The Cities Below

Which cities? Below what?

I see I've got some explaining to do, so let's talk vampires. What if vampires are real? Not were real in the past, but are real today. I certainly haven't seen any. So where are they? Simple. They live out of sight, in underground cities. Several such cities are scattered throughout Europe, but France holds the largest population with two cities in the north, one in Paris, and another farther south. The chateau to the left marks the entrance to Balinese, the largest vampire city in Europe.

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Easy to find, right?

Perhaps. The old chateau sits in the countryside of northern France. A road passes by a good distance away, clipping the edge of the forest to its south. To the average eye, the chateau seems abandoned, which is just as well. Unless you're a vampire, you'll never get inside. The gate is guarded. Now, should you be a vampire, you're welcome inside. The dank corridors beneath the ground level are further degraded than the chateau above. Crumbling walls, debris covered floors, and low arches stretch on and on. These are the perimeter corridors, designed to deter any unwanted guests.  Ready to turn back yet?

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Balinese.

The interior heart of the city? A palace fit for a king. Originally built in the early 16th century, Balinese has grown immensely over the years. To your left is the foyer outside of the dining hall, a shining example of their intentions to stay right where they are, in the city they love. Balinese is a fully functioning society, not much different from the humans above. Each vampire city has its own stable government, and laws specific to that city's particular needs. Laws are enforced by Guardians. Should you, as a human, enter one of these cities on your own accord, the last sight you'll see is a Guardian's sword in your chest. You've been warned.

                                                    Jen Colly

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