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Re: Port Vega: End of the Beginning. (Gen, Kites, Mia, Kat, Brandon, NPCs)

 

(Kites)


Though the woman's voice was calm and neutral, matter-of-fact-like, it did nothing to alleviate Kites' anxiety which seemed to be holding at an all-time high.? Maybe Brandon's alibi would hold, as would the evidence of the cameras that heavily peppered the facility, wouldn't that also make him a prime suspect?? He didn't exactly have an amicable conversation with Chord after he flew back, having stormed out of the office in a bit of a temper tantrum.? Neither Ireland nor Kites had really seen eye to eye, their first meeting having been just the right amount of explosive reciprocity, though more so from Ireland than from the winged youth who simply stood and took it like a coward.? How long ago was that?? Gods, were they to be in this room until all of that was soused out?? What happened to being innocent until proven guilty?

?

"One last question, Ms. Macamber.? Are we all supposed to tell you where we were and what we did before this happened now, or will we be called to speak about that individually?" Kites asked, though he suddenly regretted it.? Did this make him suspicious?? He was thinking back to the all the investigation shows that he watched back at the orphanage with the others.? The suspects were almost always called into a barren room and grilled for all their worth.? Was this going to happen to them too?? Kites looked around himself.? Everyone was a wreck.? Mia was the most stoic of them all, trying to keep it together though even then she couldn't hold back her tears.? Kat was simply blank and silent, though he could feel the stress just emanating from her.? Brandon looked like an absolute wreck, having been the closest to Chord and co.? The man must be housing a storm of emotions churning deep inside.? But more so than anyone, Kites was most worried about Gen who was clinging to him for dear life.

?

"What kind of a question is that?? Do you even need to ask?? Of course, you can stay with me," Kites warmly answered, looking back at the androgyne as his lips just even so slightly curled up.? He pressed her closer to his chest, using the other hand to gently caress her cheek, moving the stray hairs out of her eyes and face, bending down to place a soft, chaste kiss upon her forehead.? "Always.? Did you think I was going to chase you away or something?"? Right now, more than anything they all needed comfort, Gen, Mia, Kat, Brandon.? All of them.? So, he was going to start with Mia since he did kind of snub her at the entrance of the room.

?

"Sorry, Mia.? I uh...was a bit of an asshole there.? Hug?" the winged youth called out to the elementalist, opening one wing and smiling at her invitingly.? "Kat, Brandon?? I mean, I'm no mother hen, but my wings are warm."

?

(Mia)


Mia had spent the afternoon at the local pier with Ireland and her other brother, Raine she thinks was his name.? Then they were back here and then everyone was gone.? She was trying to remember where she was, but she had been here, in the facility all night.? First, she responded to Brandon and Ms. Macamber, ¡°I have been here since Ireland and I returned after learning about Gen¡¯s attack.? I am sorry for your loss, Brandon.¡±? Then she looked at Kites when he spoke to her, ¡°you were distracted, I wouldn¡¯t call you an asshole.¡±? She let out a sigh and let her guard down.? She crossed the room and accepted the hug from him.? She even returned her own genuine one.? As she stepped out of the embrace she said, ¡°thank you.¡± And then sat next to him and Gen.


??

(Brandon)

This was his worst nightmare¡­Nothing in his father¡­Chord¡¯s training could prepare him for this¡­He just wasn¡¯t prepared. It hurt he ached, the last time he spoke with his fa¡­with Chord they had words¡­harsh words¡­He accused him of not loving him of now having faith or trust in him and the man tried to assure him of his faith in him¡­and yet¡­No!? None of that!?? He had words with Harrison and she told him he had failed his baby girl, his first true love¡­He longed to be with his sister growing up because she was the most beautiful woman he knew growing up and she loved his Stanky drawers¡­? Till the end, in the end, he had pushed too far and he was a selfish bastard that wanted to not see how weak he was. He let his libido lead him rather than the head on his shoulders.? He had let her down¡­even then. It hurt as he looked at those in the room.? There was no time for tears!? He had to rise to the occasion and he had to be the leader.? It wasn¡¯t a choice, they needed him.? In truth, he had to focus on getting everything clear and taken care of.

?He looked at the group and he watched each of them.? He felt Mia close to him.? ¡°Thank I am good.¡±? He knew she was trying, he was ok with Mia being there but he knew what was possibly taken from her.? He touched her shoulder,? it was more out of reflex as if he had been trained to do it the smile was rather mechanical.? He was all but dead inside, the only family he had left was his brother who was at times his arch-nemesis.? He wasn¡¯t sure how he was going to tell him¡­how to tell him that he had remained and still had not been there to protect them and now¡­all of them were gone¡­he was unsure what to do.? He needed to run the team and put them together to defend the city.? It was what he would have wanted, he wasn¡¯t sure what to do after they were all trained.? Right now he was fully focused on trying to do what was best for others.

He needed to put in the work.? He breathed realizing¡­it was hard because there was now a hole in his chest where his heart should have been.? He was wanting to breakdown but it wasn¡¯t the time or the place.

?¡°Thank you? Kites, I am good!¡±? He said with a smile that was not him.? It was as fake as a four dollar bill, but no one knew him not even the woman that was his lover so they wouldn¡¯t know the life he was facing now was nothing like he would have ever expected the person that he was supposed to be and needed to be was to be.? Was with those that were gone.? He breathed as he looked at those before him.? ?¡°Ms. Macamber, I need an ETA on being in this room, the PR person?? Where are we with that?¡±? He asked his tone was focused but devoid of warmth as he did his best to hold himself together.? ¡°The will should be in the wall safe or on his laptop .¡±? He said as he looked out the window, he was calm¡­he was the center of the hurricane.? He didn¡¯t have to stay¡­he could have just ignored protocol and just left, but that would have proved what, that he wasn¡¯t worthy of being the leader.? They needed him to be that person right now he was that person even though it was killing him.? He wanted to destroy and wreck everything and everyone's insight, his family was gone and his own selfishness was the cause.? Had he been there they might have sent him instead and they might still be here.? He can¡¯t get that time back with them.


(NPC Macamber)


The security officer was listening to Kites and then to Brandon with one ear but was also paying attention to the earpiece feeding her information in her other ear.? After a moment she turned to address Kites.? "That will not be necessary.? Certain... precautions... taken by Mister Chord have allowed us to determine your whereabouts over the last several days as well as any person or persons you might have had contact with.? Enough so that I can now say that none of you are under any immediate suspicion.? We will continue to review the data as we widen our search, but as of now you are all free to go."? The door to the room clicked as it unlocked and opened just slightly. Looking the group over as if satisfying herself of something, she finally nodded and added "Though I do recommend that you stay in the facility for your own safety.? We finished the security sweep and the building has now been cleared."


Looking to Brandon, Macamber went on.? "PR is working on a press release but is holding off inquiries with a generic non-statement for the time being.? We are working as swiftly as possible to have the will read and processed, but it appears that the terms your father set out require both you and your brother - Raine? - to be present.? We are attempting to locate him but unfortunately we do not have the same resources to find him that we did for tracking you.? If you know where he can be found, we would appreciate anything you could tell us."


"That is all for now," she said, once again addressing the group as a whole.? "I will be in the Security offices for the time being as we pursue our investigations.? If you have any further questions, you can contact me there." She hesitated a moment, then added in a business-like tone "Again, I'm sorry for your individual losses.? You were important to Mister Chord and the organization will not forget that."? With that, she turned and exited the room.

?

(Gen)


Gen relaxed a bit when Kites held her and assured her that she could stay with him.? "Thank you," she whispered, hugging him instinctively.? After a few moments, she collected herself, wiping her tears away, feeling very self-conscious with the others in the room around her and Kites.? "Sorry," she mumbled to no one in particular as she stood up.


The androgyne watched as Macamber left the room.? The words "hostile intent" kept nipping at the back of her mind.? There was something there, something important, something she needed to remember.? Something she'd seen?? Heard?? Sensed somehow?? But what?? If she thought about it long enough, maybe it'd come to her.


"I'll go with you, whenever you're ready, Kites," she said quietly, staying close to his side.? "I think I need to lie down for a bit... to try and get my head back together."? She looked around apologetically for her vagueness.? "I know I know something.? I just don't know what it is."

?

Tag: ??Gen, NPC Macamber, Kites, Mia, Brandon, (Kat-skip)


Re: Port Vega: Meet & Greet Dinner (Posting Order: Aurora, Mara, Lightning Rod, Photon, Random NPCs)

 

(Lightning Rod)
It took Roddy a few moments to recover after Mara had introduced herself.? The brief glance she'd favored him with had left him left him feeling like he'd been weighed and found... not completely wanting. The intensity of her eyes though sent an involuntary shiver straight down his spine that somehow ended up in his balls - but only after passing through his bowels and making him think he was about to shit himself.

"Hi," he finally managed, standing up to address the others.? "I'm Lightning Rod.? I... make things attract electricity.? The longer I focus on something, the more electricity is gonna zap it.? Normally I'd give you a demo but doing it indoors is kind of risky."? He glanced at Mara and felt the need to sound more impressive.? "I've done some jobs for the local Chechen mob," he went on, smirking as he added "Knocked this one flying chick who was giving them problems right out of the sky.? Fried her sorry ass pretty good." With that, he sat down quickly, wondering if he'd impressed the snake-woman. And wondering what he'd do next if he had.

(Raine)
He arched his eyebrow at his would-be lover. He frowned even though it was hidden as he only trusted her with his secret and now, he had to trust the rest of this group. He smiled as he knew if something went wrong at least he would get to kill them. He hadn¡¯t caused a head to pop with microwaves for a while now. Only for her would he do something even remotely close to this.

He listened to her give instructions as he listened to everyone's abilities, he was too much like his father for his own good already plotting how those there could be best used for their skills and abilities. Jordie was clearly a techie that would come in handy for all of them. The first thing he needed was to make all members of this group disappear. Effective to not be traced.

He knew Liza¡­good with calculations. He had worked with her a couple of times to turn his allowance into a large some which currently made washing money a bit easier as they made it roll through enough shell and legit corporations for it to be squeaky clean.

They had worked with Mara enough times to trust her and be aware of her, he couldn¡¯t sneak up on her simply because she was sensitive to heat. But he wasn¡¯t without his abilities in keeping an eye on her as well. He too was ever watchful, he had trust issues go figure.

Lightning Rod he wasn¡¯t sure about, but he did keep track of him and noticed the visual interaction between him and Mara. ¡®Was he trying to impress her? Good luck with that pretty boy.¡¯ He thought, knocking someone out of the sky versus a shapeshifting assassin¡­yeah. ¡®You are the weakest link¡­bye Felicia!¡¯ He didn¡¯t crack a smile which he would have laughed had it been Brandon introducing himself to knock him down yet another peg, but that was a family thing.

¡°Raine, Body Transformation/Energy/Electromagnetic Spectrum for those of you not familiar with your physics anywhere from Infra-red to Ultraviolet.¡± He said simply he didn¡¯t have anyone to impress all of those people were elsewhere he was his own person now¡­no matter how much he missed them.

(Aurora)
Aurora noticed that Raine hadn¡¯t lifted his face shield like she had asked.? She would address it later with him.? She wasn¡¯t one to scold him in front of the others.? She looked at Devi who simply shook her head, so she moved on.

¡°Now, that everyone who wished to introduce themselves have we will move forward.? I am able to manipulate and magnetize metal.? If you are wearing or have something metal in your body, I can use it to my advantage.? That is my main power.? I have a couple of others, but for now I will keep those to myself.? Let dinner be served.? Please feel free to talk among yourselves and ask any questions you wish of me.¡±? With that she gave a wave to a person standing at the door and within minutes food was brought in on trays.

Devi stood up and walked to Aurora.? She whispered in her ear and Aurora nodded.? With that Devi simply left the room then the premise.? Aurora would explain if any of them asked.

(Jordie/Liza/Misty)
The three spoke among each other after Aurora spoke and the food was being placed in front of them.? Misty was sure that Aurora wasn¡¯t going to be happy with her being late and the other two were trying to convince her to go and speak with their boss before she had time to think it over.

[Mara]

Everyone dug in once the food was brought in by the servants.? It was always a feast when Aurora set the table, at least to Mara, it being one of the things that the assassin missed the most when being out in the field.? The yuan-ti woman wasn't exactly trained in the art of cooking either.? An assassin was meant to kill with tooth, claw and blade, not by shoving a breadstick down someone's throat, though now that she thought about it, was an awful but very funny way of disposing of someone that didn't really leave a mark.? In any case, being on the move so often meant she could, and would, only eat enough to survive.? Better to complete your mission on an empty stomach than be caught digesting a full meal.? A full snake was a dead snake.? However, that was neither here nor there, and she wasn't on a job yet, so Mara took full advantage of having this much food before her.

Several heaping plates of various meats ringed the yuan-ti at her seat.? Wasting no further time, the snake woman began digging into her fare, swallowing the meats whole as she tilted her head back and dropped the pieces into her mouth.? She didn't stop until her belly ever so slightly puffed out, leaning back into her seat cross-legged as she sighed in satisfaction.? Her eyes flicked to the one who called himself Lightning Rod.? Maybe he should've called himself Static Shock instead, a name she deemed more appropriate, which made the corners of her mouth inadvertently curl up into a smile.? What a faker.? Clearly he was trying to impress her, but for what?

"Aurora.? What do you think about that one?? The blond boy?" Mara whispered into her host's ear as she leaned close.? "He's giving off a lot of mixed signals, though he can't seem to take his eyes off me.? Should we, perhaps, give him a chance to show off?? He seems so eager to prove himself."? That one would be so easy to wrap around her finger.

Tag: Lightning Rod, Raine, Aurora/NPCs, Mara


Re: Raconteur City: The Summoning (Pyp, Kutsuki)

 

(Pyp)

Miming drawing an invisible notepad and pen out of his jacket, Pyp pretended to take notes.? "The G-word is henceforth banned, no spiriting away, and no screwing around with language capabilities.? Got it."? The now-plain-looking demon sighed and mimed adding two more notes.? "And no using any powers or forbidden magicks in her presence.? Physical force only.? Got it."??

"Perfectly good waste of my talents if you ask me," the demon said as he?tucked the imaginary notepad and pen away.? "But since you're not asking me, I'll just have to grin and bare it."? He grinned with manic brightness and suddenly all of his clothes were gone and he was standing there naked, just long enough for Kutsuki to notice.? Then he was just as suddenly back in the forgettable attire he'd had on before.? Before his white-haired summoner could object, Pyp held up a finger to ward off the expected protest.? "We're not in her presence yet, so powers and magicks are still allowed."

"Certainly,?Eraisama," the demon said cheerfully at Kutsuki's request.? He closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating on something, then nodded to himself as he opened them again. "There's a downstairs bathroom at the club that'll be more than suitable for your purposes.? And it's currently unoccupied so we'd best move swiftly."

"Brace yourself,?Eraisama," Pyp warned as he conjured a sphere of black and purple magic to appear around the two of them.? There was a brief feeling of disorientation, of weightlessness and movement, and then it was gone.? The sphere disappeared and all was darkness around them.??

"Hmmm," the demon mused.? He snapped his fingers and overhead an array of fluorescent?lights flickered on, revealing a bathroom that looked like it hadn't been used as such in years.? Stacks of cardboard boxes of varying sizes hinted at its now being used as a storage room.? He looked back to Kutsuki and shrugged.? "Well, it's not exactly the foyer but we're here."

"Good, that's more like it," Kutsuki responded, firmness evident in his voice, but what he wasn't expecting was for the imp to take his own words literally.? A single blink later and the white hair summoner was greeted with a psychotically grinning Pyp who was buck naked.? Before he could even shield his own eyes or groan in disgust, the imp's clothes were back though his smile was no less smaller than it was in that moment.? His cheeks grew hot in that moment, not even sure of the best way to react, when the whole world around him grew dark and the ground dropped right out from under him.? It was so unexpected and startling that his heart nearly jumped out of his throat and in that brief moment of helplessness, Kutsuki reached out for Pyp when suddenly his feet found the solid floor.

"Wh-what the hell was that?!" he groaned, his head spinning like a merry-go-round.? Shaking his head to try and gain some semblance of control again, Kutsuki didn't realize that he was holding something in his hand until that creeping warmth travelled up his skin.? The hellion simply stared back at him, still wearing that maniacal grin from before.? Raising his arm to eye level, Kutsuki realized just exactly what or who that he had grabbed onto, body filled with dread.? The aversion hit him like a brick wall and the summoner whipped his hand away, using the fingers of the other to try and rub off where the other's touch was.? "Don't fucking touch me, creep!? I don't exactly recall giving you permission to do that."

Just then, the door to the bathroom creaked open and blinding white light filled the otherwise dusty room.

"Kutsuki?? I thought I heard someone back here.? The hell are you doing in there, man?? Didn't even see you come in."

"Rauly?"? Oh, thank the deities it was him and not Hwa-Young.? "Another busy day, huh?? I _was_ trying to get Peerson out of here before he caused more trouble.? I told him to stay put outside, but the damned kid has a problem with authority."

"What, you got stuck with babysitting duty?? The usual, am I right?" Rauly asked, opening the door wide and then stepped away to let the others pass.

"Yeah, lucky me.? Thanks," Kutsuki answered and started to head up the stairs.? Before they came out, however, he turned around and hissed at Pyp, making a head cut off motion.? Not a word, Kutsuki mouthed at the imp.? He just hoped and prayed that the hellion stuck to the story, or better yet, not said anything at all.

[Tag Pyp]


Re: High Moon Tales. Tales of the Wicked West.

 

Etienne?

Etienne was quiet, her heartbeat rapidly. Her eyes slowly showing the emotion she was feeling even though she was trying desperately not to show it. She stood just at the mouth of the cave. Not quite in but not quite out either.?

Of all the places...

Sicilien was speaking...what he was actually saying she couldn¡¯t hear. Her fear wouldn¡¯t let her focus. ¡°I¡¯ll fine food,¡± she said moving away from the cave.walking away from them.?

Callie Carson

Callie took Flynn to a corner of the cave away from the others and got him comfortable with a bedroll and some blankets. She held him for a while and stroked his head while humming a song her mother used to sing to her when she was a child. She was working her way up to providing him something else to relax and give him the good thoughts he needed to continue his rest when she looked up and saw Etienne tell Sicilien and the others she was going to look for food. She walked off away from the cave and to Callie's chagrin, no one followed her.
??
"For Christ's sake," she muttered. She got up and rested Flynn's head on her bedroll, then kissed his cheek. "Back in a few minute, luv. I need to see where Etienne is off to. No one else seems to be paying attention to her."
??
Callie strapped on her guns and put her hat back on before heading out the mouth of the cave to find where Etienne went...

(Flynn)?

The sound of Callie's soft humming was soothing, seeping into the pookah's dreaming and filling it with visions of quiet comfort and safety. It was a song of hearth and home, and Flynn's mind conjured up image after image from his past and from the pasts of others.? It was a nurturing dream, a restorative dream, not as powerful as one of passion or adventure might have been, but he could feel the glamour slowly rising back up within him.

He felt the the presence of one of the group - Etienne? - rise up and move away.? The thought troubled him, but he could do nothing but push it aside and hope that Callie, who seemed to be going after her, would be able to steer her back before she ran into one of the creatures seeking the group.? For now, replenishing his reserves of magical essence was vital and so he focused on that and that alone, letting his consciousness flow even further into the dreaming.
?
[Sicilien]

When Etienne hesitated in coming in, Sicilien first gave her a funny look and then looked back into the cave to see what was causing her hesitation.? It wasn't till he saw the fear in her eyes as she trembled and turned that he remembered why.? However, before he could even reach out for her or call her name, Callie came up behind him.? He only had to turn his face and Etienne was already gone from sight.? He sighed.

"Callie, wait.? You're Flynn's partner and the only one who knows how to take care of him," Sicilien said, raising his arm to bar her from going any further.? He did soften his look to let her know that he meant no offense.? "Let me go after her.? I'm a bit...more familiar with her behavior, so I know how to handle it."? Plus, she and I need to talk, but that's not a thought that he was willing to share with the group.? Slinging the sniper rifle back on, Sicilien gave Callie a quick smile and then headed out.

The bounty hunter kept silent until he was sure he was far enough from the cave that they wouldn't be able to see, or hear them.? The path that he took wound upwards onto a small plateau of sorts that was ringed by several large boulders, an evidence of a recent avalanche.? Leaning up against one, he took another drag on his cigarette and blew out a column of smoke into the sky.? The moon was just a crescent, but it was bright and beautiful, surrounded by millions of twinkling stars.

"Etienne, come out.? I know you're here.? I can feel you," Sicilien called out, not bothering to look around.? Let her be the first to make the move.? "Or we can play hide and seek, if you wish, but I will find you."


Tag - Chase, Callie, Flynn, Sicilien, Etienne, Charity (jumping in periodically)


Re: Blood Feuds: Trying to Survive (Anais, Vincent, Chantal)

 

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(Vincent)
Vincent watched her move across the room, glad to see that she was smart and not trying to go over the balcony.? He had to start to gain her trust, so he sent a telepathic message to the one outside her door and it was quickly unlocked then the servant sat in the chair across the hall.

When Anais tried the knob the door opened.? The servant remained in the chair.? This one was a young man who appeared to be no more than 20.? He smiled at Anais as she opened the door.? His bright green eyes and flaming red hair indicated that he was Irish and his sudden strong accent made it clear, "good evening, would you like to take a stroll?"

Anais

When the knob first turned, she was surprised. Did they really leave the door open for her? Suspicion instantly rose her hackles. Slowly she opened the door wide to see the human man on the other side of the door. Her guard? Was that who he was?

She nodded at him. However she did not offer him a full smile. ¡°Good Evening to you as well. Yes, I would. Am I allowed to do that?¡±


Re: Blood Feuds: Trying to Survive (Anais, Vincent, Chantal)

 

(Anais)
Anais forced herself to watch as the last of the people from the party were lead out and off to whatever their life would become. She felt responsible.? After all, Vincent was after her. All of those people were just collateral damage. Unfortunately caught in what appears to be the drama of her life.? "I'm so sorry," she whispered to the wind as the last car drove away.

Anais turned back to the room. With a sigh, she moved back into the room away from the mid fall evening. Anais looked at the bed and the chair and the door and the four walls of the room that was her prison. She felt like she was going stir crazy. Taking a chance, Anais moved to the door and turned the knob, hoping to find that it would open.

(Vincent)
Vincent watched her move across the room, glad to see that she was smart and not trying to go over the balcony.? He had to start to gain her trust, so he sent a telepathic message to the one outside her door and it was quickly unlocked then the servant sat in the chair across the hall.

When Anais tried the knob the door opened.? The servant remained in the chair.? This one was a young man who appeared to be no more than 20.? He smiled at Anais as she opened the door.? His bright green eyes and flaming red hair indicated that he was Irish and his sudden strong accent made it clear, "good evening, would you like to take a stroll?"

Tag: Anais


Re: A Pirates Life (Khadashee and Draven)

 

(Khadashee)
Khadashee took Draven by the hand and squeezed. She could feel the tension in his body. ¡°I¡¯m sure he meant no offense. To you or me love. Be easy.¡± She said stepping in to kiss his cheek.?She turned her attention back to Draven¡¯s brother. "Next time you should try simply introducing yourself. It might go a long way to gaining trust.¡±

(Draven/Damon)
Draven understood what Khadashee was doing, but it didn't take his agitation for this wharf rat away.? He didn't trust anyone who decided to stowaway instead of simply introducing themselves.? "If that is all, my love." He said indicating that he was ready to take her away from the lad.

"Well, Queen Khadashee, as I don't see a next time for this I don't think it will matter.? But I will keep it in mind.? I believe the Captain is finished with this interaction."? He said as he went and sat back down on the cot.? "Guess time will tell if I will be allowed out of this cage or not.? Enjoy your evening, Captain, Khadashee."

Tag: Khadashee


Re: Raconteur: Scarlett and Tempest

 

Tempest

Tempest¡¯ arrived at the club fashionable late¡­as was her way. As she came to step out of her private quarters, her personal attendant, Franklin came to and open the door.??She took his hand and stepped down the steps. He rushed around her to open the front doors of her personal dwelling connected to the main club structure itself.?She offered him a soft smile. Running her hand down his face from his eyes to his chin in a soft caress, Tempest¡¯ stepped closer. So close, her body was nearly touching his.?¡°Thank you, darling,¡± she said her lips so closer to his that her soft heavy undiscernible accents voice feathers against his lips. ¡°You do not have to come with me tonight, Franklin. I am sure I will be fine.¡±


¡°If that is your desire, mistress.¡± He said.


¡°It is¡± she replied.


¡°Have a wonderful evening, mistress.¡±


¡°Oh I plan to, Franklin. I plan to,¡± she said with a light wave. Walking down the hall to the club, the sound of her heels tapped across the floor relaying the current satisfaction of her mood.??She touched the button causing the doors to slide open with a swish. Tempest¡¯ stepped in; a sexy devilish smile about her face,


As she stepped in, all eyes went to the mistress of the domain. Smooth skin the color of melted caramel. Her mane of coiled roped locs cascading down her back, deeply iridescent almond-shaped eyes accentuated by full thick heavy lashes.?
Tempest¡¯ was dressed simply. Her ivory dress hung long, flowing down to her ankles. Even though every inch of her form was covered from neck to foot, the curves of her hips and the swell of her bosom gently played peek-a-boo from beneath the fabric. This woman oozed not only authority, she oozed a sex appeal that she owned and was unapologetic for.

Slowly walking into the room; her sharp eyes caught sight of everything. The smoke hazed air inside the spacious dark club; the bass from the sound system vibrated through her chest. From the looks of things, it was a full house tonight. Everyone who had received their invitation had almost all arrived.?As she moved about there were patrons and employees in various stages of undress openly kissed and shamelessly fondled and groped themselves and others. In a large, gilded cage suspended from the ceiling were young blondes, and brunettes and redheads all danced about in thongs and little else.

Tempest could feel the shift in the atmosphere. Everything was changing. Beyond her doors tension rose in the streets. But what else was new, typically beyond her doors tension always rose in the street. Today just happened to be the day for the tension of man and his silly conflicts and meaningless attempts at supremacy.?It mattered not to her, nor had the ways of man matter to her for quite some time.??What did matter¡­Haven¡­


Haven was her territory. A?
place of fantasy, energy, life for all that entered Her walls.?and She would always be neutral territory despite the pursuits of all beyond its doors. A hollowed sanctuary for all the things that went bump in the night as the human expression went. If the patrons observed its rules, Haven was whatever a patron needed. However, if one didn¡¯t¡­woe unto those who thought to cross the lady of the manor.


Haven was a large open structure that was divided into sections, different rooms, different wants, different desires. The soft thud of the music pounding off the walls, echoing a bit through The Lounge area of the structure, which was a large common room of open, airy space. A massive stone fireplace sat along one wall, facing the fumed oak and worn flagstone of the room, and was banked with smoldering embers.??The well-worn?oak stairway led up behind the fireplace to a mezzanine that overlooked the common room. Doorways to private rooms lined the mezzanine.


In another section named the Red Room, the sounds of the whimpering gasps and the snaps of the leather striking hard against the skin could be heard. She turned to her left, to see the panels of red velvet curtain pulled back and secured.??If one were to look beyond the red velvet curtain, one could see in the center of the room, showcased like a rare, one-of-a-kind work of art, was a handsome blonde man whose ocean blue eyes were striking. He stood chained from the ceiling spread eagle while a busty brunette clad in a shiny skin-tight black catsuit flogged him with a cat o¡¯ nine tails, a look of tortured bliss upon his face as the sounds of cracks of whips and the moaning wails of male and female voices rose in a chorus anguished ecstasy filled.

Tempest continued, slow easy steps as she moved through the darken corridor of the club lit only by the dim light of candles behind sconces on the wall with the steps of a seasoned professional, expertly maneuvering through the sea of people, being sure to take note of all the sights and sounds, the patrons and activity, and all the exits that surrounded her.?In another room, one called The City, the music was loud and the neon light on the dance floor undulated overhead to the time of the music the DJ played. Couples moved and writhed against each other pawing each other just as openly as they did in the lounge.

As Tempest¡¯ made her way across the crowded floor, the throng of people parted for her like the Red Sea.?
She smirked as she saw Alastair, a club VIP, currently, with his hands all over Diana, one of the club girls, groping and touching and feeling¡­there was no place he wouldn¡¯t touch. No place inappropriate despite his publicness.? And no place she wouldn¡¯t let him touch.? He had popped two of the buttons of the girl¡¯s uniform causing even more of her bosom to spill out for all the world to see. The smile never left his face...or hers for that matter.?

The crowd roared.? Some of the spectators even threw coins at the two.? He was indeed enjoying himself. And that was what mattered to Tempest. She prided herself on her patrons enjoying themselves. Feeling the relief of all life¡¯s ails washing away upon their entry.

Turning to continue her rounds, Tempest stopped, a smirk about her face as the man in front of her gyrated to the music.? The scent of fresh kill reeked from every pour of his dead skin.? Flashing him a sexy smile, she moved with him, keeping time as together they followed the beat.?

Tempest leaned her head to the side causing her long golden streaked locs to fall to the side of her face, smiling at the man, deep shimmery eyes shining. She let her hands roam over his body. The man in front of her reached for her and she stepped back laughing. She leaned into him, "Maybe later," she whispered in his ear before turning from him to continue her rounds.

Work before fun, it was her job to make sure everyone here was well taken care of. Slowly she approached the bar. Travis, one of her trusted handed her a wine glass filled with dark red liquid. ¡°Good Evening Mistress,¡± Travis said.


¡°Good Evening Travis,¡± she said taking the glass from him. As she listened to him give his report on the night thus far.


Scarlett MacAleister

Scarlett left her seat at the bar to wander about the bustling club. The place ranged from the mild to the wild. Some areas were simply vampires dancing and enjoying each other's company, other parts of the club were highly erotic and sexual. People engaging in sex acts, groping and fondling one another.?
The redhead had learned that this was how many vampires lived. She tended to be more conservative, having grown up as a human in a conservative time period. But over a century of being a vampire she had learned to indulge, with some restraint, in this world. As she understood, Tempest was the mistress of this place and she was happy to indulge in all it had to offer.
After giving herself the grand tour, Scarlett returned to her seat at the bar and as she scanned the area her eyes fell upon the most beautiful?woman she'd ever seen. It was Tempest, or at least she fit the description. Scarlett as a human had found her preference in men. As a vampire she'd learned to appreciate both sexes, having enjoyed a few harmless encounters with females since being turned.
This woman was certainly one she could see herself enjoying some time with -- perhaps in getting close to her to get to Dimitri Wolfram, she would have the chance to know Tempest more...intimately.
Her eyes remained locked on the dark-skinned woman and she waited to see how long it would take her to notice the redhead's stares...

(tag Tempest)



Re: Blood Feuds: Trying to Survive (Anais, Vincent, Chantal)

 

(Vincent)
The dusk turned to night and it became late.? The last of the cars left with the newly acquired cargo.? The camera hidden behind the grate watched Anais.? Vincent watched from his study.? Chantel had fallen asleep shortly after their sexual romp.? He watched.? Was the lady going to eat, was she going to sleep?? Was she going to try and escape out the balcony?? He was intrigued and simply watched.? The babies, he smiled, they would be his.? That would twist the knife in Draven's back.? The man was indeed mad without his humanity.

Time would tell if he would feel Anais enough that she was nearby and turn his humanity back on.? If he did, he would truly feel her and know she was there.? Vincent wondered what step to take next with Anais.? Should he let her have some freedom to move about the mansion, or keep her locked in her little room?? He wondered as he watched to see what she would do next.

Anais

Anais forced herself to watch as the last of the people from the party were lead out and off to whatever their life would become. She felt responsible.? After all, Vincent was after her. All of those people were just collateral damage. Unfortunately caught in what appears to be the drama of her life.? "I'm so sorry," she whispered to the wind as the last car drove away.?
?
Anais turned back to the room. With a sigh, she moved back into the room away from the mid fall evening. Anais looked at the bed and the chair and the door and the four walls of the room that was her prison. She felt like she was going stir crazy. Taking a chance, Anais moved to the door and turned the knob, hoping to find that it would open.


Re: A Pirates Life (Khadashee and Draven)

 

(Draven/Damon)
Damon chuckled at being called sir, "such an honor to be called sir.? But alas, dear lady, I am not.? Just your common wharf rat.? I see.? Fell in love with your owner, not uncommon.? Hope he treats his slave well."
?
"You will not call her slave, as she is a Queen and no longer such," Draven interjected before waiting to hear the question answered as well.
?
"My apologizes.? As for the question, well, as you might have gathered the Captain here did not know about me and therefore, since I am not a pirate looking for work, figured stowaway would be the better route.? I don't believe that pirate ships take on invited guests, correct me if I am wrong, brother."
?
"You will address me as Captain, as I have not gathered proof to the other.? Khadashee, do you have any other questions for the wharf?"? Draven was clearly getting agitated?with the lad.

Khadashee

Khadashee took Draven by the hand and squeezed. She could feel the tension in his body. ¡°I¡¯m sure he meant no offense. To you or me love. Be easy.¡± She said stepping in to kiss his cheek.?

She turned her attention back to Draven¡¯s brother. Next time you should try simply introducing yourself. It might go a long way to gaining trust.¡±


Re: A Pirates Life (Khadashee and Draven)

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

(Draven/Damon)
Damon chuckled at being called sir, "such an honor to be called sir.? But alas, dear lady, I am not.? Just your common wharf rat.? I see.? Fell in love with your owner, not uncommon.? Hope he treats his slave well."

"You will not call her slave, as she is a Queen and no longer such," Draven interjected before waiting to hear the question answered as well.

"My apologizes.? As for the question, well, as you might have gathered the Captain here did not know about me and therefore, since I am not a pirate looking for work, figured stowaway would be the better route.? I don't believe that pirate ships take on invited guests, correct me if I am wrong, brother."

"You will address me as Captain, as I have not gathered proof to the other.? Khadashee, do you have any other questions for the wharf?"? Draven was clearly getting agitated?with the lad.

Tag: Khadashee


Re: Blood Bonds: Getting to know Paris (Draven, Nicolete)

 

(Trio)

The trio stood waiting for Draven to open the door. Each of them felt a bit strange being here considering what happened the last time, but for Alexei, his wife insisted he come and try to make this right.??¡°She feels like their break up is all her fault,¡± Alexei said. ¡°She looked so sad and dejected; How can I deny her this,¡± Alexei said. ¡°I just hope Draven wasn¡¯t too angry.¡±


As always Nicolae was stoic. ¡°He has every right to be angry,¡± Nicolae said.

¡°She had no idea that Anais didn¡¯t know she was Were¡­.none of us did.¡± Alexei said

¡°I did,¡± Nicolae replied simply
¡°You did,¡± both men said stunned.


¡°I did. If anyone bothered to watch the girl, really watch the girl, you would have known too.¡± Nicolae said. "You could see she lived a very shelter life. And knowing the kind of man, Victor Deveraux was and who Lyra was to him, I am not surprised she didn't know." Nicolae said. There had been a few occasions when Draven was fighting for equality, where he had accompanied him on some of his trips. His first visit to the Deveraux Estate had been one.


Alexei had sighed. But that did not deter him from insisting on trying to make this right. And when he learned from his head butler that Draven had come to Paris, he knew he had to at least try.?
Somehow Alexei convinced Nicolae to come with them. ?They all knew that while the three had been friends since childhood, Draven and Nicolae had always been the closest.

¡°And with him turning off his humanity, we will need you there to act as¡­¡±Gregor paused

¡°A buffer,¡± Alexei said. ¡°After all you know how Draven can be when he was not in touch with his human side.¡±


¡°I think you should leave this alone. Emily will just have to learn that she cannot get her way all the time,¡± Nicolae had said to his friends. But had indeed made the trip with them when they seemed insistent on doing so.


Now the three of them stood in the hallway of this fancy Paris hotel, ¡°Did one of you at least reach out in advance to let him know we were coming.¡± Nicolae asked.?To that question he received silence.?Nicolae shook his head. ¡°You are just bound and determined to make this worse aren¡¯t you,¡± he said to Alexei just as Draven asked who is it.?¡°It¡¯s us Draven.¡± Nicolae said. ¡°Can we come in.¡±

(Draven)
How in the world did they know where he was? "No, I am not descent and it is the middle of the day.? I will meet you after sundown, like normal vampires.? Leave a contact number with the front desk."? He turned away from the door.? He wasn't about to have his sleep interrupted?by the last people in the world that he didn't want to see.? He sat on the edge of the bed to see if they would leave or speak again.? He could just ignore them, then they would simply have to wait for him.

Tag: Trio


Re: A Pirates Life (Khadashee and Draven)

 

(Khadashee)
Khadashee gave Damon a nod. "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir." She said her deeply exotic accented voice flowing from her like soft honey. At his question, she smiled. "Your brother purchased me at auction. And through time, he made me his lady. And I honored to be so. And you sir, what brings to find yourself locked up as a stowaway upon your brother's ship rather than as an invited guest," she asked her deep green eyes never wavering from Damon as she waited for him to speak.

(Draven/Damon)
Damon chuckled at being called sir, "such an honor to be called sir.? But alas, dear lady, I am not.? Just your common wharf rat.? I see.? Fell in love with your owner, not uncommon.? Hope he treats his slave well."

"You will not call her slave, as she is a Queen and no longer such," Draven interjected before waiting to hear the question answered as well.

"My apologizes.? As for the question, well, as you might have gathered the Captain here did not know about me and therefore, since I am not a pirate looking for work, figured stowaway would be the better route.? I don't believe that pirate ships take on invited guests, correct me if I am wrong, brother."

"You will address me as Captain, as I have not gathered proof to the other.? Khadashee, do you have any other questions for the wharf?"? Draven was clearly getting agitated?with the lad.

Tag: Khadashee


Re: Blood Feuds: Trying to Survive (Anais, Vincent, Chantal)

 

(Anais)
As Anais stood upon the balcony, she rubbed her arms against a chill she did not feel on her skin but in the pit of her belly. This was a fine mess she had gotten herself into. And as of right now she had no idea how to get herself out.? As she looked down, she saw the humans being led out the front door into the waiting vehicles. Although no one fought or made a fuss, it was obvious they did not leave on their own accord. The faraway look in her eyes told her that. She knew what was going to happen to them. They would not become slaves.

Everything they once had and knew gone. What kind of life they had would have now would depend heavily on what kind of master they were going to and how much trouble they cause as they assimilated into their new lives. Being the daughter of a slaver, she had seen first hand what could be done to slaves, those who assimilated and those who didn¡¯t. She had read her mother¡¯s journal. So besides her first-hand eyewitness accounts of what she had seen in her own life, she understood from her mother¡¯s own words, what waking a slave could be like. She said a quiet prayer for those poor souls.


And then she saw her friends. And a tremendous sense of guilt ran through her. This had happened to them because of her. They were being led away like lambs to the slaughter because the bastards who held her had no use for them. And she had no doubt the fact that she was being allowed to move about the room, standing on the balcony to have front-row seat, being forced to watch it happen because those same bastards wanted her to see this¡­


Were they trying to send a message? Definitely. Anger flared through her whole body as she watched Cate and Richard stepped into separate vehicles. She forced herself to watch as the doors closed and each of those vehicles began slowly driving down the long drive. Her eyes watching. Her mind thinking, processing so much information.

?

She had so many questions.


Why was she here? What did they want? How did they know who she was? So many questions to sorting, mulling, sussing. She needed to focus on what she did know.

First, the man, Vincent. He seemed to be the brains behind the operation, the one that everyone answered. And although it seemed like he was not afraid to cause her pain or discomfort, it did seem like he would not cause her any real damage¡­At least not until her children were born.

Then there was the woman¡­Chantel, with her fake displays of care and friendship, faux offers of trust. Her insistence that she eat, giving her the box, which contained ¡°Draven¡¯s journals" and photos of him supposedly in the months following her leaving him, apparently distraught. it was telling on so many levels. They wanted a rise out of her, some kind of show of emotions. That much was obvious¡­so that was what she gave them. The rise. Now she needed to know why they wanted that rise? And What in fact did they need with her? Was she here to hurt Draven?

It was obvious to her that Draven was important to this equation. It was also obvious that they were hoping to pull on her heartstrings towards him. Also, her children had something to do with all of this. For them to know who she was, where she was, have those pictures of Draven and his personal effects to give her meant One, it was very important to them for her to have some kind of emotional attachment to him. And two, that they had been watching them --both her and Draven since before they broke up to know and most importantly three, Draven had a traitor in his midst.?


Then there was Vincent¡¯s concern for her babies when they first met, his interest in them seemed to be a priority of his. Why? Was it because of Draven again? Did the man have some hatred towards Draven? Was this only business?? So much information.

?

One thing was true¡­no one could be trusted here. And they had gravely underestimated her.

(Vincent)
The dusk turned to night and it became late.? The last of the cars left with the newly acquired cargo.? The camera hidden behind the grate watched Anais.? Vincent watched from his study.? Chantel had fallen asleep shortly after their sexual romp.? He watched.? Was the lady going to eat, was she going to sleep?? Was she going to try and escape out the balcony?? He was intrigued and simply watched.? The babies, he smiled, they would be his.? That would twist the knife in Draven's back.? The man was indeed mad without his humanity.

Time would tell if he would feel Anais enough that she was nearby and turn his humanity back on.? If he did, he would truly feel her and know she was there.? Vincent wondered what step to take next with Anais.? Should he let her have some freedom to move about the mansion, or keep her locked in her little room?? He wondered as he watched to see what she would do next.

Tag: Anais


Re: Port Vega: End of the Beginning. (Gen, Kites, Mia, Kat, Brandon, NPCs)

 

?(NPC Macamber)

The security officer turned to Mia, her expression professionally neutral.? "At the moment, we do not yet know if this was an accident.? Until such time as we determine that it was, we have to proceed with the assumption that it was the result of hostile intent.? And that everyone is a suspect.? And a potential target.? As for the door being locked," she went on, "we are currently conducting a security sweep of the facility. Once that is done, the door will unlock and everyone will be free to leave."

Turning to Brandon, she said "We are sorry for your loss, sir, but it is premature for you to be assuming control of the Chord organization.? There are protocols and procedures to be followed, the two most important of which are finding Mister Chord's will and clearing you, as a possible heir, of any suspicion in his demise.? We will be moving as quickly as possible to carry out both of these actions, and we ask for your patience in these matters."

?

Macamber then looked to Kites.? "As for what will happen to the rest of you, you will, as I said, be free to leave once the security sweep is completed.? You are all welcome to stay in the rooms you have - or had - in the facility.? Which frankly I would recommend, given the possibility of hostile intent.? We can protect you here.? But elsewhere, our ability is far more limited."

?

Looking to the group as a whole, the security officer asked "Does anyone else have any questions?"

?

(Gen)

Gen let herself be held, enclosed within the comforting cover of Kites' wings.? She rested her head against his shoulder, willing herself to gradually stop weeping and become something resembling calm.? As she did so, she listened to the things being said in the room.? When the security officer mentioned the possibility of "hostile intent," something stirred in her memory, but her thoughts were still too jumbled and distracted to focus on it.? So, she pushed the niggling aside and looked up at Kites.

?

"Can... can I stay with you?" she whispered.? "I don't want to go back to the lighthouse just yet. And they probably don't want me there anyway while they're investigating.? But I don't want to be alone either.? So, can I stay with you?? Just for a while?"? It was hard for the androgyne to keep from trembling, which made her cling instinctively to the winged youth.? "Please?"

?

(Kites)

Though the woman's voice was calm and neutral, matter-of-fact-like, it did nothing to alleviate Kites' anxiety which seemed to be holding at an all-time high.? Maybe Brandon's alibi would hold, as would the evidence of the cameras that heavily peppered the facility, wouldn't that also make him a prime suspect?? He didn't exactly have an amicable conversation with Chord after he flew back, having stormed out of the office in a bit of a temper tantrum.? Neither Ireland nor Kites had really seen eye to eye, their first meeting having been just the right amount of explosive reciprocity, though more so from Ireland than from the winged youth who simply stood and took it like a coward.? How long ago was that?? Gods, were they to be in this room until all of that was soused out?? What happened to being innocent until proven guilty?

?

"One last question, Ms. Macamber.? Are we all supposed to tell you where we were and what we did before this happened now, or will we be called to speak about that individually?" Kites asked, though he suddenly regretted it.? Did this make him suspicious?? He was thinking back to the all the investigation shows that he watched back at the orphanage with the others.? The suspects were almost always called into a barren room and grilled for all their worth.? Was this going to happen to them too?? Kites looked around himself.? Everyone was a wreck.? Mia was the most stoic of them all, trying to keep it together though even then she couldn't hold back her tears.? Kat was simply blank and silent, though he could feel the stress just emanating from her.? Brandon looked like an absolute wreck, having been the closest to Chord and co.? The man must be housing a storm of emotions churning deep inside.? But more so than anyone, Kites was most worried about Gen who was clinging to him for dear life.

?

"What kind of a question is that?? Do you even need to ask?? Of course, you can stay with me," Kites warmly answered, looking back at the androgyne as his lips just even so slightly curled up.? He pressed her closer to his chest, using the other hand to gently caress her cheek, moving the stray hairs out of her eyes and face, bending down to place a soft, chaste kiss upon her forehead.? "Always.? Did you think I was going to chase you away or something?"? Right now, more than anything they all needed comfort, Gen, Mia, Kat, Brandon.? All of them.? So, he was going to start with Mia since he did kind of snub her at the entrance of the room.

?

"Sorry, Mia.? I uh...was a bit of an asshole there.? Hug?" the winged youth called out to the elementalist, opening one wing and smiling at her invitingly.? "Kat, Brandon?? I mean, I'm no mother hen, but my wings are warm."

?

(Mia)

Mia had spent the afternoon at the local pier with Ireland and her other brother, Raine she things was his name.? Then they were back here and then everyone was gone.? She was trying to remember where she was, but she had been here, in the facility all night.? First, she responded to Brandon and Ms. Macamber, ¡°I have been here since Ireland and I returned after learning about Gen¡¯s attack.? I am sorry for your loss, Brandon.¡±? Then she looked at Kites when he spoke to her, ¡°you were distracted, I wouldn¡¯t call you an asshole.¡±? She let out a sigh and let her guard down.? She crossed the room and accepted the hug from him.? She even returned her own genuine one.? As she stepped out of the embrace she said, ¡°thank you.¡± And then sat next to him and Gen.


??

(Brandon)

This was his worse nightmare¡­Nothing in his father¡­Chord¡¯s training could prepare him for this¡­He just wasn¡¯t prepared. It hurt he ached, the last time he spoke with his fa¡­with Chord they had words¡­harsh words¡­He accused him of not loving him of now having faith or trust in him and the man tried to assure him of his faith in him¡­and yet¡­No!? None of that!?? He had words with Harrison and she told him he had failed his baby girl, his first true love¡­He longed to be with his sister growing up because she was the most beautiful woman he knew growing up and she loved his Stanky drawers¡­? Till the end, in the end, he had pushed too far and he was a selfish bastard that wanted to not see how weak he was. He let his libido lead him rather than the head on his shoulders.? He had let her down¡­even then. It hurt as he looked at those in the room.? There was no time for tears!? He had to rise to the occasion and he had to be the leader.? It wasn¡¯t a choice, they needed him.? In truth, he had to focus on getting everything clear and taken care of.

?He looked at the group and he watched each of them.? He felt Mia close to him.? ¡°Thank I am good.¡±? He knew she was trying, he was ok with Mia being there but he knew what was possibly taken from her.? He touched her shoulder,? it was more out of reflex as if he had been trained to do it the smile was rather mechanical.? He was all but dead inside, the only family he had left was his brother who was at times his archnemesis.? He wasn¡¯t sure how he was going to tell him¡­how to tell him that he had remained and still had not been there to protect them and now¡­all of them were gone¡­he was unsure what to do.? He needed to run the team and put them together to defend the city.? It was what he would have wanted, he wasn¡¯t sure what to do after they were all trained.? Right now he was fully focused on trying to do what was best for others.

He needed to put in the work.? He breathed realizing¡­it was hard because there was now a hole in his chest where his heart should have been.? He was wanting to breakdown but it wasn¡¯t the time or the place.

?¡°Thank you? Kites, I am good!¡±? He said with a smile that was not him.? It was as fake as a four dollar bill, but no one knew him not even the woman that was his lover so they wouldn¡¯t know the life he was facing now was nothing like he would have ever expected the person that he was supposed to be and needed to be was to be.? Was with those that were gone.? He breathed as he looked at those before him.? ?¡°Ms. Macamber, I need an ETA on being in this room, the PR person?? Where are we with that?¡±? He asked his tone was focused but devoid of warmth as he did his best to hold himself together.? ¡°The will should be in the wall safe or on his laptop .¡±? He said as he looked out the window, he was calm¡­he was the center of the hurricane.? He didn¡¯t have to stay¡­he could have just ignored protocol and just left, but that would have proved what, that he wasn¡¯t worthy of being the leader.? They needed him to be that person right now he was that person even though it was killing him.? He wanted to destroy and wreck everything and everyone's insight, his family was gone and his own selfishness was the cause.? Had he been there they might have sent him instead and they might still be here.? He can¡¯t get that time back with them.

Tag: ??Gen, NPC Macamber, Kites, Mia, Brandon, (Kat-skip)

?


Re: Blood Bonds: Getting to know Paris (Draven, Nicolete)

 

?

(Draven)
Draven had been sleeping well when the knock came at the door. It took him a little bit to wake up and realize what the sound was.?
?
He put a robe on over his naked body before going to the door. "May I ask who is there?" He had learned along time ago to ask before opening the door.

[Trio}


The trio stood waiting for Draven to open the door. Each of them felt a bit strange being here considering what happened the last time, but for Alexei, his wife insisted he come and try to make this right.


¡°She feels like their break up is all her fault,¡± Alexei said. ¡°She looked so sad and dejected; How can I deny her this,¡± Alexei said. ¡°I just hope Draven wasn¡¯t too angry.¡±


As always Nicolae was stoic. ¡°He has every right to be angry,¡± Nicolae said.


¡°She had no idea that Anais didn¡¯t know she was Were¡­.none of us did.¡± Alexei said


¡°I did,¡± Nicolae replied simply

¡°You did,¡± both men said stunned.


¡°I did. If anyone bothered to watch the girl, really watch the girl, you would have known too.¡± Nicolae said. "You could see she lived a very shelter life. And knowing the kind of man, Victor Deveraux was and who Lyra was to him, I am not surprised she didn't know." Nicolae said. There had been a few occasions when Draven was fighting for equality, where he had accompanied him on some of his trips. His first visit to the Deveraux Estate had been one.


Alexei had sighed. But that did not deter him from insisting on trying to make this right. And when he learned from his head butler that Draven had come to Paris, he knew he had to at least try.?
Somehow Alexei convinced Nicolae to come with them. ?They all knew that while the three had been friends since childhood, Draven and Nicolae had always been the closest.

¡°And with him turning off his humanity, we will need you there to act as¡­¡±Gregor paused


¡°A buffer,¡± Alexei said. ¡°After all you know how Draven can be when he was not in touch with his human side.¡±


¡°I think you should leave this alone. Emily will just have to learn that she cannot get her way all the time,¡± Nicolae had said to his friends. But had indeed made the trip with them when they seemed insistent on doing so.


Now the three of them stood in the hallway of this fancy Paris hotel, ¡°Did one of you at least reach out in advance to let him know we were coming.¡± Nicolae asked.?
To that question he received silence.?Nicolae shook his head. ¡°You are just bound and determined to make this worse aren¡¯t you,¡± he said to Alexei just as Draven asked who is it.?¡°It¡¯s us Draven.¡± Nicolae said. ¡°Can we come in.¡±


Re: Elusive Capture: Beaches. Andrew/Evone¡¯

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

(Andrew)


"From what you've told me and from what I've observed," Andrew said, holding her close, "I believe they were feeding you some kind of drug to keep you vulnerable and disoriented." He hesitated a moment, wondering if he should tell what he'd learned from the lawyer back in Port Royale.? "I think," he said finally, "they wanted you declared unfit to handle your affairs, so that Lucas, as your legal husband, would be given control over your affairs. Which would include any inheritance you might receive from your father when he passes."


"But I will not allow that to happen, my beloved," the captain of the Elusive went on, lifting her face by the chin so that their eyes met.? "If it means I have to your traitorous husband, his bitch-captain partner and every pirate on that ship, then so be it."


?- Evone'


Evone¡¯ heard the conviction within Andrew¡¯s voice. Softly she kissed his lips. ¡°All I need is you, love. Revenge not necessary. You and I will leave this place and start our life together. And that is all I want.¡±?


Touching his face softly, she pulled back. ¡°Come let us go check on the progress of this. I owe you and your crew a world of gratitude. For you, you did it cause you love me...but your crew. I shall endeavor to make sure they know how grateful I am to them.¡±


_._,_._,_


Re: What Lies in the Heart. Mikayla/The Dragon

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

?
?(The Dragon, Angus)

The Dragon was still.? Mikayla's words were stunning, and yet familiar.? They felt like something he'd heard before, long ago, but the exact memory eluded him.? He had once been loved though - he felt it in his bones.? The certainty of that welled up inside him, coalescing into a single at the corner of his reptilian eye. Without thinking, he closed his eyes and caused the tear to fall gently onto the sleeping girl's open lips.

A sudden weariness came over him and the Dragon's head slowly drooped until it lay protectively across Mikayla where she lay in the crook of his arm.? "I wish..." he murmured as sleep came to him unexpectedly a second time "...I wish I could give that love to you in return."??

- Mikayla -

Mikayla moaned at the weight of his head upon her body. It was warm and comforting. She snuggled closer to him. ?At his word she ?smiled ¡°that would be nice, but you are really the only thing that matter. You and Angus. Once you are free, my job will be done.¡± She whispered.

And as The Dragon settled off to sleep, so too did Mikayla. However a few hours later, as the?light of the noon day sun filtered into the tower, Mikayla¡¯s eyes fluttered open. With a yawn and stretch, she realized that she had slept for a while.

?Turning she smiled to see her smaller body tucked into The Dragon¡¯s larger one. He looked so peaceful, she decided she would simply slip out. And slowly she moved to extricate herself from him.




Re: A Pirates Life (Khadashee and Draven)

 

(Draven/Damon)
Draven gave Damon his brother a slight sneer but proceeded with introductions.? "This is the Lady Khadashee.? She is my lady and you will give her proper respect.? Khadashee, this is Damon."?

Damon gave his brother a nod, but didn't respond with any hostility.? "It is a pleasure, Lady Khadashee.? Tell me how did you come to be Draven's lady?"? He asked curiously as she looked out of place by the Captain's side

-Khadashee-

Khadashee gave Damon a nod. "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir." She said her deeply exotic accented voice flowing from her like soft honey. At his question, she smiled. "Your brother purchased me at auction. And through time, he made me his lady. And I honored to be so. And you sir, what brings to find yourself locked up as a stowaway upon your brother's ship rather than as an invited guest," she asked her deep green eyes never wavering from Damon as she waited for him to speak.?


Re: Raconteur: Scarlett and Tempest

 

After he hung up, Scarlett put the phone down and picked up the flower. She looked it over then smelled it. "Tempest," she whispered. "It...it can't be."
Her mind then began to drift, back to years earlier, to another place and time....
?
(Scarlett MacAleister)
?
Raconteur, April 1968
?
? Scarlett stood in the window of her apartment in Raconteur, just past dark, and watched the droves of people in the streets carrying protest signs as they marched toward the downtown district. With the advent of the thing humans called television, she'd managed to keep up with the news more since the days of the World Wars, the Depression and the other human tragedies that had taken place around her the last century. As she understood, a great man named Martin Luther King, Jr., had been murdered...assassinated...by another human and his death was causing turmoil all over the nation.
? The redhead had tried to maintain her empathy for humans and their affairs, but 100 years as a vampire had left her with little feeling. The truth was, she was so consumed with finding the vampire who turned her into this thing she was, she'd had little time to care about the affairs of humans.
? ?King had been a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, something she understood from her father who had fought and argued with other rich white men 100 years earlier about how black people should be free of the bonds of slavery. He had preached it when Scarlett was just a little girl and as she understood, from reading about her father during the Civil War, he had supported the Union and emancipation.?
? ?If her father had still been alive in 1968, he would have thought the country still needed to come a long way before it ever achieved what he believed was its full potential. Scarlett wondered if he would have been at the civil rights marches alongside this Dr. King, or if after King's death he would have been a part of these protests. Regardless, Scarlett saw the happenings in the streets of Raconteur as a distraction that would allow her to move around a little more unnoticed. And tonight, she was going out to see if she could meet someone she'd been searching for a long time.
? A cab picked Scarlett up in front of her apartment. She was dressed in a green mini-skirt with a plunging V-neck, high heeled black boots and a green headband holding back her luscious red mane of hair. Scarlett directed the driver her to take her to Main and Oak streets near downtown. He started the meter running and waited for the voluptuous redhead to close the door before driving off into the night.
? Rolling down the street, the driver had to honk and swerve around some crowds of young people waving signs and chanting slogans of the movement. The cab driver grumbled under his breath and Scarlett turned her nose up to the racist remarks out of his mouth. Some people just didn't get it. If they could only see the bigger picture, as Scarlett had discovered when she became a vampire. If humans only knew about her kind and how many of them regarded humans. It wasn't based on the color of their skin, that was for certain. Most vampires generally viewed humans two ways -- as food or as inferior trash. Scarlett never wanted to be a vampire...she would have been content being human and living a natural life. But she now had to deal with the cards dealt to her.??
? "I don't know if I can get you downtown, missy," the old man driving the cab muttered. "Damn protests. Every night for the last week. I'm so sick and tired of these..."
? "Just drive," Scarlett muttered. "Take Raconteur Avenue around to 12th Street. That will get you to Main and avoid the protestors."
? The old man scowled, then considered the route and nodded, "Oh yeah, that would work."
? ?Scarlett shook her head. When they finally arrived the old man snickered as Scarlett took out some cash to pay him. "Everything's closed down here. You sure you want to get out by yourself?"
? ?"I'll be fine," she smiled. "You have yourself a great night," she said as she got out of the cab, voice dripping with sarcasm. She walked down the sidewalk along the street as the cab drove off. When he was gone, she slipped down a side alley and ended up near a row of shops on Oak Street. There, she found a door in an alley between two buildings where two men stood guard, both dressed in black clothing, wearing sunglasses despite the hour.
? ?"Is this the Spot?" she asked.
? ?"Depends," one man said.
? ?"In Tenebris," Scarlett said in Latin.
? ?The man nodded, "Welcome, Ms. MacAleister. You may go inside."
? ?When the door opened, she was greeted by the throbbing of loud music. The Doors were playing, a song Scarlett had heard before called "Hello, I Love You." Oh, what passed for music thee days she thought to herself as she entered the club. This was, however, no ordinary nightclub. It was part of the Raconteur vampire underground. She was among her own kind here.
? ?As she sauntered in, she looked a round at the assortment of vampires here. Males, females, all different races, talking and dancing...many drinking from metal goblets Scarlett knew would contain blood. The redhead was here on important business. She heard a woman known as Tempest might be here tonight and she very badly wanted to meet her. If what she'd heard about Tempest was true, she knew Dmitri Wolfram intimately. Perhaps she would be the key to finally locating the vampire her killed her fianc¨¦ and turned her into this...thing...100 years ago.
? ?Scarlett took a stool at the bar and ordered a glass of..well...blood. As much as it pained her to have to drink it, she had to stay alive. It was one of the many things Wolfram had cursed her with when he changed her life forever...
?

(Tempest)?

?

Tempest¡¯ arrived at the club fashionable late¡­as was her way. As she came to step out of her private quarters, her personal attendant, Franklin came to and open the door. ?She took his hand and stepped down the steps. He rushed around her to open the front doors of her personal dwelling connected to the main club structure itself.?She offered him a soft smile. Running her hand down his face from his eyes to his chin in a soft caress, Tempest¡¯ stepped closer. So close, her body was nearly touching his.?¡°Thank you, darling,¡± she said her lips so closer to his that her soft heavy undiscernible accents voice feathers against his lips. ¡°You do not have to come with me tonight, Franklin. I am sure I will be fine.¡±


¡°If that is your desire, mistress.¡± He said.


¡°It is¡± she replied.


¡°Have a wonderful evening, mistress.¡±


¡°Oh I plan to, Franklin. I plan to,¡± she said with a light wave. Walking down the hall to the club, the sound of her heels tapped across the floor relaying the current satisfaction of her mood.? She touched the button causing the doors to slide open with a swish. Tempest¡¯ stepped in; a sexy devilish smile about her face,


As she stepped in, all eyes went to the mistress of the domain. Smooth skin the color of melted caramel. Her mane of coiled roped locs cascading down her back, deeply iridescent almond-shaped eyes accentuated by full thick heavy lashes.?
Tempest¡¯ was dressed simply. Her ivory dress hung long, flowing down to her ankles. Even though every inch of her form was covered from neck to foot, the curves of her hips and the swell of her bosom gently played peek-a-boo from beneath the fabric. This woman oozed not only authority, she oozed a sex appeal that she owned and was unapologetic for.

Slowly walking into the room; her sharp eyes caught sight of everything. The smoke hazed air inside the spacious dark club; the bass from the sound system vibrated through her chest. From the looks of things, it was a full house tonight. Everyone who had received their invitation had almost all arrived.?As she moved about there were patrons and employees in various stages of undress openly kissed and shamelessly fondled and groped themselves and others. In a large, gilded cage suspended from the ceiling were young blondes, and brunettes and redheads all danced about in thongs and little else.

Tempest could feel the shift in the atmosphere. Everything was changing. Beyond her doors tension rose in the streets. But what else was new, typically beyond her doors tension always rose in the street. Today just happened to be the day for the tension of man and his silly conflicts and meaningless attempts at supremacy.?It mattered not to her, nor had the ways of man matter to her for quite some time. ?What did matter¡­Haven¡­


Haven was her territory. A
place of fantasy, energy, life for all that entered Her walls. and She would always be neutral territory despite the pursuits of all beyond its doors. A hollowed sanctuary for all the things that went bump in the night as the human expression went. If the patrons observed its rules, Haven was whatever a patron needed. However, if one didn¡¯t¡­woe unto those who thought to cross the lady of the manor.


Haven was a large open structure that was divided into sections, different rooms, different wants, different desires. The soft thud of the music pounding off the walls, echoing a bit through The Lounge area of the structure, which was a large common room of open, airy space. A massive stone fireplace sat along one wall, facing the fumed oak and worn flagstone of the room, and was banked with smoldering embers. ?The well-worn?oak stairway led up behind the fireplace to a mezzanine that overlooked the common room. Doorways to private rooms lined the mezzanine.


In another section named the Red Room, the sounds of the whimpering gasps and the snaps of the leather striking hard against the skin could be heard. She turned to her left, to see the panels of red velvet curtain pulled back and secured. ?If one were to look beyond the red velvet curtain, one could see in the center of the room, showcased like a rare, one-of-a-kind work of art, was a handsome blonde man whose ocean blue eyes were striking. He stood chained from the ceiling spread eagle while a busty brunette clad in a shiny skin-tight black catsuit flogged him with a cat o¡¯ nine tails, a look of tortured bliss upon his face as the sounds of cracks of whips and the moaning wails of male and female voices rose in a chorus anguished ecstasy filled.

Tempest continued, slow easy steps as she moved through the darken corridor of the club lit only by the dim light of candles behind sconces on the wall with the steps of a seasoned professional, expertly maneuvering through the sea of people, being sure to take note of all the sights and sounds, the patrons and activity, and all the exits that surrounded her.?In another room, one called The City, the music was loud and the neon light on the dance floor undulated overhead to the time of the music the DJ played. Couples moved and writhed against each other pawing each other just as openly as they did in the lounge.

As Tempest¡¯ made her way across the crowded floor, the throng of people parted for her like the Red Sea.?
She smirked as she saw Alastair, a club VIP, currently, with his hands all over Diana, one of the club girls, groping and touching and feeling¡­there was no place he wouldn¡¯t touch. No place inappropriate despite his publicness.? And no place she wouldn¡¯t let him touch.? He had popped two of the buttons of the girl¡¯s uniform causing even more of her bosom to spill out for all the world to see. The smile never left his face...or hers for that matter.?

The crowd roared.? Some of the spectators even threw coins at the two.? He was indeed enjoying himself. And that was what mattered to Tempest. She prided herself on her patrons enjoying themselves. Feeling the relief of all life¡¯s ails washing away upon their entry.

Turning to continue her rounds, Tempest stopped, a smirk about her face as the man in front of her gyrated to the music.? The scent of fresh kill reeked from every pour of his dead skin.? Flashing him a sexy smile, she moved with him, keeping time as together they followed the beat.?

Tempest leaned her head to the side causing her long golden streaked locs to fall to the side of her face, smiling at the man, deep shimmery eyes shining. She let her hands roam over his body. The man in front of her reached for her and she stepped back laughing. She leaned into him, "Maybe later," she whispered in his ear before turning from him to continue her rounds.

Work before fun, it was her job to make sure everyone here was well taken care of. Slowly she approached the bar. Travis, one of her trusted handed her a wine glass filled with dark red liquid. ¡°Good Evening Mistress,¡± Travis said.


¡°Good Evening Travis,¡± she said taking the glass from him. As she listened to him give his report on the night thus far.