Vanilla 1.1.4 is a product of Lussumo. More Information: Documentation, Community Support.
Vermillion Emerson
Vermilllion eased as the stranger turned towards him. He took a few powerful strides, closing the distance between them to a few meters. Finally a fair length from the traveler, the noble managed to get a proper look at the man. Striking blue eyes stared at him from a pale face framed by ashen hair, carrying an interesting smirk.
“Who is asking?” The intriguing man said; his voice suspiciously amiable from the way he looked at the noble.
“Vermillion Emerson.” He answered with a curt nod. “I noticed you were wandering the woods and was wondering if you needed any hel-“ He paused as the stranger took a sudden step towards him.
“You have an air of nobility, strong and proud, but soft too. I like that in a man.” The man commented, laughing as he did so. “If you do know what I mean.”
Vermillion blinked rather dumbstruck at the remark. He rubbed at the back of his neck awkwardly, chuckling slightly along with the stranger. “Yes, thank you, sir.” He ducked his head, slightly embarrassed.
“I am Adder Napier, for those who it may concern.” He introduced.
“A pleasure, Mr. Napier.” The noble gave a small bow. Stealing a glance up at the sky, Vermillion spotted the moon through the high cluster of trees and realized just how late it was. An echoing howl made him jolt and he was not sure if it was just in his mind. He shrugged it off, the cry seemed a long distance off from their current spot in the woods and Vermillion did not hear anything approaching. He took a quick breath before returning to Adder, breaking a smiling. “And what brings you here so late in the day, Mr. Napier? Surely you have heard the stories circling around town?”
CompetitionHeather Fleming
“I want to take care of it. Will you help me?”
Zuco didn’t respond for a moment, then he sighed. Her eyes widened in fear of him saying no, though she wasn’t sure why she was so determined to adopt the little creature. She didn’t even know if it would survive… She’d just found it lying there on the moors, silent and not moving. When she had moved closer to look at it, it had woken up and stared at her with its buggy little eyes, as though wordlessly begging her not to kill it. The look it had given her had done it. She’d scooped it up and it hadn’t left her side since. I’ve hurt so many with my words and foolish actions. But it would be impossible to harm this little creature beyond killing it. I want to be helpful now.
At last Zuco nodded. Heather started to smile. Oh! “I will… definitely attempt to help. Though I am unsure if my presence would…”
She halted a moment, with a sharp intake of breath. Not long ago, she would have overlooked the statement entirely. But now that Zuco was indeed undead – as much as she tried not to think of that – there were precautions she had to make. He’s…not going to…eat it, is he? She held the little bird a little tighter in her arms. “I…I can do most of it myself. I just…” she sighed, but her elation at keeping the mongrel couldn’t be withheld, and she smiled brightly. I have to trust Zuco. I HAVE to. “I just can’t watch him all the time, is all…..and Zuco? Um…Thank you.”
“It is a rather charming little thing, is it not?” Zuco added, and Heather arched an amused eyebrow. The little bird raised its head to inspect the new voice, letting out a tiny choked sound.
“Are you teasing me, Zuco? It’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen…” she smiled, looking warmly down at the bird, “Yet somehow he’s endearing, with those enormous glassy eyes of his…” She met Zuco’s eyes, caught silent for a moment at the always-startling vivid blue there, “I need to go in town and figure out what to feed him. He won’t eat meat, I assure you of that. Maybe there’s something at the general store I can substitute with. He can’t be all that old, but I didn’t see a mother anywhere nearby. I looked for well over an hour.” Heather frowned as her mind worked, going through her mental checklist. “Would you mind watching him for a little while? I’m sure it’s not safe for him out here…”
My Dorky Diner BoyAdder Napier
When Adder asked who wished to know his name, the man replied: “Vermillion Emerson.” Noting the manner of ‘Vermillion’, his nod, and the way he spoke. “I noticed you were wandering the woods and was wondering if you needed any hel-“ Vermillion cut off his sentence as Adder took a step towards him.
‘Help? Oh, no… I think it is you who may need help.’
“You have an air of nobility, strong and proud, but soft too. I like that in a man.” Adder said, then laughed. “If you do know what I mean.”
Seeming rather awestruck, Vermillion slightly recovered, rubbing the back of his neck with unhidden nervousness and letting out a slight laugh that further revealed his uneasiness. ‘Humans are such fools… I adore that about them so much. It means that I don’t often have to hurt them for what I want. “Yes, thank you, sir.” he replied, lowering his head.
Adder smiled and introduced himself. This man, Vermillion, seemed neither a threat nor a hard target. If some reason came about in which Adder needed to… dispose… of this man, it would be so easy, it would be pointless.
“A pleasure, Mr. Napier.” Vermillion said, bowing slightly. A smile twitched at the edge of Adder’s lips, threatening to make him look more menacing, and he did not mimic the gesture. The man before him looked up with calm curiosity at the sky, Adder choosing instead to watch the eyes of the nobleman before him. A howl rang out, and Adder glanced half-heartedly towards the source. Werewolves? Or just wolves? Werewolves were much more fun. Wolves were just a nuisance. Vermillion jolted at the sound, and Adder couldn’t help his smile any longer. ‘Frightened? Good.’ Seeming to recover a bit, Vermillion looked back at Adder and smiling. ‘What a change… You interest me even.’ “And what brings you here so late in the day, Mr. Napier? Surely you have heard the stories circling around town?”
Laughing, Adder nodded. “And anyone is a fool not to believe them. I know, first-hand, that many of them are true.” he said, relaxing. It was more comfortable to simply say the obvious, and it was certainly more amusing to see most people’s reactions. He slipped one hand into his pocket with ease and the other subconsciously slipping into his hair. The hair he had now was so… so… ugly. He sighed. What was the use in hiding? Ambrose, no doubt, would know him whether he was a redhead or not, true? There was no point in being anything less than comfortable.
He met Vermillion’s eyes, wondering what sort of stories this man had heard. ‘Do you believe in ghost stories? What of the stories of witches and vampires, werewolves and other sorts of horrible yet very real things? Are you as naive as you sound, or is it that you choose to sound naive? You seem so interesting… maybe worth my time, maybe worth the investment. Maybe I shall keep you around, Vermillion Emerson… Maybe I can make use of you.’ Adder took several steps towards the man, his strides slow but not seeming too careful. His hand fell from his hair to Vermillion’s chin.
“Do you believe in magykals, Mister Vermillion? Horrible or not?”
Dr. Hal RamseyZuco Izam
“I will… definitely attempt to help. Though I am unsure if my presence would…” Zuco's voice trailed off as he heard Heather's sharp intake of breath. And he could not help but to notice that she was holding the creature tighter in her arms. “I…I can do most of it myself. I just…” she sighed before smiling brightly at him, causing a smile to spread across his face. “I just can’t watch him all the time, is all…..and Zuco? Um…Thank you.”
Eager to change the subject, he said, “It is a rather charming little thing, is it not?” He chuckled softly as she arched an amused eyebrow as the little bird raised its head to look up at him as it let out a tiny choked sound.
“Are you teasing me, Zuco? It’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen…” she replied with a smile, looking warmly down at the tiny animal, “Yet somehow he’s endearing, with those enormous glassy eyes of his…” She met Zuco’s eyes, and he couldn't help but to smile a bit wider as she fell silent for a shrt minute before speaking again, “I need to go in town and figure out what to feed him. He won’t eat meat, I assure you of that. Maybe there’s something at the general store I can substitute with. He can’t be all that old, but I didn’t see a mother anywhere nearby. I looked for well over an hour.” His once-broad smile faultered slightly as he guessed what she would ask before she actually said anything. “Would you mind watching him for a little while? I’m sure it’s not safe for him out here…”
His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked down on the bird, a hint of anger flashing through him before he shoved the feeling aside. And even though he still smiled, he was still a little upset that he was this little creature's undead body guard. With a sigh, Zuco nodded again, not really wanting to meet her eyes at the moment. He didn't really mind looking after the thing, but what really bothered him was the fact that he only had a limited time with Heather before he began to feel thirsty again, and her going into town would potentially be a problem if she spent too long there. For he was having troubles controlling his hunger, and the truth was, he wasn't JUST hunting animals when he went out in the woods.
"Please try to hurry," he muttered, turning his head to the side slightly to look at a random bush as if it was of some value to him.
Vermillion Emerson
In his short jest at Mr. Napier, Vermillion sensed some seriousness in the air. Adder nodded, laughing beforehand and the noble smiled weakly in unison, feeling less intimidation coming from the stranger now. “And anyone is a fool not to believe them. I know, first-hand, that many of them are true.”
Vermillion’s face dropped suddenly for two reasons. Firstly, receiving the complete contrary of what he assumed to hear and the second, and more surprising note, when he heard Adder say ‘first-hand’. What did this man mean? Did he truly encounter some type of creature described in the stories of Helvaband? ‘That’s absurd, impossible.’ But what could Adder achieve if he were simply lying? Observing the man running a hand through his hair with a look of mild irritation, Vermillion noted he did not seem one to joke about silly things. Would that mean there were indeed magykal creatures wandering Helvaband? It was a hard fact to swallow.
The noble suddenly grew uncomfortable but still held a weak smile. Just how has Mr. Napier encountered these beings? ‘Is he a magykal as well?’ His knowledge on the subject was very dim and built up of only the small gossip he had heard from his fellow companions. He did not also plan on looking for the true information straight from the horses mouth but feared he was about to receive just that.
“Do you believe in magykals, Mister Vermillion? Horrible or not?” Adder said, his hand falling from his hair and reaching to his chin. Vermillion paused, unsure what to say. His mouth slightly agape, searching for the rights words to come out, but failing to do so. Napier’s hand at his face, the noble stuttered as he began to speak, using what little courage he could muster to face the daunting man.
“I – I don’t… that is to say, firmly believe in them.” Vermillion let out a strained laugh. “And you Mr. Napier, you say you have encountered some first-hand, that’s quite a silly thing to say. Why, you might have been long dead meeting up with something so dangerous!”
CompetitionHeather Fleming
“It is a rather charming little thing, is it not?” Zuco said with a soft chuckle. Heather looked at him with confusion. The tiny bird lifted its head and looked curiously at the Vampyre.
“Are you teasing me, Zuco? It’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen.” Heather said, then a smile swept over her features, “Yet somehow he’s endearing, with those enormous glassy eyes of his.” She met Zuco’s eyes, and his smile broadened under her gaze. “I need to go in town and figure out what to feed him. He won’t eat meat, I assure you of that. Maybe there’s something at the general store I can substitute with. He can’t be all that old, but I didn’t see a mother anywhere nearby. I looked for well over an hour.” she hesitated at the question, “Would you mind watching him for a little while? I’m sure it’s not safe for him out here…”
Zuco’s eyes narrowed, and although the smile on his lips didn’t falter for an instant, she could tell he wasn’t happy about her request. But you would do it for me, wouldn’t you, Zuco? Please? She silently pleaded with him, making silent promises to only do it in emergencies, claiming that she would only keep him until he was ready to be taught to find food for himself and survive on his own. She was a werewolf after all – she could teach some survival instinct. Remove the entirety of her scent and turn herself into a being that this little creature would despise and fear. The mother-child instinct wouldn’t last, she could promise that. With a sigh, Zuco nodded again, and she beamed. He’s so patient with me sometimes…
“Please try to hurry,” was all he muttered, looking over at a bush as though something important sat there waiting for him. Heather hesitated, studying his face intently. A suspicion arose in her chest that she knew wouldn’t be easily suppressed. Should I ask if…? She mentally shook her mind of the thoughts. No. Trust. That’s a big deal here. I need to trust Zuco, no matter what. If I cannot trust him, love him completely, open up to him…there’s no hope for us. And I don’t want to tear us apart.
“I will,” she said, handing him the small bundle and kissing him on the cheek. After a moment, she placed her lips on his, careful not to be pushy with her kiss, in full knowledge of the dangerous canine teeth hidden behind his soft lips. With one flash she found more evidence to cause her alarm — she tasted blood on his lips. The overwhelming, bitter scent surrounding him like a thick fog. “Zuco…?” she breathed, unable to voice her solidifying assumptions. With each minute he gave her more reason to wonder…what was he up to? It’s possible that it’s just an animal, something to….but…it… Her mind raced. What is he up to? What’s going on in his mind? TELL me, Zuco. Or I’ll go mad!
My Dorky Diner BoyOOC:Gomen nasai a thousand times over, MN! I really, REALLY didn't mean to take this long to post.BIC:
Zuco Izam
"Please try to hurry," Zuco muttered as he reluctantly removed his gaze from her gorgeous eyes. Almost immediately after he said this, there were a few moments of silence in which he could practically feel Heather watching him, studying him intently as if he were some sort of book in a foreign language that she was trying to understand. Seconds seemed to be hours as they both stood there in silence, and he began wondering if he should say something just to break the strange tension that he felt lingered over their heads like a cloud.
"I will," she spoke finally, handing him the small bundle and placing a kiss on his cold cheek. And after a moment, she placed her lips on his, causing him to smile as she pulled away despite the bit of self-resentment that he felt. He had begun to despise his fangs... despise and love, that is. He knew that he needed them to hunt with, but he did not like the fact that she was always so careful around him. Perhaps he was being selfish... in fact, he knew he was.
Looking back into her now-troubled eyes, his brows furrowed in confusion. "Zuco...?" she breathed as her expression became one of silent panic. Balancing the cloth and bird with one hand, he reached up and hesitated slightly before placing a chilly hand on her cheek. Taking a shot out in the dark at what was bothering her, he smiled softly and murmured, "Please don't worry, Heather. I'll take care of the bird, I promise. Nothing will happen to it." Placing a kiss on the top of her head, he gave her a gentle one-armed hug before taking a step back and giving her his best smile.
Suddenly, a thought came to him and a playful glint entered his electric-blue eyes. "Before you go, would you like to name it?" he asked, half joking and half serious as he stood still, smiling brilliantly at her.
Heather Fleming
“Zuco…?” His reply was to lift his free hand and stroke her cheek. She subdued a shiver – he seemed to get phsyically colder everyday. Or perhaps he’d been touching her less and she hadn’t been as used to it.
Seeing the panicky expression on her face, he softly responded, “Please don’t worry, Heather. I’ll take care of the bird, I promise. Nothing will happen to it.” That’s not it at all…well, maybe a little. It does effect him if…. When he kissed the top of her head and embracing her with one arm in what should have been a calming and reassuring gesture, he stepped back and smiled. “Before you go, would you like to name it?”
It wasn’t so much his words, but the winning smile he sent her direction that caught her off-guard. With a shaken expression she brought herself out of the reverie that had left her staring solemnly at Zuco. “Um…not really….Not yet, at least, I mean…after all…” she looked down at the creature and tilted her head to the side slightly. “It looks kind of scrawny and weak. I wouldn’t want to name it and then have it die. That’s…it’s bad luck for me. Once I name it it’s likely to die. Or be eaten.”
She sent him a curious look, “I’ll be back soon, Zuco. I promise.” Then she rushed off into the trees. As the thick entanglement of branches was overcome by her hurried footsteps, she had to fight to maintain a steady breathing. He’s been murdering lately, I know it. How long has this been going on? Why isn’t he telling me anything?
Heather stopped at the edge of the eerie-looking forest, her lips now set in a thin line of determination. I’m being ridiculous. Why am I acting like some fragile damsel, fretting over her lover’s every action? I’ve killed myself. I’ll just have to tell him directly that I—
“Heather?”
She halted, her heart skipped a beat and her body tensed. Heather turned to see a young man standing a few yards behind her, with sandy brown hair. He had a thin build, and he was looking at her incredulously. “Is it really you?”
My Dorky Diner BoyAdder Napier
He asked Vermillion if he believed in magykals, his blue eyes flickering with what little light surrounded them as he waiting for the reply. “I – I don’t… that is to say, firmly believe in them.” Vermillion stammered, seeming quite nervous with the contact of Adder’s hand to his cheek. Adder couldn’t help but smile, though he fought to keep it from being too malicious. Vermillion let out a strangled laugh, though it did not do its job of lightening the situation.
“Don’t you?” he asked, simply, drawing his hand back, though his eyes never left Vermillion’s.
“And you Mr. Napier, you say you have encountered some first-hand, that’s quite a silly thing to say. Why, you might have been long dead meeting up with something so dangerous!” the man tried, though Adder held a look showing he was thoroughly unconvinced.
“It is more dangerous to be ignorant and disbelieve, than to see and to believe.” Adder stated, looking up at the sky. “And it is not silly at all, Mister Vermillion. It is quite sensible.” He now couldn’t help but laugh, as Vermillion was completely unaware of who – or what, as any normal mortal would have probably put it – stood before him. But was it blissfully unaware, or pointed ignorance? Who was Vermillion to try and avoid the truth that surely moved about in the very air he breathed? It was pure foolishness to not have come to some sort of realization by now.
He met Vermillion’s eyes again. “Are you trying to lie to me and say that you have never encountered a magykal before? They must have all obviously been the sentimental sort, if they did not make you aware of their abilities.” he continued, running his fingers through his hair again. Without thinking, his fingertips caused the sable colored strands to flash their true color while under the gentle pressure of his touch. He didn’t even notice this little bit of magyk; it was, by now, a completely subconscious movement towards the desire of his much loved copper colored hair.
It was a complete contrast to his thoughts, where he was in the process of deciding to not be too conspicuous to Vermillion. After all, he didn’t want the man to go off running. That was the last thing he needed… Ambrose was sure to know most everyone in town, and word would get to him somehow of his approach.
Unless Lilith had actually told him, which would be a horrible shock, because that woman seemed nothing short of indignant on the fact that she was not going to be ordered about by anyone.
Not even Adder, which was quite a mistake. After years of practice, he tried hard to pinpoint the desires of those he chose to acquire.
And even though the moment he had spent on his affections for her had been short, he didn’t intend for them to be wasted. No, Lilith was not merely a pawn in this game, to be used and thrown away at the slightest of whims. She would come back into play, that much was obvious to him, though he lacked the ability of natural foresight.
Perhaps she….. yes, that was a possibility. But that wasn’t what he had planned just yet.
Dr. Hal RamseyZuco Izam
“Before you go, would you like to name it?” Zuco asked with a broad smile. He remembered the times his sister named the pets, they were always strange names, names that were long and difficult to pronounce. Probably because no one else tried to say the names, in fear of insulting the young princess in some way. And he supposed that was just her way of having a connection with the pets that no one else did. In an odd way, it made sense to him.
“Um…not really….Not yet, at least, I mean…after all…” he offered her a questioning look as she dropped her gaze to see the tiny creature and tilted her head to the side slightly. “It looks kind of scrawny and weak. I wouldn’t want to name it and then have it die. That’s…it’s bad luck for me. Once I name it it’s likely to die. Or be eaten.” Zuco's eyes widened and he felt slightly disturbed by her words. Surely that can't be true! What force on this earth would deny such a beauty the joy of naming a pet and having it live for a long while afterwards?
Sending him a curious look, Heather stood there for a moment before saying, “I’ll be back soon, Zuco. I promise.” And he watched as she turned and rushed through the trees. When she was finally too far into the woods for him to see, he dropped his gaze to the small bundle in his hands and his eyes widened when the tiny bird that was supposed to be there wasn't. Gasping slightly, he immediately began worrying. Setting the cloth down, he frantically began looking around for the creature, fearing what Heather would say if he told her that he had lost the bird. Why won't it make a sound? Any sound! Where is it?!
Zuco circled the area about four times before he heard the strangled choking sound of the bird. Gasping, he turned around to see movement under the cloth that he had laid down only a few short minutes before. Running over to it, he carefully straightened out the fabric to discover that the creature was there the whole time. Letting out a sigh of relief, he smacked his palm against his forehead and cringed at his stupidity. He was too quick to assume things. Another choking sound was heard and Zuco quickly picked up the bundle and sat with his back against the tree.
After a moment, he looked down at the small bird and tilted his head to the side. And to his amazement, it almost seemed like the animal tilted its head back at him. That settles it... I've completely lost all chances of being sane. Shutting his eyes tightly, he hit the back of his head against the tree and tried to think of something other than the fact that Heather's scent still hung in the air. Another choking sound was heard and he opened his eyes to look at the tiny creature in his hands. "So, what exactly shall we do while we wait?" he asked, not expecting an answer, but wanting to ask the question anyways.
Vermillion Emerson
Mr. Napier seemed to sense Vermillion’s discomfort as he removed his hand from the noble’s chin. He felt slightly relieved though hid it carefully, not wishing to insult the traveler. Something about Adder’s touch frightened him; it was as if he was examining him like an object, something inferior. Vermillion tried to lighten the situation, releasing a rather forced laugh, hoping to ease himself from Mr. Napier’s mysterious behaviour.
“And you Mr. Napier, you say you have encountered some first-hand, that’s quite a silly thing to say. Why, you might have been long dead meeting up with something so dangerous!”
He felt much more relaxed after words but encountered a rather stern face from the other man. “It is more dangerous to be ignorant and disbelieve, than to see and to believe. And it is not silly at all, Mister Vermillion. It is quite sensible.” He was quite serious as he spoke and it slightly worried the noble. ‘He firmly believes in magykals doesn’t he?’ Vermillion thought.
“Are you trying to lie to me and say that you have never encountered a magykal before?” Adder asked. Vermillion stared blankly at Napier, unsure of how to reply. This man carried a large sense of power with him and the noble felt greatly threatened. “They must have all obviously been the sentimental sort, if they did not make you aware of their abilities.”
Vermillion gave a small nod. ‘Perhaps that was it, they were simply hiding.’ His eyes shifted slightly as he noticed just how much the stranger managed to control him and change his way of thinking. ‘But that’s impossible; magykals…don’t exist, do they?’
His eyes suddenly widened as he noticed a glimmer of rouge resonating from the tip of Mr. Napier’s fingers. There was no mistaking it, he could not be simple misunderstanding things, it could not some illusion caused by the dim light in the woods.
“Mr. Napier! Just now, you –“Vermillion paused, considering he had begun to grow insane. ‘Perhaps my memories are flashing before my eyes. Yes, that is it. The young Dubon’s hair is the same copper; I am merely suffering from a plain state of blindness, or something of the sort.’ Yet the possibility that he had truly seen what he had just imagined was great. Mr. Napier’s seriousness with the subject of magykals, it could only mean he was one himself. But what was Vermillion to do now? Adder Napier already bared a rather ominous personality. The noble could not simply run away or run towards the others by his carriage without endangering them also, though Mr. Napier showed no signs of pending onset towards him. Reasoning with himself, Vermillion decided should the traveler wish to cause any harm with him, he would have done so from the very beginning.
“M-Mr. Napier, you would not happen to be a magykal would you?” He asked.
CompetitionHeather Fleming
“No…you can’t be..”
“Heather, it’s me…” the man said, smiling at her, happy to see her, even after she’d abandoned him and ran away, just like every other time. He gestured to himself, and took a step towards her. She shrunk away, making his smile falter. “What’s wrong? Why did you leave?”
“I…I can’t. I can’t go back. You have to understand that, Jacob. You…You have to go.” she couldn’t resist meeting his eyes. Dark eyes clouded with confusion.
“What are you talking about, Heather? Why are you so afraid of me? I’m not going to hurt you…I’d never hurt you. Don’t you remember?” he stepped towards her again, the crackling of underbrush echoing. She couldn’t draw away again, and soon he had his arms around her. No, no no no…. He smiled and kissed her. “Don’t you remember, I promised never to hurt you like he did.”
“I remember…” she breathed. His breath was warm on her face, contrasting with the chill that hung from the air. She pushed him away weakly, “But you have to go. Now.”
Jacob continued to hold her and stare wondrously. His brow furrowed with confusion. “Heather, I want to go with you.”
“But you can’t! My father will—”
“He’ll do nothing, Heather. He can’t do anything to you anymore.” he said with a soft smile. Her eyes widened, the tears she’d been holding back beginning to fall. “He’s dead, Heather. He was killed in the war against Adder’s people.” Heather’s mouth was agape with disbelief, and he answered with a calm nod. “Don’t worry, I had nothing to do with it…even though I’ve been tempted a million times.”
“But, Jacob…I…I can’t. I’ll never be able to…You have to move on without me. I can never…” she took in a slow breath to calm herself. Stay in control. “I can’t. Not anymore.”
Jacob shook his head. “I don’t understand….”
“You don’t have to..” she offered him a little smile, and touched his warm cheek. “You don’t have to, Jacob. But please, for my sake, just go.”
He watched her for a long moment. Then his face broke out into a smile. “Alright. But before I go…I want to show you something.” He wrapped his arms around her tightly, and Heather fought to get away.
“No! Jacob, no! I can’t! Let me go! JACOB!”
He picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, racing off away from the woods.
Heather has….left the woods for the moment? 0 . o
My Dorky Diner BoyZuco Izam
It only took a few moments for Zuco to decide that just waiting there would be unbearably dull. What had it been? Three, four minutes? He couldn't be sure, but it felt like eternity to him. It was hard to imagine how he would be able to survive through eternity with this uneasiness. With this... thirst. Yes. He was still thirsty, the burning sensation in the back of his throat had begun to make itself apparent again. It normally happened around Heather, or others that had a similar scent. There was just something about it that he found appealing. Something that attracted him like a moth to a flame. If only she knew how... how tempting she smelled. But she didn't, so he had to be careful around her. He knew this too well. The concequences of hurting her, even if he could not control himself at the time. It would be practically unbearable. Not that the thought had never crossed his mind before. To say so would be a lie. He could picture the whole scene perfectly in his head. The feel of her smooth skin, her warm neck-
And just like that he was brought out of his thoughts and back into reality when the he heard the choking sound of the bird. Feeling something wet run down his chin, he lifted his hand slowly and touched his lip where the slight sensation of pain was. Surely enough, he had cut his lower lip with his fangs. Earlier on, he had come to the conclusion that that would happen sooner or later, so it wasn't really a surprise when he saw the oddly colored blood on his hand that practically screamed 'Not human!'. Wiping his pale chin with the back of his hand, his eyes fell on the bird in his lap.
What had it been now? Eight minutes?
Smiling down at the creature in his arms, he sighed lightly and placed a finger to it's body. Watching as it tried to move away. The cold. Yes, I have no doubt about it. I am cold. "Sorry I'm not as warm as Heather." Zuco muttered, silently berating himself for talking to an animal that could certainly not reply. Slowly, an idea formed in his mind. He could bring the bird to Heather so she wouldn't have to worry about anything bad happening to it! His eyes brightened automatically as he wondered about wether or not he could catch up with her. She was fast when it came to running and he had no doubt in his mind that she would not take more time then what was necessary. Jumping to his feet, he could still smell Heather's scent as it hung in the air around him like a silk veil. He had never tried tracking someone before, so he would have to be careful and try to stay focused. Which was hard for him to do sometimes. He knew this all too well. "This is going to be fun." he practically growled in excitement as he began to sprint. He ran and ran hard, like Hell itself was on his heels.
It didn't take very long for him to get close to reaching her, and even though he had enjoyed running, he stopped and stood completely still. Not bothering to check and see if the bird was okay, he looked around and inhaled deeply, checking to see if he was on the right path. "JACOB!” Zuco heard someone cry out and felt his whole body tense up. It was Heather's voice! Without a second thought, he ran again. But he was too late. He got there just in time to catch a glimpse of Heather's brown hair disappearing behind some trees, but it seemed higher than usual. Was someone carrying her? Was that possible?
His blue eyes widened in utter disbelief as a choking sound of protest came from the bird in his hands.
OOC: GOMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN NASAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAI
BIC
Adder Napier
As Adder drew his hand away, Vermillion let out a forced laugh that sent a mischievous smile across Adder’s face. ‘You are uneasy, Vermillion. Are you afraid of me?‘
“And you Mr. Napier, you say you have encountered some first-hand, that’s quite a silly thing to say. Why, you might have been long dead meeting up with something so dangerous!” Vermillion said, looking a bit more comfortable before Adder met his eyes seriously.
“It is more dangerous to be ignorant and disbelieve, than to see and to believe. And it is not silly at all, Mister Vermillion. It is quite sensible.” was Adder’s reply. Of course it seemed sensible to a magykal that magykals existed, but to a poor mortal with no power at all? Perhaps not. But that was none of Adder’s concern, not at this point in time. “Are you trying to lie to me and say that you have never encountered a magykal before?” The worried look in Vermillion’s eyes did not daunt Adder as he continued. In fact, it rather encouraged him. He loved to intimidate those who were below him. It reminded him of how far he had come. “They must have all obviously been the sentimental sort, if they did not make you aware of their abilities.” This earned a nod from Vermillion, and Adder absently wound his fingers through his own hair, thinking on very serious matters – more than likely only to Adder himself – when the other man seemed startled.
“Mr. Napier! Just now, you –“ Vermillion cried before he stopped himself, making Adder meet his eyes with torrid interest. ‘Say what you will say, ignorant mortal. I do not like those who allow themselves to speak only part of a thought. It irritates me.‘
“Just now, I what , Vermillion?” he hissed gently, standing firmly, never breaking their eye contact in the least.
“M-Mr. Napier, you would not happen to be a magykal would you?”
After a moment of what could have seemed to be hesitation, Adder let out a deep laugh of realization, a sinister smile slowly crossed his powerful features. He advanced, taking hold of Vermillion’s collar with only two of his fingers, showing how easily control came to him. “Are you afraid of me, Vermillion? Are you afraid of me because it has crossed your mind I could be a magykal, or are you simply frightened easily?” he asked, in a calm tone but something in his voice sounded completely maddened. Adder let go of Vermillion with a jerk of his hand, indicating he was done with that as another dark laugh came from him. “Suffer the facts, young noble, for I am magykal, and I intend to make it very clear to this entire town until I find what I am looking for.” He let out a flash of white light from his finger tips, pinning Vermillion to a nearby tree. Adder close to Vermillion’s face as the noble was laid victim to the magyk that held him in place. His smile grew demonic as his plan gained another piece.
“And you are going to help me, Vermillion Emerson. Won’t you?”
Dr. Hal RamseyVermillion Emerson
“Mr. Napier! Just now, you –“ Vermillion exclaimed, though paused midway. He could feel perspiration rising as he believed he was going insane. The cold air in the woods calmed him somewhat, but he had trouble composing himself. Clearly his eyes were fooling him, as if Mr. Napier could cause his hair colour to change with a simple touch, as if anyone.
“Just now, I what , Vermillion?” Adder asked, his blue eyes burning at the noble. There was something about this man that made Vermillion force himself to look away temporarily. Yet the very gesture seemed to make fear rake deep within the noble as if he were doing something that would greatly displease Mr. Napier. Cautiously, he asked, unable to hide his nervousness;
“M-Mr. Napier, you would not happen to be a magykal would you?”
There was a great pause then suddenly Vermillion could not help but turn his head back at Adder as he began to laugh. The sound made the noble uneasy at first but eventually he managed to let out a short chuckle as well. ‘Yes, what a silly idea, Mr. Napier could never have been magykal. I must seem foolish right now, asking something so childish.’
He suddenly gasped, staring in confusion as he watched Adder approach him, bearing a rather menacing smile. He wouldn’t dare speak as the man caught hold of his collar. Vermillion could definitely feel himself perspire as he looked back at Mr. Napier’s face. ‘Why do I feel as if I am looking Death in the face?’
“Are you afraid of me, Vermillion? Are you afraid of me because it has crossed your mind I could be a magykal, or are you simply frightened easily?” Adder let Vermillion go, and the noble slowly let himself fall to the ground, fear not letting his legs support him. He could not get himself to answer let alone face Adder again.
“Suffer the facts, young noble, for I am magykal, and I intend to make it very clear to this entire town until I find what I am looking for.”
‘The town?’ Vermillion repeated in his head. ‘No! Not Helvaband as well!’ He raised his head. The noble caught a short glimpse of white light before groaning painfully as he felt himself making contact with something hard against his back.
“And you are going to help me, Vermillion Emerson. Won’t you?” He could hear Mr. Napier’s voice as he let himself register where he was. Pressed firmly against a tree, his eyes widened at Adder’s smirk. He nodded weakly, fearing for his life. Whether he liked it or not, he was now part of whatever Adder Napier had planned for Helvaband.
“What do you want of me, Mr. Napier?”
CompetitionThe forest was unusually silent. The trees stood tall holding their memories of long lost secrets, like guardians of the forest. Sterling softly lowered himself upon the thickest branch and stretched his wings. His eyes searched among the tress, scrutinizing every detail of the gloomy forest. Its endless abyss stretched on in every direction, as if it wished to devour his being within its nothingness.
'It's peaceful here.' Sterling lets out a sigh as he takes off and gently floats among natures latticework. 'Here i can relax in my true form with no fear of discovery; only other beast of mystery to bear witness to me. If only i could be a simple pheonix, as paradoxical as it may seem. The price of sentience was something i didn't ask to pay for... curse that woman! This town of Helvaband should be the last place she would think to look so i should be safe, but her spies could be anywhere so i must be cautious '
Though Sterling has only been in this cycle for a few days, his memories extend beyond the common man. As he enjoys his time in quiet, his mind scours through his past times of peace and war, among all the people he's known. The ones he loved and had to watch die, brought down by the infernal beast of time in its suffocating grasp.'To be immortal and capable of emmotions is a curse I would wish upon no one. The blessings are heavily outweighed and...' He quickly brings himself to a stop and jerks around. The bushes rustle near by.'Someones coming, i must take cover' Enveloped in a soft light, Sterling switches from his true form and quickly reshapes himself into a red fox. ' Should i run? No, i'll follow this person. I'll need a friend in this town, it just needs to be confirmed whether they work for her or not.'
"Now, don't be getting too far ahead, Miss!" cried the anxious voice of Polly, the Fitzgerald's maid. Mama was out visiting a new friend in town and Lottie had elected not to come, but over the course of the morning had become so bored that she had begged Polly to accompany her on a walk through the woods. The Helvaband girl had been frightened at first, but Lottie had been able to persuade her by promising to buy her the material for that dress that the maid had been talking about all week. What's so bad about the woods, anyway? she thought. There's no reason to be scared of it, is there?
"Oh, don't be such a baby, Polly!" Lottie replied, pulling the hood of her cloak back. The sun was just starting to break through the thick clouds and the canopy of the forest, and it shone in an almost ethereal way through the trees. Snow still lay in a blanket upon the ground, and Lottie could see her and Polly's breath coming out in icy puffs, but the sun made it seem warmer than it really was. She threw her arms out and spun around, her cloak and dress fanning out as she did so. "Oh, it's so beautiful out here!"
"Miss Lottie!" Polly said, running to catch up to her, her grey cloak trailing behind her. "Don't leave my sight!" she said in her funny accent Mama said was from a place called Yorkshire. "What would yer Mam say if I lost ye? Stay close to me now, Miss. Strange things abound in these woods..." The maid's eyes fluttered as she looked around nervously. Lottie laughed. "Oh, please. There's nothing to be scared of."
Polly shook her head. "No, Miss, I really think we oughta be heading back..."
Lottie put her hands on her hips. "We just got here! C'mon, Polly, it's so nice out here!" Polly looked away, and Lottie sighed. "Well...I'm the oldest, and I say we're staying!" It was true--Polly was only seventeen, ten years Lottie's junior, and Lottie didn't expect her orders to be defied. She turned away triumphantly and said, "Come on, Polly, I'll race you! Ready, set, go!"
She took off running, barely hearing Polly's cries of protest. She laughed happily as the wind blew her hair and dress back as she ran, not even caring about the snow that soaked the hem of her dress and leaked into her boots. This is what I've missed. Just...playing in the snow, being able to go outside. I love having all this room to play here. I never want to leave Helvaband.
When she became too tired to run, she flopped down onto the snow, panting. "Polly?" she called, searching the woods for the girl. "Polly, where are you? We're racing, not playing hide and seek..."
A twig snapped behind her, and she whirled around, breathing hard. "Polly? Is that you?" She strained her eyes to see through the thick covering of trees. Lottie heard another twig break as a brilliant red fox stepped into view. "Oh!" she gasped softly, a smile coming over her face. "Hello, there, little fox. Please don't be afraid. I'm not gonna hurt you."
Lottie by MasciiSterling
'I guess I will follow that sound and track down what is making it' Sterling carefully moves forward, bobbing and weaving through the low lying branches, his paws lightly bounching off the snow covered ground. As he rounds the trunk of tree, he finds himself standing face to face with a young girl. Her blue eyes seem to pierce down to ones soul, and Sterling can see the pureness of hers from that look. "Oh! Hello, there, little fox. Please don't be afraid. I'm not gonna hurt you." He stares right back into eyes, trying to gauge her intentions. 'She seems kind, but it's too early to tell. Human, no doubt, and if i had to guess an age i'd say late 20s. She doesn't have that look in her eye's that signifies one of that woman's servants, but i cannot be too cautious. I guess it's time i called upon the fox; i'll play it's role till i am sure, without a doubt, that this young one is safe.'
'Come forth, fox, Show me your ways' Sterlings mind fills with the thoughts of the fox.[What is this Stranger? Why is it here? I must be cautious, approach but be on guard, ready to act suddenly.] When Sterling gains the form of a creature, he not only absorbs their physical form, but also gains access to their memory, instincts, and personality. As that creature, he can tap into his stored version of their mind and gain insight into how they view the situation. This allows him to mimic them and avoid being caught as a fake. Now he is communicating with the mind of that fox that he aquired long ago.
Adhering to the fox, Sterling crouches low and slowly approaches, never taking his glance off of her.[Soft voice, reassuring. Is it nice? Seems so. Must smell it to be sure it is not bad.] As Sterling approaches he reaches his nose close without making a sudden movement and sniff her hand softly.[It's not a wolf or a bear, cant be dangerous, it can't. Must show I'm not dangerous.] He gently nuzzles her hand with the side of his face.
Lottie stayed perfectly still, her breathing the only sound to be heard in this area of the forest. She kept her eyes on the fox, both mesmerized and a little afraid. Hadn't Mama always warned her to stay away from wild animals? Her mother's warnings filled her head...'They're unpredictable and dangerous, Lottie. You should never, under any circumstances, even if I'm with you, approach a wild animal. Even if they seem sweet and tame and friendly, you shouldn't get close to one. They're called "wild" for a reason--you never know when they're going to feel scared or threatened and attack. They could really hurt someone...'
Oh, but that's just Mama being Mama, Lottie told herself. She always has to worry about something, I guess...this little fox doesn't look dangerous at all.
Lottie gazed intently at the fox with a smile on her face, hoping she wouldn't scare it away. "It's alright," she crooned softly. "It's okay. You're safe, I won't try and hurt you."
Lottie's breath caught in her throat as the fox crouched low and began walking towards her, every pawstep careful. Her face took on a look of surprise it reached out it's nose to sniff her hand. "That's right," she said. "I'm not going to hurt you." To her astonishment, the fox gave her hand a gentle nudge with it's face, as if telling her that he believed her words. Lottie gave a delighted sigh and slowly reached out to pat the top of it's head.
It's fur was softer than she expected, very similar to a cat's but a bit harsher and more matted. Lottie laughed happily as she petted her new friend. "Now, what's your name, then, little fox? And what are you doing out here all alone? Where's your mama and the rest of your family, hmm? What made you decide to come over and see me?" She made a small contented noise and grinned. She knew the fox could not answer her, of course, but she still wanted to ask the questions.
Lottie by MasciiThe girl seemed to get the message, for after his show of peace, she reached out and petted him on the head. Sterling was scrutinizing every move, watching for any false moves or hidden emotions, but all he saw was her pure innocents.It is almost certain now, there is nothing but good in her soul. I can since her child-like spirit, it is not tainted like one capable of evil. I believe i can trust her, at least let her know i'm sentient [Pretty. Girl have food? maybe give some rabbit? Mmmmm Rabbit.]
That's enough, little fox. You've done your part, now go back to sleep. Sterling heard the fox's thoughts give a long yawn. [I'm tired... sleep...peace] Sterling continue looking intently at her.She reminds me so much like the young girl who sheltered me from the witch so long ago. Though that was ages past, and i know that the girl was... he shook away those painful thoughts.
As the girl pet Sterling, she began to laugh, her joy seemingly cutting the deepest shadow of the forest as the edge of the sharpest knife.Laughter like that can not be duplicated by any denizen of the witch, no matter how hard they try. This proves it, i should trust this girl. The girl looks down at him and says "Now, what's your name, then, little fox? And what are you doing out here all alone? Where's your mama and the rest of your family, hmm? What made you decide to come over and see me?"
She obviously did not expect any answers, as far as she knew he was only a fox.I believe i shall answer her questions. Best to try not to scare her though, mind talk is startling to some. Sterling reached out with his mind, and begin to communicate his words into her thoughts. "Hello, little one, it is I, the fox. Don't be startled, i'm speaking directly with your mind. In answer to your questions, it is peaceful out in this forest and no chance of getting caught by a certain someone. As for family, they were taken from me long ago. I've come to you because I am new in Helvaband and need a friend who can help me, and i can sense that you are not a bad person.My name... is Sterling."
Lottie sat in contentment for a little while longer, petting her new fox friend happily and murmuring softly to it. See, Mama doesn't know what she's talking about, not really, she thought, grinning. This little thing isn't going to hurt me... She was about to say more to her new friend when a voice broke into her mind, strange and unfamiliar, and yet altogether comforting at the same time...
"Hello, little one..."
"Hmmm?" Lottie said, looking around to find the source of the voice. The woods remained as silent and empty as ever, herself and her companion the only living forms to be seen. "That--that's funny," she said nervously. "I thought I...
"It is I, the fox."
With a startled cry, Lottie jumped back, her eyes wide and staring at the fox. "What? No...that's impossible...am I dreaming? Is that it, is this just a dream?" She peered deep into the fox's face as it spoke again, the words echoing around her mind as clearly as if they were her own thoughts and wishes..."Don't be startled, I'm speaking directly with your mind. In answer to your questions, it is peaceful out in this forest and no chance of getting caught by a certain someone. As for family, they were taken from me long ago. I've come to you because I am new in Helvaband and need a friend who can help me, and i can sense that you are not a bad person. My name... is Sterling."
Lottie could feel her breath coming in sharp bursts as she stared at Sterling, still wondering if this was all real. Slowly, she nodded. "Sterling. Hello, Sterling. I'm Lottie."
Lottie by MasciiAs Sterling began to speak, the girl seemed to look surprised as to be expected. She began to look around as if to be searching for the source of the voice.""That--that's funny. I thought I..." she began to say, but Sterling cut her off. "It is I, the fox."
The silence laid heavy on the air as the girl seemed to be drinking it all in. Maybe i was too forward, a talking animal is quite a lot to take in.She began to speak,"What? No...that's impossible...am I dreaming? Is that it, is this just a dream?"
Sterling continued,"Don't be startled, I'm speaking directly with your mind. In answer to your questions, it is peaceful out in this forest and no chance of getting caught by a certain someone. As for family, they were taken from me long ago. I've come to you because I am new in Helvaband and need a friend who can help me, and i can sense that you are not a bad person. My name... is Sterling."
She seemed to still be shocked by the whole thing.She probably thinks its all a dream, and as far as she knows it might as well could be. I ensure it is quite not. She seemed to be coming to terms with it, for she began to nod and said, "Sterling. Hello, Sterling. I'm Lottie."
"Lottie... what a pretty name.", he said. She reminds me so much of Aisha... so sweet and innocent. I hope the same fate does not befall this one, i won't let it... not again. He cleared his thoughts again and sighed. "You need not worry about any of the beast in this forest Lottie, i will protect you. Now tell me little one, why are you in this forest alone?"
How is this possible? Look at me, I'm talking to a fox, for heaven's sake! It's like something out of a storybook, or a fairy tale! Is this real, or am I just dreaming? What would Mama say if she were here? Hmmm...well, if I were to tell her about it, she'd say it was just my imagination. She always says things like that, and she doesn't believe in things like magyck. Is that what this is, magyck? Am I talking to an enchanted fox? Oh, this is so strange...but it doesn't feel like a dream. It feels real. Everything does...the snow, the cold, Sterling. I don't think it can be a dream if it feels so real...besides, when I'm dreaming I never stop to think about whether it's a dream or not...
Sterling spoke to her in her mind again, cutting through her own curious, confused ramblings. "Lottie... what a pretty name," he said. Lottie beamed down at him--she was almost certain the fox was male, for the voice in her head certainly sounded so--her uncertainty momentarily forgotten. "Thank you."
Sterling gave an audible sigh before saying, "You need not worry about any of the beast in this forest Lottie, I will protect you. Now tell me little one, why are you in this forest alone?"
"I was out walking with my maid," Lottie began. "I was getting so bored of staying inside all the time, and it looked so nice outside...anyway, I convinced Polly to go out with me, even though she didn't want to. It was really odd...like she was scared of the forest or something. I'm not scared, but she was. Anyway, I decided to race her, and I sort of lost track of her...and then I found you!" She smiled again, but it wavered and became less confident. "Why was she scared? Is there a reason to be scared of these woods? And...you said--thought--said--something about me helping you...how could I possibly do that? What's going on here?"
Lottie by MasciiSterling listened intently to Lottie as she began to rattle off her story. "I was out walking with my maid. I was getting so bored of staying inside all the time, and it looked so nice outside...anyway, I convinced Polly to go out with me, even though she didn't want to. It was really odd...like she was scared of the forest or something. I'm not scared, but she was. Anyway, I decided to race her, and I sort of lost track of her...and then I found you!" She paused for a moment and smiled, but when she spoke again, Sterling noticed more unease in her voice. "Why was she scared? Is there a reason to be scared of these woods? And...you said--thought--said--something about me helping you...how could I possibly do that? What's going on here?"
Her mother seems a bit over-protective, but i'd be a fool to say that she was without reason. These woods aren't the safest place in Helvaband. Sterling took a moment to glance around the forest to make sure there were no unwanted persons intruding on their conversation.I think it would be best if I tried to settle her worries.
"Your mother's fears are not without warrant, for there are many beast in these woods. You need not fear them though, for I am here to protect you." Sterling jerked his head to the side, for he felt something off about his surroundings. After affirming that nothing was there, he continued. "You see, I came to this town to hide from someone; an evil lady, a witch whose name i care not to speak. She has been hunting me for a long time. Being in constant pursuit leaves me very lonely, and I felt that you were one I can trust. I also wish to know if there was anyone in this town I should be wary of, someone who could possibly be one of the witch's henchman. Do you know anyone like that, little one?"
It was a few moments before Sterling spoke to Lottie again. "Your mother's fears are not without warrant, for there are many beast in these woods. You need not fear them though, for I am here to protect you." Lottie nodded to show that she understood, but really, Sterling's admittance that something was amiss in the wood didn't do much to calm Lottie's unease. What's going on? Why is everyone so scared? It's not just Mama or Polly...it's everyone. I can see it when I walk through town--a fear in everyone's eyes, even when they're smiling. It's like they're afraid of something they can't see, but they don't want to tell themselves they're afraid. Like me, when I stay in bed when I'm afraid instead of going to get Mama during a storm, because...once you admit that you're scared of something, it only seems to get scarier.
"You see, I came to this town to hide from someone; an evil lady, a witch whose name i care not to speak."
Lottie's eyes widened drastically, and she gasped out loud. "A...a witch?" she whispered in horror. "A real witch, like in all the fairy tales?" I was right! I knew I was right! I knew Magyck was real, even though Mama said it wasn't, that it was just silly stories! A small smile came over Lottie's face, but it vanished as soon as the gravity of what Sterling had said hit her. It is just like a fable, isn't it? In the stories, not all of the Magyck is good.
"She has been hunting me for a long time. Being in constant pursuit leaves me very lonely, and I felt that you were one I can trust. I also wish to know if there was anyone in this town I should be wary of, someone who could possibly be one of the witch's henchman. Do you know anyone like that, little one?"
Frantically, Lottie wracked her brain, trying to think of any information she held that would be able to help her new companion. "I...I don't know," she admitted. "We've only been here a few months, and I haven't met very many people yet..." Oh, I have to help him somehow, I have to! But how...
"I'm sorry, I don't know," she said with a sigh. "But I think I know someone who might. My friend, Drake Dekker. He knows everyone here, so he might know if anyone in town is in league with the--with the witch." She sighed again, wearily. "Oh, Sterling...what happened?"
Lottie by MasciiAs Sterling spoke, Lottie seemed uneasy at the mention of the beast and most certainly the witch. Am I being too straight with her? Should I soften my words? No, if I am to say anything it shall be the truth. Yet still, should I try to comfort her? I do not know what use I would be... When Sterling finished, Lottie seemed to be in serious thought. Sterling was sure that she was trying her hardest to come up with some information that would be of use to him. She really wants to help... so much like her... in every way Sterling had to draw his composure again, to keep his mind of sad thoughts from the past.
"I...I don't know.We've only been here a few months, and I haven't met very many people yet... she spoke between thoughts, as Sterling patiently waited while she scoured her own mind for information. "I'm sorry, I don't know," she sighed, reluctantly giving up. "But I think I know someone who might. My friend, Drake Dekker. He knows everyone here, so he might know if anyone in town is in league with the--with the witch" She sighed again. "Oh, Sterling... what happened?" Sterling smiled as much he could as a fox. "Thank you, Lottie, you've helped enough. I will see your friend when i get the chance. Now, about my story..."
The story of how I became what I am... it's painful for me to think about. But she did ask me, so I shall give her what she wishes. I don't want to bore her, so I will tell the abbreviated version. "If I were to name all of the atrocities the witch has committed, I would still naming as the season's change and the years pass many times over, so I will make it short. It began long ago when the witch captured me and my family and..." Sterling paused, realizing he was leaving out something important. "I'm sorry, it just occurred to me that I have yet to tell you what I truly am. This fox is just a form I have borrowed. What am I really? I am.." a soft light covered Sterling as he switched to his true form. He stretched out his wings, his feathers glistened in what little light broke it's way into the forest. "I am a phoenix."
Even though it was certainly impossible for a fox, Sterling seemed to smile at Lottie, and she let herself let go of some of her uneasiness. He said he would protect me. I don't need to be scared. I always have someone who will try and keep me safe, wherever I go. I have Mama, and I have Sterling...and I have Drake. He'd protect me, too, I know he would, if I ever needed him to.
"Thank you, Lottie, you've helped enough. I will see your friend when i get the chance. Now, about my story..." The fox--if that's what he really was, which Lottie now found herself doubting, paused for a moment. He's magyckal, I know that. He can talk to me without really speaking at all. He might just be an enchanted fox, but...I think he's more than that, somehow. Maybe he's just pretending to be the fox so this witch--whoever, wherever she is--won't find him...
"If I were to name all of the atrocities the witch has committed, I would still naming as the season's change and the years pass many times over, so I will make it short. It began long ago when the witch captured me and my family and..."
Lottie gasped out loud. "She took your family? Oh, Sterling...that's awful." Not knowing what else to do, she gave the fox a gentle pat on the head. "I'm sorry,"[/i] said Sterling suddenly, "it just occurred to me that I have yet to tell you what I truly am. This fox is just a form I have borrowed."
In spite of herself, Lottie smiled. "I knew it! I knew you weren't really a fox...but then..." She trailed off, wanting Sterling himself to fill her in on what exactly his true form was.
"What am I really? I am.." Before Lottie's very eyes, a light surrounded the fox, dimming his features until only his silhouette showed. Lottie's eyes widened as the light faded and she saw what Sterling truly was. "Oh...oh my..."
Where Sterling the fox had been not a moment before stood the most magnificent creature Lottie had ever seen. An enormous bird of some sort, sporting brilliant red feathers and eyes of the clearest blue Lottie had ever seen. Is this really happening? This is so much better than the stories! "I am a phoenix."[/i]
For a moment Lottie was confused, searching through her memories and trying to recall whether she had ever heard any stories of phoenixes. Shortly, though, her eyes lit up as she remembered. "Oooh! Yes! A phoenix--the bird that catches fire when it's time for it to die, and then it gets reborn from the ashes! I never--I never even thought to believe that those were real!" She blushed a bit. "I mean...sorry. But...this is amazing!" Gently, she reached out a hand to touch the bright feathers on Sterling's neck. "If I didn't know better I would say this was all just a dream..."
Lottie by MasciiAdder Napier
“Mr. Napier! Just now, you –“
Curious, that Vermillion would be so startled all of a sudden. Curious, that he would see anything that would peak his interest. Curious, that he wouldn’t finish what he was saying.
Was he afraid of speaking his mind?
“Just now, I what , Vermillion?” Adder questioned, watching Vermillion with an unwavering gaze, even as the mortal man looked away from him.
“M-Mr. Napier, you would not happen to be a magykal would you?”
There was a silence, and Adder heard the man force out a laugh, as if to comfort himself. Adder’s face curled into a malicious smile as he took hold of Vermillion by the collar, cornering his prey in both mind and body.
“Are you afraid of me, Vermillion?” he whispered, now letting his plan fall in place. “Are you afraid of me because it has crossed your mind I could be a magykal, or are you simply frightened easily?” Releasing his grasp on the man, Adder could not restrain his fitting smile of wickedness. “Suffer the facts, young noble, for I am magykal, and I intend to make it very clear to this entire town until I find what I am looking for.” Not wanting the Vermillion to run, Adder thrust him against a tree, drawing close to the noble’s face.
“And you are going to help me, Vermillion Emerson. Won’t you?”
As Vermillion nodded, Adder watched with a proud expression. “What do you want of me, Mr. Napier?”
Adder let out a dark laugh, letting Vermillion fall to the ground once more. “I know well that this will take time. There must be a place, unexpected, where I might dwell.” his eyes flickered as he spoke, and he looked around. “There was a very large home as I came towards the town, with an enormous garden.” Adder met Vermillion’s eyes firmly, staring him down. “Who lives there?”
Dr. Hal RamseyVermillion Emerson
When Adder asked Vermillion to help him, he could not help but obey. He could feel the sweat at the side of his face, the fear, the fear of dying evident in his eyes. The noble nodded weakly, looking away from the other man’s eyes and murmured,
“What do you want of me, Mr. Napier?”
Vermillion flinched as he heard Adder release a cruel laugh and let him go. He fell to the ground and swallowed deeply. The noble was thankful when he felt the cold earth underneath him, yet all the more frightened as Mr. Napier seemed to tower over him now.
“I know well that this will take time. There must be a place, unexpected, where I might dwell.” Adder started and Vermillion wasn’t quite sure if he was supposed to say anything. The raven haired man looked around for a moment before adding, “There was a very large home as I came towards the town, with an enormous garden.” Emerson cowered as his eyes seemed to bore into him. “Who lives there?”
He froze at the question. Vermillion wasn’t sure how to answer. There was no escape and he feared what would happen to him should he lie, but if he told Adder…. ‘What could the man be plotting involving the Bingley’s?’
“Yes, well that must be the Bingley’s you saw,” Vermillion hesitated; somehow he felt he would pay for this in the future. ‘I’m a dead man.’ He thought, biting his lips. “They-they are very kind people…” Emerson quickly added, hoping it would do him some good. If anything should happen to them, what would he do? He was an accomplice now. ‘Oh gods, forgive me.”
CompetitionThe air stood still as silence blanketed the forest. The trees themselves seemed to embrace the quiet, as Sterling to seemed to stand out like a single shining star in the middle of the black sky. He stared at Lottie with the patience similar to that of the wisest of men. She seemed confused, as if trying to rack her brain for some lost memory or realization. It seemed to come to her in an instant, for her eyes lit up as the dawning of a new day.
""Oooh! Yes! A phoenix--the bird that catches fire when it's time for it to die, and then it gets reborn from the ashes! I never--I never even thought to believe that those were real!" She seemed to be slightly blushing as she continued, "I mean...sorry. But...this is amazing!" Lottie reached out and softly stroked Sterling on the neck. Its as if she finds this hard to believe, and I can understand as such. It is not everyday a legendary bird speaking to your thoughts jumps out and says hello. What would I do if these roles were reversed? Invite her to tea? Lottie continued "If I didn't know better I would say this was all just a dream..."
Such innocent curiosity and surprise. Should I continue my story from earlier? No, such a dark thing need not reach her ears. She knows all she needs to. Sterling lifted one of his wings and placed it gently on her shoulder. "I can assure you, Little one, it is not a dream. I am as real as the forest you see here. Now come, tell me, do you live around here? The hour is late, and if you like, I can see that you get home safely. I will just have to travel in a less conspicuous form."
The soft light enveloped Sterling and he shifted himself into a squirrel. After taking a few moments to get use to his smaller self, he climbed up on Lottie's shoulder and awaited for her reply.
Sterling was silent for a moment as Lottie gently stroked the magnificent plumage around his neck. So soft! The stories never said that. They also never said phoenixes could change into other animals whenever they felt like it...maybe a lot of the stories I've heard are wrong? It's hard to believe...but so is everything Sterling's told me about magyck. I've traveled all over, I've heard so many stories...could one of those help him, maybe? I wish I knew more...
"I can assure you, Little one, it is not a dream," Sterling told her gently, his voice once again echoing softly around her head. "I am as real as the forest you see here." Lottie smiled at this, a small chuckle escaping her lips. "I know."
"Now come, tell me, do you live around here? The hour is late, and if you like, I can see that you get home safely. I will just have to travel in a less conspicuous form." With another flash of light, though not as blinding to Lottie's eyes this time, the phoenix sitting before her became a small squirrel and clambered up onto her shoulder. Lottie laughed again and patted the top of his head. "I wish I could do that!" she cried, only half-joking.
"I live in Helvaband, just on the edge of town...not in the outskirts, where we are, but not in the middle of things either...kind of in between the town and what lies beyond it. I know how to find it, but I would probably feel better if you came with me..." She lowered her voice. "The witch."
She took a few steps forward before remembering. "Oh, I forgot Polly!" she cried out, looking around for the missing maid. "It's our maid, Sterling. She came with me into the forest, but we got separated...and she's scared of the woods! Oh, what was I thinking?" Lottie's voice became slightly higher-pitched as her worry grew. "She's going to be so angry with me...Polly! Polly, where are you?"
Lottie by MasciiOOC: Planned interaction with Becki/Daniel! Hope this works for you, lava. BIC:
Daniel Middleton
The warm day provided a suffocating sun, and Daniel wandered beneath the trees to escape from the heat. The forest was old, and the oaks and pines that towered above him provided a green and yellow canopy. If Daniel had ever been into photography, he would have longed for the opportunity to point and shoot to capture the beauty of the afternoon. But he broke too many camera for that to be a possibility. If Daniel had ever been a painter, an artist, he would have raced off for a canvas and supplies, sat down just in the shelter of the trees, and created his own version of what he saw before him. But after three year old Daniel had swallowed an assortment of watercolors and oils, his mother had never allowed him near the chemical, and indeed, strongly discouraged any interest in it through his high school years. But Daniel loved to cook, and he liked stories. The former here offered nothing for the picturesque view of the entanglement of moss and vines creeping up the trunks and entwining itself around the saplings and bushes, through roots and creek beds. But he could enjoy a story on a warm day with nothing to do, and he could enjoy it even more with a good book and a cool place to sit. He had never been much into books, preferring their movie counterparts, but recently he’d found some sort of simple pleasure in them. Not because they were easily accessible – which they were, since after Kip Hawkin’s mysterious disappearance Cody had doubly reassured his two semi-permanent guests that they were welcome to the house as much and as long as they needed. It wasn’t because he found them engaging and easy to follow – too many were dull, dull, dull, with long words he couldn’t understand and complex sentences that rattled on for pages and pages…and some of it was even in Latin, or whatever language it was. Really, it was because he was bored, and reading seemed a good escape as any. He had riffled through the available texts, and found a few select pieces that captured his attention. Today, he had actually come across a familiar title – Frankenstein. He curled up at base of an enormous tree, leaning his head against the trunk and unknowingly causing several chunks of bark to crumble off and land in his shaggy black hair.
I never actually got around to reading this one…I think it might have even been on the summer reading list. He made a face at the thought. It was thinner than he expected, really. He was probably in to chapter ten or so, and he had been bored out of his mind. Most of it was back story, about one guy who wanted to be a poet or something and another guy that was weird and liked science or whatever. He kept asking himself, where’s the monster guy? It was already an embarrassing disappointment to discover that Frankenstein was the name of the college science guy, not the monster itself. So he was eagerly awaiting the part where it told the creature’s name, so he could rub it in his friends’ faces. Because he knew for a fact none of them had read the book.
So far, though, no such luck. He was lazily trying to decipher really old ways of speaking – or was it writing? – English, and learning very begrudgingly about the quirks enabled to the certain Victor Frankenstein, who was quickly not his favorite character. What is with this guy? He’s all obsessive and crazy and stuff. No wonder the movies always show him as a mad scientist. Talk about quirky. At least he’s not moaning about his family anymore at the moment. Elizabeth and whats-her-name and his dad, and all them. And what was his brother’s name? Carter? Gregory? I can’t remember, darn it! He started flipping back into previous chapters of the book, keeping one finger in the pages to keep his place.
My Dorky Diner BoyRebecca Appleton
Helvaband was finally experiencing the warmth of summer, and Rebecca was determined to enjoy it even if her own disposition was far from sunny. She had been feeling extremely lonely lately, as weeks without hearing from her father turned into months, and, although she felt guilty even thinking about this, she missed Cody terribly. She had stayed true to the promise she had made with Florence all those weeks ago, but she couldn't help but regret it from time to time. I understand why she made me do it...but why couldn't she try to understand how hard it would be for me? I'm miserable! I miss him! Florence doesn't know how much she's hurt me with that promise...I loved him, can't she see that? Can't anyone see?
She closed her eyes, putting her hand against a nearby tree for support as the memories of the confrontation with Florence came rushing back to her.
"I didn’t mean to fall for Cody, Florence, I promise I didn’t! It just happened and I wish I could take it back but I can’t and I’m sorry!"
“Do you really think you can burst in here with a tawdry apology and a silly little doll and that would make everything okay?”
If you promise not to ever talk to Cody or see him again, then I will forgive you."
"I promise--"
But if I find out that you’ve talked to him? I will ruin you."
Rebecca blinked back tears as she walked on, hugging her arms to her chest despite the warm afternoon. It would have been better if we'd never even met. None of this would have happened.
She stopped short as she realized she was not alone in the forest. The young man reading under the tree looked familiar to her, and she stood there for a moment, trying to place his name. A little smile crossed her face. "Hello there, Mister Middleton."
Lottie by MasciiOOC: Sorry this took so long!!!!!!!
BIC:
Adder Napier
“What do you want of me, Mr. Napier?”
Adder laughed slowly and with malice as he threw Vermillion to the ground. “I know well that this will take time. There must be a place, unexpected, where I might dwell.” he said in reply, looking over at his companion, his eyes burning at the other man in a way he knew would command attention. “There was a very large home as I came towards the town, with an enormous garden. Who lives there?” Adder would not be ignored. It was not in his nature.
“Yes, well that must be the Bingley’s you saw,” Vermillion replied, though slower than Adder liked. He strode closer to his victim. ‘You speak too slow.’ “They-they are very kind people…”
Pausing for a second, a flash of what might have been pity entered Adder’s eyes for a second. But, as soon as it had come, it was gone. And it was replaced by an evil look full of mischief. He reached forwards, wrapping a single, firm hand around Vermillion’s throat. “And I care… why?” he questioned, his voice dark. “Listen to me. I will get what I want, whomever and whatever I must destroy, does not concern me.” He released Vermillion again, jerking his hand away and sending the man hurling to the ground once more. “Now, we must formulate a plan…” One, long, pale finger ran along Adder’s chin thoughtfully. He moved towards Vermillion again, leaning down on his knees so that their faces were closer.
“I want you to go into town and let me know of anything of importance that may be occurring at the Bingleys’ home soon.” He punctuated these words with great force, as if it put lives at stake if it were misinterpreted. But the truth was, it would be lives at stake either way. “You will go, find me some way to slip into that mansion without seeming suspicious. That would make it easier. Then we shall go in, and once we are inside it will be simple. Do you understand, Mister Vermillion? Meet me in these woods this time tomorrow. Just the woods… I shall find you when you come.” His eyes shimmered as he stood up straight and began to turn away. Then he paused, looking straight at Vermillion, his expression very serious.
“And, Vermillion,” He smirked. “Do not dare come back empty-handed. It will not serve you well.”
Adder is done here
Dr. Hal RamseyVermillion Emerson
Somewhere in his mind, Vermillion believed he was dreaming. Yes, once the sickening feeling in his gut subsided he would wake to his home. It would be a good day in Helvaband. It would be sunny. He would go downstairs to his study to find his maid, Camellia, preparing a cup of tea for him. All would be fine. But as Adder Napier closed the distance between them, he found that was not the case. The feel of the other man’s hand against his throat was all too real, as was his fear of dying.
“And I care… why?” Adder inquired. Perhaps he was imagining things but the man’s grip at his throat seemed to tighten. Hopefully he was imagining things… “Listen to me. I will get what I want, whomever and whatever I must destroy, does not concern me.”
Vermillion fell onto the ground once more and he placed his hand at his neck, making sure he was free from Mr. Napier’s grasp. Being against the cold earth was a good sign. His small moment of freedom did not last long as the other man knelt down to face Vermillion again.
“Now, we must formulate a plan…I want you to go into town and let me know of anything of importance that may be occurring at the Bingleys’ home soon.” Adder ordered; his voice firm. Vermillion nodded weakly. “You will go, find me some way to slip into that mansion without seeming suspicious. That would make it easier. Then we shall go in, and once we are inside it will be simple.”
‘We?’ The noble repeated in his head, the sickening feeling in his gut increasing. He could not betray the Bingley’s trust this way. He couldn’t. Vermillion began of thinking of ways he could escape his involvement with Mr. Napier’s hinted cruel intentions. He could not call the authorities, he did not think they could take on this man. But what made him think he could himself? He bit his lip firmly.
“Do you understand, Mister Vermillion? Meet me in these woods this time tomorrow. Just the woods… I shall find you when you come.” Adder continued to explain.
‘I shall see him tomorrow…’ The noble’s heart sank at the thought. Was one night not enough? Was helping this mad man in whatever he planned enough? Vermillion did not feel as much comfort as he wished when Adder stood up and began to make his leave.
“And, Vermillion,” Napier grinned. “Do not dare come back empty-handed. It will not serve you well.”
And with that, he left. Vermillion sat in his place for a while longer, registering what just transpired. When he finally got the will to stand up, he did not even find the noble-like action to brush off the dirt that clung to his clothing. His paced slowed when he found his carriage. He nodded as the large log that had blocked his path had been properly moved away.
“Are you alright, Mr. Emerson?” His coachman asked and the noble gave him a faint glance. “You look awfully pale.”
“I am quite alright.” Vermillion forced a sad smile, stepping into his carriage. “Nothing a warm cup of tea can’t fix.”
Vermillion has left the Woods
CompetitionDaniel Middleton
He had just gotten to the good part – no, that was a lie…he wasn’t caring much for the book, but he couldn’t put it down nonetheless – when someone spoke to him. Daniel had been alone for the past hour or so, and he hadn’t expected someone nearby. That was the reason he jumped nearly a foot off the ground, dropped his book, and nearly screamed. Nearly. “Hello there, Mister Middleton.”
With wide eyes and a rapid, embarrassed flush to his cheeks, he looked up to see it was a girl. Some girl he knew. Darn, I’m not good with names. He smiled at her gently, buying him approximately four seconds, if he was lucky and made it only somewhat more awkward than it already was. “H-Hello Ms…” Go with your instinct. Nothing came to him. “I’m…I’m sorry, I’m bad with names..Isn’t it Ms. Apple-Something? Applebees?” His smile grew at the utter lameness of his response, as well as a joke that – again – no one here would get. Daniel stood up and frowned. He hadn’t realized how uncomfortable leaning against a tree for an hour could be. In the movies they didn’t stand up and let their faces contort in the physical version of Snap! That hurts! But Daniel couldn’t help it. He let out a hiss and glared at his previously admirable tree. “Ouch…” He sent The Apple-girl an apologetic smile. “Uh..sorry.. I’m… I was just reading, and…” Well, duh. Only, where is your book now? Daniel glanced around with a panicked look. “Where’d my book go?” He started turning about and finally went to his knees next to a pile of bushes and brush. He reached in unceremoniously and retrieved the sad-looking novel. It had definitely been in better shape when he borrowed it, and after he had held it out with a triumphant look, he frowned. “Crud...it looks awful. I wish I wasn’t so clumsy…”
My Dorky Diner BoyIn spite of herself, Rebecca couldn't suppress a smile at the sight of Daniel Middleton, the boy she had met in the antique store so long ago. That was during my first few weeks in Helvaband...the day I met George Grosvenor and Mrs. Minestoy, and the day I bought that doll. And the day I met Cody. Her smile faded a bit. The day all of this started.
She didn't want to speak to anyone--she wasn't sure she could without breaking down crying. And he did look so peaceful sitting there, reading a book. But still, she heard her voice break through the quiet air of the woods, shattering the perfect silence before she could stop it. “Hello there, Mister Middleton.”
Rebecca immediately regretted it, for it was obvious she had startled him. Instantly a blush swept over her cheeks, turning the already mottled skin on the right side of her face an even deeper reddish-brown. "Oh, I'm so sorry...I didn't mean to disturb you, I'll leave now...I'm terribly sorry..." See? Every time you try to do something nice, or try to do anything at all, something horrible comes about as a result. It's because of things I did that Florence hates me, that Cody won't ever even know I'm alive, that Father won't return my letters, that Abelinda's gone without even telling me where, that Mother died...
“H-Hello Ms…I’m…I’m sorry, I’m bad with names..Isn’t it Ms. Apple-Something? Applebees?”
Rebecca allowed a little chuckle to slip past her lips at that, even though she wanted nothing more than to run back off into the woods. "Close. Appleton. Rebecca Appleton."
“Ouch…” Daniel Middleton voiced, looking pained as he stood up from teh ground. “Uh..sorry.. I’m… I was just reading, and…” As if a sudden thought had struck him, he began to look around the perimeter of the tree frantically. “Where’d my book go?”
"Ah...would you like my help? What book are you reading?" Rebecca asked, flustered, wringing her hands as she peered in and around the bushes surrounding the tree, trying to find some way, any way, that she could be useful/ Apparently, though, Daniel didn't need her assistance, for he came back into Rebecca's line of vision clutching a battered-looking book. “Crud...it looks awful. I wish I wasn’t so clumsy…”
"Oh dear...that is bad...may I see it?" Carefully, she took the novel into her hands, turning it over and brushing off the worst of the dirt. "Well, if you dab a damp cloth on the cover, that should make it look a bit better...the edge of the pages can just be brushed off...and perhaps if you were to place it under a pile of other books, heavy ones, you could flatten it out a bit? It'll look good as new." She glanced at the title. "Frankenstein? Are you enjoying it, Mister Middleton?"
Please, just talk to me. I need to talk to someone.
Lottie by MasciiDaniel Middleton
He hadn’t expected anybody nearby, so when the female voice called out to him by name, however gently it was spoken, it made him leap up in surprise, his book falling from his fingers and bouncing rather painfully off his knee just as it jerked upwards in surprise. He looked up to see a pretty – and familiar – face, blushing as heavily as he was. “Oh, I’m so sorry…I didn’t mean to disturb you, I’ll leave now…I’m terribly sorry…”
“N-no trouble!” he exclaimed, holding up both hands in what he hoped was a reassuring gesture. To himself it looked more like he was flailing. “H-Hello Ms…I’m…I’m sorry, I’m bad with names..Isn’t it Ms. Apple-Something? Applebees?”
She chuckled at that, though he was sure she wasn’t thinking about the Applebees that Daniel knew. He sent her a small smile. “Close. Appleton. Rebecca Appleton.”
“Appleton! That’s right!” he exclaimed, as if she wouldn’t know her own name. “Ouch…” He hadn’t realized the pain of leaning against the trees was something never spoken about in the movies. Frodo hadn’t groaned when he leapt up from leaning against a tree. But then again, he liked to pretend old roots were as soft as cushion-y pillows. He was an optimist and had a good imagination, that Frodo Baggins. “Uh..sorry.. I’m… I was just reading, and…” Daniel gave a start. Where had his book gone to? It was very hard to read without something to read. “Where’d my book go?”
“Ah…would you like my help? What book are you reading?” Ms. Appleton offered as he rummaged through the bushes like the total dork he was. He didn’t hear her, he was so busy muttering to himself and pushing past branches.
“Stupid…I’m such an idiot… freaking out at the sight of a girl…You could have played it just a little cooler, Daniel…” he muttered under his breath, only half-serious in his self-reprimand. When he retrieved the object, he felt a little pang of victory. Until, that is, he saw the damage done. “Crud…it looks awful. I wish I wasn’t so clumsy…”
“Oh dear…that is bad…may I see it?” With a pleading look, he held out the book, half-wishing she would use some sort of magyck to fix it. Ms. Appleton took the novel gingerly, brushing off the larger clumps of dirt clinging desperately to its cover. “Well, if you dab a damp cloth on the cover, that should make it look a bit better…the edge of the pages can just be brushed off…and perhaps if you were to place it under a pile of other books, heavy ones, you could flatten it out a bit? It’ll look good as new.”
He smiled at her. “That sounds like a good idea.” What a lame response. But what caught him off-guard was how casually she’d offered her advice. No stiff upper-lip here or even a barely-contained laugh at how ridiculous he was. More surprisingly to Daniel, her advice sounded almost like she’d done the same before – which was a big confidence booster for him in the situation – and that was what made him smile. “I guess the Hawkins won’t be too upset about it – they’re really nice, anyways.”
She glanced at the title. “Frankenstein? Are you enjoying it, Mister Middleton?”
Daniel nodded, maybe a little too eagerly. “Yes, I am. Some parts I just don’t understand, but… it’s still a good book. Nowhere near as boring as a lot of people make it sound. As long as you can stay awake, it’s really good!” He halted, realizing how hypocritical his words were. “Well, what I mean is.. ah, whatever. I make no sense these days, anyways.” Looking up and sending her a smile, he gave a little shrug, “Have you ever read it?”
My Dorky Diner Boy“Where’d my book go?” Mister Middleton asked in alarm before launching into an elaborate search for the novel he had been holding when Rebecca had stumbled upon him. She stood by and watched as he searched the ground and surrounding foliage for the elusive tome, disappearing from her range of sight. “Ah…would you like my help? What book are you reading?” she asked, flustered. When he didn't answer, she settled for relying on her sight alone to find the book, not knowing whether Daniel wanted her active participation in finding it or not. Her hands tugged at each other in a helpless manner as she squinted into the bushes, looking for anything in the sea of greenery that remotely resembled a book.
She thought she heard mumblings of some sort coming from Mister Middleton, but she didn't know whether it would be polite to acknowledge them or not. Probably not, she supposed...but was he talking to her, or just himself? Oh, if only I wasn't so useless...
Luckily, she was saved from making any decisions by the reappearance of her acquaintance, now once again in possession of his book. Rebecca had to suppress a wince as her eyes took in the full extent of the abuse that the forest had wreaked on the poor novel. “Crud…it looks awful," Mister Middleton said, echoing her sentiments. "I wish I wasn’t so clumsy…”
“Oh dear…that is bad…" Rebecca agreed. "May I see it?” He handed it to her, and she set to work making the book look presentable, using her hands to get rid of the worst of the dirt and mud. It's a start, at the very least... “Well, if you dab a damp cloth on the cover, that should make it look a bit better…the edge of the pages can just be brushed off…and perhaps if you were to place it under a pile of other books, heavy ones, you could flatten it out a bit? It’ll look good as new.” She offered him a tiny smile, one which Daniel returned. "That sounds like a good idea.”
Rebecca chuckled a bit. "I used to bring books with me into the garden all the time. Really, it was the only place I was ever allowed to go out of doors, the grounds and garden of our house. So I have a bit of expertise in this situation myself."
“I guess the Hawkins won’t be too upset about it – they’re really nice, anyways.”
It was as if someone had doused Rebecca in cold water at the mention of their name. Hawkins. Cody. She couldn't even escape him in the outskirts, could she? How could she keep her "promise" to Florence, ridiculous and manipulative as it was, if she was constantly being reminded of him? "Oh," she said quietly. "Yes, you're staying with the Hawkinses, aren't you? I'd quite forgotten. How are they?" Then, in a brief attempt to change the subject, she commented on the title of the book.
“Yes, I am. Some parts I just don’t understand, but… it’s still a good book. Nowhere near as boring as a lot of people make it sound. As long as you can stay awake, it’s really good!” Rebecca gave him a puzzled look as he went on. “Well, what I mean is.. ah, whatever. I make no sense these days, anyways. Have you ever read it?”
Rebecca shook her head. "I'm afraid I have not. I tried to, once, but my father suggested that it might be too much for my...I believe 'delicate sensibilities' was the word he used. But I do enjoy Charles Dickens, and Miss Austen..."
Lottie by MasciiAmara Fae
Amara found herself doing something she didn't normally do. Spying. Normally, she'd move around strangers, as to not attract attention to herself and her ghost-like appearance. After all, her long white hair and grey cape made her look almost like something not of this world if the right breeze blew by or if she was in the right light. But today, she had sensed something...different about the visitors. They had pointed ears, she realized, thankful for her sharp eyesight.
She pressed her hand against the bark of the tree she was hiding behind, as she tried to make out their expressions and what exactly they were doing. Usually she could walk through these woods easily, not having any problems with running into people. But that day was completely different, and she couldn't help but to be curious as to the strange people that stood before her. Every now and again she'd duck back behind her tree and hold her breath, praying that the strange men didn't notice her.
After all, she could never be too sure of any person's reaction to her appearance. Her skin was so pale, it almost matched her pure-white hair. Some people she had met before -for whatever reason- had insisted that she was a vengeful spirit, coming to take the lives of their loved ones. Which was completely ridiculous, she noted. All she was was the messenger of when someone passed away. She had never killed anyone, and she never intended to. Even if someone were to attack her, she doubted she would retaliate. That was just her nature.
Solvan Arken'lon
It was dark, but the joking had just begun. Solvan was nearly to tears from laughing so hard. Then, it was quiet. All that was heard was the crackle from the fire and an occasional "hoot" of an owl. Solvan felt almost like an itch, but it was a mental itch. Something wasn't right. One of the elves beside him started talking about the next days journey so he just brushed the feeling off. He looked up from his cup and saw a shadow quickly disappear. But it was a bit far and even with the elves exceptional night-sight, it didn't look like anything more than perhaps a tree or something. So he took another drink. And again he saw the shadow. The itching feeling returned. He turned to the elf that was talking, "Do you hear that?" The entire camp became dead quiet again. Solvan looked at the tree where the shadow was appearing. He then realized it wasn't a shadow, but a person. Hiding.
Solvan stood, "You, hiding in the trees. State your name and reason for being here." Every elf turned their head towards where Solvan was looking. Solvan spoke again, "We won't hurt you. Please step out, now."
Solvan talked to his dragon in the back of his mind Be prepared, we may need you. He heard a reply promptly, I'm always prepared.
Amara Fae
"Do you hear that?"
Oh no... Amara's heartbeat started racing, every instinct told her to run and run quickly. She knew that they had seen her, they just looked so... different from the others she had seen. And something inside her gut told her that spying on them was the wrong thing to do. "You, hiding in the trees. State your name and reason for being here." There was that voice again. It sounded so... commanding.
But instead of stepping out, Amara whirled herself around and pressed her back against the tree, her teeth biting into her lower lip. What had she gotten herself into? In all her years she had never been this wreckless... but in all her years she had never seen these type of strangers. It's as if they belonged to another world entirely.
"We won't hurt you. Please step out, now." He called again and she realized that there was no getting out of this for her. She quickly decided then what she had would do. Her knowledge and quick reasoning had gotten her out of many situations, she just prayed to Nyx that it would get her out of this one, too. Turning around, she bravely stepped from behind her hiding spot and looked at the man who had been calling her.
She was more curious then scared at that moment, so she let her feet carry her a little bit closer, just to see. Her movements were graceful, as always. As if she was floating or gliding instead of walking. Their clothing was so odd to her, in all her years she had never ever seen such a sight. "My name..." She inhaled lightly, "Is Amara. Who are you travelers, if you care for me asking."
Solvan Arken'lon
After a moment of silence the being stepped out from behind the tree. She walked, err, glided like an Elf. But she didn't have the look or voice of an elf. "My name is Amara. Who are you travelers, if you care for me asking." The itching feeling subsided. "We're elves. We're part of the Elven Army. We simply stopped here to rest for the night." He took a step closer, "You've told us who you are, but not your purpose. Be warned if you try anything suspicious, we've all been trained in the way of the sword and the bow. There's also a dragon about 1/2 a mile away, he can be very... mean when he wants to be."
What is this person? She's nothing like any being I've ever seen. As white as a ghost, but, some how, not a ghost.
Amara Fae
"My name is Amara. Who are you travelers, if you care for me asking." she stated, looking from one person to the other. They all had pointed ears... odd. She couldn't wrap her mind around how they got them to be that way. Was it some sort of ritual binding that was done when they were children? Some nations had done that, she knew because she had witnessed it. Some much pain and effort to try and look beautiful. It always made Amara think of the reason why, every time she saw the binding. "We're elves. We're part of the Elven Army. We simply stopped here to rest for the night." He took a step closer and she took a step backward, sensing the danger getting too close may cause. "You've told us who you are, but not your purpose. Be warned if you try anything suspicious, we've all been trained in the way of the sword and the bow. There's also a dragon about 1/2 a mile away, he can be very... mean when he wants to be."
"A what?" Her head tilted to the side, not the least curious about their fighting skills or swordsmanship. "What army? This is just Helvaband..." She took a couple of strides forward, looking him in the eyes. "Elves..." Her iceberg blue eyes grew wide, her shoulders slightly relaxed now as she studied all of the peo...elves. They looked nothing like what she had heard rumors about in villages. But then again humans tended to exaggerate when they were met with something they didn't know about. "A whole army of you elves?" A few more steps forward, she could see his ears and eyes VERY well now and the look on her face was one of astonishment.
Then her look of curiosity melted into a soft smile, one filled with greeting and kindness. She wished these people no ill, and she wanted to make that perfectly clear to all of them. Especially if they were as skilled as this... elf said they were. This was so new and exciting, Amara could hardly wait to get to know all about that and how they had their ears so pointed like that.
Solvan Arken'lon
Solvan continued to stay where he was as the creature continued to approach. He placed his hand on his sword in case something where to happen. "Elves..." Solvan continued to look at her. He noticed a fascination that he hadn't seen since he was a kid. She continued to advance until she was just a few feet away. It seemed like she was looking at his ears more than anything. "Yes, there's an army about 4 days march from here. In what direction well you'll have to find that out yourself. You've yet to tell us your purpose for being out here at such late an hour." A soft smile appeared on her face. One of friendship, not harm. Solvan let his guard down a little, being so tense hurt after a while, especially after the day they had just had.
Solvan took a deep breath. "Come join us for tea, Redwhin makes an excellent Winter Spice." He gestured toward the fire.
Wait... Pale skin, gray clothing, elven style walk... Could she be...? No, those hadn't been seen in Elven Lands for millenia. Then again, we had thought the Coldwarg were gone too, but they just attacked us a few hours ago. Perhaps... "Excuse me, are you a... banshee?"
Amara Fae
She noticed the elve's tension as she approached and watched silently as he put his hand on what appeared to be the hilt of a sword. "Elves..." She found herself muttering, half amused and half amazed. She had heard they were short things that had often played tricks on people. In worse cases even harming them. But these elves just didn't match the description at all. She could have laughed at all the horror stories and rumors she had heard about these particular creatures. But then, if she were to probably ask them, they'd say the same about Banshees. It seemed like she couldn't take her icy eyes off his ears, even if she wanted to. A raw facination and curiosity arose inside her and she felt that she just HAD to know. But to ask something like that so soon after meeting... some would consider it rude. And she didn't really know the elves' customs. "Yes, there's an army about 4 days march from here. In what direction well you'll have to find that out yourself. You've yet to tell us your purpose for being out here at such late an hour." A soft smile appeared on her face, one that was gentle. She knew she meant no harm, so she decided to show that to each of them.
The elf took a deep breath, seeming to relax a little, but not much. That was common though, especially for beings in an army. Always alert and ready for a fight... that would have aggrivated Amara to no possible end. "Come join us for tea, Redwhin makes an excellent Winter Spice." He gestured toward the fire, but she took a step back, looking around at all the other men looking at her. None of them seemed threatening, she realized. They all kind of looked... tired, in her opinion. Exactly how long had they been marching? Then he asked something that sent a wave of shock through her whole body.
"Excuse me, are you a... banshee?"
Her eyes widened for a brief second, then the smile came back brighter than ever, showing off her unnaturally white teeth. "I'm truly stunned. Not many know about Banshees. But now I feel as if I am at a disadvantage." She frowned slightly, looking him right in his blue eyes. "You know things about me, but I have never heard the truth about the elven race before." She paused. "Tell me true, does your kind really have the ability to do magic? I have heard many tales, but none that seem to go with the impression I am getting now."
Solvan Arken'lon
"Tell me true, does your kind really have the ability to do magic? I have heard many tales, but none that seem to go with the impression I am getting now." Solvan stood there, slightly stunned. What kind of tales are these humans telling?"You want to learn about our race, eh?"
Solvan took a step back and cupped his hands together. A blueish swirl of energy appeared in his hands. It got bigger and bigger till it was about the size of a lantern, then Solvan spread his arms and the ball rose into the air. "It's called Coldfire. A very simple Elven spell. So to answer your question, yes. Elves can do magic. But not all elves, of this party I'm the only Elven mage. Come and sit with us." Solvan walked toward the fire and sat down on a log, the Coldfire following him leaving Amara in the dark.
"We elves are an ancient race, we predate most of the races living today. Our kind has even seen some races be born and vanquished. And some of them we thought extinct, but still living. Like you, and the Coldwarg that attacked us earlier today. We are a scouting party for the Elven Army. We've travled for the past three weeks, and are ready to return home.
Solvan noticed Amara staring at his ears. "If you must know, they're natural. We're not some sick race who defile our bodies for a religious ceremony. We live under Leaf and Star. And we like our ears thank you."
Amara Fae
"Tell me true, does your kind really have the ability to do magic? I have heard many tales, but none that seem to go with the impression I am getting now." She asked, clearly curious about them. Everything that they were just seemed to.... in tune with nature. It was like they belonged here, in the woods. She tried to briefly imagine them in the actual square of Helvaband, but she couldn't just like she couldn't imagine herself doing it either.
She watched him take a step back and cup his hands together, something was about to happen because she could feel it in her bones, telling her to back up. Something blue appeared in his hands, illuminating her pale skin and as a result making her skin look more blue than its natural color. It was beautiful, she thought as she fought the urge to reach out and touch it. The light grew bigger and bigger until it reached a fairly decent size, then stopped. She watched him spread his arms as the orb of blue rose into the air. She had never seen anything like it. Waves of light when witches use magic, even blinding light. But nothing this beautiful... "It's called Coldfire. A very simple Elven spell. So to answer your question, yes. Elves can do magic. But not all elves, of this party I'm the only Elven mage. Come and sit with us." This was not a request, she noted. Amara could tell that this man was used to being in charge, or he wouldn't have been barking off so many orders. She hesitated momentarily, then followed him, her eyes darting from elf to elf, just to be safe. When he sat down on a log, she merely took a step to the side and sat on the earth in front of the log.
"We elves are an ancient race, we predate most of the races living today. Our kind has even seen some races be born and vanquished. And some of them we thought extinct, but still living. Like you, and the Coldwarg that attacked us earlier today. We are a scouting party for the Elven Army. We've travled for the past three weeks, and are ready to return home. Amara waited patiently for him to finish, knowing what her first question to him would be. His ears.
"If you must know, they're natural. We're not some sick race who defile our bodies for a religious ceremony. We live under Leaf and Star. And we like our ears thank you." Her eyes widened again, but then she let out a laugh, clutching her sides in her hysteria. It's like he could read her thoughts, but she didn't have to worry if he was or not. Early on in her Banshee life she discovered that she was immune to such magic. Reaching up, she touched the tip of his ear, only briefly, to see if he was being honest. They felt real enough, not made out of some sort of clay that appeared to be skin. So she guessed she could trust this elf when he said they weren't bound to be shaped that way either.
She looked up at him, trying to gauge his reaction to the probably unwanted touch. But she wasn't worried because if he wanted her dead, he would have done it sooner.
Solvan Arken'lon
Amara began laughing, nearly as hard has Solvan had been earlier. She touched his ear. What on earth is this girl doing!? Solvan moved to the side, out of her reach. "If you want to keep that hand, I'd suggest you not touch my ear again." He glared at her, "You're a curious little thing aren't you." He placed a cup of tea next to her. "As i said earlier, Redwhin makes an excellent tea, probably the best in all the Elven Lands."
The camp remained dead quiet, "So, you've still yet to tell us what you're doing out here." Solvan dismissed the Coldfire. A Banshee... how, interesting.
"If you need a place to stay for the night, I'm sure we can find accommodations for you."
Amara Fae
When she had touched his ear to determine if it was some sort of trick, he moved to the side, out of her reach. But it didn't matter, her fingertips had brushed against it and she knew they were real. "If you want to keep that hand, I'd suggest you not touch my ear again." More laughter came from Amara as he glared at her. Were all elves this distant? She asked herself, stealing glances at some of the elves who were staring at her in partial disbelief, as if she had touched their idol or most sacred object. It was funny, really. All of it was and she just couldn't help the rolls of laughter.
"You're a curious little thing aren't you." that was more of a statement then a question, she noticed and shrugged slightly, her eyes now on the blue light above. She only looked down to see him place a cup of what she guessed was the tea she was offered earlier. "As i said earlier, Redwhin makes an excellent tea, probably the best in all the Elven Lands."
"Perhaps..." she said, taking the cup in both her hands, "But I don't believe I have ever been to any elven lands, I would have remembered ears like those." She smiled at her own joke and took a sip of the dark tea. It was eerily quiet, she realized, for it to be the camp of an army. Humans were always loud when they camped together. Singing and yelling, sometimes even fighting. But everything was so serene, it was as if there were no beings here at all, like she was own her own in the woods again, like every night.
"So, you've still yet to tell us what you're doing out here." he stated and she looked up at the Coldfire, the one thing he didn't seem to be paying any attention at all was the most interesting thing to her. "I walk a lot." she muttered, taking another drink of the sweet liquid inside of the cup she had been given.
"If you need a place to stay for the night, I'm sure we can find accommodations for you." she shook her head from left to right, causing pure white strands of hair to fall in front of her face. She knew she couldn't stay in one place for too long, it was too dangerous. She had no idea if a human would come by here or not, but she would not take the chance. "Yours is a very curious race." she said, looking around deftly with wide, curious eyes.
