than humans to us, we should have broken in by now and slaughtered them all," she snarled.
"Yes, but my Lady, they are more than humans. They still have the magic of the sun on their side--"
"WE have the power of the sun with us. Their weapons can no longer harm us!"
Percy nodded, feeling the shift in her temper. "Yes, my Lady, but they have strong security and still are more powerful than humans despite the sun having no effect on us."
Canislea gave a hiss of irritation. "It matters not. Soon they won't be able to stop me. Come with me, We need to make furtuer plans if we are to take the entire country by the end of the week."

[Galadas]

Pierce had found them all a place, even here, in France, he had his hide-outs. It was but a small room between many deserted industry buildings. He had guessed that a place without humans would be the last place for the Vampires under Canislea's rule would look. They had taken place on an old couch and a pair of chairs, everything looked as if it was about to fall apart.
"Nice place you have here," Gabriel had joked, but Pierce couldn't laugh about his remark. Neither could anyone else, they were all tensed.
Gabriel was kind of happy that their group had been split up, he sat next to Elvira, and once every few minutes he touched her hand and smiled softly. He wondered if it worked, she had been no more than lost and worried ever since she had been captured by Canislea. He had no words to say, never in his life had he tried to make someone feel better, except himself.

[Cara]

Shadows. Every movement caught their attention. Nefara shook her head, as she moved behind the Book Doctor. The Book Doctor would flit ahead and clear the way. "Let's go. The way is clear."
As they approached through Nefara saw at least six bodies. She looked back at the Book Doctor, who's face was unreadable. Not a drop of blood was on his hands. As she ran by, she could see some vampires had been torn limb from limb, and shuddered. If this was the Book Doctor's work, then how could she possibly get that close to Lady Canislea?
The Book Doctor seemed to read her mind. Do not worry, child. I will be at your side. Have faith. In yourself. In your family. In your friends. His words were kind. She gave him a smile as she followed. Her family. Her father. She chanced a glance back at Lord Oron and saw him watching her. His vivid green eyes seemed to grab her, his expression open and raw. Even though she had lost that vampiric side of her, she could still sense the fear, the anxiety, and the love. For her. She looked away.
"Which way?" The Book Doctor asked.
"Keep going. It should be straight from here."


Elvira looked back at Gabriel and gave a half smile, gently taking her hand back.
"They will be fine."
"Yes. Of course...." Elvira said, her eyes empty. Her thoughts swirled in her head. She hated waiting. Her cellphone was clenched in her other hand. She finally put it on the coffee table, for fear of breaking it between her fingers. She sat, rigid, on the couch. She had barely said a word at all to Lord Oron. And she saw how Nefara shied away from him, for obvious reason. She was once again a vampire, her family on the other side. And right now it did little to be Kriivida in this war.
The TV was on mute as it continued to roll the gruesome images in. The world would never be the same.


"Let's go ladies!" the captain yelled. "We are facing our worst threat yet! Our orders - exterminate on sight. They have commended this city. Now move!"
Soldiers, thousands of them, ran into the city. Bullets and screams soon filled the air. Troops of soldiers from all countries filed in. It was hard to see who was winning.


The Book Doctor's head snapped up. "Oh no..." he said.
"What?" Lord Oron and Nefara said at the same time, unable to hear what he could.
"You stupid humans!!" Adarmen muttered. "They have landed soldiers. Sounds like thousands...Into this city. They will be slaughtered. Or worse - turned."
"At least that takes Canislea's attention away from the Kriivida."
"For now. Let's hurry while we have a window open."

[Galadas]

The room was silent, until Pierce stood as if he was kicked from his chair, and Carden and Aleron immediately wanted an explanation. "What is it?!" the two brothers asked.
"Humans are moving into the city, hundreds at once," Pierce said, as he moved towards the door.
"So?" asked Gabriel, wondering why it would be that important.
"Fresh meat," said Pierce, "the perfect time to see how things are going outside, besides what we see on the television."
Carden nodded. "I'll join you," he said.
Not even Aleron made an attempt to stop his brother, he also wanted to know what was happening. Where Canislea was, and how far away from danger they were.

[Cara]

They went compliantly. Nefara glanced back at the Book Doctor, who walked with measured steps and a face of carved stone. His movements were so graceful that they were unnatural. She had never seen another vampire even move like that.
"Keep walking," a Kriivida hissed. She turned and walked.
They had gotten into the main headquarters, and had been quickly surrounded. Lord Oron had talked their 'captors' into bringing them to see the Council. Nefara knew that if the Book Doctor wanted them all dead, they would be. Instantly.
She couldn't help but look around. It wasn't anything like she expected. It was halls and rooms, and many locked doors, but it seemed like a house than 'headquarters'. She blamed Hollywood.
There was a bright light as the two double doors opened up to a room full of Kriivida. It seemed more like a board room, with about twenty chairs surrounding a long table.
"What is this!?"
"Lord Oron, sir. His...daughter... and... a vampire who calls himself the 'Book Doctor'," a man introduced. The Head of the Council stood up. She could tell that he hadn't slept for days. They were all desperate. And that was why they would listen.

Elvira's face was white. "Those stupid humans," she muttered. "Don't you think the Kriivida would at least give warning? Half the world's powerful families are Kriivida or are linked to the Kriivida in some way. They all have a vast network and an enormous supply of resources at their disposal. This was a foolish move on their part."
"People are panicking, Elvira," Gabriel said, startled that he had answered.
She nodded, sadly. "Bring on the slaughter."

[Galadas]

[Damn, I have a writersblock on this one, been staring at it for the past two days. D:]

[Cara]

(ok, well I have a small plan in mind... *fastforward* It'll be a somewhat long post, but hopefully it will get us back in motion here! if everything falls through, we're kinda...over ;D)

[Galadas]

(OMG, well it was a great roleplay, maybe a great ending would be suitable :] )

[Cara]

Nefara stood once again on the outside. Her hands felt cold as she tightened them into fists. She closed her eyes feeling blood rush through her veins. They wanted her to attack Canislea and take away what she had given her. How in hell was she supposed to do that? She barely remembered giving Canislea her abilities in the first place! And that was under Canislea's strange Blood Promise. Then Canislea had killed her. Great!
Nefara whirled around, her fist flying towards it's target. The person behind her dodged her fist, barely avoiding a bloody nose.
"Woah," Lord Oron said as he stepped around her. Nefara relaxed, her hands crossing over her chest. She hadn't realized how tense she actually was. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," he said, watching her. She could feel his eyes looking at her. She didn't meet them. They had hardly spoken any words since he had returned. Everything was happening so fast. For her entire life she had thought that her parents were dead. Now here they are. How was she supposed to feel?
"The world is a very different place," he said, joining her by the railing. Way off in the distance there was still the sounds of fighting and shouting.
"What was it like when... you and Elvira, I mean... Mom met?" Nefara asked. She needed to just talk and leave her own thoughts alone.
Lord Oron sighed, "It was... How to say it? Different. Your mother had been human then. I had been a First Council member in the Kriivida. We had entirely different lives," he said.
Nefara was silent for a long while. She had so many questions and no time. There was a strange distance still between them.
"Why didn't you kill my mother when you had the chance? You were a High Council Kriivida. You have killed hundreds of vampires without flinching. Why didn't you just finish the job? You would have still been alive."
Lord Oron looked serious. "I would have never forgiven myself... And I guess I saw too much of her there. I do regret what I did in many ways." He paused. "Nefara, you must understand how hard this is for me. There is nothing I want more than our family. You, your mother. It was all I had dreamed of. But I am a rightful Kriivida. Vamprism is not a way of life. Not when it takes away from the living. I let your mother live. For another two, three hundred years. For that, there have been hundreds of innocent lives lost. All your friends. It is the same."
"And what about me? When I take back...what is mine from Lady Belacort? Could you really look my mother and I in the face and not see us for what we are?" Nefara asked, not meeting his eyes. "And what of Gabriel? Do not think that I haven't seen you watching him."
Lord Oron laughed. "So like your mother. Asking the hardest of questions..." He gave a long, tired sigh. "If I was strong. If I was faithful to the Kriivida code, I would run you both threw with my Solis blade. But I already know that I couldn't do that. Well Gabriel being the exception." Lord Oron took Nefara's shoulders and gave her a level look. "If it wasn't for Gabriel in the first place, you, your mother. You would be human," he said, his voice cracking. "Even years later, right after your mother found a way out, it was still Gabriel's fault that Sam caught her. That she was forced back. She never wanted this life. For you. For her."
Nefara listened in a heavy silence for a moment, letting it settle around them. After a moment, Lord Oron spoke again, though softer this time. "Wishing on the past won't change what is. Right now Canislea must be stopped, or everything was for nothing. None of it would matter."
"I don't know how I am going to do it. I don't think I can," she whispered. She flicked a small pebble off the wall and watched to drop to the empty street below.
Lord Oron moved closer and carefully put an arm around her in an awkward hug. She didn't shrug him away. "I forget how young you are," he said. Nefara looked at him from the sides of her eyes, but didn't say anything. "So much has happened in such a short amount of time, but I know you can do it." Nefara made a noise, something like a sarcastic laugh. "I can't believe you are my daughter," he softly added. Nefara turned and looked over at him, a phantom smile on her lips. "As I told you, whatever happens, whatever you are, I love you. You won't be alone in this." He gave a slight start when Nefara hugged him back.

Adarmen opened the door and walked out onto the roof. His ageless eyes looked past Nefara and Lord Oron into the distance. "The Kriivida are ready," he said. Nefara looked at him with a steady gaze. "Are you ready, child? You know the plan?"
"Yes."
Adarmen nodded. "I will Pierce now then."
On the first ring, Pierce picked up. "Did you see?" Pierce asked.
"Yes. The human military. It will fail. While they fight though, the streets will be clear for us to make our move. It is a short window. We are leaving now. The Kriivida know what they must do."
"What is your plan?"
"Nefara, Lord Oron and I are going to Canislea's now. Meet us there as soon as you can for the attack. Our goal will to get Nefara close to Canislea so she can take back what is her's."
There was a pause on the other line. "And once that is done? If we succeed."
Adarmen took a breath. He knew that this was the big question. What to do with Canislea. She still held all the cards, Daylighter or not. "If Nefara succeeds, then I will handle my sister."


Canislea closed her eyes in relaxation. For centuries she had thought about – dreamed – for this moment! It had finally come! From all reports, almost all of England had fallen to her rule. Across Europe, other major cities were falling. Her armies growing.
She wanted to laugh. She had the window wide open. Sunlight streamed in through it, unfiltered by the special glass that covered all the windows. A warm breeze flowed through the room. She still couldn’t get over the fact that she, and all her children, were Daylighters.
She looked down at the grand piano before her, and left her fingers gently move across the ivory keys. Music had always been one of her things she did to pass the time, but she loved it.
“I was wondering when you would come,” Lady Canislea said, not looking up from her music.
Adarmen stepped out from behind where he had been concealed. “This is wrong, what you are doing.”
“Ah, Addy...” she said, mocking him with a silly nickname. “You always were the idealist. So scrupulous. And you know very well why I did it, so do not tire me with your talk of right and wrong.”
Adarmen walked over to the large open window and looked out into the afternoon sun. He could understand perfectly well the desire to be in the sunlight. “You didn’t have to bring your wrath on the human world. There will be consequences.”
Canislea laughed. “Consequences. You are lecturing me again, are you? Come, sit beside me and play.” She moved down the bench as Adarmen came and sat besides her, his hands falling naturally across the black and white keys. A flowing melody-harmony formed, both violent and lonesome. “Stop before it is too late,” he said after a moment.
“Do not tell me what to do, Adarmen,” she said, her voice soft. “Or do I need to show you who will win?” she asked, not looking at him, although she could feel his eyes on her. “Do you remember the last time we fought?”
Adarmen glared back at the piano. They had fought before. Many times. And every time he had lost. She was stronger than he. The last time, she had purposely broken almost every bone in his body, crushing him, and leaving him for the sun. It had been a painful recovery.
"That was many years ago, sister."
"Hmm, that it was." She took his hand in his. "Join me," she said, smiling. "Imagine how things could be. There is a new age dawning. The rule of humanity is dead. Our people, our children have taken over." She stood, Adarmen standing with her. "What do you think?" she said. "We can stand, brother and sister, together and powerful once more!" she said, looking at him in questioning. He was silent for a while. "Adarmen?"
He looked at her and took her other hand in his. "Yes."


"Where are they?" Nefara said, gripping her Solis blade so hard, her hands were white.
"They will be here," Lord Oron said.
"Do you think Adarmen is alright? Do you think it was a good idea, having him go inside alone?"
"It will be fine. He will be fine."
Nefara sighed, her heart racing. "Yes, I'm sure he will."

[Galadas]

Pierce nodded to Carden when he put his mobile phone back into his pocket. He wouldn't have to explain the plan to him, or anything else said on the phone, he had probably heard it with his own ears.
"A plan that will only succeed in failing," Pierce said, at which Carden had no reaction. They flitted back to the house. They had only seen a bit of the human army marching into the city, searching for their enemies, but no struggle or fight had yet broken out.

Pierce opened the door to the small apartment, where Gabriel, Elvira and Alleron waited patiently. "We're going after Lady Canislea, Oron, Adarmen and Nefara will meet us there," he said. By the time he hadn't even finished his sentence, everyone was up to their feet and close to the door.
"Let us go then!" said Gabriel.
The five of them flitted at top speed, knowing only from Pierce's brief explanation what the plan was, but actually they knew nothing. They especially didn't know the ending. How scary, bloody and disappointed was it going to be? Gabriel asked himself, he looked at Elvira, who flitted beside him. She looked worried still.

[Cara]

(I modified the first paragraph of my previous post.)

Nefara's hands were shaking. She shoved them under her butt to keep them still. Silently she wished that Aleron or her mother were here. Just as she thought that, she felt a familiar presence.
"Aleron!" Nefara whispered happily.
"You are all finally here," Lord Oron said. His eyes fell on Elvira who had taken Nefara in her arms. "Our only goal is to slow down and distract Canislea. Even for a moment. Adarmen is already there. He said he could handle it and that we should meet up with him inside."
Aleron looked at Nefara. "I know you can do it. It should be easier than the first time. You are taking back what is rightfully yours."
Gabriel was standing back from the group. "So is there a game plan? Or do we just charge in there, swinging?"
"I would give a game plan, but I don't know anything else besides what Adarmen said. We're taking a big risk, but we have everything to lose."
Carden crossed his arms. "One, did you ever think that maybe it would be better if Canislea ruled over us? Adarmen could even be joining her. Or he could be dead. We don't know and we can't know. It is not like we are a group of stupid fledglings. You don't know that it isn't better under Canislea. We will have to go back to doing what we've always done. This would be our last moment standing in the sunlight!"
Aleron glared at him, but all the vampires in the group paused at that last statement, as if marveling that this very well could be their last moment standing outside in the light of day. "Either way, if we go in, it is. We either win, or we die," Pierce said, quietly.

[Galadas]

"Well then," Gabriel said. He looked at the sun, the warmth, if he would be standing there much longer he would think about getting a tan. While everyone was thinking about the plan, he had other problems on his mind. He wanted Elvira for himself, but he knew Lord Oron wasn't going to give her up that easily. When, if, this fight was done, he would be back to being on his own. In his whole life, there had been only two people that ever cared for him; his maker, but he killed him, and Elvira, although he lightly knew that it was only because he was her maker. It didn't matter, Oron had lost her chance with Elvira the moment he started to dislike him. Gabriel could've been a Vampire loyal to the Kriivada court, in time.
"Maybe I should go in first," Pierce suggested, "just to check if Adarmen is waiting for us?" In years of being dead, Pierce had learned not to trust even if a person posed as his friend, never trust an action, for people sometimes really could surprise you.
None of them answered.
Pierce shook his head, he had known slow decision making, but also saw and recognized times when it was too much to ask for. "Then I will, wait here till I return. In case I don't, run!"
Gabriel watched as Pierce was gone in a blink. He averted his eyes from the rest. He stood in silence, creating a plan that would give a good future for him, and maybe one with Elvira. He did not want to rule beneath Canislea, he would only feel guilty, he wanted Nefara to forgive him, and Elvira to like him. He needed to take matters in his own hands as soon as the fight was done, any possible outcome, he had to take it. Because if what Nefara had seen in the future was right, he would die to never be undead again.
"Does this situation look anything like those dreams you had about the future, Nefara?" Gabriel asked bluntly.

[Cara]

Nefara was taken by surprise. Her thoughts were elsewhere, locked away in her own private world. "What? My visions?" she asked. She paused, finally understand what Gabriel was asking. In one of her visions, he was dead. "I...I don't know," she said. "I think so though. It was a future...under Canislea."
"Are you sure?" Gabriel persisted.
Nefara thought a moment. "Yes." She frowned. "There were no humans. Well at least of what I saw. The few that were left were either captured or in hiding. There was only pain, suffering. Vampires all over; there was war all over again. Vampires fighting vampires. It was terrible. I fear that would be the future if we let her win."

Adarmen glanced around. Where were they? He was trying his best to keep Canislea distracted, but she knew him too well. "Is something wrong, Addy?" she said, a cruel smile on her lips.
"No..." Adarmen sighed. "I was only wondering where the other vampires were, and how they were doing.
Canislea looked at him, and then suddenly he felt his her hand come smashing against his face. He screamed in pain, as he was thrown across the room. Warm blood ran down his face.
“How stupid do you think I am, brother?” she demanded, striding over to him. “That I would just take you back with open arms? I do love you. But I also loathe you. A pity I can not kill you.”
“Sister...Canislea... Please.”
She laughed. “Please? What a silly word... You know in all my years... Anyway. I know your heart, Adarmen. Where it lies. You love your stupid humans better then your own kind. Your own children.” She made a disgusted sound.
“There is a fine line...” Adarmen started. “You and I... We were human once.”
“And never again,” Canislea said. “You keep brining back that point. Never again. Humanity is below us. Below us all. It should be dominated. It is at this very moment! And you, will stand by and let it be so.”

Adarmen stood, entirely healed. “And if I don’t? If I refue to? Like you said, I can’t be killed by you. By anyone.”
“By Nefara you can.”
Adarmen froze. “What? Not possible.”
“Oh, very possible,” Canislea said, moving closer to him. “And I have what Nefara was. And that wasn’t only stealing her Daylighting abilities. She never explored the possibilities of the perfect union between Kriivida and vampire. Never.”
“Don’t forget human, too,” Adarmen jibed, but she ignored him.
“I can kill you with a touch. And I highly doubt that that will do anything at all.”
Adarmen glanced past Canislea. “Now is your chance to try,” he said and jumped at her.

Nefara had never seen two vampires really fight. But this was a fight. She couldn’t even hope to track the movements. She could only feel the wind of it. Pierce was peeping around the corner, watching in a moment of awe.
“Nefara, you have to go. While Canislea is distracted.”
“I can’t... Look at them!” she whispered back, as the two oldest vampires in history fought.
Adarmen was getting a bad beating. He was trying not the kill her, but to disable her or at least pull her so Nefara could get a chance to move in.
“Now!” Adarmen cried. And Nefara moved.

[Galadas]

Pierce watched as Nefara launched herself from her place. He looked at the others that were with him. Gabriel, we have to help her! he urged.
Gabriel made slight eye contact with Pierce, before they flitted forward, passing Nefara on her way to Canislea and Adarmen. Pierce had chosen Gabriel because when it came to strength, he had more than the younger Carden, Alleron and Elvira. They were not stronger or faster than Canislea, but at the moment, they had the element of surprise.
Canislea slammed Adarmen away from her, but soon found herself back on the ground, pushed down to the dirt by two Vampires that could hardly even hurt her.
Adarmen had regained strength quickly and joined Gabriel and Pierce trying to hold Canislea to the floor, as Nefara was almost with them.
Then the worlds oldest Vampire released herself from their grip. She crushed her fist into Adarmen's face, broke Gabriel's neck with her free hand and pierced her hand through Pierce's stomach, just inches away from his heart.

Gabriel opened his eyes, his whole spine was shaking, he slowly stood, facing Pierce. He followed his eyes, seeing Nefara stand right in front of Canislea.

[Cara]

Nefara froze, as terror flooded her veins. Canislea glared at her and moved with incredible quickness towards her. Before she could react, something blocked her path, taking the attack. There was a scream, as Elvira flitted from nowhere to protect Nefara.
Elvira dropped to her knees, her face twisted in agony.
Canislea gave a twist and casually tossed Elvira aside as if she weighted nothing. Nefara saw her father run over to Elvira, and pull her back, from the side of her eye as she stared at Canislea. That moment had given her the few seconds she needed.
Just as she leapt at Canislea, Adarmen who had recovered, grabbed Canislea around the throat with one hand and wrapped his other arm around her chest, crushing her rib cage.
Canislea bucked, but Adarmen held fast, as Nefara reached forward and placed her hand over Canislea’s heart.

It felt like silent thunder. Power ripped through the air at her touch. It was incredible as if life tore through her tired limbs. Time seemed to slow to a near halt.
Nefara, almost out of body, looked around. Gabriel was trying to stand from where he had been thrown. The look in his eyes was that of fear and determination. Lord Oron was tending Elvira, who was looking right at Nefara with terrified eyes. Pierce was watching from where he had been tossed by Canislea, still waiting for the remaining bones to heal. She glanced away at the sight of a thigh bone, protruding through his lower stomach. Aleron and Carden were together, tensed, frozen mid-movement.
Nefara finally felt her aura. It was there, like Elvira had always told her. She had never, for some reason, been able to break past whatever force was holding her back. She understood what Elvira had been trying to tell her. To accept the two parts of herself and in that understanding, be able to her abilities and fully control them.
They had talked before that when Nefara took that part of her aura back, which Canislea stole, from her, any vampire out in the sunlight would burn up instantly. What would that bring them back to though? Canislea would still be the Queen of the Damned, the One, the Original. They would still be dealing with one pissed off, impossibly powerful vampire. And they wouldn’t be able to kill her. Anything that happened to her, happened to them all...
And what of the thousands, millions of over vampires out there? Any vampire in the sun would be burnt to ashes in a second.
Lord Oron’s words echoed in her head. All he had ever wanted. Her mother’s words followed. All they had ever wanted. To be together, to be a family. Her father had put aside what he had valued most to save her mother. It was that final act that had lead to this. That was what she wanted too. Something that she had been missing for her entire life.

Suddenly the world resumed play; sound crashed down on her, and everyone came to life.
Canislea wretched back, and screamed. There seemed to be a silent echo that spread from the two of them.
Almost without thinking, Nefara’s hand grabbed the Solis blade at her side, and drove it through Canislea’s chest. Nefara felt the ripple of power from Canislea tear through her and she felt the change. To her it was almost unnoticed, but she was aware that everyone else in the room, even Lord Oron, had felt it too.
Canislea convulsed in Adarmen's arms, as blood flowed freely from the wound. Her eyes were wide as she whispered a gurgled word, "No..."
Adarmen let Canislea drop to the ground, his face a confused mask. “Nefara...?”
Nefara stood there, looking at Lady Canislea Belacort's body, almost willing it to move. She stared at the still figure, holding her breath. Would she move? Would she heal and stand up again? She did not stir, as blood continued to pool at Nefara's feet.
Adarmen swallowed, kneeling down, his eyes, searching his sister's face. Nefara was almost ready to jump back as he reached out and suddenly pulled her into a tight hug. She felt wet tears on his cheek as he embraced her as they both laughed and cried. Snug, against his chest, she heard his heart begin to beat for the first time in thousands of years.