Be sure to specify where downtown you are at the beginning of every post

Downtown- Main Street, Barber Shop

Abraham was unlike any other man Fanny had encountered before, and his candour had her both amused and intrigued. Great Gran Katarina was so busy waving her fan, you would think the poor woman might do her wrist harm. Fanny’s lips puckered as though she was trying to stifle laughter at the situation presented, but then smiled at the barber’s words.

“Well, then…I expect to see you ladies at my opening tomorrow evening. Business will not occur, I daresay, but there will be a lovely dinner honoring my business ventures. I do hope you ladies will come as my guests of honor.” 

A dinner with the Barber sounded like a wonderful way to break Fanny from her funk. Still missing August and feeling the weight of her pregnancy bearing on her, Abraham was like a glimmer of light in her dark world. Fanny reached for Katarina’s hand to have her stop fanning herself, so that they could answer in regards to his invitation.

“I know I would be delighted to attend, Abraham. Course, my Great Grand Mamma may wish to chaperone me.”Fanny said, half looking at the Matriarch in a way hoping she would let her attend on her own. The older woman picked up on this and could see this may be a good way to help Fanny’s self esteem. “I do have another evening planned with the Duchess of Dupree, but I am sure you could attend, so long as you came home at an early hour.” The woman’s kind eyes held the gaze of the young grand daughter, who was happy to hear that she might attend on her own. But Abraham wished to ask them something else.

“Would you ladies allow me the honor to escort you to a lunch courtesy of yours truly?” 

It didn’t escape Fanny that the barber had been staring at her ample cleavage, and this brought about a girlish giggle as she happily replied.

“I would love your company, Abraham. There is a cafe just a few shops down. Shall we go there now?” She asked, wondering if he was prepared to walk her down, with the matriarch in tow.

<3>

Abraham waited patiently for Fanny’s answer, though his eyebrow twitched in anticipation. He did not like to be kept waiting but the lady seemed eager to join him for lunch. Glancing at the elderly woman, he forced a smile and bowed his head politely “But of course…the more the merrier, so they say.” Stepping towards the two ladies, he then paused to hear the Matriarch explain she had other plans. Silently, Mr. Jenkins was overjoyed. He really did not want to flirt with the ample-bossomed Fanny with an old bat hovering. Twitching his lips into another smile, he bowed his head once more “Very well. Do enjoy your visit then, sweet lady. I shall have Miss Fanny home with bells on.” With that, he extended his arm towards Fanny and raised an eyebrow “Shall we?” As he pulled her hand towards him to tuck it into his arm, he turned his back on the elderly woman and began to lead Fanny down the street in hopes the old bat would stay behind. When Fanny expressed interest in a cafe, he turned to give her a wary look.

“A…cafe?” He let his sentence end there though in his mind, he was thinking around common people?. Abraham Jenkins absolutely hated cafes. They were busy, noisy, and blustering with artsy fartsy people that were more intent on talking about others’ lives instead of doing something useful with their own. Shaking his head, he then added “Oh my enchanting lady, I believe I can do better than that…I have quite a large tab at a more private restaurant further down the road. Please give me the honor of treating you to a more luxurious setting.” Turning his head once more, he gave one of his most charming smiles that actually turned out to be quite sinister.

The Axis- Restaurant

The barber began to lead Fanny towards a restaurant that was in fact, not a five-star luxurious restaurant but a most private underground bar that was among one of the seedier parts of London. However, their meat was the best London had to offer and the unusual entertainment was enough to keep Abraham interested. There were numerous contortionists, flame swallowers, and other performers that were hell-bent on showing their sexual fetishes. Glancing behind him, he looked to see if the old bat was following. If Fanny was not alone…Abraham planned on steering them towards a more fashionable restaurant. However, he really hoped to see just how far he could push Fanny. Pausing in front of the drab building, he looked down into her eyes “Tell me, my dear…what are your wildest fantasies?”

Katerina bid her great granddaughter a fond farewell – kissing both cheeks, before tottering off to have her meeting with the Duchess of Dupree. This left our Fanny standing on the footpath, with her small swinging purse held by its silken strings. A light rouge blush rose to her cheeks giving her a doll like appearance.

“I would be ever so delighted to join you at this private establishment you speak of, however, it does sound a little risque.” Taking out her fan, Fanny snaps it open, flitting it back and forth in a manner to show she was shy. “But if you feel that the setting would be one that I would find luxurious, then who am I to stand in a gentleman’s way. Lead on.”

The smile that Abraham bore was unusual to tell you the truth. Not one that was like he was jovial or fanciful, more sinister and evil. Oh how that made Fanny’s heart go pitter patter. Dark and dangerous was just the thing she craved in the dull days since August flew the coop.

Being led now by the mysterious barber, the direction in which they were heading was not to the more refined parts of London, however, one of the more downtrodden. Where the bordellos and sly clubs did their exotic dances out of the gaze of the establishments. The further they went on, it was clear that the Barber was leading young Fanny astray.

He asked her the most unusual question.

“Tell me, my dear…what are your wildest fantasies?”

Now this caught Fanny by surprise, and she tittered behind her fan whilst thinking of all the insidious and daring things that the very thought of made her heart race. But could she be so daring to speak her mind before a man she barely knew? Would he think less of her to find some hedonistic visions a tad too distasteful. Chewing her bottom lip, as though giving away a grand secret, she blurted.

“To be see a full on orgy from the sidelines. Virgins being deflowered; much screaming and dark howling. I have always had this voyeuristic nature.”

<3>

Abraham watched in silent admiration all of Fanny’s movements. Her fan tricks were charming but he was more interested in the blush on her cheeks. She spoke so openly and yet had the womanly grace to appear shy and flirtatious. It intrigued the barber that a woman could be so dynamic with the mere flick of her wrist and a fan. Nodding, he then spoke “Aye, risque is one way to put it. I prefer…freeing of the mind. You do not have to apologize for your thoughts or feelings in this establishment, madame.”Pausing, he reached down to caress a finger down her cheek boldly “You merely have to feel.”

As he waited for an answer about her fantasies, Mr. Jenkins pressed closer to her as if pinning her to the wall. She had enough wiggle room to escape if need be, but he had a feeling he had her right where he wanted. Leaning in closer, he brushed his fingers over her face again while waiting. Abraham was a man who knew what he wanted and when it came to social graces, they were cast aside for his more carnal desires.

But alas, even Fanny took him by surprise with her words. Lifting her chin up with his hand, he tilted his own head back to roar with laughter. When he was able to control himself once more, he leaned in and whispered “Well…you are very naughty, aren’t you…”

“A voyeur, you say? Oh…the things I could show you, my dear.” Stepping back and letting his grip on her chin go, he reached for her hand and tucked it under his arm once more. “Allow me the honor of fulfilling your dreams, madame.”Leading her into the restaurant, he spoke the needed password and led her down a dark and damp hallway. When one door closed…another opened. Soon they were inside a black and scarlet theatre where the most licentious acts were being performed. Women were on women and men were forcing themselves upon unwilling men. Virgins were kept in two large cages hanging from the ceiling. Loud roaring laughter filled the place as screams tried to filter through. Various lords that were well-known for their deep pockets and dark tastes were littered about the room.

Taking Fanny by the arm, Abraham led her to a private table in the back where they would not be disturbed unless he chose them to be. Pulling a black velvet chair out for his guest, Abraham purred “A drink for the lady?”

Decadent. That was a word that barely described what was taking place within the darkened walls of the Axis restaurant. It was a dream come true, her very darkest desires playing out in full before her, with her ears filling with the haunting screams and cries of those being deflowered, humiliated and tortured. Men in hats, with monocles sat at tables with dimly lit candles that showed off a red hue, the colour of blood – that flowed freely in this establishment of evil lust. Groaning and massaging their growing bulges at the offerings of the theatre, whose shades of black and crimson created a certain ambiance one would come to embrace, like a child to a healthy woman’s bosom.

Fanny was led by Abraham down to a back table, that offered seclusion from the other patrons, but also a good vantage point at which to view the various acts that were going on all around them.

Fanny actually had to wipe a small trail of saliva that ran from the corner of her mouth, as she salivated over the view of women on women, feasting on each other’s nether regions like rabid dogs. The pained cry of men that had never been taken by other men, was not only bringing about roars of laughter from one quarter, but cheers from another. The sadistic nature of the underworld class was so hedonistic, that it was beyond the understanding of the gentle society above. Fanny always thought that those that lived behind the sprawling gates of estates of note were bored with the trappings of wealth, and so they sought games and entertainment that went against their religious beliefs. What would the vicar say? Fanny chuckled behind her fan, imaging a fat priest doing such wicked things to one of his faithful in such a setting. Oh the scandal.

Quite breathless from all that was going on around her, Fanny waved her fan furiously, while her inner thighs rubbed together beneath the layers of silk and cotton. She was unable to help but feel the rising wave of lust take hold. Her bustier grew tight from the increase in size of her breasts. Effected by the tangled weave of cries and moans. It was one thing for certain, she was going to need that drink.

“Please…” Fanny uttered as though gasping for breath..

<3>

Genevieve rolled over in bed, yawning lazily as she stretched out in her silk sheets. She had the most wonderful dream…a mysterious stranger was twirling her around the ballroom and was whispering the most naughty things in her ear. Keeping her eyes closed, she smiled a most sinfully delicious smile as she recalled the feeling of his lips brushing against her ear while whispering sweet nothing to her. It wasn’t often she had enjoyed such a…thorough dream…but it was equally frustrating. She had been unable to see the mysterious man’s face but his smooth British accent and suave demeanor was enough to keep her captive. As if knowing his mistress was preoccupied with her thoughts, King Rupert jumped onto her chest. Genny let out a gasp before looking down to see her pet capuchin monkey cuddling into her white lace nightie. Shaking her head affectionately, she reached down and brushed her fingers over his head “I know…I know. It was only just a dream, my dear friend. Come, let us see what father is up to on this glorious morning.”

Swinging her legs over the side of her luxurious bed, Genny stretched her arms over her head before standing up. With her bare feet touching the cool floor boards, she shivered once before padding over to her armoire. After finding a fashionably bold dress, she called for a maid to help her dress. Soon enough, Genevieve Bianchi stood before her vanity getting her thick dark curls pulled and prodded while smoothing pale hands down a red dress. It was quite showy, but as an artist, Genny cared only for colors and style more than a sense of propriety.

Soon enough, she was dressed up like a doll (just the way the maids liked it) and was turning towards the door. “Come along, King Rupert.” Her loyal friend climbed over her furniture until he was safely on her shoulder and nestled into her thick hair. Closing the door behind her, Genny made her way to her father’s office.

Dr. Bianchi’s Office

Learning at a young age never to disturb her father when he was working, Genevieve waited in his office rather than bursting into the treatment room. He was infamous for his…unconventional treatments and it was far too early for her taste to walk in on such a scene. Strolling back and forth in front of his book shelves, she merely waited patiently to see him come bustling out. Johnathon was a busy man and she was in no hurry to bother him. In fact. ever since she ceased traveling around the world, she found herself rather idle. Bored. Without purpose. What Genny longed for was adventure…

Maid Milly was busy helping Cookie gather herself together after the successful trialing of the steam powered hysteria treatment device. No doubt Johnathon would need to be patenting this contraption before others find out about it and try to steal his thunder. Walking back in from the treatment room, the Doctor had his spectacles resting upon the top of his head, as he continued to make notes over his observations.

“Rapid acceleration in heart beat, heavy moaning, vaginal lubrication to ease on friction, patient’s muscles tensing prior to climax…..and completely satisfied whilst in a limp state directly afterwards. Fascinating.”

Setting down his notepad, he watched Maid Milly walk the dizzy looking Cookie through his office. The Doctor could not help himself but comment. “You have done a great service to the women of London, and possibly the world with your participation, Cookie.”

Cookie smiled weakly and muttered something about wanting another go, as Maid Milly chuckled and led her out the door – right past Genevieve who was busy looking over some of her father’s books.

Looking up from his desk, Doctor Bianchi finally caught on that she was in fact there.

“Sweet Genny. Up with the sparrows I see. Care for some tea?” The Good Doctor offered, as another maid brought in the tea trolley service, complete with warm rolls. The Doctor gestured for his daughter to take a seat, as he started to make her a cup of tea.

“One lump of two?”

<3>

Genevieve turned slowly when she heard movement coming from her father’s treatment room. Seeing Cookie and Milly exiting, she smiled slightly and bowed her head “Good Morning, ladies.” Hearing what Cookie had muttered, her smile only grew as she shook her head slightly. It seemed her father was up to his usual tricks early in the morning.

Turning towards her father at his desk, she kept her smile in place as she returned the book she had been skimming to its place on the shelf. Gliding over to a chair in front of his desk, she took a seat gracefully and folded her hands in her lap. Tilting her head slightly at the papers on his desk, she murmured “It seems to be the pattern, these days. I can sleep when I am dead, after all.” Flicking her brown eyes up to Johnathan’s, she asked curiously “I am surprised to not see Mr. Blaine here this morning. You two have seemed so busy as of late, especially with that Vivienne woman.” Genny spoke of Viviene also with curiosity, as she herself had a thing for reading her articles. But to see her around her father and the detective so much was rather curious.

Smoothing her skirts down, she nodded once “One. I’m already quite sweet enough, thank you.” She rolled her eyes at her own tasteless jokes and fell silent. It wasn’t like her to pester her father with so many questions and they had the sort of relationship where talking was sometimes useless. That’s what she liked about her father. She could simply be around him without having to fill the space with meaningless conversation. They were both practical.

Genevieve was a child that was bored easily by the mundane lifestyle offered to girls of her caliber. Expected to do the social circles of needle point and endless tea parties that offered mindless chatter from spinsters that had cobwebs in their nether regions. It was suffice to say that Genevieve craved something more, and her usual morning offerings showed that she had yet to find what she was looking for.

In a somewhat witty decline to the offer of sugar cubes to her tea, the Good Doctor places a tea cup on the table nearest her as she had found refuge in one of his many tomes. Johnathon hadn’t missed what Gene had mentioned of being surprised that Mr Blaine had not yet been by this morning. Course, he had taken the lovely Vivienne back to her paper, so Johnathon expected that the Detective would not be back for some time. A sip of his tea and he placed the dainty china cup down on the saucer with a cheerful clink.

“Yes, busy is truly a word to describe our last few meetings. Tis why I was up all night working on my newest invention.”

Across his desk lay scattered the designs of his steam powered hysteria treatment device, and all of these would require being patented. He started to roll each of the parchments up and got ready to stuff them into a mailing container for easy storage. He knew the patent office would be open by eleven, and had high hopes of getting his invention certified and protected. The initial testing and his notes were able to be used as the trialing phase, thus helping with marketing the device after he had let it loose on his clients. Little did he realize that he had created a machine that would revolutionize the way in which specialists treated their female clients, and also create a bonanza of a windfall once it went into mass production. Not that the Doctor cared for that, he was more than happy to no longer have to physically relieve Mrs Peabody.

Popping the cap on the cylinder, the Good Doctor reflected on his newest friend, Miss Vivienne Westwood. He didn’t mind her company, but she certainly got up Reginald’s nose.

“I find dear, that Vivienne is much like you in many respects. Keen for adventure.”

He was right about that, and with the buzzing at the front door, it seemed that a new adventure was just around the corner.

Maid Milly hurried from the kitchen, where Cookie was fanning herself. At the door, she opened it and of course it was the Detective and Miss Westlake, back…again.

“Johnathon in?” The Detective asked, as Milly gestured towards his office.

“Yes, Sir. I believe he is sharing tea with Miss Genevieve.”

Nodding politely, he entered the doorway, with the amused looking Miss Westlake following after.

“Morning Milly.” Vivienne chimed as she went into the Doctor’s office with the Detective.

Johnathon glanced up to see the pair back again.

“Miss me that much, Reg?” Johnathon asked with a smug expression.

The Detective tipped his hat to Genny, and then spoke with all seriousness to the Doctor.

“We have a new case that needs your urgent attention. Murder on the marshes. There is talk of….of…”

Vivienne interjected. “Night walkers.”

Johnathon’s face was one of surprise and curiosity.

“Night walkers?”

“Either that….or we have a real murder mystery to solve. The yard want us to head out to the Addams estate in Loxley. All expenses paid.”

This was not exactly good timing, as Johnathon wanted to patent his device. Releasing a sigh, he knew that he was needed on the case, and it did sound rather interesting. Setting down his canister of designs, he moved to the door to get his hat and coat, along with his cane. The Doctor then asked Genny.

“Fancy a trip to Loxley? I hear that the hunt out there is one not to be missed.”

Would she accept the invitation to join her father on a mystery?

<3>

As Genevieve reached for her cup of tea, she smiled slightly at the mention of her father’s invention. It was nice to hear he wouldn’t have to service Mrs. Peabody himself, but it didn’t comfort her at all to know her sighs and shouts of joy would be heard within the Bianchi Manor still. There were just some sounds you couldn’t block from your mind or ears as much as you wanted to. Swilring the spoon around her teacup, she shuddered a bit to think of how Mrs. Peabody must speak of her father.

Silence soon fell upon them both once more as her father began to set about mailing a patent. She watched him move about easily as she enjoyed the tea he offered her. Such was how her mornings usually passed. If she was not painting, taking in London’s scenes, or enjoying the fresh air, she was watching her father work when he was not with a patient. Genny enjoyed the silent company and often wondered what the manor must have been like when she was gone. Was Johnathon even able to get anything done with Levi around? Perhaps. He had always been chasing after Samantha’s skirts after all.

When Vivienne was mentioned, Genevieve set her tea down and smiled knowingly. She had caught up with the journalist’s latest reports and Ms. Bianchi had to admit that she was quite fascinated by her work. No wonder she spent a lot of time with her father and Detective Blaine…there was certainly plenty to keep them busy in London these days. Nodding thoughtfully, she commented “She does very much seem keen for adventures if her writing is any sort of give away. I am actually quite shocked Detective Blaine lets her in on his investigations…though her accounts do seem accurate from an outside perspective. Otherwise you wouldn’t allow her to stick around, am I correct, father?”

Genevieve was waiting for an answer when who should arrive but the Devil himself and his loyal concubine. Genny giggled quietly at her private mental illustrations before bowing her head in greetings towards Blaine and Vivienne. “Good morning, Detective Blaine. Miss Westwood.” She was about to question Vivienne about her latest work but soon fell silent when the pair delved into the news about the night walkers. This caused her to raise an eyebrow and listened even more closely as her dark eyes flicked to her father.

As usual, she was silent during the whole conversation, though she was making her own mental notes. When her father turned to invite her along, her eyes widened a bit in mild surprise. He was inviting her along? Adventure indeed…Standing up from her seat, she smiled slowly as King Rupert stirred from his sleep. Rubbing his cute monkey eyes, he tilted his head at the new arrivals before clapping. Stepping towards the door, Genny only responded with “Well…I best get to packing, shouldn’t I?’Bowing her head once more to the group, she then disappeared out the door and headed to her room to gather clothing and her paints.

The Detective was somewhat surprised that the Doctor would be keen to invite his daughter along on this investigation. After all it was a dangerous case, with the talk of Night walkers being responsible for the suspicious deaths of people on the Addams estate in Loxley. Vivienne was practically giddy with excitement, and this too had Reginald bothered. He narrowed his gaze as she spoke with a delightful chime to Genevieve as the young Bianchi went off to pack.

“So lovely to have another woman along on this adventure.”

Reginald rolled his eyes at the thought of calling this investigation an adventure, but to the young journalist, it had all the hall marks of a great scoop and was sure to be one that the paper was going to be putting on the front page. She could almost see the headline now. Basking in the glory, when her Editor congratulates her on a job well done. Something that she yearned for, as he seemed about as encouraging as Reginald the Detective was.

Reginald rounded on Vivienne and stared her down. “I stand by what I said before. I don’t approve of you coming along on our investigations.” His tone was condescending, and it was clear that they were not going to get on at all. Doctor Bianchi popped his head back into his office and looked at both before saying.

“I have the coach ready outside. What’s keeping you both?”

Did he suspect a whiff of romance between the pair. Vivienne brightened and picked up her chin, smiling broadly at the Doctor.“Oh, I’m ready, just getting grilled as usual.” The Doctor thought a moment, and then said to Reginald. “We only have one carriage to take us out to Loxely, let’s try to keep it civil. For my daughter’s sake. I am sure she doesn’t want to hear the two of you going at it the whole way.”

It was rare that the Doctor ever pulled the Detective up, but in this case, he wanted to enjoy the trip out with his daughter, whom he rarely sees. The Detective agreed, but he did give Vivienne a stern look before putting his hat back on and heading out of the office. Indeed, a coach was waiting outside, and the Doctor had his bags packed by Milly. Milly had also taken the time to pack a bag ready for Miss Westlake, as she had stayed at the Bianchi Manor many times.

The driver was helping with the bags, as the Doctor stood on the front landing, pulling on his gloves. His medical bag was on the ground at his feet. He had to admit, he was curious about this murder investigation, and was hoping to disprove the existence of Night Walkers. But then again…they may well exist. After all, who would believe there were demons and angels in London?

<3>

[center]Josephine wished to spend more alone time with Johan in hopes that he would choose a life with her when they were approached by a stranger. Turning to look at the woman in black curiously, she fell silent as she wondered what she could want. Johan was an attractive man, no doubt. Would it be harder to keep him than she thought? Listening to the woman’s words, the dancer had no idea what was being offered to them. Johan explained that he had no money…but Josephine came from money. She had plenty of her own as well as the option of asking her father for more. But what did this woman want with them? Stepping closer to Johan, she offered a smile as she nodded once “Perhaps we ought to go somewhere and speak privately?”

Flicking her eyes to Johan, she then leaned in and whispered “Do you understand what it is she is asking? Can’t we just run away together?”

Stage

(changed Malise’s fc to Olivia Wilde cause she has the exotic look I’m going for)

Malise frowned slightly as a contract was thrust in front of her. But she did agree to appease the jubilant man. Scrawling her name across the bottom, she then looked up and raised an eyebrow “My name is Malise Barishnikov, as you can see on your little piece of paper. I’d like to have a moment to myself, if you don’t mind.” Now that she belonged to the Opera House, she expected a room of her own to find comfort in.

Glancing around for Josephine, she let out a long sigh. The dancer must have found her lover and was now having her happily ever after. But what was in store for the siren now? Stepping along the stage, she drank in the sights of her new home. Had she made the right decision? But it didn’t matter anymore. She had sold herself to the life she once feared. Glancing towards the conductor, she smiled slightly “My room, please?”

The woman behind the veil, seemed so intent on making this strange deal with the pair, that Johan actually took a step back. He reached for Josephine’s hand, and then with eyes that showed indecisiveness he replied to the Countess.

“As much as I am honored that you would think to offer us such a generous gift, I am afraid that I must decline. I have only just found my love again.” Here he paused, and brought Josephine’s hand up to his lips, kissing it softly – his eyes only for her. “I want to speak with her and discuss our future. If you could excuse us both.”

That said, he led Josephine away from the Countess, who stood silently. One could not see the flash of anger that swept across her veiled features, and just as well.

Taken behind one of the long curtains that were to the left of the stage, Johan pushed Josephine up against the stage wall, and kissed her neck lovingly. How he had missed her delicate scent, and the suppleness of her flesh. Bringing his face out to the light, he asked.

“I did not trust that woman, and I didn’t want to put you on the spot, my love.” Gently he raised a hand to her right cheek and caressed it.

“But what are we to do? Where are we to go if we run away together? How will I support you?”

It was an honest series of questions.

The Dressing Room

One of the stage hands – a dwarf named Bertie, ambled out and tipped his hat to Malise whilst wordless gesturing for her to follow him down to where the dressing rooms were. He was dressed rather simply. Woollen pants, shirt and bracers, with a tiny andy cap on his head. Bertie walked with a slight limp, turning back only to wave to her to follow him down.

Deep within the bowels of the Opera house was a long corridor with all the dressing rooms and design rooms, rooms for the dress makers and for props. Coming to the end of the corridor, there was one room, that had to be opened with a special key, that hung on a chain around Bertie’s neck. He took it off and over his hat, then placed the old key in the lock. The door creaked open, and the dwarf stepped back and ushered for Malise to enter.

If she was to enter the young Siren would be in for a shock. The room had not been used for so long, that there were cobwebs and other nasty things hanging from the ceiling. Oddly enough however, the candles were lit and on the dresser was a scroll that had tied around it a red bow and a single red rose.

There was a note tied to the parchment, that said.

“Welcome to my home.”

Who could have left it, and what was written on the scroll?

<3>

Josephine watched silently as Johan brought her hand to his lips. She instantly felt eased by his touch and the wariness she felt towards the lady in black seemed to melt away. Letting out a calm sigh, she smiled encouragingly to her lover, showing she would back him up no matter what he decided. However, it seemed like he was keen on having a moment alone with her.

Allowing him to lead her away, she was then pleasantly surprised when he pressed her against the stage wall to kiss her neck. Closing her eyes, she favored the feel of him and let out a soft sigh “Mmmh…” Her mind became cloudy and muddled by his touch and she had to take a deep breath to collect herself. They had much to talk about, after all…despite the fact that she’d rather touch him than speak with him.

As Johan expressed his concerns, she nodded her head thoughtfully and murmured “Mmh…she was rather forward, wasn’t she? Though I can’t possibly imagine what she would want with the likes of us. We are complete strangers to her…and with enough problems of our own.”

Reaching up to touch her hand to his on her face, she let out yet another sigh as her eyes searched his face. What he was asking was fair, and the questions really did need answers.

Was she willing to leave her father and comfortable life behind to dance here? She would be close to Johan…but could very well lose her father. Was it all worth it? But as Josephine looked into Johan’s eyes, she found it hard to believe she had to make such a choice. She wanted the happiness her mother had given to her father. Would Reginald understand?

“No…we will not run away. We can make a life for ourselves here. Me…you…and this opera house.” Josephine smiled up at Johan, all innocence and hope shining through her eyes.

Dressing Room

Malise turned towards the dwarf and quirked an eyebrow, a look of curiosity flashing from her bold blue eyes. She did not look down on the dwarf as though his status was beneath her own. Instead, she looked at him with keen interest as she took in his clothing. Wrapping her black shawl tighter around her shoulders, she bowed her head politely towards him before following him to her dressing rooms.

As they walked past various rooms, the siren looked long enough to take a quick look without prying. There was no need to poke her head around and cause waves in her new surroundings. However, she was a bit surprised when they were at the end of the corridor. The dwarf needed a special key to get into her room and this sparked even more interest. She watched silently as he pulled the key from his neck and let her inside.

However, when Malise stepped inside…she stopped short and took in her surroundings. Seeing all the cobwebs and bleak disarray, she let out an amused smile and shook her head briefly.

“Well…this place has a charm all its own, doesn’t it?” Though she no doubt would be sneezing from all the dust for days, the mess did not alarm Malise in the slightest. Her own room at the Bizarre Circus was nothing fancy and needed a complete make-over with her first month’s earnings before she was even remotely comfortable.

Turning towards a flicker of light, she then noticed the scroll on her new dresser. Walking over cautiously, she gazed upon the writing and squinted her eyes to read it better. After reading it, her blue eyes flicked to the rose. Picking it up slowly, she held it to her nose and smiled, breathing in its perfume scent. She did love roses…

With the rose still close to her face, she spun around slowly and regarded the dwarf “Pardon me…but did you see who left this?” After a moment or so, her eyes then lifted to the ceiling as her smile turned friendly “And could I perhaps have a broom?” She certainly had a lot to do in her room…

Countess Sassoon swept out of the entrance of the Opera house, enraged by the antics of Johan and Josephine. How dare they refuse such a noble gesture from a lady such as herself to help the up and coming dancer and his sweet girl. Waiting for her on the street, was a dark carriage that was at least a hundred years old if not older. Drawn by a team of four horses. Black in colour. The driver was a masked man, that was waiting to open the door for the Countess. He snapped his heels together and bowed, as she entered the buggy, closing the door with a light click before going to take his place in the driver’s seat.

Inside the buggy, the Countess began to remove her veil, and what one would see was a woman of absolute beauty. Perfection. As though created by the very angels themselves. She didn’t look a day over twenty one, yet her clothing bore the distinct era of one much older. The Countess was not alone in the buggy, for sitting directly opposite, was a man whose entire face and hands were bandaged. He wore dark tinted spectacles, and on his head was a large black hat. His coat was a long one that went full length to the floor, with dark tanned riding boots that matched his pants. In his hand, a cane with a jeweled top. He was clearly a man of wealth and power. He grumbled darkly at the Countess.

“Where…is the boy?”

The Countess let out a sigh as she banged her gloved hand on the side of the carriage, to alert the driver to go. With pursed lips she then inhaled sharply through her nostrils. Having to explain her failings was going to be unpleasant.

“I almost had him, but that damn girl got in the way and he slipped through my fingers.” A light snarl in her voice as she took out her purse, and started to powder her face lightly. The man that sat opposite her slapped the compact out of her hands, and gripped her her wrist menacingly.

“Have I not given you what you dreamed? Are you not the toast of society, while I must remain hidden behind these bandages? DID YOU FORGET OUR AGREEMENT?!” The bandaged man bore down on her, as the Countess cried out.

“Ouch…you’re hurting me.” She squealed, trying to shake free from his grip. He released her but pushed her at the same time. The carriage had now pulled away, to head to the Countess’s estate as the man leaned back and stamped his cane on the floor.

“You…WILL get them into the house, by any means necessary. And when you do…I will skin him alive myself.”

The Countess shivered at the cold words of the Master. “Give me time. That is all I ask.” The woman now begging to be given more time to carry out the deed. The Master snorted angrily as they passed the seedy part of town on the way to the Estate.

“A week…if you fail, you know the punishment.”

Backstage

Johan could only gaze at his beloved with adoration for allowing him the chance to find his feet and be the dancer for the Opera house trope. But that didn’t give them a place to live, all it was was employment, and what of Josephine’s dreams? Surely she had those too. He gripped her hands in his and brought them to his lips.

“We need to find an apartment, something small. I want you to continue with your ballet just as you had planned. There has to be a way we can both have what our hearts dream.”

His eyes were so full of hope and promise, and he believed in her and their love.

“Shall we go and start searching today?”

Dressing Room

The dwarf kindly returned to Malice with a broom in hand and a small shovel. He peeked his head in and gave a sniff, before sneezing loudly. So much dust and cobwebs. But the room had a great deal of potential. This room was once the dressing room of a star that graced the boards of the Opera house some fifty years before. As to why the candles were lit and there was a rose tied to a piece of parchment, the dwarf could not fathom.

“The room was locked for the longest time, Miss. Perhaps…it is the Ghoul of the Opera house that has graced this room with his presence.”

If Malice opened the scroll, she would see that it was in fact a song, that had been written by a man who only signed the music sheet with an “X” Another mystery indeed. Not only were the notes all written, but the lyrics as well. It was a love song, penned by one that had the gift to put his emotions into the words, the notes so soulful and sad.

Would she dare to sing it?

<3>

Pandora had been trying to call Simone on and off for nearly two hours. Each time her calls were routed to Simone’s voicemail. She was getting more and more worried by the end of each call.

Hanging up for what seemed like the millionth time, she buzzed for the nurse.

The elderly woman shuffled in a moment later. “Yes, Ms LaRue.”

“You find my doctor. I want out of the hospital right now.”

“But Ms LaRue, you suffered some serious injuries. It’s too soon to release you. You need to stay here at least another day or so.”

“To hell with that. You get him here now or I call my lawyer.” she scowled. “I think I’m pretty fucking free to make my own decisions regarding my health and care. I’m certainly not as feeble-minded as you seem to be.”

“Well I never!” the woman exclaimed, indignant.

“With that dried-up prune you call a cunt, you probably never…ever. Now go find my fucking doctor.” she scowled as she began to pull the IV from her arm.

After having a very irate nurse burst into his office and say that Miss LaRue was wanting to be released before she was ready, Doctor Lumbard eased back in his chair, and stroked his chin. “She does realize that the hospital will not take any responsibility or have liability for her once she walks out the door?” The Doctor replied, and was shocked by the Nurse’s statement to that.

“I really don’t think she is of a well mind to make such decisions. She is being abusive and I fear she will do herself an injury in her haste.”

The Doctor leapt out of his chair, and grabbed Pandora’s chart as he headed off down to her ward. On reaching it, he could see she was trying to rip the drip out of her arm. He stood their quietly observing her and said simply.

“If you let me do that, it won’t hurt half as much.”

<3>

Pandora was growing increasingly frustrated at her inability to remove the IV from her arm. It was the damn medical tape that was giving her the issue. She growled, annoyed, ready to rip the thing off with her teeth.

“If you let me do that, it won’t hurt half as much.” came a deep voice near the door. Her head whipped up and she saw Doctor Lumbard standing in the open door. His arms were crossed and he had a chart tucked beneath his arm.

“I’ve been through worse.” she snorted, going back to trying to rip the tape off with her teeth. She noticed he was still standing there, an amused look on his face and she huffed in annoyance. “I’m glad I amuse you so much. Wanna help me with this or are you just going to stand there all damn day?” she snapped. “I have places to be and this hospital is not one of them.

One thing about Doctor Lumbard, was his bedside manner. It was one of the reasons he was so popular throughout the hospital, both with patients and the nursing staff. Watching Pandora struggle, he cocked his head slightly, when she lashed out again with a dig at the fact he appeared to be amused by her antics. Needless to say, she was behaving worse than some of the children in the cancer ward when they were getting ready for chemo.

“I do have other patients that actually require treatment, Miss LaRue, however since you are so insistent on leaving, allow me.”

He calmly walked over, and then placed down her chart on the bed, before taking her arm with one hand, and then the tape with the tips of his fingers. He peeled it back gently, and then reached for a box of gloves. Putting them on, he then started to withdraw the small plastic tube that was inserted under her skin. Done almost painlessly, he got a small cotton ball and pressed it to the wound. Placing tape over that, he had successfully removed her IV.

“Now, if you would like to sign this release form, waving all rights to any legal action in case you are not fit to leave, and have done so by your own will.”

He handed her the chart and a pen and waited for the documents return.

<3>

“I do have other patients that actually require treatment, Miss LaRue, however since you are so insistent on leaving, allow me.”

His tone was civil as he made his way to her side and expertly removed both the medical tape and the IV from her skin, making sure to cover the injection site with a ball of cotton and more tape.

“Now, if you would like to sign this release form, waving all rights to any legal action in case you are not fit to leave, and have done so by your own will.” he stated, handing her the forms and a pen. She snatched both, knowing what she was doing was probably unethical, but she was worried about Simone and wanted to go see if she was all right.

She kept her head bent, her hair acting as a shield between herself and the doc as she began to sign the forms. There was silence between them, only marred by the scratching of pen to paper.

“I’m sorry for snapping at you.” she finally stated, pausing in the act of signing the last 2 forms. “I’m just worried about a friend of mine. She hasn’t been answering her phone and no one’s heard from her since yesterday. I need to go see if she is okay.” she raised her head to look at him with her deep green eyes. “I hope you can understand that.”

She signed the last of the forms and passed them and the pen back to the doctor. “Um…thanks.” she mumbled, looking down at her hands. She was still smarting from Brock’s rejection and was still feeling a bit wary around other men. After that fiasco, she remembered why she tried not to lose her heart to them. And now it was too late. She had given hers and it had been stomped all over the place.

Sighing, she moved to climb from the bed, mindful of her injuries and taking the crutch that had been placed there for her use, forgetting for a moment that her backside was exposed and there was a man in the room.

Until she felt the draft.

She whirled around (as much as her broken body would let her), pink coloring her cheeks as placed her exposed back to the wall.

“My clothes?” she wondered,

The Doctor was a kind soul by all accounts, and used to hearing all sorts of stories from both patients and family members. Needless to say, Pandora also had a story and there was good reason that she was taking the unorthodox steps of letting herself be discharged before she was ready. In fact, her reasoning was because of concern for another. Doctor Lumbard’s brow knitted on hearing that she had been trying to contact a friend whom she was terribly worried about.

“If it makes you feel better Miss LaRue, being snapped at is all part of the profession. One time a patient that was brought in high on ice actually broke my arm in two places while we were trying to restrain him.” He didn’t mean to go into such graphic detail about the sorts of patients he had dealings with, but it showed that he was used to abuse.

Course, it was when she turned around and had on a hospital gown that showed pretty much all beneath, or the lack of that the Doctor had to look to the ceiling whistling.

“I’m sorry to say, Miss LaRue that when you were brought into the ER, we had to cut your clothes off. There really wasn’t much left of them to be truthful.”

Now this would have put her into a real bind, but the kindly Doctor then said.

“If you wait here, I can go down to the Women’s auxiliary stall and see if they have some second hand clothing that we provide to our poor patients.”

He then excused himself, and went off on his way – leaving her standing there.

<3>

Doctor Lumbard was a kind man and he simply told her about some of his more rowdier patients. She actually winced in sympathy when he mentioned having his arm broke in two places.

“Bet that ruined your golf handicap.” she joked.

When her backside became exposed, she was surprised when he did the gentlemanly thing and looked away as she turned back around.

He told her they had to cut her clothes off when she came in and she nearly moaned. That had been one of her favorite outfits. But with her injuries as bad as they were, wearing tight leather probably was a hinderance. She nodded.

“If you wait here, I can go down to the Women’s auxiliary stall and see if they have some second hand clothing that we provide to our poor patients.” 

She looked up as he turned to leave the room. Second hand clothes?

“Ugh.” she muttered. “The things I do for you, Simone.” she sighed, moving to sit on the bed to wait. She snatched up her phone and tried calling again.

“If you’re hearing this it means I am either avoiding you, or with a man. Leave a message after the beep. -BEEP-”

“Goddammit, Simone. Where are you? I’m getting worried. Please…call me.” Pandora sighed, her tone full of worry, before hanging up the phone. After thinking for a moment, she picked up the phone again and dialed another number.

“Hey…it’s me…yeah I’m fine…no…not for a while…couple of months at least…Listen, I need a favor. Can you come and pick me up? Half hour…not right away, I need to go visit a friend. Will you drive me? You’re the best, Mark…and stop calling me Panda for fuck’s sake!” Chuckling, she hung up the phone and waited.

Erica was sitting on the side of Simone’s bed her face etched with worry as she watched Simone finally submit to the sleeping tablets that Erica had given her. Probably not the brightest thing to do, but it was all she could come up with to help her friend sleep. She gently brushed Simone’s hair back from her face, as Simone hugged her ragged bear tighter and murmured something in her sleep. It was hard to tell what it was, but Erica was not about to wake her up to find out.

Getting up from the bed, she could hear a dull beeping coming from the closet. It was Simone’s cell. Quietly padding over, Erica picked it up, and could see a dozen missed calls all from the same number. Wondering who it could be, she left Simone’s room and closed the door gently, only to play back the last message.

“Goddammit, Simone. Where are you? I’m getting worried. Please…call me.” 

Erica wrinkled up her pert nose. ~Fuck!~ Simone was out for the count, Already angered about the whole situation with Simone, after hearing everything that had caused her to have a melt down, Erica simply deleted the message and tossed the phone in the bin.

Pandora’s Hospital Room

The Doctor finally came back with a small armful of clothes. They reeked of mothballs and lily of the valley. You know that grandma smell. The clothes themselves were circa 1970′s floral print pants and a matching skivvy. Real classy, well if you were into retro. The Doctor shrugged lightly as he placed them on Pandora’s bed.

“This was the only thing I could find in your size, Miss LaRue.” He was practically apologetic, but what else could he do? It wasn’t Walmart, it was a Hospital. “I’ll leave you to it.”

He took up her chart and the nurse came in to scrub her name off the white board over the bed, and start to strip the bed of its linen. When they got patients out, they really got them out.

<3>

The doc came back with some clothing and Pandora could only stare at them in disgust. It looked like something they pulled off the body of a dead grandmother and smelled even worse. She rolled her eyes.

“Thanks, doc.” she sighed as he left the room once more. She struggled out of the hospital gown and stood naked as she stared at the clothes.

“Hmm…” She had noticed that her bike saddlebag was in the closet and she hobbled over to grab it. Dropping it on the bed (and annoying the worker who was changing the sheets) she rooted around for her large buck knife and the sewing kit she had took to carrying with her. With a grin, she began slicing at the clothes, cutting off lace and sleeves and generally destroying the original configuration of the garments she had been given.

When she was finished, she had turned the ensemble into a belly baring tank top and shorts. With a grin, she pulled them on, carefully avoiding her injuries. By the time she was done, her shoulder was throbbing painfully. Taking the medication she had been left with, she downed a pill with a glass of water, sighing with relief when they kicked in.

There was a knock on the door and she looked up to see Mark standing in the door. She hobbled to her feet as he took in her outfit.

“Cute.” he grinned.

“Shut up and get me out of here.” she snorted.

“Where to?”

“Simone’s. I’m worried about her.”

“Your chariot awaits.” he stated, grabbing a wheelchair from the hall.

“I can walk, you know.”

“Hospital regulations, Ms LaRue.” snapped the elderly nurse as she walked by.

“Bitch.” she grumbled, moving to the chair with an annoyed grunt.

Laughing at her antics, Mark grabbed her bag and wheeled her from the room.

Doctor Lumbard was putting back Pandora’s chart and getting the down low from a nurse on his next patient as Pan was being wheeled past by Mark. Now, the Doctor knew that Brock had been in earlier, and now she was being wheeled out by another guy. She sure must be popular with the guys. The Doctor waved as Pandora was wheeled out like an invalid, and he couldn’t help but notice that she had altered the clothes he had given her.

“They look very nice on you, Miss LaRue.”

A light smirk, and the Doctor was off down the hallway to his next patient. Would this be the last time they met? Seattle was a big city, but fate always has an odd way of dealing a hand.

Across the street from the car park, Brock was parked in his truck. He had been sitting there for hours, stewing over everything. On the side of the seat was a bunch of flowers and he was practicing an apology. That was, until he saw her being wheeled out by another man.

“THE FUCK?!”

Furious, he tossed the flowers out of the truck and sped off.

<3>

“Oh….baby, Momma wants more honey from your beehive.”

In her bedroom, Simone was still fast asleep thanks to the sleeping pills that Erica had given her. Goodness knows when she would be waking up.

<3>

“For 2 days, Mark? Really?”

“Just a thought.” he shrugged.

“Did you break a brain cell doing that?” she teased.

“Hardy har har.” he snorted as Pandora banged on the door.

“Simone, it’s Pandora! If you can hear me, please open the door!” she called out.

“What is with the Andy Warhol vomit you are wearing?”

Clearly she didn’t think that Pandora knew what style was. She shot a look at Mark as if to say who are you, then went back to eyeballing Pandora.

“Simone…is asleep, and there is no way in merry hell you are going to wake her up.”

It didn’t appear that Erica wanted to let her in.

“You’re Brock’s girl, right? The same fuck that abused Simmy at the Tavern the other night. Why can’t you and Kali pull your men into line and just back the fuck off Simmy?’

Clearly this was going to be a very strained situation looming.

<3>

“Long story. Where is Simone?” Pandora asked.

“Simone…is asleep, and there is no way in merry hell you are going to wake her up.” Erica scowled, blocking the doorway with her body. It was clear she had no intention of letting Pandora in. That was until… “You’re Brock’s girl, right? The same fuck that abused Simmy at the Tavern the other night. Why can’t you and Kali pull your men into line and just back the fuck off Simmy?”

That was news to Pandora and she let Erica know that.

“I didn’t know that. I wasn’t with him the other night. I’ve been in the hospital for 2 days as you can see. And for your information, Brock is his own man. What he choses to do is none of my fucking business, now get the hell out of my way.” Pandora scowled.

“Ladies is this really necessary?” Mark asked. Pandora gave him a dirty look and he backed off a step with his hands in the air. “Sorry I asked.”

“Let me in, Erica. I am in no mood for your bullshit. Simone is my best friend and I’m worried about her.” Pandora brandished her crutch, ready to ram it into Erica’s stomach if she didn’t move out of her way. Broken shoulder and leg aside, no one was getting in her way of seeing her friend.

“Let me in, Erica. I am in no mood for your bullshit. Simone is my best friend and I’m worried about her.”

“Some friend!” She snorted, letting Pandora past her rather than cop the crutch. Fancy resorting to violence just to save her curiosity. Turning around as Pandora got further into the apartment, Erica let fly. “I don’t give two shits where you have been. You weren’t here when Simmy got called a whore by Kali’s rich shit of a man. You weren’t there when Brock tore strips off Simmy for trying to help YOUR relationship with him…”

She then marched up to her and poked her in the right boob.

“AND you weren’t there when Simone tried to commit suicide!”

She sniffed angrily and opened the door to Simone’s room, where Simone was still fast asleep.

“Go ahead PANDA…be a good friend now.”

<3>

That stopped Pandora in her tracks and her anger left her as quickly as it had arrived. All color drained from her face until she was milk white. Mark stepped forward, worry etched in every line of his face.

“What?” she whispered. Erica didnt’ seem to hear, storming to Simone’s bedroom door and shoving it open, pointing to Simone’s sleeping form.

“Go ahead PANDA…be a good friend now.”

Pandora’s gaze was rivited on Simone’s face. She looked so young, Pandora almost forgot how old she really was. She and Erica had a hard life and they knew each other’s deepest, darkest secrets. Ignoring Erica and Mark, she hobbled her way into the room, sinking onto the bed, her eyes never leaving Simone’s face. She reached a shaky hand out and ran it through Simone’s lank locks.

“Why didn’t you call me?” she whispered, pain and sadness in her voice. “I would have been there, no matter what. No matter what.” Simone brushed away a stray tear from her eye and continued running a hand through Simone’s hair. She wasn’t leaving. They would have to drag her away, by force, before she would leave her best friend’s side.

She looked up to see Erica and Mark in the door. “I’m staying with her. Thanks for the ride over, Mark. Tell Cecil I’ll swing by tomorrow to fill out my disability paperwork.”

“You sure? I can stay if you want.” Looking at Erica’s scowling visage, Pandora shook her head.

“No. I’m good. My apartment is a few floors up so it’s not like I need to do any serious traveling. Thank you though.” She gave him a small smile. He nodded.

“Call me if you need me.” he stated before he left the apartment.

Much of her childhood abuse that she suffered she felt she was the one that instigated it. That it had to have been her fault. She could never wash the stain from her body that she bore night after night for years. How on earth she managed to get away from it all was a miracle. The truth was she was a fighter, a survivor. But even a fighter…can get beat.

Simone didn’t have the stability of a relationship like Kali, or the hopes to have a love like Brock in her life. Maybe she craved these things secretly, but only to have these same men that were her best friend’s love turn on her like she didn’t belong, cemented the self loathing she had always felt.

Erica then produced the needles. Heroin.

“I love her, Pandora….and I almost lost her. I don’t even know where she got these.”

Erica’s voice had lost its anger, more like she was deeply troubled by her friend’s mental stability.

“She didn’t even tell me….till she was at rock bottom. The tears…didn’t stop till she took the sleeping pills.”

<3>

“She didn’t even tell me….till she was at rock bottom. The tears…didn’t stop till she took the sleeping pills.”

“What the fuck did those two morons say to her? I want to know exactly what they said?” Pandora scowled, clenching her fist tight against her chest to keep from setting the whole room on fire in her anger.

She’d never been so angry in her life. Oh she’d be having words with two certain males and God help whoever tried to stop her.

Caroline Kirk is the eldest daughter of Tanya and Randy. She is a senior at Austin High School and captain of the cheer leading squad. She wants to be an actress and has plans to major in drama classes in college. Has a part-time job working at The Gap in the local mall.

Age: 18
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Brown
Siblings: Sister, Nina Kirk (16); Step-brother, Randy Kirk Jr (24)
Occupation: Student
Personality: Bright, bubbly, outgoing, active to the extreme, gracious.
Likes: Horses, acting, boys, drama – school, working, reading
Dislikes: bullies, and people who are cruel to animals
Other Info: To be advised during play.

The Roxburg Family of Demons resides here at Razor Hall. A dark mansion with many rooms that hold terrible secrets. If you wish to be a part of the Roxburg family, please submit a character request in the appropriate thread.

Father :Amos {Deceased}
Mother :Elizabeth ‘Bess’ Anne
Son(s) : Bart
Daughter(s) : Elvira {Lives in the Marulo Estate now}, Juliette {Deceased}
Cousin(s): Lorena

Ward(s):

Maids/Butlers/Servants: Leonard Harvey, Lurch.

Leo took a step back when Elizabeth just shoved past him and slammed the door from the old room before he could even get him. He understood her in a way, so he wasn’t going to say anything more about that and just move on. He knew that room wasn’t one he could clean, she didn’t allowed him to, and he just obeys. He watched her finishing the cigarette and the drink so quickly, that even made him perk up an eyebrow, well he was used to this Bess, but today she seemed more off than usual. Leo just began to follow her, to make sure she needed something else, but he also was heading to the kitchen to prepare everything. When she stopped walking, he did as well, and he was ready to apologize to walk behind her, but it seems she was even daring herself to smile and be nice, her smile was small and sad, that could break anybody’s heart.
“Not at all, I should’ve woke up thirty minutes ago.”
He replayed her with a quick smile as well, as he stayed quiet on his spot. She was the one who woke up early, and its odd wandering around this house in the morning with somebody else, since he’s so used to be alone in the first hours of the day till the others wake up
Bess suggested for him to escort her back to her room and draw a bath, since she wanted to change, Leo didn’t said no, so he just stepped in front of her, and escorted her to her room, which was just a guest room, but she uses that one now.
“Sure, madam”
When they arrived, Leo opened the door for her, and allowed her to step in first.
“I will prepare the bath.”
He bowed his head a little, before head to one of the bathrooms, which was right besides this guest room. Stepping in, the first thing he done was to get her robe, and whenever that was done, he went back to her room, but he only opened the door to have space for his sneaky arm to get in and place the robe on the door knob, he didn’t knew if she was already undressing herself or anything like that, so just for her own privacy, he only allowed his arm to get in the room to place the robe, and then closed the door again.
Reaching the bathroom, he prepared the water, he made sure it wasn’t too hot or too cold, also prepared everything that she needed to clean herself. Whenever he was done, he went to wipe off his hands, but didn’t brought the sleeves from his white shirt down, he figured he would just leave it all rolled up to his elbow because he was going to need leave his hands dirty again. Now that everything was ready, Leonard knocked on the wall, loud enough to make Bess hear it in the room she was in, that’s how he told her that it was ready, without bother her with words or his presence. Then he just headed to the door, and stayed right on the door way, leaving it open and waiting for her.

Lorena Roxburg rolled around in bed irritably, her dark eyes flashing with hatred towards the sun that was streaming into her room. Oh how she hated the sun…she hated it! Sometimes she wondered if she was more vampire than she was succubus with her blatant distaste for the sun and the outdoors. Then again, she hated having to put on a sweet charming face during the day when she could be naughty and in her element at night. Thinking about all the fun she could have in the evening, the succubus smiled diabolically as she shimmied her hips in her red lingerie.

The only thing ever allowed to touch her body was the finest silks and lace, and such was covering her caramel and voluptuous body now. It was a red brassiere and panty set she had bought on her first day in London…and it served her well. With a bored sigh, she muttered to no one in particular “Another dreary day in the Death Manor.” She hated how boring and gloomy it was around the Roxburg Manor. They were demon royalty, for crying out loud! Ever since the death of Amos, the Roxburgs seemed to be falling apart…and it drove her completely insane. She had come to London in hopes of taking part in a great awakening of demonic power…only to see that the greatest demons in Europe were drowning in their own sorrows. But Lorena would just have to fix that, wouldn’t she? It was why she was in London to begin with. Her plan to take over the Underground Salon and soon all of Europe was unfolding in her mind. All she needed were the right tools. Moments later, she flung her covers off and strolled towards her armoire “I’m up!” she snapped, and servants flew in from all over the room to attend to her. It wasn’t long before she emerged from behind her vanity in a dark red gown with her black hair falling in waves over her shoulder.

Though she was a succubus, she hated using her powers to accent her sensuality. It was much more triumphant for her when men tripped over her without her having to unleash her feminine demonic whiles on them. Much more satisfying…but no one could deny just how attractive and desirable she was. It was just in Lorena’s nature. Strolling towards the door, she yawned in a bored manner before stating “I wish to meet my aunt in the front parlor for morning tea. There is much to be discussed.” The nearest servant nodded once before following Lorena into the halls.

Front Parlor

Lorena wandered into the front parlor, a large smile on her face when she saw all the cobwebs hanging from the corners. “My devil, does no one even bother to clean here anymore?” Turning around to face one of the servants, she broke out in a fit of dark giggles.

The servants forced a smile but said nothing. Lorena seemed to delight in just how dilapidated the house was becoming without a strong Roxburg to lead it. Of course, she knew she must play her cards carefully if Elizabeth was going to tolerate her presence further. Truth be told, she adored her Auntie Bess. Bess was once the strong, confident, and completely sinister demoness she had looked up to. As a child, she loved visiting her in hopes of learning how to be a strong demonic leader as well. Bess had so much to offer…but now, her grief stood in her own way. Lorena would help her not only for her own selfish inhibitions, but to establish Bess at her right hand side. Such was how her mind worked. Sitting elegantly in a chaise, she waited to hear where her aunt was.

Elizabeth’s Room

The servant that was stuck with the duty of having to speak to Bess knew better than to just barge in. Clearing his throat, he knocked once before entering. Seeing Leo, he sighed in relief and crept over in hopes Elizabeth wouldn’t see him. Leaning towards Leo, he murmured quietly “Lady Lorena wishes to have an audience with Lady Elizabeth at her earliest convenience. She is in the parlor now.” With that, he crept out of the room as fast as he had come in.

As always, Bartholomew was up at the crack of dawn. Usually this was the best time to go out on a hunt on the estate with his ever faithful man servant Lurch in tow. It was indeed a splendid morning’s hunt, with Barty bagging four pheasants – much to his delight.

“I just love shooting the bastards, Lurch. Foul things were born just for me to take a pot shot at…what?” Bart pulled on his woolen hat, as Lurch picked up yet another fallen bird, twirling it by the neck and then dumping it unceremoniously into a burlap sack. Swinging his rifle up onto his shoulder, he beckoned Lurch to follow him back towards the main house. As things stood, the old Roxburg manor was in a foul state of disrepair, but it would seem that Mother dearest was decidedly lacking in her duties as Matriarch. One would think she had gotten over the death of Amos by now, but no, she still languished in a perpetual state of grief and depression. It really did have an effect on the entire household, which was a shame really. Two others of the Roxburg were six feet under, not to mention Elvira was off reproducing with the shaggy Count Virgo. So much for family ties. It was indeed a thing of the past.

“I do bet you a whole pound Lurch, that I am the only one doing anything productive today.”

“RRRRRRRRR”

“My thoughts exactly. Be a good lad, and take the birds into the kitchen to have them plucked and stuffed.”Bartholomew flailed with his free hand. In all honesty he had no idea what the kitchen staff did with the birds. Perhaps they would be good in a feast for the evening. Maybe that would get his Mother to leave her room.

Lurch opened the door for his Master, and Bart strolled on in, as Lurch thundered past him, with the full bag of pheasant towards the kitchens. Taking off his woolen cap, he set it on the hat stand, and looked about for signs of life.

“Vampires are more alive than you lot!” The only surviving male Roxburg sung out boisterously.

He was surprised if anyone heard him.

<3>

Leo waited for Elizabeth and the very moment she stepped in, he allowed her to get in, he wasn’t actually surprised by seeing her body, because he had seen it already, yes, but never done anything, he respects her, and it seems she trusts him enough. The very moment she stepped in, Leo was about to leave, but then another butler showed up, telling about Elizabeth’s niece that wanted to speak with her, Leo was aware of the bonds between this family, and it wasn’t that famous, its like everybody hated each other, but Leo never dared himself to ask why or how, he just stayed behind and watch everything if he was allowed to. Leo waited for the butler to get away, and for Elizabeth to allow him to speak, and the very moment she allowed him, he just spoke.
“Well, it seems your niece wants to have a chat with you. She’s in the front parlor”
Leo watched Elizabeth’s expressions, and he figured out it was better just leave and let her be, so he could get something for her niece, or just prepare anything for the two of them once they was together.
But Elizabeth wanted him to stay, he heard the word stay twice, at first he didn’t thought he was hearing right, but her smile, her face, how peaceful she looked and relaxed, made him stay, like she wanted him to. He just watched her face for awhile, but if she looked at him, he just looked away, so he wouldn’t make her feel too uncomfortable, he wasn’t looking at her body, he was looking at her face, but still. Leo stepped closer to Bess, and helped her to get out of the tub, and then placed a towel over her shoulders, he didn’t wanted her to get sick because of the cold. Now he thought he was done, and was going to prepare some tea, but it seems she wanted him to help her dress. It wasn’t the first time, but still, when she allowed him to, it was a surprise.
“Yes,milady.”
He mumbled and followed her to her chamber, and helped her dressing, he knew she needed lots of help for the corset, and he made sure he wouldn’t tighten it way too much to hurt her, he would just tighten it enough to make her look elegant. When he was done with her dress, he just kneel down in front of her and picked up her shoes, slipping it in her feet, like a princess. He really took care of Bess, a lot, sometimes he thought if he wasn’t around this woman wouldn’t be the same, at least not in appearance.
Now that he was done, he just fixed his own shirt, by moving the sleeves down to cover his arms again, he looked at her and heard her words, she wanted him to stay with her today, he could be besides her when she was chatting with her niece, if that was her wish, he would done it.

Front Parlor

Leo stayed by Bess’s side, quiet, with his hands behind him, he stared around, just to make sure everything was alright, then he saw Lorena, there waiting for her aunt. Leo pulled a chair, so Bess could sit down, once she sat down, he just brought the chair a little closer to the table. 

The gentle chime of the grandfather clock was not the only sound that Bart heard as he strolled along the corridor that would lead to his later Father’s den. Stopping momentarily, he paused to listen and sure enough, it happened to be the scraping of a chair across the floor, along with the high pitch voice of a certain cousin that had moved into the Roxberg Manor. Bart’s features became somewhat smug as he paused to continue to listen. “Lady Lorena….how wonderful.” Bartholomew thought to himself, and sure enough the added voices were that of his Mother and her lackey – Leo. Bart had another name for Leo. “The Creepy shadow.” The lingering buffoon who did all that his Mother beckoned him too. He could understand the need for company but found the fellow to be a tad..droll. So, they were all in the front parlor. Tea and crumpets, or cake and cordial? Either way, he was not in the mood to be prim and proper, not when he had such dastardly plans hatching in his twisted mind.

Mother barely paid attention to the lad, so he had free reign to do as he pleased. And why not, he was the first born male, and heir to the family business. His mother showed little to no interest, so the bulk of the responsibility had fallen back on him. A quick tug on his jacket lapel, and he continued on his way down to the dark part of the Manor – his father’s den.

Ah the delightful scent of old cigars, brandy, and of course the musk of a woman’s pleasure pit. Opening the door, he was delighted to see that the scullary maid that he had taken a shining too, was still trapped in her cage.

“My dear Lucy, I see you have waited up for me. Such a pet you are.”

The girl trembled as she brushed back wisps of her blonde hair from her face. Dressed in the barest of undergarments, she was struggling to maintain her modesty and failing. Her lily white skin was marked with the lines of the cat of nine tails, and a collar was tightly bound around her neck. She was barefoot, but still a picture in Bart’s mind anyways.

“My Lord..” She stammered, her eyes watering up as she feared what he had planned to do to her this morning. Bart took the crystal decanter stopper off the bottle, and then reaching for the ornate base, he tipped the decanter so it would pour him a generous nip of scotch. It was a little early to be drinking, but….he had all day. Turning around, the young Lord took a sip and smacked his lips together.

“You…and I are going to have a little…fun.”

His dark laughter became something maniacal, as Lurch lumbered past, and kindly closed the den door.

<3>

Lorena caught the mocking lilt in her aunt’s tone and tried not to smirk. Bess was so easily ruffled these days but she would not push her luck so early in the morning. She needed Lady Roxburg’s help after all and did not want to start off on the wrong foot. However, she was ready to play dirty if need be. Folding her hands in her lap, she finally allowed her own smile to match the sinister politeness Bess was showing her “Indeed I did. And don’t you look ravishing this morning.”

It did not escape her notice how her aunt looked her up and down like meat to be devoured and when Bess was finished, she merely flicked her eyes up and down once as if not wanting to be bothered to look at her at all. Where Elizabeth Roxburg was known for her infamous looks, Lorena was known for her blatant disinterest.

Pausing to look towards the hallway where she could hear Bart blustering on, she couldn’t help but snicker. Bartholomew never failed to keep himself amused in the manor, no matter how dreary her mother acted. She liked that. If she did not have to speak to her aunt, she would have flounced after him to see what had him in such a good mood. However, she had her own plans for the day.

Turning back to her aunt as her eyes flicked to Leo curiously, she let out a quiet purr “Hello, Leo…” She held her hand towards the servant as if expecting him to kiss it, her dark eyes undressing him right there in the middle of the room. Her succubus body let off a delicious scent of desire but she kept it mostly stifled. It would be rather rude to pounce on her aunt’s servant with her in the room. Turning her attention back to Bess, she crossed her legs rather licentiously in her scarlet gown before speaking“So…have you any news from the Underground Salon? It seems like the Demon society has been rather quiet lately…does that not bother a Roxburg as it should? We should be in power, in control…and yet, all I hear is silence and see no attempts to remain in control of the plague that is ravaging our town.” With that, she smiled once more and tilted her head, curious to hear if Bess planned on actually doing anything other than moping around the manor.

Due to the fact that Elvira was still pretty tired from giving birth and Virgo was still bonding with his children, it had fallen to Sally to deliver the news of the twins’ birth to what remained of the Roxburgs still living at the manor.

Gerard had offered to accompany her, not knowing what kind of reception her news would receive and he did not want his wife alone with those people.

Peter brought around the Marulo Family Carriage and waited until both Sally and Gerard were inside before he took off for the Roxburg Manor on the other side of town.

—-

Arriving at the Manor, Gerard escorted his wife to the manor doors and knocked before he waited patiently at her side.

“How do you think they will take the news?” he asked his wife.

“I’m unsure. She and her brother did not part on the most amicable of terms and her mother…well…Lady Roxburg wasn’t exactly fishing for Mother of the Year awards.” Sally replied.

“Tis a shame, then. Family is important.”

“Maybe this is the news they need to start the process of healing.” Sally sighed, taking her husband’s hand.

“One can only hope.” Gerard leaned down to kiss her cheek, just as the knob turned on the door.

Lurch had just closed the door to the den when the sound of knocking was heard coming from the front door. As Lurch was the chief family butler, having served Amos faithfully till his untimely death, it was he that would be the one to answer the front door. Walking with his shoulders hunched, the towering butler, who still had a few pheasant feathers stuck in his jacket pockets, opened the door slowly. The low yawn sound of creaking hinges indicated that he had been lacking in his duties to keep the house tip top.

“Rrrrrrrrrrrrr.”

His long loud moan of welcome would not be unfamiliar to Miss Sally, who had been in the Roxburg employee for many years. Seeing the couple on the door step, he then bowed, gesturing for them to both enter. He was keen to remove Gerard’s hat, but his scent gave off alarm bells, that touching the man servant of Virgo to be a bad idea.

“Thissss wayyyy.”

Knowing that Lady Roxburg was busy entertaining her niece in the front parlour, Lurch thought it best to take them through to the den, where Bart was entertaining himself.

Knocking twice, Lurch thundered.

“MIss Sally and strange man to see you, Sirrrrrrrr.”

Inside the den, Bart suddenly stopped poking the naked maiden in a cage with a red hot poker.

“Eeek..now? One moment please.” Bart cried, with something of a distressed tone, to be almost caught out having one of his masochist trysts. He brought his finger up to his lips and made a hush sound to his captive pet, then covered her cage, much like you would if you owned a giant canary in a very big cage. Pleased she was now out of sight, he straightened his jacket and waltzed up to the door. Opening both with a spectacular grin at seeing the old maid Sally, and her…friend, Bart blurted.

“SALLY….and…the man I have not met yet. Please, won’t you come in.” He gestured for them to enter the drab den, as he winked at Lurch. “Thank you for knocking first, Lurch. Be a good lad and go get the tea trolley.” Lurch shook his head and lumbered away as Bart turned around and clapped his hands together loudly.

“So…how are things up at Wolf manor? Hmm? Rabbit season got the Count excited?”

He was such a cad.

<3>

The door creaked open and Lurch’s large form was framed in the doorway. He instantly recognized Sally and growled in acknowledgemnt of her presence.

“Rrrrrrrrrrrrr.”

“Hello, Lurch. I’m here to speak with Lady Bess or Lord Bartholomew if they’re available, please.” Sally stated. He looked between her and Gerard for a moment before nodding.

“Thissss wayyyy.”

He lead them through familiar halls until he came to the closed doors of the den. Sally recalled this used to be the senior Lord Roxburg’s private place and it was only right that his son now make it his own.

Lurch knocked twice before he announced them. “Miss Sally and strange man to see you, Sirrrrrrrr.”

There was the muffled sound of Bart’s voice on the other side of the door and strange noises that Sally didn’t want to know the orientation of.

A moment later, the doors to the den were yanked open and the master of the house grinned at them.

“SALLY….and…the man I have not met yet. Please, won’t you come in.” He stepped aside to let them enter before he sent Lurch off for tea. Once they were alone, Bart started in, making Sally frown in anger.

“So…how are things up at Wolf manor? Hmm? Rabbit season got the Count excited?”

“I will have you know, young sir, that Lord and Lady Marulo are in excellent health and I will thank you to hold your demon’s tongue about them around myself.” Sally snapped. Gerard placed a hand on her back, calming her considerably. She took a deep breath and looked at Bart. “This is my husband, Gerard.”

“Pleased to meet you, Lord Roxburg.” Gerard nodded as he stood behind his wife. He went silent and allowed Sally to handle things as he looked around the room. There was a slight smell of burnt flesh in the air, coming from the large draped object in the opposite corner of the room. Gerard thought it wise not to comment on this.

Sally got to the reason for her visit. “It has come to myself to inform you and your mother that Elvira has recently given birth to twin children. A girl and a boy. She wished for the both of you to come by the estate when you are free for a visit so that you may meet your niece and nephew.”

So this was it. Andrew was finally at the Roxburg Manor, his first day of work was going to be here, and he was going to work as a servant, how he was hating this already. But he wanted money to be able to just get out of this damn country, and go to another place. However today he wans’t only here to start working and get ready. He was also here to give some bad news to his uncle, Leo. He was going to tell his uncle that there was two death’s in their family. That his mother was dead, which was his uncle’s sister, and that his aunt was dead as well, who was his uncle’s ex-wife. They had a weird death, something horrible that Andrew was still recupering, the funeral was last week, and his uncle might get upset to him to take too long to tell him, but Andrew was still trying to get over it, even if he was such rebel kid, he still adored his family, even tho his aunt wasn’t in her best mind. She had alzheimer, so she forgot everybody as the time passed, that’s why his uncle Leo isn’t around her anymore, she didn’t wanted him to, she always thought he was a stranger and pushed him away, despite the all years he “wasted” on taking care of her like she was a small child, but life was never easy so. About his mother, she was another who wasn’t well in her mind, but she never had such serious problem like his aunt, his mother was just troublesome, it was her nature.
Andrew walked through the small trail that was leading to the front door, and whenever he arrived, he actually didn’t knew what to do, either to knock or just run away. He was still in time to turn around and leave, but he was tired of running away from problems, so it was better to just man up, and do something right. Maybe this crazy house will make him wake up and stop being so rebel. The idea of working as a servant still couldn’t leave his mind, that would be such horrible job he didnt wanted to, but now he was forced to do it. If he had behaved in the army, he could have stayed, but he didn’t, so now here he is.

Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 04/03/2014 04:36AM by PrimoVon.

Leo watched Lorena, she was another tiger in this house, when she spoke to him, he just bowed his head slightly, till she raised her hand up, he figured he should do what a gentleman always do. So he took her hand in his, and kissed the back of her hand, it wasn’t actually kiss, it was just poke his lips against her skin. Then he allowed her hand to go, and stepped back, standing right behind Bess. He allowed the women to talk, since it wasn’t his business, and he wasn’t going to pay much attention to their conversation. In this house there was no secrets, you was basically forced to not hear what you shouldn’t hear. Since he already lives long enough here, he knows how this works, and he will never get in trouble, at least he hopes so.
While they were talking, Leo noticed somebody walking outside, the large windows in the front parlor, could show him there was somebody heading to the front door, he knew that person, it was a young boy, it was his nephew. He finally showed up, he was suppose to come here a week ago, but its better late than never, right?
“Excuse me, ladies.”
He was talking to both of them, then he tilted his head down, closer to Bess’s ear, so he could talk to her.
“It seems my nephew finally showed up. Andrew, the one I told you about, he’s working here as a servant just like you wanted to. I will go get him, he’s at the door.”
After telling this to Bess, he just stepped away from the front parlor, and went straight to the door. Opening the door slowly, he saw his nephew, formal enough with few bags on him. Leo gave a small smile, he felt like scolding Andrew and wonder why he took so long, but Andrew’s face wasn’t that happy either, and Leo got a bit worried, so he just looked inside, before step outside and close the door behind him. It seems this was going to be personal, and he’d rather talk about this outside than inside.
“What’s the matter?”

Bart leaned against his father’s oak desk with his arms folded, as Sally gave him the run down on how things were with the Marulos. Bart hadn’t exactly been over friendly with his sister since she went to live with Virgo, and sadly did not even bother to attend her wedding. He was pretty sure he hadn’t been invited to that either.

“I will have you know, young sir, that Lord and Lady Marulo are in excellent health and I will thank you to hold your demon’s tongue about them around myself.” 

“Hold my tongue? My dear, I do believe I have behaved ever so graciously since your arrival. I even sent Lurch to get us some tea. As for the news that my sister and her…husband is it? Smashing..splendid. I couldn’t be happier for them…really.” For a demon to hold their tongue, took a great deal of discipline. Something Bart was lacking.

Watching Gerard come forward to place a hand on Sally, Sally introduced him to the young Lord.

“This is my husband, Gerard.”

“Ah, so your the one that tamed Sally. Good man. Fancy shooting at all? I do like a good hunt in the morning.”

Least he was trying to make small talk. The girl in the cage groaned slightly, and Bart tried to cover for that by coughing loudly and looking at the door. “Where is Lurch with the tea? You’d think he got lost.”

There was a reason to this unannounced visit, and one that was sure to shock Bart to the core.

“It has come to myself to inform you and your mother that Elvira has recently given birth to twin children. A girl and a boy. She wished for the both of you to come by the estate when you are free for a visit so that you may meet your niece and nephew.”

“Ahahaha. She what? Kids? Twins? Oh god, don’t tell my mother. Can you imagine? Ahaha. Nanna. Ahahahaha!”

He doubled over in laughter just at the thought of it. “Oh…my ribs. I can’t stop laughing.” He waved a hand in front of his face as he tried to catch his breath. “I…I think that is wonderful news. Capital. Oh…please, allow me to tell my Mother. I want to be the one to see the look on her face! Ahahahaha!”

Clearly, this was the biggest laugh Bart had had all year.

“Oh, I’ll come see them. Uncle Bart. Has a nice ring to it.”

Well, least someone was pleased.

<3>

Sally had to admit, when she first came to Roxburg Manor, she was unsure how her news would be received. Anger, sarcasm and a bit of rudeness she expected from the eldest Roxburg child. But outright laughter? That she did not expect at all. She was unsure she should be offended on Elvira’s behalf or not.

“Ahahaha. She what? Kids? Twins? Oh god, don’t tell my mother. Can you imagine? Ahaha. Nanna. Ahahahaha!”

“Elvira wanted her family to know of the new editions to their line. I really don’t see the humor in this, sir.” Sally stated, struggling to be heard over Bart’s laughter.

“Oh…my ribs. I can’t stop laughing.” He chortled, struggling to control himself. Once he was able to, he looked at her. “I…I think that is wonderful news. Capital. Oh…please, allow me to tell my Mother. I want to be the one to see the look on her face! Ahahahaha!” And he was off in laughter land once more. Sally refrained from rolling her eyes and Gerard wasn’t fairing much better.

«”Is he always like this?”» Gerard thought to his wife.

«”Worse when he’s had a bit of drink in him.”» She nodded.

Bart was finally able to control himself and he looked at the two of them with large grins.

“Oh, I’ll come see them. Uncle Bart. Has a nice ring to it.”

Unsure how to take his agreement, Sally simply nodded. “I shall let your sister know of your intentions to visit and she will deliver a message of when a good time to come shall be. You will pass this news on to your mother?”

After Bart agreed to do so, Sally and Gerard excused themselves to return to Marulo Estates.

As they were traveling, Gerard looked at his wife.

“Was there a reason why that young man had a servant girl locked in a cage?”

“You smelled that, too?” Sally looked at him.

“Aye. But I thought it impolite to mention it.”

“Good thing. Seems the young Lord has developed the similar tastes that his father once had.”

“How in the nine levels of hell do you explain Elvira then?”

“She’s more like her grandfather then probably she’s even aware of.”

“Ah.” Gerard nodded, pulling his wife close for a snuggle.

Andrew stayed quiet on his spot, still anxious, he actually wanted to turn around and just leave. Maybe if he run, he could catch the train and just disappear. However, when he was about to turn around, the door finally opens and it was his uncle. Andrew looked up at him a bit nervous, and forced a smile, he knew his uncle probably wanted to scold him for taking so long to show up, but it was for a good reason, well, he couldn’t actually call it good, because it was an awful thing.
It seems his uncle noticed the look on Andrew’s face, and decided to have the talk outside.

Hearing his uncle asking him what was wrong, and closing the door, Andrew licked his lips, looked down for a second then looked back up at him. Andrew was wearing some formal pants and just a white shirt, he had still hsi scruff on his chin and cheeks, he forgot to shave it, and got lazy as well. But it wans’t that big, so it was okay.
“Well…I don’t know how to tell you that, so I will be as direct as possible.”
Andrew was known to give bad news in the most cold way possible, he just didn’t liked to start with good and kind words, when in the end it was a horrible new.
“Mom and aunt have passed away..There was some fire, in the house, it seems the both left the gas on when they went to sleep, so when mom tried to have her night cig, everything just burnt..”
Andrew still tried to sound calm, it was hard. He knew it hurt his uncle, he lost a sister, and a loved one as well. His aunt could have alzheimer, but it was obvious that his uncle never took well this all illness thing, and was pushed away from the love of his life. Maybe he’s fine now, but with this new, he might go back down again.
“I’m sorry..”
It was all Andrew could say, he had a week to make himself better, and look more decent, but it was still hard to take. 

CharlotteCarrendar

844

Re: .:RP:. The Roxburg Manor

April 03, 2014 07:41PM

Front Parlour

“Any news from Elvira?” 

What a delightful question to be heard coming from the sweet lips of the fair yet cunning Lorena. Bartholomew had left the den after bidding the Marulo staff a fond farewell and decided that now was the time to pass on the delightful news about his dear sister and her flourishing new family. Looking smart in his hunting attire, he strolled with a light whistle emerging from between pursed lips. Cruising past an ornate gilded framed mirror, he stopped to momentarily fix his hair, with the light lick to his finger, then sweeping it back in a nonchalant fashion. Continuing on his way, he couldn’t help but note that there had been heavy footsteps and light banter of voices coming from the servants quarters. So, there were to be more in the Roxburg manor. Magical. Wasn’t like they had enough on staff for the whimsical needs of the female side of the Roxburg line. It always made him chuckle at their taste in men, though he himself didn’t exactly measure up to his father’s likeness. Must have been something murky in the gene pool.

Reaching the doorway to the Parlour, he mused to himself with a sinister look as Lorena begged the question of her aunt in regards to the fairing of Elvira.

Smacking his lips together, he could barely contain the glee within himself at what he was about to disclose.

“Elvira…is doing ever so well. Just had a visit from her hired help. You know, Miss Sally, and her husband Gerald.”

Moving into the room with a pronounced swagger and tugging on his own braces, he continued.

“Can you believe they actually have staff on hand that are useful, and are not just for fucking?” He let out a loud snort of laughter and winked at Lorena, before continuing.

“But enough about such pursuits as chasing the servants…turns out that Elvira and Virgo were married. AND to if that is not juicy enough for the pair of you, she has just given birth to twins. A boy and a girl. Isn’t that just smashing?’

He looked at his mother with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

“You’re a Grandmother twice over. Congratulations. I am sure that all the ladies in your needle point circle are going to just LOVE that tit bit of gossip.” Oh he was enjoying this all way too much, as he leaned against the banister near the fire place, and took out his pipe.

“That’s my bombshell for the day. So, what is the news from the underworld? Still trying to set London on fire?”

<3>

The green flag is waving! The race is starting! Do you have what it takes to win the most coveted prize in racing history? Put the pedal to the metal and burn rubber on that concrete roadway!

Pit Row – the area behind the track where the racers and their crew meet to check over their cars and make certain they’re in working order. Yvonne was pacing in front of Della’s trailer, waiting for her client’s arrival. Rusty was beneath the hood of Della’s car, tinkering with the engine, one of his workers sitting in the driver’s seat.

“Try it now!” he waved out from under the hood. The engine was ignited and the smooth rumble of the engine made Rusty smile. He slammed the hood closed and signaled for the other guy to the cut the engine. “I want tire pressure, oil and fuel triple checked before Della heads out to the track.” he ordered, wiping his hands on the rag he kept in his back pocket.

“You got it, Boss.” the other man nodded before jogging off to the rest of the crew. Rusty turned to look at Yvonne.

“You need to relax, Vonnie. She’ll be here.”

“Don’t tell me to relax, Rusty. I won’t relax until she crosses that finish line.”

“You’re going to get gray hair before you’re 50 if you don’t chill.” he snickered. She glared at him and opened her mouth to reply when Della pulled up beside the trailer.

She jumped out and headed inside, Yvonne hot on her heels.

“Took you long enough to get here.” Yvonne growled as she watched Della strip out of her clothing to put on her race uniform.

“Don’t start, Yvonne. I’ve had one hell of a morning.” Della snapped back, clearly not in the mood to have her manager nipping at her like an angry pitbull.

“What happened?”

“Fucking park manager had a party last night. Kept me awake for some time. Went over there and yelled to keep it down then said screw it and wore my headphones to sleep. Woke up this morning and one of his “guests” puked all over the front seat of my car.”

“Oh shit!” Yvonne gaped, knowing how Della felt about her cars.

“Oh shit is right! Called mom and she’s got George coming to get the car to clean it up for me.” She zipped up her uniform and tied her hair up in a messy ponytail before slipping into her boots. “So where are we?”

“Third. Guy #2 is out on the track now. I think he’s on lap 8 or 9.”

“What’s the times?”

“First guy lapped in 7:14. This one’s just under 8.”

“So I’m shooting for at least a 5 or 6.” Della nodded, stepping out of the trailer, her helmet underneath her arm. She met up with Rusty who was supervising a tire change on the car. “How’s my baby, Rusty?”

“Purring like a fine woman making sweet love by the fire.” Rusty grinned. Della chuckled and climbed in the car, sitting on the door frame as she watched the other racer finish up his laps. Moments later, his time popped up on the screen: 9:35. Della nodded her head and slipped her helmet on as her name was announced over the loudspeakers. Rusty gave her the thumbs up sign as she started the engine. She saluted him and made her way to the starting line.

Her adrenaline was pumping as she revved the engine. Her hands tightened on the wheel as she awaited the signal to start her trial. She was focused, she was ready. This is what she was made for and she would not disappoint. The green flag dropped and she stomped on the gas…

…She kept her attention on the track not bothering to look at her times as she went past the time clock. She was focused on not crashing and doing the best she could in the time she was allowed. There was minimal chatter from Rusty in her headset. He knew that she could handle whatever the track tossed her way and only gave her encouragement and small pushes of when to increase her speed and when to slow back.

She was on lap 9 when she felt a rattle beneath her feet. “Rusty! I got a rattle in the undercarriage!” she announced.

“Do you need to pull in?” his voice came over the speaker a moment later.

“What lap am I on?”

“9 going into 10.”

“I think I can finish.” she stated, pressing harder on the gas. The car shot forward on the track.

“You sure? If it’s serious, it could affect you?”

“I got it, Rusty!” she stated as she moved into a turn. The rattling became more pronounced as she turned and she gritted her teeth. “Keep together, baby! We’re almost there!” she whispered.

In Pit Row, Yvonne was watching the yellow #69 car move around the track and watching Rusty become more concerned as time went by. She looked up at the clock and saw Della’s time approaching 7:30.

“Come on Del…you got this.” Yvonne urged, hands gripping tight to the railing beneath her hands.

As Della moved into the final turn, there was a wicked-sounding “ping” noise and the steering wheel began to vibrate. “Fuck!” she shouted as she pressed the gas pedal to the floor as far as it would go. “Come on baby! Almost there!”

She caught sight of the checkered flag and poured every ounce of speed she could get from her car into those final few seconds. She crossed the finish line and breathed a sigh of relief as she let off the gas. She moved to hit the brakes…and nothing happened.

“Aw shit!” she groaned.

“Della? What’s wrong? came Rusty’s voice once more.

“Brakes are gone! I think I lost a line somewhere!”

“Aim for the soft wall! It’ll stop you safely!”

“On it!” Della shouted back, turning her car to aim toward the softwall on the edge of the track. She crashed into it going better than 150 miles per hour as she turned the wheel on the astro turf to try and use them as a deterrent. It seemed to work and between the turned tires and the hay making up the wall, she drifted safely to a stop.

She breathed a sigh of relief as she climbed out of the car, seeing the tow truck and ambulance rushing her way. She waved to signal she was alright before turning her face to the time clock to see what her time was.

A moment later, her time popped up on the large screen: 7:55:15

“Well fuck!” she growled, angry at herself. She wanted to do at least a 6. She banged her helmeted head on the top of her car, disappointed.

It took some time for Della to calm down after her disappointing time trial and the near-fatal wreck. But she consoled herself with the fact that she wasn’t in the last position as that was the worst place to be.

Of course, Yvonne was angry on her behalf and was itching to tear someone a new ass.

“He should have checked everything, Della! You could have been killed!” she raged as she paced back and forth across the floor. Della was actually amused by her manager’s antics. Yvonne caught the smirk on Della’s face and glared. “I’m glad you find the thought of possibly being killed so fucking amusing.”

“Come on, Vonnie. You can’t blame the guys for this. You know they go over everything with a fine tooth comb. It was a stripped screw. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Nothing less she says! Why are you so calm about this? I’d have been pissed.”

“Because that’s the way things are in the racing world. Daddy told me that.” Della smiled. Yvonne sighed and finally stopped pacing, sitting on the couch beside her client.

“You miss him.” It was a statement.

“Every day.” Della nodded, looking down at her hands. Yvonne covered them with her own.

“You know he’d be proud of you, if he were here.”

“I know. Some days it’s just hard.”

“But his legacy lives on…in you, sweetie.” Yvonne smiled, giving Della’s shoulder a gentle squeeze.

“Thanks, Vonnie. I needed to hear that today.” Della smiled.

“Anytime, darling.” Yvonne stated. Rufus burst into the trailer, excited about something.

“Turn on the news! You are not going to believe this!” he exclaimed.

Della took up the remote and turned on the television. She turned to the channel that Rufus indicated and saw that there was news reporter and a crowd of rubberneckers standing on a VERY familiar street corner.

“What the hell?!” Della exclaimed.

“Isn’t that your street?” Yvonne asked. Della shushed her and turned up the volume.

“Good afternoon, I’m Samantha King and we are coming to you live from Pine Acres Trailer Park., where police have just discovered one of the biggest illegal drug smuggling operations in the state. With me now is Chief Richard Inquest to shed some light on this interesting case…Chief Inquest, can you tell us what happened?”

A rather portly man in a cop uniform (who bore a strong resemblance to Larry the Cable Guy) moved in next to the reporter as she pointed the microphone at him.

“Afternoon, Ms King. As to what happened here, we were tipped off some months ago to a possible illegal drug and alcohol ring being conducted by someone in this area. So with the co-operation of local Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms agents, we had this place under constant 24-hour surveillance.”

“And what was discovered?”

“Oh all sorts of things. Drugs, including Meth and Exstacy. Marijuana out back as well as an illegal distillery. Tons of guns hidden in various locations. Biggest bust of my career.” he grinned.

“It’s my understanding there were two individuals involved?”

“Yes, ma’am. Come to find out it was the park manager and his buddy. Hairiest mother[-BEEP-] I’ve ever seen in my life. Puts those gorillas at the zoo ta shame.”

“Is there a possibility that any of the residents living here may have known or been involved as well?”

“Not ta my knowledge. As I said…constant 24-hour surveillance. Only thing that put a blip on the radar was some blonde hoochie shooting a flame thrower at some backwoods nancyboy.”

“Thank you, Chief Inquest for your…candid comments.”

“Welcome. Say…wanna get a cup of coffee with me?”

“Um…no thanks.” she quickly exclaimed, suddenly uncomfortable.

“Your loss.” he shrugged, waddling away. Sam looked back at the camera.

“Yes…well…arrested were park manager, 32 year-old Billy-Bob Furman and his companion, 33 year-old Larry Chambers. Federal and State ATF officials have stated that the list of charges, ranging from drug trafficking to stolen property, will guarantee these two men will be facing at most 50 years in a federal prison. I’m Samantha King, for Atlanta 5 News.”

Della and Yvonne were both staring at the tv, mouths dropped open in shock. “Did you know about that?” Yvonne mumbled, dazed. Della shook her head.

“No…but I knew there was something fishy about that guy. You just never know some people.” Della stated, looking at Yvonne, who nodded in agreement.

Due to Watcher leaving the RP, and to continue the advancement of the storylines, we have decided to simply have his character arrested and sent to prison. If Watcher does happen to return, he is more than welcome to have his character back, but for now, Billy-Bob is no longer part of the story.

It was like something out of those fancy action movie shoots, when the horizon was filled with choppers, a big, big rig covered in logos, a fleet of pilot cars, police escorts, and of course a flash sports car driven by none other than our very own Bobby Williams. Yes, after escaping the madness of his hotel, and getting an absolute dressing down by his manager; Cynthia – Bobby was up bright as a button the next morning and preparing to blitz the field when it came to his time trial. There was much anticipation in the media that Bobby might actually gain poll position since his expertise with Formula one was well known in racing circles. All it meant was for him to have a clear mind, and no trace of drug or alcohol abuse.

Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee was administered to Bobby after he got stoned with fellow driver and competitor; Christian McQueen. God knows how he fared that morning, since when we last left him, he was busy studying water droplets into the sink of Life.

Naturally there was a place all prepared for Team Williams, and the truck was soon being parked into position, as the police cars and pilot escorts were no longer needed. Behind a specially constructed fence, Bobby’s fans and sponsors were already lined up. Some girls were ripping up their T’shirts already flashing their jugs in anticipation of an autograph from yours truly. Bobby sat in the car stunned at first to see this.

“I thought they do that when I am flying round the track.” Bobby gasped, as Cynthia used her pinky to shut his fly trap.

“Those girls be sitting on your face if you were to lay down for a nap, so I be careful when you are in your trailer. For god sake lock it.”

“Ooo.”

NASCAR sure was a hell of a lot different to formula one. Those girls wear bras.

Bobby William’s team happened to be hand picked by Cynthia’s racing manager Tom Boston. He had been in the game for over thirty years, and had assembled a crew that would be one of the best and most experienced on the circuit. It was amazing what money could buy. People. The back roller door of the rig started to open up, and car one was being off loaded, as Bobby got out of his sports car and gave his fans a wave. He was a bit too intimidated by all the lovelies to actually go over with a sharpie and start doodling on their ample and in some case low hanging bosoms.

Cynthia gave off her usual cheesy smile to the press photographers, as she led her star to his specially designed trailer so he could suit up in private while the car was being taken into the pits to be ready for the time trials. All around, other car teams were doing the same, some drivers had already done some blistering times on the track. How would Bobby fair against such competition?

Inside Bobby’s trailer, Cynthia was already on the job – checking the laptop for the times being posted by the other competitors. She happened to note Della’s. It was 7:55:15 . She had the misfortune of losing brakes on the last lap, so that really lowered her expected time. Cynthia grinned to see this. “That dolly bird thought she could say shit about you, Bobby and then pulls that kinda time. Ha. Well, we will show them a whole new style. The British invasion has landed.”

She had marketed him very carefully, although Bobby was a danger unto himself mostly. All he had to do, was stay focused, and do his job. Drive that car as though it could fly. Cynthia had done the rest. The car was in tip top condition and ready to do its first time trial. In the back, Bobby was getting into his racing suit. The arms and chest covered in sponsors logos. You had to admit, he made it look good.

“All that coffee makes me want to piss.”

“Then go before you get in that car!”

“I think I can hold it.”

Famous last words.

The Track

The car had been rolled out on the support jacks, the tires were still wrapped up beneath. The pit crew immediately set to work on preparing it as Tom approached Bobby, who was now walking down through the press throng, with Cynthia trying to field off questions as Bobby mentally prepared himself.

“Bobby…track is beautiful. Now listen to me, this is not like Formula one, okay? It’s just a usual NASCAR circuit, keep your eyes ahead, and work your magic. Need you to do at least 6 or at the worst a 7.15. Make us proud, Son.”Tom clapped Bobby on the back, as Bobby went to pull on his helmet. The car had now been rolled out into position for Bobby to get in, and the crew worked frantically to make sure everything was operating smoothly. The pits were ablaze with sound of other engines and crews working fast to repair the damage to Della’s car. All Bobby knew was that he wanted to beat her time. He felt a little niggle down low, and pulled on his racing suit.

“Shit….I need to hold it.”

You guessed it…he needed to pee.

Bobby’s car.

Announcer : “Alright folks, next up is car number #666 driven by Bobby Williams. Ex Formula One world champion, and first time entrant to the NASCAR series. Give him a big hand folks.”

Those that had come to watch the time trials all cheered for the international racing celebrity. Some booed, since they didn’t like the idea of foreign competitors on what was an American dominated sport. Cynthia had on her headphones and was at the communication controls with Tom, who was already hooked up with Bobby in the car.

“Do your thing, Bobby!” Cynthia shouted on the mic, as Tom looked at her oddly. “Must you shout.”

The lights counted down then suddenly flashed green as the car took off in a blaze of smoking tyres racing for the first bend. Bobby grit his teeth, doing gear changes as the car increased it’s speed. The crowd all jumped on it’s feet to see the car take to the track like a duck to water. One thing Bobby could do, was drive fast.

Lap one and the car rocketed past the pit crew, that were all hanging on the fence watching the car delivering the goods. The clock was racing as he made the first lap in 6.23.59. Already, he was on the money, and Cynthia was cheering him on.

Second, third and forth lap were just under 7. Bobby was making some odd noises into his mic and Tom had to ask.

“What’s wrong Son?”

“I need to take a piss….I don’t think I can hold it.”

“BOBBY!…I told you to go before you got in the car!”

“I thought I could hold it….arrrrggggh.”

“Son….drive that car home…and then you can go piss.”

Lap nine and the whining coming from Bobby was getting louder.

He was flying…and I mean he was going for a lap record. The crowd thought his ass was on fire. Little did they know the real reason.

Car 666 passed the checkered flag on the final lap of 6.49.23. The crowd was cheering ecstatically, as the car rolled into the pit lane. Coming finally to stop in front of his crew. Tom ran out and was flailing to see his time. 6.59.09.

“Son…now you can get out and piss!”

“Uhm…I think I already did.”

<3>

Amelia approached Rae as she came into the clearing. The poor girl was covered in dirt and grass and leaves but there was a determined look in her eyes that even Dyna had never seen before. Rae accepted the woman’s hug and took her words of advice to heart.

“And that is the first part of control. Under great stress, you were able to manipulate the deer horns, and save your Aunt. You really are so gifted, but we know that to use our powers, when at our greatest need. Never for our own gain.”

Charmaine had to add in her two cents. “How about we go back to the pool house for hot chocolate?”

“That sounds nice.” Rae agreed. She looked at Dyna, tossing back her keys. “Um…I kind of damaged your car.”

Dyna looked at her shrewdly. “What do you mean….’kind of’? What did you do to my car?”

“Well…see…um…there was this vampire trying to get in…and I kind of lost it…”

“What did you do…to my car?” she asked again.

“Um…I kind of…threw it…at him…”

“Where…is…my…car?” Dyna grit her teeth as Booker put his hands on her shoulders in case she decided to attack his niece.

“Wrapped around a tree?” Rae laughed hysterically.

There was a full minute of silence before…

“RAELYN CHARMAINE BRADFORD!! YOU WRAPPED MY CAR AROUND A TREE?” followed by gales of laughter from many sources.

Cleaning up after the vampire massacre, the sad state of Dyna’s car around a tree and the blood dolls that needed burying, had the group busy for a good hour or so, before they would be able to head back to Amelia’s pool house. Charmaine who was now dressed was her usual chatty self, as she dropped bits of vampire limbs and possessions into a pit, while David whistled as he dug another hole for his fallen blood dolls. Not your usual affair, for folk that had ventured out into the wood at night, but this was no ordinary group. Jarvis was staying back a bit from the others, still feeling bad after being rejected by Amelia, again.

Once Marissa had cleaned out the back seat of the borrowed sport scar, she offered Dyna and Rae a lift back, promising no funny business. “What can I say? Carmen would torch me alive if I let harm come to you, and besides David is such a good driver.” David ambled up at this point, and smirked.“They can never catch me to give me a ticket.” Marissa gave David a sideways nudge and shook her head. “Really?”

With everyone set to head back, Amelia asked Dyna. “How are we going to explain your car to the insurance company? That, your niece threw it at a tree in a fit of rage?” They both knew that would never wash with the insurance company. David piped up and said. “Just take one of Shane’s. He’s got something like twenty. I think his old flame used to give him a new one each time they fucked.” Amelia knew nothing about an old flame, and asked.“Who was Shane with before Carmen?’ This brought looks from the others as well, and David looked at each in surprise.

“None of you know?”

They all shook their heads in unison.

“Isabella….Isabella Casales. She was Vincent’s ex. A real piece of work.”

Isabella’s mansion

Toying with a blood dolls hair, as he continued to plant kisses across her chest, Isabella turned her head side on, to a picture on her nightstand. It was of Shane. A wry grin formed across her lips, as she reached out to touch it gently. The blood doll moaned her name and she remembered he was still there.

“Mistress…..I adore you..I worship you.”

“Oh you are so sweet…now fuck me.”

<3>

After their night of adventure, Dyna felt it was her duty to inform Carmen and Shane of what happened in the woods with the other vampire coven…and Jarvis.

Needless to say, neither one was happy with Jarvis at the moment. Bianca and Misty had to warn him away from the two or he would have found himself pinned to a wall like a bug in a web.

Jarvis made himself scarce until the fireworks were over.

Carmen checked on Amelia and Charmaine to make sure there were no lasting effects. She came away with the sense something wasn’t quite right with Amelia, but to the young woman’s credit, she hid it very well.

A few nights later…

Carmen, after having told Shane she was going outside the gates for an hour or two, pulled up outside of a building she had been eying for a couple of months. The real estate agent, a plump woman with a strange obsession with the color pink (and smelled like cats for some reason) was waiting for her in the parking lot as she pulled in.

“Mrs Gunderson, I presume?” Carmen asked.

“Mrs Williamson, it is a pleasure to finally meet you.” the woman gushed, grabbing Carmen’s hand and shaking it vigorously.

“Yes…well…” Carmen struggled for a moment to get her hand free (the woman had sweaty palms) before taking a step back. The cat smell was a bit much to her sensitive nose. “…you said you had something to show me?”

“Oh! Yes! I was quite surprised to get your request of an office space. Don’t you work at the Police Station?”

“Yes. Sadly, with the work that I do, there are all sorts of confidentiality laws that I’m afraid may be broken with people coming in and out of my office at all hours. So I’ve decided that I need a private office.” Carmen explained.

“Hmm. Quite right, quite right. Nasty laws.” the woman tittered (actually tittered – Carmen wanted to roll her eyes). “This place I have in mind for you, seems to be what you are looking for. It used to be a medical practice. The man who ran it died last summer, poor man. Cancer, you see.” Mrs Gunderson sighed. “His wife needed the money to pay off his debts, gambling I heard, and this place has stood empty ever since.”

Carmen looked up at the building in front of them with a keen eye.

It looked spacious, but she wanted to see the inside of it before she made a decision. She looked at Mrs Gunderson, who looked back at her expectantly.

“Can we go in?” Carmen finally asked, refraining from gritting her teeth.

“Hmm? Oh! Yes!” the woman giggled like a little girl and Carmen did gnash her teeth that time. Mrs Gunderson pulled out a set of keys and unlocked the door. She flipped on the power switch the the lights came on, illuminating the interior. The walls were made of stucco and painted a mute beige color that Carmen found soothing.

She stepped around the real estate agent to take a look around. There was a moderately-sized waiting room, reception desk and a place to store files behind it. There were at least 4-5 other offices she could see off down the hall and a bathroom and breakroom area in the back. She could easily move her staff into the building with minimal fuss.

She turned back around to the woman. “I’ll take it.”

Mrs Gunderson jumped up and down, screaming like she’d just won the lottery.

Carmen watched her carry on and sent a thought to her husband.

«”Is it murder or justifyable homicide if I kill overenthusiastic real estate agents who wear pink plaid and smell like cats?”» she snarled just as Mrs Gunderson ran to her and hugged her hard. If she wasn’t already dead, she would be as the woman squeezed her hard enough to break a rib.

Soon the papers were signed and with the keys in Carmen’s hands and a check for payment in Mrs Gunderson’s hands, Carmen now found herself a property owner.

David’s crew were already spread out across the site, while Shane and his brother strolled across the burnt lawn. The fractured ruins of what was once Vincent’s estate had brought them back this night but the question was…why? David was looking at his brother with marked concern as Shane stuck his hands in the pockets of his long black coat.

“I thought we razzed this place. All the followers that remained have scattered, or gone into hiding, one or the other.” David said, lighting a cigarette and then exhaling a cloud of smoke. Shane came to a stop, right before where the oak door once stood, and pushed on a charcoal frame that simply buckled and collapsed as he touched it.

“Does Carmen know that you have a renewed interest in this place? Not like you can rebuild. It’s pretty much totaled.” That was putting things in perspective, but Shane had a darkened expression. The reason for it was in the burnt out ballroom, that was still partly intact. Walking through the foyer, he turned and then pushed back one of the blackened doors, that creaked and shuddered violently. “I don’t think this place is sound.” That was a touch of the obvious. “No kidding, Ghost.” Shane said, wiping his hands as the entered the ballroom.

“And this is where the party ended. I’d say a word for the bastard…but, I can’t be assed. I’m glad he’s gone.” David said, kicking a loose brick along the marble floors. But one thing was untouched, at the top of the room. A large portrait that was gilded in a gold frame.

It was a picture…of Isabella.

“The Ice Queen….what a bitch.” David chuffed, taking a drag of his smoke, as Shane stared up at the painting. His eyes focused on the pendent she had around her neck. Shane folded his arms, and didn’t say a word, and this was not lost on David.“Dude…you are so lucky she’s gone. She wrecked your family…hell, she destroyed it.”

Little did either of them know….she was very much in the land of the living…well, unliving.

<3>

After doing her business with the realtor, Carmen started to head back home when the shop window of a florist caught her eye. On impulse, she stopped to pick up an arrangement and then headed for the cemetery. It had been a month since Mary was killed and Carmen had only been to her grave one time since.

She felt she was doing Mary’s memory of grave injustice by not visiting more often and made to rectify that.

She parked near to where Mary’s grave was and made her way up the small hill. She had purchased a plot beneath a small grove of trees and made sure it was well-tended. She stared down at the tombstone, embedding each letter of each word into her memories.

“You were like a mother to me, Mary. And I miss you so much.” Dyna whispered, placing the flowers she’d purchased upon the stones. “But we got him for you. He will never harm another person again.”

“Well that’s good to hear.” came a familiar voice from behind her. Carmen whirled around, her mouth open in shock.

“What the hell is this?” she questioned, feeling her legs fall out from beneath her body. Sitting upon an unknown tombstone was Mary, looking vibrant and healthy as if she’d never died. “Are you a ghost? Am I being haunted?” Carmen questioned.

“Calm down, Carm. Far as I know I’m not a ghost.” Mary chuckled, getting to her feet. “You’re going to get your skirt dirty.” She held out a hand to help Carmen to her feet and only succeeded in making Carmen scoot away. She looked so real. Was it possible…?

“Don’t touch me. Who the hell are you? This is some sick joke if that’s what you’re playing at.” Carmen scowled. “You’re dead. I saw your body myself.”

“And wasn’t that a damn surprise when I woke up and found myself in my own coffin.” Mary chuckled. That made Carmen’s confusion mount.

“If you are who you say you are…how did you get here. You were dead. You don’t come back from that.”

“Oh darlin…haven’t you guessed by now?” Mary grinned, flashing her fangs for Carmen to see. Carmen’s eyes went wide. That explained so much. The clues finally clicked in her mind and one word whispered past her lips.

“Vincent.” she growled. If that bastard wasn’t already dead, she’d resurrect him herself just so she could have the pleasure of killing him again.

“Got it in one.” Mary chuckled, holding out her hand again. Carmen accepted it this time and was yanked to her feet by Mary’s strong grip. Carmen didn’t release her hand right away, simply staring at Mary as if she couldn’t believe she was real. Before Mary could ask, Carmen wrapped her in a tight hug. Smiling, Mary returned the gesture. “It’s good to see you again, too, darlin.”

“I thought I’d lost you.” Carmen whispered, surprised by the tears leaking from her eyes.

“You did…for a time. But I didn’t go down without a fight.” Mary grinned. “Ripped that bastard’s ear off with my teeth before he got me.”

Carmen stepped back with a chuckle, wiping her eyes. “I did wonder at the time why he had an ear missing.”

“Please tell me that murdering bastard is dead?” Mary scowled.

“Dead and gone, my dear. Dead and gone.” Carmen grinned. Mary looped an arm through hers and they headed for Carmen’s car.

“I want the entire story and everything that’s gone on since.” Mary demanded. “Damn!”

“What?”

“I imagine my house is gone, and all my things.”

“Yeah. I’m sorry.”

“Not to worry. I had a little nest egg stashed somewhere. I can get it later.”

“Well you can stay with us until you can get your own place again.”

“I wouldn’t want to be an imposition.”

“Nonsense, Mary. You’re family to me. Shane will understand.” Carmen smiled as she started the car.

«”Baby, I have a surprise for you.”» she sent out to her husband through their link as she put her car in drive and headed for home.

Neither woman were aware that someone had been watching them.

——

Vlad had every intention of going to the cemetery in search of Vincent’s coven when he had spotted a woman walking alone among the tombstones. Curious, he followed her at a distance as she made her way up a hill to a single stone beneath some trees. He had heard her words and had seen the other woman when she had appeared and his curiosity had skyrocketed.

He had listened to their conversation from where he was hidden and latched onto the fact that these women had been in contact with Vincent, possibly had been with him in his final moments. He still did not know who had killed him and it was discouraging to say the least.

He heard the one woman, “Carmen”, mention Shane’s name and his gaze narrowed. The only Shane he knew of was a little whelp his Isabella had spawned. Wondering if this was the same man had him very intrigued. As the two women stepped into a patch of moonlight, Carmen’s features stood out in stark relief and to his vampiric senses he could feel the power emanating from her. He felt himself harden in his pants and his nails gouged deep furrows in the tombstone he was hiding behind. He inhaled deeply, drinking in her scent. He had to meet this woman. There was something different about her.

No woman, not even Isabella, had made him react so.

“I must know you.” he whispered to himself. He watched the car as it drove away before he returned to his own vehicle. The driver held the door open for him.

“Where to, boss?”

“Home. There is someone I need to speak with.” Vincent stated, climbing into the limo. The driver nodded and closed the door on his master.

Long ago, no one would dare have thought that so many would live under the roof of the sprawling estate that was owned by Shane and his beautiful wife Carmen. Now though, they had not only the kids – Jarvis Misty and Bianca, but also the Lost boys, which was David’s crew. Amelia – the resident witch took up residency in the pool house, and was able to keep good watch on the property during the daylight hours while the vampires took their rest.

Tonight was a celebration however. The mansion had been restored to its glory after the wild parties that were held during Shane and Carmen’s week away in the mountains. Returning from an investigation at the ruins that were once Vincent’s palatial home, Shane and his brother David were walking up the gravel drive, with a few of David’s boys in tow. Misty was the first to greet them, running into David’s arms. He picked her up and gave her a twirl, before snogging her hard on the front landing. It appeared that the couple finally got together during the wild parties, but that didn’t stop him flirting with the likes of Marissa, who was known to do just about any guy with a raging boner. Vampire or otherwise.

Jarvis was still down in the dumps, found at the back of the house staring at the lights of the Pool house, as Amelia was busy inside cooking her dinner. Jarvis lent against the glass door, his eyes following her movements, as she danced about her kitchen, and could be seen picking up her puppy and nuzzling its nose. What he wouldn’t give to be that puppy. Course the pool house was off limits, and the only vampires allowed access were Carmen and Shane, along with Bianca who would go over to watch the Vampire diaries – her favorite show.

Seeing the boys had come back from their night out, Bianca sang out as she was heading into the media room with a bowl of popcorn. “The Originals is on in thirty minutes.”

David sneered and shook his head at the drama loving vampire. “Why would we want to watch that…when we live it?”Misty was busy nuzzling David’s neck, and strummed his chest, keen for his attentions. Normally she would be joining Bianca in the media room, but after discovering David’s romantic side, she found that the real drama was better. “David’s better than Klaus anyways.” She joked, as the two went down the stairs to make love in one of the many bedrooms.

Shane was taking his time walking in, taking up some mail when he felt the link between his mind and that of Carmen.

«”Baby, I have a surprise for you.”» 

Shane thought for a moment and returned his own message. “Not another wolf, is it?”

Their latest pet was at home in the media room with Bianca, sharing her popcorn.

<3>

Jason sighed softly and rubbed his temples before slowly walking past his chambers and making his way towards the chambers that him and Isaballa shared. He knew he had been neglecting her and wanted to just if anything pay her some of the much deserved attention she needed. The vampire had been secluded away in the garage working on a 1968 Corvette that he had found in a local junkyard. As he walked past the chamber he would pause briefly as his eyes flared in scorn upon hearing the moaning of another male in the chambers with Isabella. Slowly Jason would walk into the bedroom and into the sight of Isabella in the act of making love to another male. It was then something snapped within Jason Cox before he offered a keening hiss and rushed forwards in a blur to snag the blood doll by the nape of his neck and drive him into the wall with enough of an impact to give him a concussion as he hissed loud enough for Isabella to hear. ”You dare to touch the love of my unlife? Oh how I’ll teach you never to do it again..” Jason then proceeded to throw the unfortunate blood doll out into the hall before slamming the door closed in his face and turning to Isabella with a raised questioning brow. “If you wanted my attention dearest..all you needed to do was come down into the garage and tap on my shoulder…and I’m sorry I haven’t been paying you the attention you desire and deserve.” He then waited in complete and total silence as his grease stained chest heaved with the exertion even though he was fit as a fiddle. After a few moment’s he would lower his hand towards Isabella and look towards the shower knowing he smelled worse then a week’s old carcass at this point as he had been doing alot of manual labor on that 1968 Chevy Corvette.

With her eyes closed, Isabella could feel the heat of the male blood doll rising which meant his blood would be all the more savory to her tastes. Her fangs were extending at just that moment, when the blood doll was ripped from her body and flung far across the room, smashing head first into the wall. The look on Isabella’s face was one of contorted rage.

“MY MEAL!”

Her voice had a shrill edge to it, as she slammed her palms down on the sheets in frustration from hunger. It was not so much the sex she wanted, it was to feed while the blood doll took her. Snorting through her nostrils, she sat up and saw the culprit first hand. Jason. He had finally decided to show himself upstairs after keeping himself busy working on a car in the garage. She pointed at the crumpled blood doll and cried. “You’re not meant to break them.” Isabella had not been out of the mansion much in the past week to feed, so this was a rare chance at a meal. Climbing out of bed, she grabbed her silk robe and threaded her arms through it as Jason explained that if she wanted attention, she could have come down to the garage and tapped his shoulder. There he was, covered in grease and oil…and standing on her best rug.

“You’re sorry? Well, now I’m hungry.”

She waltzed over to the unconscious blood doll, and reefed his head back. You could see he was out for the count. She released his head and it flopped back down and she tapped her foot.

“I don’t eat on the floor!”

Oh…she was an unhappy camper now. Pouting, she pointed at the bathroom.

“I’m not touching you till you are clean. AND DON’T GET OIL STAINS ON MY TOWELS!”

Now in a huff, she stormed down to the kitchen for a few blood packs.

<3>

Jason sighed softly and shrugged before stripping out of his clothing and tossing them into the hamper. It was then he strode into the shower and yawned while turning on the water and waiting until it was scalding in temperature. The young vampire would then step into the shower before letting the water run over him for a few moments. As he stood there he would begin to hum softly to himself as he began to scour the grease from his body with a sponge and a bar of the harshest soap he could find. It took him a total of ten minutes to completely scour his body of all the grease that had covered it. Slowly he would step from the shower after turning it off and begin to towel himself dry before replacing the soaked towel on the towel rack only to walk out of the bathroom before dressing himself in a red tank top and a pair of black boxers which where covered by a set of denim jeans. Once he was dressed he would walk down the halls silent as a wraith before slipping into the kitchen. Once inside the kitchen he would sneak up behind Isabella taking great care not to make a sound before slowly attempting to snake his arms around her waist and place a tender kiss upon her neck in an act of supplication. Jason had seen enough fighting to last him a life time in his service to his country as a marine and he would sure as hell like to avoid any undue violence be it verbal or physical. As he attempted to snake his arms around her waist he would whisper against her neck. “Still hungry dearest?” He then proceeded to pull away and attempt to knead her shoulders in a loving manner yet also therapeutic in its effect.

One of the town hot spots for the underground scene was the Pit. A venue that hosted mostly heavy metal and grunge bands, and the feature act of the night was a band from Germany – Voltage. Emilia and Rheksas had spent the past few nights keeping tabs on the young vampire they found in the Count’s manor. As much as they didn’t want to leave the girl to her devices, both the General and Rheksas needed to feed. They both agreed that the Pit was the perfect place and also when Rheksas found out that Voltage was in town, he thought it would be a good chance to catch up with some old friends.

Dressing in their trade mark black leather full length coats and black shirts with pants, Emilia and Rheksas did a last check of the manor, before making their way out to the truck. Both were armed with gun belts carefully concealed beneath their jackets. The new world was not one to be taken lightly. Rheksas had questions about the town’s current vampire population, for he was sure that after the death of Vincent, that there would be pockets of them scattered across the darker parts of town.

“I’m driving.” He boldly announced, taking the keys from the key hook near the front door. Flicking her hair back and then walking solemnly behind him, Emilia said simply. “Wasn’t about to argue.” Rheksas chuckled and patted her shoulder. “I got your back, General. Time to have a bit of down time.” Both vampires left the manor, leaving Danika to her devices. Emilia looked back and wondered if it was such a hot idea, but she knew that Vlad would be back soon from his nightly tours. He could deal with the girl for once.

~An hour later~

Arriving at the club car park, there was already a steady stream of leather and stud covered patrons making their way inside the underground venue. The air was ripe with the scent of sweat and bad perfume. It was almost intoxicating to the two vampires, that stepped out of the van, and locked it up. Rheksas was already grinning. “Easy pickings, General.” It was true, there was so many to choose from that the night was going to be a smorgasbord of the flesh.

Entering the club, the band was already in full swing with the first set. The crush of patrons were all dancing and drinking – the air thick with smoke and the blaze of red lights gave all a crimson hue, as the General and Rheksas walked through the throng. Up on stage, Ustaf Dosselfer was screaming out the lyrics of his latest song. Much of it was near impossible to understand. That and it was in German. The crowd were all in a frenzy, with the electric guitar riffs and heavy drumming whipping them all into an excited state. One of the roadies recognized the General, and waved her towards him. He was a long time member of the band, and helped them set up the gigs during the daylight hours.

“EMILIA…RHEKSAS….Youz a zight vor sore eyes…ya? Comez out the back…..the boyz have a few more songs in thiz set.”

Hard to believe it was that easy to get backstage, but this was often the routine when Emilia used to see the band in Europe. Walking down a dark corridor, that was lined with band groupies and the ever present blood dolls, the General and Rheksas were lead into a special room, specially decked out for the band and its entourage. Black couches lined the walls, and a large buffet table, but it was clear to see that there was little in the way of alcohol. Emilia of course knew the reason why and found a reason to smile.

About fifteen minutes later, you could hear the crowd roar with approval as the band played its last song of the set. It wouldn’t be long before the band were making it’s way to the Green room for a well earned break. Emilia sat herself down on one of the big couches, while Rheksas was already enjoying the attentions of one blood doll, who had a thing for big men. He was toying with her hair and sniffing it as though she was a fine wine. Oh how he enjoyed his women.

The door then burst open as the four band members came in, covered in sweat. Ustaf spotted the General and then let out a hollar of happiness. “Count let you go for the night, Em? Shit you look good, General.” He wasn’t one for subtlety and sat down beside her, planting a huge kiss on her cheek. He was either high from the Adrenalin of performing, or just plain happy to see her. Already, the blood dolls were looming, and Ustaf took one and yanked her into his lap – his fangs elongating. “These bitches know when they are needed.” The singer than bit into his blood dolls neck, and started to feast hungrily, as Emilia watched on, almost salivating at the sight. The air was ripe with the scent of blood, and Emilia was having trouble controlling her own urges. Her eyes darted around and she could see a young fan that was standing in the corridor. He must have been 23 at best. His eyes locked on hers and she rose slowly from her seat, as the band was now all feeding on dolls and fans a like. Even Rheksas had the groupie in the back and was slowly sucking her dry.

The male fan edged up to Emilia and whispered “Are you with the band?” She cocked her head slightly and then said with a purr. “For a long time.” Her eyes darkened as she watched his main artery beating in his neck. She could tell he was getting excited from watching the band play with their food. Mesmerized by her stare, he moved in to kiss her and she obliged him, kissing him back hungrily, but her eyes were wide open. The husky growl from her throat practically had him wanting to hump her, so she let him push her against the wall, kissing her fiercely till she moved her mouth from his and then started to lick the ripe spot on his neck.

“Fuck yeah.” He cried until she bit down hard on his neck, her arms encircling him and locking him in place as he struggled in the pain and exctasy of the moment. Laughter from some of the band members, whose chins were dripping with blood was heard, as they watched one of their true elders feed before them.

Ustaf had knocked him blood doll off him, and rose to standing, letting out a blood curdling roar. Out in the Pit few would know what was really going on back stage. A frenzy of blood taking, death and hunger sated. Emilia let her prize go and he dropped to the floor, her fangs coated, her lips cherry red from the blood she had fed. Ustaf came up and started to lick the blood from her lips. He was always keen on the General. She allowed it as she was still heady from the experience.

“He was a good year…no?” Ustaf joked as he pulled back and kicked the lifeless body. Emilia released a gasp of delight and satisfaction. “Oh I needed that.”

Ustaf leaned against the wall, and toyed with her hair. He had been in the town a month and knew a lot of what was going on in the underworld there.

“You might want to tell your Count. There is a new Queen of the Night. Vincent is dead, andz the one he tried to crown, belongs to another.”

Emilia was trying to compose herself as she listened to what he was saying.

” A new Queen…? Here?”

Ustaf nodded. “A lot of the blood dolls that come here spoke of her. Her name is Carmen…Carmen Williamson.”

<3>

Going back over her talk with Elena, Caroline realized she really didn’t find out all that much about Damon, and what he was doing there. Course, it was none of her business to pry, but there was clearly a lot more going on than the Blonde was ever going to find out. Glancing at the clock, she saw the time, and realized she would be meeting with Elena later at the Mystic Grill. A chance for another chat? Possibly.

Caroline snatched up her bag, and headed upstairs to shower and change.

<3>

“C’mon, Caroline..” He wanted to arrive at the Mikaelson’s manor as soon as possible, before Stefan or rather, Katherine.. could screw everything up again. And he was literally running out of time now.

“Damon? What are you doing here?”

It was a fair question since things weren’t exactly peachy between them.

“Where is Elena? And what is going on with Stefan?”

<3>

“Apparently, Katherine was dying and my brother, who is always a gentleman, ran into your boyfriend’s arms, you know … the crazy original hybrid, and let’s say he made a deal with him.. so now I have to save Stefan’s ass, and I need you to keep Elena entertained meanwhile. And I’m running out of time so I really hope you have a lot of things to tell each other” he grabbed her arm, dragging her outside with him.

“Hey…you can’t just do that…Oi!

She chased after him as he rounded on her and then let her know exactly what was going on.

“Apparently, Katherine was dying and my brother, who is always a gentleman, ran into your boyfriend’s arms, you know … the crazy original hybrid.”

Caroline’s reaction was straight up confusion.

“Katherine’s dying?! What? I thought she….” Then it got worse as Damon explained about Stefan running into the comfort of her /boyfriend’s/ arms. “You mean Klaus? What has he got to do with this? WHY AM I ALWAYS THE LAST ONE TO KNOW THESE THINGS?!” Caroline looked like she was about to have a meltdown, when she felt the pull on her arm by Damon. so now I have to save Stefan’s ass, and I need you to keep Elena entertained meanwhile. And I’m running out of time so I really hope you have a lot of things to tell each other”

“Hey…HEY! My purse!” Caroline squeaked as she was dragged outside, to go meet up with Elena, who would be waiting for her at the Grill.

“You’re always in such a rush.”

<3>

Could it get any more bizarre? And where did Klaus fit into all this? Come to think of it, where was Klaus?

Sighing, Caroline got out of her car and then pressed the key lock before heading back inside her home.

Opening the front door, she sung out the ever cheery; “I’m home….again.”

And again, there was no answer. No messages, no nothing from her mother. Sometimes, Caroline felt like she truly lived alone. The young blonde set down her purse at the front entry table, and checked herself in the mirror, before making her way into the kitchen.

The one thing she had forgotten to do tonight…was eat.

<3>

Caroline’s Ford Fiesta had pulled into the driveway, and as it had it was at this point that Klaus decided to make his appearance known to her, at least from a far; for now. He viewed her every move with precise detail and narrowed it down to the way she got out of the car and turned the knob. He shook his head and moved forward by the time she began shutting the door. And it was then he had to wonder why he wasn’t back in New Orleans killing some defenseless vampire or compelling some poor soul to do his bidding when he asked. Klaus closed his eyes and moved from his place against the post before moving to push the door open as much he could, his eyes coming in view of Caroline.

Her figure was splendidly petite in her tank t-shirt and denim jacket. He held back a laugh as she began turn and make her way into the kitchen, her hands moving to fumble over the refrigerator’s door. He finally moved inside and silently stepped forward through the foyer and to the left before moving to stand in the kitchens entryway.

”I heard you were hungry…” He had said with a rather wider smile than he’d intended to give. He curved it to a grin and lifted his sleeve, made a gesture to her that clearly inclined for her to take a bite. ”Don’t worry, love. I won’t bite…” He laughed internally and kept his gaze fixated on her before shifting his leaning position and waited for her response.

The night had been a long tired and eventful experience. One that she had been there for Elena, done as Damon asked, and then was left to go home and take care of her own needs. But in her haste she forgot that she only had one blood bag left in the refrigerator and it would barely be enough.

Making her way into the kitchen, she could already feel the pain in her gums – that raw swelling and if she had any mind to, she would have used her speed to get her to the fridge faster. A touch light headed, she went past the breakfast bar, her hand dragging along the surface, till she reached the fridge door and pried it open. Stocked with the normal foods one would expect to see, right in back was the crimson hue of a blood bag, well hidden. Caroline started to smile as she reached inside the fridge and started to take it out. The cool of the plastic feeling so good against her finger tips. She was about to shut the fridge door, when she heard a voice that was distinctive in behind her.

”I heard you were hungry…” 

The shock had her spin around so fast that the blood bag slipped from her fingers and exploded on the floor at her feet. The splatter went up her legs and was now oozing under the fridge. She let out a sharp cry only to see Klaus lighting his sleeve as though motioning for her to bite him. How wicked was he? Scaring her and then causing her to lose the last of her blood stock, before presenting his arm to her in a kind gesture that included a line that he wouldn’t bite.

“Klaus…you scared me. Damn…I was just…”

He would be able to sense her wave of frustration, hunger and slight panic to see him there. Caroline stepped over the blood spill, wringing her hands at the mess, but also the loss of her blood. Would he take advantage of her plight?

<3>

Caroline had spun around so fast he thought she might fall. Especially with the trouble he’d witnessed her have just getting into the kitchen itself. And then it happened, it was sudden, but it was fast. The one thing she’d been craving had dropped from her dainty hands.

The blood bag slipped from her hands and cascaded down onto the floor, splattering the kitchen fridge and drawers with its crimson shading. At the Klaus could only laugh. His arm shifting upwards to meet his right nipple before his hand lifted in unison and cuffed his chin, index finger now caressing his lip while he laughed at her.

”Klaus… you scared me. Damn… I was just…” She began explaining, clearly terrified of his presence. As usual. He kept his smile and eyes fixated on her and he couldn’t help but smile wider at this new found information.

”I’m sorry, love. I only meant to help.” Klaus was many things, but when it came to keeping his words to things and people that meant something to him, he was no joker in the matter. He could sense her frustration, panic, loss and thirst for blood. But he also felt the want. The want for the blood she’d do anything for it. And with this thought in mind Klaus stepped forward, crossed one arm over the other and stood face to face with her, his eyes nearly undressing her as he spoke again. [/b]”Now, what are we to do about this mess.”[/b] He smiled again before continuing.

[/b]” You are far more classier a woman than some strumpet who’d lick the blood off the floor. And after your near end run off into the kitchen, I highly doubt you want to make a run all the way to the hospital to wring a soul dry. So I ask, what other options do you have here, love?” He eyed her and waited for her response before moving to the sink and grabbing a damp cloth, hand outstretched as he handed it to her. ”Here.” He handed it to her with his outstretched hand, his jacket sleeve still pulled up with his skin clearly showing, almost waiting for her to sink her precious teeth into. Whatever the choice, she had to choose soon. For he was ready, but was she?

CharlotteCarrendar

844

Re: ~Forbes Home [RP]

April 08, 2014 08:01PM

Forbes Home/Kitchen

The kitchen was a right mess, and to top it off the smell of the spilt blood was only making things worse for her. Caroline was desperate, but not so much that she would do something like lick the blood off the floor. Her eyes darted around from the floor to Klaus and then to the fridge. There was no more, and here was Klaus, more than eager to oblige her if she so dare. The hybrid tried to sugar coat the words that he was only trying to help but if anything he was the one that startled her to drop the blood bag in the first place. Perfect timing perhaps? Caroline’s face was etched with lines of worry and confusion. He always caught her when she least expected it. Denying herself from her true feelings due to all that she knew of Klaus. Caroline was more than aware of how the Salvatore and others viewed him. Now caught in this web of hunger and panic, she struggled to know how to deal with Klaus – gentle words and all.

”Now, what are we to do about this mess.”

“I have to clean it up…I can’t leave the kitchen like this.” But of course, she was growing weaker, and soon would be no use to anyone. Klaus acknowledged the fact that she had already been to the hospital, so he was well aware of her movements that night. How he did was a mystery. Caroline’s breathing became more erratic, as Klaus seemed to be circling her, tempting her to take what he was offering freely. She was fast out of options.

”Here.” Klaus offered his cleaned hand to her, and with his jacket pulled up – the shirt sleeve out of the way he was more than ready for her to sink her growing fangs into him. Caroline knew what this meant to drink from him. The risks….so great. Caroline teetered back and forth on her feet, her eyes slowly closing as though about to faint, but then….

…..her eyes flashed open with a shining red iris and she gripped his hand before she could stop herself. Deep – her fangs descended into his flesh and the sweet sound of her sucking his blood could be heard above the din of silence that the kitchen offered.

Caroline….surrendered to Klaus…then and there.

<3>

MidnightDarkPhoenix

716

Re: ~Forbes Home [RP]

April 08, 2014 09:55PM

Forbes Home/Kitchen

In the amount of minutes it had taken her to answer, he was watching her movements, the rise and fall of her chest. And the sudden turns of her head from the fridge, the cabinets and him. Not directly in that order. He always did have impeccable timing when it came to Caroline. Her face now etched with worry lines about her forehead, and a face that simply screamed. “Help. I’m so lost right now.” He scrunched his face up at the situation before following her gaze and then shifting to help her clean up the blood, knowing full well just the smell of it was making her crave for a killing.

All in all though, he could all but wonder what his brother would think of him now. That was until Caroline finally spoke in response to him asking about the mess. “I have to clean it up…I can’t leave the kitchen like this.” He chuckled at this and continued cleaning the mess before falling to look at her again. She was indeed a sight for sore eyes at this moment. How it pained him to see her like this. But he’d done what he could for her. Irregardless of what was said of him, when it came to Caroline he wasn’t about to force himself upon her.

”Now love, think about what it is you want…” She must have known what it’d be like for her if she drank from him. But he also knew the undeniable attraction they had for one another; despite how long Caroline had tried to fight it. She felt something for him, something far beyond that of mere admiration.

Klaus watched as she teetered to and fro, paced back and forth. And then it happened, the inkling feeling she must have gotten, a single stroke of fatal weakness and she fell. Nearly collapsing Klaus wrought his arms around her waist just as she descended upon his wrist. It was her weakness, but also her greatest strength that made her lose out and fall before him. He smiled and wrapped her in his strong arms before moving them to the living room sofa. Laying her down softly as she slowly drank from him. Eyes vain from the thirst as he spoke to her slowly.

”Atta girl.”

CharlotteCarrendar

844

Re: ~Forbes Home [RP]

April 08, 2014 10:50PM

Forbes Home/Lounge

Could Klaus see the tear that was running down her cheek as she lost herself into feeding from him? The swirl of emotions, guilt and everything coming to the fore, only to be washed away as she swallowed mouthful after mouthful. Caroline was carried onto the couch in the living room, and there the two of them lay, with Klaus’s back to the side arm, his Caroline laid out against his body. Her hold on him only grew, for the blood was replenishing her – saving her. Stronger she would become from this selfless act to give her his own blood. Would the price for this be too great to repay?

But then her body stopped being so rigid. A wave flowing through her, rekindling her and all due to him. The shallowness of her breath became more steady, and the lines of worry were slowly dissipating, leaving behind her gentle face that was growing more serene by the moment.

Why was it, that Klaus always had a habit of picking the times when she was in the greatest need to be her savior? Did he watch over her the way a Guardian angel does a child? Was it something from his past that had brought him back to her now, to try to show love. Did he even know how to love? Caroline fought the feelings and buried them deep within herself. But now…as she fed upon him, the lid was lifting off those feelings. Rising…higher. She responded to his remark “Atta girl” with a small moan. Pleasure? or was it something more?

For now, Klaus had her in his arms and their bond was now cemented in blood.

<3>

 

Vlad stormed into the mansion, a man on a mission. It was silent through the house and he wondered for a moment where his compatriots were. He sent out his senses to search the house and found only one other person in residence. As the signature wasn’t familiar to him, he knew that it belonged to Danika…the person he wanted to see the most.

He took to the stairs, traversing the steps as if he were simply walking up a hill. It didn’t take him long to discover which room Emilia had designated for Danika’s use, he could smell her scent all over the door handle. He could have easily just barged into the room as it was his home he’d given her sanctuary in, but he was first and foremost a gentleman. He knocked twice.

“Who is it?” he could hear the woman ask.

“It is Vlad. May I come in?” There was silence on the other side of the door before the latch clicked. He pushed the door open and stepped into the room. Danika was laying upon the bed, reading a magazine, but she sat up when he stepped into view.

“Good evening, sir.” she nodded. He closed the door slowly behind him, the creak it emitted sounding ominous before turning to face her.

“Oh come now, Danika.” he chuckled, darkly. If Emilia had been present, she would have known that his chuckles never meant anything good. “You’ve been a guest in my home for nearly a week. Surely we’ve gone beyond such formalities?”

“Yes…I guess.”

“…” he arched an eyebrow.

“…Vlad.” she mumbled but he easily heard it and clapped his hands in delight.

“Wonderful. How are you settling in, by the way? Is the room to your liking?”

Danika looked around her surroundings.

“A bit…bright…for my taste but it’s growing on me. Thank you for its use.”

“And are you getting enough to eat?”

“Yes. Your manservant checks on me often.”

“Ah…Robert is very loyal to me. Much like my Generals, he has been with me for quite some time.” He moved deeper into the room, walking around with a casual air. But only anyone close to him would notice that his casuality was a disguise. He was here for answers to his questions and he would get them.

He turned to lean against the low bureau, striking a pose that made many a woman swoon; ankles and arms crossed, proudly displaying his masculine form and pouring on the sex appeal. Though Danika was a ruthless creature, she was also a woman and was similarly affected by his presence. He could smell the freshly drunk blood rushing through her veins as she caught his dark scent and her eyes flared with lust.

Perfect! he smirked to himself.

“So…tell me…how exactly did you end up locked in the basement. I really didn’t believe that story you gave me, to be honest.”

“Oh…well…I was being punished.” she admitted. The expression on his face indicated she should continue. “My former sire…caught me when I was eavesdropping on something important. I was supposed to be his most trusted…yet he didn’t trust anyone beyond himself and his dark daughter. The bastard.” she snarled. “He’s the one who locked me up to feed on rats and bugs.”

As she was speaking, Vlad was moving toward her until he sat beside her on the bed. She nearly jumped out of her skin when he ran his fingers along her arm. She gulped frantically when he leaned in to sniff at her neck.

“What was your sire being all secretive about?” he whispered, his voice hypnotizing. He trailed his lips along her cheek and her breathing became ragged. “You can tell me. He can’t hurt you here.”

“I-I-I…” she stammered, her eyes falling closed in the wake of his seduction of her senses.

“Danika. Tell me, pet. You can tell me anything.” His voice had gone deeper and darker and his eyes changed to the red of his vampire. His fangs elongated, scraping across the skin of her neck and shoulder. A small amount of blood welled up and he brushed his tongue across it, tasting her and pulling her further into his web of deceit.

“It was the location…of the final resting place…of the Elders.” she moaned.

“For what purpose?” he hissed, licking along her jawline.

“Mmm…uh…to drink…the blood of an Elder…would grant its user the…mmm…power…to…walk in both…day and night…” she whispered.

That caught his attention and quick as a snake, his fangs were in her neck. She cried out at the shock of it and succumbed to his advances. Through her blood, he gained her memories of the event…

Memory:

Danika moved about the house in search of Vincent, wondering why he was hiding himself from her. Hadn’t she given her all to him? Why did he choose to be with his “daughter” and not her? It was disturbing. She heard voices coming from the den and turned in that direction. The door was slightly open and she could see the firelight casting shadows along the wall. She heard him speaking and was about to enter the room when another voice made her pause. He was with HER again.

“Are you sure of this, Father? If you were found out…” Bridgette murmured.

“Do not worry, my Treasure. No one shall find out. After all, it would not do to share such power with those more inferior to you and I.” Vincent chuckled. Danika glared at the wood of the door.

“Where is this place again?”

“A tomb in Egypt. This map…” there was the rustle of paper or parchment, Danika couldn’t tell which. “…is said to lead straight to it without tripping any traps that may be there.” There was a thunk of something heavy being closed. “There…safe and sound.”

“We have company, Father.” she hissed. The door was thrown open and Vincent loomed over her, anger etched in every line in his face.

“Bitch.” he hissed, grabbing her around the throat. She was thrown against the wall where she fell into unconsciousness…

When she next awoke, she was locked in a dark basement and after trying the door and discovering it was thick steel and locked from the outside, she yelled in frustrated anger. “VICTOR!” she roared…

Vlad pulled away from Danika with a final pull of her blood. He sat back with a grin, thinking over all that he had learned. He stared down at her corpse, watching as it slowly disintegrated away to dust.

“Hmm…I wonder where this safe place of Victor’s is.” he murmured to himself. He turned and strode from the room, making a mental note to have the room cleaned. He had work to do.

The soft light of Shane’s desk was cast just slightly out of the office door, as he was working very late at night on some cases that he had been neglecting. Finding the solitude of his den being breached by the ever increasing number of vampires that were living or not, under his roof he found himself going back to his old office just for some peace of mind. Shane had gone through something of a transformation, from the ruthless man he was to one that was more…domesticated. He did much of it out of love for Carmen and yet in a sense he felt he had lost a bit of himself. Much of the anger he held was for someone that was no longer in their lives. Vincent. And of course who could forget Isabella. Shane had not broached the subject of his relationship with Isabella to Carmen, as he felt that it was bad manners to speak of old flames – and no one was older than Isabella. The damage she inflicted on his past life, his family to this day still haunted him, and yet he tried to go beyond that. He had Carmen, his brother and his sired ones. He had a coven, though it was more one that belonged to Carmen as she was the true and rightful Queen.

Across from his desk sat the chess set. The same one he used to sit at for hours, plotting the demise of those around him He even had Carmen on the board as his future Queen. But now that he looked at the board and all its pieces were back in the starting places, he realized something. There was still two Queens. One of black, one of White. Two Kings….but with Vincent gone there should be only one King. At least…that is what he thought. The image from the news station of the coffin like box on the platform with the word “Tepes” made his skin crawl. He kept trying to dismiss it, but something niggled the back of his mind. Like a creeping death approaching from unseen shadows. Taking a sip of his scotch, he looked back at his papers, and then the computer beeped shrilly. Shane tapped a few keys and then an image appeared on skype.

“Sir…you’re not going to believe this.”

It was Nelson, Shane’s own private investigator whom he hired to get the low down on suspects and people on trial. He was standing near his car at Vincent’s Estate. Shane’s brow knitted as he set down his scotch.

“A little late at night to be playing Nancy Drew, Nelson. What are you doing at Vincent’s manor?” His voice dropping a tone as he waited to hear what the detective had to say.

“Remember that ballroom, the one with the wall that had that painting untouched.”

“Yes of course, what about it?”

“We took the painting down, Sir….and uncovered a safe.”

This definitely piqued Shane’s attention. ~A safe?~ He thought.

“Untouched, Sir. Not damaged in any ways. I have organized an old buddy of mine to crack it open, I figured you might want to come down and see it yourself.”

“Damn right I do. I’ll be there in forty five minutes.”

“Yes Sir.” The screen went back to the skype symbol as Shane logged out and then shut down his computer. So, that son of a bitch was hiding something after all. The painting. Of course. Keeping whatever it was safe right behind his throne, that had long since been burnt to ash. Shane got up from his desk and reached for his coat, which he slipped on and did up the buttons. He hadn’t been telling his beautiful wife about his investigations for fear it would simply stir up another hornet’s nest not long after the coven trashed the house. It was not like he was being secretive, but more like the old Shane was back to his old tricks.

~An hour later~

Pulling up in the driveway of the ruined manor, Nelson was waiting just outside the derelict entrance with a smaller built man in a long over coat and boots. He wore a woolen cap and carried what looked to be like an old medical bag from the forties. He was about 70 years old and his face was scarred from years in many institutions. The night air had a slight nip to it, and the safe cracker mumbled about wanting to get this done, so he could go home to the Missus and his fire place. Nelson was trying to settle him, but then straightened as Shane approached.

“Sir, this is Benny Todds, he is one of the best crackers in the business. Done some fantastic robberies in his time.” If that was supposed to add weight to his abilities, it simply amused Shane. He cracked a half smile and then gestured for the door. “Let’s just get this safe opened, and we can all go home.” Nelson nodded, and the trio went inside, where Nelson had set up flood lights in the damaged former ballroom. As Benny walked in he was shocked by the scale of the damage. “Must have been some party.” Shane, who walked with his gloved hands behind his simply said. “Oh you have no idea.”

The painting had been taken down and set to the side, which left the safe now exposed. Benny rubbed his chin before setting down his bag. “They don’t make beauties like this anymore.” Clearly the safe was of a ripe age, and would be difficult to crack. Shane glanced at his watch, as Benny set to get his tools of trade out of his bag. Huffing, he leaned against the safe, and tapped it with his knuckles. This made Shane glance at Nelson who simply shrugged. The old man must know what he was doing. Least that is what they both hoped. Chuckling, the old safe cracker started to sing a song, as he worked. He was enjoying this too much. The safe was of a make he had only ever heard about, and this was the first time he had the chance to break into one. He viewed it as a challenge, more than anything. Benny took out a stethoscope and placed it around his neck, before placing the ear plugs in his ear, and then resting the pad to the safe door, as he started to turn the knob. Again chuckling more, he then reached into his bag and took out a small drill.

“This one is going to run into overtime.”

Shane didn’t feel like being caught out before sunrise and hoped the man could be a bit more diligent.

“You can open it before sunrise?”

“Oh, I think I can.”

Shane rolled his eyes, then took out a handkerchief and patted his brow. Oddly, the waiting was making him perspire.

Benny started to drill a small hole into the safe door, which took some effort. He grunted as the metal shards flew out from the point of the drill’s impact zone – a nice sized hole forming. Taking out the drill he set that aside, and then placed in the hole a special wire tubing, that was connected to a tiny monitor. It was a camera, that allowed the safe cracker to see inside the workings of the locking mechanism. This safe was made well before the age of modern technology, so to have something invade its inner workings would make it easier for the safe cracker.

Now with the camera in place, he went back to listening as he turned the nozzle, and sure enough the clicks engaged with the locks inside. One by one, each was falling into place as the safe cracker hummed to himself. It took another thirty minutes, till there was that sudden shunting sound as the last pin fell into place.

Benny pulled back his camera equipment, as well as the stethoscope and then turned the handle. The door…came open.

He stood back and started to pack away his things, while Shane was given the rights to be the first to look inside the safe. At first, there were boxes of jewels, necklaces, bonds and piles of money. But buried beneath it all, was something totally unexpected.

Shane pulled out a rolled parchment scroll that had Egyptian lettering and symbols on it, along with a box made from stained wood with blood colored symbols. The safe cracker held his hand out to the Private investigator for payment, which Nelson obliged, giving him a wad of about $5000 dollars. Benny was chuff to see that kind of money and pocketed it into his coat. He tipped his hat to Shane and the Detective, before ambling back out to his beaten up old car, no doubt pleased to have gotten the safe open, and now able to go home to his wife and enjoy a nice cup of tea – and plan a vacation.

Nelson looked at the find, and then wondered why there would be Egyptian artifacts in a Vampire’s manor.

“Well, that’s some pretty odd treasure if I do say so myself.”

“Pity I don’t read Egyptian hieroglyphics.” Shane said with a frown. Whatever it was, he had just uncovered yet another mystery…and one he planned to find out more about.

<3>

Chapter Three

Daddy’s Girl

Writers
CharlotteCarrendar
IceTe3a

IceTe3a: Dante’s eyes were flicking through the notes the fireplace still roaring with crackling sounds of wood burning, it was a slow burning wood this was sure possibly oak as it burned for quite awhile keeping them warm from the cold winds of the storm, he could understand why Con would disappear so many theories as to where hidden and missing villages and temples were located among adventure plans there were so many it was endless although none of these were the exact reason why or where Con had disappeared to none of them had that.. that big pull to them that would force a man to disappear from his family without word, the storm had died down leaving everything wet whilst a cold crisp feel to the air swept around outside, he had all but forgot that Nadia was sitting on his lap, cuddling him as he started to get frustrated as his brows frowned showing how deep he was into the situation. “There’s nothing here! I swear I’ve been through everything three times already!” taking the notes and books he skims through them quickly as he placed them in a pile on the side, as to not get them mixed again, eventually the desk was empty with just the old world map, shaking his head as he grabbed the cup of scotch; lighting another cigarette he took in a deep drag as he sighs releasing the smoke in a puff cloud that flowed freely across the room leaning back into the leather chair, he takes a sip of the scotch as he knew he was missing something but what? looking down at Nadia as he finally realised she was still sitting on him, her soft skin rubbing up against his rough skin as he sighed and leaned his chin against the top of her head in a sigh, she was just finishing up reading the note he had showed her as Giles walked back into the room with a hot cup of cocoa for Nadia, Dante heard him approach as his hues flicker over to Giles who was smiling at them, a single brow arches as he glances down at Nadia he wondered why Giles was smiling like that as it finally clicked in his head how this would look they let him into their home and he’s here sitting in her father’s office presumed missing or worse with his daughter on his lap, perhaps it could be disrespectful or something like that Dante wasn’t sure he wasn’t used to the flashy lifestyle rich people lived “Erm.. It’s not what you think, She was cold.. Shivering even.. And.. I erm.. ahh…” he ruffles the back of his hair slowly it was something he did when he got embarrassed, what a situation he had found himself in, “Sorry I mean no disrespect.” he sighed out softly as he took another drag from his cigarette. He honestly didn’t mind that she was on his lap or that they only met only 2 hours ago, Giles was a nice man he’d understand the situation Dante was sure of this. Nadia was speaking of a journal, Con’s journal? Of course he had one it was just hidden in the safe, he listened into their conversation “This could have been information we could have used earlier” he chuckled softly as Nadia glanced up to him asking if he could crack a safe, arching a brow he rubbed his chin as he shrugged “I’m sure I got some dynamite in my bag somewhere if you really wanna go out with a bang” he chuckled as he placed his adventure’s cowboy hat on top of her head, glancing up at the picture of Zeus that was now hiding the safe where Con’s journal was, he wanted Nadia to be the first to read it as it was her right and she should for comfort anyway.

CharlotteCarrendar: – Giles expression was veiled amusement at the situation that had sprung from the young adventurer’s idea of how to keep the young heiress warm – but placing her on his own lap. His nervousness at how it looked shone through by the way he tussled the back of his hair with his hand lightly. Giles was impressed that the man had managed to keep the girl there, considering how they appeared to be squaring off from the very moment they encountered each other. Was it the scotch, or maybe the fact that Dante viewed her a little differently now that he got to understand the situation better? Having been through copious note books that were scattered across Con’s desk, Dante had come up empty handed as to clues in the possible location of Nadia’s father, or even an idea as to what it was that he had found – if anything. Had Con met with foul play? Was the solicitor involved, or that rival of her father’s ; Stanley Whittaker? The answers may not be cut and dry, even with more evidence, but they needed to find something that would give them a head start. That…would come in the shape of the lost Journal. Giles handed over the combination that had been written on a small piece of paper, kept by Con’s manservant for years. “Your father didn’t trust anyone else with this. Now I am starting to understand why.” Dante had plonked his adventurer hat upon Nadia’s head, which made her look comical since her head was so much smaller than his own. It pretty much sank down and nearly covered her eyes. She pushed the front brim up a touch, just so she could see. Dante’s idea of blowing up the safe, was met with a “psh” sound, as Nadia climbed off his lap and padded over to the picture. A large ornate frame that she nervously tilted, and sure enough the small safe door was exposed. Nadia entered the combination onto the keypad, and a green light switched on, as she could hear the locking mechanism disengage. “That was easy.” Nadia mused, turning the handle and opening the safe door. Inside, there were two items. A photograph of Con with his daughter, the last time they were together, and a weathered journal that was leather bound and soiled. It looked as though he carried it with him everywhere accepts on his last trip out. Surely he would have taken it. Reaching in, she took out both items, and stared down at the picture – the photograph were her father was smiling and holding her up on his shoulder proudly. “I remember this.” Nadia said softly, as she walked back to Dante. Giles kept a close watch and nodded. “He took that out of a gilded frame by his bed side and put it in the safe. He must have had his reasons.” Nadia sat back down on the same chair as Dante, and slowly turned open the journal, only for a yellowed map to fall out from the front page as well as a letter marked. “To my Nadia.” The young lawyer gasped in shock and bent down to pick the letter up off the floor. <3>

IceTe3a: She gave him a quick and sharp ‘Psh’ to his response on blowing the safe up and perhaps taking half the room with it in the process, he chuckled at her response as he shook his head “go on then!” Dante watched as Nadia climbed off his lap, coming to a stand she took the paper where the codes were written on from Giles and walked over towards the safe, her bare feet softly thumping against the wooden floors of the map room. Dante wanted to know exactly what happened he had to admit that he was drawn into the situation quite fast as his hues followed her hands watching as she slowly tilted the picture frame carefully not to break it, exposing the face of the safe it was defiantly a highly designed one not the cheap ones you can get from your everyday hardware store. She punched in the pin as it made some weird sounds and then beeped she swung the handle down as the door opened up, he was leaning out of his chair as he was on a half stand stance his ass not even resting on the chair. He watched as Nadia pulled out the journal and a picture as Nadia said “I remember this” her and Giles went on about the photo which Dante thought he’d stay out of as it sounded like a more personal situation. His hues followed Nadia as she slowly walked over back to him turning around her back was facing him did she realize he was still sitting here? Or was she to lost in the moment?? As she sat down back on his lap her weight pressing down on him forced him to sit back in the chair as she was too distracted to realize she had just sat on top of him. Watching as she opened the journal a piece of paper flew out and hit the floor at their feet, his eyes followed its graceful fall as he read ‘To my Nadia’ it was a note for her! Perhaps this would explain everything as Nadia decided to bend down shifting her weight to pick it up, he could feel her weight shifting on his lap as he rubbed the back of his hair once more trying not to distract her or make the situation awkward, he decided to roll with it as she picked up the note and sat back up straight he pulled her to lean back against him so he could see what it was she held in her hand he didn’t say anything as he waited patiently for her to open the note his eyes flicking to Giles for a moment and then back to the note. Lighting another smoke he kept it in his right hand placed between his pointing and index finger as his other fingers kept a strong grip of his cup of scotch, leaving his left hand free he rested it on Nadia’s leg hoping she wasn’t the kind of girl that crossed her legs, otherwise his hand would get stuck between her legs, not that he was trying to hit on her or anything her leg was just the closest thing he could rest his hand on as he focused on the note was it a note? A journal entry perhaps that Con didn’t want anyone else to see? Or perhaps it was a map? Looks like they were about to find out or at least he hoped this would give them some kind of answers or at least a clue as to where to go from here.

CharlotteCarrendar: – At first, Nadia didn’t know what to read first. Naturally the letter addressed to her was of great significance and may well have something in it that could help her understand the reasons for his disappearance, but the more pressing matter was finding real clues. The first, being the map. It was of the island of course, the very one on which the estate was situated. As she unfurled the yellowed parchment, she groaned to see it was all written in Greek. “I should have studied.” Nadia lamented. Nadia handed the map to Dante; whose lap she was again sitting on. “Here, maybe you can make sense of that.” The map was covered in symbols, and down the side a menu that had coloured marks meaning different things, from locations to temple sites. On opening her father’s journal, she was shocked to discover that it was one that he must have been writing in for over twenty years. A special kind of journal that mapped his adventures, and she started to see the same symbols coming up time and time again that looked exactly like those on the map. Even Giles was now curious about the find, and sat himself down paying full attention. Nadia flicked the many pages through her fingers till at last she came to the last page. ~Journal entry dated 2nd Feburary, 2014~ After years I managed to get my hands on the greatest prize in existence. One that I know my colleagues would kill for. The map, I discovered leads to the gateway to Atlantis. It was here, all the time …right under my very nose. Whittaker is suspicious. I have my doubts about his loyalty after yesterday.” That was the last entry….the day before he went missing. Shocked, Nadia looked at the map. So this is what they wanted? A map? Giles listened and then sighed. “I had feared for your father, him being so trusting. Little did I know that he heeded my words.” He then gestured to the map. “You need to work out how to find him, if he has truly gone missing or met with foul play.” <3>

IceTe3a: Dante arches his brow as Nadia said she couldn’t understand Greek let alone read it as he shook his head “You should learn” he said before taking the old map from her hands and opening it up before them. Laying it on the table he glanced at the map generally taking in its beauty “This map.. Is really old, we’re talking hundreds of years here” he stated so everyone could hear him. As Nadia opened up the journal he glanced over as she started to read it. He glanced back to the map still drawn to it as he was not yet ready to move on to the rest of the clues, the map was indeed old as it was written in ancient Greek language and not the new age stuff, that old language was lost to the ages as were the gods, But he knew the ancient language as he still held the gods in his heart. I think I know what this map is all about and where and why your father disappeared…The journal had seen better days as it was most defiantly Con’s travel journal which was all to obvious, he listened in as stopped at the last entry date 2nd of February? Interesting, he thought to himself as he quietly read the page to himself as Nadia did the same. “Hmm..” Giles was quick to come to the same conclusion Dante was at, foul play “Giles is right, I think your father was a bit too trusting in this” he said as he glanced back at the map reading what it stated “This.. Is the map to Atlantis?!” he leaned in against Nadia so he could see the map closer, as he glanced at a local map and then the old map “It’s… “ he stopped and continued to check his entries “ It’s the map, it states there’s a cave system just off Rhodes Ocean cliff faces, right..” he tapped on the local map “Here” he glances up to the pair “If anyone else found out about this, your father’s life is surely in danger, Atlantis is … the score of a century the title alone for finding such a place is worth multi millions let alone the treasures and claims with rights you get” he swallowed hard now that Con’s life seemed to be in more danger than they once thought “You’ll need to get yourselves a boat, some dive gear perhaps survival gear and a guide of some sorts at the very least” he nodded in agreement to himself as he leaned back in the chair. “Your father, if all this is right and is actually real, is looking or already has found Atlantis” he said as he could not believe he would ever be saying something like that in a million years

CharlotteCarrendar:- Nadia shrugged her shoulders lightly when Dante suggested she should have learnt Greek or at least start too. It hadn’t been on her list of priorities, but she was now thinking that it would be a damn good idea. The map was spread out on the table – a rare find indeed and a very delicate one. It was one that belonged in a museum under armed guard, and yet here they were, the three of them going over it with great interest. Dante was the expert out of the small group, noting that the map was many hundreds of years old. Nadia was still trying to figure out how her father came to get it. Another mystery; for another time. Using the contents of the journal and the markings that matched his findings, Dante was able to conclude that the map was not only genuine but….the map to Atlantis. Nadia blinked. It was a myth..Wasn’t it? That was what her mother used to keep saying over and over again, and that her Father would never give up on his belief that it did actually exist. Nadia kept the envelope that was addressed to her still tight in her hand, almost afraid to open it after this discovery. Giles recognised the outlines on the map and nodded in agreement, when Dante identified key point and landscape markings. Giles slowly rose as Dante said they would need to get a hold of a boat and dive gear as well as a guide and survival gear at the very least. Giles coughed and then asked the pair to follow him. If they did, he would take them outside the main house, since it had stopped raining. Nadia shivered as she followed along behind Giles to a big shed. He pressed a few buttons of a code in and the large roller door opened to reveal what was Aladdin’s cave of survival equipment, a boat, a large 4WD truck and masses of scuba gear as well as tents and so much more. Nadia just stood there. “Wow.” It was like one of those camping conventions but all in one shed. “Your father used much of this frequently. I suggest in the morning that you take what you can from here, and hire a guide down at the port.” It was a good suggestion, and Nadia glanced back at Dante and asked. “Does this work?” <3>

IceTe3a: This map was a rare treat for Dante as it had been awhile since he had seen such a rare artifact before his very eyes, as his fingers tapped the location he was 100% sure of what he was saying now, as this was the map to Atlantis so it did exist he smiled as he glanced up to Giles who had asked them to follow him. Nadia had gotten up and followed after Giles, Dante scratched his head as he shrugged and followed them quietly, Giles led them outside of the house now that the storm had passed it left a beautiful night sky littered with shining stars. The cool air caressing the warmth of his body, his muscles clenching as they hardened up due to the cold air, his trench coat all that was covering his bare upper torso as he glanced upon the grounds after a few minutes of walking they came up to a big shed, why were they standing in front a big shed? Giles punched in a code into a key pad, was everything on the rich side secured with keypads? As the boom door started to wind up and open the lights came on in the rather large shed showing a 4wd truck, a rather large boat, and dive gear amongst other various survival gear. Nodding as his eyes glanced over the gear “Looking good, everything you’ll need for this is right here, you two should be fine.” As he pointed to a few items they need for this trip “Make sure your guide is willing to go the entire way with you and not leave you stranded whilst you go adventuring in the cave systems.” Turning to face the two he smiled lightly “Well, Good luck to the both of you; I hope you find him and he’s alive and well.” Dante had it stuck in his head that he should best get out of their way as soon as possible so they can start the search for Nadia’s father. Glancing up at the starry night sky he nodded to himself as he thought this may be a good time to depart since the storm had passed “Thanks for the invite guys, the storms long gone by now so I’ll get out of your hair” he nudged Nadia playfully “I’m sure this one will be relieved to see me leave” as he chuckled knowing they were both from different worlds.

CharlotteCarrendar: – With the artificial light now shining down and creating a glow around Nadia’s white silk robe which thankfully had not been dragged through the puddles on the way out, she looked a lot more petite now. Especially up against the sizeable 4WD truck and boat. How on earth she would be able to lift half the equipment was another thing. But it was when Dante then started to thank Giles and Nadia for the lovely evening and that he hoped that she would be able to find a guide willing to go the entire way, that her mouth fell open and she looked to be stuttering. Giles slapped his hand to his cheek. The young adventurer was perfect to help Nadia find her father and they had everything right there to go in the morning. But how did Nadia feel about all this? Was she too proud to say she needed his help? Had she gotten over earlier behaviour? Giles tried to give her a nudge, and she seemed to creep forward a little, after Dante had done the same thing. Saying she would rather him out of her hair. The young lawyer looked back at the truck and then at Dante. Was this what all the men in her life did? Just up and away when she actually needed them? Still clutching her father’s letter to her, she thanked Dante. “Thank you for all your help, I am sure I can find a guide….tomorrow.” That said, she hurried off inside, partly hurt and more or less clueless on what to do. He obviously didn’t think she had it in her to find her father…maybe it was time to prove him wrong. Little did they all realize that someone was watching from over the hill. With night vision binoculars. The mysterious man stubbed out a cigarette and chuckled darkly, before abandoning his position and going to his nearby car. This was going better than he had hoped. Giles sighed, and offered his hand to shake to the young adventurer. “Good luck, Dante. And…thank you.” He then closed the large shed, before going in after Nadia. <3>

IceTe3a: Dante was oblivious to the situation at hand, as he never noticed Giles nudge Nadia towards him, he glanced down as Nadia came closer. He smiled lightly as his eyes met hers noticing she was looking up towards him but not directly to him he was a little lost as he glanced over to Giles for a moment before Nadia dismissed him, ‘Thank you for all your help, I am sure I can find a guide….tomorrow.’ he nods slightly and was about to say something in return but as he was about to she rushed off towards the main house doors, his hues followed her until she disappeared into the main house. Why was she running? Perhaps she was excited about all the news and the possibility of finding her father that must be it. His attention was brought to Giles who offered his hand to shake as Dante took it and gave a firm shake, ‘Good luck, Dante. And…thank you’ Dante nodded slightly as he smiled “You look after her now Giles, I’ll be in Rhodes for a little longer before I figure out my next step If you need anything feel free to holler” he stated in gesture as Giles walked off after closing the large shed leaving Dante in the dark by himself. Rubbing the back of his head he shook his head in confusion as his gut was telling him something wasn’t right with the way things were just left between those two and him, as he glanced around he started to walk out towards the main road following Nadia’s long driveway down Glancing back quickly to the main house he gave a two finger salute before continuing to walk “Got a long walk ahead of me” he said as he placed his hat on top of his head, shifting in his trench coat. After awhile he came to the main road, as he couldn’t believe how long their driveway actually was; his sense of direction was perfect as he started to travel the long and dark road back down to the party district of Rhodes where the docks and pubs were “This’ll take quite awhile” he said to himself as he thought over what had happened to him in the past couple of hours.

CharlotteCarrendar: – Giles thought that Nadia had gone up to her room, but no. He could see a slight shadow coming from the map room, and so he went to investigate it. Staying just outside, he peeked his head in enough to see Nadia sitting in that same chair that Dante had, and she was going over the map and the journal that were left on the table before they had gone outside to see the truck and boat. The half finished glass of scotch was still on the table, and you could still smell the cigarette that Dante had been smoking. Nadia was rocking back and forth a bit, then reached for the scotch glass and took a swig, only to start coughing violently. Clearly, she was not used to hard liquor. It was almost painful for Giles to watch. The girl was young, naive…and way out of her league. She was but a child when she last saw her father, and knew nothing about his world, his adventures. All of them were like fairy tales of her childhood. With a nervous hand she picked up the photograph and ran her finger across her father’s face, whispering. “Help me Papa. Help me find you.” Giles bowed his head, and then backed away to leave the girl in her father’s map room in peace. If she was going to try and do this on her own, Nadia was going to have to grow up….fast. The man servant knew that he would be no good in helping her find her father. He was too old for this game. If only Dante had gotten a clue. If only he had stayed. If only Nadia wasn’t so pig headed. What a mess. Back in the map room, Nadia drew up her feet under her where she sat and held the photograph of herself and her father to her chest. She needed to believe he was out there….and that she had the courage to find him. Down off the side road near the entrance to the driveway, a black car waited in the shadows, and the unidentified driver saw Dante walking out. As soon as he had gone past, the headlights blazed, and the car started for the Chronis estate driveway. <3>

IceTe3a: Dante came to a stop as he started searching for a smoke, “Ugh where are they… Ahh!” he found a stray cigarette as he lit it and took a drag whilst thinking about what was going on, he had not clicked on as of yet as to them needing him. But his gut was telling him that something was up, did he miss something? As he went through what went on in his mind as he rubbed the back of his head “Right.. and then we got the Journal..” he nodded as he spoke aloud to himself “And Giles wanted to show me the gear.. wait did he want me to inspect it? Or what.. and then she ran off” he stood silently for a second as he took in a drag and then it clicked and he choked on his smoke as he coughed it out “Oh Fuck me” he said as he turned on the ball of his foot, finally clicking that she wanted him there with her to help her out as he started jogging back up the road to Nadia’s place as he ditched the smoke. “How could I be so stupid, poor girl no wonder she ran off” he could see the driveway in the distance as he heard a car engine roaring as a car came racing down the street and pulled into Nadia’s driveway. “Who is that…” he said to himself as he stopped, he remembered Giles saying how Con had dangerous rivals and the possibility of the lawyer as in on it as well, he wasn’t going to take any chances as he thought they may be in some sort of danger. Coming to a sprint he finally reached their driveway as he saw the taillights driving up it at a great speed, they’d be at the front door within seconds as he sprinted up the drive way but kept to the shadows, coming up finally behind the large shed where they parted ways he hid as he placed his backpack on the ground, pulling out a pistol he took the safety off and placed it in his trench coat, it was just a safety precaution which he wouldn’t pull it out unless was needed as he waited in the shadows to see what was going to happen, before he made his entry. By now whoever was in the car had already gone inside as Dante snuck up closer towards the main doors of the house trying to listen in.

CharlotteCarrendar: – Giles had retired for the evening. Going to his own room, he shut the door and made one huge error. He forgot to lock the front door. The black car had come to a silent halt – cutting its engine and turning off the lights so it was not obvious to those inside that someone was coming to the house well after night visitors would be welcomed. A man dressed in all black attire got out and looked around. He then removed a revolver from his jacket and crept towards the front door. Surprisingly he was able to open it and then he silently made his way inside. Whoever it was knew the Chronis house intimately, and he saw the flicker of gold and red coming from the map room. Grinning to himself, he kept to the shadows as he crept along trying to be as quiet as he dared to find the young Nadia and get what he assumed she had uncovered. Sure enough, he peeked in and there was Nadia, still going over the map. She had drunk the last of the scotch, and hiccupped a little, while looking at the journal and then back at the map. The man in black raised his arm and had the gun pointed at Nadia’s head. “Welcome to Greece…Miss Chronis, pity you won’t be doing any sightseeing.” Nadia gasped as she looked up to see a man holding a gun and having it pointed at her. “Who are you?” A logical question asked by a terrified girl. “Someone who is going to be very rich. Now get up, and move away from the map if you value your life.” Nadia started to rise slowly, her heart near beating out of her chest. The man sneered as he gave her the once over. “Your father never told me that you had grown into such a beautiful woman. I might change my plans on killing you, and have you and your father’s estate to myself.” <3>

IceTe3a: Dante couldn’t hear anything from inside he was too far away, but the front door was left slightly open he’d have to go around to the window of the map room and check to see if he could see anyone in there as that’s where Giles and Nadia most likely was, still trying to figure out their plan of attack and that’s where this new person could be. So he crept around the side quietly as he started to hear a males voice, being so tall he had to crouch down so he wouldn’t be seen, as he overheard the conversation, his muscles tensed in anger to what he heard how dare this man speak like that to Nadia. Standing up he glanced through the side of the window as he noticed the man had a gun quickly he ducked down as he pulled out his own pistol, it was loaded and ready to go. Thank god Dante was a great shot, he crouch walked back to the front door as he crept inside leaving the front door open. He was on the wall right next to the door of the map room as he glanced in the man’s back was turned to him as he made a signal for Nadia to keep quiet. Dante snuck up to the man’s back and came to a stand towering over him like he always did, casting a shadow in front of the man he shoved the pistol in the back of the man as his left hand gripped his shoulder with crushing force “Drop it now” he simply said as he had no issue with taking another man’s life, giving a reassuring jab with the pistol in the man’s back once more he growled one last time as a final warning before he started shooting “Last time, Drop it” he said in a deep threatening voice.

CharlotteCarrendar: – The man who was hard to see properly in the light that the fire place gave off was staring at Nadia menacingly. So was this the man that had betrayed her father, or another? She had never seen this man before in her life. The barrel of the gun pointed at her was cocked and able to be fired if the girl did not do what he wanted. Shivering with fear she tried to back up, then out of the corner of her eye she noticed the movement of another. ~DANTE!~ Her mind screamed. He had come back. He motioned for her to keep quiet and she did just that, averting her gaze back to the gunman, who was now getting antsy. “Do you know what you even have in front of you, girl?” Course he meant the map but then that was when Dante struck, gripping the man’s shoulder suddenly. The gun he was holding went off in his hand, and the bullet whizzed past Nadia’s head – missing her by mere centimetres. The man dropped the smoking gun, but then tried to ram his elbow back at Dante and make some sort of attempt at a getaway. <3>

IceTe3a: The gun went off and this pissed off Dante to the point where he was almost enraged, he watched as Nadia was fine the strange gunman had dropped the gun and attempted to elbow Dante in the chest which struck true, unfortunately for the shorter man Dante was a 6’8 built brick as the hit barely registered. Holding a firm grip of the man he flicked his gun down besides Nadia just in case. “Right…” he said as he turned the man around to face Dante, his left hand grips the scruff of the man’s clothing quickly leaning back he threw one solid right punch towards the man’s face if the punch hit it was surely to break his jaw and nose from the sheer power of the swing, Picking the man up with one hand to reach his eye level he let out a deep growl “I ever see you again…” he said as he dragged the man out of the house and tossed him sending him flying towards his car “You’ll wish I’d have killed you” as he walked back inside slamming the door shut he raced over to Nadia and picked her up in his arms holding her close. “Are you ok? I’m sorry; I never should have left your side. I didn’t realize you wanted me to come with you on this adventure. Consider me an employee under your employment.” He said as he sat down in Con’s chair once more as he placed Nadia on his lap checking for any wounds or scratches on her face or body. After a few minutes had passed he deemed she was more in shock than harmed as he smiled wiping a strand of hair from her forehead and placing it behind her ear “That was obviously the partner, from now on you don’t leave my side and we keep all this between the three of us” he wondered where Giles was during all of this as he glanced down to Nadia he smiled “ Your fathers alive, We’ll find him together”

Home to Count Virgo, his wife the Countess Elvira, as well as their children and various staff.

State where in the estate you are at the beginning of every post.

LadyBelz

It had been a week of utter chaos for Elvira. And she loved every moment of it. From sun-up to sun-down, she doted on her children like any new mother would. Most days you could find her in the twins’ nursery, watching them sleep, gently touching their baby-soft skin, or even cuddling them while she sat in the rocking chair, humming lullabyes. She simply could not bear to be away from them for more then a few moments at a time.

It was where Sally found her after returning from imparting the news of the twins’ birth to Elvira’s family. She stood in the doorway, watching Elvira. It still amazed Sally to see Elvira with such a gentle and loving expression on her face. She hadn’t thought it was possible. But there was the proof. Elvira bent down, pressing a gentle kiss to Damion’s head as he slumbered, before giving the same attention to Dominique.

Sally stepped further into the room, catching Elvira’s attention.

“How did it go?” Elvira asked in a near-whisper.

“About what you expected. Bart looked as if all his Christmases had come early, the way he was grinning and carrying on. You know he’s going to say or do something to drive your mother insane.” Sally sighed, sitting in the other rocker. She took Damion from his mother and held him. He made a noise of protest for a moment before settling back into sleep.

“Wonderful.” Elvira sighed. It was no secret that the Roxburg Family was fractured beyond repair. Since the death of its Patriarch, Amos, things had not been the same. Elvira chose not to dwell on it. She had her own family to care for now. She had extended an olive branch of sorts, inviting her brother and mother to come visit the twins. Whether they chose to or not was now up to them.

“Where is Virgo?” Sally wondered, just as Dominique awoke with minimal fuss. With expert ease, Elvira bared her breast and brought it to her daughter’s lips, who latched on the moment they touched.

“Out on the grounds somewhere. One of the horses has broken free and went wandering about.”

“Ah. Has Damion fed?”

“Mhm.” Elvira murmured as she watched her daughter. “He’s ready for a nap.”

“I’ll put him down and check on dinner.” Sally slowly got to her feet with her precious bundle and placed him in his crib. He hiccuped once before settling deeper into sleep. Sally left Elvira with her daughter and headed for the kitchens.

As fast as the runaway horse sped across the rolling hills of the Marulo Estate, Virgo was powering hard upon his black steed to recapture the daring filly. It was a race watched by Gerard, who knew better than to charge on after his lordship. Virgo’s natural thrill for the chase made this more than a game. It was like a wild calling, that near had him leap off his horse and transform. Thankfully, he kept those urges suppressed, unless he was around Elvira when the children were asleep and he got into one of his moods. The Count had never let up on his need to be as close physically to his wife when he was able. However with the arrival of the twins, he had found that she often had her hands full – literally, and that he had taken something of a back seat. Virgo loved his children dearly, but did miss the intimacy he and his beautiful wife always shared. It was still early days of course, and this ride was in some respects a good tonic for his need to follow his nature.

Thundering across the final hill, the Count cracked his horsewhip at full gallop, startling the filly, who reared up and then came to a stop, while the Count rode around the front of the horse and brought the filly to submit to his lead. His own horse was snorting and frothing at the mouth as it had been a hard ride to catch her. Virgo saddled his whip and leaned forward to pat his horse’s neck firmly.

Putting a halter on the runaway filly, he then calmly rode back with the filly in tow much to the delight of his man servant, who had much to tell him about the ride to the Roxburg’s manor. Reaching the manor grounds a short time later, he gave the rope to a young stable hand, before dismounting his steed and smiling brightly at his good companion. The Count removed his gloves one at a time and stuffed them in under his belt as Gerard walked towards him.

“Gave the filly a run for her money, M’lord?’ His voice having a humorous edge to it, as he could see the Count was slightly flushed. “I know another filly I would rather be riding for, but she probably has my son to her breast.”

Both men laughed as Gerard walked with him inside. “How did things go at the Roxburg’s, or should I just refrain from having fanciful ideas that they are accepting of us now?” At first Gerard winced, not liking having to explain the situation he encountered. He was also concerned on how the Count would react. “Bart seemed, well, very pleased with the news, though I have my doubts about his Mother. Strange woman. Bart informed us that he would be the one to tell her, so…it’s anyone’s guess how that went. Perhaps Lord Roxburg may come visit, one can only hope.”

It was the best that Gerard could come up with to explain the odd situation that now existed between the two households. Fractured would be a good word for it.

“So long as Elvira is not upset by a visit, then I will condone it. Speaking of which, I have not had a chance to hold my children this morning. I think I should go up now.”

“Yes sir…very good.”

Virgo didn’t bother to change, but instead took off up the stairs and headed for their Nursery where he was certain his wife would be.

Not bothering to knock, he marched into the room and clapped his hands together. Always boisterous.

“Who missed Daddy?” He chortled, looking at his son Damion in his crib. Reaching in, he picked up his son and cradled him in his arms.

A light kiss on his son’s head brought a small gurgle from the baby and the Count cast his eyes over to his beloved wife.

“You’re next.” He said with a laugh, meaning he would take Dominique for a cuddle when she was done feeding. The Count walked his son around the room, gently rocking him as he whispered and cooed in that wolf like manner. Doting on his small family. Finally he made his way to Elvira and planted a kiss on her forehead as she nursed their daughter.

“And how is my darling wife today?”

<3>

Dominique had just nearly finished her own feeding when Virgo strode into the room, looking dashing in his riding outfit. Elvira eyed him hungrily as it had been some time since she had been intimate with her mate. As much as she loved her children, her mate was everything.

He picked up his son and began walking around the room with him, cooing and making comforting noises that had their son giving him a big toothless smile. Elvira’s lips quirked up in a grin seeing the look on her husband’s face.

He bent to kiss her forehead, asking after her well-being.

“I’m well, beloved. You managed to wrangle your horse, I take it?” she smiled, turning her head to look up at him.

He would answer in the affirmative and she smiled.

“Oh good. I would hate to have to put her down since it is so close to her foaling time.” she stated, well aware of the fact that it was Virgo’s own steed who’d done it. She wondered if he knew that?

“Virgo, love. What do you think of us passing the children off to Sally and Gerard for the eve and taking some time for ourselves? I say we’ve earned it.”

The Count walked slowly with his young son and set him down gently, before going back to his wife, and taking up Dominique as he was sure Elvira would have finished. He placed Dominique upon his shoulder and rubbed her back lightly till she brought up bubbles of wind, that were sure to have her making comical faces if Elvira was to look upon them, while he walked the baby around the room. Ever the doting father, he did his best to be an on hands father, something that many men of his era would have frowned upon. Then again, Virgo was ageless in a sense. Placing Dominique down in her crib and gently drawing a blanket across her, he continued to pat her back and make that soft growling sound, he once only reserved for his wife. Now, his children shared in this, a special way of communicating his love – his bond.

Once it appeared that Dominique and Damion were both asleep the Count crept back over to his wife, and then sunk down upon his knees. His face looking up adoringly at her beauty, ever transfixed – bewitched by her, not to mention she smelt divine. Having had just fed the children, who both had their own sweet scent. The Count lay his head down on her lap, as though he was the one wanting attentions.

“Oh how I have missed you.” he murmured, lightly stroking her thigh. His eyes closed as he just calmed at being so close to her.

<3>

After taking care of Damion, he took up Dominique as she’d finished feeding. Elvira adjusted her top as Virgo walked the baby around, rubbing her back. There was the tiniest of burps from little Dominique and the face she made was comical, bringing a giggle to her mother’s lips.

Placing the baby in her crib, soon both the littlest Marulos were sound asleep, leaving Virgo free to be with his wife. He sank to his knees before her, his face one of serene calm and pleasure. He lay his head upon her lap, drinking in her presence.

“Oh how I have missed you.” he murmured, stroking her thigh and sending delightful tingles through her body. She placed a hand upon his head, sliding her fingers through his hair and lightly scraping his scalp.

“As I have missed you, my heart.” she whispered in return, tilting his head up with her hand. She leaned forward, pressing her lips to his in a tender kiss.

She had missed this intimacy with her mate and knew their bond needed to be reaffirmed. She had devoted so much time with their children, solidifying her bond with them that she had neglected her bond with her mate and husband. It was now time to remedy that situation.

“So, what say you, darling. Me and you and a night alone? Hmm?”

Two of the darkest creatures were playing house with beautiful children and a perfect life it would appear. But in the days since the birth of the twins, the couple had spent so little time together, much of it was no fault of their own. For now there was a gap, a pause in time where the Count could be himself around Elvira. The loving and dutiful husband. He felt the way her hand caressed his cheek, and brought his face up to look at her. Eyes adoring for her and her alone. Though still dressed in his riding clothes, he was still very much wolf like in how he attended to her.

He brought up his hand to cup her cheek when asked if they should enjoy a night alone.

“A whole night? Just the two of us? Dinner…dancing…and of course, romping the sheets.” Virgo said the last part with an eyebrow wiggle, before doing something totally out of character. Burying his face into lap and snuffling about….-ahem- Hopefully the reaction would not wake the children.

Virgo drew his head up and then chortled asking her;

“Tonight out of the question?’

<3>

Virgo caressed her cheek as he thought about her question. It had been quite some time since he and Elvira had a night alone. She thought they deserved it.

“A whole night? Just the two of us? Dinner…dancing…and of course, romping the sheets.”he grinned at her, waggling his eyebrows. She giggled lightly before it changed into outright laughter when he pressed his face into her lap and began to snuffle and snort. Hearing the noise, the twins made a small noise of protest from their beds, almost waking.

“Virgo!” she hissed, pushing at his shoulders to get him to stop before they woke their children from their sleep.

He drew his head up with an unrepentant grin.

“Tonight out of the question?”

“Tonight would be lovely.” she smiled. She moved to push him aside so that she could get to her feet. “You may want to let Cook know or she’ll be upset she cooked for no reason…unless you’d rather we dine on the terrace tonight. Dinner by candlelight does sound romantic.” Tossing him a wink, she ducked out of the nursery so that she could go change and ready herself for a “date night” with her mate.

Virgo loved the sound of his wife’s laughter, but what was alarming was that the babies must have not only heard their father’s playful snorting, they reacted to it by making a small noise each of protest – squirming in their cribs. Virgo grimaced playfully at the thought he had caused them to stir. His wife was right to hiss at him, for the were had a habit of getting carried away when he was in the mood. It was probably one of the things that she loved about him; his doting and constant attentions. Forever her shadow he was always in the background, ready to protect and in some cases show great affection for both her and the children at a moment’s notice. Elvira was happy for this night to be a date night and this immediately had the cogs in Virgo’s mind whirring. Dinner on the terrace. Perfect. Candles, and of course let Cook in on it.Virgo rose to his feet and allowed her to duck out of the nursery to go ready herself for their romantic evening.

“I shall alert Cook, my heart.” Virgo sung out, and then he silenced as one of the babies hiccuped and gurgled. The Lord tiptoed out of the nursery in the hopes of not waking them further.

Down in the kitchen, Virgo was going over with Cook what he had in mind for a romantic dinner. Stuffed pheasant with garden vegetables, a torte for desert and of course heart shaped chocolates to enjoy with coffee and brandy as a close. Cook clapped her hands together at the challenge and set to task, while Virgo tried to steal a morsel off a cake she was making. A quick snap on his wrist had him skulking away chuckling to himself, licking his fingers.

~A few hours later~

Standing out on the terrace, dressed in a suave suit made from the finest velvet and silks, Virgo stood by the balcony edge. His hand held a cigar which he was enjoying, and he stared out at the expansive grounds, whilst Cook brought out silver doomed trays and sat them down on the perfectly set table. The scents and smells certain to intoxicate the senses. Candles were lit in lanterns, that hung from the canopy, whilst a small quartet that had been hired specially, played a soft tune, all wearing masks and fine dresses at the Count’s request. He spared no expense to treat his wife as the Queen he believed her to be.

Love and romance would fill the air.

“This…will be a night to remember.” He mused thoughtfully to himself

<3>

Elvira poked her head out of the bedroom door and called for Sally.

A moment later, Sally was in the room. “What is it?”

“Virgo and I are taking this night for ourselves and I have nothing to wear.” Elvira pouted.

“What’s this night entail of?” Sally wondered, moving to the open closet.

“Dinner on the terrace, some dancing, and a bit of “alone” time.” Elvira smirked. Sally looked at the various dresses Elvira had and pulled one out that she knew Elvira had never worn before. She held it up.

“This one.”

Elvira made a face. “No!”

“Why not?”

“It’s ugly. I hate the color.”

“Elvira! This color is lovely on you! You’re not going to be in it long anyway so what does it matter?”

“It matters because I’ll be the one wearing it!”

“Darling, Virgo is not going to care one whit about what you are wearing. It’s you he wishes to spend time with, not your bloody dress!” Sally growled.

“But…”

“But nothing. Put the bloody dress on!”

“Fine!” Elvira huffed, stripping out of her smalls. Sally wasn’t the least bit scandalized. Elvira oft went without undergarments. The ladies of the Gossip Circle were quite put out that Elvira never once comported herself as a young lady should. Elvira was a class all her own.

Once she was buttoned and set, Sally quickly did her hair, brushing her long locks until it glowed like dark satin. No adornments or curls were put in her hair. She thought Elvira’s natural beauty were all she needed.

“Done.” Sally stated, setting the brush down. Elvira gave herself the once over in the mirror and had to admit to herself that the color did look good, especially with her hair.

“Thank you.”

“Go…have fun…I’ll keep an eye on the children.”

“I don’t know what I would do without you, Sally.” Elvira smiled, kissing the woman’s cheek.

“And you shall never have to find out, now shoo. Off with ya.” Sally grinned, pushing Elvira toward the door.

———-

Terrace of the Marulo Estate

Heading for the open terrace doors, Elvira could hear the soft sounds of music playing and she wondered what Virgo had been up to in the time she was gone. She peeked around the doorway and saw Virgo standing at the balcony, enjoying a cigar. His back was to her so he didn’t see her just yet and it gave her a moment to admire him. It was hard for her to believe it had been a year since he had ridden up to her in the park and kissed her senseless.

Beneath the veneer of an aristocrat, beat the heart of a fierce warrior, and one she was proud to call her own.

The love within her for this man was plain to see upon her face as she gazed at him.

She stepped out on to the terrace in a rustle of silk and waited for his acknowledgement. He always knew when she was close and this time would be no different.

Hair Color: Invisible
Eye Color: Invisible
Height: Are you kidding? 6’8” at a pinch
Weight: Ahahaha, I don’t know.
Fashion Style: Bandages, a dark long coat, glasses, and hat.
Tattoos/Piercings/Markings: Again..you can’t see it.

Personality: Aloof, dangerous, witty, conniving, dark, menacing, broody, calculating, evil.

Magical Abilities:
Strengths: Sucking the souls out of humans and other demons, invisibility, skinning people alive
Weaknesses: Collecting people’s face masks.
Likes: Souls, dead babies
Dislikes: Anything nice.

History: Born high in the standing of Lord, his parents would die mysteriously leaving Lord Horne to be raised by many nannies and tutors that were provided for by the family estate. A keen alchemist, who dabbled in the dark arts, soon made a fatal mistake, in a formula that he had been working on as a teenager, and soon his form was no longer able to be viewed by others. He became known as the Invisible man, and no longer could venture into society circles. Many thought he was dead as his estate fell into ruin.

Fueled by anger and hatred for all those that had served him, he came to do a deal with the devil himself and thus his taste for souls came to be. A murderous rampage would sweep across London, with only a card left in place of the bodies. A simple “X”

He learned ways in which to slow the aging process and bring it to a halt garnering the support and devotion of one Heiress. The Countess Sassoon, who would later discover that her deal with the Invisible man would cost her far more than she was ever willing to give up. 

The gentle rustling of Elvira’s skirts had the Count’s ears prick. He was always keen with his hearing, and with a slow turn on the ball of his left foot, you could see the warmth of his smile – his eyes taking in the sheer elegance and beauty that was Elvira. The colour chosen for this night illuminated her features, and the Count felt almost light headed from the sight of her. How could a man possibly dream to have one so lovely as this for their wife and lover. Setting down his cigar in a small glass dish, he then strode over towards his wife, and with an elegant sweep of his hand, he bowed low before her. Rising, he then stepped in around and came in behind her, as the strains of classical music swept over them. Ever the wolf, he leaned in and made that appreciative growl that she would come to know well. His lips just gracing the skin of her neck, but there was the nip of his teeth that showed he was marking her for later. The Count’s hands had already found her hips, and he drew her into him firmly.

“As always I am captivated by your beauty, my heart.”

Dinner was waiting for them, but the Count seemed intent on tasting his wife first.

She smelt so good to his senses. His eyes flickered darkly, before reaching for her hand, and then gesturing that she sit. Virgo withdrew a chair for her and gave a light nod, hoping she would sit, so he could help her in further.

Ever the gentleman.

<3>

That moment in time, etched in her memory. Her mate turning to see her standing in the light of the candles. His eyes flared darkly and she shivered under his regard. Abandoning his cigar in favor of her company.

He stood before her, executing a low bow, to which she replied with a slight curtsey. He straightened up and came around behind her. To her credit, she remained still, but the heat of his body pressed in around her, making her body hum with desire. The music swelled over them as he growled low in her ear. Her pulse raced. Even know, after the birth of their children, he could still make her feel like that woman a year ago who was swept off her feet by a single kiss.

She felt those same lips brush against the skin of her neck, his teeth nipping at her, letting her know that he wasn’t finished with her just yet.

He took her hand, stepping around her to lead her to their dinner at the table that had been set up for them. He held her chair for her, pushing it in as she sat.

“Thank you, darling. Dinner smells wonderful as always.” She glanced at the musicians, “And I love your taste in music as well.” She glanced around as she placed her napkin in her lap. “I remember another night like this…you and me…moonlight under a gazeebo…” she trailed off, her eyes dark in rememberance. “I do believe Mother had to have the table replaced.” she giggled.

Indeed it had been a good year since that first dinner that they shared. Well, they almost ate. Come to think of it, the Count did. A starlit sky that shone over the pair when the Count made his intentions known that he wished for the succubus to be his, but only when she would let the creature be free from her satin binds. Oh how the words of his love recanting their first time had him show a toothy smile. How could he forget that night? He sure as eggs could remember damaging the table under the gazeebo.

“Broke it in two, if I recall.” The Count said, taking a napkin and tucking it into his collar with a subtle turn of his wrist. Oh he could be the regal Count, but that night he was the true wolf, and took the succubus so hard that she screamed his name for many an hour. How different he was on the surface – polished and refined, yet sweep away the fancy clothes and the romantic notions, and beneath he was a beast in every sense of the word.

Lifting off the silver dome from his meal, the Count was delighted to see that Cook had gone beyond expectation – the meal a sumptuous feast to the senses. “Cook will be rewarded for this fare.” Picking up his utensils, he started to carve into the well cooked fowl, and brought a morsel to his lips. He chewed it thoughtfully, his eyes on his wife, slowly undressing her.

“Sally picked the colour, didn’t she?” The Count chortled, knowing his wife loved black to no end. “I will say this, no matter what you wear, no matter how refined or detailed, it shall be on the floor before you even say my name.”

Ever the playful Lord. He did love their dinner conversations, as he tried to keep them light and without talk of dramas, in particular the recent trip of their servants to her former household. No doubt there would be some talk later, but he didn’t wish to spoil their evening.

Taking up his glass, he said a toast to his wife.

“To my heart, the mother of my children, and the woman whom I worship. My love for you grows like that of the rose, I am all I am because of you.”

<3>

“Broke it in two, if I recall.” he remembered, making her laugh in delight.

Just thinking back to that night made her insides aquiver and she had to squeeze her legs together to keep from moaning.

He lifted the covers off their trays and the smell of well-cooked and seasoned meet assaulted her senses. She cut into her portion and placed the bit upon her tongue. She couldn’t help the moan that escaped her that time. Cook had truly outdone herself.

She looked up as she reached for her wine glass and caught Virgo’s assessing gaze. She may as well have been naked before him as he undressed her with his eyes. She swallowed the bit she’d eaten and took up her glass.

“Sally picked the colour, didn’t she?”

“Yes, she did.” Elvira nodded, setting down her glass, spearing a carrot with her fork. “Why she keeps trying to dress me up in these bright colors is beyond me. I hate them. And stop laughing. It isn’t funny.” She scolded him as he chortled with glee.

“I will say this, no matter what you wear, no matter how refined or detailed, it shall be on the floor before you even say my name.”

“Hmm…I look forward to it.” she smirked, eying him speculatively.

He took up his glass, holding it up to her in a toast. She copied him. “To my heart, the mother of my children, and the woman whom I worship. My love for you grows like that of the rose, I am all I am because of you.”

“Oh darling.” Elvira smiled. “It is that love that has made me the woman I am today. I am no longer that embittered, spoiled woman of yesterday, thinking that the world belonged to me, that it owed me to grace it with my presence. And you have given me three of the greatest gifts I could have ever received; your love…and two beautiful children. Thank you.” she smiled warmly, touching her glass to his before taking a sip. Not once did her eyes leave his.

A black carriage pulled by four dark horses had been laying in wait outside the gates of the Marulo estate. Within the carriage, a man who was wrapped in bandages and holding a jewelled cane. On the seat beside him sat the latest paper that featured an article on the newly arrived twins of the Marulo family. Chuckling darkly to himself, the man in the bandages ran a gloved hand across the image of the happy family.

“A wolf that lays with a demon produces the most delicious of spawn.” His voice was filled with a diabolical edge as the woman who sat across from him flitted her fan wildly. She was not one for kidnapping children, but she knew better than to stay behind when the Master had decided to go ahead with his plans.

“They could be home, Master.” Countess hissed as she peaked out of the curtain that covered the window. The man in bandages didn’t seem to care. “It’s not like…they are going to see me.” Taking off his hat and setting it down, he then removed his glasses with both gloved hands showing no eyes hiding in behind them. Slowly he unravelled the bandages and the invisible man was going to make his first strike against the family Marulo.

Leaving behind his clothing and coat, the door to the carriage opened as though by unseen hand, which it was. A voice called back.

“Be ready to take the children, and driver…we head immediately back to the manor!”

That said, the invisible man spirited off through the gates and left the Countess to her devices. “I hate children.” The Countess going back to admiring herself in her broken compact.

The Nursery

While Sally had been left to take care of the small twins, so that the Count and Countess could enjoy a romantic evening on the terrace, little did she know that danger was lurking close by. The odd sound of padding of footsteps was heard up the hall, then the door handle turned slowly. If she was to see, the door would open all by itself, but could she sense the presence of an intruder?

<3>

Sally was sitting in the rocking chair near the twins, humming a lullabye to follow them into their dreams. She had a roll of yarn in her hands and was currently knitting each of them a blanket that would be a keepsake for them to keep through the remainder of their life. She was quite talented that way.

The click of the door opening caught her attention at once and she looked up to see the door sliding open. But no one entered the room.

Frowning, she got to her feet, setting aside her knitting. She moved to the open door and peeked into the hall. Seeing no one there, she closed the door. After making sure Dominique and Damion were still sleeping, she went back to her knitting, unaware of the danger that lurked close by.

The Lord Horne was not always one to toy with the victims of his malice, however by seeing the demure maid walk straight past him and peek out the door into the hall, he could not help himself. As she was the guardian of the children this eve, he planned to make this baby snatch into a game. Sally was knitting, with a large ball of yarn. Without sound, he crept over to one of the candelabras and started to blow each one out, till only one remained lit.

That would at least give her the feeling that….something was in the room with her and the twins. If that didn’t startle her, he would then pinch the ball of yarn and roll it across the floor towards the patio doors. His view of the children now meant that if she was chasing around the yarn like a silly kitty, he could collect the children and then whisk them out of the room.

He first…picked up Damion and right on cue the baby started to grizzle as its blanket fell away from him. The tiny baby’s feet kicking out in protest. Baby stealing was never going to be easy.

<3>

The candles in the room started going out one by one, causing Sally to look around, eyes narrowed dangerously. It couldn’t have been the wind, seeing as the windows were closed. Her ball of yarn, that she had painstakingly rolled herself, fell from the chair and went rolling across the room, leaving a trail of yarn in its wake. Cursing the air blue, she went after it, not wanting it to unravel completely. She did not hear Damion fuss behind her nor see his little body float into the air as if picked up by unseen hands.

But someone else did, and she was not pleased.

Before the invisible person could even leave, a slight glow appeared in front of his escape route, glowing brighter and brighter with each moment, almost blinding in its intensity.

“You shall not take these children today.” A very powerful voice spoke, just before Evangeline appeared before him. “They are well-protected by one more powerful than Myself and you would do well to leave before I destroy you.” Evangeline was enraged that someone would dare try to harm her charges. She reached for the youngest Marulo child, pulling him into her protective embrace before moving to stand at Dominique’s side.

A second glow began to manifest at her side and she watched passively as another angel staggered into being next to her. He was kind of rough looking and looked as if he’d spent all of his afterlife rolling in dirt. “Hello, Errick.” she greeted him with a sigh.

“‘Ello, love. What’s this we ‘ave ‘ere then?” Errick wondered, looking at the Invisible Man. “My Good Sir, did you know that your nose looks to have fallen off? Quite disturbing that is.” Errick chuckled. Evangeline rolled her eyes and placed the tiny baby boy in Errick’s arms.

“Errick, please stop fooling around and be serious for once. You wished to learn to be a Guardian. Now is your chance to watch and learn.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Errick sighed, straightening up and keeping a careful hold on Damion. Evangeline turned back to the Invisible Man. Clearly he wasn’t invisible if Angels could see him.

“You are still here. I guess I shall have to see you on your way.” She scowled, rubbing her hands together. There was the sound of thunder rolling and yet there were no clouds to be seen. Between her hands, static electricity began to build until there were sparks arching between her fingertips.

Sally had finally gotten a hold of her yarn and turned back into the room, only to pause in shock upon seeing baby Damion floating in midair.

“Satan’s Saggy Balls!” she exclaimed right before she fainted.

Neither angel took notice as the ball of electricity began to grow between Evangeline’s hands. “Leave…now…or you will face My Wrath!” she warned for the final time.

The Invisible man had not counted on the fact that the spawn of a were and demon would be protected by the likes of guardian angels. THIS was most unexpected and caused the Lord Horne to become incensed with rage. How dare they interrupt his fiendish schemes. He may have been unseen to the eyes of mortals and some immortals, but not to that of the pair of guardians, one of which was now holding Damion – the boy cub.

Hissing violently, the Invisible man snatched up the knitting needles that Sally was using and twirled them as though they were slim throwing knives. He was anything if not creative when choosing weapons.

The ball of lightning that Evangeline toyed with was growing by the second and she was threatening Lord Horne with it.

“Does your God know you serve evil?” Lord Horne hissed at the pair, another twirl of the knitting needles, as he glanced down at the unconscious Sally. “I can smell it on her as well. These aren’t mortals….Angel. But their souls….oh yes….mmm…. they smell so good.”

Either way, he was not leaving without getting something out of this situation, and he attempted to throw the knitting needles to plunge into Sally’s chest. If he was accurate, he would soon suck the very soul from her body and then be on his way.

“You’re not HER guardian!”

<3>

Elvira was enjoying her time with her mate, but there was this strange thought in the back of her mind that something was terribly wrong. She just couldn’t figure out what that was. The carefree smile that was upon her face slowly began to disappear.

“Something’s wrong.” she whispered. “Virgo…something’s wrong…” she looked at him, eyes wide with panic. “The children!” She leapt up from the table and made a mad dash into the house. Would she be in time?

Nursery

“Does your God know you serve evil?” the man hissed, picking up Sally’s knitting needles and twirling them in his hands.

“He was the one who assigned Me this duty, one which I have taken on proudly.” Evangeline replied in a calm tone. His gaze moved to the unconcious Sally.

“I can smell it on her as well. These aren’t mortals….Angel. But their souls….oh yes….mmm…. they smell so good.”

“Be that as it may, you will not harm these people. I will not allow you to.” she stated, spreading her hands apart so that the ball of energy hovered between her hands.

“You’re not HER guardian!” he shouted, making to throw the needles at Sally. In the distance, Elvira’s voice could be heard screaming Sally’s name. Just when it looked as if the needles would strike home, they bounced off something invisible, winging off to the left and embedding themselves into the wall with a -Twang!- sound.

A third glow of light, this one pure golden lit up the room like the sun on a summer day. Shocked, Evangeline clenched her fingers, dissipating the ball of energy. She wasn’t aware of any other angels assigned to the Marulos. What was going on?

The being that manifested within the golden light was in a word, Ethereal. With bright golden wings flared out behind her, she seemed larger then life. Her brownish-red eyes took in the room at a glance, her blonde hair flowing in an unseen breeze.

“But I am her guardian. Begone foul demon before I rip your soul to shreds. You are not welcome here.” the woman exclaimed.