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[ { "text": "Out of the corner of his eyes he catches sight of Alessandro ruffling his servant's hair and a new question pops into his head over it. 'I believe he really likes his squire. He is. . . .Affectionate I think is the word. He shows kindness due to some feeling, some gentle, kind feeling inside. It is what I have read about in those books about love and friendship' He glances at the prince. 'I know we share a mutual interest in one another, finding the other interesting and the like, but I have little understanding of how our views of one another differ. I want to protect him, not just for the pay but also for my own personal reasons, and he wants me around, protecting him and those he cares about. . .'\n\nLooking at his hands, still stained with blood, and his brow furrows ever so slightly. 'He protects. . . .Those he cares about. . .He warned me against hurting this boy upon our first meeting. He cares for him, and he. . . .' His thoughts tumble round and round, trying to make sense of things. Before he can even begin to fight his way through the solid bloody stamp on his soul to begin exploring the idea of affection directed at him the prince is moving and without a word Rei is on his feet, his mind and body back in the world so they can do their job properly. His swirling thoughts are immediately shut down, locked away, to be perused later should he feel them important enough to revisit.\n\nNodding at the offer to return to the old man's personal library the following day the small male remains carefully out of the way as Peter does his best to help the prince move about. 'Sometimes too many helping hands simply ends with more harm than good' he reasons, moving ahead of the prince and keeping an eye out for any new dangers. He must look rather menacing as he does this as many a servant chooses to either turn and go the other way quickly or skirt the halls as they pass. He doesn't mean to frighten them but Rei knows his craft. Despite the danger seemingly having passed he knows that an assassin, a good one, could very well be in the castle now.\n\n'Using the men as a diversion, no one would think it possible to get onto the grounds now that an attack has happened, heightened security and all, however if they got here before hand then it is completely possible for them to be laying in wait to act now that everyone thinks that the attack is over. . . .' He doesn't sense anybody nearby, but he remains on high alert as they slip into the prince's room. He checks every corner, both visibly and magically, for any sign of danger. He wanders about the room while Alessandro converses with his manservant and gets comfortable in the bed. At the window he surveys the grounds, eyes keen, his other senses tuned towards danger for several seconds before pulling back, snapping the shutters closed.\n\nThe red headed youth eventually leaves and Rei moves closer to the bed. He wants to tell the man that he will likely spend the evening in this room to keep a closer eye on the prince however the man has something very confusing to say before he has the chance to speak up. Tilting his head slightly to the side he looks at Alessandro, both confused and understanding at the same time. Crawling carefully on to the foot of the prince's bed he continues looking at the man, trying to find words for his thoughts. \"I. . . .Do not have pride Alessandro. I do not operate off of shame or pride. They get in the way, make one foolhardy or cocky. I feel no shame for you having stepped between me and my target.\"\n\nHe takes another long moment, his eyes moving about the room as he tries to form his question. \"I am however. . . .Confused.\" his eyes fall back on to Alessandro, deciding to be forward. \"I am curious as to just why you did it. I take from your words you did not think me incapable, and that you responded perhaps on automatic. However, that still leaves my question of why? Why did you feel the urge to defend me?\" He gestures towards the door. \"I understand that, for the youth, he is someone you have feelings for. You are bound to him, have affection for him, as your friend however I. . .\" He points to himself. \"I am a man who tried to kill you, who now defends your life for reasons even I do not understand. I am nobody to you, so why. . .\"\n\nThe door opens and Peter's head peeks in. It's clear he did not hear the part about Rei trying to kill the prince however he can tell that the strange boy is talking about something and doesn't want to interrupt. Rei's eyes go to him anyways as he shuffles in, a tray in either hand. Rei looks curiously at them. One is smallish and holds tea. The other is larger and looks like the one that was dropped off at his room for breakfast. In a quiet voice he murmurs, \"I found this outside your room. Seem the maid sent to drop it off didn't quite make it inside your room to deliver it. . .\" In truth, she was told to leave it inside the room if Rei was not there, however she had not been able to find the courage and instead left it outside his door.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro was going to gesture Rei further up the bed but instead the fae began speaking, questioning and Alessandro fell silent before the words had formed in his mouth. He listened to the confused fae speak. At the mention of the attempt to kill him Alessandro faintly smiled, a strange thing indeed to do such a thing for a would be killer. Before he could respond Peter was back in the room and Alessandro's eyes went to the youth, it didn't seem he'd heard what the fae had said, he would likely have had an issue with it and gotten himself hurt. Instead he settled one tray on the table, explaining it was for Rei and carried over the tea tray with the medicine inside of it. \n \n\"Rei, go eat.\" He uttered to the boy, a small smile on his face as he gestured to the tray, it wasn't a request but it wasn't an order either, not really. The Prince sat himself upright and took the tea offered to him by Peter. \"I put the medicine in already, drink it slowly though and if you need be I won't be far away...alright? Is there anything else you need?\" Alessandro shook his head and sipped slowly on the tea, he pulled a face at the bitterness the medicine had caused in it and Peter looked sheepish. \"Thank you Peter, go to bed, get a good night sleep, alright?\" The squire nodded and shuffled out awkwardly with a goodnight ushered to both the Prince and Rei before the door closed behind him.\n\nOnce sure he was alone Alessandro finished the tea and gave a strange face, putting the cup aside he glanced over to Rei, \"To answer your question.\" He started, gesturing to the bedside and hoping Rei would approach, if he did Alessandro's hand found the brim of the hat and lightly lifted it off his head. He then ran a finger over Rei's elongated ears outer edge, his finger tips brushing against the soft fluff of white hair. \"I guess I am a fool because Rei, I care for you. When I saw that man I didn't think, I just knew I wanted to keep you safe, even though I rationally knew you'd be fine. It's...strange right? But I can not help the way I feel and I won't apologise for it.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Peter Bareni." }, { "text": "Hearing the instruction to go eat Rei slips off the bed and makes his way over to the table to comply. He knows it wasn't an order, but after the combat and near constant use of his magic for the past hour he's ravenous. He eats with vigor, somehow managing to not make himself messy in the process, almost all of the food reaching it's intended target. In the end half the meal is gone by the time Peter leaves and Rei is cleaning his fingers with his tongue. When Alessandro motions him over however he takes up the napkin and wipes both hands and mouth before complying.\n\nHe's curious as to what the prince wants and, sitting on the edge of the bed, he watches the man's movements with curiosity. With a light tug his hat comes off, taking the bandanna with it, and he watches Alessandro put it aside then reach for him again. At the touch his whole body shivers slightly, a tingle running from the place the prince touches to the tips of his fingers and toes. He doesn't really pay the feeling any mind however and continues looking at the man, wanting to hear his words. He knows that the response likely means something, but as he's more interested in having his question answered than asking more he lets the shiver pass, the pleasant hum that lingers under his skin completely ignored.\n\nListening carefully his brows furrow in confusion. 'Cares for me? Really? But I just explained who I am. I am not one who deserves such feelings. . .Perhaps if I defended him out of caring of my own, or if I was someone else who could understand such feelings, however I. . .I am just me. Just an assassin doing a job' The fae can not fathom that his opinions and reactions to how Alessandro is treated have had any real affect on the man. He can not see how his constant presence and honorable way of viewing the world influences how the man sees him. He can not see all the kindnesses he's shown the man, his eyes clouded and dull to such things when it comes to himself. \n\nHe can not see that he indeed cares for the prince, in his own detached, loyal way.\n\nTilting his head to the side, still curious and wanting answers he hums softly, blinking his slow blink. \"I do not understand why or how but I will accept that you care. I know the rest of my kind would understand this better than I, but my upbringing has left me a bit hollow to such things. I will keep it in mind however for later.\" His head tilts to the other side, his eyes questioning once more. \"I am curious however as to why one would apologize for feelings. They are what they are and feeling them is not something one should be ashamed of, or so I understand it. It make sense to me as the few feelings I do have never lead me wrong.\" He continues watching the prince, not moving away from the touch, nor trying to move closer to it.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro could see the confused look on the fae's face and he felt worse, there was no easy way to explain it to the fae without breaking all kinds of promises and oaths he'd made to himself. His head was feeling thick and slow which wasn't helping much and he had a struggle forming coherent thought. \"You'll understand, eventually you will, I'm sure of it. You're not half as damaged as you think.\" Alessandro uttered, smiling faintly and brushing his fingers just once through the fae's hair and letting his hand fall back to the sheets. \"Some people can be offended or upset by a confession of emotions, I didn't know how you'd take it. Have you eaten enough?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "Alessandro was going to gesture Rei further up the bed but instead the fae began speaking, questioning and Alessandro fell silent before the words had formed in his mouth. He listened to the confused fae speak. At the mention of the attempt to kill him Alessandro faintly smiled, a strange thing indeed to do such a thing for a would be killer. Before he could respond Peter was back in the room and Alessandro's eyes went to the youth, it didn't seem he'd heard what the fae had said, he would likely have had an issue with it and gotten himself hurt. Instead he settled one tray on the table, explaining it was for Rei and carried over the tea tray with the medicine inside of it. \n \n\"Rei, go eat.\" He uttered to the boy, a small smile on his face as he gestured to the tray, it wasn't a request but it wasn't an order either, not really. The Prince sat himself upright and took the tea offered to him by Peter. \"I put the medicine in already, drink it slowly though and if you need be I won't be far away...alright? Is there anything else you need?\" Alessandro shook his head and sipped slowly on the tea, he pulled a face at the bitterness the medicine had caused in it and Peter looked sheepish. \"Thank you Peter, go to bed, get a good night sleep, alright?\" The squire nodded and shuffled out awkwardly with a goodnight ushered to both the Prince and Rei before the door closed behind him.\n\nOnce sure he was alone Alessandro finished the tea and gave a strange face, putting the cup aside he glanced over to Rei, \"To answer your question.\" He started, gesturing to the bedside and hoping Rei would approach, if he did Alessandro's hand found the brim of the hat and lightly lifted it off his head. He then ran a finger over Rei's elongated ears outer edge, his finger tips brushing against the soft fluff of white hair. \"I guess I am a fool because Rei, I care for you. When I saw that man I didn't think, I just knew I wanted to keep you safe, even though I rationally knew you'd be fine. It's...strange right? But I can not help the way I feel and I won't apologise for it.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Peter Bareni." }, { "text": "Hearing the instruction to go eat Rei slips off the bed and makes his way over to the table to comply. He knows it wasn't an order, but after the combat and near constant use of his magic for the past hour he's ravenous. He eats with vigor, somehow managing to not make himself messy in the process, almost all of the food reaching it's intended target. In the end half the meal is gone by the time Peter leaves and Rei is cleaning his fingers with his tongue. When Alessandro motions him over however he takes up the napkin and wipes both hands and mouth before complying.\n\nHe's curious as to what the prince wants and, sitting on the edge of the bed, he watches the man's movements with curiosity. With a light tug his hat comes off, taking the bandanna with it, and he watches Alessandro put it aside then reach for him again. At the touch his whole body shivers slightly, a tingle running from the place the prince touches to the tips of his fingers and toes. He doesn't really pay the feeling any mind however and continues looking at the man, wanting to hear his words. He knows that the response likely means something, but as he's more interested in having his question answered than asking more he lets the shiver pass, the pleasant hum that lingers under his skin completely ignored.\n\nListening carefully his brows furrow in confusion. 'Cares for me? Really? But I just explained who I am. I am not one who deserves such feelings. . .Perhaps if I defended him out of caring of my own, or if I was someone else who could understand such feelings, however I. . .I am just me. Just an assassin doing a job' The fae can not fathom that his opinions and reactions to how Alessandro is treated have had any real affect on the man. He can not see how his constant presence and honorable way of viewing the world influences how the man sees him. He can not see all the kindnesses he's shown the man, his eyes clouded and dull to such things when it comes to himself. \n\nHe can not see that he indeed cares for the prince, in his own detached, loyal way.\n\nTilting his head to the side, still curious and wanting answers he hums softly, blinking his slow blink. \"I do not understand why or how but I will accept that you care. I know the rest of my kind would understand this better than I, but my upbringing has left me a bit hollow to such things. I will keep it in mind however for later.\" His head tilts to the other side, his eyes questioning once more. \"I am curious however as to why one would apologize for feelings. They are what they are and feeling them is not something one should be ashamed of, or so I understand it. It make sense to me as the few feelings I do have never lead me wrong.\" He continues watching the prince, not moving away from the touch, nor trying to move closer to it.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro could see the confused look on the fae's face and he felt worse, there was no easy way to explain it to the fae without breaking all kinds of promises and oaths he'd made to himself. His head was feeling thick and slow which wasn't helping much and he had a struggle forming coherent thought. \"You'll understand, eventually you will, I'm sure of it. You're not half as damaged as you think.\" Alessandro uttered, smiling faintly and brushing his fingers just once through the fae's hair and letting his hand fall back to the sheets. \"Some people can be offended or upset by a confession of emotions, I didn't know how you'd take it. Have you eaten enough?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Blinking slowly again Rei lets himself feel the hand running through his hair before opening his eyes again. 'The pain killers seem to e kicking in. He may just fall asleep soon' Opening his eyes once more he looks down at the prince. \"You will find that I take most of what you say seriously, and do not question it's honesty, as you have never lied to me.\" He nods. \"Yes, you are honest, and always have been, and it is refreshing.\" Looking back to the platter he murmurs, \"I should eat a bit more.\" He then looks back at the prince. \"After a final check, I would like to ask to stay in this room tonight. The danger may have not completely passed yet and I can defend you better if I am here instead of one room over. . .\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro settled himself back against the bed covers and pillows, his eyes gently closing in a peaceful and restful sort of way. \"I'm glad you understand, not many people here try too, it's so...upsetting.\" The milk of the poppy made him sound quite tired and had likely loosened his lips a great deal, the fog on his brain not allowing him to think about what he intended to say before he said it. His mind swam with images, thoughts, memories and none made sense, all blurring together and fighting to drag him into the blissful arms of sleep. Rei's voice cut through the voice like a light through the darkness and in doing so roused the Prince enough to open his eyes and look towards the white haired stranger. \"Of course, I trust you.\" Alessandro sighed gently and settled into the bed. \"You can have the other side of the bed.\" With that Alessandro began slipping off to sleep, the medicine kicking in.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Rei lay there peacefully, sending out little tendrils of magic here and there to check over things since he can't look at them with his eyes or feel them with his fingers. His ears are constantly perked for happenings out in the hall but it's movement from inside the room that actually stir first. From behind he can feel the prince's breathing pattern change and while he maintains his stillness, he sends out his magic to dance across the man, making sure he's not ripped own his wound or something somehow. \n\nHis inspection is pulled up short however as what is unmistakably a kiss is presses to his head and his mind goes blank for a moment. Not half a second later it explodes with questions but he keeps them all in check. Instead he simply rolls over and stares at the man, a faintly curious expression hidden behind his normal calm indifference. He doesn't know what to make of the gesture, but for now he refrains from asking as he hears rapid footsteps approaching the prince's door.\n\nIt isn't until the door bursts open that he realizes that some time during the night, probably via the prince shifting or something, that his bandanna has come off. He rolls so he can face the lad, hopping that his bed head will cover his non human nature until he can find the damn thing again. The sudden shock of sunlight makes his pupils retract but there's barely an instant of transition between his seeing clarity from dim to startlingly bright. As such, he sees the flit of shock running across the youth's face, something he expected, and also the touch of jealousy, which he did not. 'I recognize that want, but what exactly is he wanting here?'\n\nMentally shaking his head he sits up a little bit to try and locate his bandanna and stills once more as he feels fingers near his ears. The gentle brush of flesh against the sensitive shells makes him shiver and his eyes nearly close as one finger brushes across the tip. Once he's no longer being touched he goes back to looking for the bit of cloth so he doesn't have to rely on his hair to keep his secret any longer. Tugging it out from beneath a pillow he looks at it, curious as to how it got there, but it takes only a second or so to undo the knot and tie it back in place over his ear tips.\n\nOnce in place he sits up properly and stretches, ignoring the exchange of pleasantries. This is a trusted persona after all. Rei has other matters to attend to. Looking to the window he shifts, ready to get out of bed but stops as Peter addresses both he and Alessandro. Feels strange to be asked permission for something out of the blue, like it always is for the fae, and it takes him a moment to figure out how to reply. Finally he murmurs, \"Do what you need to.\" before slipping out of bed and wandering over to the open window.\n\nThe light from the sun makes the fae's bare skin look particularly pale as he looks over the grounds with a sharp eye for anything out of place. He doesn't notice behind him the squire going quite red as Rei wanders around without clothes, carefully avoiding staring as he goes about his task. He does however notice the color when he turns back around to address the youth. His eyes narrow curiously as he wander over to put on his clothes, curious about why Peter is flushed, but more curious about a different matter altogether. \"Would my morning meal be in my room, or was it that I heard falling to the floor earlier?\" If his meal isn't in his room, he figures the prince wouldn't mind sharing, at least until Rei can get down to the kitchens to feed himself. He doesn't plan on going too far from Alessandro today. He still feels that the plot has not yet seen itself out and that the real attempt is yet to come.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "It was the colour that Peter turned that confused Alessandro, right up until he noticed the bare fae's rear swaying unabashedly across his room. What the hell did I do last night? Dear god I didn't violate the poor thing did I? Of course, I'd probably be dead if I did, Rei's hardly defenceless. Still, why has he got nothing on? Alessandro turned a shade of pink in the cheeks and turned to instead focus on Peter and his administrations. \"Did you sleep well?\" He asked, trying to keep his embarrassment from his voice, \"Yes sir.\" Peter answered shortly, lifting the Prince's shirt and carefully removing the bandages, they were lightly soiled with blood but the herbal poultice used had coagulated the blood and stemmed the bleeding. There was a wicked ugly bruise coming out and the cut, while clean, looked vicious but not deadly. \"Your father wants to see you when you are up.\" Peter mumbled to himself, dunking a cloth and looking to the fae as he spoke. \"I'm not sure, I think the maids are still deciding who should bring you your meals.\" He stated, turning back to Alessandro and carefully beginning to clean the wound. \n\"Rei you can have some of mine if you're hungry.\" Peter looked up, shocked and pouted slightly, \"My Prince, if you don't eat properly how do you intend to heal properly?\"\n\"The great care of my squire and a sneaky roll from the bakers in town?\" Peter flushed again and fought a smile. \n\"That is not good enough, you will have to take better care of yourself than that.\" He tried to sound chiding but came across as slightly desperate. He'd seen his master act careless before but this was taking the biscuit. He finished cleaning the wound and with some fresh cut linen he smeared a yellow-green paste, carefully, over the wound. \"Sometimes you worry me, you seem to care more about everyone else than you do yourself.\"\n\"That's not true Peter.\" The Prince, answered and for a moment Peter glanced up, hoping to hear something selfish if only so he'd know Alessandro would keep himself safe. \n\"It's only a handful of people, not everyone.\" Peter groaned but couldn't help a small smile, his Prince wouldn't be his Prince if he didn't have such a large heart, it worried him though how far people would go to break it. He finished tending to the wound, covered it and then offered Alessandro his tea, \"There's a small amount of the drug in there, so be careful when you get up. I'll organise you some clothes to wear and see if the kitchen can't spare a roll and some stew.\"\n\"You're too good to me Peter, thank you.\" Peter beamed and went to the wardrobe, pulling it open to find loose fitting garments for the Prince. Not an easy feat since the Kings and Queens seemed to feel a need to showcase their childs 'assets' to potential wifes. Not that Peter complained usually, he'd often thought about Alessandro's assets when blowing a client, or taking their load. he found a baggy white shirt easy enough, it had a string closing which would make it easier for the man to handle. The pants were proving the problem and he finally settled on a black pair that he hoped would be loose enough for comfort. Then true to his word Peter slipped out, taking his little present with him, if only absent mindedly. \n\nOnce the door was closed Alessandro shifted and carefully removed his sleeping shirt, it fell easily to the bed but he winced at the pull ith ad on his bruising and the wound. grabbing up the fresh shirt he glanced over to Rei. \"We didn't, you know...there wasn't any... I didn't act...rudely, last night did I? I can't remember much after we got back here.\" Saints preserve him, he was hoping to hear nothing happened.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Peter Bareni." } ]

[ { "text": "'He is smiling. I suppose I can take that as a good sign that he will be able to explain all of this. . .' Rei muses, watching the prince closely as he waits to hear what the man has to say to sate his curiosity. E listens silently, nodding as the prince assures him that he's been correct in his assessment of the people he likes most in the world. He feels a small hint of comfort that he was able to do so without any help and waits patiently to hear more. He blinks slowly as Alessandro flat out says that yes, indeed, he has affection for him too, and waits to hear his reasoning behind it. He is neither a father, nor family of any kind, nor has he – in his opinion at least – risked himself for the man. He can't even claim what Peter has aside from the rough upbringing. Smiles are not a think for little Rei, and he knows it. Nor has he, as far as he can tell, ever really had a kind word for anyone.\n\nHe nods in agreement, about his lack of desire to kill, and thinks back to those he grew up with. Those who came out of training with a lust for blood. They had seemed a little mad to Rei, but it had never been his business to judge. He blinks slowly as Alessandro calls his pursuit of knowledge a beautiful thing and wonders is something as silly as that can really be considered for such a thing as beauty. He's come to understand, though perhaps not recognize, beauty in the physical world. Metaphorical beauty is completely lost on him.\n\nHis head tilts slowly to the side as he begins describing attributes Rei isn't quite sure he has. 'Well, I do get angry about the injustice around him, and I am honest with him. However, other than that, I do not see how how I could be considered a good companion for company. I lurk. I slink about. I stand around looking frightening. I scurry about like a child hunting down candy on occasion. . .Unless of course that is what he enjoys in a companion. . .' He doesn't feel particularly noble, thinking that all people should act as he does in the fact of such cruel and selfish things at the prince has to put up with, but before he can voice this the man goes on to call him physically attractive, or at least pretty to look at.\n\nGlancing down at himself he think about it for a moment before dismissing the thought. 'People either look at my with terror, or disgust, or simply look disturbed around me. . .' He pauses in thought, looking up at the prince. 'Well, I suppose, those people he has mentioned have looked at me differently, however I have not seen that expression on their faces that I have come to recognize mean someone is attracted to another person' In all his people watching, he's learned a few things, and so far, he's never seen anyone looking attracted to him. Hehas seen some interesting expressions on the prince's face, but he's yet to place them in his mind, and doesn't think about them.\n\nThe prince then goes on to tell him that he, Rei, has been expression affection completely without realizing it. His brow furrows and he feels the urge to disagree. He knows he doesn't feel these things. He knows what each of those feelings are, and they are not affection. He hesitates however, reminding himself that he's the one who asked Alessandro to teach him about such things. That the prince himself has these feelings and always has and would be more well equipped to recognize them. Blinking slowly he tilts his head to the other side, his face pressing softly into that hand as it caresses his face and hair.\n\nHe feels the familiar feeling of warmth and calm trickling through him at the touch and lets it dance around his veins, trying to get a good feel for it in his need to understand what it really is he's feeling. His eyes go to the prince as he nods, willing to give anything a shot at this point. He wants to know, to understand. 'He is right, I can heal, and I was told I would never be able to. . .If an elder can be wrong about something so important, perhaps I too can be wrong about what I can and cannot feel. . .' Keeping his eyes on the prince as he moves closer, guessing moments before it happens what he's going to do.\n\nA spark strikes him making him shiver slightly. Starting from the place where their lips meet it seems to trace along where Alessandro is touching him before slipping down over his heart and ending as a coiled knot around his spine. His body feels warmer and his eyes alight at the unfamiliar feeling, a strange feeling of something alive in his stomach making him wonder if Alessandro had used some kind of magic on him. 'No, no, I would be able to tell if this was magic. . .' The flesh upon his own lingers, and another shot runs through him, making his fingers twitch as it rushes about his extremities.\n\nWhen Alessandro pulls back Rei's breathing has become slightly irregular and his skin stills seems to dance from the strange energy given off by the kiss. His tongue comes out to cross his slightly dry lips. The feeling of that slick muscle running over them produces and odd sensation and he's not quite sure he likes this lack of understanding and control of his own body. Then, he firmly reminds himself that learning is sometimes uncomfortable, and he does his best to give the prince his attention, wanting desperately to be given some understanding of what's happening to him.\n\nBlinking slowly he shakes his head. \"No, not my stomach. . .\" He reaches up, brushing his lips with his fingertips. \"Here. . .As if it was passed from you, to me. . .\" He shivers, his fingers eliciting some pleasant feelings before he drops them to his lap once more. \"It felt like. . .Energy, warmth, racing through my body, making it tingle.\" He blinks again. \"It was not unpleasant. . .Is it what you thought would happen?\" His hands come up to rest on the prince's wrists, gripping them softly. \"Can you tell me what it is?\" He wants now more than ever to understand things, to understand himself, and his fingers moving of their own accord seem to be trying to encourage Alessandro to respond. \"You can do that again, if you think it will help.\" He knows that experimentation is many times the best way to learn, and he doesn't really mind trying that particular experiment again.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Rei was clearly confused, despite his best attempts to remain respectful he wasn't convinced. There was so many intricacies to affection, it's different forms, the way it could grow into more, it was too much to explain all in one go. Though as his lips parted from Rei's he noted the change in the fae, the difference was reassuring though part of Alessandro wondered if the fae had simply held his breath during the kiss. \n\nRei was soon dispelling that thought with a description of what he'd felt during their kiss. Alessandro listened quietly and when asked if that was what he'd though would happen he gave a slight nod, \"Yes it is.\" Though how to explain it? \"It's...tricky to explain.\" Though Rei came up with another solution, further experimentation? \"If you are...sure.\" Alessandro stated lightly, it was cruel in some ways, the fae had no idea what was happening, if things progressed Alessandro wouldn't say no but would that be taking advantage? Further what if they were caught? It hardly mattered though, right?\n\nLooking at the fae's begging eyes, desire hidden in a murky confusion. Alessandro caressed the boy's cheeks gently, \"Alright. This time, I want you to go with whatever your body feels like doing, alright? It'll be a better experiment that way.\" It felt so wrong to deceive him like this but at the same time it was the only way to prove both the Prince's theory and the Fae's misunderstood 'truth'. If it got too far Alessandro hoped he'd be strong enough to stop things but part of him didn't want to be that strong. \"If things get too...strange and you feel you can't deal with it anymore, just say stop alright?\" Emotions, especially attraction and excitement, had a habit of burning out of control if they weren't watched carefully. \n\nIf the fae agreed to the terms of their 'experiment' he leaned in once again, this time he tilted his head slightly to one side, guiding Rei in with his hands before allowing one to fall away from his face and slip, fingertips tracing his neck and shoulders, to the middle of his back, bringing him closer but not forcefully. His lips pressed firmly but not crushing nor hard to Rei's own, once again they lingered there, waiting to see Rei's reaction before he dared think about 'extending' the experiment.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "Rei stands silent for several seconds, listening to the boy speak. His eyes follow the hand as it reaches up and caresses his hair. The feeling is odd, but not unpleasant so he does nothing to stop it.*'It is strange. I recall a few of the men and woman I was raised around toying with my hair from time to time, but this feels different'*He blinks, looking back down at the prince.*'He looks almost distracted, but he truly hasn't given up'*His blade drops slowly. \"Time in your hall of books would be nice, but I have a collection of my own I would like to expand as well.\" He looks down at the young man for a little longer before stepping back, sliding his blade back into it's scabbard. Walking back to the bed he reaches out, touching the nearest bed post.\n\nHis fingers trail down in, feeling the grain of the wood slide against his fingers before they wander across the foot of the bed. Heading towards the window he makes his way to the other post before stopping. Turning to look back at the prince he tilts his head to the side. With a slow nod he looks to the door then back at the boy. \"I will protect all whom you point out to me to protect, and I assure their safety as long as I draw breath.\" He looks over his shoulder at the window. \"It will take me a day and a half to return to this place.\" His gaze returns to the other man. \"I will come here night after next to find out what arrangements you have made for my being here. I trust your word in this matter,however if you are speaking untruthfully to me now, I will simply pick up the contract again if it is still available. If not, I will leave and you will never see me again.\" With that he moves over to the window, turning so he can sit on the sill, waiting for the boy's response.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "With a small smile the prince nodded and then gave a bow. \"By the night after tomorrow eve' I shall have had it all arranged with the staff and my father, the library is rarely locked lest the gates are open and so you will find you can come and go there as you please. Though I urge you not to take any of the books there out of the library. If you find one you like or desire for your own I shall try and find a copy. You will, if it suits you, live in the castle, I shall have a room made up close to mine so bring with you whatever you desire to have or I shall furnish the room as I believe will suit you. If you desire an abode away from the...finery. Of the palace I shall inquire into the various houses outside the castle.\" For all the Prince was he was efficient, come the sunrise he would speak with his parents, though he would leave out the assassin part and make them aware he had hired a body guard who needed a place nearby to lay his head. He would speak to the library meister to make sure that the white haired ragamuffin was allowed access to the library and he'd arrange and set up room or quarters with the necessities a man like him would need. A bed, wardrobe, chair, table, and book case would seem adequate for the time being.\n\nOne, after all, didn't make it far as the prince of this place without being organised and honestly the sooner the boy was nearby- though he'd never admit as much- the safer he'd feel and perhaps he'd finally get a good nights sleep. Glancing to the boys peculiar ears he uttered, \"It would be best if we covered those.\" He rose a finger to gently, if permitted for should the fae flinch he'd drop his hand to his side, \"We have been told your kind are extinct, gone. If the people find out that isn't true...if my father does.\" The Prince sighed lightly, \"You don't have a glowing reputation among the people. Maybe a change of clothes as well, to keep their suspicion at bay. Will that be okay by you?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "*'He seems to be taking this seriously. This is good'*Rei listens silently as the other talks, keeping his eyes locked on the prince as he comes closer and closer.*'A room, good, and more books. I will not have too much time to read, but I will make due'*His eyelids droop down a little at the gentle touch to his sensitive ears.*'I know I am the first he's seen, but does he really find me so interesting that he needs to keep touching me? I'm not use to such sensations'*His blinks slowly, looking up at the prince with a odd expression. He doesn't know he's wearing it, but in his eyes his confusion is faintly evident.*'It is not unpleasant, just different. But I suppose that's why I wish to stay by him, because my experiences around him even in this short period of time have been, different. . . .'*With a faint nod he murmurs, \"I will cover them.\"\n\nReaching up behind his back his fingers brush the latch to the windows. \"I will come directly to this room when I return, and much in the way I did tonight, I will not let myself be seen. If you feel I must wear something different, feel free to pick something out for me. I must remain as mobile as I am now though, so please keep that in mind.\" He blinks slowly again. \"As for my people, I am not a shinning example of my kind. Most are much like humans. They love, they fight, they live for one another. I don't know how your father sees us, but if he finds out what I am it will not be from my lips.\" With that he unlatches the window. A quick glance over his shoulder confirms that the palace grounds are free of anyone who could see him and with a final nod Rei tips back wards out of the window. His body twists much like a cat's in mid air and with barely a sound he lands on all fours behind the bushes at the base of the wall.\n\nHe does not hesitate and in less than a minute he's upon the outer fortifications. He pauses, both moons shining down upon him, but there are no eyes to see the glow it seems to set up around him.*'Perhaps one set of eyes'*His gaze turns back up to the palace and with one final glance towards the prince's room he turns and takes off into the night. All four of his limbs are used to crawl, climb, and leap as he moves towards the edge of town via the rooftops. Often called the thieve's highway, Rei has always wondered why people would build their cities in such a way.*'This design makes it so easy for people like me to get around. Whether it be reaching a target, or fleeing the guards, the rooftops make life that much easier for those with ill intentions'*His final vault over the outer wall of the city lands him in the middle of a small group of chickens. Only a few notice him and scatter but the rest barely wake up before tucking their heads back down and drifting off again.\n\nGlancing up he gets his bearings then heads towards where he hid the first half of his payment. He sets up a steady pace and reaches the spot before sunrise. The rolling grassy hills around the small cave glisten slightly in the moonlight as the morning dew begins to gather. His bare feet leave tracks on the stone floor as he ducks a spider web and moves to a small pile of stones against the cave wall. The dark blue stone of the cave reflects the light of the moons making it easy to see as he shifts a few large stones aside to reach the one he wants. Rolling a boulder the size of his torso over reveals that it's mostly hollow. Tucked inside is a brown bag which he pulls out carefully and sets to the side. Once the rocks are back in place he scoops up the first half of his payment and heads out.\n\n*'I just have to put this back and tear the contract to signify that I won't take it. Once my job with the prince is over I can start taking contracts again'*His gaze travels to the sky above as he runs across the open fields towards his next goal.*'I wonder how long I will stay by his side. It could be some time. I should let the villagers know I will not be using my home for a while. Perhaps they could use it for something. As long as they don't touch my books'*Letting out a sigh he runs over his books in his mind and wonders which ones he should take with him. When he at last reaches the spot where his contract post is buried he brushes aside the long grass and pops the top. There are no new contracts for him. With a nod to himself he slips the bag inside before pulling out he contract tucked under his clothing and with one smooth motion he rips it and drops it atop the bag. Replacing the cap he stands and looks towards the forest he was born in. He simply stands and stares at it for a while, lost in his own musings, until with a final nod he takes off towards it's border.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "The Prince smiled faintly from under his own arm as he heard the familiar voice and slowly sat himself up. \"That i believe would be my father's way of trying to soothe his bruised ego.\" Alessandro rubbed his lower back and stood up. \"If anyone asks by the way, you stopped and disposed of the assassin that tried to kill me last night. My father isn't big on second chances. Shall I show you to your room or would you like to discuss things some more before we go?\" Alessandro ran ah and through his hair and crossed the room to pull on his shoes once more, there was a faint shuffling of feet passed the door but he had already informed his own servants and those that worked here he would have a guest so they didn't linger long. \"I do only have two rules, don't kill anyone unless they're trying to kill me or my family and try not to sneak into peoples rooms in the middle of the night. It's a little bit creepy.\" He offered a good natured wink and with a coat settled on his shoulders, for the castles hallways often got cold even if a log fire burned in each room, he waited by the door.\n\n\"Everything has been arranged as I said, you will have access to the library as early as tonight should you wish it until the foreseeable future. The only wing you are not allowed in is my family's west wing where my father, mother and sister sleep. Only disobey that if they are in trouble. Until my father makes an announcement to all the guards you are considered neither hostile nor part of the guard so keep your behaviour appropriate. If you happen to run into my parents please use manners around them, my father doesn't tolerate fools and while my sister has a slightly better humour it is not easy to temper my father when he's angry. I...hope this is all alright? I don't mean to bombard you but things here are quite...strict.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "Rei watches the young man rise, his eyes watching his movements carefully.*'He seems far steadier today. I have heard of egos before, and the danger of bruising one. I pray his father does not seek out to sooth it by giving me a hard time. That would be counter productive'*Instead of replying to the man's question his head turns towards the door where the sound of shuffling feet draws his attention. It isn't long before they move off but Rei still listens carefully until they are a goodly distance away.*'I suppose I will have to get use to knocking if I can not simply walk into rooms as I have always done. Though this will prove to make defending people more difficult'*\n\nFollowing behind the prince several paces behind he reaches into his bag to retrieve the scarf. Stopping a good yard and a half away from the young man his listens silently as he turns the headscarf into a headband and slips it under the bristle of his bangs and around his head.*'Defending these people sounds like an interesting challenge. It sounds as if I will have plenty of time to observe many different kinds of people'*His gaze comes up to meet that of the prince.*'However I am confident he will remain the most interesting'*Blinking slowly he formulated his responses to the sudden pouring of information.\n\n\"I will most likely map out the palace tonight, keeping to myself to make the job go more swiftly. I understand this rule about the west wing, however I will need to see it as well, however I will be more stealthy than the rest of my tour if it would please you. No one will see me.\" Slipping his fingers beneath the headband he settles it into a comfortable position, curving his fingers over the tips of his ears to make sure they are covered before pulling the fabric tight so he can tie it. \"I will do my best not to be rude, however I have very little practice with social graces seeing as I was raised by assassins and after killing them and returning home the majority of my kind avoid me like a plague of boils. Perhaps it would be best if I avoid speaking unless absolutely necessary as I do in my home village.\"\n\nSecuring the knot in a comfortable place Rei turns his head from side to side serving the dual purpose of making sure it isn't pulling any hairs and showing the prince that his ears appear completely human now. \"As for being strict. . .\" His voice becomes a little distant. \"I understand rules. I grew up with a lot of them, and breaking them meant death so I have become quite skilled at following them when they are important.\" Blinking again he turns to look back at the young man who is now essentially his master. \"My room would be a good place to go. I assume the clothes you picked out for me are ready? From your own words, the sooner I change out of these, the better. Lead the way.\" His tone is soft and exacting, his methodical nature coming through loud and clear.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro chooses not to argue with the fae, he seems to know what he is doing and as long as he remains unseen he is certain that things will turn out alright in the end. With a small nod and slightly amused smile he turns and leads the way out of his room and the short walk to Rei's new abode, it is a maximum of about twenty meters from Alessandro's own and is in a direct line to it with few adornments on the walls on this side of the palace. There are staff moving about quietly down the halls and about various points in the palace but all seem content and polite offering gracious nods and smiles. \"You could always survey it tonight.\" Alessandro utters quietly when they are alone in the halls, \"Or you can allow me to take you on a tour of the more prominent regions of the castle and examine all else tonight. It might be slower for you but it will make your profile better known to the servants so if you are spotted they can dismiss it as an accident rather than an intruder.\" He offered before pushing and holding the door open to Rei's room.\n\nA bookcase had been bought inside and filled with books that ranged from geographic survey audits to the history of the kingdom, books on the various natural resources of the land and local wild life including just one book about the old fae and human wars. There was among these also story books, novels rather than the picture books of children, most of which were more stories meant to frighten children to behave where the antagonists were usually fae. The table had been covered with a pitcher of water and bowl of fruit, at some point a roast quail and potatoes had been placed under a silver bell shaped lid and a clean goblet sat to one side of it with utensils to eat with. The bed had been made up with a few extra pillows and a throw as well as the duvet while the fire had been lit with a hickory log at it's core so it both warmed the room and freshened the scent within. One of them aids had seen fit to put a small vase of flowers above the fire place to help rid the room of any bad smells and there on the bed were the laid out clothes that Alessandro had chosen earlier, including a soft cloth hat which he'd rustled up for his ears.\n\n\"What do you think? Is it acceptable?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Rei follows the young man quietly out of his room and down the hall. As they pass those who appear to be servants of the house,Rei keeps his gaze clear and disinterested.*'Many servants are underestimated when it comes to their powers of observation'*He cocks his head a bit at the offer to show him around first, but wonders what the prince means by \"Tonight\".*'Is it not already tonight? The sun is down, it is dark out, so it is indeed night. Perhaps he means the early morning hours where most are asleep. That was the plan for the restricted sections, but if he wishes to accompany me until them, I have no real objections'*\n\nStepping into his now abode he gives it a cursory look, his gaze lingering on the partially stocked bookshelf.*'There should be room for mine'*With a faint nod he walks towards the bed and sets his bag down beside the clothing. \"It is at least twice the size of my house. I am sure it will be fine. Thank you for the bookshelf.\" As he finishes he pulls out the few books he grabbed and moves over to place them on an empty shelf. \"About what you said before. If you wish to accompany me before this night grows into morning, I would have no objection. When most of the house is asleep though I would prefer to travel alone.\" Moving back to the bed he looks over the clothes, tilting his head this way and that before nodding. \"They look to offer sufficient movement.\"\n\nReaching up he pulls on the flexible material of his outfit at the neck and like peeling off a tight sock, he pulls the entire thing off in one go and leaves it in a pile next to his feet. Testing each item with his fingers first he pulls the outfit on over his nude body until he he is faces with the last two pieces Wrinkling his nose at the boots he glances back at the prince before pulling them on slowly. \"I fear your servants will be finding these left around the castle and ground quite often. I will wear them to avoid suspicion, but I will not hesitate to remove them when necessary.\" Once they are on, he wiggles his toes, staring down at them for a moment before scooping up the hat and looking it over.*'Never hurts to be double cautious, however if the hat goes over the bandanna and the hat is pulled off, so too may be the bandanna, so perhaps it is safer without it. . .'*He thinks about it for a moment, his body unmoving as his mind weighs the pros and cons. Finally he decides and pulls the hat on carefully over the cloth wrapped around his head and turns to the prince. Tilting his head he holds his hands out. \"Do I look sufficiently human?\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Rei follows the young man quietly out of his room and down the hall. As they pass those who appear to be servants of the house,Rei keeps his gaze clear and disinterested.*'Many servants are underestimated when it comes to their powers of observation'*He cocks his head a bit at the offer to show him around first, but wonders what the prince means by \"Tonight\".*'Is it not already tonight? The sun is down, it is dark out, so it is indeed night. Perhaps he means the early morning hours where most are asleep. That was the plan for the restricted sections, but if he wishes to accompany me until them, I have no real objections'*\n\nStepping into his now abode he gives it a cursory look, his gaze lingering on the partially stocked bookshelf.*'There should be room for mine'*With a faint nod he walks towards the bed and sets his bag down beside the clothing. \"It is at least twice the size of my house. I am sure it will be fine. Thank you for the bookshelf.\" As he finishes he pulls out the few books he grabbed and moves over to place them on an empty shelf. \"About what you said before. If you wish to accompany me before this night grows into morning, I would have no objection. When most of the house is asleep though I would prefer to travel alone.\" Moving back to the bed he looks over the clothes, tilting his head this way and that before nodding. \"They look to offer sufficient movement.\"\n\nReaching up he pulls on the flexible material of his outfit at the neck and like peeling off a tight sock, he pulls the entire thing off in one go and leaves it in a pile next to his feet. Testing each item with his fingers first he pulls the outfit on over his nude body until he he is faces with the last two pieces Wrinkling his nose at the boots he glances back at the prince before pulling them on slowly. \"I fear your servants will be finding these left around the castle and ground quite often. I will wear them to avoid suspicion, but I will not hesitate to remove them when necessary.\" Once they are on, he wiggles his toes, staring down at them for a moment before scooping up the hat and looking it over.*'Never hurts to be double cautious, however if the hat goes over the bandanna and the hat is pulled off, so too may be the bandanna, so perhaps it is safer without it. . .'*He thinks about it for a moment, his body unmoving as his mind weighs the pros and cons. Finally he decides and pulls the hat on carefully over the cloth wrapped around his head and turns to the prince. Tilting his head he holds his hands out. \"Do I look sufficiently human?\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "The prince remained standing and kept his eyes sufficiently averted as the fae went about examining then changing into the new sets of clothes, he was glad the fae seemed happy with the accommodation he'd provided, it was not much more than a personally decorated servants quarters but even that had seemed to be rather over the top in the opinion of the fae. He had thought about what the fae had said the previous night about how they had it easy while others suffered, he'd never thought about it before, aside passing thoughts, that there was just so much pointless space in the castle. Of course when it was built it was probably intended for keeping the villagers or nobles safe if there was a siege or war as that had been done several times in the history books but it was still strange that it was built so large. Perhaps it was also the way, back then, a person proved their wealth by having larger homes?\n\nAlessandro nodded lightly to the fae's words about the viewing of the castle, it made more sense that he show the bodyguard around, while he was certain the fae had amazing skills the Prince had learned no one was perfect and no one was infallible. Fae or not there were going to be things he overlooked, things that the prince for instance wouldn't as he knew where to look and what to look for. Like no doubt if Alessandro visited the fae's own abode he would know more than the prince about the ins and outs of it no matter how talented Alessandro thought he was. There were secret passages and peepholes, there were alternate routes and squeaky boards there were so many twists and turns it could make a man dizzy and one false step, even for a fae, would find a person with their head upon a chopping block. His family were not fools, foolish at times perhaps but they were not fools and they were well prepared for most eventualities, the guards on top of which were loyal and hard to corrupt and even the queen and princess had learned how to use a sword.\n\nThe prince though remained quiet accept for his nod of understanding to the fae, he would show the fae what he could before the hours grew too late and then he would hope and pray to the gods that the fae didn't go and get himself caught in a place he ought not to be. Soon the subject of matter was the clothes, he had personally chosen such an outfit with what the fae had had in mind and was glad to hear they met his exacting standards. When the peripheral of his vision caught the undressing fae the prince made a more obvious act of turning away and keeping his eyes closed until he was asked for his opinion on the outfit. Turning around he glanced over the fae who was now donned in the Kings colours and gave another nod, \"Yes, you look quite human now and less like you intend to kill me. Which i must say is a relief. Would you care to finish settlign in or shall I show you around?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "His head falls gently to the other side as the prince looks him over. His comments cause him to blink one of his slow blinks but other than that he has no real reaction. Dropping his arms to his sides he turns back to the bed.*'Less like I intend to kill him? I wonder what he means. He hired me, and he knew before now that I have no longer any intention of killing him'*His eyes trail down to his fae outfit crumpled on the floor.*'Does that really look like the clothes of a killer? Was it even the clothes? R have I somehow changed in some other way and just not noticed. . . . .'*He remains silent, moving around the bed slowly.\n\nHis head remains tilted down as he trails his fingers over the soft covers of the bed twice the size of his own. Continuing his slow trek he moves to the wall at the head of the bed. Bringing his hand up he presses it against the cool stone and begins following it around the room.*'There are two other ways into this room'*Small amounts of his magic trickle around the bricks, seeking out as much information as it can and filtering it back to Rei. His magic isn't very developed, most of what he's learned he's had to teach himself, and given his job description it works mostly in a manner most useful for an assassin. From stone to glass he pauses only briefly to glance out the window.*'I am along the same wall as the prince, however this room is more easily observed by those in the stable'*\n\nHis gaze drops back down and he continues on.*'Not garish, no tapestries or other ornate objects'*His fingers trail along the mantle place, the smell from over his head bringing his head up once more. His eyes trail over the flowers and the vase, his head tilting to the side.*'Not the prince's idea I'd wager. This part seems different from the over all feel of the room'*Continuing on he passes between the prince and the door, his fingers testing the strength of the wooden door with small flickers of magic. His inspection takes him all the way back to his bed where he stops and draws back all of his magic, the information it had gathered filtering in carefully as to not overload him.*'One of the ways in leads to a servant hallway, and the other is connected to an occupied room'*\n\nLetting out a faint sigh he looks to the prince and nods. \"I will be sealing one of the secret entrances to the room, the other will prove most useful in protection you.\" Stepping away from the head of his bed he motions towards his small bag. \"I did not bring much. Books. I will have time later to unpack. For now I would like to get to work.\" He steps closer to the prince. \"From your own words, your life is in danger often, and I would like to be ahead of the next attack. Such frequent assassination attempts may have more meaning than one would expect.\" His eyes flash at the prospect and he moves towards the door. Opening it he pauses and motions that Alessandro should lead the way. Bringing a foot up he scratches the back of his leg with the toe of his boot. He wrinkles his nose and looks down.*'My toenails are rougher. How does anyone scratch with these things on without bending over into a vulnerable position?'*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "By the time the fae had entered the bedroom the young prince was asleep, he slept, as the fae would notice, in the nude as many of the highborn could afford to do. It seemed his servant had been in to turn down the sheets and check his room. Putting a few slow burning logs on the fire to keep the warmth in the room and drawing the shutters and thick curtains closed before extinguishing all but a single candle that was kept within arms reach of the bed. Upon his table a fresh jug of water and goblet and his clothes already removed for washing. he had left little trace that he'd been there but for a small folded blue cloth upon the table, inside of which sheltered a few lily of the valley, the fresh scent wafting about the room with it's delicate aroma. They were all but out of season now and one would assume they meant something to the lord if his servant would go out to find them asked or not.\n\nAs the fae checked on the sleeping lord he would notice that he entered at the end of some uncomfortable sequence or another in his dreams. For his brow was relaxing and a light sheen of sweat hugged his skin even as his fists and muscles began to relax once again, the sheets had worked themselves down, baring his chest and stomach, though glimpses at his back would reveal those scars again as he rolled over and faced away from the Fae's entrance, shivering slightly and in sleep grasping covers to pull them up over hips and to his rib cage.\n\nNothing else was out of place nor disturbed in his room aside the little gifts but one could only wonder how long that would remain the case for.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "Rei's pace slows as he reaches the end of the passage, his ears picking up faint noises of discontent. Sending his magic out he does not detect any but the prince beyond the door so he does not fret. The door slides open silently, the little catch off to the side letting out only a faint click as he flips it up. His eyes are fist drawn to the only movement in the room, his gaze roving over the bed where the young man seems to settle against the mattress. His brows furrow lightly as he moves closer to the large bed, his magic dancing about along the floor allowing him to remain alert to his surroundings while he examines the restless figure. Even in the mostly dark room Rei catches sight of the sheen of sweat covering his bare body and his head tilts in question.\n\n*'I wonder what is wrong. His breathing is fast, as if he has just been in an ordeal, however he. . . .'*His mind drifts back to when he lived with the other assassins. He moves in even closer just as the boy rolls and he is once again filled with curiosity as the movement flashes his scared back to you young fae.*'I must ask him about those some time. I must know who in this household has the right to strike a prince'*When at last Alessandro seems to settle into a more deep slumber Rei takes his eyes away from the other and instead looks to his room. From prior visits he knows the layout quite well, however he uses this opportunity engrave it more thoroughly into his mind, adding another page to his map.\n\nA faintly floral smell catches his attention and he follows it to a cloth laid out on the table. Reaching out he pulls the top back a bit so he can look on the flowers themselves. He knows little of herb and flower lore so the small plant means very little to him. However he does take note about it not being there last he was in the prince's chamber. Dropping the cover back the way he found it he looks once last time to his new ward and lets out a faint silent sigh. Content that he's done enough exploration for the evening he moves back to the passage. Leaving only a faint string of magic in the room to keep track of the happenings there he closes the door and returns to his own quarters. Now able to make noise without worry Rei finishes off the quail leg, bone and all, the crunching echoing lightly around the room as his lack of manners has him eating with his mouth open. He knows that he may need to do some learning of high society while in the palace, but in his own room he feels little need to stand on any sort of ceremony with only himself as company.\n\nEdging back over to the table he covers the meal once more and wanders over to the bookshelf, wiping his hands on his pants. Snatching up his bag as he passes it he sets about putting his books away. He arranges them carefully on the lowest shelf, away from the others so that they do not get mixed in on accident. Once finishes he glances over the tomes provided him by the prince, contemplating whether or not he wants to do some reading before he sleeps. After a few seconds he shakes his head and moves over to the bed.*'I will need as much rest as I can. Much of this night was taken up by my exploration, now I will need the rest if I am to be prepared for tomorrow'*Reaching up ha carefully removes his hat, setting it on the bedside table. However he leaves the headband on. Should a servant glance in the room in the night before he notices them he does not wish to risk his ears being seen. Stripping off all but his undergarments he crawls over the bed and removes all but the thin sheet and with a contented sigh he curls up beneath it. Only the very top of his head peeks out from beneath the white fabric, settled beneath the pillows rather than on them, and after years of training, he is asleep almost instantly.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Beast seemed to move like liquid night across the landscape, his hooves pounding the dirt relentless and kicking up grass blades with the wanton nature of a large beast. It was a different ride to his sweet mare, who seemed to barely touch the grass or dirt at all and whose ride was as smooth as silk. Beast was a whole other matter, he felt every hoof fall, every lump in the ground every jump of those powerful legs that kept the landscape a blur. It was intense in a whole different way to the freeing sensation that riding his filly was. When eventually they began to come upon the ruins he attempted to slow the beast down, his first command ignored and the beast raced yo against the stones until at a second firmer command the animal slowed and finally halted. It stamped impatiently and angrily a moment before it settled to the petting of it's mane and the soft cooing words in it's flickering ears.\n\nIt was as the fae approached the beast began to rear and stomp his hooves once again and Alessandro took a further moment to try and quell the beast, uncertain that he could from atop its saddle he slipped freely off of the horse and narrowly missed a swing of the powerful creatures head. With reigns in hand he stilled the horses head and with his weight against the horses shoulder he attempted to calm the animal again. Unhappy and agitated but still the prince tied his horse to a slender stone arch that seemed fit to hold it and allowed him to snuffle at the fresh grass and moss beneath his hooves. \"This place.\" He announced to the fae, as if not yet aware of his somewhat 'threatening' behaviour. \"Houses all the great families, right back to the man who laid the first stone of our castle. Very few people come here anymore, which is a little sad but it does mean I have a space to be free and by myself for a while. What do you think?\" It was then he turned and then he saw the hand on the hilt of the blade, the look in the fae's eyes. \"You will be on edge a lot of you suspect everyone of attempting to kill me, even my horse.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null }, { "text": "His body remains tense even as he walks closer to the calm looking animal. However when it begins rearing again he pauses, giving the prince the chance to calm it down. It is not as if he wishes to kill the beast, however Rei has never been one to do things half way. So when he took the job as the prince's defender, he became hyper sensitive to anything that could bring the man harm. He watches as Alessandro slips easily from the saddle and relaxes a bit. The skill of the prince at handing his horse allows Rei some piece of mind, however his hand remains on his blade none the less.\n\nHis hand remains in place even after the animal is tied up, the threat not quite gone yet. The filly butts at his back a bit and with on hand he reaches back and pats her nose, his eyes never leaving his target.*'I am sure it is fine now. But I will not risk it'*When the prince begins speaking he turns his eyes on to the young man and listens intently. Rei likes learning, even if it's not from a book. Eventually the prince turns to look at him and he tilts his head slightly. With a nod he murmurs loud enough for the other to hear, \"I agree, I will be.\" Not wanting to disturb the large black Rei steps aside and motions that the prince is free to tie her up should he wish.\n\nWalking off of the path a bit he looks around, thinking back to the boy's question. Rei does not really have judgments on things unless they are pertinent to his job, so before he can answer, he must first form an opinion. He looks this way and that, taking in as much as he can see, and feeling out the things he can't see, until at last he comes up with an answer he feels is true. Turning to the prince he catches his eye. \"This place is calm and beautiful. According to your human traditions and belief, an excellent place to rest one's body after death.\" His head tilts to the side and he adds, \"I also think you are. . . . Better, when not around other humans. You feel. . . .False around them.\"\n\n~*~*~*~*~*~\n\n\"Did you see where he went?\"\n\n\"No! When did you see him last?\"\n\n\"This morning, in class but. . .\"\n\nHe turns away from the voices, his eyes set on a different goal. He wants to see him. He wants to talk to him. There is something he has to know. He alone holds the answers, and no matter what it takes, he is willing to go the distance. A small pack on his back and a traveling hood to cover his nature, the little fae boy sets off towards his goal with a set look on his face.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "The tower was old, there was a basement at the bottom of the stairs that seemed to lead to a hidden room though what was in there once was hard to tell as it is now partially collapsed. A staircase seems to lead straight down the other side of the wall no doubt belonging to the secret passage that Alessandro had spoken of which seemed to lead outside the walls of the castle and partially underground.\n\nWhen they reached the top of the tower Alessandro was greeted with his first human smile of the day, an old man, over a hundred no doubt, was drowned in thick woolen grey robes and weighted down into a hunch by a set of thick iron keys about his neck. He smelled of lavender and opium, his skin wrinkled and paper thin and his eyes that were no doubt once a strong blue or grey were now milky and almost white. He squinted at the sound of people and frowned very faintly at the sight of the wig. He said nothing of it of course but one could get the impression he wasn't the biggest fan of the wig the Prince was forced to wear. \"Sorry I'm later Meister.\" The old man simply waved a hand and took himself back to a chair with shuffling steps. As he fell into the wooden seat he looked as if he might disappear beneath his robes or at the very least fall apart beneath their weight. However he simply folded his hands easily across his chest, closed his eyes and took a long, deep breath.\n\nAlessandro walked among the rows and rows of books that lined the walls of the tower in book cases that seemed to strain under the weight. Tables were filled with scrolls and open books, ink wells and quills and loose pieces of parchment. He came upon the one he was looking for and moved to take the seat opposite the Meister. \"This is my new guard, Rei. Do you mind if he sits and listens?\" The meister opened one eye and looked Rei over, a knowing grin and a keen glint in those old milky eyes that would suggest he knew more than he should and without saying a word he closed his eye again and nodded lightly. Alessandro glanced to Rei and then back to the book opened upon his lap, he thumbed through the old pages that consisted of the writings of every Meister from the beginning of the city and found where they left off. \"And so it came to pass that the kingdom fought to push back the evil force known as the fae to keep them from destroying all that was good and right. The battles were long and bloody and we saw three Kings crowned before the end. King Leonard the Second, King Isaac and King Midian the first. King Midian was only a slip of a boy, freshly grown his first hairs but fiercely took to the field and slew our foe as if blessed by the gods...\" And so the lesson continued, the fae depicted as a murderous force whose foul magics polluted the earth and threatened all life and the human counterparts valiant and heroic. The Meister remained quiet and listened to Alessandro read but after an hour the old man had fallen asleep and Alessandro, noticing this, came to a stop.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "The fae touches every part of the tower long before the reach the top, and retracts his hands to look over the information.*'He is right, there are a lot of books up there'*He can feel a faint tickle of excitement at the thought, his only real passion in life being reading, and he wonders what it would take for them to let him read a few.*'Many of those tomes feel much older than the ones I own, or have read. If they do not let me read these, I will definitely need to go to the palace library tonight to sate my need right now'*None of these thoughts are expressed on Rei's face, being impassive as ever, however when they reach the top of the stairs his focus shifts from his own wants and needs on to the old man before them.\n\nRei refrains from coughing, it actually taking quite an effort considering how good his sense of smell is, however he manages without showing any visible change.*'Opium, he may not be all there. Over use is a common downfall in the minds of many. The smile is good, for the prince. He does not see many, I am sure'*The obvious look of distaste directed at Alessandro makes him curious however, wondering why he would smile one minute, then change an instant later.*'Perhaps it is something about the prince. . .I will ask later. Asking such things now may count against the young royal'*His gaze shifts to the books along the walls and for the first time since meeting the prince he seems to almost light up. It is a dim light, but it does make him look more his age, even if it is only a little bit.\n\nAs the youth speaks again he waits until the old man is looking before giving a polite slight bow, keeping his eyes on the elder. However he freezes mid bow at the look in the man's eyes. Without hesitation his magic snakes out to investigate the old man as he finishes standing up and he feels the faintest traces of human magic trickling through him.*'He was at least a half way decent magic user at one point in his life. He may be able to sense me. This could be a problem. . .If he were to tell on me, then my job would be over. I am sure the prince would deny knowledge of the fact, as humans often do to save themselves, however I do not relish the thought of having to flee from this place. . .'*\n\nHis thoughts fall silent as the old man seems to dismiss the fae with only that faintly mischievous look, and Rei decides not to do anything for now.*'If he becomes suspicious, I will act, until then, I shall leave him be'*And just like that, he is once more completely at ease, his attention on the books and other parchment lining the walls. It is all he can do not to begin perusing the shelves right then and there, so he contents himself with listening to the prince read aloud. He rests against a bare patch of wall by the door, the only real place danger could come from unless a killer was already hanging from the ceiling, which there is not, Rei checked, and he listens, wondering at the inaccuracies.*'I know that both sides of a war have their own way of looking at things, but at least the histories I have head in the village do not depict humans as the scourge of the world. Just foolish, misguided, and oft times cruel'*\n\nAs the old man drifts to sleep Rei casts him a glance before the sudden silence brings his attention back to the young man. He looks at the prince silently for several seconds before, without a moments hesitation, he slides off the wall and walks quickly over to the books that he'd spotted at a distance that had caught his eyes. He glances back at the prince a few times, the obvious question in his eyes even as he grabs a few tomes, flips them open, reads a few lines, and puts them back exactly as he found them save for maybe a bit of dust.*'I have not read most of these. . .I really would love to read a few. . .I wonder if his lesson is over. Maybe I can borrow a few. . .'*He looks once more to Alessandro, a book help open in his arms, the large tome looking far too big to be held so easily by such small arms. His eyes are a little brighter, a bit of the youth he is shining through at being surrounded by the one thing in life that brings him away from the drudge and drab reality that is his existence. He does not lament his life, but reading is way better than it, to be sure.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Alessandro wasn't even mad, that was the crazy part, his father wasn't very good with emotions even when his brother was still alive but now he was gone he was like an angry porcupine, ready to shoot his quills at anyone, even his own son. If Alessandro wanted he could have likely analysed that his fathers behaviour wasn't just due to grief but stress, concern and guilt as well. Likewise he wasn't angry with the queen or his beloved sister for not speaking up for him, he'd told them not too many times and it was only when the King had raised his hand to strike his sisters cheek -he had personally got in the way before it came to marking his precious sister- that they listened. It was something he'd grown used to, like the hatred for his hair and the murmers of the villagers. As Rei had pointed out as well, he was lucky not one to be pitied, he had food in his belly every day, so much that he couldn't eat it all at times, he had all the things money could buy if he just asked for them, warm clothes in the winter, boots with no holes thick blankets so he was grateful. He did get lonely from time to time that was true but his sister and him spoke when they could, when their father wasn't keeping a hawk like eye on her and forcing her to meet new and further unsuitable suitors.\n\nSo it rather surprised him when Rei hinted he was trying to be comforting, the Prince looked down to the littler body guard and faintly smiled, dropping his hand lightly to Rei's head only to remember both the Bandanna and hat that blocked him from feeling that super fine hair. \"Your awkward that much is true but its good, your doing okay. I'm fine though, I've got used to it, he's never been an overly caring or friendly father, my brothers death just made him...worse. I'll be fine, the cooks servants will bring us up our plates and honestly I'd rather eat with you, maybe my sister, than sit at that big empty table anyway.\" He removed his hand and lead them back to his room, holding the door open for Rei so the boy might enter and shutting it firmly behind him, it seemed rather bizarre having Rei in here while they were awake, the last conversation they had he had been mostly naked and Rei was going to kill him. Such an odd feeling since it was only a few nights prior.\n\n\"Take a seat, we can go over tomorrows plans if you like? It'll give you time to plan and once supper arrives we can discuss any books you were interested in that you might like to borrow. I'm sure if its you the meister won't mind overly, you just have to take care of them for him, is there anything else you want to get from your home too? I never really asked if you were leavign anything important behind, family or the like. This 'father of yours, is he there?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "As they walk along Rei once more finds the prince's hand on his head. For a moment his mind reflects on the act as if it is a puzzle.*'I know I have seen people doing this before, to friends or children, but for the most part patting the head is reserved for pets or other domestic animals.'*He glances up at the prince. He listens to the man's words even as his brain continues working thing out.*'So, does this mean he sees me as one of those? I suppose, he is a prince, and many royals see any non royal as less than they, which would mean I can see him seeing me as a pet. After all, I am technically his personal guard dog, but at the same time there are those times where he seems to look at me strangely. Looks at me in a way I do not recognize, but at the same time I know one would not look at a pet that way'*\n\nAt the last part of what the prince says his eyes go to the flag stone and his brows furrow slightly. He walks even with Alessandro, entering the room without coming out of thought.*'By his words, he likened me to his sister, however he can not see me as family. If that is the case, that leaves friend, however just two moons ago I was in this very room, ready to kill him. I do not see that being conducive to a friendship, and that aside, we barely know one another'*Looking up as the prince once more speaks he listens, still lost in thought.*'He has been liberal with his hands, if I am any judge of such things, ever since he first caressed my hair. Perhaps he is just fascinated with laying hands on me? I find that a very confusing prospect. . .I do not normally have to think on such things. Perhaps as I am around him more, and around humans other than assassins, I will learn more of all these odd interactions, and what they mean. . .'*\n\nTaking a seat as he is bidden Rei lets out a soft sigh, his mind returning to it's blissfully smooth and 'in the now' state of being, the deeper thoughts sliding away like butter on a hot skillet. Setting gently on the string of information Rei decides to address it all in order. \"Going over your plans beforehand will be useful, and give me a chance to check some things. I can think of a few tomes that I would like to review, but eventually I would like to read them all. I like books. . .\" His voice trails off an for an instant he looks like the young man he is before going back to his normal disinterested self. \"Now that I am here and under this unwritten contract, I can not leave here and return to the village. Not until you release me, or I fail. I will not risk leaving you alone, not with the dangers even within your own home.\"\n\nHis mind drifts back to the well used secret passage and the eyes of those in town that had appeared ready to take the prince's life at any time.*'I can not leave him. Even his own family is a threat, with these \"Replacement Sons\" and so many assassins willing and able to at the least get within a dozen paces of him. No, I may be here for many years'*Rei does not lament this fact. He has a long time to live, and Alessandro will be dead long before the fae will even be considered fully grown. He may be mature, and by his species' standard what one would call breeding age, however majority is still years off for the little fae. \"There is far too much danger around you at this time. I saw at least three of my profession as we rode through town, all with eyes for you. It would seem my employer had a redundancy plan. Smart when you want someone dead.\" He does not sound as if he is giving a compliment to the person who hired him, simply stating the fact.\n\nThe final question leads to a pause for the young fae. He stays silent as a pair of servants come to deliver the food, his mind wandering over the possible responses to the query. There is a very simple answer, a less simple answer, but for Rei, he feels as f the full answer may be more entertaining to tell the young man.*'After all, he listens to me. When I returned to the village after the last kill, none really wanted to hear from me, sensing my taint, but unwilling to just turn me away. I have never told anyone the full truth of it, and perhaps this one will actually enjoy the telling. . .'*Unable to come to the decision on his own he looks to the prince, blinking one of his slow blinks before inquiring softly. \"Do you really wish to hear of my 'father'? I am eager to speak on it, if you truly wish to listen, however it may prove to be a long story, and if you would rather not hear the story of a. . .Murderer as you call me, then I will understand.\" He looks down, not really feeling what his face and body is showing, but all the same not being dishonest in it either. \"None have wanted to hear of him, nor of my life, corrupt as it is.\" He looks back up. \"You liked the tales of my kind, or so it seemed. I am not so sure you would like to hear of my human upbringing. After all, it is what made me into this monster you see before you.\" There is no hurt in his tone, and he does not know why he is carrying on, however as those last words leave his lips, he at last falls silent, waiting calmly for his answer.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Once more Alessandro remained silent as the fae spoke, he tried not to register emotions upon his face but with no practice of hiding anything but his own upset it was rather obvious when he was surprised, confused and perhaps a little concerned. It was not a normal upbringing at all for a child and it sounded both ruthless and cold and yet Rei spoke of it as if it were nothing different from the normal. Of course, to Rei it was nothing outside of the unusual, when the fae came to another pause the Prince allowed his unwavering attention to drop to his plate, a soft sound leaving his throat indicating his uncertainty on what to say. He finished his meal and then took his goblet in both hands, swirling the liquid in the glass for a moment before taking a swig. Words still seemed to fail him and after a moment of trying to figure out a polite way of saying 'so you killed your adopted family?' he decided to take another sip and gesture for Rei to continue.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The myriad of emotions flowing across the young man's face are fascinating to the fae. He can tell, for the most part, that they are negative emotions. Those are easy to recognize, as often as he sees them, however somehow they feel different than usual.*'It is as if their direction is. . .Altered somehow'*His own thoughts do not make sense to Rei, so he sets them aside and continues watching his ward. When the prince lets his gaze drop, the obvious state of being at a loss for words making Rei tilt his head curiously. While he does not talk with people often, indeed he has spoken more in the past few days than many years combined before that, however the sudden lack of response from the young man comes across as unusual to the fae.\n\n*'Since we have met he has been open with his opinion, free with his words, and always had something to say. The only silence I have observed is when he is around. . . .Well, anyone but me. Have I somehow fallen out of his good graces?'*While mulling this over the prince once more gestures for him to continue. He hesitates for a moment, unsure if that is what the prince really wants, but after only a few second's pause he goes on, taking the gesture at face value.*'From what I can tell, he has never lied to me before, so I have no reason to mistrust him now'*\"From the age twelve to fifteen I took my own commissions, already my reputation well known to those who have need of such services often. During this time, I began taking the only uncomissioned lives I have ever taken as well. I did not plot or plan out the killings, however I did make sure that I only killed those who were members of the party that slew my parents.\"\n\nHe pauses in his narrative for a moment, a faint feeling of a need to explain something coming over him. \"I know that when we first met, I tried to explain how I am not a murderer. I can see how this would seem to contradict my words, however I feel the need to tell you this. I would find no fault in any loved one of one of my marks if they should seek to take my life. I would not consider that murder. In my own mind, it is a fair trade. As such, I do not feel that my actions against the party that killed my parents could be defined as murder.\" He shrugs lightly. \"Though, you have your views of the world, and I mine. I simply. . . .Felt the need to clarify this.\" He does not give the young prince time to respond before going on with his story.\n\n\"Each death came naturally. A dropped guard, a careless act. I was not suspected until the last one. It took me a year to actually track down the last member. Though he had in essence raised me, he still held part of the responsibility for the death of my first life, and in the end I took the life of my second father.\" He pauses for a moment to take a drink, his gaze once more falling, but this time a look of confusion crosses his face. He addresses the swirling liquid in his glass as he speaks softly. \"When I took his life, I did for him what I did for all of my normal marks. I gave him time to speak his last words, and I must say I found them strange.\" He gaze comes back up to the prince and tilts his head to the side. \"It was a simple message, and while I understand it, I do not. . . Understand it. Sounds foolish I know, but it is what it is.\"\n\nHe looks off towards the window, his voice still soft. \"He said: Good job. I am proud of you, son.\" His gaze returns to Alessandro. \"That is the first time he called me anything except \"boy\". The others called me the same. I was just boy, nothing special, nothing interesting. Just a gender.\" His voice returns to normal. \"I did him a slight honor, for saving my life back when I was a babe. I would hear every so often of his home, a place by the sea. I'd never seen it before, but I understood what it was and where to find the nearest one. I took his body over two hundred miles and dumped it over the first cliff I found. He always said he loved the sea, so it was the only thing I could think of that would do that love justice.\"\n\nSetting his drink aside Rei stands and stretches, his senses telling him that someone is approaching. He finishes the story carefully while his eyes go to the door. \"I could feel the call of my home after that, the last remnants of my second life no longer hooked into my soul like a fisherman's hook. I followed it, and eventually found where I was born. The people there did not turn me away, despite their fear and disgust of me, and I was afforded a small house at the center of town. What I grew up doing became as a part of me as my magic, so even now that I have a peaceful house to return to, I have no real home, and continue my work as I always have.\" He settles back into his seat just as there is a knock at the door, and with ease he returns his hat to his head, that extra protection for hide his ears settling snugly into place.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Rei of course didn't seem to understand quite why the Prince was apologizing, linking his actions to work related problems rather than personal discomfort or insult. It made the melancholy prince smile faintly to himself at the idea of such a clever creature being so emotionally dim. He didn't feel the need to correct or explain himself to the fae though, the fae had not asked for his tutelage in this or any other subject and so it was common sense that dictated the Prince didn't. Besides, he somewhat enjoyed him the way he was, oddly charming and innocent, it was things like that that spurred the prince to tease the fae and he'd only known the creature two days! Yet the boy was already rapidly becoming his favourite servant, perhaps though that was due to the fact their relationship wasn't quite like that and his man servants. The fae despite his small, sweet body was powerful and strong, dangerous even. He'd seen the way he'd looked at his sister, heard that little growl when he was called hideous, there was something deeply moving to know that the assassin was already protective of his charge. Of course Alessandro might have been wrong for all he knew, the growl might have been at some dander on his clothing or at a fly, or a number of other things but the heir to the throne didn't dare ask.\n\nThe answer seemed though to become clear as the Fae started speaking of his sister and how he'd prefer not to pass judgement on her that the Prince may have been right in his assumption. It upset him a little that his sister may have made such a poor impression to the fae, after all, in a way, they two were the first real glimpse into human life the fae had had in a long time and they were showing themselves up. Though in a way it was also pleasing in a small dark way he wouldn't like to admit too, it meant she couldn't, purposely or otherwise, steal the fae from him. Then Rei went on to compliment him, tell him how he preferred Alessandro as he was when the pair of them were alone rather than the farce he put on for everyone else around him; aside the Meister and Rei of course, and once more the human had a smile upon his face. Lightly tapping the void space beside him on the bed the lounging prince laid back once more, \"You are one of the few I'm afraid Rei and while I don't mind the opinion you have of my sister but if it is negative please at least be civil to her. She may seem harsh but it was the way she was raised to behave and I love her despite it.\"\n\nWith a deep breath the Prince sighed, \"So, I guess going to a tavern tonight is out of the question, right? What do you propose we do? Once you've eaten supper of course, you can have the rest of mine too if you like, I've lost my appetite for the time being.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "As the prince smiles up at him Rei returns his gaze to the youth and he tilts his head curiously. Without a word he climbs on to the bed, sitting cross-legged so he can face the young man. He listens quietly, glancing once more at the trays on the table when the prince offers his portion. Blinking slowly he once more has to think over his words carefully before voicing them. He does not have to think long and after only a short pause he responds. \"I understand about how she was raised, and I would have you know I will never purposefully do anything to jeopardize either my position here, or your life. She loves you, and you her, and I can see that, but that does not remove her form the list of possible people who are sending assassins after you. In fact, that feeling pushed her up on the list. Any intense emotion can lead to such actions, not just negative ones.\"\n\nRunning a hand through his hair he glances at the door as someone passes by. \"I will avoid confrontation with everyone who does not call for such a response.\" He looks back to the prince, a light flash of emotion passing behind his eyes. \"I have never been one before, but I have read many books with bodyguards in them, though most of the time they were knights of some sort. I may not be exactly what I have read about, but I like those people. I will act with the honor and civility expected of any knight, which of course includes not doing anything to dishonor my ward.\" His head tilts cutely to the side and he crosses his arms, \"This also includes treating females more delicately, though I know many a female in my line of work that would find such treatment insulting.\"\n\nThe fae's stomach lets out a little growl causing him to stare at it. After another pause he stands and wanders back over to the food to eat while he talks, leaning against the table rather than sitting in a chair. \"I would rather, at least for a couple days, that we stay on the grounds at night. At least until I can examine the town more thoroughly. If it is your wish to go out at night on occasion, I of course can not stop you, but it would be safer if I could be giving a day or two to map the town in the same way that I am mapping the castle and grounds.\" He looks to the prince with his usual emotionless expression. \"When I was planning your assassination most of my plans centered around the castle and in particular your room, so though I got my information in taverns and traveled the roofs, I am not quite familiar with the streets as I would like for such an excursion after sun down.\"\n\nHe takes a sip of his drink, completely unaware that he is rambling a bit at this point. \"True, I can see very well in the dark, but at the same time the sunlight or at least half light is better.\" Here he pauses to give thought to the actual question posed, unsure if there is any response to give. Finally with a nod he replies, \"The final wing of the castle is the one the library is in. If you do not mind I would like to examine the wing then explore the library a bit. The sooner I get the layout of the castle the sooner I can sleep at night.\" Done with his bit Rei focuses on eating, listening intently to the prince at the same time. His small body hides a high metabolism and he downs food rather quickly.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "The prince layed his head on the fae's lap, a bad habit he likely picked up from the few times he is allowed to socialise with women. His hands under and behind his head to keep the majority of his weight off the boys lap, \"I don't like the idea of my sister sending an assassin after me and personally I don't think my heart will believe it. Despite her views we were close before my brother was killed.\" He lightly closes his eyes and draws a deep breath only to let it out slowly from his nose. \"However that is why you are here, my family may not love me but I'm predisposed to think good of them, even my father, as laughable as that might seem.\"\n\nEyes still closed he smiles faintly as Rei reassures him that no one, aside a true threat, will be attacked or treated differently and a slightly secretive smirk briefly wiggles onto his lips. The language the fae is using, while not noticeably different from any other time they spoke holds hints of, affection. Alessandro did not for a moment think it was aimed at him or his family but the books and perhaps the position he now held. He spoke of bodyguards with the same wonder the children in the village spoke of the knights in the castle and personally, while it had been a short time he could imagine Rei as a wonderful knight. \"Perhaps you'll be one someday.\" He idly commented, imagining the petite male in light armours, perhaps a mithril chainmail or some fae plate, glittering like a thousand suns and removing the ice in those pale eyes.\n\nAs Rei started to move the Prince opened his eyes and raised his head, moving to sit up from his lounging position. There was no denying the pout he wore as the fae refused his desire to go drink his pain away. It was probably for the best anyway, while it was unlikely he'd be recognised that only increased his chances of getting into drunken brawls or caught up with a certain type of woman. His father of course would be disgusted and that would only cause a heap of new problems and arguments for them to have in front of his darling little sister.\n\nAlessandro had to hide a quiet laugh behind his hand however when the fae's goal was turned towards the books of the castle, it was of little surprise of course and he had seen the love –for lack of any words better fitting- that Rei had displayed for knowledge. \"The library, then you should go there when you have finished. I am sure I would only get in the way and if I can't drink I think I shall get myself an early night to better my chances of being able to deal with the adventures tomorrow. I should take a long look in that library, I do not doubt there to be many a secret corridor, compartment or door in that old room.\" He offered the fae a wink that he was pretty sure the boy wouldn't understand (all it meant was that the Prince didn't mind if duty somewhat took a back burner should there be material the fae liked).\n\nSurprised at how quickly the food from the plates was disappearing he tried to hide another chuckle and he stood from his bed to shuck his shirt and throw it into the basket for his dirty linen. Crossing the room he took a wooden toothed comb from a drawer in his dresser and ran it through the fluffy blonde locks. When brushed they were somewhat straighter and flatter but still held the volume and thickness his own sisters hair had. With hair brushed flat he tied it loosely with a length of leather cord into a short ponytail at the back of his neck.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "Rei nods slowly, swallowing and washing down his mouthful before replying to something the prince said earlier about family. \"I understand about predispositions. I do not recall my family in the slightest, however I still felt compelled to seek revenge for their murders.\" Looking down at the bone in his fingers he adds, \"As to being a knight, I do not think that will ever happen.\" He does not sound sad at the announcement, that same detached tone he always has setting back into his voice like a well fitting glove. The look on the prince's face after he places his request that they stay in the castle for the night reminds the fae of a human child who has been denied candy and wonders if he should have kept his mouth shut, however as the prince replies he returns his focus to the meal.\n\nWith a loud snap he breaks off a bit of the bone and begins eating it as if it were no harder than a cracker or hard nut. He finishes the bite quickly and turns to look at the prince when he announces that he'll be going to bed early, wondering if his thoughts on secret passages and the like are true.*'I do not see a reason for so many things to be connected to the library, though that may be the very point of having them. If the people in the castle were attacked and they all escaped into the passageway riddle library then the attackers may think as I do and not rush to capture them, thinking them trapped'*Nodding slowly he watches the prince move around the room, his eyes once more taking in those scars at the young man's back is revealed.\n\n*'He seems to be in a much lighter mood now. . .I wonder why? I practically deny him his evening fun out right, and he has hardly eaten anything. I do not understand how he shifts moods like this'*It does not even cross the little fae's mind that it is he himself who has brought up the prince's mood. He has no idea how his words and actions amuse the young man, and given his normal mental workings he may never come to realize just how much the youth enjoys his company. He's an assassin after all. Most people are terrified when he's around, even if they wish to hire him. He downs the rest of the bone as the prince is brushing his hair, something Rei himself has never had to do due to the nature of his hair, and grabs the last little bit of food, stuffing it in a cloth napkin before tucking it into a pocket for later consumption.\n\nHeading to the door he offers a nod towards Alessandro before taking his leave of the man. Outside a little ways down the hall he spots the youth from the morning who'd given him that odd look. He closes the door quietly and walks off towards the young man.*'He is the one I saw in the prince's window. I believe he is some kind of personal servant. . . .'*He stares openly at the guy as he passes and the young man responds the same way everyone else does when he stares.*'He is no real threat. At least not for now'*Rei continues down the main stairs and heads off to the library wing. His magic snakes out around him, taking in every little bit of information as usual.\n\nWhen he finally steps through the large double doors into the vast expanse that is the hall of tomes Rei stops, his countenance changing ever so slightly. The change would go unnoticed by anyone who does not know him well, and that means almost everyone. His eyes take in every minute detail available for them to see, his body still as his head moves this way and that like a raptor seeking out it's prey. He stands like this for a full minute until a slight movement catches his attention.*'The prince said there is a keeper of the books here. . .'*He muses, stepping into the room proper and closing the doors behind him.\n\nThe movement turns out to be who he thought it was and as soon as the fit elderly man spots him he looks ready to either scold him, or flee. Rei walks up the central dais, shaped like a stack of circles, with a large circular desk at the top where the keeper stands inside like his own little fortress. He eyes the boy for a time before speaking up. \"You. . . You're that new bodyguard of the prince's aren't you?\" His voice is a bit wheezy, like a man too long on the pipe. Rei nods. He shakes a hand. \"A little runt like you, eh? As well, wouldn't expect any better from that one.\" He points to the shelves as Rei suppresses an unconscious growl at the way the man speaks of the prince. \"This is the largest library in the whole kingdom, and a lot of these books are irreplaceable, you hear? I don't want you just tearing your way through this place and leaving things about all willy nilly, got it? You put things back where you found them, and you treat these books with respect, or else orders or no orders, I'll kick you out unless you have the brat himself with you, understand?\"\n\nRei tilts his head tot he side, understanding the man's words, but at the same time wondering at how a servant could have the right to usurp the prince's orders. A part of him even doubts that he can even do it, and the words are on the tip of his tongue before he recalls that the prince wants him to avoid conflict unless absolutely necessary.*'Disagreeing with a man like this would likely end in a verbal fight'*he concludes and simply nods. \"I understand. I have never mistreated a book, and do not intend to start now.\" His tone seems to bring back the urge to flee in the man and he steps away from the young fae.\n\n\"Well, so long as you understand that. . .\" His voice is much quieter now, and that note of fear feels very familiar to the assassin. Without another word Rei looks once more around the room before heading for the nearest wall to begin his search. The entire library is round, the shelves curved, and the pillars likewise rounded. The dark red finish on the wood is off set by the white walls. The room is three stories high with balconies running along the walls, leaving the middle open so you can see the roof if standing in or near the center of the room. The areas not taken up by shelves, some of which are free standing turning the walkway between the wall and the next curves of shelves into a kind of tunnel with only the occasional break to exit the tunnels, are filled with various chairs and tables, no doubt not often used by the looks of things.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Alessandro, once out the coach wears the look of his families honour as he did the wig, cloak or gloves, he gracefully slides out into the crowd and is soothed some to feel Rei so close beside him already. Alessandro wasn't one for large crowds, they made him nervous at the best of times but this was not open for negotiation, it was his royal duty and as he oft did he hid his insecurities away with his other 'unsightly' feelings to release when that wig came off and he could be himself again. A small wooden stand had been constructed in the center of town, a small set of wooden steps to climb so the crowd could see him and a small row of seat beside the raised area for his 'attendants' in this case the driver and footman. There was already quite the crowd with kids playing sword fighting and pretending their nights and women gossiping about the Prince, too handsome to be the beastly jinx that there were rumours of.\n\nRei's words seemed to roll off of Alessandro without much outward response but it was no doubt clear to the fae that Alessandro took the fae's words seriously. A small nod of his head to confirm he heard the man, a slight tensing in the muscles of his hands and only briefly as he adjusted to the knowledge someone else may well try and kill him today and a barely perceptible sigh that almost hinted exhausted frustration. Then with the regal smile back on his face he, with shoulders back and head high, walking with the gait he'd been practicing before, smoothly and gracefully made his way to and up the stairs, there was only just enough room for him and Rei on there and while there were a few mutters the Prince turned his fathers stare to the crowd and silenced them quickly. The gaze was like cold steel, unyielding and unquestionable but at his side his hands briefly formed a fist, hidden by the wooden stand.\n\n\"Good Morning loyal citizens of Leona!\" His tone was smooth but his voice loud enough to carry to the gossiping women in the back who hushed excitedly to listen to the address, a brief cheer went up and Alessandro offered a warm smile although it didn't quite reach his eyes. \"We thank you, we know the last few years have been hard, they've been hard for us all, I lost a brother and many of you lost husbands and sons and we are honoured that those brave men fought for this country's freedom.\" He looked to the faces of women who even now bit back tears of grief and still wore the mourning colours. \"We want you all to know, that we have not forgotten their sacrifice, nor will we ever forget the victory**they**won. Thanks to all of you we won that war and we sent the enemy running!\" There was a cheer that rang up from the crowd as the Prince played his part, the notes left by the steward were rarely glanced at mind and the Prince continued the address by only pulling on they points of the snooty speech. \"We have all seen dark days but the House of Castalan promises you a new day is dawning. Starting today with the restoration of the taxes.\" At this there was a heart felt cheered and excited talk from the entire crowd. During the war a lot of people had been taxed hard, almost to the point of losing everything, all in the effort to fund the war, usually the taxes were fair and their restoration meant a great deal to the people, a few women even broke down on each others shoulders at the news. Using his hands to gesture that the crowd grow still and quiet he continued, \"Not only this but where I am standing, right now, will be the site of a memorial to our fallen soldiers, so that all who live here may have somewhere to honour their lost and so all those who visit know the courage and loyalty of our people.\" There was a shocked gasp from one corner which elicited more tears and more cheers in the various people. \"We have spent the last month with expert craftsman from our own city to find what best suits the valiant nature of our people. A marble lion shall cast its shadow across the square before the full moon.\" Some murmurs and happy cheers filtered again from the crowd.\n\n\"Lastly my good people of Leona, Our King has understood your need for time to mourn, as we too have needed time to mourn and now that the healing has begun Our King has decided it time that the Prince finds a Princess. Any woman of noble birth may present themselves to our good Steward so they may meet with the King for his approval for the role of future Queen of Albion.\" The women began gossiping even before the Prince had finished but the men and some of the older women were uttering something beneath their breath. \"The Old, the True, the Brave!\" The Prince spoke with pride to a chorus of the words returned chanted back to them. Turning to Rei he flashed a brief, honest smile.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "Rei watches all the small changes in the prince, takeing the nod as a sign as much as the tensing and the sigh.*'He has had a lot of people try to kill him. . .He is also very determined. Most people who hear their life is in danger at least look around as if trying to spot who is going to do it. A bad move, it puts a lot of half-wit assassins on edge and makes them act early and make dirty kills'*He reasons that the prince would think all kills \"dirty\" however in this case it means making their prey suffer. Staying close by the prince's side he moves like water in between bodies, his head swiveling this way and that slowly, looking more like someone in awe than someone assassin hunting.\n\nAs soon as they are up on the cramped platform Rei takes a seat on the railing so he can see every point in the square, looking around to the other side of the prince as easy as leaning back in case there is someone in one of the windows. The fae doesn't listen to most of the speech, it having very little to do with anything important beyond maybe yet another motive against the royal family in general, however when he reaches the last part about 'any woman of noble birth' Rei looks up at the prince and begins wondering how in the world he is going to screen that many woman for possible threats.*'I have not killed many women, however I have been hired by quite a few. Any woman turned down becomes a suspect as I have observed they do not take well to being denied such a \"prize\" as becoming a princess'*\n\nAs the chant begins and the prince turns to him, a flash of his true self showing through. Rei feels it. Without returning the look his eyes snap to the crowd as many hands fly into the air and a rain of hats tumble about above the crowd's heads. There is a glint of steel, only a dozen paces away and in an instant Rei's blade is free of it's scabbard. A sound rings out as it snaps forward, deflecting the assassin's blade from hitting it's target, instead making it fly off behind the prince. People are already scrambling to get away, more at the sight of Rei, blade drawn, mounting the railing and his cold icy stare looking through them than the actual attack. However one set of eyes stays too long, look s a little bit different, and in that instant Rei recognizes his target.\n\nNot sensing any additional threats the fae launches himself off the dais, his small body flying forward like an eagles talons. The assassin sees him coming and tries to duck between two people, however Rei's aim is true. He lands squarely on the would be assassin's back and in one swift motion slips his blade into the man's back. Despite the suddenness and confusion, Rei's aim is true and within moment the man is dead. Several townspeople stop fleeing to stare at the dead man now sprawled out face down on the ground. Without hesitation Rei removes the rest of his throwing knives and slips a hand into his shirt where most of his kind hide their contracts.\n\nAs soon as his finds it he stands, looking at the seal the man foolishly forgot to crush. Not having worked for the family the seal belongs to before he doesn't recognize it, but he's sure the prince will at least have an idea. Leaning down one last time he rips off a piece of the man's tunic and tucks it in a pocket for later use. As he walks back to the prince, wherever he is now, the fae reads the contract and internally rolls his eyes.*'This sounds like a child wrote it. Not unheard of, but it explains why he was such a sub standard assassin. I mean, it is a good tactic for some, but he looked way too angry for someone who is suppose to be horrified. . .'*The nearest guards race past him to the body, one trying to stop him to take what he's holding, however Rei sends him off with his patented stare.\n\nOnce he is near the prince again he looks up.*'I work for him, not the kingdom. I don't answer to the guards'*he muses, handing over the contract. \"The person who wrote that is either very young, or simply childish. There is also the option that they are not and wrote that way on purpose, but that is the least likely option. I do not recognize the seal, but I thought you might. I can ride back with you in the carriage if you like, there are no more threats active right now.\" He speaks softly so only the prince can hear, his footmen and the others from the palace now more afraid of Rei than ever before. Pulling out the strip of cloth he wipes his blade carefully clean before putting it away, folding up the now bloody cloth and slipping it back into his pocket.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Rei watches all the small changes in the prince, takeing the nod as a sign as much as the tensing and the sigh.*'He has had a lot of people try to kill him. . .He is also very determined. Most people who hear their life is in danger at least look around as if trying to spot who is going to do it. A bad move, it puts a lot of half-wit assassins on edge and makes them act early and make dirty kills'*He reasons that the prince would think all kills \"dirty\" however in this case it means making their prey suffer. Staying close by the prince's side he moves like water in between bodies, his head swiveling this way and that slowly, looking more like someone in awe than someone assassin hunting.\n\nAs soon as they are up on the cramped platform Rei takes a seat on the railing so he can see every point in the square, looking around to the other side of the prince as easy as leaning back in case there is someone in one of the windows. The fae doesn't listen to most of the speech, it having very little to do with anything important beyond maybe yet another motive against the royal family in general, however when he reaches the last part about 'any woman of noble birth' Rei looks up at the prince and begins wondering how in the world he is going to screen that many woman for possible threats.*'I have not killed many women, however I have been hired by quite a few. Any woman turned down becomes a suspect as I have observed they do not take well to being denied such a \"prize\" as becoming a princess'*\n\nAs the chant begins and the prince turns to him, a flash of his true self showing through. Rei feels it. Without returning the look his eyes snap to the crowd as many hands fly into the air and a rain of hats tumble about above the crowd's heads. There is a glint of steel, only a dozen paces away and in an instant Rei's blade is free of it's scabbard. A sound rings out as it snaps forward, deflecting the assassin's blade from hitting it's target, instead making it fly off behind the prince. People are already scrambling to get away, more at the sight of Rei, blade drawn, mounting the railing and his cold icy stare looking through them than the actual attack. However one set of eyes stays too long, look s a little bit different, and in that instant Rei recognizes his target.\n\nNot sensing any additional threats the fae launches himself off the dais, his small body flying forward like an eagles talons. The assassin sees him coming and tries to duck between two people, however Rei's aim is true. He lands squarely on the would be assassin's back and in one swift motion slips his blade into the man's back. Despite the suddenness and confusion, Rei's aim is true and within moment the man is dead. Several townspeople stop fleeing to stare at the dead man now sprawled out face down on the ground. Without hesitation Rei removes the rest of his throwing knives and slips a hand into his shirt where most of his kind hide their contracts.\n\nAs soon as his finds it he stands, looking at the seal the man foolishly forgot to crush. Not having worked for the family the seal belongs to before he doesn't recognize it, but he's sure the prince will at least have an idea. Leaning down one last time he rips off a piece of the man's tunic and tucks it in a pocket for later use. As he walks back to the prince, wherever he is now, the fae reads the contract and internally rolls his eyes.*'This sounds like a child wrote it. Not unheard of, but it explains why he was such a sub standard assassin. I mean, it is a good tactic for some, but he looked way too angry for someone who is suppose to be horrified. . .'*The nearest guards race past him to the body, one trying to stop him to take what he's holding, however Rei sends him off with his patented stare.\n\nOnce he is near the prince again he looks up.*'I work for him, not the kingdom. I don't answer to the guards'*he muses, handing over the contract. \"The person who wrote that is either very young, or simply childish. There is also the option that they are not and wrote that way on purpose, but that is the least likely option. I do not recognize the seal, but I thought you might. I can ride back with you in the carriage if you like, there are no more threats active right now.\" He speaks softly so only the prince can hear, his footmen and the others from the palace now more afraid of Rei than ever before. Pulling out the strip of cloth he wipes his blade carefully clean before putting it away, folding up the now bloody cloth and slipping it back into his pocket.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro was not an easily startled man, he'd had half a dozen attempts on his life already and so the possibility of more was something he'd grown accustomed too, even still as the fae slipped silent and deadly, like a panther in the forest, in front of him and the ring and glint of steel echoed up to his ears the Prince found himself take an instinctual half a step backwards. His eyes couldn't follow the assassin's blade but they caught up to it as it embedded itself into the wood of the stand behind him. The fact that had nearly been him didn't disturb him, in some ways he wondered if it wouldn't have been better had it reached its target but the Prince turned his gaze back to his bodyguard.\n\nThe fae sprang like any nocturnal predator from that perch, Alessandro regained his composure quickly, showing the face of a man who truly wasn't phased by the attempt on his life, cool, calm and regal and his eyes never moving from his former Assassin as Rei plunged the dagger into the failed assassins back. He took no pleasure from what he witnessed, nor did he seem to grieve for the lost life, he watched passively as the entire thing came to a quick and sudden end.\n\nIt was only as the guards went to approach Rei that Alessandro grew tense, though he wasn't sure who he was more worried for, Rei or the guards should the paths cross. With a patent glare the men halted though and gave Rei enough time to slide back over to the Princes side and offer him the spoils from the Assassins body. Gently he takes it and offers Rei a small smile, \"I'm glad your on my side.\" He utters back to the Assassin, had Rei truly wanted Alessandro dead he knew, full well, he would be, that night it seemed the fae hadn't quite made up his mind. Turning to the stand he pulled loose the dagger from the stand and held that and the contract in hand. \"I shall look up the seal when we return, father will be sure to know what has happened already. He has spies and whisperers everywhere.\" Alessandro almost reached to wipe a small spot of blood from Rei's cheek but refrained and merely gestured, \"You have a little blood, just there.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "The prince's comment has the fae rather stumped, not being completely caught up with human sayings, but he stays silent and simply tilts his head tot he side and waits for instructions on what to do next. He'd done his job, and now he's back to having nothing better to do than slake his curiosity, and at the moment he can't even do that since they are in public. Holding up the dagger belt Rei notes that there is more than one missing and wonders why.*'Did he forget to re-stock? It is a fool who leaves their blade behind. Unlike arrows and bolts, many a blade smith will recognize such a well crafted set of knives. If he had the money to spend on such fine gear, I must wonder how such a poor assassin got enough work to afford it'*\n\nDropping his arm back down so the ends of the belt are laying on the ground he looks up as once more the prince addresses him.*'It is good to know his father has a working information network. It may mack tracking things easier, and also bumps him up on the list. . .'*Though he knows that Alessandro for some reason seems to love and trust his family, that does not make them any less likely as suspects. Right now in fact, all three are at the top of the list. At the mention of blood he looks down, seeing if he got any on his clothes before taking out the bit of cloth again and wiping away the wet patch on his cheek.*'Must have splashed up when I pulled out my blade. There are a few more drops around my collar too. . .'*Putting the cloth away he waits on the prince, wondering if there are any other matters that need to be dealt with before they head back. From across the street Rei can her a few people thanking the gods that the prince is safe, along with a few comments on his own brutality when dealing with the would be assassin.*'Would it not be more polite to thank me since I was the one to save him? Human culture is strange. . .'*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "As Rei approached Alessandro turned to face him, while impressed with how well turned out the boy was and how he was doing his best to radiate the same kind of aura as Alessandro himself he couldn't help but feel that the boy looked as awkward as he felt. The woman at his side didn't seem to pick up on that but then she didn't know Rei like Alessandro did. The man was slick and supple as a viper and the clothes on him now did not compliment the deadly skill of the former assassin. He offered Rei a grateful smile before he set to calming Beast enough to lead the way, the Prince mentioning Rei as she pulled up along side him. \"He really is quite feminine isn't he? I'd almost be jealous if I didn't know he was a boy.\" The prince glanced to the woman briefly and opted to change the subject, Rei's looks might have been feminine but he was -to Alessandro- clearly a man and he couldn't see how anyone would confuse him that much. Though arguing that with a lady would have been a pointless battle and a smear on the family name. \"Where is it my lady would like to go?\" \n\"Oh, anywhere that you like, so long as I get to see the city and we can speak more privately.\" \n\"Then I shall show you the main town and then we shall continue on to the outskirts of the city.\" Though she would not get to go to the place Rei and he had gone too before. \n\nWhat followed was an uneventful ride, the woman made small talk and asked questions that came across as rude about their town's businesses and workings. She spoke of her own town often and how her father ruled it and how they'd managed in the war. She then moved on to talk about his brother, flattery falling from her lips as she spoke of the time he'd visited them and how she'd asked her father to wed her to him if they had the chance. Alessandro had been expecting such, women didn't come for him but the ghost of his brother and he'd long since grown accustomed to the unspoken but obvious 'but I'll settle for you' tone that the following sentences often held. They toured the outskirts and she asked about the fields and the crops before asking him what he thought of the rule of his father and all the while the Prince was cordial and courteous though one might notice the tightness in his shoulders. \n\nWhen finally back at the castle and dismounted the Prince walked Beast into the stables himself but left the hands to deal with his saddle and trappings. He took the Ladies hand and escorted her to the main entrance where her father and hand maiden waited for her. With a swift kiss to her hand the lady giggled and was gone and Alessandro breathed a huge sigh of relief. Glancing behind him to Rei he tilted his head in the direction of the Meister's tower before making his way towards it himself. Silent, regal and poised until in the confines of that safe zone. Once the wooden door of the tower was shut and he was part way up the stairs he sat himself upon them and put his head in his hands. \"If father makes me marry her, I may hire an assassin to kill me myself.\" He uttered mournfully, beautiful yes, fair, yes but god the woman was spoiled and her spoiled nature had made her callous and arrogant.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "Rei can not halt another quick glance at himself as he once more hears that, despite his - albeit minor – effort, he apparently still appears girlish in the young woman's eyes. 'I can not see it, and for the life of me I can not understand feeling jealous of my looks. . . .Though I suppose I am not the best judge of such things. Beauty and attractiveness in the physical sense. . .Or any sense really, is not something I understand all that well. Never had use of it. . . .' Looking back up he watches the two nobles finish their word exchange before beginning their ride and with a soft sigh he motions Silver into action. She follows along almost reluctantly, her only drive to say near the prince whom she hopes will give her a little attention.\n\nThe ride is a quiet one. Rei's head rotates this way and that like that of a raptor on the hunt, scaring most people away when they spot his piercing stare. Those who stay are either too busy to flee or are to enthralled with the ones ahead of him to be particularly bothered by his presence. He does note that this time through town more people stop to stare and the hum of the gossip is more geared towards the hopeful than the disapproving. He swears he hears many of them call the girl by name and follow it with the word \"cleansing\". He doesn't really get it, and none of it is threatening so he brushes it off with a shrug.\n\nOne ear remains on the prince and princess at all times, their conversation stuff that, for the most part, either goes over his head, or simply of no consequence to the assassin turned bodyguard. However, after a while, the talk turned tot he late brother and he can not help but pay a little bit more attention. His eyes actually stop on the two on occasion and a deep seated confusion sets up inside that small body. He gets the basic idea of what this meeting and time together with the woman is all about, as it is something he's had a bit of experience with over the years. Meetings like this are a good opportunities for an assassin since the two involved are so absent inside their own heads that taking them out is a snap.\n\nHowever one thing he'd always noticed was a tit for tat exchange involving selling ones self and likewise doing one's best to buy what the other was selling. Politeness, showing off one's virtues, and pouring compliments on the other. He's not quite sure what all of that achieves however it was always the same and always just as false as what he sees before him. 'With this however, I do not see any of the fawning on her part. At least, not directed at the prince. It is as if he is not here, like she is seeing some shadow and every time she sees who she is looking at she falls from a daydream into a disappointing reality. I do not think that this meeting is like the others. . .But I may be wrong. I should ask later'\n\nAlessandro himself looked not at all like one trying to sell himself and Rei can feel his own heckles come up at the tenseness of his ward. He does not act on his transferred irritation though and instead simply holds a little tighter to his dagger, and gesture that has brought him comfort over the years. The ride is blissfully short and though it stuck to a highly populated area Rei manages to come out fairly calm at the end of it all.\n\nHe hops of his mount before the other two, his gaze sweeping the yard quickly before shucking off his riding clothes and handing them off to a servant, sliding up to a spot behind the prince that blocks him mostly from the young lady's view. He's not sure if he needs to keep tot he shadows once again now that they are back but he's decided not to take any chances. He stalks along behind the two of them as they make their way back up to the palace and once they part ways Rei moves in closer. Taking up the spot he's become accustom to when escorting the price around the palace grounds he looks up at the man after the goodbye.\n\nAs their eyes meet Rei's narrow and he wonders vaguely at all the strain that the youth seems to be under. 'Nothing about his life is something I have encountered directly before. Everything is a little off. I know he is not exactly unique in his circumstance, however the way this is playing out is different from all I have seen before, and he. . . .' Rei does not know what to make of the man, looking back at him with his near blank curious stare. He falls into line as the prince moves off towards the tower, holding his tongue and following at a \"respectful\" distance until at last they enter the stone edifice.\n\nHe closes the door quietly behind them and makes to follow the prince all the way up. However the prince has other plans and instead plops down right on the stairs, his true self once more shining through true and clear. Rei pauses a couple steps down, suddenly awash in a torrent of confusion. He has to agree, the woman is not one any should seek to spend their life with, but killing oneself? He's not the insufferable one here and removing himself would rob the world of an interesting person. His brows furrow, his eyes narrowing in confusion. Moving so he is one step down from the prince he crouches panther like before the distraught young man and stares at his bowed head.\n\n\"I do not think removing yourself from the world is the answer Alessandro. Besides robbing me of the prize agreed upon between us I think that removing an unquestionably good person from the world does no one any favors, especially the one who dies.\" He shakes his head slowly, his tone and eyes completely serious as he continues, his head tilting to the right. \"The better solution in this instance would be to remove the bad element from the problem. In this case the woman who is causing grief to not only yourself but I do believe your younger sibling, thus also removing the guaranteed damage she would inflict on this land and the people in it along with the ruling bodies.\" He blinks slowly, his head tilting to the other side. Then, as if offering to go buy a bolt of cloth he states, \"I could always kill her for you.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Alessandro looked at the young fae and as he spoke such kind words -albeit likely without realising it- the prince found himself having to resist the urge to lean in and kiss the fae. Oh he'd had compliments paid to him before but none so earnest and without ulterior intent. Instead Alessandro offered him a smile, Rei was such a refreshing change to the woman he'd spent the day with. Honest to his feelings and his thoughts, kind in his own way, intelligent with no arrogance or false pride, if Alessandro could meet a girl like Rei then maybe this whole marriage thing wouldn't be so bad. Instead of acting on the impulse he first had he acted on the second, his fingers brushing into the feather soft locks of Rei in a soft and gentle caress, \"You flatter me with your words Rei.\" He sounded genuinely touched as well. \"You are right I can not break my promise to you and I shall not don't you worry.\"\n\nAlthough if he was married to her he might be tempted on numerous occasions, Rei continued and Alessandro dropped his hand, resting both on his legs and listening. The woman was upsetting his little sister? Perhaps he would have to ask her what had caused this distress, he certainly would have a stronger case if she was upset by the woman as well and his parents were more likely to listen to her than to him. Of course then Rei shook him from his thoughts with the offer to kill her and for a brief moment he was almost tempted to permit it. Alessandro gave a small shake of his head however and a quiet chuckle, \"How tempting such a power would be Rei, however I am afraid I would never ask that of you and as insufferable as she might be -in my eyes- she does not quite deserve to die. Thank you though.\" \n\nOnce more unintentionally the fae had relieved him of his stresses and bought him into better spirits, so with an easy movement he was back to his feet, \"Come, lets go find you a book to read, no? After today I think you deserve it.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "Rei nods in satisfaction as the prince assures him that he will not be removing himself from the world any time soon. The hand, not on the top of his head this time, but in his hair, seems a little different this time. He's not sure why or how, but as he looks at that smile on the prince' lips, that look in his eyes, he's quite sure he's missing something once again. It doesn't bother him though. The prince has never really posed any threat to him, and the look in his eye is. . .Soft, for lack of a better word, and his smile is honest. The touch itself is gentle and he does not move away from it. The prince can do what he likes, and it's not like the feeling of fingers in his hair is unpleasant. \"I do not flatter. As I understand the term it is projected falsehoods to compliment another, and I am simply pointing out the obvious truth.\"\n\nThe hand falls away soon enough however and Rei tilts his head once more, listening to the man talk. He laughs at the idea of Rei killing the woman, though he admits feeling tempted, and the fae has to wonder if this is some kind of royal double talk. He however takes the gratitude and the spoken denial at face value and decides that if the prince really wanted her dead, he would have said so. 'Well, he knows the offer is there. Humans change their minds all the time, and I will be around for some time and ready to act if Alessandro wishes me to'\n\nHis keen eyes do not miss the strain leaving the prince's body and as he gains his feet Rei can feel himself relaxing as well. His head perks up almost like a feline's as Alessandro brings up the subject of books and he looks past the prince up the stairs with a faint twinkle in his eyes over the prospect of acquiring – even if only temporarily – another rare book to read. Skittering along smoothly behind the prince he waits for the other to open the door before looking about the room curiously. The old man from before – he'd called through the door and bade them enter without asking who was it that knocked – is sitting by the table, a small stack of books laying about haphazardly.\n\nMany of the tomes are open to random pages and Rei's eyes are drawn to them. Without even really acknowledging the tutor he walks over and begins reading the open pages at a distance, wondering what the old man is looking into or recalling. He recognizes research when he sees it, and the old man has been looking up something. The passages he reads however are rather confusing, having to do more with human history before the age where they knew fae and other creatures like them existed. The old man chuckles at him after greeting the prince and Rei looks at him curiously, then turns to the prince, casting small glances over his shoulder as if to ask if he can go grab a book yet.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Up they went and he smiled faintly as he was beckoned in even before the door handle was in his grasp, he always wondered about the meister's ability but he'd never question it. The old man was his friend and that was all that mattered, \"Pardon the intrusion but I promised my guard here another look at your books.\" He paused then added, \"And if I am completely honest I need to hide away from a certain girl, I'm sure the prospect of books will put her off coming here.\" The meister chuckled and gave no attention to Rei's nosing but instead addressed the prince, \"Woman trouble?\" He cooed playfully, Alessandro nodded faintly. \n\nThe meisters eyes rose to Rei and Alessandro turned his attention to the boy, with a chuckle he nodded lightly, \"Off you go then Rei. Enjoy.\" With the release command given he sat on the floor by the Meister's chair, glancing briefly to the window in the tower, \"I don't understand, I know marrying for love is not a luxury we as royalty get. However to ask me to spend my life with someone as shallow, uneducated and self-centred seems a special kind of cruelty.\" The meister chuckled faintly and put a hand on the Prince's. \n\"That seems bad but most Kings and Queens eventually come to respect, if not love one another. I know it seems unfair, it is, you'll find a way to cope...unless of course your sister puts an end to all of it for you.\" It was Alessandro's turn to chuckle, \n\"She is my only hope right now. Although, perhaps the Sweet Lady did not take to me and perhaps she will talk her family out of it.\"\n\"That's the spirit my boy. So, how are you aside miserable?\"\n\"Well enough to come here and complain my woes to you. I am sorry, is there anything you need? Extra blankets perhaps, candles?\" \n\"Oh do not fret for me so much my Prince, I am old and hardy like the oak.\" \nAnd so the pair talked casually, of everything from the weather to the stars and Alessandro had that look in his eyes a child might hold for a father telling a tale. It was a contented time indeed and the tension and falsehood of the prince washed away, left outside the tower so only the true Alessandro remained.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "As soon as he is granted permission Rei is off into the shelves, searching for the book he had been reading before. He'd not seen it on the table and it takes every scrap of his concentration to relocate it as the old man seems to have a filing system that has everything in odd places and never in the same place twice. Once it's located however he slides it off the shelf and into his lap, curling around it as he begins reading. Each passage filters into his mind, filling it with images and scenes in a way only books have ever managed to do. It's not like Rei doesn't have an imagination but without the words before him it seems weak, and a little sad.\n\nTime passes around the fae, the world inside the book growing dimmer and dimmer until he realizes that it's not the images, it the lack of light from the real world darkening his vision. His head comes up, rotating this way and that until he spots the glow of a candle in the distance. He's almost finished with the book, only a few pages left, and he really wants to reach the end before it's time to leave. Standing he walks over to the source of the light, a candle resting in the middle of the table where the old man is sitting beside the prince. Without even looking at the two he sends out his magic to make sure both are okay as he approaches before plopping down into a free seat, settling the large tome gently on to the table.\n\nDiving back in he ignores the conversation taking place across the table and only looks up when he senses someone coming up the stairs of the tower. He pauses mid sentence and his eyes snap to the door, glaring. \"Someone is here.\" he murmurs, rising and coming around the table just so that he'll be at the ready should it be a threat to the prince. He doesn't recognize the body approaching, so it's not anyone he's had direct contact with before like the princess or Alessandro's manservant so he remain generally alert until the identity of the person is confirmed. The old man looks at him curiously, looking almost ready to chuckle at his hyper alertness on the palace grounds. He refrains however, seeing as Rei himself made it on to the grounds, and it is in the dark hours.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Alessandro could see the confused look on the fae's face and he felt worse, there was no easy way to explain it to the fae without breaking all kinds of promises and oaths he'd made to himself. His head was feeling thick and slow which wasn't helping much and he had a struggle forming coherent thought. \"You'll understand, eventually you will, I'm sure of it. You're not half as damaged as you think.\" Alessandro uttered, smiling faintly and brushing his fingers just once through the fae's hair and letting his hand fall back to the sheets. \"Some people can be offended or upset by a confession of emotions, I didn't know how you'd take it. Have you eaten enough?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Blinking slowly again Rei lets himself feel the hand running through his hair before opening his eyes again. 'The pain killers seem to e kicking in. He may just fall asleep soon' Opening his eyes once more he looks down at the prince. \"You will find that I take most of what you say seriously, and do not question it's honesty, as you have never lied to me.\" He nods. \"Yes, you are honest, and always have been, and it is refreshing.\" Looking back to the platter he murmurs, \"I should eat a bit more.\" He then looks back at the prince. \"After a final check, I would like to ask to stay in this room tonight. The danger may have not completely passed yet and I can defend you better if I am here instead of one room over. . .\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro settled himself back against the bed covers and pillows, his eyes gently closing in a peaceful and restful sort of way. \"I'm glad you understand, not many people here try too, it's so...upsetting.\" The milk of the poppy made him sound quite tired and had likely loosened his lips a great deal, the fog on his brain not allowing him to think about what he intended to say before he said it. His mind swam with images, thoughts, memories and none made sense, all blurring together and fighting to drag him into the blissful arms of sleep. Rei's voice cut through the voice like a light through the darkness and in doing so roused the Prince enough to open his eyes and look towards the white haired stranger. \"Of course, I trust you.\" Alessandro sighed gently and settled into the bed. \"You can have the other side of the bed.\" With that Alessandro began slipping off to sleep, the medicine kicking in.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null }, { "text": "He has no idea what trust has to do with sharing him staying in the room 'Of course he trusts me with his life. It is what I am here for' however ha accepts it as the signs that the man is really drifting off and lets it go. Standing up he goes back to the platter and grabs a large hunk of meat before beginning to wander around the room. His magic touches every corner, checking twice for anything out of place while his sharp little canines slice into the meat and tear of bits for consumption. He normally doesn't eat so fast, but with Alessandro injured and in need of his sleep he wants to eat as quickly as possible so his movement does not disturb the man's sleep.\n\nTwo more sweeps and several minutes looking out on the grounds later Rei confirms that there is nothing immediately wrong with the boy's current surroundings and then with a sigh, at last, he relaxes a bit. Not too much, he knows he can't, it's too dangerous, but it is enough for him to down several fruits, drink a full mug of some bitter yet sweet juice, and contemplate going to sleep. Stopping at the foot of the prince's bed he stands for a long while just watching. Like before, he tries to figure, tries to understand. Unlike the night before however this time the subject of caring continues to run through his head and some foreign wondering make themselves known.\n\n'Well, he cares for me, and I will only be here a while. Would I be able to try this caring thing? Perhaps it would make me better able to relate to my people back at home. . .Perhaps even help me be better at my job, understanding things like this' It doesn't cross his mind that it may feel nice to have such a light feeling in his chest. 'He cares for me. He cares for the old man. He cares for the freckled youth. . .But the only who seem to return that caring, are those people, and those in the book shop, that I have seen thus far. . .' \n\nHis mind travels darkly to Alessandro's sister and the darkness he sees in her despite her open professions of affection for the prince. With a sigh he shakes his head, still too far from all these things to even begin to understand them. Slipping to the other side of the bed Rei scoops up his bandanna and secures it in place once more. His ears protest slightly but he ignores them, slithering out of his clothing. Once he is completely devoid of clothing – his normal sleeping standard – Rei slips into bed and shifts around a bit until he has a nice comfortable position. He tries not to move around too much, not wanting to wake the prince, and eventually he falls still, yawning and comfy.\n\n~*~*~*~*~\n\nMiles away a small figure crawls under a wide, smooth leaved bush and settles in for the night. The night normally does not stop him, however it has been two days since he rested so taking the convenience of the good cover he curls up, bag under his head, plant life embracing him and keeping him safe from the chill of the night, and lets his consciousness float away. The last image that passes before his eyes as he begins to drift off is the sight of a certain other fae stopping and looking back at him, one last time, before vanishing from sight. . .", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "The milk of the poppy was a strong drug, it had pulled Alessandro into a warm foggy embrace. He felt blessed in some ways, he had such good and loyal people in his life, far more so than many could hope for. He had a squire who loved him, a meister who'd die for him, a body guard who'd do anything for his safety and the bookstore owners who regularly risked ridicule for openly supporting him. He doubted his father, his mother or even his sister had such a loyal following. It made all the hardships okay in a sense, if he had to suffer, if that is what god ordained, for him to keep such people in his life he'd take another thousand attempts on his life, another hundred wounds just to have them alive and in his life. \n\nDespite the fae's feather like approach over the bed the Prince was jogged out of his thoughts, his eyes fluttering briefly as he fought to open them. It was to little avail but the Prince could tell where the boy was and turned in a half asleep, half awake stupor. His long, strong arms wrapped about the lithe fae and pulled him in close to his chest, the Prince's face finding the dandelion fluff that Rei had for hair and resting on top of it. \"Just for a while.\" He muttered incoherently, \"Like this...it's nice.\" With that though the drugs had won and the Prince was quietly, blissfully asleep, his arms wrapped around his fae, protective and almost defencive and his head lightly resting atop Rei's own. \n\nOf course despite the weight of the man's arms it wouldn't be too hard for the fae to get out of his grip, if he wanted too.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "All his efforts seem to be in vain however as moments after he settles he feels movement to hiss side. His eyes crack open in time to see the prince reaching out for him and, seeing no harm coming his way, he limply lets the man gather him up in an embrace. The Prince's chest is very warm against his back and in a way that is quite soothing, the fae letting himself relax a bit in the prince's arms. He feels a head settle atop his own, Alessandro's breath ruffling his hair. The murmured words are barely discernible to the pointy eared man but as soon as he feels the man nod off behind him he thinks them over and wonders if he should scoot away.\n\nHe knows that he could stay still so he doesn't have to worry about waking the man, but he does wonder if he'll be effective as a body guard in this position. 'If someone comes in the window, this is a perfect position, but if by the door. . . .But the guards inside are almost good enough to keep anyone from coming that way, unless some were paid off, but really. . .' He lifts Alessandro's arm gently to test how easy it would be to escape then settles it back down again. 'I could get out and up quickly enough, and my blade is barely a foot away' He eyes the hilt sitting facing his way on the bedside table.\n\nThen, finally, with a sigh he contents himself with the position he's now in and, after a tiny bit of shifting, he settles in to sleep for the night, falling off almost immediately. He wakes a few times, movement in the hall and from Alessandro himself putting him on alert, but he manages to get a full night's sleep regardless. He wakes before the prince and decides to just lay there and wait til the man rouses himself or the manservant arrives. 'Given his wound, he should sleep for as long as possible' He muses, stretching his fingers and toes as he waits comfortably.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Alessandro was relieved when it was just the three of them alone in the room again, almost everyone he cared for was in this room and it was a relaxing environment indeed. With Rei at his side, snarling at the people who offended the prince, protecting him and watching him, the creature was bizarrely enchanting and incredibly complex. His sweet squire Peter, the boy was more a knight than anyone he knew, had it been up to him he would have Peter knighted tomorrow but the boy had to train and it was the King who chose who could or couldn't be a knight of the kingdom. Lastly his meister, his oldest most loyal friend, the frail old man who taught him words, poetry, morals, if it hadn't been for the Meister he may not have been so calm when Rei had entered his room, if it wasn't for him the prince would have been scared not intrigued. \n\n\"A-are you sure yo-you're okay?\" Peter asked, trying to copy Rei despite his uncertainty and kneel beside Alessandro. It made Alessandro uncomfortable having his people at his feet. Rei was different, the fae seemed more comfortable on the floor anyway but Peter? Alessandro wanted to correct the behavior but he didn't have the heart, instead he slipped his hand onto the boys red head and gave his hair a ruffle, the boy turned bright red and chuckled quietly his hands reaching up to gently catch the prince's hand to try and remove it. \"I'm fine Peter, don't worry yourself over me. The medicine woman was making a fuss for nothing, you know what she's like.\" \n\"I can go make you some tea if you like?\" He said gesturing to the vial, Alessandro smiled faintly and nodded gently, \"Alright, I guess it is getting late and all the excitement has left me exhausted.\" Glancing to the meister he tilted his head slightly, \"You need not worry either, I have been in worse states.\" The meister's face said it all 'but you shouldn't be'. \"I promise, my dearest friend, I won't take unnecessary risks, their fear makes them foolish, I'm sure they aren't all bad people.\" The meister gave an incredulous look and Alessandro could only chuckle. \"Not all of them.\"\n\nPeter had got up and started straightening some of the furniture and books for the meister, waiting for Alessandro should he need help down the stairs, the meister wrapped a frail arm around the Prince's shoulder and kissed the top of his head, \"I am so proud of you, so wise and so kind. I couldn't be more impressed with the man you have become but try not to worry an old man so. It's not good for my heart.\" He chuckled but Alessandro looked concerned, his dear meister was old and only now did he think of what the excitement could have done to him, with a squeeze to his hand he nodded his agreement. \n\nCalling Peter over he stood with the squire's help and leaned lightly on the boy who tried to help as awkwardly as he knew how. Looking to Rei the Prince smiled, \"We'll head back for now, though you can come here tomorrow if you like, I imagine resting will be all I am good for tomorrow.\" With soft pleasantries with the meister he, Peter and Rei head down the stairs and back towards the prince's room. The prince walked as upright and normally as possible but from time to time Peter would occasionally have to help the Prince. Once back at the room peter helped him sit at the bed's edge and help him remove his boots. \"You shouldn't have to do that Peter.\"\n\"It's part of my job, all squire's do this for their masters.\"\n\"I find it demeaning, if I was not in so much pain I'd...\"\n\"Don't, please, my prince, m-my king. You've done so much for me, this is nothing, this is an honour to me so please, don't make it seem like a bad thing.\"\n\"Alright Peter, I'm sorry. You are such a true and loyal friend, I am so glad to have you.\" \n\nPeter helped the prince undress and slipped him under the sheets, making sure he was comfortable. Soon enough he'd gone off to make the tea for the medicine and had left the Prince alone with a small leather bound book of prayers. \"Rei, I'm...sorry. I didn't mean to do anything to make you look weak, I just...he was...going to hurt you.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Peter Bareni." }, { "text": "Out of the corner of his eyes he catches sight of Alessandro ruffling his servant's hair and a new question pops into his head over it. 'I believe he really likes his squire. He is. . . .Affectionate I think is the word. He shows kindness due to some feeling, some gentle, kind feeling inside. It is what I have read about in those books about love and friendship' He glances at the prince. 'I know we share a mutual interest in one another, finding the other interesting and the like, but I have little understanding of how our views of one another differ. I want to protect him, not just for the pay but also for my own personal reasons, and he wants me around, protecting him and those he cares about. . .'\n\nLooking at his hands, still stained with blood, and his brow furrows ever so slightly. 'He protects. . . .Those he cares about. . .He warned me against hurting this boy upon our first meeting. He cares for him, and he. . . .' His thoughts tumble round and round, trying to make sense of things. Before he can even begin to fight his way through the solid bloody stamp on his soul to begin exploring the idea of affection directed at him the prince is moving and without a word Rei is on his feet, his mind and body back in the world so they can do their job properly. His swirling thoughts are immediately shut down, locked away, to be perused later should he feel them important enough to revisit.\n\nNodding at the offer to return to the old man's personal library the following day the small male remains carefully out of the way as Peter does his best to help the prince move about. 'Sometimes too many helping hands simply ends with more harm than good' he reasons, moving ahead of the prince and keeping an eye out for any new dangers. He must look rather menacing as he does this as many a servant chooses to either turn and go the other way quickly or skirt the halls as they pass. He doesn't mean to frighten them but Rei knows his craft. Despite the danger seemingly having passed he knows that an assassin, a good one, could very well be in the castle now.\n\n'Using the men as a diversion, no one would think it possible to get onto the grounds now that an attack has happened, heightened security and all, however if they got here before hand then it is completely possible for them to be laying in wait to act now that everyone thinks that the attack is over. . . .' He doesn't sense anybody nearby, but he remains on high alert as they slip into the prince's room. He checks every corner, both visibly and magically, for any sign of danger. He wanders about the room while Alessandro converses with his manservant and gets comfortable in the bed. At the window he surveys the grounds, eyes keen, his other senses tuned towards danger for several seconds before pulling back, snapping the shutters closed.\n\nThe red headed youth eventually leaves and Rei moves closer to the bed. He wants to tell the man that he will likely spend the evening in this room to keep a closer eye on the prince however the man has something very confusing to say before he has the chance to speak up. Tilting his head slightly to the side he looks at Alessandro, both confused and understanding at the same time. Crawling carefully on to the foot of the prince's bed he continues looking at the man, trying to find words for his thoughts. \"I. . . .Do not have pride Alessandro. I do not operate off of shame or pride. They get in the way, make one foolhardy or cocky. I feel no shame for you having stepped between me and my target.\"\n\nHe takes another long moment, his eyes moving about the room as he tries to form his question. \"I am however. . . .Confused.\" his eyes fall back on to Alessandro, deciding to be forward. \"I am curious as to just why you did it. I take from your words you did not think me incapable, and that you responded perhaps on automatic. However, that still leaves my question of why? Why did you feel the urge to defend me?\" He gestures towards the door. \"I understand that, for the youth, he is someone you have feelings for. You are bound to him, have affection for him, as your friend however I. . .\" He points to himself. \"I am a man who tried to kill you, who now defends your life for reasons even I do not understand. I am nobody to you, so why. . .\"\n\nThe door opens and Peter's head peeks in. It's clear he did not hear the part about Rei trying to kill the prince however he can tell that the strange boy is talking about something and doesn't want to interrupt. Rei's eyes go to him anyways as he shuffles in, a tray in either hand. Rei looks curiously at them. One is smallish and holds tea. The other is larger and looks like the one that was dropped off at his room for breakfast. In a quiet voice he murmurs, \"I found this outside your room. Seem the maid sent to drop it off didn't quite make it inside your room to deliver it. . .\" In truth, she was told to leave it inside the room if Rei was not there, however she had not been able to find the courage and instead left it outside his door.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "The milk of the poppy was a strong drug, it had pulled Alessandro into a warm foggy embrace. He felt blessed in some ways, he had such good and loyal people in his life, far more so than many could hope for. He had a squire who loved him, a meister who'd die for him, a body guard who'd do anything for his safety and the bookstore owners who regularly risked ridicule for openly supporting him. He doubted his father, his mother or even his sister had such a loyal following. It made all the hardships okay in a sense, if he had to suffer, if that is what god ordained, for him to keep such people in his life he'd take another thousand attempts on his life, another hundred wounds just to have them alive and in his life. \n\nDespite the fae's feather like approach over the bed the Prince was jogged out of his thoughts, his eyes fluttering briefly as he fought to open them. It was to little avail but the Prince could tell where the boy was and turned in a half asleep, half awake stupor. His long, strong arms wrapped about the lithe fae and pulled him in close to his chest, the Prince's face finding the dandelion fluff that Rei had for hair and resting on top of it. \"Just for a while.\" He muttered incoherently, \"Like this...it's nice.\" With that though the drugs had won and the Prince was quietly, blissfully asleep, his arms wrapped around his fae, protective and almost defencive and his head lightly resting atop Rei's own. \n\nOf course despite the weight of the man's arms it wouldn't be too hard for the fae to get out of his grip, if he wanted too.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "All his efforts seem to be in vain however as moments after he settles he feels movement to hiss side. His eyes crack open in time to see the prince reaching out for him and, seeing no harm coming his way, he limply lets the man gather him up in an embrace. The Prince's chest is very warm against his back and in a way that is quite soothing, the fae letting himself relax a bit in the prince's arms. He feels a head settle atop his own, Alessandro's breath ruffling his hair. The murmured words are barely discernible to the pointy eared man but as soon as he feels the man nod off behind him he thinks them over and wonders if he should scoot away.\n\nHe knows that he could stay still so he doesn't have to worry about waking the man, but he does wonder if he'll be effective as a body guard in this position. 'If someone comes in the window, this is a perfect position, but if by the door. . . .But the guards inside are almost good enough to keep anyone from coming that way, unless some were paid off, but really. . .' He lifts Alessandro's arm gently to test how easy it would be to escape then settles it back down again. 'I could get out and up quickly enough, and my blade is barely a foot away' He eyes the hilt sitting facing his way on the bedside table.\n\nThen, finally, with a sigh he contents himself with the position he's now in and, after a tiny bit of shifting, he settles in to sleep for the night, falling off almost immediately. He wakes a few times, movement in the hall and from Alessandro himself putting him on alert, but he manages to get a full night's sleep regardless. He wakes before the prince and decides to just lay there and wait til the man rouses himself or the manservant arrives. 'Given his wound, he should sleep for as long as possible' He muses, stretching his fingers and toes as he waits comfortably.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The night passed quietly and without incident, the prince was asleep and moved only slightly in his sleep but his protective arm never left the fae. Come the morning the Prince was indeed still asleep until there was a bustling in the hallways and a clatter of a plate or some other metal object against the stones not far down the hall. Slowly the Prince's eyes fluttered open and beheld a head full of white hair, groggy from the medication and the return to consciousness the Prince dropped a kiss to the top of the fluffy noodle. As his mind began to focus along with his eyes he slowly came to of exactly who was in his bed and what had happened. Slowly the Prince's cheeks filled with colour and he carefully removed his arm, hoping, in vain, that Rei was still asleep. \n\nAttacked by a pain in his side he could not execute a crafty escape from the bed so instead straightened himself as much as possible without disturbing the fae where possible. Of course as soon as he moved so did Rei and the Prince let out a soft, sheepish sigh. About to make some excuse or explanation he was interrupted by the opening of the door and Peter bustling in as he did every morning. He deftly shut the door with his foot while carrying a full tray of breakfast things and the tea mixed medicine, hanging off his arm a small canvas satchel with a couple of bandages and balanced precariously in his other hand a bowl of steaming hot water. He placed all things down barely spilling a drop and with minimal noise before moving to the shutters to throw them open, \"Good morning my pr--\" Peter's chirpy greeting was cut off when he spotted the fae in the Prince's bed. Even though it looked relatively innocent the boy had to take a moment to hide his jealousy and shock. \"Prince.\" He finished, turning to the table to get the water and bandages. \n\nOblivious to this all the Prince had reacted by brushing Rei's hair over his ear tips until he was satisfied they were mostly hidden. While he trusted Peter with his life he wasn't sure he could trust him with such a large secret, even if he wanted to deeply. \"Good morning peter, I hope the night treated you well?\"\n\"I-it did Sir thank you.\" He'd been out most nights 'working' to get enough coin for a birthday present for the prince, he'd only just finished collecting enough to buy it and had popped out late last night to fetch it. It sat heavily now in his pocket, reminding him it was there but the boy was too afraid to give it to the prince in front of Rei. \"I've bought you breakfast but first I have been instructed to check your wound and clean it, if you'll let me?\" It was a question directed both to the Prince and to the body guard.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "Rei lay there peacefully, sending out little tendrils of magic here and there to check over things since he can't look at them with his eyes or feel them with his fingers. His ears are constantly perked for happenings out in the hall but it's movement from inside the room that actually stir first. From behind he can feel the prince's breathing pattern change and while he maintains his stillness, he sends out his magic to dance across the man, making sure he's not ripped own his wound or something somehow. \n\nHis inspection is pulled up short however as what is unmistakably a kiss is presses to his head and his mind goes blank for a moment. Not half a second later it explodes with questions but he keeps them all in check. Instead he simply rolls over and stares at the man, a faintly curious expression hidden behind his normal calm indifference. He doesn't know what to make of the gesture, but for now he refrains from asking as he hears rapid footsteps approaching the prince's door.\n\nIt isn't until the door bursts open that he realizes that some time during the night, probably via the prince shifting or something, that his bandanna has come off. He rolls so he can face the lad, hopping that his bed head will cover his non human nature until he can find the damn thing again. The sudden shock of sunlight makes his pupils retract but there's barely an instant of transition between his seeing clarity from dim to startlingly bright. As such, he sees the flit of shock running across the youth's face, something he expected, and also the touch of jealousy, which he did not. 'I recognize that want, but what exactly is he wanting here?'\n\nMentally shaking his head he sits up a little bit to try and locate his bandanna and stills once more as he feels fingers near his ears. The gentle brush of flesh against the sensitive shells makes him shiver and his eyes nearly close as one finger brushes across the tip. Once he's no longer being touched he goes back to looking for the bit of cloth so he doesn't have to rely on his hair to keep his secret any longer. Tugging it out from beneath a pillow he looks at it, curious as to how it got there, but it takes only a second or so to undo the knot and tie it back in place over his ear tips.\n\nOnce in place he sits up properly and stretches, ignoring the exchange of pleasantries. This is a trusted persona after all. Rei has other matters to attend to. Looking to the window he shifts, ready to get out of bed but stops as Peter addresses both he and Alessandro. Feels strange to be asked permission for something out of the blue, like it always is for the fae, and it takes him a moment to figure out how to reply. Finally he murmurs, \"Do what you need to.\" before slipping out of bed and wandering over to the open window.\n\nThe light from the sun makes the fae's bare skin look particularly pale as he looks over the grounds with a sharp eye for anything out of place. He doesn't notice behind him the squire going quite red as Rei wanders around without clothes, carefully avoiding staring as he goes about his task. He does however notice the color when he turns back around to address the youth. His eyes narrow curiously as he wander over to put on his clothes, curious about why Peter is flushed, but more curious about a different matter altogether. \"Would my morning meal be in my room, or was it that I heard falling to the floor earlier?\" If his meal isn't in his room, he figures the prince wouldn't mind sharing, at least until Rei can get down to the kitchens to feed himself. He doesn't plan on going too far from Alessandro today. He still feels that the plot has not yet seen itself out and that the real attempt is yet to come.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Despite his best efforts to stay completely still, Amano begins to shake violently when the stone beneath him gives way. He has barely a moment to thank the gods that the break didn't tear him apart before the cries of those around him make bile rise in his throat. The sound of the door slamming shut makes his head pound. The light from the flame makes it so that the frightened man can see vague figures beyond the black fabric. He tilts his head slightly to try and figure out what's happening.*'This fire, what, that can't'*His thoughts become more incoherent as the voices around him become infused more and more with terror, sending a different kind of fear burning through the bound man's innards.*'That, that cold on my chest. It's the thing I was cut with, I think'*He tries to bring his mind to focus by wrapping his mind and senses around the feel of it there, however his efforts are interrupted by a shadow falling over him.\n\nHe turns his head to the shadow, biting his lip as he feels the blade lifted off his chest. His body jerks as the movements of the shadow seem to indicate that the figure has raised the blade above his head. He cries out as the glint of metal comes rushing down at him.*'No, oh gods, this can't be happening!'*His mind cries out for mercy.*'I just want to live my life! Even though I am no one, and never will be, I just want to live me life!'*Tears fall, soaking the hood as he squeezes his eye together. Heart pounding in his ears, helpless to do anything to save himself, Amano sobs silently into the hood and waits for it all to stop. Then he hears a voice speak. Deep and inhuman, it makes him shake slightly, but at the same time the words it speaks seem to bring him comfort.\n\nThe sounds of the people around him begin to fade, his mind reaching a calm, peaceful place. His will to live tingles through his veins, fighting what feels like a losing battle against the fates. The fear of the moment seems to make the wold outside the dark hood meaningless.*'Is it so wrong, to want to live? I wonder if it will end soon. What will I see? Will there be anything to see?'*The loss of blood begins to get to him, and despite the knife blow having never fallen, Amano can feel his life seeping away from him.*'Those cuts, they must have been deep. I can feel. . . .'*\n\nWith an almost audible snap, Amano gets jolted back to reality by the feeling of something touching his wounds.*'So soft. Like flesh. . .but not. . . .'*He can feel his body relaxing as whatever it is touches each of the cuts. The odd sensation feels somehow warm, and comforting, but at the same time his mind casts about to try and place whatever it is touching him.*'It feels almost like a snake, but why would anyo-'*His breath catches as he hears what sounds like someone snapping their fingers and an instant later the chains binding him fall away. After the flame the room feels cold and his first instinct is to curl up for warmth. The sounds of the others in the room make him shake as he tries to make his limbs listen to him, but a moment later he cries out slightly as warm arms slide under him. His arms cross his chest as he feels himself lifted from the cold stone. As the being lifts him up, Amano presses himself into the warmth that seems to radiate from the beings skin.\n\nHis hand comes up to press against a firm bare chest and it vaguely registers that he's being held by a man.*'He smells nice'*The vague observation barely registers as he begins to lose consciousness. When he speaks, his chest rumbles pleasantly and Amano can feel himself being lulled. However when the question finds it's way through the fog of pain, and fear he manages to pull himself out of the fog long enough to murmur, \"They wanted my life, which is mine and my most precious.\" His head comes to rest on the bare shoulder of his rescuer. \"Take from them what they prize the most, and make them feel the pain of it forever.\" He has no idea how, but when Amano makes the request he knows that the man holding him can make his wish come true. The shock of everything that has happened finally brings his mind and body crashing down, and with a finally shuddering breath, he passes out, going limp in the man's arms.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The first and only words spoken by his now unconscious master were a treat for his ears. Very few seemed to grasp the concept of revenge or 'an eye for an eye'. People tended to assume what was important to them was equally as important to someone else though often it was not the case. For instance, none here would truly struggle to stay alive as this one had, so simply murdering them would not equate to the request of his master. No, his 'master' wanted them to have the thing most important to them taken away and that would require a little more creativity. For now the demon did nothing, he took in the countenance of those still alive and figured out just what would be deemed their most valuable thing. It took very little for the demon, still tethered to the demon realm which siphoned into this dank little room, to look into the dark hearts of the humans and come to realise what their most important thing was.\n\nFor one woman it was easy, her sexuality, she used her body, even now, as a weapon to get her way with men. Even though he was a demon in her maddened, terrified state she thrust her hips and chest forward and bit her lip as seductively as she could. It was, almost insulting, though many demons were quite carnal creatures he was a different type all together, of a higher class one might say. Shuffling the new master into one arm he reached over with the previously clawed hand and gripped the woman's face, she screamed and as he pulled his hand away boils and welts marred her previously beautiful features and quickly spread. \"You have leprosy, your ugly now and no one will want to share your bed.\" His words were warmly spoken despite the coldness of his over all tone and he smiled a chilling smile as the woman began to sob into her now bloody and raw hands.\n\nOthers would require more planning, more effort but he mentally noted them and then with a grin watched as the doors flew open and he, with his master in his arms, exited the little hall. Removing and dropping the hooded mask he climbed the stairs, taking a long riding coat in a dark hue of black form the hanging pegs where the demon worshipers had changed before summoning him. After placing his charge down, dressing in the coat and buttoning it he slipped the unconscious man into one, sadly it was a females coat but it was the only one long enough in his size to cover him and for the time it would hide his identity. Covering his charges face with a hat he left the dismal building and emerged into the sunlight.\n\nWhile one might assume a pair of shoeless individuals would be cause for rumour all the public noticed was waist up usually, so the demon's shoeless state went wholly unnoticed and his 'masters' feet were covered by the hem of the coat, rather skillful, even for him. When looks were cast his way and one particular law enforcer asked what was happening the demon charmed them with a charming debonair smile, answering of sunstroke and exhaustion and asked if he could be pointed to an inn. He spoke briefly with an innkeep before getting their room key and letting them in. The room was sparsely furnished but due to its small size still looked cluttered. There was a double bed with night stands either side, an ottoman seat set into the bay window and a wardrobe which currently hung empty.\n\nSettling the boy onto the sheets he pulled off the hat and removed the coat though left it under him, with the sheets tucked up under the man's chin he had the door locked from the inside. Then, opening the window he slipped out to fulfill the rest of his order, there was a lot to do after all. Some time later there would be rumours of a strange mad man on the streets, howling about how his wife and children had disappeared and insisting he was someone everyone should know. There would be gossip of a woman killing her son in a fit of jealousy when he bought home his lady. Another suffered severe losses with his money and his business was failing and yet another, the last, was last seen packing up a donkey and leaving town sobbing.\n\nReturning to the room not two hours later he closed the windows and drew the shutters, his own coat having disappeared after the last act of revenge and once more he was naked, sitting at the bay window seat and awaiting his new owner to awaken. He always did savour this bit, the first dawning of realization, the initial terror and fear and self-loathing, it was often the hardest time for a demon to hold back with all those delicious flavors filling the air.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "***~He's alone. He's nowhere, there is nothing to see, hear, smell, touch, there is nothing. He cries to the darkness, but even his own voice has no power. Bringing his hands up he grips his throat, but he can't feel it. Terror fills him, the sheer helplessness sapping his strength. Then suddenly, blinded! The darkness erupts into flames. A wall, high and stretching into either direction before him as far as the eye can see. The heat feels warm, but he feels no comfort from the sensation. He moves towards the fire, wholly against his will, his fear mounting as he closes in on the red orange depths. The flame licks his skin, but still there is no burn. Beyond the flame he can hear now the muted sounds of suffering. Human voices crying out in shear agony. Tears spring to his eyes, though he can not feel them fall. Suddenly, from the fire, a hand, and arm. They come shooting out and his heart nearly stops as it grips him by the shoulder. The touch is soft, but more frightening than one could ever imagine. . .~***\n\nWith a scream Amano sits up, panting hard. His sweat glistens on his body in the moonlight pouring through the window. His eyes stare blankly at the covers, twisted and tossed about as if he'd been thrashing in his sleep. Sharp ragged gasps are the only sound in the silent room. His hands curl into fists as he feels the tears from his dreams now. They pour down his cheeks and eventually drip down on to the covers clenched in his fists.*'It was just a dream. I had to be, all of it, all just a dream, it can't. . .'*Finally managing to blink a few time he filches at the feeling before glancing down at himself. His heart rate, which had begin to fall, speeds up again as he spots the wounds from the knife on his arms. Pushing the covers down he lets out a whimper at the ones on his legs.\n\n*'It wasn't a dream. They were, I was. In a basement, chained, how did I get?'*He sobs slightly, pulling the covers up to his chest. Breathing hard for a few seconds he suddenly freezes when he recalls what happened just before he passed out.*'Someone came. Someone, in fire. They came, and asked me. . . What I wanted. What I wanted him to do'*He takes in a sharp breath.*'Yes, a him. He was bare, like me. . . .Maybe they tried to sacrifice him too, in another room or something, but then. . . .'*His thoughts falter as he gets the sensation of not being alone. He looks first to the door, and it's in that moment that he realizes that he's not in his own room. Forgetting the feeling of not being alone he looks down at the bed and back to the door.\n\n\"This looks like an Inn. Why am I. . . .?\" The feeling comes back again, sharper, and Amano's head snaps around to the window. His breath catches in his throat. The figure sitting there is looking in his direction but Amano's eyes trail over the curves and plains of his body before moving up to look in his eyes. Something about those azure blue depths fill him with both comfort and fear. Unable to control his reaction Amano practically falls backwards off the bed, sheet in hand. He back away, barely holding up the sheet against his chest to cover himself. \"What, how? What happened? Wh-who are you? What are. . .?\" His thoughts scatter as he stumbles backwards into the door. The smooth lacquered surface feels strange against his bare flesh and he jumps away from it with a yelp. His whole body shakes as he tries to figure out what's going on.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "All of his focus goes to the man in the window. His laugh seems to fill his head completely, the sound causing his stomach to churn. His eyes widen as the man seems to change before his very eyes into something dark and sinister. Something that hell itself could only dream up.*'Oh god, it can't be. He looks, like a monster. Bu-'*He's startled out of his thoughts as the man's face returns to a normal human looking face. All save for his eyes. For an instant there seems to be something there, almost like a madness just waiting to be unleashed on the world. But in an instant, the too is gone and Amano can once again think, abet sluggishly. His tongue seems to fuse to the roof of his mouth as the figure stands. A fear begins rising from somewhere deep within his primal mind. Like a small animal being stalked by a great best all he can do is press shimself more firmly against the door and tremble as the other approaches.\n\n**\"The how is simple, I carried you.\"**\n\nHis voice causes the young man's body to quake slightly, his innards quivering with fear and unease. His eyelids slide a little lower as he tries desperately to get himself to flee from the figure stalking him.\n\n**\"The What, why it is an inn room, I did not know where you lived so I carried you here.\"**\n\nSwallowing hard Amano's eyes remain locked in the others' gaze. The image of being carried through the streets by this man makes his heart race, his tongue turning to sandpaper. His tongue darts out to try and wet his lips but to no avail.\n\n**\"What happened, oh now come come, you know that.\"**\n\nThe stranger is so close to him now, and his mind begins to cast about, trying to figure out what he meant.*'How could I know, I was unconscious! This isn't, I don-'*His mind goes numb, the heat coming of the man making him shiver. He flinches slightly as he spots the man's hand come up.\n\n**\"As for *who* I am, well now. that is up to you, isn't it?\"**\n\nFor a moment Amano is dumbstruck, the taller man's following statement barely registering. Before he has time to think on it too hard though he lets out a yelp as the stranger grabs his hand and spins him around so he's back by the bed. A little off balance he grips the man's hand to keep from tipping over as the sheet flares around him for the spin then comes to settle back against his body. He takes a few moments, trying desperately to put everything together. When at last he finds his voice again the only thing that he can think about is what the man seems to want from him. Looking over into those sharp blue eyes he swallows thickly. \"A name? You. . You want me, to give you a name? But, don't you already have one?\" His voice drops a bit, \"A-and it's not like such an honor should go to someone you just met, right? Someone like me. . .\" His gaze falls and his sheet seems to droop a bit at the thought.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The demon gave another smile as if Amano had just uttered something incredibly stupid and then drooled all over himself. \"Why no, I don't, not one that can be spoken here.\" The creature stretched slowly and languidly as he thought about how best to explain it. Then again the little human runt hadn't asked so he hardly felt obligated to tell. \"Oh?\" He uttered as the human began to doubt himself. \"It is because it is you that the honour falls upon you.\" The demon leaned forward, one long finger coming underneath the mans chin, the fingernails becoming sickle like claws as he forced Amano to look up at him. \"Do you think, that I would make such a mistake? Do you think someone like me would not spot talent and potential? Do you really**believe**that**i**would follow someone unworthy of my talents?\" His tone growing sharper, edgier as he spoke, the room seemingly growing darker and the flames in the sconces that lit the room seemingly sputtering and growing as he punctuated each word.\n\nWithdrawing from Amano's vicinity the demon rolled his wrist in a dismissive manner \"Perhaps you are right, perhaps you are unworthy of me, perhaps then I should find someone else to name me and to whom I shall give my service and my powers.\" The demon offered a half smile and rolled his broad shoulders before heading slowly towards the window. If humans were anything they were predictable and even if this was a man of God the idea of sharing such power, even if his mind did not accept wholly what he was, would be too great. Or a misguided attempt to keep the rest of the world 'safe' from a thing such as he would drive the man, as it had hundreds if not thousands of people before him, to name him. Even if just to make him stop walking away.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano's brows furrow in confusion.*'A name you can't speak? And what does he mean by here? Oh, maybe he's on the run or something'*However deep down Amano can tell the meaning behind the words is far more sinister. He finds himself trying not to stare as the man stretches. He isn't really a prude, but it's hard not to be a little self conscious when the only person you've ever seen naked is yourself. At the feeling of the sharp claw under his chin his body goes stiff. His insides begin to quiver fearfully as the other speaks, his eyes locked on the man's face. He cringes visibly when he realizes that he's offended the man, but other than a whimper he is unable to make his body respond for the fear. However his brain begins working again slowly and he can feel things falling into place.*'This is very unnatural. He can't be human,not with these claws, and this darkness. I have been foolish in my fear'*He swallows hard as the male draws back, and his eyes follow him intently.\n\n*'His powers. He has powers. He most definitely isn't lying, I see enough of it to know that. But what would I do with such a thing? I mean, it's not like I have a great need of it'*As he walks towards the open window Amano brings up a hand, finally prying his tongue from the roof of his mouth. \"I'm sorry. Please forgive me.\" He takes a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts quickly before continuing. \"I do not think well when I am frightened, and this day has been scaring me non stop since I was captured. I didn't mean to sound ungrateful, and it was poor form of me to deflect the one request you've made of me.\" With a cough Amano look up towards the ceiling for a second before looking back at the room's other occupant. \"You saved my life, kept me safe, and if I am recalling things correctly, you have even asked how I would like to exact my revenge on those who harmed me.\" Looking down at his wounded arms he adds with a smile, \"And these. This is not a natural state of healing, so you must have done that too.\"\n\nHis mind finally kicks back into almost full power and he manages to pull a smile for the man. \"Although I'm sure you have far more talent than I, I thank you for your assessment. I don't know exactly what's going on here, but I will choose to believe in you. I have never had the highest opinion of myself, but if you say I have something, I trust you. You saved me, and I see now that you really wouldn't have if you didn't have a reason.\" Talking makes him feel a bit better and after a relaxing breath he lets his eyes trail over the other man, taking in everything.*'If I'm really going to name this guy, right here, right now, I at least want to come up with something that suits him'*The flawless tan skin, the beautifully shaped muscle, the dark hair, and at last the striking eyes all pour in through Amano's gaze and his mind slowly rolls into a name. \"Illiendi.\" he murmurs. Almost to himself he adds, \"The god who will bring the end of days.\" He blushes slightly, dropping his gaze to his feet. \"If you like that name. . . .\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The human seemed rather, quick, to change his mind but weren't they all? The temptation of power, the desire to keep it even if they didn't know why or what for. They were all like children playing with matches. Still, this one, while different from most did seem to like to talk a lot and yet had very little to say that honestly made any impact on him, it sounded in many ways as if the human was besotted already, while the demonic forms sinful potential could indeed have such affect he had thought it might take a while more, his last master had despised him, at least on an emotional level, for years. Such good fun and what a unique flavour he had had, certainly a fitting meal and now he had the chance for another, as long as he prepared it just right of course.\n\n\"Illiendi.\" He repeated as the boy finally spoke something of note, a smirk took the corner of his mouth, \"Well, now it is almost as if it is you who gives I too much credit, why, my king would be utterly furious to hear such praise coming from your mouth to any but him.\" Illiendi turned to face the human once more, his dark hair falling briefly over one eye, \"Well then my master, the contract has been made, by naming me you have accepted the terms there in and it is legally binding on a level no ink and paper can hope to match.\" Illiendi stalked towards Amano and slipped his fingers -for they were no longer claws- up across his chest and above his heart. There he pressed his hand flat and a searing pain would carve into the mans chest. There would be no words to describe the abject burning sensation but it was over relatively quickly and where it had been a black brand appeared,\n\n a pentacle \n\n\n\n\nwhich would throb dully for a while to come. \"This is my mark, with it comes the proof that you control me, touch your fingers to it and call my given name and I shall complete the task you ask of me. If I am not near to you I shall still hear the task if it is spoken aloud.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano's eyes widen and his gaze snaps over to the newly named creature.*'His master? Does he really mean?'*He drops his eyes for a second, a smile coming to his lips as he shakes his head slightly.*'You know, I shouldn't be so surprised. After all that has happened, I'm not going to let such things shock me anymore'*Looking back up at Illiendi he listens carefully. He can feel a faint tug in his stomach as his eyes lock with the other man's. He can feel himself tense as he approaches. He forces himself to relax, knowing that he is not in any danger at the moment. When Illiendi touches him a chill runs up his spine, his heart racing once again though for a different reason. His mouth opens to ask what he's doing, but the only thing that comes out is a harsh scream. His hands come up to lock around Illiendi's wrist as the pain of the brand races through his body.\n\nIt takes all his will to stifle the sound, clamping down on his lips with his teeth. Like the intense heat of a flash fire the burning sensation drops to a dull throb after the initial pain biting into his flesh. His grip on the others' hand remains rigid as tears begin weeping out from between squinted eyelids. He barely hears what the being says, and without thinking nods in response.*'Oh, I can't, oh god that hurt. It's for calling him? His mark, I guess, that makes sense, but he could have warned me. Oh, just, ouch'*He pants a little, willing himself to relax. \"Ahh, ow, wow, that smarts. . .fuck, pain. . .\" He murmurs a long string of profanities to himself but after a minute he carefully relaxes his grip and steps back a bit so that he can get a look at the damage.\n\nHe trips slightly, his gaze falling to the floor where his sheet lay forgotten. A deep flush covers his flesh, one hand dropping to cover himself. Before he can think of what to do next though a knock at the door makes him jump. He falls back a bit to sit on the stand beside the bed. Glancing at Illiendi he looks back to the door as a voice calls through it. \"Hey, is everything alright in there? If you ain't dyin' then keep it down. You woke up half the inn!\"\n\nAmano swallows hard, he begins thinking franticly of how to respond and ends up blurting the first thing that comes to his mind; the truth. In a shaky tone he calls out, \"I'm sorry sir, I just got hurt, but it's fine. I'll be okay. I'm sorry I caused a disturbance.\" A grunt and the sound of fading footsteps pulls a sigh from Amano's lips and he slumps back against the wooden stand. Taking a deep breath he finally looks down at his chest where the brand now lay. His fingers come up to trace over the mark. He winces every so often as it's still tender, but he smiles none the less when it strikes him how beautiful it looks.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "*'Why be modest now? Well all this nudity was involuntary and I may have been shy about this before but now it brings up unpleasant memories? That's why the modesty'*Amano looks past the demon out the window.*'He'll go get me clothes? That'll be nice. He really seems to be full service'*The young man shakes his head at the foolish notion, covering the tender flesh of his new brand with his palm.*'It's as big as my hand'*He muses absentmindedly. Amano begins thinking desperately for something for Illiendi to do that wouldn't seem menial when he chokes slightly at the man's words. His body flushed and he looks to Illiendi. The tone in his voice sends Amano's mind to rather different places than he's use to and he bites his bottom lip softly.\n\n\"My, um, my address is 401 Crescent. My rooms on the second floor looking out over the alley. I, um, don't think anyone will be around aside for the servants.\" Scooting over to the bed he yanks off the blanket, the sheet having been commandeered, and throws it over his shoulders. Pulling it tight he clears his throat. \"I would be very grateful to you if you would retrieve some clothing for me, yes, and um, while you are gone I will try to think of something for you to do. . .For me. . .That won't bore you to death, heh.\" He swallows hard, looking to the room's other occupant with a sort of sheepish half smile. \"I don't know what kind of. . Mast. . . I will make either, but I will do my best.\" Taking a deep breath he kneels gently on to the bed and turns so he can sit with his back against the headboard. One hand comes out from under the blanket and he rubs his temples firmly.*'This is so weird. . . .'*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "With a light bow the naked Demon disappears out the window and is gone, leaving Amano alone with his thoughts and the room. Time passes and the sun is reaching its peak in the sky when finally he returns. Slippingi n with the same quiet grace with which he left. A pile of clothes and pair of shoes folded on his arm. He too had found something suitable to wear. A black suit jacket, white shirt and cravat, ruffled lace at the sleeves with straight legged trousers and clean, neat black shoes. For Amano a grey suit, slightly richer in quality than the one he had found -which oddly seemed almost tailored to his size and fit him perfectly- was placed on the foot of the bed for Amano to help himself to.\n\n\"I wasn't seen by the servants or any passers by, though I did have a telegram posted to your father that you were running a little late and would be home this afternoon before supper. I also picked up a copy of the news.\" He dropped the paper upon the bed on top of the clothes. \"Though I can tell you the headlines if you want, needless to say a lot of strange things happened last night and some very unfortunate things happened to specific people.\" Chief among those were the death of a Lordly family leaving only the Master alive, servants, pets and his wife and children died in a mysterious blaze. Lady Charlotte Grey who was famed for her beauty wore a veil to town and refused to lift it for anyone, even her fiancee and a small handful of other lords and ladies seemed to have suffered similar bizarre turns of events.\n\n\"I was thinking you could take lunch before you returned to your estate, it would give you time to contemplate a story you wish to tell your family.\" The demon leaned back against the window, inspecting his nails which, despite being of the right hue now still had a bird like appearance, in fact his whole form, posture and appearance, seemed to scream of some kind of majestic but deadly bird.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "It takes a few minutes for Amano to realize that the other had gone. When he at last looks up to find himself alone he lets out a sigh and is finally able to relax a bit. Something about the man's presence was both soothing and frightening at the same time.*'He's obviously not human, but that's not enough to set me on edge like this. From all accounts of what he said before, he must be some kind of demon, but. . .'*His thoughts turn to ones of confusion.*'But how can that be? Demons are not real. Not in the way that this guy is at least. I mean, the church people who pass through town from time to time preach about demons drawing mens' souls down into a fiery and horrible place, but. . .'*e sighs again and looks towards the open window. \"But he doesn't seem like that's what he wants to do with me. He wants. . . To serve me. . . .Or he has to, or something, but then he. . .\"\n\nSwallowing hard Amano recalls the look in Illiendi's eyes when he looks upon him. \"He may say I am his master, but he is in no way subservient. I've been around servants my entire life, and it's obvious. He's only doing this because he's getting something out of it.\" His own words tumble over and over in his head, trying to figure out what to do. A faint twinge of the brand on his chest pulls him from his jumbled musing and he bites his lip as he looks towards the spot. Pulling the blanket aside, letting it settle around his waist for now, he looks more closely at the mark now. Even at the awkward angle of trying to see his own chest he can discern the shapes fairly well. Reaching up he touches the sun before running his finger across the symbol to the moon. \"It really is beautiful. . .\" he murmurs, his mind calming a bit at the sigh. Somehow, just touching it helps him to relax.\n\nAs the time passes slowly Amano thinks of one thing after another for Illiendi to do, but each time he discards it as too trivial. When at last his mind settles tentatively on one, Illiendi appears at the window almost as if on cue. Feeling much calmer now he smiles at the man as he climbs in quietly. The suit he's wearing seems to fit him perfectly, but even with the familiar looking coverings the other still seems to radiate an aura of otherworldly energy. Thanking him for the clothes and for informing his father that he's safe the young man moves towards the end of the bed and begins getting dressed. At first a jolt of shock runs through him as Illiendi begins telling him about the \"strange things\" he could read about in the paper, but as he pulls his pants on it begins to sink in what had happened. When he finishes talking Amano sighs to himself, his eyes on the floor as he sits on the edge of the bed. \"So they were the ones who. . .\" It's not a question, simply a statement to drive home to himself just what he had set in motion by making a simple wish.\n\nShaking his head he pulls on his undershirt before grabbing his suit jacket and standing up. Leaning against the foot of the bet he looks over to the man perched against the window. He follows the lines and curves of his features, his eyes moving slowly as he tries to figure out just how this man can be the way he is.*'He looks so human, but so not at the same time. It's. . .A nice look, but at the same time, terrifying. . .'*Putting a smile on once again he looks up into Illiendi's eyes. \"Thank you.\" he says, a truly earnest look in his eyes, as he is honestly grateful to the man. \"Thank you for fulfilling my wish. . .And for getting the clothes of course, heh.\" With a cough he glances down at his feet for a moment before looking back to the being with whom he now seems to share a fate. \"Yes, food would be good. I haven't eaten for some time. We can hit up one of my favorite places. I run a tab so we won't have to worry about paying, seeing as I don't have any money at the moment.\" Looking to the door he adds, \"And I know just the place. It has private booths so we can. . .Discuss things.\" Turning back to Illiendi he smiles, \"Shall we?\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Illiendi waited for the lord to ready himself, it seemed there were no pressing matters, no urgent need for him to do something and so the demon took a more relaxed stance than normally he might. Mind you normal masters would have had him running ragged doing menial tasks, some more menial and stereotypical than others. \"I can list them all if you like, the others may take...a few days to reach the news.\" Some had much subtler punishments, their wealth, their lovers, their family. Still, it would all come together nicely in the end.\n\nOnce the young lord was dressed Illiendi pushed off from the wall with a fluid graced and smoothed his suit as if it had wrinkles, it clearly didn't of course, brushing back his hair with one set of digits he waited for a command or at least to be told what his duties would be now that he was on this side. Instead he was offered to go to lunch and while he hiked an eyebrow at the naivety of the boy who seemed to not even take into consideration that a demon might not eat human food, he made no protest and instead rolled one slender shoulder as he made towards the door, opening it and gesturing for Amano to go first. \"After you.\" He all but purred.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Shivering slightly Amano leads the way out of the room. In a low voice he murmurs, \"Perhaps later. Yes, I would like to hear about the rest later.\" The young man makes his ways swiftly from the building, glancing up and down the street. \"I. . .I know where we are. The place isn't too far. . .\" Slowing to a reasonable pace he looks over at his new companion.*'I wonder if he's hungry too. I know Cardigan won't mind if I bring a guest, but I hope she gets the hint to not start asking questions'*Turning his eyes to the road he does his best not to draw attention to himself. He has no idea how many people were involved in what happened, and for all he knows there were others not at the ritual who had a hand in his kidnapping. After a few silent minutes Amano begins to catch sight of several people looking in their direction. Following their line's of sight he smiles absentmindedly at all the attention Illiendi seems to be drawing.\n\n*'Not that I can blame them. He is very different looking, and stunning to boot. I wonder if they can feel the. . .Whatever it is, coming off of him as well. . .'*Raising his hand up he brushing the mark over his heart lightly through the fabric and lets out a sigh. As they move into a more crowded street a low hiss of whispers reach his ears. He looks all around and notices that the gossip news system is in full swing with rumors of the \"Odd happenings\" around town last night. A few people he knows even stop him to ask what he's heard about them. Unsure of how to respond he just smiles and shakes his head. When at last the restaurant comes into sight he casts a final glance at the milling crowds before giving Illiendi a smile and slipping through the front door.\n\nThe interior is lit with low light, giving the place a rather secretive and cozy feeling. Chatter is subdued with most diners speaking in hushed tones to one another. Amano had often come in here to simply observe the other patrons. On one such excursion he'd uncovered a group of men planning of robing the place, and ever since the owner has let him eat whenever he likes as long as he pays up every few months. He glances around the room, and not spotting her he gives a wave to one of the servers before heading to a booth in the back corner. The server gives him a nod and heads off to grab his usual drink. The corner booth is rounded into the corner of the actual room, the seating well padded and pleasant tot he touch. With a light smile he motions for his companion to take a seat before scooting into the middle of the bench where he can keep an eye on the rest of the restaurant. \"I love this place.\" He murmurs. Adopting a more serious look he turns his gaze to Illiendi. \"So, um, now. I would like to hear everything you did to them now. Unless you wanna wait for the drinks. . .\" Amano bites his lip nervously, not sure how much he'll be able to handle.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Shivering slightly Amano leads the way out of the room. In a low voice he murmurs, \"Perhaps later. Yes, I would like to hear about the rest later.\" The young man makes his ways swiftly from the building, glancing up and down the street. \"I. . .I know where we are. The place isn't too far. . .\" Slowing to a reasonable pace he looks over at his new companion.*'I wonder if he's hungry too. I know Cardigan won't mind if I bring a guest, but I hope she gets the hint to not start asking questions'*Turning his eyes to the road he does his best not to draw attention to himself. He has no idea how many people were involved in what happened, and for all he knows there were others not at the ritual who had a hand in his kidnapping. After a few silent minutes Amano begins to catch sight of several people looking in their direction. Following their line's of sight he smiles absentmindedly at all the attention Illiendi seems to be drawing.\n\n*'Not that I can blame them. He is very different looking, and stunning to boot. I wonder if they can feel the. . .Whatever it is, coming off of him as well. . .'*Raising his hand up he brushing the mark over his heart lightly through the fabric and lets out a sigh. As they move into a more crowded street a low hiss of whispers reach his ears. He looks all around and notices that the gossip news system is in full swing with rumors of the \"Odd happenings\" around town last night. A few people he knows even stop him to ask what he's heard about them. Unsure of how to respond he just smiles and shakes his head. When at last the restaurant comes into sight he casts a final glance at the milling crowds before giving Illiendi a smile and slipping through the front door.\n\nThe interior is lit with low light, giving the place a rather secretive and cozy feeling. Chatter is subdued with most diners speaking in hushed tones to one another. Amano had often come in here to simply observe the other patrons. On one such excursion he'd uncovered a group of men planning of robing the place, and ever since the owner has let him eat whenever he likes as long as he pays up every few months. He glances around the room, and not spotting her he gives a wave to one of the servers before heading to a booth in the back corner. The server gives him a nod and heads off to grab his usual drink. The corner booth is rounded into the corner of the actual room, the seating well padded and pleasant tot he touch. With a light smile he motions for his companion to take a seat before scooting into the middle of the bench where he can keep an eye on the rest of the restaurant. \"I love this place.\" He murmurs. Adopting a more serious look he turns his gaze to Illiendi. \"So, um, now. I would like to hear everything you did to them now. Unless you wanna wait for the drinks. . .\" Amano bites his lip nervously, not sure how much he'll be able to handle.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Of course Illiendi follows and seems either utterly oblivious to the looks he is given or utterly unaffected by the attention he is gaining. His eyes rest solely on his 'master' and where he was being lead, it was important information if one were to serve a contented master if one knew all the favourite places of said master. Of course, Amano had been right in assuming he wasn't truly the 'master' here, he was just playing at it as children did when playing with adults. The difference in station of the pair was much the same, the boy was young and naive he had no idea the cruelties of the world around him and the people he interacted with and Illiendi was the wise adult, the one who understood the ugliness inside even the kindest smile and had to somehow teach this child to spot it too.\n\nWhen they enter the little restaurant he glances at the decor and the settings with a brief and almost appreciative glance, neither breaking stride nor slowing to admire it. When the booth had been selected the avian like Illiendi pulled himself opposite and settled into the rather comfortable cushions. While it was not an unpleasant sensation there was a hint of discomfort at the cushioned surface an unfamiliarity that was swept away as quickly as a shadow passed across the sun. Even now he kept a straight backed posture, shoulders back and hands neatly folded into his lap, when quizzed about the others he simply flashed a brief, devilish grin before returning to a face of rigid neutrality.\n\n\"Baron Drake, his luck with money will turn, he will be bankrupt before nightfall begging on the street for change. Mister Arnolds will be forgotten, even you will forget him by tomorrow. He will just be a raving insane man. Miss Carlise will find her business dries up as its found she's contracted a horrible illness meaning she can not really sell her body anymore. I believe that is all.\" He spoke as if it were no more than moves on a chess board to him, as if the people were just pieces being moved. No anger nor enjoyment just emotionless delivery of facts.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano's stomach does a little flip at the smile Illiendi flashes his way, and he carefully leans forward on to his elbows. As the other man speaks his hands come up, lacing their fingers together before his presses them just beneath his nose, propping his head up with his thumbs.*'I is so odd, the things people treasure over their lives'*He muses, getting only slightly ill at the thought of what's going to happen to those people who dared try and steal him away from the world.*'It is so foolish! All of these things could have happened naturally, save maybe the forgetting one, and still these people. . .'*His brows furrow.*'On that line, I suppose my life could happen seconds from now, but at least I can claim my out of no vanity or twisted sense of power. . .'*\n\nWith a sigh he glances up at Illiendi and swallows hard.*'I suppose now we should talk about this stupid idea I have'*Clearing his throat he shifts his eyes around the room once before speaking in a low voice. \"That sounds like exactly what I asked for, thank you.\" Dragging his eyes back to the being sitting across from him he steels himself. \"There is no doubt you are an amazing, being, and you could give me anything I desire. I think it would be rude to just send you off to do whatever pops into my mind as I think of them, so instead I'm hoping for something a little more. . . .\" His mind casts about for the right way to put it. \"I'm the youngest son, no one expects anything of me. And while I'm sure you could kill my siblings and make me the next successor, or something else as easy as that, however that just wouldn't feel right to me.\"\n\nHis hands drop down to the table, sliding against one another until he's gripping his elbows softly. \"You are obviously wise and intelligent, and that's just what a simple guy like me needs to get ahead in this world.\" Staring at his hands his voice drops to a whisper. \"I want you to stay with me, and teach me how to make my own fortune. I don't want success to just be handed to me, I wanna work for it.\" His gaze shifts up to Illiendi. \"I want you to be my companion and mentor as I find my place in the world. Even if that takes me away from this town or across the seas.\" Biting his lip he adds, \"This was the least menial task I could think of, and I know it must sound like such a hassle to teach a. . .a human stuff I'm sure you learned years ago, and over the course of your long life, but if we can both get what we need out of it, I'd say it's a win win, you know?\" Falling silent he looks up a second later when the server appears with his drink. Looking to Illiendi he motions that he's free to get something as well, should he want it. The server however gives Amano a 'Who the hell did you bring in here boy?!' look, which Amano returns with a sheepish grin.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Amano's shy, coyness was an aromatic delight to the demon, he could breath in such delicate fumes all day and fill himself on simply those -for now- as the human stumbled and tripped over his own thoughts and words. While Illiendi waited for what was to be his task he carefully folded one knee, smoothed down his trousers legs and carefully folded his long fingers upon the soft wood of the table. He made no attempt to hurry the poor boy even when it seemed he was drifting away from the subject at hand, when there was mention of 'simply killing' Illiendi quietly agreed the affirmative, he could easily kill the brothers, the father too. Then he could kill anyone who stood in their way, of course, even demons were bound by laws and while the strange happenings around town over the next few days would be....disturbing, it wouldn't immediately be pointed to a demon. Of course beforehand there was a time where demons could roam the plains with little concern but even up here they could be hurt and even removed from the plane of existence should one know the right ways. So on the whole it was easier to keep a low profile, which meant killing only one ordered to do so and controlled to look accidental or unfortunate at worst.\n\nWhen finally the point was reached the demon had a smile that luckily didn't reach his face for it twisted like a toothy Cheshire grin in his minds eye, like the cat that got the cream Illiendi knew he had chosen well with this master. The hard way, it could take years to get what the boy wished for, to fulfill the deal that had been struck and claim his prize and while he couldn't overtly 'season' his meal he could steer the other towards the course of action that would lead to the best tasting meal he'd had in centuries. \"I accept.\" He uttered, pausing only to glance to the server and offer a polite shake of his head and a gentile, \"Thank you.\"\n\nOnly when the server had dismissed himself did Illiendi return to their conversation, \"It will indeed take us over seas, for the best place to start is with a product, a product no one else has and for that we will need to travel. Though first we will need money for travelling will we not? Do you have any form of savings?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "The boy's face lights up with obvious delight as the other man accepts his idea. The server takes one look at the bright smile and rolls his eyes before walking off to get Amano his usual without being asked for it.*'I can't believe it! He actually accepted the idea, this is great! He even almost looks a bit pleased I think'*His smile only grows wider at the prospect of travel. He's always wanted to see more of the world, and this seems to be his chance.*'Find something no one else has. That sounds hard, but it also sounds like a lot of fun. I know that's prolly not on his mind for this at the moment, but I hope we can have fun together. It's almost like I have a friend. . .'*His thoughts trail off and he gets a thoughtful look on his face as he goes over funding options.\n\nHis father has always provided his children with an allowance once a month, and Amano's wish to travel extended to saving a little bit from each one so that he may be able to afford it if and when he decides to leave.*'I get my allowance in two days, and if I add all of it tot he travel fund we should have more and enough to get started. I guess I could take some stuff with to sell as we travel. I have some small expensive items I have received as gifts over the years and some are local specialties, so they would fetch higher prices in other towns. . . .'*His smile returns and he looks up at his new companion. He flushes ever so slightly as he recalls thinking of him as a friend but shakes it off quickly.\n\n*'To him I am a job, and friendship should go both ways. I know it's naïve, but. . .'*With a cough he nods. \"Yes, I have enough for some traveling, and some items that will fetch a decent amount of cash in other towns. They are small so I can carry them easily.\" He looks down at his arms as the server comes back and drops off a rather fragrant spiced tea. When he leaves Amano scoops up the cup and takes a long sip before setting it down on the saucer again. \"Something nobody else has, huh? I wonder where we should start looking. . .\" He ducks his head a bit and gives Illiendi a sheepish look. \"But I suppose that's where you come in. I can't start looking without some idea what to look for, and you're the one with more experience here, heh. . .\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The boy's face lights up with obvious delight as the other man accepts his idea. The server takes one look at the bright smile and rolls his eyes before walking off to get Amano his usual without being asked for it.*'I can't believe it! He actually accepted the idea, this is great! He even almost looks a bit pleased I think'*His smile only grows wider at the prospect of travel. He's always wanted to see more of the world, and this seems to be his chance.*'Find something no one else has. That sounds hard, but it also sounds like a lot of fun. I know that's prolly not on his mind for this at the moment, but I hope we can have fun together. It's almost like I have a friend. . .'*His thoughts trail off and he gets a thoughtful look on his face as he goes over funding options.\n\nHis father has always provided his children with an allowance once a month, and Amano's wish to travel extended to saving a little bit from each one so that he may be able to afford it if and when he decides to leave.*'I get my allowance in two days, and if I add all of it tot he travel fund we should have more and enough to get started. I guess I could take some stuff with to sell as we travel. I have some small expensive items I have received as gifts over the years and some are local specialties, so they would fetch higher prices in other towns. . . .'*His smile returns and he looks up at his new companion. He flushes ever so slightly as he recalls thinking of him as a friend but shakes it off quickly.\n\n*'To him I am a job, and friendship should go both ways. I know it's naïve, but. . .'*With a cough he nods. \"Yes, I have enough for some traveling, and some items that will fetch a decent amount of cash in other towns. They are small so I can carry them easily.\" He looks down at his arms as the server comes back and drops off a rather fragrant spiced tea. When he leaves Amano scoops up the cup and takes a long sip before setting it down on the saucer again. \"Something nobody else has, huh? I wonder where we should start looking. . .\" He ducks his head a bit and gives Illiendi a sheepish look. \"But I suppose that's where you come in. I can't start looking without some idea what to look for, and you're the one with more experience here, heh. . .\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The expression on the boys face betrayed his thoughts, the demon though spoke nothing on the matter nor did he offer any interruption to what seemed to be deep and in depth thought. The demon instead took the time to first admirer the server and then take in the rest of the room, the patrons, the table settings, even the lay out of this little cafe, there was no real reason to his scrutiny but for his own personal amusement while his new master fell silent in thought. There were a lot of things they could do, a lot of things that he could just force into being and thus elevate his status considerably and while many other demons might do that this one in particular was not of the sort to deprive himself of an adventure.\n\nWhen finally the boy spoke he spoke of funds and trinkets, all of which sounded plausible and easy enough to ship, when Amano's attention turned back to him he gave a small, half smile. \"Oh I do do I?\" He purred in that cold but scorching tone of his, \"I guess I do. Our first move will be to procure a ship, we will not want anything large and cumbersome until you've started to make your fortune. I'm thinking a skipper might be the right size. Will you desire a cabin boy? We could man the boat with a skeleton crew, three people at the most. We're also going to want to make a public announcement about you leaving for unchartered waters. While few might take note of it when you return they will all remember.\"\n\nilli picked up a salt shaker and turned it briefly one way then the other before placing it back down, \"You're going to need supplies. Half your allowance should cover the boat and the food.\" He was a great haggler after all and he was quite capable of persuading people to let him have things at distance, \"You'll need to pack, anything you want or will need you should bring with you including weapons, a knife at the very least, just in case. Is there anything else master?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "A shudder runs through his body as the other man paractically purrs. His sheepish smile shifts into a thoughtful smirk as he begins thinking about what Illiendi is saying.*'If we can run it with three people, I guess the less people the better. I mean, it's less money spent and more in the pockets for other things. A cabin boy would be our third person, but that would also mean that Illiendi intends to work the ship too'*Rolling his eyes internally he shakes his head ever so slightly.*'I should not assume, I should ask, he's to be teaching me, and asking questions is the best way to learn'*He nods when he mentions making an announcement about his leaving. \"Makes sense. . .\" He murmurs.*'A lot of the great explorers were not famous until they returned from their explorations, and the more people hear of them. . .'*\n\nIlliendi begins speaking again and Amano focuses on what he saying. Bringing his cup up for another sip he almost coughs when the man calls him 'Master'. A firm flush sets up in his cheeks and he looks Illiendi in the eyes. \"So odd, I've grown up being called 'Young Master' and the like, but when you say that it feels completely different. . .\" He stares for a few seconds before he realizes what he's doing and looks away. In an attempt to cover up his obviously flustered mind he coughs to call the attention of the server and points at his near empty cup. Keeping his eyes anywhere but on his companion he says, \"I get another allowance in two days, so we should leave some time soon after that. I can pull out what I have saved thus far and you can take what you need.\" He glances at Illiendi before looking away again.\n\n\"I would like to watch you work for a bit. I learn faster if I can see other people do something first, and if I am to be a businessman there's a lot I can learn by watch even so simple a task as haggling and negotiation.\" Realizing he's rambling he smiles as the server drops off a fresh steaming cup and scoops up the old one. \"A cabin boy, yes. . .And then we would need just two more? Or are we going to work the ship, because if that's the case I may want to start training now.\" Looking back to Illiendi he smiles. \"I have a blade at home, a rapier, and a small dagger. I am proficient with both. There was nothing else to do after classes, and all my brothers kinda had it in for me, so about four years ago I took up weapons training.\"\n\nPicking up the hot cup he blows gently on the fragrant drink before taking a small sip. \"I don't have much to bring with me save for clothes, the trinkets, and my sketch pad.\" His smile turns sad. \"Not much I value in this world. I know it sounds conceited, but as long as I have me I'm content with not having much.\" Puffing up slightly he adds, \"But while I would trade my life for nothing in this world, a close second in value is the chance to be better than what anyone ever thought I would be!\" After that little declarative he shrinks right back down and ducks his head.*'Man, that must have sounded stupid. I sounded like a kid there, I just know it. I need to stop being so childish'*Bringing his cup back p he takes another sip.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Amano, whose heart flutters violently every time the beast Illiendi calls him 'Master, swallows hard as he listens closely to the other. Even as he listens though he can not help his thoughts wandering here and there over various things.*'This is really happening. He's completely serious about serving me, and I just know that this is going to change my life forever. To think something as vile as other people's selfish ambitions would lead to me finding a way to rise above my birth place'*His own words seem to have some secret meaning to the man across from him, and even as he speaks them he wonders just what the creature can glean from his simple, sheepish admissions.*'His smile looks less like the cat who got the cream and more like the dragon who slew his foe and got the horde. It is like speaking with something that I can not understand nor control. . . Except I can. I feel like I am at his whim, however he reminds me often that it is the other way around'*\n\nHe nods once again about the ship arrangement, along with the crew.*'I should have known better. No. . .I should not think like that. I am learning, I should feel no shame in not knowing something. He did not make fun of me for not knowing, he simply corrected me. It's far more comforting that what my tutors have always done'*As he speaks about his weapon training and Illiendi instructs him in the matter he keeps his focus solely on his companion.*'I have a back holster for the dagger, so concealing it should not be difficult. I always keep the rapier in top condition, however I will polish it tonight and hunt through the family storage for a worthy sheath. My training one will never do, if I am taking Illiendi right. If I can not find a good one in the home, it should not cost too much to purchase one when we are preparing tomorrow'*His hand comes unconsciously up to his chest where the brand still tingles lightly in his flesh. This habit is one he falls into quickly, though it will take him a long time to notice.\n\nWhen the man laughs, Amano's head ducks even lower, though even from the shortened vantage pint he can see an almost chill run through the crowd and the back chatter fades fro a moment as each person recovers from it.*'He really is amazing, and so strange. I am glad he is on my side'*His eyes find Illiendi's even as he reaches forward to bring the boy's head up with long slender fingers. The word 'Master' once again sends a shudder through his chest, however he keeps his focus on the man in front of him. He lets his head be lifted, straitening up his slouched from slightly. He shiver lightly, the small flickers of pride igniting in his chest with each encouragement Illiendi gives him brings a semi confident smile to his lips. The soft caress of the man's thumb across his jaw causes the smile to falter for an instant however he quells the small shot of fear that had raced through him at the touch and takes a deep calming breath.\n\n*'With this being's help, one day I **will** stand on my own two feet'*He suppresses a giggle when Illiendi pokes him in the nose, trying to act more like a grown man. However he feels himself tempted to cower again when the tall male stands. A shot of irrational panic lances through him as the rest of the patrons vanish from view behind the man. He keeps his eyes on Illiendi's, reminding himself over and over that Illiendi is his, and he should trust that safe feeling he gets around the guy. His heart jumps to his throat as he feels the man's hands on him however he relaxes and lets himself be molded by the firm, warm fingers.*'Why does my heart race so when he is so close? I do not feel afraid, I don't think. What is it then?'*In that instant Illiendi touches his bare skin and the warmth send another shot through his system. He feels the faint urge to move closer to the male, instead though he listens carefully and pulls his chest a little higher.\n\nTurning back to the creature, his eyes somehow warm as they look upon his hansom otherworldly face, and takes the proffered kerchief. More to hide the blush he can feel burning his cheeks and neck he brings the cloth to his face and wipes away the small sheen of sweat that had gathered there in the past few minutes along with the small bit of road dust from outside.*'I need to remain calm and learn quickly. Illiendi is the perfect example, as far as I can see, of what someone who expects to always succeed should appear. While I know I should not simply copy him, making my own way as to not become just a smaller version of him, it is a good place to start'*Bringing the cloth down, the flush mostly gone from his cheeks, he runs it once across the back of his neck before downing the rest of his tea and standing. Illiendi, who had been standing close beside his chair, is now bare inches from the nervous male as he turns to look up into his eyes.\n\n\"You are right.\" He says softly, a note of confidence in his voice he normally only had when defending another. \"I am not a mouse, but I am also no lion as of yet.\" He hands Illiendi the kerchief and adds ever so softly, \"But perhaps I can learn one day to be something not so frightened to be holding the leash of a wild dragon.\" With that he makes his way over to server and hands him the coin to pay for his drinks. The man looks at him for a few seconds, a rather odd expression on his face. However rather than responding Amano heads for the door of the establishment and walks out into the streets. Recalling what Illiendi had said about getting a ship he turns slightly to the right and begins heading towards the docks. His stride is a little off, not use to looking like one who can hold his own, but eventually he finds a comfortable pace. The crowd quickly thins out as he heads further and further from the middle of town. Slowing slightly so he can walk and talk more easily he looks over to Illiendi and smiles.\n\n\"Sorry for acting so suddenly. I just wanted to see if I could do it.\" Fighting not to duck his head down he lets out a less than humorous laugh and turns his gaze back to the road in front of them. \"I noticed a lot more people looking at me than usual. It was weird, but kinda made me feel good. It was nice being noticed.\" Swallowing hard he looks once more to his mentor. \"I've heard my father speaking with his fellow traders on occasion, and several of them get stock from overseas. They all agreed that the best place to find a crew in this town is a Tallian's down by the docks. It's sort of a bar, but it's surprisingly strict in it's 'no brawling' rule. I guess that's why the good captains go there. They don't have to worry about a flying body spilling their drinks and having to order another one.\" He smirks lightly, watching a few of the local fisherman on the side of the road by a house arguing loudly over a torn net. \"I went there once after hearing about a shipment being stolen by pirates. I wanted to hear stories about it, but I was under age and got tossed out quickly.\" The smell of salty air grows thicker and the sound of seagulls becomes far more prominent as they turn a corner and the docks come into view.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The demon followed, barely blinking an eye as the lordling does his best to imitate the man he wants to be rather than the man his brothers and father insist he already is. He gives a slight smirk as the lord seems to startle the up until then non plussed server who had, perhaps even with a little contempt, seem less than pleasant when serving them in their booth. With all the manners one expects of a servant he both opens and holds the door for his Lord, allowing him first to cross and then stationing himself behind at least two steps and a half step to the right of Amano. He watches the lord as they walk through the streets through half closed eyes, keeping the 'demure' nature of a butler as one might expect of a highly paid and well bred servant.\n\nWhen called a dragon the demon smirks, though briefly before returning to the somber face of an indentured servant and continues with his graceful steps that barely seem to make a sound on the cobbles as they pass through the streets of the city. Only a fool would not notice the change that posture alone has caused in the townsfolk, eyes now falling upon him rather than scorning him and mutters rippling through the street. Imagine the difference when he and his master through their departure party or their return when this mouse had been whipped into the very definition of a master. Though the demon remained quiet, walking with his own posture straight as a pole and with head held high but not at a level with a lords.\n\nWhen finally Amano broke the silence the demon gave a slight, bird like tilt of his head and a brief grin, \"You did well Master, there were indeed a good many more people looking at you than when we walked onto the streets first. This time your demeanor demanded you be noticed rather than wished you into oblivion.\" It always struck him how odd it was that so many humans didn't' seem to notice the importance of such simple things as posture, gestures, tone, even mental attitude and how they all worked to paint a better picture of a man or a boy. Commoners could switch places with Kings -and had- with little more than soap and some common etiquette lessons and yet people seemed to think it was so very hard. It had been no accident he had not been seen when fleeing the scene of his summoning, his posture had all but made him invisible despite the fact he was carrying an unconscious boy and yet now, he knew he could take his pick of most of the common women and likely some of the highborn too, if he so desired it.\n\nAt the mention of ships the demons eyes cast about the dismal bay, for some reason big cities seemed to have such a depressive atmosphere to their docks. As if all the dank, filth and misery sunk into these little pockets, usually one could find anything they desired here from illegal goods to whores all for varying amounts of coin depending how good ones skill with their tongue was. \"It sounds like as good a place as any to start, how do you wish to approach this*my master*. Shall we split up to find the best Captain at the lowest price or would you prefer to work together which undoubtedly will make such work slower but likely seem more earnest and believable.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Still feeling a faint hum of joy from the creature's praise Amano doesn't reply right away. Instead he lets his eyes travel over the docks and surrounding buildings. As a child he had spent some time wandering around with a small group of children, exploring the area like some foreign country. At the time they young nobles had little care what anyone thought of them, so when they returned each evening, covered in dirt and filth, and smelling strongly of fish, they felt almost honored when the housekeepers and the like got upset at the mess. His head swivels slowly this way and that, recalling \"the great fishery caper\", and \"fisherman's last stand\". He had caused quite a bit of trouble as a child for the dock workers, however he was never the one blamed. The leader of the little group held most of the responsibility, and was the one most caught and punished.\n\n*'Even at a young age, none have really thought enough of me to take note of my deeds, whether they be good or bad. I was always at the back, always off to the side'*His eyes travel once more to his companion and he feels another trickling rush of pride.*'We will change that however'*Deep in his heart Amano feels no arrogance in his thinking, not believing his thoughts those of someone better than another. His pride is purely for his own sake, and for the thought of how willing he is to do that hard work. This humble pride shows in his eyes as he at last addresses the man's question, a faint warmth in his innards from being called master once more.\n\n\"I believe it best if we go together. I have seen quite a bit of bartering done by my father, and he is highly regarded in the matter so I may be able to help in that respect. However,\" he looks back towards the docks, \"I will take your advice when it comes to the actual selections. I'm. . .Not a people person per se, so I'm not sure I would be a good judge of such things. . .\" He is careful not to drop his gaze as his instincts tell him to, but instead keeps his gaze steady with Illiendi's.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "As soon as they entered the demon dropped into his place as a servant, he remained at the distance one would expect and while he held his head prouder than most in this dismal establishment it was tilted just enough to make him seem humble rather than a noble himself. There he stood as the boy picked his target and dropped into conversation with him with easy words of friends rather than that of business. Honestly Illiendi did not much care for how Amano got the job done, just that he did and since none others heard the two, to busy drinking and wenching to much care what a noble lord wanted here he could speak as he wished. Those who were in the need for such knowledge there were circumvented by the demon who found innocent enough ways to keep them away, from missing stools to accidental drink spillages he made it look utterly accidental.\n\nFinally they were freed from the inner festering guts of such a dismal place and the demon brushed ah and through his hair once out in the sunlight as if to shake off the gloom that had lingered inside the tavern. Too much like home, demons did not escape the bowels of hell to fall into the filth and scum that humans built in its image. He didn't miss a step and followed silently, \"Oh my Master I was moved.\" Illiendi pulled off a step that was half skip and half a dance to be in front of his little master just as his head begins to sink, catching iti n those warm, slender fingers of his and lifting his head to meet Illiendi's eyes. \"Utterly moved, what a wonderful act, why, even I nearly bought it.\" Thumb brushing the boys jaw line he tapped his cheek, \"Head up.\" He hadn't broke stride, walking backwards and keeping pace with his master with all the ease a human would forward, \"Whenever I look at you I want your eyes to be level with mine, not the dirt. A man who looks at dirt all day will never rise above it, I thought we had higher goals.\" Once again he smiled that unnerving smile that held both comfort and intimidation in equal measure.\n\nWith that he dropped back beside and behind his master with that same odd, almost bird like, grace that he seemed to have mastered. \"Lucky indeed, unless he speaks to your father before we do. Though either eventuality works to our advantage in the long run, hopefully he'll hold his tongue until we return to your family home. Now, the fishery he said, correct?\" Nodding towards a Sloop with the name 'Angry Lad' emblazoned cheaply on its side. Cheap was good, it meant money and fame would buy the man easily, all good Captains had two loves, rum and their ship. \"Captain Jusler.\" He uttered, getting a grip for the name as he approached closer, \"What is my Masters wish?\" His tone, while it implied many things, mainly seemed to hint at how to handle this current situation, whether he himself should handle the Captain or allow Amano too.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "As soon as Illiendi replies Amano can tell he's lying. Even though his tone would imply otherwise, he knows the other isn't really impressed. Once again he finds the demon in front of him, lifting his head up to make him look more of the station he's trying to achieve. He doesn't say anything about his disbelief in his mentor's words however and instead focuses on what the man is saying. However he can not help but to dwell on it a little when he once more falls into step off to the side.*'That was different from before. When he encouraged me back at the shop I felt he really believed in me. But just now, it was like he was trying to not let me get discouraged or something. That wasn't confidence, that was manipulation'*Glancing over at Illiendi as they walk he has to fight not to let his head fall as he turns back to the road ahead.*'I should expect that though. He is what he is, and even if he's a lot more noble than I've read about in books and stuff, he is still a demon here for what he wants'*\n\n\"Russ won't say anything to father. He won't have the time to. Father is returning tonight after dinner, and Russ is out looking for a warm body to share his bed by then.\" he murmurs distractedly in reply. \"And even if he sent a messenger, we'll be home before father, so. . .\" his voice trails off as he continues thinking.*'I must never forget that. No matter how it feels to be around him, that warn safe feeling. . . .'*He shakes his head slightly, his hand coming up to touch his brand softly.*'He's not a person, and I shouldn't expect him to. . . I don't know what I'm thinking any more. He's helping me, and I shouldn't let it get to me this much! No matter what it takes, right? He said he's going to help me accomplish my goal, and if that means turning me into a puppet for now, I can deal with that'*\n\nTurning to face Illiendi when he ask about how to handle what is to happen next Amano takes a few seconds to consider.*'He obviously could have done a lot better than I in there for the last transaction, so I think it's time to do what I do best: Watching and learning'*\"You go ahead and handle it this time. Since I did such a poor job before I think it's time to watch a master.\" His gaze is steady, his tone respectful. He did not mean anything by it really, he just wanted the other to know that he can see through the manipulation, and that for now, he doesn't mind it. A moment later a door opens on the ship and a man steps out on deck.*'That could be the one we are looking for'*he muses, then does a quick check of himself to make sure he's standing the way Illiendi had instructed him to.*'Gotta look the proud master I'm suppose to be'*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Of course he followed with his usual practically perfect form, not uttering a word out of place until the young master had finally begun speaking. He asked for no directions and followed effortlessly behind his master like a shadow at his side, never more than two paces behind and always slightly to the side. He allowed the boy his piece, the conversation clearly had startled him, his reaction evident in those rosy cheeks and for a moment that cold hardness in those bright eyes seemed a little softer. Though like a cloud over the sun it was soon gone leaving only that cold apathy behind. The entire conversation was permitted to occur as the boy spilled tales of his no doubt hell-bound brothers and the one already married, then turned the topic from sex, marriage and the continuing of the family line to love.\n\nIlliendi understood sex, he understood marriage and he understood reproduction, he understood a good many sciences that would not be ready for this world for hundreds of years yet and he knew more about the stars and the sun than he could care to tell. He knew every name of the Angels and most of his brethren's of note. He knew the sins and the virtue's, maths, science, geography but a peculiar look came to his face at the mention of the word love. Illiendi didn't break step and nor did he seem overtly moved by the word save the scrunching of his brow and an almost confused and quizzical look upon his face. As he was about to comment upon this notion of 'love' the conversation shifted and was directed towards him and his 'home'.\n\n\"One would not call where I am from a home, it is no more a home than a jail is for a criminal, a criminal who has done no wrong but been punished for convenience. It is a place filled with fire so hot it would melt the skin and muscle from your flesh if you ever fell in, where the rocks themselves are so hot underfoot your feet bleed and blister. The beds are little more than flattened stone. My home is perhaps a little more...complex, than the average of my kind, perhaps one day you will see it for yourself. There is no Love where I am from, no Hope, No Compassion, No Charity, No Serenity, No Grace. Why do you think we answer the calls? To us it does not exist, to them it is all they live and to you, you flaunt it before us like a bone before a caged dog. So innocent, so...foolish.\" Illiendi trailed off and corrected his own posture while following along, \"So Enviable.\" He added quieter, with a faint smile that still didn't reach his eyes.\n\nIlliendi had survived a millenia now without the graces of the seven virtues and while the lesser of his kin, the lower ranking demons would faunicate in hopes of creating 'love' it only ever turned into lust. So frustrated did many of kin get that they would often answer the summons and pull themselves free from hell only to kill their master and take his place as human, few ever got away with such and the others often smote them down before they could so much as enjoy the first of the new pleasures offered up to them. Perhaps they became 'hopeful' or more accurately they were desperate, hell was hell for demons as well as the souls that fell there. In fact most demons of the lower ranks were created by the souls fallen into hell's clutches and a good few hundred years of torment. Nothing though that he would subject Amano too, he had a wish to fulfill before the full fury of hell came to meet him.\n\nChanging the subject back around he continued, \"You will tell your father and brothers you have decided on a match from those he has chosen, I ma sure you can spin him some tale of how you need something to sanctify your heart on your voyage. You will promise to write her as often as possible and when we are away there will be a tearful goodbye. You will then write to her and your engagement, as well as your fiancee's wistful love sick heart, will spread word of your adventures and endear you further to the people. Love for the moment is an unnecessary distraction, you will have time for love but for now you need people on your side.\" Illiendi grew quiet then for a moment, seemingly contemplating something, \"do you know the names of the girls of which you are to be betrothed? If so I can go and gather information on them now and find the one which is the best match for you? Perhaps you will even find you...love...her?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano's face becomes impassive as he listens to the beast describe his \"home\" in harsh detail. He swallows hard, keeping his stride even, though the images forming in his head make him want to stop an clasp his hands over his eyes. The thoughts make him a little sick to his stomach, images of skin and flesh dripping off his bones like an over cooked pig.*'That place sounds horrid. I mean, as a d-demon, I knew he came from hell, but I gave it little thought. I mean, he's so calm and collected, and. . . .pretty, the thought of him being anywhere but the finest halls and the most extravagant of palaces seemed so wrong to me. It still feels wrong, but as he says, so shall I believe'*He lets out a calming breath, keeping his eyes forward as he continues listening.\n\nAs he begins speaking of all the things they do not have, his tone becoming somehow more. . .Amano can not identify it but as he brings up how humans flaunt their emotions, the good ones, Amano bites his lips sadly and glances back at Illiendi. He looks back just in time to catch his near whisper, and Amano feels his heart go out to the beast even more at the little smile on his lips.*'This is all beyond sad. I wonder if it's only there that such things don't exist, or if it carries over to when they are on earth. I mean, it sounds like that coming here is better than staying there. . .Well, that's a give in, but maybe there is something I can give him here that will make his stay more pleasant. I am glad now that I made a wish that will take a long time to complete. The longer he is here, the better I will feel about using a demon to reach my goals. . . .I think'*Feeling a little choked up Amano tries to wet his throat by swallowing a few times, but before he can address the concepts running through his mind and heart, Illiendi is speaking once more.\n\nAs the demon continues, telling of how he will pretend to be in love with one of his prospectives, Amano's step slows ever so slightly until at last he comes to a complete stop. \"No.\" His tone is firm, but not angry. He then turns to Illiendi, the street they are on is empty so he doesn't have to worry about how he is standing or the sound in his voice. \"I won't do that Illiendi.\" He takes a breath, shoring up as much courage as he can muster before explaining himself. His right hand comes up to cover his heart, the tips of his fingers brushing the brand on his chest. \"I know a lot of people who would follow this last instruction no problem, but I refuse to do it. Those people I know? They are scum in my eyes. I have a much higher view of the value of my heart, and the love it can carry.\"\n\nHe shakes his head ever so slightly, keeping his tone carefully respectful. \"You say you do not have love where you are from, so I do not fault you for wanting to use this human strength, or weakness depending on your views, to your and mine's advantage. It is indeed a great plan. However, I can not play with that emotion. I will never**pretend**to love someone, ever. When I confess a love, it will be true, and with an honest heart.\" He bites his lip again, his eyes dropping for a moment as his own passion seems to suddenly embarrass him. However he brings his eyes back up a moment later, the conviction of his belief burning bright in his eyes. \"Love is precious, over all other emotions we humans can feel. It can start wars, stop them, take a million lives to defend it, or give birth to nations in it's pure unrivaled state.\" He shakes his head one last time. \"No Illiendi, I'm sorry, but I will not use love as a mere tool. . .\" His voice trails off, his face set in resolve and strength.\n\nAfter a few seconds however his cheeks light up and he coughs. \"Sorry, I talk too much, I shouldn't be preaching to you. . .\" His eyes turn away rather than falling, remembering once more that he's suppose to look like a high class gentleman at all times. His head tilts after a moment however and he adds a bit bashfully, \"Beside, yes, I know the names of all the girls, and they all know me, and not a one of them would ever believe me. They know I don't find them attractive either physically or mentally. I prefer people with brains. .. \" He chuckles at this, baring the girls no ill will, and they themselves knowing they are not up to Amano's intellectual standards and not ashamed of that fact.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Amano's face becomes impassive as he listens to the beast describe his \"home\" in harsh detail. He swallows hard, keeping his stride even, though the images forming in his head make him want to stop an clasp his hands over his eyes. The thoughts make him a little sick to his stomach, images of skin and flesh dripping off his bones like an over cooked pig.*'That place sounds horrid. I mean, as a d-demon, I knew he came from hell, but I gave it little thought. I mean, he's so calm and collected, and. . . .pretty, the thought of him being anywhere but the finest halls and the most extravagant of palaces seemed so wrong to me. It still feels wrong, but as he says, so shall I believe'*He lets out a calming breath, keeping his eyes forward as he continues listening.\n\nAs he begins speaking of all the things they do not have, his tone becoming somehow more. . .Amano can not identify it but as he brings up how humans flaunt their emotions, the good ones, Amano bites his lips sadly and glances back at Illiendi. He looks back just in time to catch his near whisper, and Amano feels his heart go out to the beast even more at the little smile on his lips.*'This is all beyond sad. I wonder if it's only there that such things don't exist, or if it carries over to when they are on earth. I mean, it sounds like that coming here is better than staying there. . .Well, that's a give in, but maybe there is something I can give him here that will make his stay more pleasant. I am glad now that I made a wish that will take a long time to complete. The longer he is here, the better I will feel about using a demon to reach my goals. . . .I think'*Feeling a little choked up Amano tries to wet his throat by swallowing a few times, but before he can address the concepts running through his mind and heart, Illiendi is speaking once more.\n\nAs the demon continues, telling of how he will pretend to be in love with one of his prospectives, Amano's step slows ever so slightly until at last he comes to a complete stop. \"No.\" His tone is firm, but not angry. He then turns to Illiendi, the street they are on is empty so he doesn't have to worry about how he is standing or the sound in his voice. \"I won't do that Illiendi.\" He takes a breath, shoring up as much courage as he can muster before explaining himself. His right hand comes up to cover his heart, the tips of his fingers brushing the brand on his chest. \"I know a lot of people who would follow this last instruction no problem, but I refuse to do it. Those people I know? They are scum in my eyes. I have a much higher view of the value of my heart, and the love it can carry.\"\n\nHe shakes his head ever so slightly, keeping his tone carefully respectful. \"You say you do not have love where you are from, so I do not fault you for wanting to use this human strength, or weakness depending on your views, to your and mine's advantage. It is indeed a great plan. However, I can not play with that emotion. I will never**pretend**to love someone, ever. When I confess a love, it will be true, and with an honest heart.\" He bites his lip again, his eyes dropping for a moment as his own passion seems to suddenly embarrass him. However he brings his eyes back up a moment later, the conviction of his belief burning bright in his eyes. \"Love is precious, over all other emotions we humans can feel. It can start wars, stop them, take a million lives to defend it, or give birth to nations in it's pure unrivaled state.\" He shakes his head one last time. \"No Illiendi, I'm sorry, but I will not use love as a mere tool. . .\" His voice trails off, his face set in resolve and strength.\n\nAfter a few seconds however his cheeks light up and he coughs. \"Sorry, I talk too much, I shouldn't be preaching to you. . .\" His eyes turn away rather than falling, remembering once more that he's suppose to look like a high class gentleman at all times. His head tilts after a moment however and he adds a bit bashfully, \"Beside, yes, I know the names of all the girls, and they all know me, and not a one of them would ever believe me. They know I don't find them attractive either physically or mentally. I prefer people with brains. .. \" He chuckles at this, baring the girls no ill will, and they themselves knowing they are not up to Amano's intellectual standards and not ashamed of that fact.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "One could say Illiendi should have acted more surprised but as Amano stopped and began to speak Illiendi came to a slow and natural stop and allowed his noble man to speak. He stood with the same natural, bird like grace as he had their entire trip so far, with the bearing of one born into his role, any less for a demon of his standing and it would be considered a waste of his time and talents. He never did things half way, no, especially in the pursuit of intellect he went with all the detail and ability he could. He listened to Amano and as that first word left his lords lips there was a faint and gentle bow of his head, Illiendi was a demon and he didn't know love but his master had said no and there was no force, even God, that could change that fact now it was spoken aloud.\n\nIlliendi had intended to simply answer with an 'as you wish' but the boy continued to explain why he said no, in what, to Illiendi, seemed a pointless gesture. Humans though had a habit of taking offence rather easily and no doubt such action was simply driven in considering his high born state but low rank in the family. The plan to use a woman as a means of inspiring the people was out, which honestly was quite the shame for it would have generated a lot more rumours a lot easier and swung the hearts of the people quickly. Women were easy on the eyes and thus men often fell for their charms and guile, willingly or erstwise. While his master spoke he remained still but his mind raced with a thousand possibilities and their possible outcomes.\n\nWhen Amano had returned to his senses the demons head gave the faintest tilt, like a raven watching a human in its territory and after a long quiet moment he spoke. \"You are my master, you need not explain any decision to me no matter how large or trivial. If it is against your wishes I can not do it.\" He spoke gently, that tone of his that was not guarded but educational, informative. \"It is a shame you are known to be picky with your partner, it would have been a boon to you.\" He didn't sound disappointed, more curious than anything, which quickly died as he rolled his shoulder, \"I will work around that.\"\n\nWith what he intended to say, said he took a step forward and awaited Amano to lead the way back to his home, he could work the plan without a fiancee and he'd need time to plan the adventure itself. So much to do, it was a good thing most demons chose not to sleep or they would never be ready in time, a suit had to be tailored, a documenter hired, a scabbard created and supplies readied and loaded upon the ship. Luggage to pack and money to raise while they also needed to win the fathers approval, grudging or otherwise. A mountain of work but it would take next to no time when he could finally move around properly again.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Double Post Fix :P", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Amano lets out a long sigh, glad the demon does not seem to be upset. Even though he knows that Illiendi can not defy him, giving him a command like that was more unnerving that he ever imagined.*'I have too much respect for this being before me to just snap out orders like it sounds like he's come to expect from human m-masters. I. . . .'*With a nod he turns and continues leading the way to his house. He is silent fore several seconds but then, he realizes there is something he wants to say. Something that will hopefully aid Illiendi. Something that may help him understand Amano better, and even perhaps help him make plans easier. After all, the more the demon knows, the easier it is to plan, right?\n\nLooking over his shoulder briefly he smiles. \"I know you say I do not need to explain myself, but I really think that doing so is only to the benefit to our endeavor. After all, the better you know me and the more you know about human nature the better it is over all, right? I mean. . .I'm sure you've seen a lot of humans over the years, and taking those who summoned you as an example, I highly doubt you've ever been summoned by anyone like me.\" He flushes slightly, trying his best to not sound as if he is tooting his own horn. \"I mean, those men and women, all of them, they. . They were some of the worst examples of people I can imagine. If they are the standard for the kinds of people who have summoned you, then I think by filling you in on my own personal view and aspects of my being will be not only informative, but necessary if I am to have your help in growing into the man I want to be. . .\"\n\nHe lets out a soft sigh, looking down the street as his house comes into view. \"I mean, now that you know of my views on love, you now know more about how I think, and will be better able to manipulate me into this great man you seem to believe I can become. An artists works better with tools they know and use often, and a painting will come out more beautiful if the artists knows how the paint will interact on the canvass.\" He bites his lip before adding his last piece. \"In other words, I will always explain myself, even if you say it is unnecessary because even if you will follow my orders without question, I fell that whatever bits of knowledge you can gain about me or human nature that you don't already know will make for not only a better laid plan, but smoother interactions between us. . .\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Illiendi gave a light nod of his head and briefly glanced to the servants carrying the rest of the families meal, \"After this the fish course of gently smoked salmon fillets with a butter and herb dressing on a bed of lightly steamed rice, accompanied with a subtly sweet berry drink which I am assured will bring out the true flavour of the fish as you eat. This will be followed by a starter of goats cheese tartlets, flavoured with fresh grown herbs from the garden, accompanied by the fragrant honey milk tea. Your main tonight will be honey roast pheasant breast with twice roasted potatoes and delicately steamed vegetables with a light red win jus. This will be accompanied by a small glass of chateau de'neurff red wine, too much would ruin sirs tastebuds for the dessert. A light, airy lemon mousse with a white chocolate base, drizzled with a summer berry coulis, to which my**master**may have whatever he desires to accompany.\" When he was done reciting the meal he gave another light bow of his head to signify he was done, a glance to the brothers beneath those dark locks of his was enough to see the beginnings of that easy sin people oft fell into.\n\nHe rose only after Amano would tell him it was satisfactory and offer a glance to the Lady of the mansion, \"If it would please you my lady I shall make two desserts so you might try some and offer me any criticism's necessary to improve my worth to this household. I am afraid my training had me in the court of a Maarth Prince and my peoples tastebuds differ greatly from those here. Far gentler, unlike a rose but like an orchid, rare and precious indeed.\" A brief smile was offered before his gaze turned to the two brothers, oh had he but an inkling of how they treated him as soon as he was gone...well he would do nothing, the demon had plans and one thing he had plenty of is time to act them out. So it was easy to offer them that same disarming and devilishly charming smile as he addressed the table in full, \"If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to call, I would be honoured to be of service.\"\n\nWith another neat bow he excused himself back to the kitchen where he got started on the meals he had spoken of, while the cook took a break he effortlessly set to the preparation of the courses he had described, starting with the meats followed by the vegetables and rice before finally -the trickiest part- the dessert. His movement's were quick but never hurried and despite how much hard work he seemed to be putting in the demon did not break a sweat. There was a lot, no doubt, that would garner questions and curiosities but it was not unusual. Most humans, even when demon summoning was prolific, did not want to believe in demons or magic, it made things a little too real and made people uncomfortable. It was therefore child's play to simply shrug off any disbelief at his skills or abilities as nothing more than good service and people were happy to lap up the idea.\n\nIt took no more than fifteen minutes for everything to be cooking and on schedule as he wished and with the courses cooking -or setting in the desserts case- he swept from the kitchen like a shadow in the presence of light, unhurried but without pause. Back to the dining room he returned and circled the table to his masters side once again, standing behind the young lord and awaiting the confirmation that he was either done, still eating, or required a refill on his drink.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano listens politely to all the courses Illiendi has planned and a part of him hums happily at the idea of such good food, while another part hopes he'll be able to eat it all.*'Good, only a little wine. Perhaps I should bring it up later. . .'*He cocks his head slightly to the side, wondering what drink he'd want with such a rich sounding dessert. As he thinks he spots Illiendi glancing at his brothers and fights to keep from chuckling at the looks on their faces. Finally with a faint nod he makes his decision. \"With my dessert I would like some hot amowa tea with a teaspoon on honey. Thank you Illiendi.\" He suppresses a shiver at the feeling of his mother practically melting at his side, the glares from his brothers poorly hidden behind their wine glasses.\n\n\"That would be delightful.\" his mother murmurs softly as the new servant's gaze turns to the young men on the other side of the table. Amano focuses on the meal before him, taking in the smell with a long inhale, his smile shifting slightly as he realizes how hungry he is.*'I have not really eaten today, so this will be a real treat'*He doesn't even look to his brothers as the demon leaves, instead focuses on the dish in front of him. He keeps his pose as he begins eating slowly, savoring each bite. He lets the flavors dance around him mouth, his smile remaining small and polite as he munches on that delicious meal before him. After a few bites of her own meal however, his mother's attention once more turns to Amano.\n\n\"So,\" she begins, \"even if you are hoping to discuss this later with you father, perhaps you could tell you poor mother about these sudden plans to leave you family?\" Though posed as a question, it is clear that she expects and answer and will not let him rest until she gets one.\n\nTaking his time finishing off the mouthful he has, Amano begins putting together what will hopefully be a good enough answer to get his mother off his back, but also keep from turning his shins black and blue by the end of the meal.*'I have to tell her just enough to have her curious to hear it all from father, without telling her so much that she will demand to hear the rest from me right here. And I know Tawney and Burtis are just waiting for something that they can laugh at and tell me I'm going to fail. I have to get them to laugh, or I'm not walking very strait away from this table'*Swallowing, he wipes his mouth off and sets his fork down. He can feel a little tingle as Illiendi exits the kitchen, however he does not pay him any mind, his focus instead on getting his story strait.\n\n\"Mother, this is not as sudden as it seems. I have known for quite some time that I will never be able to make a name for myself in this family, not with my elder brothers to complete with. I have never had a head for the kind of work I could get in this town, and if I ever wish to do anything father can be proud of, I must find some place where my skills are worth something. I can only pray to find something worthy of my place in this household somewhere else.\" He casts a sad gaze at his mother but inside he smiles wide. He brothers are already laughing at his rather pathetic tone, and his mother's eyes are beginning to tear slightly. Turning back to his meal he finishes the last few bites and downs the last of his drink. Despite his slight frame, Amano has always been able to eat quickly without looking hurried, the food seeming to vanish into one of his many metaphorical stomachs.\n\nSitting back to signal he is finished he waits for Illiendi to remove the empty dishes and fetch his second course. As the demon is walking away, both brothers watch him go before turning on Amano once more. \"So, he's gonna to be your arm candy? Get you what you want by batting his eyes?\" Burtis's voice is grating, however the youngest brother refuses to rise to it tonight. He's been hearing crap like this for years, he can hand it, or so he hopes. . . .\n\nFrom the front hall there is a light jingle and all attention turns to the door. Only visitors and messengers use the bell. After several silent moments one of the butlers arrives carrying a small white envelope. \"Madam Chesia.\" He says with a bow, handing the letter to his mother. She takes it gently and opens it, reading the small note inside.\n\nLetting out a long sigh she hands it back, signaling that he should throw it away. \"You father shall not be back tonight. He and Erick have some business at one of the businesses at the edge of town and they will be staying the night there.\" There is a note of sorrow in her voice and Amano's heart goes out to her. He knows what 'business' means as well as everyone else in the room, however his brothers look rather proud of the announcement, disregarding their mother's feeling openly. Amano shifts his attention back to the table as the butler walks out of the dinning hall, closing the door behind him.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Once again he clears the plate making a keen note on the left over peppers, they had been a gamble but the new knowledge of his masters dislikes was filed away as he began to clear the cutlery. Once again the boys were spared no glance and the other was given that charming smile. Once the tray was filled with the dirty dishes he returned to the kitchen and plated up the now hot starter. In the middle of the plate the goats cheese tartlet sat, no bigger than the palm of a hand and only three fingers deep. The pastry was soft and flaky and smelled of warm butter and a hint of nutmeg while the contents were a rich creamy scent with dotted herbs to take away from the dull colouration. Neatly around this he arranged slices of lightly steamed carrot and then set to making the tea. He added the honey to the milk tea and placed a small sugar dish with two spoons of sugar and a clean teaspoon inside. It ought not to need it with the honey but some people liked unbearably sweet food. With it all plated up and a fresh set of napkins and cutlery -this time the napkin folded like a flower- he made his way back to the dining room.\n\nOnce more he laid the cutlery, beverage and food with ease and took the little rose napkin, with a flick of his wrist it unfurled and was laid upon Amano's lap. \"The starter is served master, I hope it is to your liking. After your meal master I shall away to run your bath and ready your room for tonight if such pleases you.\" Humans rarely liked having dried blood, possibly not their own, on their skin and thus bathing became quite important to the human. Of course, it also fit with their cover story of him being out all night to pick him up from the ship yards. People often over complicated lies, making them too big and grandiose, too detailed and then forgetting such details and being caught out. A good lie, like this one, was simple and with details that could be fleshed out if really needed or left simple and was just as believable. \"The tea is already sweetened with honey though if master desires sweeter I have prvoided sugar.\" Glancing to the lady of the household he smiled. \"Would the lady care for a drop of tea?\"\n\nAfter the yay or nay to the bath idea and the offer of tea. Illiendi saw himself out with another gracious half bow and back to the kitchens where the finishing touches to the meal awaited him. His first job was to open the wine though and then he left it to breathe. The meal was then put together with the meat being given a final swirl of honey, had the lady expressed interest in trying some, he would then pour a cup of tea for her and take it out to her with a small sugar bowl for if she took it sweeter. Then with a bow back to the kitchen to finish the main. The pheasant was allowed to rest on the plate as he swept in to clear the dishes and then back out again. The rest of the meal was then plated up, roast potatoes and the other veg arranged as neatly as the breast of meat itself was, the jus was created and drizzled atop in a flourish and with four clean and polished wine glasses he made his way with the wine, glasses and dinner in hand to the table where his master sat with the family he called his.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "His mother continues telling the boys about her day, sparing Illiendi a smile as he passes, but otherwise shows no sign of stopping any time soon. The youngest son only half listens, his mind drifting elsewhere as he waits for the demon to return.*'I am sure there are many more things that need to get done before we go. Perhaps I will have him give me a list or something that I can refer to. I know it sounds childish, but checklists have always been useful for me. I am a bit of a scatterbrain at times'*He watches Illiendi sweep back into the room, smiling at the smell coming from his next dish. Behind him a few other servants come out with the next course for the family, their entree, and Amano has to fight to not grin at his brothers, gloating about his divine meal.\n\nHe doesn't have to fight too hard, really wanting to keep his shins intact, and as he watches as once more Illiendi sets down his food and unfurls his napkin, the youngest son keeps his smile in check.*'Those designs he has been bringing them out in, I must ask him about that. I did not know one could fold a napkin like that. . .'*When Illiendi offer to run him his bath Amano smiles warmly. \"A bath sounds very nice Illiendi, thank you.\" He looks to the sugar beside his tea and smiles. \"The honey is enough, thank you for the thought anyways though.\"\n\nHe watches carefully as Illiendi offers to bring his mother some tea, his eyes narrowing a bit as one of the servers seemed to take offense to the offer as the laid his mother's wine glass on the table next to her meal. His mother however ignores the servant in favor of nodding her head gently towards the demon's offer. \"That would be divine, thank you.\" Her voice is so sweet that Amano almost doesn't recognize it, and he sets into his meal, attempting once more it ignore what's going on between his mother and his manservant.\n\nWith little success.*'He must be doing it for a reason, but what said reason is is beyond me. Then again, despite being born into it, I have little understanding of the politics of high society. He could be working one of those angles father is always talking about. I guess I can ask him about it later'*Amano eats his meal with relish, while keeping himself from moaning at the delectable flavors now dancing across his taste buds. He spares Illiendi a glance as he pops back in to drop off his mother's tea, but turns back to his half finished meal with a delighted smile.*'He really know how to cook. . .'*He hums softly, downing the meal quicker than the others before sipping at his tea slowly. The warm sweetness with the bitter undertone feels good on his tongue as he washes down the tartlet.\n\nHe sits back happily as once more the dishes are cleared and the conversation once more turns to Amano himself. \"So, dear, how are your lessons going? I have heard good things from your fencing instructor.\"\n\nHe smiles, turning to look at his mother and away from his bothers' rolling eyes. \"Yes, the instructor has told me that I have advanced far quicker than he would have expected, however it seems that I have a knack for the blade.\"\n\n\"Yeah, right. He's just feeding your ego bro. I bet you couldn't defend yourself from a four year old with a wooden sword.\" Burtis chuckles loudly, however his mother ignores the comment, instead smiling wider at her little boy. She has always taken for granted that older brothers will always tease the younger so such comments seem to never really have an affect on her.\n\nAmano too ignores the foolish comment, knowing that none of his brothers have any idea just how skilled he's become, having never bothered to even watch a single practice. The eldest brother has some skill with the blade, however the younger two have always seen it as a waste of time, much preferring using their fists to do combat. Illiendi comes back in once more with the main course this time and he turns his attention on to that. The smell of the meat is tantalizing, however he can not help but spare a glance at the many wine glasses present.*'Is he serving it to everyone? I suppose, there are four glasses. . .'*His sits up properly, and waits to see what happens.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Illiendi slipped from his place in the back of the room and moved towards the hearth, there he threw a couple of logs on the fire and spread a handful of bark chips across the base. It would have been childs play to light the kindling the way he had warmed the bath but humans often took a dim view on things they could not explain and so he avoided it. Instead taking a match and a little paper and starting the fire that way, it wasn't too cold but it was necessary to take the chill off the room. Already a heat pan was under the sheets, warming them for his master. \"I am glad you enjoyed it**my master**. I am sure your staff shall not begrudge a little grime, though if it pleases you I shall go clean it before they have a chance to see the state it is in.\"\n\nOnce the fire was crackling quietly he stood up and turned to face his master, \"If you are not overly tired we have much to discuss, your father not returning was a rather useful little hiccup, although significantly delays our plans by at least an evening. We have an itenairary that needs writing, a plan for the day we set sail and how we spread word about this venture without making it look all too obvious. Your mother will not oppose your decision to leave anymore, she may in fact be the key to winning others around. Your younger brothers will be silenced of course, we can not have them mock you so openly in public, it will damage the image we are building you. Also there is the issue of where you would like me to reside while you are sleeping. I have no preference.\"\n\nThe butler brushed at the sleeve of his suit jacket, straightening it and freeing it from a minuscule piece of dust before taking that relaxed yet still some how predatory stance while awaiting his masters replies. The younger one, Tawney? He would be easily dealt with, he'd stumble home drunk after wenching and the shame of what would happen -or nearly happen- would silence his mocking tongue for fear of being exposed. A human's pride was a wonderful tool, the other was the problem, seduction wouldn't work on him, which was fair enough as both were hardly interesting to him. However he needed careful silencing, knocking him to his arse would likely be enough but it would be Amano that needed to do that, not Illiendi and while he did not doubt the childs prowess with a sword it was the fists that would silence that one, convincing Amano of that might be tricky though. Given his predisposition to 'love' which no doubt extended to even the worst members of his family. The fathers absence, while delaying plans, was of some use, it gave him time to win over Chesia and formulate a better plan and strategy with Amano.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano watches the demon with a curious smile as he lights the hearth. He contemplates telling him there is not need, however he decides better of it.*'Illiendi does what he does for reasons I may not yet understand, and I shall let him do such, unhindered, when I can'*He hums softly, passing behind Illiendi on his way over to the desk to light the lamp waiting there. He slows only slightly in his trek when the offer to clean the mess before it is seen comes up, but holds back his reply until he has the lamp lit. \"I spend my days outside the city much as of late, and as such, this shall not be the first time they have had to clean up after my misadventures. They should suspect nothing out of the ordinary, so we should leave them to it. You and I have more important matters to attend to I believe.\"\n\nTurning up the lamp to add to the light already flooding his room from the flame in the fireplace Amano turns to look at the demon as he speaks once more. He meets the other man's eyes and nods in agreement to them having planning to do. He listens intently to the list of everything they have yet to accomplish before they head out, his head tilted down slightly. That is until the subject of his mother comes up. Even as the demon goes on to speak of \"Silencing\" his brothers, a disturbing word choice that would at most times have him more than a little on edge, Amano remains stuck on his mother.\n\n*'There is no doubt he has already done something to her. I pray there is no need for this worry rising in my chest, but, perhaps, I should make sure. After all, he is a demon, and I have no idea of his real capabilities. . .'*His ears remain sharp, even as his thoughts flow distractedly in another direction, and when the other man falls silent his head comes up to address the matters stated to the best of his abilities before he brings up the most pressing matter. With a faint cough he even manages a smile at the thought of Illiendi silencing his brothers. Many vague images run through his head, childish ones. Ones that had long festered in the back of his mind, growing with each strike of each kick and each insult thrown from foul lips.\n\nTaking a breath he tilts his head to the side. \"Deal with my brothers as you see fit, I only request them not be killed, or maimed as so they can not maintain their stations. I carry no great liking for my brothers, however mother would be devastated should they suddenly lose an eye or some such.\" He manages not to stutter as he speaks of his mother and with a nod he takes a step back, slipping into his desk chair with a sift sigh. Pulling open one of the drawers he takes out several sheets of parchment and his writing kit. More use to charcoal pencils, his calligraphy is not exactly the most beautiful out there, however he feels it is good enough for writing a simple list.\n\nIt crosses his mind for an instant that he is once more engaging in a task a manservant may be expected to perform, however he brushes the thought aside.*'I may have him here to wait on me hand and foot, however that is not what I wish of him. I do not wish to grow lazy just because there is someone else around to complete the task with more skill than I'*And Amano has no doubt that the demon's writing skills far exceed his own, but he stand by his decision, unscrewing the cap to his inkwell and setting aside the parchment.*'If there is something more important, something that actually has to look professional, I will let him do it, no question'*\n\nLooking to Illiendi he decides to next address the issue of his sleeping accommodation before mentioning what he really wants to talk about. With a rather impassive look he says quite calmly, his distraction perhaps coloring his judgment. \"As for where you sleep, I do not mind. The servant's quarters are on the floor just below me, and all the guest rooms are empty, but if you would rather stay close, I do not know how you feel about sigh things, however my bed is huge and I do not move very much in my sleep, or so I have been told by the servants.\" He does not give his words a second thought before he sets down his quill and turns in his seat to properly face the demon.\n\nHe thinks a moment of how to phrase his queries and decisions before looking up into those exotic eyes and speaking his mind. \"I do not know, nor do I think I want to know, though I have my suspicions, what you did to gain my mother's assent in my plans to leave, however I must ask that you say not a word, nor even threaten to do so, to my father. He is not a powerful man, but my mother is frail, and while he has had little occasion to do so, I have never seen him hold back when he feels that she has wronged him. She does not hold it against him, this apparently something to be expected in such a respected household, or so I have been told, however I personally do not approve of such actions, and will not have any part, no matter how remotely, in them coming about. Nor do I wish my mother to live in fear of such a thing coming about.\"\n\nHe fights to keep his gaze up, a part of him feeling that Illiendi may actually approve of his attempt to look and sound resolved, but beside that, he really is resolved on the matter. \"While a man may have as many woman as he wishes in this era, if my mother is discovered to have done anything less than be completely faithful to my father, there is nothing to protect her from his wroth.\" He takes in a slow breath before continuing. \"I know you tell me I need not explain, however this may prove useful to you in our travels. While I over all disapprove of the disregard for woman, it is only my mother that I am forbidding you to threaten with exposure, if that was even your intention to begin with. I do not presume to know your mind, I just wish to be cautious, leaving such things not to chance, but to certainty.\" Having said his bit, Amano returns his attention to the parchment, taking up his quill and dipping it in the well as he waits for whatever comes after his little speech.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "As the young man scribbled what was dictated to him the monster set himself about the room, the drapes were drawn the bed turned down and the other small jobs necessary for the end of the evening were accomplished. Thereafter Illiendi helped himself to the boys closet and began regarding the outfits that lay within, many were viewed only to be slid aside and another to be looked at. Finally he settled on a dark mahogany suit jacket, cream linen shirt with a dark wine hued cravat, dark brown breeches to match the suit jacket were chosen and cream stockings to match the shirt, lastly he found a waistcoat that was as close in colour as could be to the jacket and breeches and hung all up on a hanger which he then hung on the closed closet door.\n\nWhen the other made comment about his willingness to share the bed there was no reply, a decision had been made and while they stayed under this roof at least it would be easier to dispel the notion that Amano only liked men if he did not keep his man servant in his quarters at all times. Amano would not want to see what he did to each of the brothers, or what he might do again with his mother should the woman deign it so. With notations being made about all else they spoke of he brushed off hair and dust from the suit before taking a pair of Amano's shoes to his knee and using a handkerchief buffing them of the dirt that had gathered. When finally talk turned to the father Illiendi glanced up, placing one shoe, now polished without the need for polish to the side. \"I shall be there if that is what my master desires. What do you plan to tell him?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "The young noble can hear the demon moving about the room as he speaks and wonders just what he's up to even as his hand flies across the paper. When at last it comes to his question being answered with a question Amano turns to look at Illiendi, a look of deep concentration on his face. Though it is a simple question, the internal conflict raging beneath the surface boarders on legendary.*'I know I told him that no matter what, I will get this done, but if he's not there it will be that much more difficult. I can talk to my father, but something like this requires skills I have as of yet to test. I may have acquired a ship and the like, but I do not have much else ready at the moment, and if my plan seems half baked, it will be hell trying to get his approval'*\n\nHe bites his lip gently.*'And while that will not stop me, it seems like Illiendi thinks I should have the approval, and I know having him with me would be useful, but how am I to ever expect to be great if all I do is rely on my demon? Even if it is just for moral support'*A faint smirk finds it's way to his lips at that thought, however it vanishes a moment later as his eyes returns to the plank sheet of paper before him. The one that will eventually hold what he plans to tell his father.*'I am just starting out, so it is only natural I have a crutch, right? Or, should I be trying to do my best on my own, only relying upon Illiendi when I absolutely can not do it on my own? Perhaps I am missing the point of even having a demon to do my bidding, but honestly, I should use him the way I see fit, right? That is what he keeps saying. . .'*\n\nHis head slowly sinks down on to the desk as a long sigh finds it's way out between his tired lips. For some reason, despite the rest this morning and the lace of any real activity throughout the day, Amano feels suddenly exhausted.*'I need to get things done, and get them done right, and no matter what I need him to do, I am sure Illiendi can do it without fail and no matter how much time he has to do it. He's a demon after all, and from his own words it sounds like he's never failed. He's just too confident to not be one of, if not **the** best at fulfilling mortal's wishes'*He takes in a deep breath, his face having betrayed very little of his internal conflict and as his head comes up he appears just as calm as ever. He learned long ago that when it comes to troubles, no one really wants to hear about it, so he's learned to settle matters like that without bothering people.\n\nHis simple quill begins gliding slowly over the paper as he begins speaking softly. \"If he finds out this is a sudden plan out of nowhere, there is no way he will accept it or bless it, so I have to use my savings and my hiring of you as proof that I have been planning this for a while.\" He dips his quill slowly, his brows furrowed as he continues taking notes. \"If the lateness of my acquiring a ship comes up, I can simply say I wanted for you to be here before I set a date, and due to the tides at this time of year, the sooner, the better. It's true,t he tides and currents can cause a little trouble this time of year, so it's not a lie, per se.\" His eyes remain locked on the paper, and despite his calm demeanor he has an obvious tenseness in his shoulders. \"I would like you to be there, my reliance on you will be more convincing if you are there for my father to see and question. . .\" His voice trails off and he casts a glance at the other body in the room before returning his attention to the paper.\n\n\"I will of course tell him my destination, and he is sure to find out about the ship from his spies, so I think we should pay him early tomorrow, perhaps while you are out, so he can give the spies positive feedback.\" He falls silent once more, his lip going between his teeth. \"The only problem comes is unlike my mother, father will nit pick into details that I do not have yet, or that I have not thought of, and if you come up with all the answers, or if I look at a loss too often, he**will**notice, and he will lose more and more faith in my plan. Not that he shall have much to begin with, but I**must**keep it from falling too low. . .\" He eyes go once more to Illiendi. \"I do not know what else to put down. Perhaps you have some details for me to write down so I can memorize them tonight?\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The boys deep contemplative thought betrayed little except his concern over his father, the demon though, with room readied for bed, now took to sitting at the window ledge, one might think that with the depth of the windowsill being little more than a hands length that balance would be nigh impossible and yet the faux butler sat there without a wobble or seemingly any strain. One leg crossed over the other and his head rest against the window frame as he watched his little master struggle with a decision that took most humans naught but a few seconds to come to. A human usually used him for all they could and why not? At the end of the contract he took the only part of them that lived on -aside memories- and fed off it to keep himself alive, or what demons called life anyway. However this one struggled, was it due to the fact that the demon looked human? Or that demons in general had not been seen or heard of, other than in fairy tales, for hundreds of years? Ultimately Illiendi didn't care but it did make his new little master a curious creature.\n\nAs the master at length spoke but with a faint hint of uncertainty in his voice the demon remained silent, the man given time to speak his piece and when he seemed done the demon spoke up, his voice like the crackling fire, warm and inviting but not without it's danger, \" **My Master**, I am your sword and shield, I am your quill, I am whatever you need to be, you should not hesitate so much at the idea of using me.\" However with his next sentence Illiendi's smooth honey like tones returned as if the first sentence had never been uttered, \"I have the details needed, what sort of servant would I be if I did not? You have been planning this trip for over a year, saving the money yourself from your allowance to pay for it without causing your father any 'shame' and to prove your worth as a man capable of managing his own affairs. You purchased me with the coin but due to the uncertain weather and stormy shores of my home it was hard to tell when I'd arrive. You have had your gear and chosen crew assembled for some months now and the Captain was paid only tonight as he was out at sea until recently, you had the choice of three ships after all two others, The Dancing Lady, another cutter and The Spritely Marlin, a sloop. The latter two's Captains wanted over the top fees and would carry you only as cargo not as master of a voyage, which you were unhappy with. The lateness of the declaration to him comes from the fact you also hoped to find a woman you'd like to call your own but have as such found no fitting match as yet, you have written each of the matches he has selected and will have delivered each letter to explain that you will be gone some time on a trip. Obviously the pirate island is not the final destination, we will be crossing the Dragon's Tail and voyaging close to the Shadow lands.\" A particularly unknown part of the world, many have voyaged there but due to treacherous seas, wild animals and apparently savages few have made it back with their minds or lives in tact. \"Likely crossing over from Drakin into the Shadowlands themselves once we meet your contact -which has taken several months to establish- there.\"\n\nIlliendi paused to watch his master, to take account of his features, \"The food preparations are of course last minute to stave off any rot too early into the travel and as for what he will get out of this, if we are successful we will be returning with more than just fools gold, of which you will happily share a percentage of your find and the glory with your family and the household. Though upon your successful return you will be opening your own business and moving out the familial home so you might find your name for both your own pride and the pride of your family. If he questions what it is you hope to find out there you can tell him that there are stones that make diamonds look like pebbles and animals so wild that they make tigers look like rats. The women out there are nubile and they have ways with plants and herbs that your medicinal experts can only dream of and that is just the start.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "He keeps his flush in check as once more those words cross the demon's lips, making the young human feel as if he is staring into the eyes of danger itself. He lets out a long sigh, a faint lightness in his chest as he moves on to his usual self and turns back to the papers before him. His head is down even as he writes, taking in everything while only writing down prompts for he memory. Little notes and phrases that will later serve to jog his mind into recalling all the facts and plans the demon has for him to use in winning over his father.\n\n*'He's still pressing the wife thing, but at least he's not exactly asking for a pure lie this time. I have in fact found no woman to my liking, though I have not been looking. It should not be too hard to write letters to the woman father is contemplating, and I shall add in my friend to make it seem a little more realistic'*Amano only has one female companion, however she knows he does not find her appealing in that manner, even if she is a striking beauty. She already has several suitors, and she has often brought the young noble along to help her decide their worth. After all, with his station and his brothers' activities, he has the skinny on almost every young bachelor in town.\n\n*'She would be willing to pretend, however I do not want her to have to wait for a man she knows she will never have, and having her marry someone else after some false vows would do me no good as well. However, I think this is not too much to ask. I will write her as a friend, and I do believe she will enjoy the letters'*He smiles at the thought of her reading about his travels, listening for word in town about what he is up to from merchants he may meet in his travels and from his own accounts sent back. He swallows hard as Illiendi outlines their journey, knowing in his mind that the demon can more than keep him safe from the dangers, but it does little to settle his heart grown on tales of the horrors awaiting them.*'If it is even half as bad as the tales, I know I will come out safe, but I am not so sure on my sanity. . .'*\n\nThough he feels the strong pulls of concern, his eyes remain focused on his task of taking account of things. He casts a glance at the demon in his window when he pauses only to look quickly back to the desk after meeting that otherworldly gaze.*'What is he looking at? I'm just taking notes. . ..'*He begins taking his notes again, unable to stop his flush as once more he brings up the subject of woman, but as he moves on to speak of herb lore the flush fades and he gets an honest smile.*'That would be nice. It could make me the name I wish for, and help people at the same time. Once I start making enough money, I could even help out those who can not afford the higher grades of medicine in secret. . .'*He chuckles at his little plot, fairly sure he looks a little crazy laughing to himself, but for a brief moment, not really caring.\n\nHaving sat still for so long as soon as the last string of notes are made he stands and begins stretching hid body. Despite the chair providing perfect posture, the hard wood seat makes his spine swiftly stiff and after a few bends and twists audible pops come from his joints. He's never spent much time in the chair before to discover such things about it, however he knows he will only have to put up with it for so long. With a smile to the demon he wanders over to his closet. \"The chair has made me stiff. I will break now and see if I can find that scabbard I wanted. . .\" He sighs softly as he throws open the doors and looks down at the mess. While his wardrobe holds his clothing, his closet hold seemingly everything else.*'My box of precious things is in here as well'*he muses, falling to his knees to begin his search.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The demon stalked the halls like a silent vigil, where angels feared to tread, the land of demons, this demon, did not. With all asleep by the witching hour the shadows played like excitable, although distorted children, dancing around his feet and skipping between the candles that still sputtered at his mere presence. A near silent whisper filled the halls with erratic unspeakable words until all came to a sickening stop as the door to the manor creaked open and one silhouette poured from the moonlit street into the hall. The shadows hid the demons grin, as sharp as a cat whose cornered his mouse and with a quiet step he slid through the halls to meet the first of his victims that night, one had to understand that Amano was not to be harmed in anyway, by any means necessary.\n\nIt was Tawney, the one who liked to fight and didn't keep eyeing him up like a choice cut of meat. Clearly drunk he staggered on in and as Illiendi offered to take his coat the brother began in with his jibes. \"You a puff 'eh, only way my shit head brother got you is if he promised to pay you right? Right.\" Illiendi could smell sex and alcohol on him, smoke too, it really wouldn't be hard to do anything, even standing still he swayed dangerously as if about to fall and his eyes blood shot and weary. \"Not at all, he legitimately purchased my title and I assure you the only thing he pays me for is -\"\n\"Sex! Ahaha, what he going to need a servant for eh? He's no one special in this family, he's mothers little pet but he isn't going to need servants where he's going to end up. Tel you what...tell you what...\" Tawney made a grab for Illiendi, grabbing the jet black locks and pulling Illiendi close, it was clear the drink had lowered his inhibiations. \"You come work for me. I'm the one who'll get to take over with my dad and I liked the look of that posh food of yours. If you're real good maybe I'll bend you over and fuck ya as a reward.\" Tawney's free hand went to try and grab Illeindi's groin then but the drunk man was ill prepared.\n\nWith a twist of his upper body he'd turned and locked the arm belonging to the hand in his hair, Tawney had had to let go but in the same instance Illiendi had grabbed the hand going for his genitals and twisted it up and around Tawneys back. There was a subtle thump as Tawney's chest hit the wall and a sharp sound of a knife imbedding into the wall a mere inch from his face, it's shiny surface reflecting his suddenly pale complexion in the still steel. Illinedi's voice was not more than a whisper and even the shadows seemed to draw closer to listen, the heat of his breath almost crackled a warning to accompany his words. \"I will warn you this only once Young Master. I can not be bought by someone like you and if I ever see or hear of you laying a hand on my master again I will not be as lenient as I will be tonight.\" He tweaked Tawneys arm to the point just before it might dislocate and break, incredibly painful but with a handkerchief over the mans mouth his muffled yell was silenced. \"Where I'm from we're trained not just to serve but to protect our masters and even if I do say so myself.\" His teeth and lips right by Tawney's ear. \"We're really very good at it.\" A subtle acrid scent filled the air and Illiendi grinned, releasing the now piss soaked drunkard to run up to his room with a sweet smile and a \"Good night Master Tawney.\"\n\nIt was only another few hours before a less drunk Burtis came stumbling home and Illiendi greeted him at the door, taking his coat and hat and hanging them up. \"Master Burtis how good to see you this evening, would you like a glass of wa-\"\n\"Oh it's you, the pretty boy servant.\" What was it with these brothers interrupting him half way through a sentence? \"Hey listen, you know that the little runt isn't getting anything right? He's not getting a penny. You're going to go to waste serving him, he's a nobody. You're far too pretty to be a nobody's pet. You need to be shown off, I mean your skills will be seen by no one. So tell you what, I'm feeling super generous. How much did he pay for you and I'll buy you off of him. Alright?\" Illiendi turned to Burtis and smiled, offering him a hand to which the young lord took and allowed himself to be directed to the dining room. Not a word spoke and the demon could tell the intoxicated youth was already getting aroused from the closeness to the demon. When he returned from the kitchen Burtis had already taken off his indoor jacket and loosened his shirt, seeing Illiendi he waved him over.\n\"You, come undo my shirt for me. My thumbs aren't working.\"\n\"Master Burtis that isn't appropriate is it?\"\n\"Oh nonsense, you're here to serve all of us right? So serve me.\"\n\"O-okay.\" Illiendi moved over and unbuttoned the mans shirt, as he leaned closer to undo the last few Burtis pressed a kiss to his neck and ran his hand up and over Illiendi's thigh. \"You know, you're really sexy. I've fucked all the women staff working for my parents but only one of the men isn't an old fart. Now there's you.\"\n\"I didn't think staff could faunicate with-\"\n\"I'll fuck whoever I want to fuck and right now, I think I want to fuck you.\"\n\"I'm afraid that is out of the question sir I am forbidden.-\" Burtis grabbed the back of his head and pulled him in close, this had been far easier than Illiendi had hoped, Burtis grabbed Illiendi's groin through his trousers and clumsily began to caress there while forcing his tongue into Illiendi's mouth, Illinedi put up a brief struggle but made it appear that Burtis was much stronger than he. When Burtis was done groping Illiendi he grabbed the demon's hand and forced it down against his own trousers where his half erect cock still resided.\n\nNo doubt Master Burtis was used to getting his own way but as his grip relaxed Illiendi pulled his head away and wiped his lips on the back of his hand, \"You taste like cheap women and cheap alcohol.\" He uttered coldly, pulling himself from Burtis' grip. \"I am sorry but you are not my type Master Burtis. I only like women. If you think to take this out on your brother I warn you I will let the entire village know, not that you tried to bed me...but that you failed. Goodnight Master Burtis, drink your water up.\"\n\nWith that Illiendi left the stunned man in his chair and slunk to his own bed chambers where he wiled away the hours until morning on silent projects. When the birds chirped their first song he emerged into Amano's room with a breakfast platter in hand, eggs Benedict on lightly toasted wholemeal bread, chives decorated the top while in a bowl a selection of exotic sweet smelling fruits had been cubed and arranged in a cascade of colors from white to bright red. A cup of tea and saucer upon the tray he carried as well as several fresh made biscuits. These were placed on a side table as he moved to open the curtains and pour in the light of day before stirring his master, he hated mornings, after the comfort of the dark the sun always seemed so mocking in the morning.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano has a restful night of sleep, his dreams light and easy with only a few faint flickers to the horrors inflicted upon him not two days prior. He wakes with a yawn, his eyes quickly skating around the room, and with a grin he realizes he was right.*'I managed to wake before he came to roust me, even as tired as I was last night. I knew the early morning training schedule would come in hand later in life. I am glad I kept it!'*Chuckling lightly he springs from his bed, fully awake in his giddiness. He knows this little idea of his will most likely not impress Illiendi, however the childish side of him wishes to try it none the less. More for his amusement than any other reason.\n\nShivering slightly in the cool morning air he stalks quickly about his room, dabbing on some light pleasant cologne as all nobles are expected to use these days, and quickly makes his way over to where Illiendi had left that outfit he'd picked out the night before. The faint light growing behind his thick plush curtains urges him to hurry, but despite his haste he makes sure to put on each piece with care and precision.*'I wonder what he will be thinking. Knowing him, he will not really comment on it from a personal point of view, however despite his lack of true expression of 'himself', I am sure he has his own opinions on things that he simply does not feel the need to share'*He chuckles lightly wandering over to his wardrobe.\n\nOpening it he looks at himself the best he can in the near darkness before doing his hair up in the custom ponytail his father always urges him to wear with his length of hair after brushing it. However as he turns to close the door, the hair ribbon feeling hay hanging from his head due to his not being use to wearing it, he pauses. Turning back to the mirror the faint light silhouettes his frame and for a long moment he stares at his reflection with furrowed brows. Reaching up he slowly slides the ribbon off, shaking his head so that his hair falls into it's customary position framing his face. Tucking most of the hair behind his ears he leaves his bangs as they are to either side of his face before granting himself a soft smile.\n\n\"I am going to be my own man, not the man my father wishes me to be.\" He nods at his reflection before once more running the brush through his hair to straiten it out, tucking it back into place as he closes the thick wooden door. Still smiling he takes his shoes and moves them around to the side of the bed he normally climbs out on and carefully pulls back the covers. Giggling at his silly idea Amano chides himself fr still being such a child before carefully climbing into bed and covering himself up to his neck. Laying on his back he makes sure not to lay so his clothing will wrinkle and his hair knot. He breaths slowly, drawing himself back into his sleeping rhythm before his eyes slowly close, giving the illusion that he is still asleep.\n\n*'Not that he will be fooled. He is a demon after all. For all I know, he was aware the moment I opened my eyes this morning. . .But just perhaps, I may be doing something unexpected. Even if this not be the case and he knows of my every movement, I will at least have amused myself this, the first real morning of my new life'*It is not long after he is finally settled that the click of his door opening forces him to suppress a grin. He keeps his breathing under control despite his wish to breath deeply the scent of his morning meal.*'Oh, this smells as delicious as dinner. I must remember to keep up my daily workout routine least I get fat off all this divine food he seems intent on feeding me'*The soft sound of something being set down followed by the sound of footsteps heading for his window make the young man brace himself.\n\nThe first morning rays are always the most beautiful, but the most annoying at the same time.*'They are beautiful, however why do servants insist on them flashing to life all at once like this?'*He suppresses a groan as the sudden light makes him closed his eyes a little harder but as soon as he's sure he can tolerate it he opens them slowly. He looks over to Illiendi, still standing by the window but now turned to face him. He smiles with a gleam of mischief in his eyes. \"Good morning Illiendi. I pray you night went well?\" Carefully he sits up, still making sure not to upset his outfit, and rolls the covers down to his lap. Lacing his fingers together he stretches them above his head before bringing them down to res on the covers crossing his legs and smiling once more at the demon. The papers from the night before are strewn across his blankets, tossed a bit as he rolled in his sleep. \"What is that delectable smell?\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Illiendi had busied himself in the kitchen, seemingly the old cook napping at his post so the demon took charge of breakfast that morning, it was a fresh enough day but not so cold someone would want hot food for breakfast. All the same something sweet and light would be perfect and so he settled on french toast with diced red fruits and a drizzle of honey, tea and juice for those who desired such. With the eggs beaten and the milk and dash of cream added he allowed a cinnamon stick to infuse in the batter while he set about laying out the table, a clean table cloth, polished silver and shined glasses were laid out for each of the family members in the household. As Illiendi recalled their was Chesia, the Lord, the two young brothers, Amano- who had already eaten-, his eldest brother and he vaguely recalled something about a wife. Each place was set with a well folded swan napkin as had been done so the night before and as he exited the room he heard the Lord of the manor enter, laughing about something or other.\n\nThe demon then set to work in the kitchen, removing the cinnamon stick and adding a sprinkling of sugar, he warmed three large teapots full of water and left tea leaves to infuse within cotton sachets inside. Heating a skillet he dipped the bread into the mixture, coating it evenly both sides before lightly frying it until the egg was cooked through but the bread still soft. Setting six plates about the work table he constructed stacks of the French toast three high for the men, two high for the women, the toast was then cut, decorated with the red fruits; strawberries, red currants, raspberries and logan berries, and dusted with the icing sugar. Each plate was then arranged on a tray, five on one tray and two on the other, leaving room for the jug of juice; fresh squeezed apple and mint, and the teapots. Carefully lifting the trays he balanced them upon his fingers, white towel over one arm and made his way steadily to the dining hall.\n\nOnce there he gave a polite half bow to the Lord, never spilling a drop of tea or disturbing the food before approaching the table and laying out -for all those present- the breakfast. \"Today's breakfasts consists of French toast, topped with red summer berries and a delicate dusting of icing sugar. The second course today will be apple and pork stuffed sausages with poached eggs, black pudding and delicately butter fried mushrooms. We have a choice of freshly squeezed apple and mint, refreshing and revitalizing drink or Ceylon tea.\" Each place receiving a breakfast, the tea pots placed in the centre of the table with the jug of juice, the Lord received a full bow now, \"A pleasure to make your acquiescence my Lord, I am your sons man servant, I look forward to working in your household. If you will forgive me, I will fetch the milk and honey for the teas.\" Giving Chesia, Tawney and Burtis a half bow as he passed them but sparing them no other look on his way back to the kitchen. He made a promise to Amano not to upset the mother or drag her name through the dirt and he planned to keep it.\n\nOnce back in the kitchen he placed two dozen sausages onto a tray and slid it into the fire while heating a pan of water, another pan with butter was stuck further out of the oven so the butter melted but didn't evaporate, into this he roughly cut mushrooms and threw them in. A fresh tray was found and seven cups and seven polished teaspoons were added, the tea services sugar bowl was half filled with honey while the milk jug was filled just shy of the top. It was then the chef stirred and grumbled something but Illiendi ignored it, leaving the younger replacement to deal with the chef while he carried out the rest of the tea service, in the dining room each place received a saucer, cup and spoon and with the tray trapped beneath an arm he saw to fixing tea for those who were seated at the table. The lord was laughing again but a good servant didn't react and Illiendi was no exception.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Lord Kenneth Hughes, master of the manor, and one of the richest merchants in town, is in a very good mood. His loud booming voice almost echoes in the large room as he regales his wife and younger sons about the deal struck just the night before with a spice dealer who has fond a cheaper way of shipping his goods. His sons half listen, knowing that such thing are important, that and their father would box their ears if they ignored them entirely, however they both saw Illiendi enter the kitchen, and they both together wonder quietly what the new servant has planned. They both also seem a little humbled this morning, last night's events fresh in their minds. However Kenneth notices nothing, far too pleased with himself, and his wife shows more than enough admiration for his feat, fawning over him like he was talking about having just slayed a dragon.\n\nThe events of the night prior are still fresh in her head as well, but it is not until Illiendi appears with the first part of their morning meal. She, like a proper lady, completely ignores him for the most part, only shifting to sit up a little straighter as the food is placed before her, giving it a quick sniff before returning her attention to her husband. Tawney stills as the new servant comes close, however Burtis shoots him a rather withering look which goes unnoticed by the demon, or so he assumes. He wonder idly where Raoul is, glancing at the seat at their father's left hand. Normally he would be here right along with the man, however the boys both assume he has something better to do. They had even joked quietly before that he 'had a wife to take care of' earlier, but all whispering stops as Illiendi approaches.\n\nThe master only pauses for a moment to listen to the man, wondering why he felt the need to interrupt his in the first place, however at his last announcement about being \"his son's\" manservant he is thoroughly distracted enough to actually give the man a proper look. His merchant eyes light up at his exotic look, his refined manner, and now that he thinks about it, obvious skills at cooking. Kenneth can not deny his love for food, his wide, solid frame set with a decent amount of fat without appearing truly disgusting, and as he gives the food a closer inspection while the man walks off, he finds himself pleased. \"Finally! A servant that knows how to treat the meals in this place.\" His loud laugh is accompanied by his wife's titter, his sons joining in with nervous laughter that ends quickly. As their father's eyes turn on to them, obviously about to ask which one of them hired him, they both shake their heads in unison.\n\nAs he gives them a curious look Burtis speaks up. \"Neither of us father. We did not order him, Amano did. Says he ordered him from overseas. Marth I think he said.\" As he speaks Illiendi reenters and the father this time watches him closely. At the mention of Marth though his eyes go once more to his sons. Tawney nods in agreement. They both know that Amano did indeed say he was from Marth, however Burtis hates acting as if he ever listens to the runt.\n\nThe robust man goes back to watching Illiendi then with a hearty laugh he sounds the table with hand, shaking his head. \"What a boy, doing such a thing behind my back. Head in the clouds that one, but occasionally he gets things right! Marth! That's incredible! I hear they have very good servants there. Well trained, loyal. What a catch!\" He turns to address the demon disguised as a servant. \"So, tell me, what is that little slip of a son of mine up to?\" Illiendi is spared having to answer as just at that moment Amano walks in and the lord attention immediately slides from the demon, to his son. \"Amano! Over here boy. Come, tell me what all this is about you sneaky devil!\"\n\nAmano resists laughing outright at the irony of his father's last statement, settling on a half smile. He walks up to the table, the demon holding his chair for him beside his mother, and takes a seat. Catching Illiendi's arm gently on his way back to the kitchen he motions the man down close. \"A lime wedge for my tea please, and my sister-in-law will not be joining us for breakfast.\" As soon as he is done speaking with his new manservant the youth turns his attention on to his father, giving him an appraising look. Amano's posture is perfect, just the way Illiendi taught him, and with a warm smile to his mother he at last addressed his father.\n\n\"Father, I know your distaste for speaking on business at the table, however would request a moment of your time after the meal to discuss matters of great importance.\" Despite his perfect execution his older brothers roll their eyes at their little brother 'trying to sound official and proper' however their father's gaze goes from being merely curious to truly interested so they remain silent. Kenneth gives his son a hard appraising look before nodding and turning his attention on to his meal. The youngest son resists the urge to let out a long sigh, having jumped the first hurdle with no trouble, however he knows better, instead giving his mother another smile.\n\nShe gives him a supportive smile back, and Amano wonders offhandedly if she really is supporting him in this, or if she is just being 'a good mother'.*'Only time will tell I suppose. I really hope this all turns out well. . .'*Sensing some of his old doubt creeping in, tempting him to hide his face as he usually does, he reaches up to touch his brand for strength, pretending to check his pocket for a handkerchief. No one pays any mind to the touch and Amano feels himself relax.*'All is well thus far. All can go well, if I just let it. . .'*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "With a bow he left on his masters errand, fresh tray and a breakfast made up, a softer bowl added with strawberries, raspberries and gooseberries lightly dusted in icing sugar and drizzled with a little honey. Then with tea on the tray he made his way down the corridors to her room, a light rap on the door was enough to have the soft sound of gentle feet padding towards the door. It creaked but a slight open and the small timid woman within glanced at Illiendi with wide eyes and quickly shut the door before he had a chance to speak a word to her. It was unfortunate but he was prepared, there were a few people, so timid and afraid that deep down they had some vague notion of Illiendi's true nature, while never to say the word 'demon' there was something that made them more nervous around demons. Of course, there were ways around it, beauty made people uncomfortable as well as demonic energy. With a second gentle rap on the door he called through with that soft, honey like tone, \"Young mistress, please open up, I have bought you a light breakfast.\"\n\"P-please, I am not hungry.\"\n\"Young Master Amano sent me, it is not good for your body if you do not eat.\"\n\"I...Amano?\"\n\nThere was a long quiet pause from behind the door but then, ever so slowly the door crept open again, the girl behind it blushed from ears to chest and cast her eyes down away from the demons fiery gaze. \"B-bring it in then please.\" The demon bowed but waited for the woman to hesitantly open the door to her room, when he had enough room to enter without brushing against her he slipped easily into the room and listened to the door push halfway shut, leaning on the latch rather than fully closed. A safety measure he guessed, rather smart for a woman in his opinion. He took the meal to the table and gently placed it out upon the surface, announcing the dishes as until he came to the napkin. It had not been folded as others had but he turned to face her and with dexterous hands he folded it rather effortlessly into a butterfly and placed it beside her plate before walking to behind her chair which he pulled out for her. She looked at him dubiously a moment then made her way over to it as a rabbit might approach a snake, her eyes wide and her steps measured less he make some foul move on her.\n\nHe didn't of course and slipped the chair in as she took her seat at it. Once seated she picked up the butterfly napkin and smiled faintly, \"You're rather talented.\" she meekly uttered, \"Do you like it Young Miss? I'm afraid this one we have to unfold, less your beautiful dress become stained.\" He gently took it from her fingers, flicked it open and laid it into her lap, \"However, if it would please you I can make you one to keep, they always turn out better in paper and card.\" The frightened dove seemed to contemplate this a moment then smiled faintly and nodded, \"Then...if it is no trouble, I think I'd like that.\" Through all this she didn't look at him, only her food which she had yet to start.\n\"Do you wish me to leave mistress?\"\n\"Yes...I mean no...I mean....\" The girl seemed rather confused between her honesty and her propriety as a lady, when she chanced a glance at the male there was a soft disarming smile that set her partially at ease.\n\"Do I frighten you?\"\n\"A...a little.\"\n\"Why?\"\n\"I don't know...you just look so...exotic.\"\n\"That is because I am, I'm from Marth.\"\n\"I've heard of the land but...\"\n\"It is not somewhere for such a gentle butterfly, though it has it's beauty, it's appeal.\"\n\"Is it, dangerous?\"\n\"No more so than any other country. Though the ways there are vastly different. Would you like me to leave mistress?\"\n\"N-no...I don't think so...\"\n\"Then how about this.\" The demon slipped away from her side and carefully lowered himself to his knees, leaning back so his rump touched his heels putting him a head shorter than the smaller woman. She looked at him in flabberghasted disbelief but he only offered a faint casual smile and kept his eyes away from her face. \"Does this help?\"\nShe remained silent a moment then tiny little fingers found their way against his hair. \"It's as soft as cat's fur.\" She commented idly, before realising herself and pulling her hand away. \"I-I'm sorry.\"\n\"Not at all my mistress. If you desire to you may do as you wish as long as it makes you feel comfortable.\" The girl looked both embarassed and confused, so Illiendi slowly rose and lightly brushed a lock of hair from her face and behind her ear. \"My master wished me not to delay. Ring the service bell when you are finished with your meal and I will come and clean it away for you, you can also ask of me any light house keeping you'd like.\"\n\"Oh! I... I see. Thank you Mister?\"\n\"Oh, it's Illiendi, just Illiendi.\"\nShe faintly, nervously smiled at him as he bowed to her and in turn he offered that warm, charming smile before leaving the room to return to his duties.\n\nReturning quickly to his masters side as the young master began his lip service to his father he kept a remarkably straight face, busying only to tidy away the empty plates and cutlery and take them to the kitchen, carefully arranging the plates on a fresh tray and making a fresh pot of tea he returned to the dining hall. Once again each person- starting with the lord and working his way through the 'rank' in the household, he served them with aplomb, not a single spill or piece out of place despite the nature of this 'main' breakfast. Once again he poured tea to the liking of those at the table before returning to Illiendi's side and falling silent to listen once again, Raoul, the eldest brother, husband to his timid little dove, currently out on business but as far as Illiendi was aware the most liked of the three brothers and thus the least likely to stand in their way in one form or another.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "A small smile settles on Amano's face as Illiendi sweeps in and begins doing his job, and doing it with flare. Just the right amount without being flashy or drawing too much attention to what he is doing. Just enough to earn another approving glance from his father and make Amano feel proud. However, beneath the pride, the youth can feel an unease. The same unease that has been eating at him from the night prior, now sweeping back in to try and set him on edge. However he holds his own, listening as once more his father speaks, this time about the rumors. At this, a new worry sets up, thought it does not reflect on his face.*'Father is speaking of the things Illiendi. . .That I had Illiendi do last night. . .'*He swallows softly, taking a quick drink of his tea as him mother gasps, looks of varying degrees of horror on his face and a faint turn away from her husband as such talk seems to make her upset.\n\nHowever her attention is caught a moment later, as is the attention of the rest in the room, but the door opening and the final member of the direct family walking in. Raoul is a fine example of the best between both mother and father, his tall frame properly proportioned to give him a strong look without appearing bulky, his mothers fine features tempered into something far more manly while still appearing graceful. His sharp eyes pick out the sight of Illiendi immediately and his eyes stay on him for several seconds as he approaches the table before sliding over to his mother who had practically jumped up to greet him. He allows her her few moments of holding him tight, kissing his cheek, and carrying on much as if he were one for a year, before he helps her back to her seat politely and walks swiftly around his father to take up his own seat.\n\nRaoul, while seemingly the most mild mannered and reasonable out of the three older siblings, has a way about him at times that leaves no doubt that he is the most dangerous of the three. Amano recalls that back when he was seven, how the eldest brother had held a blade to his throat and promised that if he ever tried to take a place at the top rung of their little fight for their father's position.*'He would not hesitate to take my life, had I not officially denounced my right to try for the title they so long for'*He muses softly, trowing the tall male a warm smile. After agreeing never to try and take his place, Raoul had become the closest thing to kind as any of the brothers had managed to achieve, only teasing him in fun, and with a much less chance of leaving him maimed as the several time Burtis and Tawney had lead him into various perilous situations as a child.\n\n*'All things considered, Raoul may very likely take this all one of two ways. If it comes to the worst, he may see this as a challenge, though even if it was I would not have to worry about repercussions until I get back, or he may very well see this as the last confirmation that I have officially given in to never inheriting from father. For the prior, I have Illiendi to defend me, at least until he has what he needs from me and leaves, and for the latter, his support would be most welcome. I can even see him helping to talk father into blessing my journey. Perhaps even openly, garnering me more faith by the locals'*Raoul returns his smile, that soft gleam in his eyes shifting into a calculating expression followed by a look of inquiry as his gaze travels from Illiendi then back to his youngest brother.\n\nBefore Amano can answer the look however Kenneth's booming voice once more fills the room. \"Do you see that there Raoul? That is our dear little Amano's newest acquisition! A fine servant indeed, his cooking fare finer than we are use to around here.\" He chuckles softly, taking another bite.\n\nAmano takes the opportunity to cut in, with all the politeness he can, and finish introducing the demon. \"This is Illiendi, a professional manservant from Marth. I purchased him myself, and he will be helping me with a venture you may have an interest in brother.\" Though he has tree brothers, Raoul is the only one, in Amano's eyes, that has earned the title, and the only one he addresses thus.\n\nLady Chesia titters softly, looking to Amano with a lighthearted disapproving look. \"Indeed, he has us all intrigued with this mysterious plan, however he won't tell us until discussing it with you father.\"\n\nAmano smiles softly at her.*'It is like being in a house made of naught but gossip mongers. Any bit of information I have given them, they feel free, no, feel compelled, to share'*Raoul, who's gaze had traveled over each of them as they spoke, once more falls on to his little brother and with one last smile lets Amano know that he has nothing to fear from Raoul at the moment and lets out a contented sigh, using his teacup to cover it.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The demon remained silent at his wards side, he had no instructions to act and so he didn't, while Raoul spoke Illinedi kept a look of silent submission, hinting at nothing emotionally and it was an accurate reflection of the within. Illiendi hardly cared about what he'd done to the humans, it was a task no more complicated than breathing was for people, unlike some of his kin he had not relished it, he had not looked back on it with glee. Nor did he feel guilt or disapproval for what he had done, there was nothing at all too feel, humans felt similar when they crushed ants under boot. Raoul went on to confirm some of the less bloody rumours, the loss of money or family but he, for his mothers sake left out a good many of the details, glancing only over the deceased's names before moving on to the more bizarre but less violent like the Lady's face but again not delving into details.\n\nThere was more he'd say 'later' when alone with the Lord but Illiendi was already clearing away the empty dishes, stacking them with easy proficiency, topping up the tea's to the companies liking and then disappearing with the dirtied plates into the kitchen after offering a 'soft sweet' to the gathering, the sweet in mind was a foreign dish called mocchi, a sweet bean paste wrapped in a soft shell and flavoured to the cooks desire, it was considered hard to make due to the heat one had to work with the sugar dough at . Illiendi had offered a choice of plum or apricot flavours, waited for people's requests and was back in the kitchen, plates in the sink and mocchi being worked on.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano does his best to look shocked and appalled at the things that his elder brother is talking about, as if he is hearing it all for the first time, and since no flicker of suspicion crosses the faces of him family, he's sure he pulled it off fairly well. While he feels no real shame in what he asked Illiendi to do, his disgust in genuine and as he finishes off his tea, it is no hard task to look a little ill.*'Hearing this once again, from lips of one not the cause of it, the feeling is a little different. I ordered this, I was the force behind the demon who implemented my desire to see them suffer. I wonder. . .'*Knowing he won't see anything he can not help but glance back at Illiendi, his gaze falling upon that normal impassive and professional profile at his side.*'I wonder if he enjoyed his task. . .Legends always spoke of demons as delighting the the suffering of humans. . .So it only goes to follow that he enjoyed the task. . .'*Unsure of what to think of the sudden revelation Amano looks back to the table, giving his mother a sympathetic look as she holds her napkin over he mouth.\n\nAs the demon clears the dishes, Amano giving him a nod as to wanting more tea, the youngest looks up to his father and begins gauging his mood all over again. He had been right, a few of the people were ones who he'd had dealings with, and the news had changed him from ecstatic to more than a little distracted.*'This could work in my favor. If he has the prospect of needing to get some major rebuilding done, making new connection, having one less son around the house to worry about, and the chance of said son bringing the house some glory somewhere out of the way may sound all the more appealing'*He thanks Illiendi for the tea, and requests plum, in his mind doing a slow count down. His father will definitely wish to stick around for his apricot treat, however his father's patience is not legendary. Far from it in fact.*'I pray this sweet does not take too long, least he fall into a foul mood. .. '*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "It took Illendi a matter of minutes to finish the puddings, one the sugar dough was hot enough it simply needed folding and a quick blast of heat. Each plate was presented with his usual flair, a delicate dusting of icing sugar atop the small semi-translucent balls that dotted the plate, like wise a small amount of chopped raspberries accompanied and took the drabness from the white hue of the dessert. One more silver tray was loaded with bowls and once again he swept into the room like a welcome gust of wind, depositing with great grace, starting from the lord, eldest brother, mother and working his way down the family line until he met with Amano again- placed the soft light treats before each awaiting guest, finally taking his place at Amano's side once all was said and done. The Lord's mood had indeed shifted and while he had been taught many things by humans who had 'owned' him in the past, how to make another happy was not a necessary skill for his job usually. He hoped the pudding would do such and saw to it that he topped up drinks once again, knowing the man's love of alcohol he contemplated offering him a glass before deciding to wait and see how the pudding was received. It was light as he had said but had an unusual texture due to the sugar dough that some found slightly off putting, though when done right it was not unlike a less sweet marshmallow. The inside was soft, sticky and once burst seemed to melt the rest of the ball like a soft melting chocolate. The natural sweetness of the fruit giving it a soft but not over powering flavour which, in Illiendi's opinion, was perfect for a morning treat.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "The conversation while the demon is gone is kept quiet and inconsequential, most at the table doing much as Amano and wondering if Illiendi will return before the lord of the manor began questioning all his praise from before. The youngest drinks slowly, going over and over in his head how he should begin his talk with his father. He knows that perhaps he is not ready to speak with him as he did with his mother, that false bravado and commanding tone not enough to impress the older male.*'However if I approach it too much as his son, he will most definitely be very condescending and try to put his own agenda on all this. I do not want to have to put up with all his planning and his pomp, but if I do not at least give in a little bit he will deny me out right. While I can deal with that. . .I. . .'*His eyes come up as Illiendi once more enters the room.\n\nHe manages a smile at the demon's promptness, whispering a thanks as he is served, last.*'In all places but under my father's roof, I suppose he would serve me first. I am the master here, and yet. . .'*He knows the knots and butterflies in his mid section are not helpful, however as he calms them, looking to his father praising the treat and asking where it hailed from, the young man lets the world around him fade. His focus goes to the inside and the voice of his fencing instructor comes to him. Nothing specific, just the sharp tone, the warm hum of it reminding him of his need to stay on track. While professional fencing is mostly harmless, the actual skill of sword play requires focus. Without it, without keeping you mind to the task of staying alive, the chances of death rises higher and higher with each passing moment, and it only takes an instant to have your head separated from you body.\n\nHis eyes open slowly and he reaches for his own treat carefully. He eats it slow, savoring it, smiling as his mother looks to him with a giggle at the powder now dotting his chin.*'It does not matter if I fail here, or what he will think of me for doing so. All that matters is he is here to help, no matter my failures, and we have a plan. And I. . . Have a goal'*He finishes his treat quickly but delicately, giving Illiendi a smile and nod of approval. His father still has a bit on his plate so with a polite nod he addresses the larger man. \"If it would please you father, I will await you in your study. Please, enjoy the rest of your meal.\" His mother watches him with a light smile as Kenneth laughs lightly, waving him off. Turning Amano meets his manservant's eyes and with a hand he gestures that Illiendi should stay and finish breakfast. Whispering softly as he passes the taller male he says, \"Father will likely try to buy you when you accompany him to the study, unless he wishes to wait and ask you in front of me. I would rather give you the opportunity to turn him down alone.\"\n\nWith that said Amano makes his way out into the hall, letting out a long sigh as he does so. The front hall is empty and after a moment the young man regains his bearings.*'If I can go to his study, get seated, have some time to calm down, things will go much better for me'*That in mind he pushes off the doors he'd been leaning on and makes his way to his father's study. On the second floor of the building, above the sun room at the front of the house opposite the dining room and kitchen, his father's study is far bigger than is necessary for such a man. He may be the biggest trader in town, but the fact remains he is a simple trader with good connections. The servants have already drawn the curtains, the large glass doors leading out on to the balcony open and the musty air already becoming fresher.\n\nCrossing the room he stands in one of the doorways for a long moment, taking in the cool misty air. The sun rises on the other side of the house, the side his room and the kitchen are on, so the street beyond the balcony is still in shadows, dull and gray. The mist lingers in the streets, loath to retreat before the sun's warming rays. The cool water droplets feel good on his skin and after only a short time, he is as calm as he is going to get. Turning back to the room Amano makes his way over to one of the chairs before his father's desk. When seated the great window doors are at his father's back, and as such Kenneth often times schedules important meetings then he can take advantage of the light coming through them. A little earlier in the afternoon to blind, and a little later to dazzle. Deciding on a seat just off to the left, which will force his father to turn his head slightly to look at his son, Amano takes a seat, and begins waiting.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Illiendi ignored Amano's pained look, out of no personal malice of course but from Amano's own orders. It was perhaps in this way that demon's of his caliber were superior, emotional attachments were not something they were susceptible too. Lesser demons who missed their humanity and the emotions attached to them were quick to fall in lust or into rage, where those like Illiendi were far beyond such. Once they had been angels and all they knew had been love but that had been ripped from them along with their wings when they fell with Lucifer. Illiendi was therefore left in his contemplative slump, ignored aside from a small mental note to remind Amano he was merely carrying out the orders he was assigned, to be the household servant while they stayed here. Besides, he gathered Kenneth's ego was easily abused, to address another as Master in his presence was unlikely to gain the favour of the elder which, apparently, seemed rather important.\n\nAs such upon entrance to the office he gave Amano a polite nod and little more until it came to serving the man tea and watching as he idly brushed the brand of his. Such an obvious child he was, how he'd love to simply...but he had a job to do and that twinkle in devious eyes disappeared like a shadow over the moon. He of course served Kenneth first and every finger tap had the glass neatly refilled without so much as whisper from the demonic butler. He listened despite his appearance not to, busying himself with light dusting about the room with a handkerchief, returning to top Kenneth up when necessary. The little Lord was doing rather well, the insecurity he had was hardly shown, surely his father was having trouble noticing. Amano was choosing his words rather well, his father seemingly had little to complain about though as eyes fell on him more than once the demon had the feeling Kenneth was becoming more interested in him than the little 'adventure' his son was planning.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano waits a respectful amount of time before drawing his father's attention back to him. Kenneth seems loath to look away from the demon, however his curiosity about his youngest's intentions override his need to find out more about Illiendi, for the moment. After getting his father's attention however, rather than letting Amano direct the conversation, he once more brings up a question that must be answered. \"So, you have all this put together. Any idea of where you are going to look for these things?\"\n\nThe young man can feel his patience slipping as his father once more blusters on, not checking to see if Amano has something to say before bringing up his own concerns. As such, his answer is rather short and lacking a bit of the flattery that up to this point has kept him in his father's good graces. \"Our final destination as far as the sea voyage goes is the Shadowlands, crossing there from Drakin, where I have a contact in good standing who is awaiting my arrival.\"\n\nKenneth gives his son a sharp look. \"The Shadowlands? You'll get eaten alive there lad, no doubt. Not much glory in ending up a pile of dung on an uncharted plain.\"\n\nAmano keeps his cool, breathing slow. \"I assure you father, this will not be the case. I ha-\"\n\nBut for the moment, the drink has ignited a bit of Kenneth's ire, and the obvious disagreement coming from his son is enough to have him pounding the desk in anger. \"You'll not talk back to me boy! You will waste your life out there, this half baked idea of yous! Going out with barely a notion, and a poor one at that, and taking along such a fine servant. That is such a waste!\" He turns to Illiendi and all Amano can do is pray the demon will be able to calm the bellowing man. \"Whatever coin he's paid you is not worth your life. This fool child of mine will lead you on some wild goose chase and you will meet your end sooner than he will find a profit in this foolish venture. Come now man, let us speak terms of you staying here. Let the boy have his way of things, I find your services more of worth to me than the boy has ever provided.\" He speaks as if Amano is not there, and for his part, Amano can only pretend he's not to avoid the possible flying glass if he should draw attention to himself while his father is in such a state.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Illiendi took the letters as was asked of him and poured his attention over them, each sheet was silently shuffled until he'd finished the last at which point he fell into contemplative thought. All the letters were the same, they were polite enough but made clear that Amano was leaving, spun in were odd anecdotes about their childhood which would no doubt leave a woman to feel cared for but the contents of the letter were very cool. While rejection of the proposal's were not obvious any woman worth her salt would be able to pick up on the subtle disinterest in the letter. While it was not unlikely that Amano was wrong and the women in question didn't care a jot for him it was still a potentially risky business giving them ammunition in such a manner. Amano was likely not the prize here, the family name was, to marry into one of the wealthiest merchant families was a worthy thing to aspire too, the money, the status, likely it was not just the daughter but the family on whole who now had expectations of a life better lived. \"They are cold, clipped, your whimsical use of childhood memories barely conceals the fact you have no interest in them but your words are polite enough for them to only take minor offence in what is obviously a rejection. The distance between you and these women may work in your favour and give them time to cool down or inflame their desire to destroy you for denying them their prize.\" The demon spoke coolly, placing the letters down and giving only a cursory look to the one he was all but coddling.\n\nAs the Lordling went about cutting a lock of his hair the demon contemplated the point, magic was all but dead in the human race, precious few could still invoke it so it made little sense until Amano explained it's purpose. Another woman, one that Amano clearly had feelings for by the manner he spoke and reacted, how he wanted to make things perfect for her. It irked him a little that the boy had lied to him about their being such a woman but he ignored it as he took the ribbon, \"So this is the one you care about...why do you not marry her?\" He took the hair and began to wrap the ribbon about it, forming a tie and anchor point before beginning to work on the bow itself. It took several minutes but the bow slowly formed and looked not unlike a flower with its petals. Once it was secured he handed it back to Amano paying no more mind to the letter he was protecting from the demons view, it mattered very little to Illiendi what the contents of the letter were, he had a name and should he desire it he would find out form the girl herself what the intentions were.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "When Illiendi gives his assessment of the letters Amano does his best not to look hurt, but at the same time he can not deny any of the accusations.*'I am sure most of them already know I would never accept my father's way of things and even if selected none of them would ever end up as my bride. I would rather run away than marry out of some sense of familial obligation. I grew up with these girls. . .So they understand that, right? My rejecting them this way is nicer than running away from the marriage interview, but it is a rejection none the less'*It is more Illiendi's tone that has the youth on edge than the words themselves. Somehow he feels like he has disappointed the demon. \"I know, sorry, I just wanted to write honestly. This may be a big town, but I spent much of my childhood with the other rich kids in town, the girls included. If I did not sound like myself in them, they would grow suspicious and rumors would fly. . .\"\n\nHanding over the ribbon Amano laughs openly at the idea of marrying Laiza. Covering his mouth quickly he does his best to stifle the chuckles just in case they offend the demon. \"I am sorry, forgive me.\" he chokes out as the laughs fade. With a final sigh he smiles warmly as he thinks about he, his gaze on some point in the distance that only he can see. \"Laiza is a very good friend, in fact likely my only real friend other than Raoul, but he is family. I have known her forever, and she is a bit of a tom boy. We have spent a lot of time on the streets together, and shared a lot with each other.\" Walking over to the bed he sits on the edge and looks over at Illiendi with a goofy grin. \"She has someone she loves, and she is currently in the process of working her way into marrying him. The two of them have worked for over two years now to arrange things so that their parents will accept the marriage, however if they fail, they plan on getting married anyways.\"\n\nHe kicks his feet gently, his gaze dropping down to watch them. \"I love Laiza, as a friend, and I wish her the best. They have been saving and dealing, and working so hard to be together, but it will be some time before they announce anything about their plans to anyone other than me, and in the interim she shall be more than happy to pretend for the sake of my venture.\" He chuckles again. \"I am sure she will come up with something amazing and fantastic when it is time for them to announce their intentions, and she is a great actor so very few people will have any reason to question anything, if any at all.\" Looking up at Illiendi he adds, \"I will not pretend to be in love with someone or that I intend to marry them, but I have no problem with her deciding to do so.\"\n\nHe smiles wide when he takes back the now properly tied lock, the ribbon folded into such a fantastic design that he gives the demon a grateful pat on the arm. \"Thank you Illiendi, this is perfect. She will love it!\" Making sure the letter is dry the youth folds it up carefully before slipping the lock and ribbon inside and tucking both away inside an envelope. He is careful not to crush the package so the ribbon flower isn't flat when it's delivered, then goes about folding and packing the rest of the letters.*'I am sure Illiendi would be happier if I would change them to make them sound more to his liking, but they are what they are, and if any of them want to complain, I will deal with it in person'*Once they are all neatly stacked on the desk, Laiza's on top, he turns once more to look at the demon. His hands come up with his hair ribbon and as he ties his hair up properly once more he asks, \"Well, I know a bit of what we need, but where would you suggest stopping first?\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Amano did not miss the look on Illiendi's face when he mentioned the word \"love\", but he just let the reaction slide to the back of his mind. He knows the demon doesn't understand love, but at the same time he's sure Illiendi will respect his wishes when it comes to said emotion.*'After all, he seems to go along with just about anything I say. I am sure that he is sue to such treatment, but at the same time, I know he has a mind to choose with. I mean, when he was summoned, he didn't just go along with the will of the ones who summoned him. He made the **choice** to serve me, and. . . .And that is the part of Illiendi I want to see and use. I want that part of him that drives **him** to be what he uses to temper me'*Addressing the envelopes quickly Amano tucks his letters away to be dropped off on a delivery boy while they are out.\n\nOnce again Illiendi addresses him in that way that sends a thrill through the young man's body. He does nothing to hide this feeling, though he doe look away from the demon towards the door as he thinks on his words.*'He is right, those should be at the top of the list. It confuses me though. He knows, or at least think he knows, that despite my want to escape this town should the opportunity present itself I have very little experience in planning for travel, let alone travel by ship'*Holding himself as he's been taught to Amano walks to the door and opens it, motioning for the demon to exit first before closing the door behind them. \"We shall stop in those places first, and after that I think we should head to the docks again. I would like a better look at that ship and it's captain. I am sure Russ would not have recommended it if it was not up to par, but I have my own reasons for wanting a better look. I really have paid attention over my years as the son of a merchant.\"\n\nHis voice is low, but not timid, and his strides are long and confident. \"I would like to inform Russ that we have gained father's approval, I am sure he will have some suggestions for the next venture: assembling a crew.\" He lets his manservant open the front door for him and pauses only briefly to take in the morning air before taking up his original pace. \"I do not know exactly what to look for in a sailor, but I do know what to look out for. Many long meal has been spent, both at home and at the homes of my father's business partners, listening to the foolish things some sailor do to ruin cargo, or delay deliveries.\" His eyes dart back and forth across the street as a slightly sly smile comes to his lips. \"I also know several sailors that would be trouble to bring along for the simple fact that I have, as a child, been quite the trouble maker for those down at the docks. Some still hold grudges and would love a chance to mess me up while out at sea.\"\n\nHis money jangles lightly in his pocket and for the first time in his life the idea of getting robbed passes through the young man's head.*'Though I doubt Illiendi would let that happen, unless it was to teach me a lesson. He would likely fetch the money back for me anyways, but still, I could see him letting me get hit with some hardships to teach me to not be so trusting'*Moving out of the residential area Amano quickly spots a messenger he knows he can trust and flags the boy down. The red headed youth is a few years younger than Amano and stares openly at Illiendi when he draws close. The exchange is brief, Amano giving the boy enough for the delivery plus a small bonus to ensure swift, safe delivery. As the youth takes off Amano smiles at Illiendi for no particular reason other than he is glad things in his life are moving forward, and Illiendi is the key factor in it, and he is grateful. Once the young man disappears into the crowd Amano sets them back on course for the market which is closer than the docks. \"Rations first, since everything else we plan to do today deals with the docks, and this is closer.\" he murmurs.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "With a curt nod, suitable of a man servant and not that of a demon inexplicably entwined in a mortal's life he agreed to the decisions of the man. The Sailor Russ would indeed know better than both of them –not that he'd admit as such aloud- than the pair of them what they'd need in the minimal crew they planned. Illiendi was more concerned about his own nautical knowledge and intended later in the evening while the household slept to catch up on the hundreds of years extra knowledge that was now available. The old ways would no doubt be enough should it be necessary but Illiendi was not a demon for taking short cuts and as Paimon was the demon of knowledge's it was well within his remit to pour over the books he could find.\n\nThe mail boy was allowed to ogle to his heart's content, the demon merely stood, oblivious to the onlooker as was any passing Tom, Dick or Harry. While it registered in the depths of the demons perception he was so accustomed to ignoring the looks he got, he no more than smirked internally at the attention. Idly he glanced to Amano who was at least some part amused himself, the boy had not mentioned his appearance once to him. While by now most clients wondered the extent of his skin changing abilities, most had figured by now that this was not his 'true' face, though truth was in the eye of the beholder, Paimon had been an angel once, his beauty, like most of the upper echelon of the holy had been beyond compare. While he stood a pale light beside the likes of Gabriel and Michael he had instilled into the hearts of the first men and women fear and wonder. When he'd first fallen the punishment of god had appalled him, what he'd lost pained his heart, now the skin that lurked beneath no more troubled him than the looks he had for the false face he wore.\n\n\"As you wish**my master**\", came the demons reply, the shudder in the boy at the term gave Illiendi cause to believe that perhaps the little lord would come to stop doubting the demons fealty in time. It was hard to serve a master with no faith, the demon lead the way to the bazaar where the first of their stops, the demon was careful to walk in a way that to the passing observer seemed to reveal the lord leading a servant while in truth his carefully placed steps were aimed to somewhat herd the Lord in the right direction. The first and perhaps most important of rations were the water crackers, while absolutely foul they served as a stable diet for when things became desperate and were a good cure for sea sickness. Outside the market shop where the baker rolled his loaves and baked his breads the demon slowed his step and allowed Amano to take the lead, of course Illiendi watched in that bird like manner, waiting should his master decide he wanted his assistance.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Illiendi once more uses that word and for the first time Amano wonders why he says it like that. It's easy for him to tell that the way he says 'master' is far different than the way he says anything else.*'The only time he didn't say it like that is when. . . .When he called me \"young master\". When he said it that time, it was. . . .cold. Like the way all the servants say it. Like it didn't actually mean anything'*As the chill travels over his body the youth's eyes skate over the vendors, seeking out the honest faces. Though his thoughts are elsewhere Amano's perceptions are as sharp as ever. He may not know it, but he's far more shrewd than one could give that innocent face credit for.\n\nHe lets Illiendi lead him around but keeps an eye out in case he finds a need to deviate. However Illiendi stops leading at the very shop Amano was sure he wanted to visit and he can't help but smile at that.*'It's not a coincidence. Even I know that we need those cracker things the sailors always complain about. Maybe some hard breads with the soft core too. Those things can last months and the soft core is good for sopping up the last bits of liquid from soups and stuff. As long as the waters are calm it's possible to cook even on a rocking ship'*That remind him that he'll have to ask if they should try and find a cook, or just try for a sailor who can make basics.\n\nHe does some quick calculations in his head, figuring on at least seven people, and even if Illiendi doesn't eat, they could use the extra ration if they get stuck at sea for a while. Once he's done with his figuring he pulls out the max he's willing to pay for the lot and hands his purse to Illiendi. \"The butcher in town has unreasonable priced, but if you go down that side street you can find a small shop of dried goods. Order us some meat and fruits if you would, and anything else you think we need. Rudolf here can take a long time to haggle something out and I'd rather we both be productive.\" Once Illiendi is on his way Amano mentally push up his sleeves and heads inside to begin his purchase.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The demons eyes trail over to his young master as he comes into sight, a subtle rearrangement of the crate so it balanced easily on one hip should his master decide that there was more to carry later. When it appeared though that Amano was carrying nothing of much significance the demon's attention -while focused on Amano- wandered enough to begin calculating their next move. The Lord briefly disappeared from his vision but his senses kept track of him much as a spider kept track of the vibrations of his web. What kind of 'butler' would he be if he allowed harm to calm to his little Lord in a moment he could not see him? A subtle and familiar smell briefly crossed his senses, throwing back memories he'd long since let go in his service to Lucifer.\n\nWith Amano back in the forefront of his vision he finally answered the boy, \"Things indeed went well**My Lord**.\" About to elaborate further the demon was presented a flower and while at first his eyes had that same confused look as a child might if a bad taste lingered in their mouth his expression softened significantly. Flowers rarely moved him but there was one he cared for above most others, it's scent was subtle and delicate and it's flowers while pretty were plain in comparison to the ostentatious rose. It was*their*flower he had said, back when the flower was called an angel's skirt and was simply pure white, before the fall, before they were cast to a place no flowers grew and the gates were slammed shut behind them. Before their wings had burned and the only smell was burning feathers, back when they were still*his*children and not his examples.\n\nHe knew these flowers, stained with blood like the hands of the fallen, another, subtle, reminder that they were forever stained with blood and scorned by god. While he had no need for sentiment or emotion Illiendi reached for the petals of the bell and ran a finger in a feather light touch across the waxy petals. \"They are indeed rare. Hell's Bell's is what you call them? Quaint and apt too.\" Gently the demon took the flowers from the prince, his warm hand sliding across the top of the Lord's fingers as he did so. \"Thank you*Amano*.\" The demons use of the name was tender, it had a soft note to it like one would expect of a piano or other fine instrument. For a moment the demon was quiet but as quiet and subtle thank you he added, \"They used to be called Angel's skirts and they used to be pure white. They only ever grew where an angel had blessed holy ground.\" There was a brief twitch of a rather tender smile as the demon observed the flowers.\n\nIt was quick to fade as the demon's nostalgia faded in the face of other memories and his usual stoic countenance returned. The flowers were gently placed in the top of one of the jugs, left with stopper removed at the bottom of the crate. \"I managed to acquire our food supplies and some beyond the basics as well, they will be delivered later this day. There are still coins left and more purchases to be made however, do you wish to do those now or after you have eaten**My Lord**.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "A faint twitch ran through his mind as Illiendi used a different word for him. While young master had upset him on principal, this new term left him feeling wanting. It didn't feel right. However his focus is on the demon, the other issue to be addressed later. At first he can feel his heart skipping a beat and a faint disappointment rolling over him when he sees that expression on the taller male's face.*'He hates it, I have done something wrong. He looks like he is sucking a lemon raw. I should not have done this'*All these thoughts pass through his head in an instant and pass right out when suddenly he is looking on something he never thought he'd see.\n\nThe soft look, the almost caring expression. For a few seconds Amano forgets to breath, the change in his face making him almost look like a completely different person.*'He has always had a frightening kind of beauty, but when he looks at this flower, it is . . . . .He seems completely different. Like this one little flower changed him from the beast who knows nothing of love and seeks only his prize. . . .To one who perhaps once knew love, and who thinks fondly of something beautiful'*Amano takes a slow breath when he realizes he'd stopped, but he does not blink, not wanting to miss a moment of**this**Illiendi. He stands perfectly still, the plowers trembling ever so slightly with the effort, and for a moment his eyes trail along those long supple fingers as they stroke the white and red petals.\n\nLooking back up his wonder has not waned.*'It is almost like reverence. . . .'*He listens intently to the demon's analysis of the flower, flushing slightly in triumph over managing to do something that moves the taller male so obviously. His body trembles at the touch of those warm fingers, and his flush redoubles at being called by his first name.*'I do not mind him calling me by my name. Not at all. However if he is to address me in public I suppose he will have to use something more formal. . .I still do not like \"lord\" though. It doesn't feel right. . . .'*Setting his musing aside he brushes his fingers over his brand before letting his arm drop to his side. The soft, almost tender tone of the demon's voice when he said the boy's name is something he looks forward to in the future. He is now determined to hear it again, and**not**under orders.\n\nWhen Illiendi explains what the flowers are it isn't hard for him to figure out the lore and symbolism behind the red staining. He even determines that if his thoughts are true, then some time long ago a demon trod the earth near the elm some time long ago. The shack is older than any can recall, so it's rather ancient. The thought pops into his head that there must be a new patch now, where Illiendi was summoned, or at least the first place his foot touched the earth since he was summoned in a stone basement. He wants desperately to ask him about it, but refrains. More important matter take precedent. The touch of a smile is the last fleeting glimpse Amano gets of Illiendi's soft side before he becomes all business again.\n\nStraightening up he corrects his posture, smiling warmly at the demon as he speaks of his success. At the thought of lunch, and that word again, the youth flinches and looks to the sun. Judging that it's at least a good hour before mid day he looks off towards the docks. \"I think we should hit the cartographer first, then some lunch. I am not too hungry right now.\" With that said he turns and leads the way. The docks are a good ten minutes away from the market and when the stalls clear leaving them with open street, Amano decides to bring up the \"lord\" issue. \"Illiendi. . . Why have you changed what you call me? It. . . .It does not feel right in my ear. . . .\" He glances at the demon before returning his gaze to the road before them. \"I am just curious, and will not stop you if you feel it is best. I just. . . .Do not like the sound of it. I know it does not make any sense, any honorific does not really suit me right now, but I. . .I am rambling. Forgive me. . .\" His tone is soft, but it is obvious he is at a loss, unsure of what he is saying and why.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Unaware of the boys thoughts or feelings on the sudden change in his demeanor that such a small flower had managed to rouse the demon simply follows his master s a good butler would. The stoic countenance devoid of any thought or notion that there could have been something worth seeing moments ago, a demon rarely was given gifts and it was still playing on his mind as to why he had been given one, even if the flower had been merely an impulsive joke. So far he had intimidated and threatened his family, fucked his mother and conversed with his sister-in-law, he'd sided with his father in the study and yet the boy still decided to give him a gift. Still, it was hardly the demons business why the human did anything, the boy was whimsical and no doubt such a gift would have been bestowed on anyone nearby had there been adequate reason to do so. Or so Illiendi had told himself.\n\nOnce they were alone the boy spoke again, nervous, unsure, it was a habit he'd have to get out of soon but the demon hadn't' noticed it was only when the pair were alone. \"My Lord is more befitting of your title, you are a lord are you not?\" The shadows grew denser around them for a moment, the butler slightly herding the Lord into a quiet side alley between two sets of houses. Placing Amano between himself and the wall of one of the houses the demon observed the boy with eyes that seemed to almost glow in the darkness. From outside the alley people would pass by unaware, as the demon reached for the boys chin. His warm fingers curled with sharp nails briefly brushing against the tender skin of the boys throat, forcing Amano's head up to look at him. \"Do you prefer to be**my Master**? To own me with such a powerful title? You are**my Master**and I shall call you that if you wish it of me.\" The demon's thumb slides up across the boys cheek, to the curve of his lisp where a sharp nail rests on the swell of the bottom lip, \"Just order it of me, say it. 'I want you to only call me your master'.\" The demon was close and his gaze intense as he watched his Lord for any reaction.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "His eyes drop to his feet for a moment, a few muttered nonsensical noises finding their way out of him as the demon points out the obvious. However Amano is unable to come any real conclusions before he feels himself being ushered off to the side of the road.*'What? What is. . .Did I do something wrong?'*His hear beat speeds up as they slip into an alley and he is turned to face the taller male. An unnatural dark settles around them and in the back of his mind the youth wonders if there is some sort of magic at work. Perhaps some kind of cloak the demon can pull for shady dealings or to simply hid his actions. However he does not link on the matter consciously, far too focused on his ever raising heart beat and the beautiful face staring at him so intently.\n\nHe can feel his tongue wanting to slide down deeper into his throat as he manages to keep his gaze locked with the demon's. His body trembles slightly at the hot touch of the man's fingers, somehow feeling far warmer than they should but at the same time completely normal for Illiendi. That touch, not unwelcome, but not something Amano has yet to have the proper reference to figure out just how it makes him feel. The touch of claws force his head up higher, turning his upward glance through his lashes to a straight on gaze. He can feel his skin jumping at the touch but he manages not to react beyond a hard swallow as he listens to Illiendi speak.\n\nThe very sound of his voice send an odd sensation through his body, however each time that word falls from the demon's lips the almost familiar shiver seems to give him strength. His lips feel dry and he wants desperately to wet them, however as that curved claw slips across the delicate flesh of his cheek, pressing into his bottom lip ever so gently he refrains, instead focusing on trying to speak.*'He wants me to say something, he needs an answer. He. . .I can feel my body, my mouth, wanting to form those words he has given me. . . But I. . . .'*Taking in a shuddering breath his right hand slides up his body slowly, the trembling mass almost tickling as it moves higher and higher, until it rests over the seal.\n\nAfter another breath he manages to form the words settling on his mind. \"I am a lord, by law, and eventually, by design. However, I am not**your**lord. I. . .I am. . .Your master.\" He manages a light nod even with his chin being held. \"I am your master, for as long as this. . . .whatever it is lasts. . . .This contract. . .\" Still shaking lightly Amano wonders about a million things at once, not the least of which is how the demon will react. Not only did he not say the words as Illiendi seemed to want to hear them, but he rambles on a bit at the end sounding much like the trembling young fool he is rather than the lord he's trying to be. He even feels a little proud that he was able to say his piece without his knees buckling but as his hand falls back to his side he wonders if such a happening isn't imminent.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Illiendi would have reveled in his masters weakness, in the knowledge that the last a hundred or more years had not taken away an ounce of his charm but the boys weakness instead concerned him. While the boys self-righteous bent to only engage in carnal acts with a person he loves was no doubt noble in the eyes of other humans it meant he was susceptible to the wiles of women, who were a crafty species indeed. It meant Illiendi was going to have to watch out for his little master as they traveled, certainly when they docked at their first port, it would take nearly two weeks to get there if the weather stayed fair and in all that time he would have only men for company. While many sailors would fill their own carnal desires with one another, albeit in secret, he somehow doubted Amano would have anything to do with that.\n\nWhen given the lead to the cartographers Illiendi gave a respectful half bow and took the door, holding it open for his master and only once the young Lord inside did he slip into the room, allowing the door to shut with the faint ringing of a bell. Papyrus and paper scattered the shop, filling wooden bins, some were laid flat with weights at the corners while others were tied up with string. From the back an old man, with one white blind eye shuffled out and peered at the two men in his shop, clocking Amano he gave a brief scoff and shook his head before taking his place upon a high stool on the other side of his counter.\n\nWhile the man looked briefly at Illiendi his eyes returned to the young Lord quickly, \"Your ol' man letting you take one of the new boys out for a spin? Can't tell if he's mocking you or pitying ya'.\" Once again the man eyed Illiendi and finally seemed to catch those intense blue eyes, the mirth briefly draining from his face long enough for the demon to speak.\n\"I assure you good sire, **my master**is not in need of his pity.\" The older man took a moment to process this, glancing from servant to lord and back again,\n\"This...is yours? Well my boy, I ain't going to ask how you got him...what do you want today?\"\n\"**My Master**is under taking a voyage, we need to look at the maps pertaining to the gaping maw to Ashai, we'll also require one from Ashai to the shadow lands, do not try and fool**my master**, he spotted the Ashai to Shadowlands map as he walked in.\" The old mans mouth fell open to protest but found it shutting rather promptly after and with a grumble and a nod he shuffled off his chair and made his way to the front of his desk and towards the pair, \"Ashai? Shadowlands? Boy yer father is cruel, it's a suicide run. What's he want you to get? Dragon's teeth? Siren's scales?\" He snickered quietly to himself as he carefully unpinned the Ashai to shadowlands map, brushing the dirt and dust that had fallen on it free of the thick papyrus before beginning to roll it up.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "The smells inside the shop are actually quite comforting to the little lord. He's always loved the smell of paper and the oils used to preserve sea charts and the like. His father has several of them in the basement Amano would look at often, taking them out sometimes to show the other kids in town. They would pretend to be on the high seas, looking for lost treasure. One of those happy childhood memories that are few and far between when he was actually getting along with the other boys around town. Once they reached their mid teens, all focus went to the ladies and Amano with his odd morals was left in the dust.\n\nWhen the proprietor appears, starting off much the way he thought he would, Amano simply stands tall and lets Illiendi start off the sparring match for him.*'It's nice having someone else to help with trying to maintain some sort of standing. . .Or in this case building one. It's nice, but I should learn this. I can fight my own battle. . .Just not yet. . .'*He watches the back-and-forth for a bit until he sees a good opening to add in his own two cents. Following the man with only his eyes he remains still as he speaks up. \"This is a venture of my own making, and I know not yet what I will find. However I will find something worth the trip, plus so much more.\"\n\nThe old man pauses, eying him. His old eyes still can make out the finest of details on his many maps and as he looks at the youth before him he takes in more than one would assume from one of his age. \"You really believe that, don't cha lad? Going out on your own for the first time, and you decide on some god forsaken land. Not sure whether to call you fool, or wise.\" He continues to the counter with a huff, glancing at Amano again.\n\nAmano smiles. \"Call me whichever you like Alphonse, but either way don't try and cheat me. I may be a fool in your eyes in this undertaking, but I know my maps and their worth. As does my manservant here.\"\n\nHe gives Illiendi a little nod, indicating he should take over again. Alphonse rolls his eyes and looks back to the demon after tying off the first map. \"Fools errand, no matter who came up with the idea. . .\" he mumbles to himself.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Illiendi briefly wondered if it would be offensive to use them ans flesh as a map, before burying those dark thoughts behind his winning, charming smile, \"Today's fools are tomorrows pioneers.\" He replied before closing the gap between himself and the desk the man had returned too, glancing to their rolled up map he then returned his gaze to the man. \"A place such as this is the only place befitting**my master's**curiosity.\" He concluded before taking up the first map and sliding it atop the crate at his hip, then, with cold eyes burning down upon the little man until he shuffled off, still muttering, to get the other map which, it seemed, was out back.\n\nWhile the man was gone from the shop front Illiendi returned to his master, his foot falls silent on the wooden floor and he offered him the first scroll, he offered Amano a silent, small smile as he did, a congratulations of sorts. Before he returned to his previous position to await the mans return. When finally Alphonse returned from the back room he carried the scroll, pre-rolled and tied by the looks of it and a dubious look on his face, was this what humans called concern? He put the map onto his desk but didn't remove his hand from the parchment, it was made of much thicker, older paper and the smell of vanillin was strong around the paper. \"Your really serious about going kid? Ain't nothing I can do to change your mind? I...\" He glanced at Illiendi but finding his back bone he looked straight to Amano, \"I beg your pardon but this here man...he ain't any good.\" Those shrewd eyes having deciphered something of Illiendi but his human mind incapable of comprehending just what he was looking at. \"No offence.\" He added looking at the demon who shrugged faintly in response. \"You shouldn't stay around him...that's just my advice.\" He released the scroll at that point and Illiendi counted out the coins and placed them on the desk before juggling the scroll onto the top of the crate as he had the first.\n\nAt which point he turned and strolled to the door which he pulled open carefully and held for his master, Alphonse muttered something meant only for Amano's ears, \"Demon.\" Though the way he spoke it was more of an insult and warning than a revelation of a secret. Used in the more common way 'demon' had taken to be used, which was to describe those men of bad repute, murderers and thieves, child killers and charlatans. Rather than the man meaning a being actually from hell, though, with face turned to the street, Illiendi did briefly smile at the notion of being compared to such lowlifes.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano refrains from rolling his eyes at the man's words, not just because it's undignified, but because deep down he's not sure if he disagrees.*'Whether I am a fool in this all depends on my success. Illiendi may be able to help me live through this, and may be able to turn me into someone presentable, but if I don't do a lot of the work here, this will be his success and not mine, which is worse than if I never tried at all. . .'*He lets out a soft sigh as the demon's comeback, a light smile coming to his lips at the look on the old man's face.*'He really is intimidating, I am not just a wimp after all'*This makes him feel a little happier and his smile becomes more genuine.\n\nWhen Alphonse vanishes into the back room the youth looks up at the demon's approach. The smile he finds there as he takes the scroll warms him on the inside and his own upturned lips widen into a full grin. He knows he's being silly at this point, but a smile from the demon is more rewarding than the taller male may ever know. Something about it gives the young man confidence. He is careful to rearrange his face before Alphonse reappears. However after a moment his good mood all but vanishes as the old man speaks.\n\n*'What!? How could he know!? Is he a mystic in disguise!? Is. . . .'*Pressing a hand over the seal while Alphonse is looking at the coins Amano looks to Illiendi and feels himself settle.*'I know Alphonse. He's got very keen eyes, but if he had actual mystic abilities he wouldn't be working here. . .I'm being foolish'*As Illiendi walks past and the old man hisses his \"insult\" at the man's back, Amano gives him a wide smile. \"Children don't always want what's good for them, right?\" Alphonse looks at him, unsure of what to make of those words and simply watches silently as Amano walks out the door. Nodding and offering a quiet thanks to Illiendi as he passes the beast Amano waits until the door is closed before looking up at him with his smile back in place. \"I know what I'm losing by sticking with you. But, I don't mind. . . .My life is most important to me, not my afterlife.\" The street isn't too busy and the sounds coming from the dock are faint, however the sea air is strong and clear, tossing a bit of his loose hair about as he looks to his manservant.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Illiendi paid no mind to the wold man, mystic or no it hardly mattered what one old man thought of him and Illiendi was as sure as he could be that them an was no mystic. The demon was far more interested in the Lord's response, many of his contractors were confident until confronted with the fact they had indeed sold themselves to a devil, then they spent their years trying to find loop holes and escape plans, even trying to bribe Paimon with riches and new knowledge, some even tried offering him human sacrifices to stave off the inevitable and those souls had always left a bad taste in his mouth. The utter lack of self respect that those men had made him wonder if they could even be considered men, worms seemed to suit them more. However the Lordling shrugged it off with a quiet quip about children not always wanting whats good for them and he was, although he hid it, quietly impressed that the boy hadn't been tongue tied or embarrassed himself.\n\nBy the time they were outside and the door had closed the demon was slightly more interested in the young Lord. They had not gotten many feet from the shop, following an empty street towards the docks, the wind tussling their hair when Amano said something that momentarily stilled Illiendi. While certainly as the months turned to years there was a likelihood the boys mind would change he spoke with such certainty that Illiendi almost bought what was said. Glancing from the flower to the lord he narrowed his eyes just slightly, as if trying to squint in hopes of better seeing something that was blurred or out of focus. No more than a few seconds passed before the demon resumed his pace. The boy wasn't lying, not in anyway the demon could see or sense, he honestly understood the price and -even if only for now- was satisfied with what that meant for him later down the line. Illiendi was, needless to say, surprised and a little hungry at the show of the boys naivety, or should it be bravery? For a long moment the demon said nothing, savouring the scent and the hunger that came and had to be fought aside.\n\nAfter a minute or so passed he spoke again, \"So young, many masters and mistresses have said the same to me before, until it came time for them to die. We shall see if you still have the same opinion when you are old and weary.\" The demon was not mocking the boy and it came across in his tone but he did have a crumb of disbelief in his tone, the sort that came from unexpected news or words. Glancing to the lord the demon took in his features for the first time, he was young sure but he was far more attractive than his brothers, even the eldest, more handsome in his ways than his mother as well, although at his age she was no doubt a beauty. He considered it 'good' that the boy had very little of his father in his features at all. As the wind blew hair into his masters eyes the demon reached out and tucked it behind his ear, \"Such idle romanticism...I do not know if I should call you foolish or brave. Hell...it is like nothing you can imagine...\"\n\nIlliendi stopped and turned back to the road, clearly deciding that the continuation of his explanation was redundant and awaited Amano to move off before following behind him as he ought to. The docks were not far ahead and they were making good time so the demon set to the rest of the plans for the day and walked in silence. Once the supplies had been dropped off with the captain and stored below and the maps had been charted and courses plotted, there was still much to do. The ship had to be fully supplied and ready for the harsh weathers but further more the demon had to make sure Amano was ready, while Illiendi would do his best not to allow the ship to sink he was not a god, he could do things that normal people couldn't but he didn't control nature or science and so an emergency kit was essential. There was still the announcements, the letters to deliver, the family to say goodbye too and packing to finish, a mammoth amount of work ahead but nothing that Illiendi couldn't finish by morn tomorrow.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "As Illiendi comes to a halt Amano stops and turns to look at him, tilting his head curiously to the side.*'I wonder what is wrong. Normally he simply follows along. . . Well, perhaps he didn't expect me to be so okay with the idea of burning in hell?'*He catches the look between himself and the flower and his head tilts a little further to side as he tries to understand what the demon is thinking. Normally he is very good at judging people, however when it comes to Illiendi he finds himself mostly unable to get an accurate reading off of him. The narrowed eyes are easy enough to understand and he smiles warmly, turning and continuing on his way once the taller male looks ready. It was only a few brief moments but it helps Amano understand that it isn't just love that confuses the demon.\n\nThey walk on in silence for a time and Amano lets the sea air wash over him, blowing away a bit of the musty smell from the shop. He enjoys both scents, but as he is to be soon one the sea for a good number of days, he decides the smell of the sea is the smell of progress. He pauses once again as the footsteps beside him stop and he turns to face his demon. Listening to the taller male's words he refuses to look away. He listens calmly, his hair whipping about his face, a faint smile on his lips. He chuckles lightly at the last part, flushing at the feel of those hot fingers ticking his hair away again. Turning to continue on their way he takes a moment to form his words before responding.\n\nInstead of looking to Illiendi he talks while they walk, his voice soft so that they are not overheard by curious ears. \"No one can see the future, so I will not even try and claim that I will never change my mind. However unless I really change, I do not see it happening. I love life, and if you can help me make mine better, I will relish every moment of it and be content to have it for as long as I may.\" He glances down for an instant before returning his eyes to the road. \"As to hell. . .I do not care to imagine what it is like. I know it is worse than I can imagine, so I see no point in fretting over it now, or even trying to imagine it. I trust your assessment of the place. . . .\"\n\nHis fingers come up to brush over his brand, taking his handkerchief out of his pocket to cover the action. He wipes away the slight moister coming to his eyes from the wind drying them out. Once he's done he slips it back into his pocket and smiles at Illiendi. \"Can I not be both?\" He laughs lightly, though being thought of as a fool by the taller male stings a bit, he lets the feeling pass, knowing that he has more important things to think about. \"So, I would like to look over the ship. Do you think it would be undignified for me to be too thorough with my investigation? I know a lot of small, rather filthy places that captains often try to hide faults and the like. . .\" He glances at Illiendi, looking a little sheepish.*'I would ask him to check those places, but I just. . .It seems such a menial thing to ask him to do. . .And I know that I am looking for. . .'*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The demon is once again thrown off by the responses from the boy, confused as to how one could be so casual with the concept of an eternity of torture and yet he is still skeptical that the boy truly grasps the meaning of it. \"If you wish to be both you may**my master**.\" The demon considers the possibility that Amano is perhaps the bravest of human's he's met but allows such a silly notion to pass and his assessment to remain that the boy is somewhat foolish. Perhaps this was the true reason he chose Amano over those foolish greedy people, perhaps this was the scent he was chasing, a human devoid of selfish thoughts and feelings, accepting of fate and the consequences of his actions. Another, brief glance was cast to the flower, he'd had gifts before, lovers bribes and attempts at winning his 'contract' from the current owner but the flower was odd. It was easily the most bland of gifts and yet the sentiment behind it had been nothing so devious as pointless attempts to win his continued attentions, nor did it seem to be a way to writhe from his contract, it was a shame in some ways that the flower would die now it had been plucked, he needed more time than it had to decipher the meaning of such a gift.\n\n\"You are the master, if you desire to check the ship then such should be at your discretion, a ship wide inspection might seem strange to some. However, it shows initiative, meticulousness and the bearings of a true Lord. If the Captain questions it simply point out you desire to see with your own eyes that the ship is ready for such an important journey.\" Illiendi was certain the boy could talk his way around to get the inspection, the demon himself wasn't sure what to look into for such an inspection, he was only versed in the old ships and by old he meant hundreds of years old. Though he would not confess so much to Amano unless necessary to do so.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Beyond the shiver of once more hearing those words drop from the demon's lips Amano chuckles softly with a light smile. Though perhaps not meant as a joke, he finds the taller male's words to be amusing none the less.*'So I can be both, huh? And he would not mind following someone like that. . . .I wonder, as I am sure I will for many a long year, why he chose me. After all, he could have killed all in that basement and found someone more worthy, someone with a better chance and less oddities to deal with. There must be a reason, or several reasons, but. . .I do not know, I think I may not want to know. . .Perhaps I will ask him on my death bed. . .'*\n\nAs he goes on to speak on the inspection idea Amano smiles softly and nods, deciding to go with a full inspection. He's never done one personally, but he knows what to look for. As the ship comes into sight, the gentle breeze making all the ships in the harbor bob a little, Amano sets his gaze and makes his way confidently on to the desk. The captain is at the helm, obviously doing an inspection of his own, but when he spots his new contractors he wipes his hands on his pants and descends to greet the boy and his manservant. Raising a hand he calls out. \"Mornin'! Though soon the afternoon will be upon us.\" He seems to be less drunk today and Amano appreciates the lack of alcohol being breathed in his direction.\n\n\"Indeed.\" Amano replies, offering a slight nod in greeting. The captain looks him over, having not gotten a good look the night before due to shadows and inebriation. He seems to come to a conclusion rather quickly and asks about supplies and the like for the trip. Amano nods toward Illiendi. \"He can answer most of your questions. I am on a tight schedule so please feel free to talk to him while I inspect my investment.\" The captain looks a little taken aback but after a few silent moments he nods, obviously a little wary, and turns to address the demon. Letting out slow breath the youth moves away from the two and begins looking for all the things he's been told to keep an eye out for.\n\nFrom the bow to stern he susses out every possible problem that may arise if not dealt with, finding only a few and most not severe. He does find signs of some issues in the galley that will need to be dealt with before they leave port, but on the whole nothing seems too problematic. It isn't until the captain notices Amano up in the shrouds that he finally calls out to the youth. \"Oi, sir, careful up there. Don't need you breaking your neck before we're even under way!\" Amano waves wit a smile. Even in his nice clothing he is a very skilled climber, having often used climbing as a means to get away from his brothers. Once in the crow's nest he takes a moment to just enjoy the view, breathing deep and holding his arms wide. He knows the captain can not see at this angle otherwise he would not be doing something so childish. He feels very relaxed, knowing Illiendi knows what he's doing and will deal with the man according to their plan.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Illiendi watched as a man with confidence might watch his master slip down the ropes until back aboard the ship, that quiet confidence could be mistaken for confidence in his master, which was partially true perhaps but the rest came from the confidence the demon had for catching his master should he fall. Once addressed by his master he gives a small nod and turns to listen to the Captain with him, he gives a faint smile at the notion that he was trying to kill the man and replied, \"I would be out of a job if I killed **my master**it would be awfully counter productive of me to do anything that wasn't beneficial to him.\" So yes he was putting Amano in danger but it would be that very danger that turned him from some lord's least loved son into a Lord in his own right, with his own name and his own wealth. While many adventurers died unknown in their time they lived as hero's in the books of history, Amano would be a rich man but he'd also have a name that echoed in time. That would be true success, something his father would rot in hell knowing he himself would never have. Of course it was a long way to get there, adventures alone made for nothing but good stories and every sailor from here to the black sea had stories. They needed treasures, artifacts, new discoveries, new worlds and that was what Illiendi planned to give the man.\n\nWhen addressed by Amano himself he turned to face his master, though only his head truly moved and the rest of him made statuesque, straight and tall. \"Why**my master**I believe you have succeeded in everything you intended to set out to do here today. You have many other stops planned today so we should bid the good Captain adieu and make him aware he may send a courier to your Father's abode should he need anything more from you.\" Illiendi had no desire for 'credit', he would be here for a brief sneeze of time and people's opinions of him mattered as little as the opinions of a snail mattered to the leopard. Amano was the name that was to be built upon, him and him alone was the one who would have the legacy. Why when it came to writing the books of his history Illiendi would likely be entirely absent, forgotten like the fog of morning. That was the way it always had been and always would be, it was the necessary way of things.\n\nA few people, those more attuned to 'their world' were capable of remembering things, that's where stories of demons and angels and many other creatures came from but those who were not attuned often forgot over the months that followed the demons departure. No demon, or angel's, works could be remembered, for then humanity would hound them more for their powers than already they did. Summoning them so that every human could have a chance at fame, fortune, beauty, whatever their greedy hearts could conceive and while this would do wonders for hell there had to be balance.\n\nLeading his master from the ship once the goodbyes were made he would once more follow behind the man and utter quietly, out of ear shot of the Captain, \"I will take the liberty to purchase the barrels at the end of our trip today with your permission**my master**. Where do you think we ought to visit next?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano manages to hide the shiver at his title, smiling warmly up at the demon and nodding. \"I agree. We are done here for the day.\" Turning back to the captain he tells the man where he can be found before bidding him farewell.\n\nThe captain scribbles down the address and waves the boy off distractedly as he heads to the kitchens. Getting down on his hands and knees with a grunt he looks over the problem mentioned an sighs. \"Kid's thorough and not afraid to get dirty. Gotta hand him that. . .\" He mutters with a smirk.\n\nMeanwhile Amano begins fretting over that very thing as he looks down at his now slightly soiled outfit. \"I suppose I did a bit more crawling around than I intended hm?\" he half laughs at himself, doing his best to brush away some of the filth. \"Yea, that sounds good, thank you Illiendi.\" he murmurs absentmindedly as he continues trying to get off at least a little of the dust and dirt. His stomach rumbles lightly and he flushes at the sound. \"Perhaps something to eat is in order.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "At his masters desire to eat the demon contemplates a moment, there are a few places nearby that would serve, one they passed while Amano was unconscious in his arms, it was quiet enough, spacious, the food smelled pleasant enough and it would serve their needs quite well. \"There is of course the place we went before master, though if such is not ot your tastes there is a place nearby that serves a similar menu in a quieter locale.\" The demon gave a half bow to the human before catching the ear of a young street boy, honest enough to look at and just the right amount of awed to be of use. Illiendi had a quiet conversation with the youth, who took the small crate from Illiendi, complete with the flower -after some consideration on Illiendi's behalf- and a single coin before he dashed, as quick ash e was able, off towards Amano's home with express orders to give the crate only to the Lady of the house or the cook.\n\nReturning to his masters side he awaited the verbal decision of where the boy wished to eat before following at the respectable distance behind, subtly herding Amano when he strayed from the right path before holding the door for him when they finally reached their destination. Once there the little Lord's penchant for shadowy corners was ignored for favour of a seat quite close to the front in the light of the window. Illiendi pulled a chair at the two seater table for his master and awaited the young man's order.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano looks up, wondering about this other place Illiendi is thinking of. While the demon is busy with the youth Amano thinks hard about what he wants to do.*'Well, I like the place I went to, but I am sure Illiendi has a reason to suggest a different place. Maybe it's more prestigious, to show me off or something? I have always avoided being seen when and where I can, so all my local haunts normally seat me in the back without my needing to ask. Or, maybe he senses something is there? I do not know. . . .Can he sense that far? Can he sense stuff like that at all? I really should ask more about what he can and can not do later. . . .'*\n\nOnce the demon returns to his side he looks up at him, smiling faintly. \"Let us see this other place. It may be fun to check out someplace new.\" Letting Illiendi guide him subtly Amano wonders vaguely what it's like to be the demon. Always coming to earth just to serve something that lives such a short, normally pathetic life compared to how the demon could live, all on their own.*'He could be a king in no time, I am sure of it! He is amazing! He could rule this entire country, for a lifetime at least before people got suspicious of the lack of aging. . .'*He gazes up at the demon.*'I wonder what it would be like to be so amazing, and be forced to serve such simple, foolish little things as humans. . .'*\n\nHe wanders along, lost in thought, until at last the demon steers him through the entryway of the restaurant and he comes of of his thoughts. He looks around the room, the fine settings and the low murmur of conversation a little different than what he's use to hearing. The serving maids are dressed slightly fancier but not in the spotless crisp stuff he's use to seeing when his father insist on dragging them out to his \"friends\" homes.*'It is a nice place, but not overly high class. . .It smells interesting in here. . .'*He glances around at the actual people and he realizes what he's smelling is likely powerful perfumes and body oils, the kind designed specifically to completely overpower any natural body odor.\n\nHe wrinkles his nose at the smell but takes Illiendi's cue to take a seat out in the open. He nods and smiles with a light thank you, motioning that the demon should join him before turning towards the serving maid who appears at the table almost instantly. His smile shifts into his normal false one and he orders something simple and neat so he does not have to worry about getting his clothes any dirtier. The lady smile back at him, that same false smile most of the people in public wear to be polite, however when she turns to the demon it changes into one of pure admiration. Amano looks away.*'On one hand, it is nice to have my own personal servant admired so, however on the other hand, it keeps reminding me that he is the real power here. No matter how amazing I become, it will be because of him.. .I can live with that, but for now. . .'*He sighs gently, looking towards the windows as he waits for Illiendi to finish his order.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "{Delete}", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Illiendi glanced over the young master and slipped from his chair near silently, with a flourish he produced a handkerchief from his pocket and he knelt by Amano's side, deftly the demon took the clean handkerchief and rubbed at the stain's in his clothes, \"Not an alley, a ship.\" He corrected, though it was hard to tell if he was attempting to be funny or not. Illiendi was still incapable of humour, he assumed one must have a soul to understand it properly. Once one spot of dirt was removed the demon moved swiftly onto another, \"All eyes are on you my [b]master[/b] but not because of how you appear but your energy. You exude discomfort and people can pick up on that.\" Illiendi had managed to rub and scratch most of the stains out of Amano's clothing and now moved to his face where the last of the dirt remained. Taking a clean spot on his handkerchief the demon, with surprising tenderness for hellspawn, started to brush the dirt from the man's face. \"You must remember, you have every right to be here, you may well be the youngest but you are still a lord in your own right. Soon you will have earned that title without your father's money. You will be fine.\" \n\nThe demon wasn't much used to consoling other people, it was not in the usual job description but then he wasn't used to such melancholy masters either. \"Unless you'd rather just call this whole thing off. You could do that for a minimal price.\" The demon gave the boys cheek one last brush with the handkerchief and stood up, while not perfect of course Amano was a lot cleaner than he had been which would hopefully sway some of the attention of the people elsewhere. Sitting back in his seat he put away the now dirty handkerchief into his pocket and folded his hands back in his lap, \"Its your choice. Be the invisible son or become your own man. I'm hardly in a position to argue whichever one you choose.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano feels even more eyes on him as Illiendi comes over and begins cleaning him off. He flashes back to being a child when his mother catered to him as the \"baby\" and he wonders vaguely if this looks any different. 'I mean, he is doing what my mother used to, but is it different now? If so, how? Is it because of my age, or because of the societal belief that once you are important enough you should be catered to? . . . . .That is a distinct possibility. I've never seen anyone cleaned like this, but then again, I watch the ground most of the time. I've never bothered to look around and see how \"other nobles\" are being treated in public. . .I've never really cared. . . .Dies that mean that I only care now because I now have the potential to become such?' With a soft sigh he sets aside his mental debate for later and instead focuses on the man kneeling before him.\n\n'No, not a man, a demon. A demon who will one day be gone, taking my soul or whatever with him back to hell, who doesn't understand love, a who despite all of his effort to help me does not actually care what he's doing as long as he gets what he wants in the end' His lids drop slightly as he examines Illiendi closely. 'In a way he's no different from the men who cater to my father, licking his boots to gain his favor, except. . . .Except he's not licking my boots. He seems to want me to just use him, but at the same time using him just feels wrong. The pride, the power, it's all there, and despite him being my so called manservant, it's all I can do to just pretend that I have any power over him'\n\nIlliendi uses that word again and the pleasant shiver runs through his body. It seems almost familiar now. Their eyes meet for an instant and Amano feels frozen until that unnaturally warm hand comes up and begins wiping away the filth from his face. His eyes almost close, but not quite. Instead of looking at the demon's face however, his gaze shifts over to his hand. 'This hand. . . .How many people has it killed? How much blood has soaked into it, staining it even thought the blood itself is gone. How much death has it delivered to this world. . . .Will this hand take my life in the end?' He shivers again, this time for not quite so pleasant a reason.\n\nOnce more he finds himself setting aside his thoughts, his musing for another day, in favor of focusing on this demon in human skin. This time however he focuses on the man's word, listening with a mind so twisted and confused that he's actually quite surprised when he understands what Illiendi is saying. He chuckles at the idea of \"just calling the whole thing off\", wondering vaguely what it would be like to be someone who would even consider doing so. Amano may not be the boldest man around, but when he sets his mind to something, not even his like long fear of his father's wrath would be able to force him off a path once set upon. 'I fear for my life. My life the the most precious thing I have, and if doing this will make this life of mine better. . . .'\n\nLooking up at the demon Amano smiles, doing his best to ignore all the little things that are making him want to flee the building. Holding himself up straight, just like Illiendi taught him he smiles warmly. Something about him not caring either way, or at least saying he does not, makes the youth happy for some reason. It doesn't really make sense as that once more gives him the appearance of one of those greasy weasels that hang out around his father, however somehow Illiendi manages to act like one, without appearing like one. 'Illiendi is different. He is special' He nods slightly at that thought and sighs. \"Forgive me. Old habits die hard. I. . . .Will not give up. Not ever.\" His voice is sure, his eyes clear as he looks at the demon pretending to be man. \"We have made this plan, and I will follow through.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Illiendi was many things but psychic was not one of them so as the tumultuous ramblings of his little human's mind rattled around shaking belief's to the very core the demon was none the wiser. He could tell there was something on the man's mind but the demon lacked the ability to think like a human in many ways and thus couldn't even hesitate a guess at what it was that was bugging him. So instead he focused on his job, he cleaned his master free of as much grim as was humanely possible and pocketed the handkerchief before taking himself back to his chair and sitting down. \n\nHe waited for the human to speak and there was a flash of warmth at the corners of his mouth, a small grin that was both wolfish and warm all at once. \"And I would have it no other way my master.\" He purred in response. Illiendi had chosen Amano after all, over all those people gathered, people with power and wealth, with contacts and influence and he had scorned them all for the boy they had intended to sacrifice. It was that very look he had now, that determination and unwavering desire. He would follow his wish to the ends of this earth, he was not an oath breaker, he was not a weasel. When the time came for payment he was certain that Amano would not cry or beg for his life but accept that that was the price agreed on and that collection was due. He was strong in a way that few humans could be, his soul was strong, not just for his sense of will power and mental fortitude but the soul itself. It took a lot to look at a demon let alone tame one, it took more to understand the pact with one and yet further more to refuse the ability to escape. Of course the offer had been a trick, he had never allowed a master to go back on their deal and had Amano accepted Illiendi would have burned him and the establishment to the ground in his disappointment with the human. \n\nThe food soon arrived and Illiendi set to pouring the drinks allowing the woman to be on her way once the food had reached the table. With drinks served and master settled the demon sat himself in front of his human meal and tried to look excited for it. In all honesty there was a slight look of distrust on his face as he eyed the pot of cooked fruits. It smelled wonderful, which in itself was problematic as he was certain it would taste like ash. He sighed faintly and carefully filled his spoon, blowing on the hot contents and offering it to Amano, \"Would you like to try some master?\" The demon would not admit the offer was for his own benefit, if Amano ate the thing one day Illiendi would be able to absorb the memory of what it tasted like. \"I hear it is very good.\" And of course he was not going to admit that he'd want to know what it tasted like before his demon curse ruined it for him. It was not something he regretted mind, it was a coldly logical approach he took to the idea, he had had several thousand years to grow accustom to the fact nothing tasted of anything anymore and it had become as second nature as not breathing anymore. Of course the latter was now kept as a sordid habit of sorts rather than of any real need to do so.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "That smile spreading across the demon's features fills Amano with even more mixed feelings but for the most part he is happy to see it. Something about a non-condescending smile makes him feel all warm and fuzzy, and when it's followed up with the demon's apparent approval Amano can not imagine what could possibly make him happier. E coughs lightly, fighting back the huge grin trying to fight it's way to the surface and does his best to keep a respectable smile on his lips instead. He is still in a good mood when the waitress returns and the lightness allows him to ignore her continued looks at his manservant, the obvious attempts at flirtation not getting to him this time.\n\nHe watches as Illiendi begins pouring the drinks, watching his grace and precision in even this simple task before preparing to dig into his meal. However, before he can even get a bite in the demon is offering him a bite of his fruit salad. 'Well, more like fruit soup. . . .It does smell nice' His smile widens slightly and he nods, leaning over to the proffered spoon to take the bite off of it. The fruit is still rather warm but not scalding, the mix of heat and sweet tangling on his tongue in a pleasant fashion and he nods in approval, savoring the bite.\n\nSwallowing it he licks his lips to get at the escaped sweetness before laughing slightly at himself and murmuring a thanks to Illiendi. \"That is quite good, thank you for sharing Illiendi.\" Turning his attention back to his own dish he eats slowly, that ache in his stomach slowly easing as the food does it's job. After a little while he brings up the matter of the quest they are about to embark on. \"So, any idea what exactly to expect? I don't know how long it's been since you were hear last, or if you've ever been where we're going. . . .\" He looks up at the man across from him questioningly, sipping his tea.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "It seemed whatever grey fog settled over the young Lord had passed as quickly as an ocean storm, the demon couldn't quite understand that aspect of humans. How they can be so full of one emotion one moment, to the point they seemed to be fit to burst with it and then in a blink of an eye they were empty of it again. It was equal parts fascinating and bizarre, not that a demon would ever be seen admitting such. Thanked for sharing his food the demon merely gave a slight nod of his head, there was no point in telling the youth that it had been more for illiendi's benefit than his own. He'd watched every move and every muscle on the human's face and had come to the conclusion it probably was pretty good. Taking a small amount on his fork he bought it to his lips, almost grateful when Amano asked his question so the fork could be lowered again and it would look natural rather than like avoidance. \n\n\"I have some idea of what will be out there, my kind put most of it there.\" He said casually, setting the fork down completely and concentrating on the lord, or some of his kind had become what was out there. Cast out angels deformed and warped in such a way they were not recognizable anymore. \"I have also been where we are going a couple of times, though it has been quite a while since last I was this side I have kept tabs on places of interest through one means or another. Are you sure you want to know what we are heading out there for? I can guarantee a majority of your fame is not going to come from what you find when we reach those forbidden lands but the journey both there and back again.\" The demon made a motion to stab his fruit again, swirling the contents lightly as if creating a tempest inside the fruit skin. \"It might make you change your mind about what we're about to do, though I can assure you you will be safe, the men we take with us I can not offer the same promise too, nor can I promise you will return as you are now. That is to say my master in one piece mentally or otherwise. Do you still wish to know?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Still rather happy over things Amano listens intently to Illiendi, his eyes trained on the demon as he speaks of what is to be found in the place they are heading for, a light smile on his lips. As he goes on his face falls slightly, imagining what things must be there to have the fallen angel speak so darkly and what things could be so life changing that Illiendi actually asks him if he really wants to know. He's not an uncaring youth however the prospect of those who will accompanying them being in mortal danger doesn't really phase him. Any men they take will know full well the possible consequences of their decision and Amano feels that that is enough for him. However, looking into the eyes of the man across from him the boy is forced to swallow hard and drop his gaze so he can think.\n\n'It must be quite the journey. It's easy to see that by the look in his eyes, the way he speaks about it intense. . .' He looks back at the demon his gaze uncertain for an instant then at last he blinks slowly and gives a sharp nod. In a soft voice he says, \"I walked into this with my eye open, knowing what I was getting into, at least as far as a hu-,\" he checks himself, \"someone like me can imagine. I made my deal knowing this, even if my imagination falls woefully short of the reality that will one day face me, and I choose to continue living that way, with my eyes wide open.\" He gives the demon a wry smile before taking a bite of his meal. \"Tell me what you can Illiendi, I will not shy away from my decision, no matter the horrors you paint for me.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "There it was, that spark, that power, the thing that drew Illiendi to the youth when the room had been filled with powerful people. People who had been born into money and riches, born into the power they had and here was a boy, a nothing who could command a prince of hell because of the power he was going to find. A small smile played the lips of the demon, \"Yes my master.\" He purred in an almost tender way, the demon took a sip of the steaming water before him and then set it aside, \"The journey for a week will cause no issue unless the weather worsens, thereafter we will hit turbulent waters ruled by creatures so fantastical and frightening that few sailors have left alive, if we navigate these sirens well enough there is the sea of a thousand teeth, which moves as and where it likes, a leviathan from the days before the fall that pierced the realms long before we did. When we survive him we will be free, for the most part, as long as the ship does not attract the serpents or krakens that dwell in such dark uncharted waters, if the ship of souls piloted by an insane demon does not hunt us and the men on the ship are not maddened by all they see that they turn feral. Then we may reach the rocks called Lucifer's fangs, jagged and hard to navigate with only one known spot for safe harbour.\" He paused to dab a napkin at the side of his mouth. \"As long as the ash strewn beach does not burn the skin from your feet, oh what sights you'll see master. Dragons still soar the blackened skies billowing flames to attract their lovers. The rocks, charred by dragon fire, glitter like black gold and deep inside the mountains the dragons live in a mineral so rare that in all of history only two humans have ever laid eyes upon it. They call it the dragon's tear but that is a story for the ship.\" \n\nHe took his cup and finished his tea before returning his gaze to his young master, no doubt the boy would have had SOME reaction to the news he bought and while he had divulged much he had left out more, let the boy be surprised by what he saw, let him relish the new experiences, let that feed the beautiful soul that Illiendi was cultivating.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "He does his best to suppress the shudder as once again the demon calls him 'master'. He knows that Illiendi will continue to do so and he really must get used to it if he's to remain in the man's company in the future. 'It's just a word. Connotations aside, the rush of feeling powerful aside, it's just. . . .A word' He knows that argument will not be winning this day, but as he watches the beast sip his drink he manages to calm himself ever so slightly. Just enough to not have his eyes dancing when Illiendi looks back at him and begins speaking of what they will find in their travels.\n\nHe first speaks of the boat trip itself, and Amano can feel his eyes going wide as Illiendi speaks of things he'd only read of in books. The child in him feels a deep wonder at the idea of these things being real, relishing the idea of seeing them in person, but the practical part of his mind realizes that such things would tear him limb from limb if given the chance. The danger of them ignites both fear and intense excitement inside the young man and he sits a little forward to hear better as the demon goes on. 'I will be able to see these things, if they show themselves, and I will be safe, for Illiendi will be with me. He has made me a promise, and I don't see him letting me die before it's fulfilled'\n\nWhen the word dragons leaves the demon's lips Amano's eyes go impossibly wide. He almost doesn't care that Illiendi goes on to speak of some rare stone or metal, whispering, \"Dragons. . . .\" under his breath, his mind going wild. The grace and power represented in such beasts has always fascinated the youth and the idea of even seeing one has his insides sparking with joy. His passion for this endeavor grows deeper and more intense, vague images of meeting and perhaps even taming or subduing one of more of these mighty beasts – these legends – has him literally thrumming with excitement. He can feel a tingle racing across his skin and he doesn't even realize he's ginning like an overly excited child as he looks up into Illiendi's beautiful eyes.\n\nTaking a steadying breath he relaxes his smile a bit, realizing that the grin is there and is likely making him look foolish. With a slow nod he sits back again, taking a sip of his tea before speaking up. \"Thank you, Illiendi, for telling me these things. These creatures, this whole adventure, sounds like something that will create legends.\" He raises an eyebrow with a chuckle. \"Seems I will live on here long after my soul goes. . . .Elsewhere.\" He shrugs. \"Or not. As long as my life is as I wish it to be, then I could care less what happens after I die.\" He looks up at the demon with a half smile. \"After all, that's the deal. I live the life I want, and I'm all yours after that.\" With a wistful sigh he looks towards the front window, cradling his teacup in his hands. \"Dragons. . . Amazing. . .\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Illiendi tilted his head at the glassy look in his charges eyes, of course, monsters and miracles always made humans look so enamoured. He'd left out the part where the sirens would drag them to the depths of underwater caves before fucking and disembowelling them, usually at the same time. Where they looked beautiful only until their songs stopped and then the ugliness is exposed. Where the sea of teeth would spin and rotate causing almost every ship that ever crossed its path to slip down into its gullet where the crew met a painful and agonising death. He left out where the dragons breath rendered people to naught but blackened, glass like bones. The boy was enthused and that was what Illiendi needed, the enthusiasm of one man was going to be where he drew his power from. \"That is what you asked for is it not? The adventure of a life time, something no one had ever done, something that would make your family quiver at their very souls with wretchedness.\" \n\nIlliendi glanced out the window, following the gaze of his charge and allowing the boy his silence, \"You like dragons huh?\" He mused quietly, \"Strange boy, though I wonder.\" If Amano liked dragons, real dragons, then perhaps the boy would be the first in an age that could handle the true appearance of the demon. Probably better that neither of them tested such so early on though. \"Where will we be going next master?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Nodding vaguely at Illiendi's question about his family Amano smiles softly as he imagines the look on his father's face when he returns, all the glory and power he will build. The envy on his brothers' faces when he lives the life that he's always wanted to while they are stuck with their lots in life dictated by fate. 'I will live a grand, glorious life, happy and content, with anything and everything I could ever want, and all it costs me is my afterlife. . . .I know it is a great thing, I suppose, but. . .I have this life, and it is all I really have control over, so if I can live how I want now, nothing after matters to me. My life is precious to me, not my soul. . .'\n\nLetting out a soft sigh he looks over at the beast as he speaks again, getting lost for a moment in that lovely face before the words register and he pulls himself out of his dream like state. He flushes a little at being called strange before answering softly. \"Yes, I like them, the idea at least, and yes, I suppose I am strange but. . .\" He looks up into Illiendi's eyes shyly. \"I suppose also that there's something about that strangeness that delivered me to you, so I do not see it as a bad thing.\" The light shiver passes without any real notice and after taking the last couple bites of his meal he towns his tea politely and stands, wiping his lips.\n\n\"I think it is time to head back home and begin working on more of the paperwork for this venture.\" He gestures toward the map Illiendi carries. \"I would like to see the exact route we will be taking as well, and perhaps you could begin instructing me in some of the skills you think will be useful. He says that last part a little quieter than the rest as they head out the door, knowing it's not the best thing to say in public when trying to build a reputation. He falls into the posture Illiendi has encouraged him to maintain as they walk town the street and he does his best to maintain it while winding his way through the busy streets. 'Maybe pretending to be confident is the first step to real confidence' He muses, rolling his shoulders hoping they adjust to the new posture quickly.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Illiendi watched the boy as he went about choosing his flower, clearly there was some methodology to his choosing that Illiendi couldn't quite grasp. Eventually the pair were leaving with a potted plant, it seemed an unwise choice to the demon, it was dirty, messy, hard to keep and would need constant attention to survive. While cut flowers showcased the beauty and frailty of life and could be disposed of within a week. Despite his own views he said nothing about it out loud and continued his quiet observations. Without asking a thing Amano answered the unasked questions, although stuttering and fumbling over words as he did so. It did not surprise him his father often tried to cover his misdeeds with the gift of flowers, such a blunt and simple man would go to such blunt and simple methods. The thought behind the gift made sense, it would grow and thrive, as long as it was tended, pacifying the upset Chesia. Pink tulips were to be bought later on as further proof. While the ideas and knowledge made sense to Paimon, the feelings and emotions that Amano seemed to experience were somewhat lost on him. Oh silly demon, until you love something you'll never understand what it is to feel anything. The sing song females voice was interrupted as Amano fixes his eyes on him and then the flower fixed to his jacket. The compliment was lost on him but he glanced to the flower, it's mortality would not be an issue, if it made Amano happy it could and would live, in a sense. \n\nOnce Amano was back on the road the demon's fingers curled about one of the flowers bell shaped heads and a small black mist escaped his fingertips and was leaked into the bloom. The slightly wilted flower perked up, briefly pulsing black before returning to normal. A few minutes wouldn't hurt, he hoped. \n\nThe travel back to the house was simple and quick, soon they were ascending the stairs to the front door and Illiendi stepped in front of Amano to open it for him. Once inside he let his eyes fall briefly shut, ten seconds passed in still silence and when his eyes opened he spoke to Amano, \"Your mother is in the drawing room if you wish to see her now. Or shall we continue our preparations first? Your eldest brother and his wife are here in their room, your father and other brothers are out.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "The silent walk back to his house is a little nerve wracking. A part of him really wants to ask what Illiendi thinks about his idea, and a part of him is just worried that the demon finds it all very stupid but just doesn't want to tell him for some reason. He's worried about setting aside the man's advice and doing his own thing, since after all, that's why Illiendi's here. To advise him, to show him the right way to accomplish his goals. . .'But, I think my ideas are good. I think they will serve me well, and I know my mother better than he does. . .I think, I think this is for the best. . .' Despite reassuring himself he still feels a bit uncomfortable as they enter his home and he puses, staring at Illiendi as he just stands there, eyes closed, not moving.\n\nWhen the demon announces the locations of those in his house he can't help but smile appreciatively. \"Could have used that skill when I was little.\" he murmurs, giving the male a half smile. \"Would have helped save me from many a prank from my dear brothers. . .\" Letting out a long sigh he takes to staring at his flower, thinking, until at last he nods. \"I think I'll give her the flower first. The talk will take a bit, so it's best to get it out of the way.\" With a deep breath he nods to the demon, then heads off towards where his mother is located. Once they arrive he speaks softly to Illiendi. \"Mother may or may not want you here. Please gauge her mood and act accordingly.\" Opening the door he walks in, holding the plant carefully as he walks over to his mother who is sitting near the window, looking out.\n\n\"Hello mother.\" he calls as he approaches. She turns in her seat, looking both delighted to see him, and immeasurably sad. She holds out a hand to him which he takes carefully and gives a kiss before sitting on a cushioned bench beside her. Holding out the flower he murmurs softly, \" Here mother, I bought this for you.\" He sets it near her on the broad sill and he watches as she begins to cry softly. He does his best to simply keep a brave, happy face as he reaches out and takes her hand. She hasn't acknowledged Illiendi yet, positive or negative, but as he takes her hand she glances at him, a pleading look in her eyes.\n\nHer eyes fall back on her son and she whispers, \"You can't go, you just can't. My baby, my Amano. . .\" She reaches out with her free hand and cups his cheek and he smiles at her softly.\n\n\"I will be fine mother. I will be careful. I'm not the son of one of the best merchants in the city for nothing.\" He nods towards Illiendi. \"Besides, I have the best manservant anyone could ever hope for. He's good at his job and I have all faith in him to keep my head firmly attached to my shoulders.\" He smiles brightly as she looks over at the demon in man's clothing again.\n\nWith a stern, sharp tone despite her tears she demands, \"You keep my boy safe!\" Amano strokes her hand, bringing her attention back to him and she smiles wetly at him. She speaks softly for a while about memories of him. Of his birth, his fist time walking, his first skinned knee. The first time she found him locked in a closet by his older brothers makes him grimace a little but she simply laughs it off, convinced it's normal sibling things. In truth, they had tied him up snug and if they hadn't blabbed to Raoul what they had done he very well could have starved in the unused little hole they'd stuck him in. Not a pleasant memory for him, though it did serves as a good warning in later years when they started trying more drastic measures. He recognized the tone of voice.\n\nAnd hour passes before at last her attention goes back to the flower and he brightens considerably. \"You always told me you wanted to work in the gardens but never have time, so this will be perfect for you!\" he chimes, touching the side of the pot gently. He knows the other reason is she doesn't like getting filthy, but a potted plant should cause minimal mess when being cared for as far as he knows. \"You can ask the gardener how to care for it, and then, when I come home, you can show me how well it's doing!\"\n\nShe smiles sadly at his enthusiasm but nods in agreement none the less, reaching out and stroking one of the delicate petals. \"I shall care for it every day, praying my son will return to me whole. . .\" She gives Illiendi another sharp look but this time there is a touch of something else Amano misses as he's looking at the tulip that says she needs to speak to him later. They spend a little more time speaking of the past, Amano talking animatedly about how he'd won the sword competition and how he was never caught by the dock workers when they got upset with him over various things. She smiles and laughs at the stories and by the time he and his manservant leaves she looks to be in a considerably better mood.\n\nClosing the door quietly Amano half slumps against it, letting out a long sigh. With a faint smile he looks over at Illiendi and murmurs softly, \"Well, that went well, don't you think?\" Pushing off the door he heads towards his room, keeping an ear out for the demon's reply, his insides aching over making his mother cry. 'I am sorry mother, but I have to do this. I have to make my impact on the world. . .I need to live a life I can be proud to leave behind. . .'", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Illiendi watched the little human as he explained the dangers and treasures they would see. The aim of course was to give the young man a life to talk of when he returned. To have things to display in pretty cabinets which would later become relics in a museum, around for further centuries after he, his children and his grandchildren were all grown and gone. He would be a pioneer, an icon and inspire people for years to come, it was what he'd paid for after all. Illiendi, as always, allowed no thought to travel from his mind to his eyes. He turned his eyes over the young man, barely a slip of a boy, still wet behind the ears many would say but demons were not as narrow sighted as humans.\n\nThe boy's excitement at the amounting danger and possible death was not unusual, by now most people felt invincible when they had a demon by their side. Of course, even demons had their limits but that wasn't something he planned to bring that up. Once the boy seemed satisfied the demon stood straight and followed his master with his eyes around the room. There was a nervous energy that crackled off the human like lightening. \n\nAmano spoke with a fevered sort of passion about what was to come and his thoughts on the matter of it all. Though then he was approaching the demon, talking in a soft tone that belied importance and the demon turned his eyes to where the human touched. The flower. It seemed to be some sort of link between the two for Amano, a bridge between worlds, or some such poetic nonsense. The demons eyes returned to Amano and he listened to all that was said with the expression of a man with intent to listen and understand as much as he could. \n\nIndeed the boy would live, if the demon had any say in it at all -and he planned to- the young man would come back a seasoned adventurer. Though that did not mean he wouldn't face hardships, wounds, attacks, near death experiences, there would be pain on his road, all life needed pain. There would be love and loss, grief and sadness and then above all there'd be victory. Victory over not the enemies and issues of the external but the ones internally. These were not the words a human would know though, time and practice had taught him they wanted only the joyful and to find the rest out in time. \n\n\"Your trust is misplaced.\" He stated, though his brow furrowed as if he attempted to take the chill out of his own tone, \"Though, after seeing those of your world it is perhaps one of the better choices to make.\" He added as lightly as the demon's tone knew to go. \"Your behaviour is of no burden to me, you are a child. Even if you were an adult of your species you would still appear as a child to me.\" Humans were after all, one of the youngest races on the planet, the other was a marsupial that's name escaped him. \"I never regret those I choose. Rest assured there were none more qualified than you to sate my hunger.\" The demon paused then and took another glance over the lord, there was no doubting it, of those present this was the one that would be most satisfying for him.\n\n\"I will go check with the house butler if there has been any correspondence to your letters. When I return I shall help you pack. I believe it would be prudent of you to make a list of what else needs to be done before we depart.\" With that he took a small bow and offered that devilish smile to his master and slipped out the door. Allowing his eyes to find the human Chesia and follow the trail of her sins. She, like many, had accumulated some but unlike most of those he'd seen hers were minor in comparison. He dropped by the house front to check the received mail and took any intended for Amano before others in the house would find them, tucking them into his inside pocket he slipped down the door and knocked gently awaiting for Chesia to bid him enter before he did so, bowing deeply as he did. \"My Lady, you wished to see me?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "Amano visibly flinches at the demon's words, fighting the urge to look away as Illiendi states that his trust is misplaced. He wonders frantically what he did wrong, but manages to keep his eyes up, to keep listening. The words that follow calm him slightly, but he still feels like he's missing something big, and that he's a fool for doing so. A nugget of pessimism enters his mind and latches on to the idea that he was the best choice out of those gathered, and probably not the best over all that Illiendi has available to him. He keeps his thoughts to himself though and smiles faintly at the demon and wanders over to the desk as he heads for the door. 'I'm sorry' He tries desperately to cling to the idea that Illiendi will make a good teacher, that he will become good enough for the demon, and pushes his pessimism back as far as he can as he sits down to get to work.\n\n~*~*~*~*~\n\nLooking up at the faint knock Chesia sets aside her tea and bid the person to enter. Seeing the man set to take her son off across the sea she sniffs slightly, her conflicting feelings making her a bit distraught. She watches him bow, her eyes no longer the way they had been with Amano in the room. The underlying desire for Illiendi is back, but has taken the back burner to her other concerns at the moment. When he rises she motions him to come stand by her. She looks up at him, her face cool despite the mother bear instincts radiating off of her. \n\nWith a long sigh she shakes her head. \"There is no convincing my dear little boy of the foolishness of this all is there.\" It's clear from her tone she expects no answer. After a moment, she goes on. \"He has always had a strong will. His brothers see him as a rug to be trodden upon, I am sure, with his quiet ways and quaint hobbies, but that Amano's always had a good head on his shoulders.\" She smiles faintly. \"Too many books as a baby. Grew into such a soft child.\" She looks over at Illiendi's hand, reaching out to take it after a moment. Her eyes trail slowly up his body. Reaching his eyes, she shivers slightly. \"You. . .My son is delicate. You keep him safe.\" Here eyes trail to the flower in his shirt, something passing behind her eyes before she looks over at the one Amano brought her. \"You don't let anything crush my little flower. . .\"\n\n~*~*~*~*~\n\nOnce the door clicks closed the youth lets out a long sigh, stretching before flopping like a rag doll for several seconds. 'Standing straight and tall all the time is tiring' he muses, wriggling a bit to work out a kink in his back. Sighing again he flops forward, looking very much like a lazy teen being forced to do his homework. Grabbing his quill he doesn't even realize he's lost ninety percent of his spunk and begins jotting down ideas for what they need to do, knowing Illiendi will correct him as needed and taking comfort in that.\n\nFeeling a bit stuffed up in his room after a while, Amano wanders over to his window overlooking the alley next to his house and clicks it open. A giggle from below makes him pause with it barely cracked, wondering who's having fun right next to the house. Tilting his head he manages to make out a ginger head full of curls pressed against the wall of the house by what looks like someone a full head taller. Rage pours through him as he realizes it's his father. His hands grip the sill, hard, his knuckles turning white.\n\n'No room in her house for your betrayal? Or is this one just some tail off the streets you felt like flaunting just out of mother's vision you swine? Can't even show her the courtesy of keeping your depravity behind closed doors you slug!!??' Rage continues to pound through him and he spends several long seconds staring down at the infuriating scene until at last he rips himself away and storms over to his bed. Throwing himself upon it he buries his face in the pillow and begins imagining creative ways of punishing the man he calls father, his list long forgotten.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Amano is still glaring into his pillow when he hears the door open and close. The click of the lock stills the snap in his throat as he realizes that it must be Illiendi. All the other staff wouldn't dare to presume to lock themselves in with him. 'I suppose it could be one of my brothers, wanting to have some time to torment me, but. . .Now that I think about it, I can feel it's. . .' His body shivers as the word 'Master' ripples across his hot skin. He doesn't miss the questioning tone, but he doesn't really feel like answering right away. His stomach still burns with his fury over his father's actions. Not only this time, but every other time as well. All the times he's knows stuff like this to happen, and every time it was so damn obvious that even his mother knew it had.\n\nHe listens to the sound of Illiendi crossing the room and can feel his skin jumping as he heads for the now obviously open window. When the footsteps stop he pushes himself up sharply, turning so he sitting with his back to the headboard, his knees tucked up against his chest. As he wraps his arms around them he glares towards thew window past the demon and lets out a disapproving hiss through his nose. \"You see her? See her down there?\" There is a hint of venom in his voice. \"The young tart my father decided to ravage right outside our very home? What if mother had wanted to go to the garden, hmmm? What if one of her friends came by.\" He scoffs. \"Not that I call them friends. She keeps seeing them, even though they all make it obvious they know she's being made a fool of. . .\"\n\nHis glare moves to his own knees, his arms tightening tensely. His stomach turns. \"And I had to just sit here and listen. If I had said anything or even let him know I saw, the support I have from him now would vanish. He very well may have tried to ruin my name in my absence even.\" He shudders, pulling in tighter. \"Listening to those sounds, just imagining what I'd like to do to him had I the courage, or even the reputation to do so. . .\" He sighs, realizing he's sounding like a petulant child again and hides his face behind his knees. \"Sorry, I'm being childish. I just get, so angry, when stuff like this happens. . .\" Looking over his knees a faint smirk comes to his lips as he looks over at Illiendi, his eyes sharpening. \"When we get back, I'll do something about it.\" There's a fierce determination behind his eyes as he says this, the strength returning to his voice, the childish anger fading.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Illiendi watched passively a moment, his eyes on the tart as she reorganised herself but there was no hint of emotion, no sign of approval. A thousand thousand ideas flooded the demon's mind in the blink of his strange eyes, things he could do to her and to the father, things that would never be traced back to the young lord he served. Had it been an insult to him he would have dealt with it swiftly, mercilessly, there would be no doubting who did it and why but the human world was different and human relationships were vexing. \n\nHe turned from the window; no intention of acting on the plethora of ideas he had from eon's of servitude to the master of hell, crossing the short distance to the bed where he perched only several inches from the hugged knees of his master. This was his family, his town, his matter and Illiendi was curious, curious if the young lord could figure it out. It was true any action now would not be prudent, it would perhaps make the demon's job more difficult and definitely less entertaining, however it was of course not impossible. \n\nHe waited, the little lord was not going to disappoint and a small, rare smile fluttered at the edges of the demon's lips. He reached out to the tear streaked face and rubbed an errant tear from Amano's cheek, \"That is right, when we return you will have diplomats behind you, emissaries, merchant's, reputation, fame, money and the love of the people. What will he have? His whores and his pimps.\" He stated gently, his eyes still devoid of emotion although his lips revealed amusement and perhaps pride. \"Your Mother will be beloved by the town and your father chased from it. Such a time is not as far away as it may at first seem.\" The demon stated. \n\nMoving to stand he paused and looked at Amano, his pride turning to devilish amusement, \"And I can guarantee that when your revenge complete and he descends into my world...he will not enjoy it.\" There was a special layer of hell for people like Amano's father after all. The demon stood, brushing stray locks from the Lord's face, \"For now, you will not show your disdain or your disgust. You will hold it inside and make it your power, you will remember everything he does or says and use it to fuel your conviction. A Lord does not express such extreme emotions, nor does he trifle himself with the affairs of other lords, at least, not in the open.\" He schooled with that gentle but warm tone of his. \"Imagine your life is now like a game of chess, each move is precious, each mistake potentially fatal, you're not playing the board in chess. Only small minded people think that it's about the wooden pieces. You play the opponent and it is the opponent you beat and not the game.\" He stated. \n\nChecking the window he saw the harlot had fixed her clothes and was strutting off quite like a show bird, \"I have never understood the desire of your kind to bond to only one other. It seems unnatural, although hundreds of species do mate for life. It is however strange that one would go to all the effort of binding a person to them only to grow bored...\" He gave brief shrug and turned back to the Lord, \"What have we accomplished so far Amano?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Illiendi" }, { "text": "The faint smile is a welcomed sight for the upset young man. He smiles back, the warm touch of Illiendi's fingers comforting. 'Yes. I will have so much. I will live my life, and I will have power and prestige. . .Real power. Not the kind my father has. The kind that could collapse with one wrong move, or dependent on other people. It will be me. I will be the one to stand in the eyes of the people as a man worth showing respect' Puffing up inside from the demon's words Amano's smile widens and he nods, stretching his now aching legs out in front of him. Rubbing them softly he looks around the room, sending one last glare towards the window before moving on to more important matters.\n\nHe lets his mind wander over the idea of eternal torment for his father as he slips off the bed and takes to his feet. Stretching he spares a moment to think about his own eternity before shrugging it off and turning his mind to the task at hand. 'Illiendi will be handling my afterlife. Not mine to think about' Wandering over to hes desk he begins going over all of the things he wrote down before being distracted, letting the demon make the changes that need to be made and listening to his advice about the whole affair. He continues going over and over the little bits in his head, like standing up straight and seeming confident, doing his best to maintain these things as a kind of practice for the time he will need them.\n\nEventually, they get through all the things they can do for the day and Amano takes to his bed once more, staring at the ceiling. It's only half an hour before dinner and he wonders what else he could be doing. After a few seconds a thought occurs to him and he slides off the bed, heading to his closet. Careful this time to not drop anything on his head, he pulls out his drawing supplies and brings them carefully over to his desk. Turning to the demon with a faint flush he asks, \"Would it be completely frivolous of me to bring these with? I really do enjoy working on my simple bits of art, but, well. . .\" He casts around for the right way to say what's on his mind. \"I do not really want to give up drawing, but if you think it will serve no purpose, I think now would be the time to let me know. I think it would be easiest to drop the practice if I simply deprive myself of access to the tools. . .\" He looks at the demon with slightly wide eyes, clearly torn on the subject.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "(As we come into this post, and the current events, we are heading into the episode, \"Hammer of the Gods\". It's directly after Adam has been possessed by Michael. If you haven't seen season five, I recommend you go back and watch. If you have seen season five, I recommend you go back and watch, even then. The reason for this is that this is a scripted RP, that adds original characters for flare and fun. So, it pretty much follows the timeline of the show. Now…to start the fun!)\nAnnaBeth raised her head, thinking hard on the subject matter of the conversation. She then smiled, and narrowed her eyes, \"What about Riley…\", she murmured, meeting Sam's eyes for a second as she rubbed her right hand across his bare chest. As she waited for him to answer, she took a deep breath, the baby suddenly rolling visibly under her skin. As the babies foot caused AnnaBeth's skin to raise, it rolled against Sam's ribs, and she winced, but quickly smiled, \"I don't think she likes it…\"\n\"What do you think?\", Dean asked Castiel, who stood against the wall of the small hotel room, playing with a rubix cube.\n\n\"About what?\"\n\n\"What do you mean 'about what?'…The baby…\", Dean clarified, his eyes narrowing, annoyed. He crossed his arms uncomfortably, glancing around for any sign of the others.\n\n\"Oh…You mean the abomination. I think it's a terrible and naive idea, believing that this…thing…can be the savior of earth. You've already met the anti-christ. He was a young boy with a vivid imagination. You talked him down like a suicide bomber…Poof…out of the picture…\", Castiel snapped a bit, leaning heavier against the wall, \"I think that you should allow me to do what should have been done when she first felt the first pain of infestation…\"\n\n\"Will you cut it out?! Mika would murder us both, if we hurt this thing. It's a baby, and it's blood, whether it has demon in it or not. We don't know…\"\n\n\"We don't know?!\", Castiel snapped suddenly, stepping away from the wall. The rubix cube vanished from his hand, and his eyes were serious, \"This pregnancy has lasted a mere two months and she's looking at delivering in a week…or less. You want to shove it under the rug as a 'maybe' for demon blood. I think it's pretty clear that there will be blood, and pain. There will be anguish, and before I allow the one tool we have against killing Lucifer die, I will take care of it.\"\n\n\"Wow, Cas…\", Dean said incredulously, \"She's still just a tool, to you…She's risked her life for yours, did everything you asked, and you still consider her just a weapon? You should be ashamed of yourself!\"\n\n\"And I'm not. You wanna know why I'm not, Dean? Because I'm not a stupid, weak little bag of blood, hoping and dreaming that in the end, the apocalypse is simply a fluke, and will be over with without a single drop of blood from any of you. I'm not ashamed, because in the end, we're all dead…\"\n\n\"I can't believe that.\", Dean whispered, \"I will protect her until my last breath, and I will keep my brother alive. We WILL kill Lucifer, and then you're free to hit the road. We're not killing the baby, until we have to…end of discussion. Now…is there anything we can do about her night terrors?\"\n\n\"You've heard my thoughts. I'm finished. You protect that baby, and I'm finished…\"\n\n\"Then be gone, feather duster…\", a voice sounded from behind Dean. Castiel simply rolled his eyes and glared.\n\n\"Speaking of garbage to take out. Dean…deal with your dog…\", Castiel spat, glaring at Arik, as the demon stepped up beside Dean and lit a cigarette. He offered it to the man next to him, but Dean simply waved him off.\n\n\"I don't have time for a pissing match. Arik, you know anything about getting into AB's head?\", he asked, but Arik simply shook his head, taking a long drag off his cigarette, \"Great…\"\n\n\"You guys were threatening the baby, am I right?\", Arik murmured, \"May not be mine, anymore…but…I think I've been drawn to her, all along…\"\n\n\"You've what?\", Dean asked, his eyes narrowed almost to a close, \"Like…twilight werewolf vs vampire baby drawn to her?\"\n\n\"Why you gotta make it creepy?\", Arik asked, and Dean simply shrugged…", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Sam looked up at AnnaBeth as she suggested a possible name for their baby girl to be. He was still getting his head round how AnnaBeth could know what sex the child is already, when they've never been to a scan or done any of the normal things expecting parents do. Not that they could anyway, it would be highly awkward trying to explain everything if, no, when something not so natural showed up on the scan. When however, the baby moved in anguish at the name suggestion he couldn't help but smirk and chuckle. \"No, I don't think she does...\" He smiled. \n\n---------------------------------\n\nMika had decided to get some supplies soon after they reached the motel, as she could just tell Castiel was going to go on one of his all holy righteous rants about how the baby was an abomination the moment they got inside. She wasn't in the mood to hear another one of those form him. She found them repetitive and boring - kind of like when Bobby would rant to her about her driving or leaving stuff around the house or not calling in with him for days on end. Come to think of it, her uncle moaned a lot to her. Shaking the comparison thoughts from her head, she packed the supplies from the nearby walmart into carrier bags and headed back to the motel. \n\nWhen she got back, she knocked on AnnaBeth's door first to leave with them, bits and pieces that would be good for AnnaBeth to take whilst pregnant. Sam answered the door and she handed the carrier bag out. \"For AB... these supplies will help with her sleeping, pains and general well being, you're welcome\" Mika told him with a smile, before walking away to hers and Dean's room before Sam could even say a simple thank you. She grabbed her key out of her jeans pocket and opened the door to find Arik in the room instead of Castiel. \"O...kay, where did Cas go?\" She questioned, handing Dean a take out pie.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "AnnaBeth sighed, and glanced over at Sam with tired eyes, laughing at the baby already having an opinion of things. Smirking, she rubbed her stomach, calming her down, \"Alright. Pick your own name then. Maybe I can read your mind...\", she joked, although she genuinely hoped she could read the baby's mind, eventually. They were connected, but she still felt like the child wasn't truly hers. She jolted a bit with a groan as Mika knocked on the door, narrowing her eyes at the quick exchange between Sam and her best friend.\n\n\"What was that all about?\", she asked, giving another rough shove against the lump at her side.\n\n---\n\nDean turned, as Arik's cigarette was blown out of his hand by Castiel's rapidly beating wings, thankful to see Mika back. He gratefully walked over to her, leaning his forehead on her shoulder, and closed his eyes, the pounding in his head growing more and more the longer he went without drinking.\n\n\"Any booze?...Oh! Pie...a woman after my own heart...\", he muttered, excitedly grabbing the pie from her hands and popping the top of the container.\n\n\"The pigeon flew the coop. I don't think he likes the fact that the 'savior of the world' is siding with the demon, here. He'd rather go off killing babies.\", Arik chimed in, taking a seat on one of the beds in the room. He laid back, his muddy boots hanging off the edge slightly as Dean rolled his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.\n\n\"What he said...\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Sam walked in closing the door behind him holding up the carrier Mika just gave him. \"She brought supplies for you. She said there's stuff in there for your pains, to help you sleep and what not.\" He replied to her, walking over and placing the carrier on the bed beside her. \"Though, she did seem very... what's the word? Distant?\" He added. \"I'm sure she's fine though, she's probably just deep in thought or something, you know how she is.\" Sam finalised, sitting down beside AnnaBeth again. \n\nHe rummaged through the bag pulling out all kinds of pregnancy medication for her. \"I'll never understand all of this\" He chimed, before chuckling. \n\n---------------------------\n\nMika smiled seeing Dean finally showing he's glad to see her around. Placing the carrier bag down by her feet, she ruffled her fingers through his hair. \"I picked up pain killers whilst I was out\" She told him, before he quickly took the pie and perking up again. It actually made her smile at how excited something as simple as pie could make him. \n\n\"Already got your heart, i just know how to make you happy\" She chuckled, shooting him a wink. Her smile soon vanished though when Arik chimed in about Castiel's disappearance and hijacked one of the beds. \"Great... Cas on one of his righteous selfish rampages again.... just what we need.\" Mika complained, rolling her eyes before sighing and sitting down at the small table, rummaging through her bag and opening her bottle soda, taking a swig. \"So not the same... but it'll do\" She muttered to herself.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "AnnaBeth giggled softly, reaching out and taking one of the bottles of vitamins from Sam's hand, \"It's not to be understood, in the words of the 'great' Castiel. I just have to take them, and they will magically make everything okay. Other than the sleeping meds, I don't think I will complain about any of it.\", she muttered, popping open the bottle and pouring a couple of the vitamins into her hand.\n\n\"I'm a little scared...\", she admitted, as the baby rolled, causing a small wave of nausea to flow through her, \"We don't know when she's going to come, and I know what everyone is saying about when the baby comes...about me dying...\"\n\nShe bowed her head a bit, closing her eyes.\n\n---\n\nDean quickly dipped his hand into the bag on the floor, after taking a huge bite of pie. Pulling out the pain killers, he popped the top and tossed four into his mouth, swallowing them with his pie. He reached across and grabbed Mika's soda from her hand, taking a drink, and then placed it back in her hand with a sheepish grin, \"And I'm happy.\"\n\nHe dropped the grin and glared over toward Arik, bringing up one of his own large feet to kick Arik's boot, \"He's not killing any babies. He's worried. He's just worried.\", he turned to Mika, \"Have we found anything about delivering a demonoid baby? Surely there's lore somewhere. What's Bobby saying?\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "The bags under his eyes were deep. These books used to be nothing but helpful but now they were letting him down. Bobby brought up his glass of bourbon and sighed. \"Balls.\"\n\nThey would be calling soon if he didn't call them, and all of his books had done nothing for him. He needed to find the right one, but anything he read spoke of the anti-Christ. And that was far from helpful, but he continued on, opening an even older more worn down book.\n\n-\n\nAnd there it was, Singer Auto Salvage. It had been a long trip here, but the brunette girl with human emerald eyes smirked. The black crossed over her eyes as she made her way up the driveway, a small token under her arm. She may have done her best to stay under the radar, but she knew a lot, having been watching this Bobby Singer for a while. A demon child was to be born, but nearly all signs pointed to the anti-Christ. Not the one she had though. Took some doing, but after a run in with her own kind, she managed to get it.\n\nShe moved herself towards the door, and she stopped, her eyes staring at the frame.\n\n\"Balls!\" She heard from the other side of the door.\n\n\"Definitely not good.\" She muttered to herself, knocking on the door. The older man opened the door, and looked to her. \"Bobby Singer, right?\" She asked, and he looked at her.\n\n\"Do I know you?\" He asked, and she chuckled.\n\n\"No, but you're going to want to.\" She said, holding up the book as her eyes flashed black. He moved to do something, but she held up her other hand. \"Now, Now, peace offering. I don't want the apocalypse anymore than you do. Besides, a demon lovechild?\"\n\nBobby's face said it all, \"Balls.\" He repeated, and he picked up his phone. \"What's your name?\"\n\n\"Ezria.\" She answered.\n\nBobby sighed, and the other end picked up. \"Dean.\" He said, forcing himself to allow the girl in. \"I may have found something, but first I need you to ask Arik about the name Ezria.\"\n\nEzria leaned against the door frame. Oh this would be interesting.", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" } ]

[ { "text": "Bobby had just barely heard Dean's warning when Arik appeared. Bobby saw Ezria open the book and turn it towards him. \"There may be a spell we can use, but I've got to read more on it. I'll call you back when I have more to tell.\"\n\nEzria's eyes soon fell on Arik, her face equally expressionless until she gave a half chuckle. \"Its been a while, and you know, honestly, I'm a bit hurt. You don't write, you don't call, and when you knew a ball fell into my court I had to find out by following this mortal.\"\n\nEzria motioned to Bobby. \"I mean sure, getting hold of the tome was a bit bloodier than I may have liked, but hey, witchcraft was always my forte.\"\n\nBobby looked between the two for a moment. \"This spell. Where would we get half of the necessary ingredients?\"\n\nEzria gave a slick grin. \"I could help there, but I'm not stupid like others I have to, unfortunately, share a species with. But, that's only if you ask and I get something in return.\"\n\nBobby groaned. He looked to Arik, showing him the spell. \"How difficult would these be to come by regularly?\"\n\nA valid question, and Ezria just smirked. If she had learned one thing, having the Winchesters in the pocket was a good thing.", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "It had been a quarter to midnight when he snuck into the back of the ER. No one paid any attention to him; they were too busy trying to help the people who actually needed it. Billy could smell it in the air, the sick and the dying, those who'll live and those who won't. But what got him the most was the blood, the hot, sweet smell of the blood. It's everywhere, permeating the air like an expensive perfume. His fangs extend a little, pushing down on his bottom lip, almost puncturing skin. It's uncomfortable, but it helped him focus. The sweet smell of the blood rushing underneath skin was almost too much to bear, just begging to be -\n\nWhy do you do this to yourself? It's not worth it, he can hear his own voice in his head, chastising him again for even daring to step inside this place. While Billy might not've been the most cautious of vampires, even he should've known the risks of putting himself right into the middle of a group of humans. It was horribly masochistic, sure, but the payoff was worth it. He could survive walking through a buffet when it meant he could get the particular kind of nutrition he needed without killing anyone.\n\nGranted, he'd drained at least a dozen people in his first few months of vampirism, but that was besides the point. He was trying his best to go off the live stuff, and thus, that was all that mattered.\n\nInching closer to a 'Staff Only' door, Billy checked to see if the coast was clear. People still didn't look his way. If anything, they avoided catching his eye. He was the last thing from intimidating, but as a vampire, there was something about him that made people instinctively shy away, even if they didn't know why.\n\nSlipping inside the room, the door clicked shut behind him, and he quickly set to work. The sooner he got out of here, the better, but he wasn't about to pass up the chance to try out some of the more… exotic fare. Who knows when he'd be able to pull something like this again, right?\n\n\n\n---\n\n\n\nSlurp.\n\nSluuurp.\n\nA long, heaving sigh of satisfaction escaped from Billy as he sucked up the last of the blood through a neon green silly straw. O negative - his favourite. Of course, it wasn't quite as good as it would've been straight out of a jugular, but hey, beggars couldn't be choosers. Microwaving the blood bags for just a few seconds to get them to just the right temperature was a neat little trick he'd picked up a couple months back. Not like he could do much else with them, anyway. The amenities of a motel were sparse at best, and that was putting it gently.\n\nJust as he was about to retrieve the fifth serving from his messenger bag, the overwhelming stench of rotten eggs filled his nostrils. Uh-oh, that wasn't good. The last time few times he smelt sulfur, things didn't turn out too great for him. What was behind these strange occurrences? He didn't know, but one thing was for sure - they fucked him up big-time. Whether it was bad luck or something else altogether, the trail of carnage left behind put the law enforcement on high alert, making it near impossible for Billy to even keep himself fed. People got antsy, and just the thought of having to leave town yet again pissed him off.\n\nJust as he was having an internal debate with himself on the merits of leaving versus those of staying, the scent of sulfur was gone, almost as quickly as it'd surfaced. For a moment or two, Billy simply sat there, waiting for the stench to return, but it never did. Well, that was weird. What was he supposed to make of that? The whole blink-and-you'll-miss-it thing unnerved him, but he wasn't about to hit the road just because he smelt some rotten eggs. He had a good thing here, and it was honestly shocking how the hospital he kept stealing from hadn't caught on after this long. Billy wasn't complaining, though. The subpar customer service made his job a whole lot easier.", "username": "Phloem", "char_name": "William \"Billy\" Murdoch" }, { "text": "Arik rolled his eyes, taking a long drag off of his cigarette and leaned in close to Ezria's face, a lot like he was going to kiss her, before he smirked, \"You're here because you're running scared like everyone else…and I'm doubting anyone is going to take in another demon, during this mess. Good luck with batting your eyelashes. Honestly, if I didn't need you…I would kill you right now…\", he whispered.\n\nStraightening, he gathered what emotions he had accidentally let show, his memories kicking his ass for a second and stood close to Bobby. Honestly stress was getting to him, as bad as the others, at that time. As Bobby leaned toward him and showed him the ingredients list, he winced, realizing that they would need the help, and the firepower to actually get them.\n\n\"I hate to say it…but…she's got leverage, here.\", he sighed, squinting his eyes as the words became hard to admit out loud, \"And I know what she wants. What do you want?\"\n\nAs he asked the question, he flexed his fists, before a flutter of wings blew the hair from his forehead, and Castiel stood in front of him, between he and Ezria.\n\n\"Bobby, I…\", Castiel started, and his eyes landed on Arik, \"I didn't realize you were dog sitting. How did you get here?\" he asked.\n\n\"Unlike you, my wings aren't clipped. You got a little…\", Arik signaled toward his own nose, as a trickle of blood fell from Cas'.\n\nReaching a hand up, Castiel quickly wiped the blood away, and sneered, \"My wings are NOT clipped! What have you found?\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Bobby near groaned at the exchange. However, he noted how Ezria didn't bat her eyes at Arik. He came in close and spoke and she chuckled. \"Obviously, you've grown soft.\" Her voice was edged, a smirk playing full on her lips. \"Or have you forgotten what I'm capable of?\"\n\nHe moved away and Bobby couldn't help his reaction. \"Balls.\" He looked to his phone. He would call Mika this time, and hope her head would remain cool enough to tell Dean and then the others. However, when the question was asked, Ezria's face fell flat.\n\n\"You know, Arik, I've changed, but I'll get to what I want later, we don't have much time to-\"\n\nShe was cut off by Castiel, and when he referred to them as dogs, her blood ran hot. However, Arik's words.brought her some relief. She laughed at Castiel's flustered retort.\n\n\"My, My, sweet angel boy.\" She moved forward, gathering the book from Bobby and he.looked to her.\n\n\"There's a spell. It warrants protection from death, even in childbirth, no matter how strenuous. But it's complicated, and the witchcraft is old.\" Bobby said.\n\n\"I didn't sell my soul for nothing.\" Ezria commented.off hand. \"Don't get your feathers ruffled, sweet angel boy. Being around dogs must have you itching.\"\n\nBobby left the room, and called Mika. The faster the angel and demons were out.of.his hair, the better. \"Mika. I've been given se information on a spell that may be able to protect Annabeth from death, however, there.is.a.catch.\"\n\nHe quickly explained. And he walked back into the room after he was off the phone. \"Where do we start?\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "Mika smiled when Dean said he was happy. Honestly, none of them get to say that very often anymore, and when she does hear any of them say it, it makes her smile. Something that she treasures deeply considering the times ahead. When Dean asked if Bobby has said anything on AB's pregnancy and if he's found anything her smile quickly dropped to a serious look. \"Unfortunately no, he's not found anyth--\" She began to explain, when right on cue Dean's phone rang and it was Bobby. \n\n\"Talk of the devil...\" She muttered quietly, causing herself to smirk. She fidgeted on her chair, wishing Dean would just put the cell on speakerphone like he usually does, but this time he didn't and it irked her irrationally. Her curiosity got picked when he looked over at Arik and asked who Ezria was. \"yeah... who is Ezria?\" she thought to herself. Hearing him say they go way back, just picked her curiosity even more, then... then he was gone. \n\n\"I'll never get used to him and Cas teleporting in and out..\" she remarked. She awaited for news like Dean, when suddenly her own phone rang after some time later. \"Hey Bobby...Brilliant, hit me. Wait.... what's the catch?\" She asked, shooting a concerned look towards Dean, before pulling her phone away from her ear and putting Bobby on speaker. \n\n------------------------------------------------\n\nSam smiled at AnnaBeth when she spoke about the pills and what Castiel thinks about them. \"Well, if they help then I won't complain either. Its times like these I'm seriously thankful for Mika being in our lives again.\" Sam admits to her. He watched as she took the pills, and smiled but frowned when she admitted to being scared about this whole situation. \n\nSure, pregnancy can be a scary time at the best and normal of times, but this is a whole new thing. She was allowed to be scared, but it still didn't make him frown as he never wanted her to be scared of anything. If she became scared, he feared he would become scared. \"Hey.... it's going to be okay...\" He started to say to her, taking her hand and rubbing his thumb across the top of her hand. \n\n\"We'll figure this out, and you'll be fine. you're not dying, not on my watch\" He told her in a reassuring tone of voice.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Bobby pondered for a moment. Then spoke. \"Well, it comes with how I found out about.it.in the first place... and how we are going to get everything we need.\" He groaned a bit. \"There is another demon, her name is Ezria. Arik seems to know her, and he admitted.that we're going to need her help on this one too.\"\n\nHe looked to see Castiel, Arik, and Ezria.all standing in his study together, and he spoke again. \"I'm not quite sure of her angle, but she wants something in return. Won't even hint on it until we've got this going. Says we don't have much time.\"\n\nHe studied.her.back from where he was. She was crafty, he'd give her that much. \"I'll call again soon, hopefully with some.better.news.\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" } ]

[ { "text": "Dean sighed once more and shook his head, \"Playing things by ear in the middle of the apocalypse, the Winchester way, eh?\"\n\nHe leaned back in his chair, picking up a beer. He banged the head against the table, causing the beer to open messily, and took a long drink, \"So, what we know. Arik knows the chick. He's not back, yet, which means she's important to him, or at least was. I know him well enough to know that much. She seems to have a lot of knowledge of A.B.'s situation. I would say that she got that info from Lucifer, wouldn't you? I mean, how many demons know about this thing? Once again, we're between a rock and a hard place over this…and maybe…could Cas be right?\"\n\n--------\n\nAnnaBeth rolled off the bed with a wince, opening the door to their room immediately. Her eyes were still white, showing her panic as she began banging on the door to Mika and Dean's room with urgency, \"DEAN! Open the door!\"\n\nSome rustling inside was heard, as Dean tripped over a chair and nearly fell face first into the door, and then the heavy oak barrier was opened.\n\n\"We have to get to Bobby's. We have to do something! Cas and Arik are killing each other.\"\n\n\"Killing each other? Cas doesn't even have any juice, at the moment. How sure are you?\", Dean asked, glancing back at Mika, worried.\n\n\"I don't have visions anymore. There has to be a reason that this one came through. I wouldn't call it a 'dream', if that's what you mean. It came out of nowhere.\"\n\n\"Mika. Call Bobby back, right now.\", Dean ordered, closing his eyes with a sigh, before settling them on his brother.\n\n----------\nElena perched herself on the hood of the Mustang, a bottle of nail polish sitting open, beside her. She blew on one of her fingernails, and began to paint another, a little bored as Jay played his games with their current hunt. They used to not play with the monsters they hunted, but with the demons in hiding and the angels keeping most other monsters in check, this was really the only fun that they were able to have.\n\nShe finished the nail she was working on, just in time for the radio to hiss with a familiar voice. Smirking, she stood from the hood, capped her fingernail polish and picked up the green handled machete that lay next to it. \n\nShe lifted the radio, \"Babe…you're ruining my manicure…\", she fake whined, as she slammed the flat edge of her machete against the approaching vampire's throat, clotheslining it to the ground with a groan. She raised the machete to finish the job but was swept off her feet by a strong leg, and tumbled to the ground, her machete skidding away from her along with her radio.", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Ezria narrowed her eyes at Castiel. \"I wish you would, angel boy. But even then, if you knew what I knew, you'd understand why I don't fear you.\" She said, but things got heated and Bobby returned. \"She took her eyes off of the two for a moment and spoke to Bobby. \"Do you happen to have wolf's bane lying around? I need some for my first task.\"\n\nBobby went to answer, and saw what was.going on the.moment that Arik's eyes changed. He nearly got his sawed off up before he saw Ezria react. She managed to push Arik back, and she felt Castiel make contact with her. \n\nThis wouldn't be her end, she could feel it. He just wasn't strong enough. But something stopped it, and she barely gathered herself before she did the first thing that came to mind. She got to Arik, and she checked on him. Whether it was old habit, or just her first reaction, she wasn't sure, but he did take the brunt of it. She moved some of his hair from his face. \"Same reckless behavior, I knew it would Damn near get you killed one day.\"\n\nShe finally got herself stable and began writing a few things down. She slapped the.list to Arik's chest. \"Watch for those signs when you're with Annabeth. Get a hold of me as soon as possible if she starts labor. I'm off to get some of what we need.\"\n\nShe looked to Bobby whose phone was ringing, and he left the room to answer as she continued to scribble things down. She had sold her soul to be the strongest witch possible, though her.powers had been hindered since becoming a demon, she was still strong, and under Lucifer who was a great teacher himself. Her eyes fell on Castiel, and she averted them quickly. She had an urge to kill him, but she couldn't. She didn't the means. \n\nAnd it didn't help that somewhere in her dark heart she still cared about Arik.", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "Arik gasped loudly as Ezria pushed him away from Castiel's heated hand, falling to the floor with a loud 'thud'. He coughed and sputtered, a little blood coming up as well as a trickle flowing down from his nose as he closed his eyes and laid back against the hardwood.\n\n\"Ugh. Fucking angels…\", he groaned, noticing for the first time that his meat suit wasn't healing as fast as normal. He rolled onto his side, and sat up on one elbow as Ezria got to him, taking him off guard. He flinched away from her touch at first until his eyes settled on hers, and faded back to their normal baby blue. He sighed, and reached up, grabbing her hand, \"Did I die?\"\n\nHe quipped the words at her, a small smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, and dropped her hand. As the note was slapped against his chest, he groaned, realizing that his meat suit was rather burnt on the inside. It wouldn't take much more damage, at this point. He looked at the list and cringed, \"This looks horrible…You sure you have a plan?\"\n\n---\n\nCastiel stumbled backward, leaning against Bobby's desk as his eyes faded back to normal and the trickle of blood reached his chin, and fell onto the floor. He let his blade fall from his sleeve, into his hand for a split second, before deciding against killing both demons. He was too exhausted. Honestly, he was too exhausted to even fly.\n\nGrumbling, he glanced over at Bobby, \"I'm going for a walk…\", he huffed, stepping out the front door. It was a very human thing to do, but unfortunately, he was about as human as an angel could be, at the moment. He was becoming more useless every day.", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Mika smirked at the 'doing it the winchester way' remark. Sure, it was indeed true and rather normal for them to just go with the flow and never have a proper damn plan in mind. Yet, she still found it slightly amusing none the less. \n\n\"If she didn't hear about it from Lucifer, then it's a worrying thought. Makes me question just how many demons know about this baby full stop in general. I mean, if this chick knows then surely others must as well. Having a demon baby isn't exactly going to stay out of the metaphorical papers for long is it? That's like saying the Prince of Britain having a baby and no one finding out about it.\" Mika responded to him, it was a worrying thought and she probably made a far fetched example, but it was a good and fair one. \n\nHowever, when Dean questioned if Cas was right in HIS opinions, she scowered at him. \"Don't say that Dean... just... dont go there okay. Not yet. Cas can't be right, this baby not only has demon blood running through her veins, but she has Winchester blood running through those veins as well.\" After she said that, herself and Dean heard banging on their door which made Mika spin her head round so fast, she almost gave herself whiplash when she realised it was AnnaBeth screaming and banging on the door. If AnnaBeth was like this, something major is bound to be going down, which got her more concerned, yet when Dean fell flat on his face she couldn't help but be the sudden mean girlfriend and laugh at his downfall....literally. \n\nCoughing to control her laughter, she put on her serious face once again, when the door opened and AnnaBeth said about Castiel and Arik killing each other. Mika wasn't sure whether to roll her eyes or look horrified at this news. An angel and demon at each other's throats once again? Nothing new there she couldn't resist thinking. Though, it didn't stop her nodding in agreement and calling Bobby back to find out what the hell was happening between the Angel and Demon. \n\n---------------------------------------------------\n\nSam ran after AnnaBeth to next door to his brother's and Mika's room and was going to knock on the door but seeing as AnnaBeth had that well under control, he decided against it, as he wasn't sure if the whole door would come off its hinges if he joined in. \n\nOnce the door opened, and AnnaBeth explained what was happening he guided her inside the room, closing the door behind him.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Ezria could feel it when Arik had touched her hand. She heard his question and she was brought back to ages before, but she composed herself, and when Arik spoke she let a hollow chuckle escape her throat. \n\n\"Do I have a plan? Please, Arik, don't mistake me for the other fools.you surround yourself with. Besides, with a child in the balance, it would be unwise to not have a plan.\" She said to him, finishing writing down what she needed to. \"I'm sure you are aware that it may be difficult for me to get.to you as quickly as you can. My powers have been... well, hindered, this is a simple spell to be able to find me if it's urgent.\" She then took up a vial and allowed herself to cut her hand and bleed into it. \"And it better be urgent, I'm not here to be at you beckon call.\"\n\nThe human was on the phone and her other list was for him.\n\n-\n\nBobby answered his.phone and he had to wonder how they knew about the fight. \"Arik and Cas got into a passing contest and Damn near killed each other, but the girl forced them apart. There's definitely something between Arik and her.\" He said, \"but she's getting ready to get the things for the spell. I'd hate to say it, but from what I just saw, she might be okay to trust, for the time being anyway.\"\n\nEzria walked.over to him, barely caring that he was still on the phone. \"This list you should either have on hand, or you should be able to get rather easily. I'm off to get the others. Keep an eye on angel boy and Arik, neither of them are doing very well.\"\n\nBobby wasn't sure if Mika could hear that, but he read over the list as Ezria left, the book she had the spell in still on his desk. He spoke again. \"I'll be sending what I can gather for the spell and the book with Arik.\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "\"Babe, you're ruining my manicure\" the radio said. \n\n Jayceon chuckled at his wife's fake whining, she tends to do that. Often. Elena should be able to handle the fleeing vampire, the time to end the hunt. It was fun while it lasted, but there are bigger fish to fry. The Winchesters, and thier merry little family. The won the first battle, but they have yet to win the war. Jay kept chugging along until he came around the corner and saw the Vampire looming over Elena, whom was laying on the concrete. That's when instinct took over, Jay reached toward his lower back and unholstered his monster of a handgun. Quickly pulling it forward and cocking the hammer back, let loose a flurry of six rounds. As each shot impacted the Vampire, Jayceon moved closer to his foe until they were face to face. In one quick motion, before the Vampire could react, Jayceon decapitated the Vampire. The head rolled right off it's shoulders and smacked the hood of the Mustang before settling on the concrete next to Elena. \"You gotta be more careful babe. Next time I may not be around to save you.\" Jay said extending his right arm.", "username": "Amphibious Assualt", "char_name": "Jayceon 'Jay' Morgan" } ]

[ { "text": "\"Babe, you're ruining my manicure\" the radio said. \n\n Jayceon chuckled at his wife's fake whining, she tends to do that. Often. Elena should be able to handle the fleeing vampire, the time to end the hunt. It was fun while it lasted, but there are bigger fish to fry. The Winchesters, and thier merry little family. The won the first battle, but they have yet to win the war. Jay kept chugging along until he came around the corner and saw the Vampire looming over Elena, whom was laying on the concrete. That's when instinct took over, Jay reached toward his lower back and unholstered his monster of a handgun. Quickly pulling it forward and cocking the hammer back, let loose a flurry of six rounds. As each shot impacted the Vampire, Jayceon moved closer to his foe until they were face to face. In one quick motion, before the Vampire could react, Jayceon decapitated the Vampire. The head rolled right off it's shoulders and smacked the hood of the Mustang before settling on the concrete next to Elena. \"You gotta be more careful babe. Next time I may not be around to save you.\" Jay said extending his right arm.", "username": "Amphibious Assualt", "char_name": "Jayceon 'Jay' Morgan" }, { "text": "Dean turned around, growling and ran his hands through his hair. He listened to what was being said, and began to calm a bit, knowing that neither the angel or the demon was killed or seriously injured in the fight. He turned back around, and stared at everyone in the room, including his brother.\n\n\"This has to stop. We all have to come to some sort of agreement here, or Lucifer is going to have a one way ticket into your head. You feeling okay?\", he asked Sam, honestly, narrowing his eyes. They settled on AnnaBeth's face for a split second, taking in her white eyes, and his own eyes relaxed, \"And you…what about you?\"\n\n----\n\nAnnaBeth placed her hands on her hips, doing her best to look not quite as huge and miserable as she was. She smirked, and a small tuft of scarlet hair fell in front of her eyes, \"I'm as good as can be expected. You look tired.\"\n\n\"I'm exhausted…\", Dean admitted, his eyes training on Sam, who looked like hell, waiting for an answer.\n\n---\n\nArik smirked, \"I could never group you in with my apes.\"\n\nHe took the vial from her hand, his eyes narrowed as he examined it. He made another wide smirk, and spoke, \"So, I can't just call you for a little fun? I mean…what's the apocalypse without a little Hell party, here and there? You did save my life, which will haunt you for the rest of eternity. I owe you.\"\n\nHe sneered at the words coming from his mouth, and attempted to sit himself up, only to lean back with a cough, some black smoke falling onto the floor, with a spark.\n\n\"I hate to say this, but this damn body is toasted. The Winchesters would shit if I found a new kid to jump into.\", another cough and some smoke, \"I'll be back in a few. Tell the old man he has a body to burn when he gets a chance…\"\n\nWith that, Arik smoked out, his body falling to the floor, lifeless. Within seconds, he returned, poofing next to Ezria, flexing his hands as he stood there, in his new meat suit.\n\n---\n\nCastiel mustered up every ounce of strength he had in him, and vanished from the front yard with a flutter of wings. He landed roughly in the hotel room with the others, slumped against the wall, coughing like crazy.\n\n\"I'm back…\"\n\n---\n\nElena shuddered as the head fell next to her. While she had grown accustomed to the gore that they witnessed every day, she would never get used to it completely. She turned her blank expression into a smirk, and took her husband's hand, hoisting herself from the warm concrete.\n\n\"Don't tell me how to do my job.\", she sassed, before smiling a little brighter, \"Besides, my eyes are set on a little bigger prize than vampires. Are we or are we not trailing the Winchesters? They can't be that hard to find…\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Ezria knew that this would haunt her forever, but before she could speak, he was gone, and she called into the house before she got too far, seeing Bobby going through his things. \"You have a body to burn. Courtesy of Arik.\" She called and she began down the driveway, seeing a new form appear before her. \n\nHer eyes trailed his body up and down, but she knew it was Arik. \"Babe, you know how to pick them, but I have a lot to do, and I don't trust angel boy anywhere near Annabeth and the child.\" She said. Arik knew of her soft spot for children, if he still had her in his.mind anywhere. \"Besides, I have a few favors to call in. They see us running together again, everything will go up in smoke.\"\n\nShe placed a hand on his cheek for a moment. \"And I swear if you get into another passing contest with an angel, I'll kill you myself.\"\n\nShe gave his cheek a little.smack as she continued to walk off. \"But, if you were feeling spunky, it does take me a while to get anywhere. My powers on a leash and all, mind a bit of a speed run?\"\n\n--\n\nBobby groaned at the whole body to burn thing. He had almost everything.on the list that Ezria gave him, it was.just gathering it up, and the last thing he'd be able to get pretty easily. He.looked at the tome and saw the ingredients left. They were odd. He had to admit that, but one stuck out. \"Angel feathers?\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "The Nephilim\nThere were sixty-sox seals, the seals were beleived only house the fallen Angel Lucifer. That was not true though, there was one being that was also locked away. This creature was not an Angel, nor was it a Demon. It was something worse, it was a Nephilim. A creature created from an unholy union between a Angel and a Demon. The Angelic Order feared the power of this hybrid so they locked it away in the same fashion that they did the Fallen Angel, Lucifer. After locking the said creature away, it was erased from all text and only few Angel's know of it's existance. Those few Angels were the Arch Angels, Metatron and God himself.\n\nWhen the sixty-six seals were shattered, Vergil the Nephilim escaped. With all of his might, Vergil pulled himself out of the pit, once out he looked around to take in his enviroment. There was splintered wood everywhere, and laying in the ground ten feet from where Vergil stood was a cross, or what resembled a cross. Vergil chuckled at the sight of the destroyed cross. \"How fitting the God would place the entrance of the Cage on the grounds of a church.\" Vergil said before vanishing into thin air. \n\nHe would later reappear in the Himalayam Mountain range, inside a cave. Buried within the cave was a chest that had both Enochian and Latin sigils carved on it. That was the only reason that the chest survived that long. Both the Demonic Order and the Angelic Order had been searching for these chests. Hidden inside the chest was a legendary Angelic tool, one of a kind, the Yamato, an Angel Katana. Vergil smiled as he collected his weapon and pulled it from the scabbard. He checked the condition of the blade, before placing back in it's sheath and vanishing once more.\n\nVergil would soon reappear in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, inside a busy gunshop. He appeared in front of the owner, crouched ontop of the gun counter. Quickly scanning the room, he spotted two weapons, a silver Smith and Wesson .500 Magnum, and a black Colt M1911. \"Both of those weapons will be suitable, I shall have them.\" Vergil said looking away from the Owner. In that instant the owner reached for a hidden shotgun and shoved into Vergil's chest. Before Vergil could turn his head, the shotgun fired launching Vergil backwards into a display.\n\nThe Nephilim stood up and laughed as if the buckshot inside his chest didn't hurt him. \"Was that nice? I don't think it was.\" Vergil said, inching closer to the Owner. The Human frantically tried loading another round into the shotgun but was not fast enough. Next thing the man knew was what Vergil's Yamato felt like. The blade penetrated deep into the man's chest. His death was not slow but he did die. Vergil then collected his weapons and vanished into thin air. Leaving behind several witnesses standing in awe and disbelief in what they just saw.\n\nThe Hunter\n\nFinding the Winchesters was not any easy task. Those two idiots moved around a lot, but that's common for most hunters. There was one definite way to find them though, thier kryptonite in other words. The ex Hunter, and now information gatherer, Robert \"Bobby\" Singer. Jayceon's recent quarry, the Vampire was in Minnehaha County of South Dakota which was all apart of the plan. Bobby Singer's home base was located in Sioux Falls, which was only a few hours drive from thier current location. This was the quickest way to get the location of the Winchesters.\n\n\"Alright baby, we just made it into Sioux Falls. It'll be a few minutes until we get to Bobby's.\" Jay said before pulling the car off the road. The shifted the Mustang in neutral, and reached into his pocket, producing a pack of Marlboro Reds, and a black zippo lighter with a skull embossed on it. Pulling out a cigarette and letting it rest in between his lips, Jay lit it and took a long drag. Upon his inhale, Jayceon began to speak. \"Here's the plan, we kick the door in and take him down fast. I don't think anyone is there, once we got him down we extract the information. I'll have my kit in case, Mr. Singer doesn't want to talk. And you know, I can make him talk. We won't kill him though, that is not apart of the plan. Also you drive babe, I'm tired of driving.\" Jayceon said, opening the door and walking to Elena's side.", "username": "Amphibious Assualt", "char_name": "Vergil" }, { "text": "When Bobby answered the phone, Mika put him on speaker so everyone could hear what he had to say and thankfully hear that both Castiel and Arik were in fact alive. She sighed in relief when she also heard the news as the last thing she wanted at this current time was more anger towards members of their world saving group. They also didn't need AnnaBeth going nucular before she gave birth. \n\nWhilst they were on speaker, she could hear in the background this new chick talking about some kind of list and saying how Bobby should have most of it already laying around nearby. She felt suspicious of this chick that she was yet to encounter personally, but if Bobby said they should trust her for the time being, then she had no choice but to accept that plan and agree to it. After all, she spent years disobeying Bobby and doing her own thing, and it didn't exactly go too well for her. \"Thanks Uncle, duely noted, we'll wait for Arik's arrival. Talk soon.\" She simply said before hanging up the phone and putting it in her jeans pocket once again. \n\n-------------------------------------\n\nSam stayed quiet the entire time they were on the phone to Bobby, also intently listening in on the conversation happening. He sighed also with relief that the two men they know were alive, he wasn't exactly happy about Arik being alive still, but for AnnaBeth's sake, he was relieved by the news. \n\nWhen the phone call ended and Dean asked him how he was doing, he snapped out of his thoughts and looked at his older brother. \"I'm okay, tired but okay.\" He honestly replied. He looked across at everyone as they all spoke to each other, and he also looked on as he watched Mika walk over to Dean and begin to massage his shoulders in a loving and concerned manner. Just like him, she was clearly concerned for Dean's exhaustion which was now beginning to clearly show. \n\nHe quickly spun his head round when he felt a gust of air on the back of his neck and saw Castiel arrive looking worse than any of them. \"Well you look like crap\" he remarked.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "[Bel and I are posting together]\n\n\"I still hate cars.\" Ariel said as she climbed off her motorcycle, looking at Maxwell.\n\n\"Yeah, I know.\" Maxwell shrugged it off with a yawn.\n\n\"Let's get a-\" Ariel froze before sniffing the air. \"I think dimwit might be back. I smell angel.\"\n\nMax chuckled before shaking his head. \"Angel. Great. No demon?\"\n\nRealizing the question, she sniffed again. \"Yes. Wait. This doesn't seem right. It's not Dimidium. But I can tell where it's coming from. Want me to shift?\"\n\n\"Lead the way.\" he sighed. \"Don't shift. They might already know.\"\n\nAriel nodded before walking to the door. \"In here, I think.\" she said. \"But it seems off. There's an angel, two demons and four humans. One of the humans is pregnant.\"\n\n\"How would you know that?\" he asked with a tilt of his head.\n\n\"I can smell the pregnancy hormones.\" she shrugged shyly. \"You wanna knock?\"\n\n\"Oh, great. A pregnant lady.\" he sighed. He knocked loudly with a sigh. \"This isn't housekeeping.\" he called through loudly.\n\nAriel rolled her eyes and shook her head, trying not to laugh. \"Well, aren't you straightforward?\"", "username": "KazeXDZ", "char_name": "Maxwell V Ravencroft" }, { "text": "Josiah - Chicago to Indiana \n\nThe hunter sighed as he moved forward still crouched on the ground. He'd came down to Chicago to have a couple drinks with an old buddy he knew from freshmen year in college and wound up getting involved in a vampire case. God damn it, not too many people can say a few drinks to this shit. Josiah found out the bartenders were vampires and fed on the drunkest people when the bars closed.\n\nHe was ducked off in a room in the bar, he'd managed to kill one of the vampire bar-tenders but the two remaining ones were looking for him. Come on fucking undead fucks get closer. Josiah clenched his machete tight as he heard a noise in the distance the vampires approaching him going in for the kill. He had something in store for them and looked up to try to catch a glimpse of the two vampire bartenders. \n\nJosiah's right hand glowed blue and he kicked the door open lunging forward at one of the vampire bartenders. She tried to dodge with her superhuman speed only for Josiah to jam his machete into her throat. \"Thought you were going somewhere.\" The other bartender lunged at him and he turned around kicking him in the chest as his arm continued to have a blueish hue. Josiah grimaced in slight pain as the vampire looked up at him in shock.\n\n\"What the fuck is going on I feel...\"\n\n\"Human again? That's my little trick, giving you mother fuckers a taste of what you use to before you can't taste shit no more.\" The vampire growled irritated by the hunter's death threats so much so that he was unconcerned about his newfound mortality. The reason being he'd figured if this man was the cause killing him would lead him on the path to being an immortal blood sucking menace again.\n\n.\"Yeah well.\" The vampire had managed to wrap around his hands around a broken beer can and was about to jump up to stab the hunter only to find he'd had a machete driven through his forehead. Blood oozed out from the wound before Josiah removed the weapon and punched the blade through his throat causing more blood to burst out as the vampire fell to the ground dead.\n\n\"Yeah well nothing bitch.\" The blueish glow faded away and Josiah stumbled forward grabbing his forehead for a brief second feeling some pain before ignoring it. Looking around he saw the bar was a a mess but shrugged his shoulders. I ain't no god damn janitor.\n\nMaking one more look around tom make sure there was nothing else supernatural he missed he left the bar and whipped out his keys as he approached his vehicle. This whole thing had gone to the wayside and now he just wanted to rest. Getting in his vehicle and starting up the car he began driving. He just wanted to get away, and it wasn't long before he was pulling into a hotel in Indiana. He yawned as he pulled in between two cars to park and got out grabbing his bags from the back seat before locking his doors. \"This looks like a good place as any to pass out.\" And I doubt there's any fucking supernatural activity going on here. Feeling confident in his choice he made his way inside ready to get a room, order some food, and pass out.", "username": "Chulance", "char_name": "Josiah Mezunun" }, { "text": "(As we come into this post, and the current events, we are heading into the episode, \"Hammer of the Gods\". It's directly after Adam has been possessed by Michael. If you haven't seen season five, I recommend you go back and watch. If you have seen season five, I recommend you go back and watch, even then. The reason for this is that this is a scripted RP, that adds original characters for flare and fun. So, it pretty much follows the timeline of the show. Now…to start the fun!)\n\n---\n\nAnnaBeth raised her head, thinking hard on the subject matter of the conversation. She then smiled, and narrowed her eyes, \"What about Riley…\", she murmured, meeting Sam's eyes for a second as she rubbed her right hand across his bare chest. As she waited for him to answer, she took a deep breath, the baby suddenly rolling visibly under her skin. As the babies foot caused AnnaBeth's skin to raise, it rolled against Sam's ribs, and she winced, but quickly smiled, \"I don't think she likes it…\"\n\n---\n\n\"What do you think?\", Dean asked Castiel, who stood against the wall of the small hotel room, playing with a rubix cube.\n\n\"About what?\"\n\n\"What do you mean 'about what?'…The baby…\", Dean clarified, his eyes narrowing, annoyed. He crossed his arms uncomfortably, glancing around for any sign of the others.\n\n\"Oh…You mean the abomination. I think it's a terrible and naive idea, believing that this…thing…can be the savior of earth. You've already met the anti-christ. He was a young boy with a vivid imagination. You talked him down like a suicide bomber…Poof…out of the picture…\", Castiel snapped a bit, leaning heavier against the wall, \"I think that you should allow me to do what should have been done when she first felt the first pain of infestation…\"\n\n\"Will you cut it out?! Mika would murder us both, if we hurt this thing. It's a baby, and it's blood, whether it has demon in it or not. We don't know…\"\n\n\"We don't know?!\", Castiel snapped suddenly, stepping away from the wall. The rubix cube vanished from his hand, and his eyes were serious, \"This pregnancy has lasted a mere two months and she's looking at delivering in a week…or less. You want to shove it under the rug as a 'maybe' for demon blood. I think it's pretty clear that there will be blood, and pain. There will be anguish, and before I allow the one tool we have against killing Lucifer die, I will take care of it.\"\n\n\"Wow, Cas…\", Dean said incredulously, \"She's still just a tool, to you…She's risked her life for yours, did everything you asked, and you still consider her just a weapon? You should be ashamed of yourself!\"\n\n\"And I'm not. You wanna know why I'm not, Dean? Because I'm not a stupid, weak little bag of blood, hoping and dreaming that in the end, the apocalypse is simply a fluke, and will be over with without a single drop of blood from any of you. I'm not ashamed, because in the end, we're all dead…\"\n\n\"I can't believe that.\", Dean whispered, \"I will protect her until my last breath, and I will keep my brother alive. We WILL kill Lucifer, and then you're free to hit the road. We're not killing the baby, until we have to…end of discussion. Now…is there anything we can do about her night terrors?\"\n\n\"You've heard my thoughts. I'm finished. You protect that baby, and I'm finished…\"\n\n\"Then be gone, feather duster…\", a voice sounded from behind Dean. Castiel simply rolled his eyes and glared.\n\n\"Speaking of garbage to take out. Dean…deal with your dog…\", Castiel spat, glaring at Arik, as the demon stepped up beside Dean and lit a cigarette. He offered it to the man next to him, but Dean simply waved him off.\n\n\"I don't have time for a pissing match. Arik, you know anything about getting into AB's head?\", he asked, but Arik simply shook his head, taking a long drag off his cigarette, \"Great…\"\n\n\"You guys were threatening the baby, am I right?\", Arik murmured, \"May not be mine, anymore…but…I think I've been drawn to her, all along…\"\n\n\"You've what?\", Dean asked, his eyes narrowed almost to a close, \"Like…twilight werewolf vs vampire baby drawn to her?\"\n\n\"Why you gotta make it creepy?\", Arik asked, and Dean simply shrugged…\n\n(I'm cutting it off here to give someone time to walk up or say something to either of the groups lol)", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Sam's thoughts were split in two. On one side, he was thinking of the guilt of not being able to save Adam, but the other half he was wrapped up in the subject of conversation he was having with AnnaBeth. That subject matter was what would they call their baby girl when she was born. He knew AnnaBeth would go into labor really any day now, it was only a matter of time until they were welcoming a new child into the world... a world of fear and hatred and war.. the apocalypse. Not exactly the perfect time he knew, but you just can't always guarantee and plan these things. He knew though, that he would die protecting this girl and AnnaBeth.\n\nWhen AnnaBeth suggested a possible name, he thought about it and sort of liked the ring to the name Riley, but when their unborn daughter clearly wriggled in disgust at the name against them both inside her womb, he couldn't help but chuckle. \"Okay.. not Riley,\" He smiled, rubbing his thumb up and down AnnaBeth's arm lovingly.\n\n---\n\nMika was away from the motel as it was her turn for the supply run aka food and drink. They needed a few supplies as well, so she decided she may as well get everything and meet them all back at the motel. She also felt it was only right to get some stuff for AnnaBeth and Sam, ready for when their daughter was born. It's not like they could just go into a hospital for her labor when it's an supernatural baby birth. Last thing they needed was for any motel staff to get into a conflict with them for AnnaBeth doing something that is perfectly natural. Even if it wasn't in this motel- which is very unlikely, it would be any motel. Or in Dean's nightmare- in Baby.... the impala.\n\nShe soon enough made it back to the motel and stopped off at Sam and AnnaBeth's room giving them the signature knock, so they knew it was her. \"Guys, I got the food and some stuff for you, open up.\" She called through, and as she waited, Sam carefully got up and walked over to the door, opening it up and taking what Mika gave him. \"Thanks Meeko,\" Sam told her, and this took Mika by surprise a little bit, as it had been quite a few weeks since Sam felt he could use her nickname that he gave her when they were kids. \"Any time.. how you both doing?\" Mika questioned, \"Good... talking names,\" Sam replied. \"Good luck with that, shout if you need anything,\" She told him, before patting him on his arm and leaving their room, to head to hers and Dean's.\n\nShe walked down two doors to their, pulling out her roomkey, opening the door. \"I'm back, with food and much earned drinks,\" She said, holding up their rations, only to instantly feel negativity filing the room between Dean, Arik and Castiel. \"Woah.... I could cut the tension with a knife in here.. can we all just chill just for a few minutes?\" She suggested, dumping the chinese take out bag on the table and cracking open a can of beer.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "AnnaBeth giggled softly, reaching out and taking one of the bottles of vitamins from Sam's hand, \"It's not to be understood, in the words of the 'great' Castiel. I just have to take them, and they will magically make everything okay. Other than the sleeping meds, I don't think I will complain about any of it.\", she muttered, popping open the bottle and pouring a couple of the vitamins into her hand.\n\n\"I'm a little scared...\", she admitted, as the baby rolled, causing a small wave of nausea to flow through her, \"We don't know when she's going to come, and I know what everyone is saying about when the baby comes...about me dying...\"\n\nShe bowed her head a bit, closing her eyes.\n\n---\n\nDean quickly dipped his hand into the bag on the floor, after taking a huge bite of pie. Pulling out the pain killers, he popped the top and tossed four into his mouth, swallowing them with his pie. He reached across and grabbed Mika's soda from her hand, taking a drink, and then placed it back in her hand with a sheepish grin, \"And I'm happy.\"\n\nHe dropped the grin and glared over toward Arik, bringing up one of his own large feet to kick Arik's boot, \"He's not killing any babies. He's worried. He's just worried.\", he turned to Mika, \"Have we found anything about delivering a demonoid baby? Surely there's lore somewhere. What's Bobby saying?\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "The bags under his eyes were deep. These books used to be nothing but helpful but now they were letting him down. Bobby brought up his glass of bourbon and sighed. \"Balls.\"\n\nThey would be calling soon if he didn't call them, and all of his books had done nothing for him. He needed to find the right one, but anything he read spoke of the anti-Christ. And that was far from helpful, but he continued on, opening an even older more worn down book.\n\n-\n\nAnd there it was, Singer Auto Salvage. It had been a long trip here, but the brunette girl with human emerald eyes smirked. The black crossed over her eyes as she made her way up the driveway, a small token under her arm. She may have done her best to stay under the radar, but she knew a lot, having been watching this Bobby Singer for a while. A demon child was to be born, but nearly all signs pointed to the anti-Christ. Not the one she had though. Took some doing, but after a run in with her own kind, she managed to get it.\n\nShe moved herself towards the door, and she stopped, her eyes staring at the frame.\n\n\"Balls!\" She heard from the other side of the door.\n\n\"Definitely not good.\" She muttered to herself, knocking on the door. The older man opened the door, and looked to her. \"Bobby Singer, right?\" She asked, and he looked at her.\n\n\"Do I know you?\" He asked, and she chuckled.\n\n\"No, but you're going to want to.\" She said, holding up the book as her eyes flashed black. He moved to do something, but she held up her other hand. \"Now, Now, peace offering. I don't want the apocalypse anymore than you do. Besides, a demon lovechild?\"\n\nBobby's face said it all, \"Balls.\" He repeated, and he picked up his phone. \"What's your name?\"\n\n\"Ezria.\" She answered.\n\nBobby sighed, and the other end picked up. \"Dean.\" He said, forcing himself to allow the girl in. \"I may have found something, but first I need you to ask Arik about the name Ezria.\"\n\nEzria leaned against the door frame. Oh this would be interesting.", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "Arik perked up as, right on cue, Dean's phone lit up with Bobby's number scrolling across. Dean grabbed for it, setting his pie aside to answer the oddly timed call, \"Yeah, Bobby. Whatcha got…\", he started, before he was interrupted by Bobby's words. Narrowing his eyes, he sat up a little straighter in his chair, and listened.\n\n\"Alright…\", he murmured quietly, turning his head to Arik, who was now leaning in close to him on the bed, \"What do you know…about the name Ezria?\"\n\nAs soon as the name rolled off Dean's tongue, Arik's face fell. His eyes widened, and he stared straight ahead, as if Dean had uttered something terrifying. He quickly recovered, leaning back a bit with a sigh, \"We go way back.\"\n\n\"Why don't you define way back…\", Dean began. However, Arik leaned back a little further, before he vanished, \"Dammit! Bobby, I think he's coming to you.\"\n\nOn cue, Arik appeared next to Bobby, lighting a cigarette with a smug smile, \"Boss man's tricks. I still got 'em.\", he muttered, explaining once more the reason he had learned to teleport. His time working for crossroads demons wasn't for nothing. His eyes shifted, simply landing on Ezria with no expression.", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Bobby had just barely heard Dean's warning when Arik appeared. Bobby saw Ezria open the book and turn it towards him. \"There may be a spell we can use, but I've got to read more on it. I'll call you back when I have more to tell.\"\n\nEzria's eyes soon fell on Arik, her face equally expressionless until she gave a half chuckle. \"Its been a while, and you know, honestly, I'm a bit hurt. You don't write, you don't call, and when you knew a ball fell into my court I had to find out by following this mortal.\"\n\nEzria motioned to Bobby. \"I mean sure, getting hold of the tome was a bit bloodier than I may have liked, but hey, witchcraft was always my forte.\"\n\nBobby looked between the two for a moment. \"This spell. Where would we get half of the necessary ingredients?\"\n\nEzria gave a slick grin. \"I could help there, but I'm not stupid like others I have to, unfortunately, share a species with. But, that's only if you ask and I get something in return.\"\n\nBobby groaned. He looked to Arik, showing him the spell. \"How difficult would these be to come by regularly?\"\n\nA valid question, and Ezria just smirked. If she had learned one thing, having the Winchesters in the pocket was a good thing.", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "It had been a quarter to midnight when he snuck into the back of the ER. No one paid any attention to him; they were too busy trying to help the people who actually needed it. Billy could smell it in the air, the sick and the dying, those who'll live and those who won't. But what got him the most was the blood, the hot, sweet smell of the blood. It's everywhere, permeating the air like an expensive perfume. His fangs extend a little, pushing down on his bottom lip, almost puncturing skin. It's uncomfortable, but it helped him focus. The sweet smell of the blood rushing underneath skin was almost too much to bear, just begging to be -\n\nWhy do you do this to yourself? It's not worth it, he can hear his own voice in his head, chastising him again for even daring to step inside this place. While Billy might not've been the most cautious of vampires, even he should've known the risks of putting himself right into the middle of a group of humans. It was horribly masochistic, sure, but the payoff was worth it. He could survive walking through a buffet when it meant he could get the particular kind of nutrition he needed without killing anyone.\n\nGranted, he'd drained at least a dozen people in his first few months of vampirism, but that was besides the point. He was trying his best to go off the live stuff, and thus, that was all that mattered.\n\nInching closer to a 'Staff Only' door, Billy checked to see if the coast was clear. People still didn't look his way. If anything, they avoided catching his eye. He was the last thing from intimidating, but as a vampire, there was something about him that made people instinctively shy away, even if they didn't know why.\n\nSlipping inside the room, the door clicked shut behind him, and he quickly set to work. The sooner he got out of here, the better, but he wasn't about to pass up the chance to try out some of the more… exotic fare. Who knows when he'd be able to pull something like this again, right?\n\n\n\n---\n\n\n\nSlurp.\n\nSluuurp.\n\nA long, heaving sigh of satisfaction escaped from Billy as he sucked up the last of the blood through a neon green silly straw. O negative - his favourite. Of course, it wasn't quite as good as it would've been straight out of a jugular, but hey, beggars couldn't be choosers. Microwaving the blood bags for just a few seconds to get them to just the right temperature was a neat little trick he'd picked up a couple months back. Not like he could do much else with them, anyway. The amenities of a motel were sparse at best, and that was putting it gently.\n\nJust as he was about to retrieve the fifth serving from his messenger bag, the overwhelming stench of rotten eggs filled his nostrils. Uh-oh, that wasn't good. The last time few times he smelt sulfur, things didn't turn out too great for him. What was behind these strange occurrences? He didn't know, but one thing was for sure - they fucked him up big-time. Whether it was bad luck or something else altogether, the trail of carnage left behind put the law enforcement on high alert, making it near impossible for Billy to even keep himself fed. People got antsy, and just the thought of having to leave town yet again pissed him off.\n\nJust as he was having an internal debate with himself on the merits of leaving versus those of staying, the scent of sulfur was gone, almost as quickly as it'd surfaced. For a moment or two, Billy simply sat there, waiting for the stench to return, but it never did. Well, that was weird. What was he supposed to make of that? The whole blink-and-you'll-miss-it thing unnerved him, but he wasn't about to hit the road just because he smelt some rotten eggs. He had a good thing here, and it was honestly shocking how the hospital he kept stealing from hadn't caught on after this long. Billy wasn't complaining, though. The subpar customer service made his job a whole lot easier.", "username": "Phloem", "char_name": "William \"Billy\" Murdoch" }, { "text": "Arik rolled his eyes, taking a long drag off of his cigarette and leaned in close to Ezria's face, a lot like he was going to kiss her, before he smirked, \"You're here because you're running scared like everyone else…and I'm doubting anyone is going to take in another demon, during this mess. Good luck with batting your eyelashes. Honestly, if I didn't need you…I would kill you right now…\", he whispered.\n\nStraightening, he gathered what emotions he had accidentally let show, his memories kicking his ass for a second and stood close to Bobby. Honestly stress was getting to him, as bad as the others, at that time. As Bobby leaned toward him and showed him the ingredients list, he winced, realizing that they would need the help, and the firepower to actually get them.\n\n\"I hate to say it…but…she's got leverage, here.\", he sighed, squinting his eyes as the words became hard to admit out loud, \"And I know what she wants. What do you want?\"\n\nAs he asked the question, he flexed his fists, before a flutter of wings blew the hair from his forehead, and Castiel stood in front of him, between he and Ezria.\n\n\"Bobby, I…\", Castiel started, and his eyes landed on Arik, \"I didn't realize you were dog sitting. How did you get here?\" he asked.\n\n\"Unlike you, my wings aren't clipped. You got a little…\", Arik signaled toward his own nose, as a trickle of blood fell from Cas'.\n\nReaching a hand up, Castiel quickly wiped the blood away, and sneered, \"My wings are NOT clipped! What have you found?\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" } ]

[ { "text": "Mika smiled when Dean said he was happy. Honestly, none of them get to say that very often anymore, and when she does hear any of them say it, it makes her smile. Something that she treasures deeply considering the times ahead. When Dean asked if Bobby has said anything on AB's pregnancy and if he's found anything her smile quickly dropped to a serious look. \"Unfortunately no, he's not found anyth--\" She began to explain, when right on cue Dean's phone rang and it was Bobby. \n\n\"Talk of the devil...\" She muttered quietly, causing herself to smirk. She fidgeted on her chair, wishing Dean would just put the cell on speakerphone like he usually does, but this time he didn't and it irked her irrationally. Her curiosity got picked when he looked over at Arik and asked who Ezria was. \"yeah... who is Ezria?\" she thought to herself. Hearing him say they go way back, just picked her curiosity even more, then... then he was gone. \n\n\"I'll never get used to him and Cas teleporting in and out..\" she remarked. She awaited for news like Dean, when suddenly her own phone rang after some time later. \"Hey Bobby...Brilliant, hit me. Wait.... what's the catch?\" She asked, shooting a concerned look towards Dean, before pulling her phone away from her ear and putting Bobby on speaker. \n\n------------------------------------------------\n\nSam smiled at AnnaBeth when she spoke about the pills and what Castiel thinks about them. \"Well, if they help then I won't complain either. Its times like these I'm seriously thankful for Mika being in our lives again.\" Sam admits to her. He watched as she took the pills, and smiled but frowned when she admitted to being scared about this whole situation. \n\nSure, pregnancy can be a scary time at the best and normal of times, but this is a whole new thing. She was allowed to be scared, but it still didn't make him frown as he never wanted her to be scared of anything. If she became scared, he feared he would become scared. \"Hey.... it's going to be okay...\" He started to say to her, taking her hand and rubbing his thumb across the top of her hand. \n\n\"We'll figure this out, and you'll be fine. you're not dying, not on my watch\" He told her in a reassuring tone of voice.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Bobby pondered for a moment. Then spoke. \"Well, it comes with how I found out about.it.in the first place... and how we are going to get everything we need.\" He groaned a bit. \"There is another demon, her name is Ezria. Arik seems to know her, and he admitted.that we're going to need her help on this one too.\"\n\nHe looked to see Castiel, Arik, and Ezria.all standing in his study together, and he spoke again. \"I'm not quite sure of her angle, but she wants something in return. Won't even hint on it until we've got this going. Says we don't have much time.\"\n\nHe studied.her.back from where he was. She was crafty, he'd give her that much. \"I'll call again soon, hopefully with some.better.news.\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "\"You have no idea. If not for my…affliction…I would take care of that mouth of yours.\", Castiel sassed at Ezria, before listening to Bobby's phone call. He became concerned, staring Bobby down as he spoke to Mika about the plan. As Bobby hung up the phone, Castiel placed a bloody hand against his eyebrows and sighed, \"We're trusting a demon with something as important as this. Our one weapon could be killed by this…this thing.\"\n\n\"So, she's a weapon to you? Again? Wow, pigeon. That's cold, even for you dicks…\", Arik growled, his eyes becoming black around the edges from the small bit of rage flowing through his veins.\n\n\"I'm just keeping things into perspective, unlike the rest of you. Even Dean has the veil over his eyes. This is the end of times, in case you haven't noticed. There isn't much time for cuddling and singing songs. We have to fight this with every ounce of power we have. Lucifer wants the girl…\"\n\n\"AnnaBeth…\", Arik corrected.\n\n\"…and we will do what we have to do to keep her safe. If that means killing the abomination growing inside of her, then yes. I will do that. Try and stop me and I will kill you where you stand.\"\n\n\"How? Smite me? I don't feel like you have much confidence behind that statement. Touch her, and I will rip your meat suit into so many pieces, daddy dearest couldn't put you back together…\", Arik sneered. Out of habit, Castiel slapped his hand against Arik's forehead, and much to both of their surprise, Arik's eyes began glowing white around the edges, and his half open mouth did the same, as a groan left his throat. The small trickle of blood from Castiel's nose was a pretty good indicator that this would not end well for either of them.\n\n----\n\nDean closed his eyes as Bobby finished explaining their scenario. He brought a hand up to wipe down the front of his face and sighed, \"Well, there's that. A demon…with leverage. Must be Tuesday. What do you think? Could she be legit? I mean, after Ruby, I'm not sure what to believe from these hell bitches. Even Arik is sketchy, sometimes.\"\n\nHe gazed at Mika, attempting to study the look on her face for answers.\n\n---\n\nAnnaBeth smiled, gripping Sam's hand as he reassured her. She leaned forward sweetly and placed a quick kiss against his lips, as a vision flashed through her head. It was the first in months that she had dealt with and it was vivid. Her eyes turned white and she stared blankly at his face for a few seconds, before leaning back, terrified.\n\n\"Cas and Arik are fighting. Like…really fighting. They're both at Bobby's.\", she whispered, \"We have to tell Dean. Cas is killing him, Sam!\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Mika for the entirety of the call, kept a blank expression. She felt the need to remain expressionless for some unknown reason, even though the thoughts in her head were the complete opposite to her outside persona. \nWhen Bobby said he'll call back later and hung up, she continued to make complete sense of what was spoken about. \"great... another Ruby scenario. Just what we all need in our lives\" she thought to herself, when she was suddenly snapped out of her thoughts at the feel of Dean's eyes upon her. \n\nSighing and nodding at his words, she pinched the bridge of her nose. \"I'm about as lost in this as you are. like you, I'm just thinking and feeling this is another Ruby scenario, and even though i wasn't exactly with you two during that time, I was quietly around and heard about it from Bobby.\" She openly explained. \"I normally have answers Dean, but this... this has me completely stumped.\" She admitted. If she was stumped about this, then that meant they have to be in for a long hard road.... and not one they would welcome. \n\nOnly thing she could think of was wait until Bobby called them back with anything else, and then make a game plan from that. \"I guess, I guess we'll have to play this by ear.\" She sighed once more, lowering her head. She hated being in this situation, she hated not knowing and not having everything planned out in advance. \n\n--------------------------------\n\nSam smiled, seeing his reassurance was indeed working. This made him feel complete. He returned the sweet short kiss gladly, when he was taken aback by AnnaBeth suddenly getting a vision. He recognised the scene playing out in front of him instantly. He quickly became concerned and worried, as her visions weren't ever of anything positive, and he knew instantly they're free time of relaxation was going to be rapidly ended. \n\nHe held onto her shoulders when she snapped out of her shoulders, seeing just how terrified she was, but he was not expecting what came out of her mouth. \"What!?\" He exclaimed, even more shocked that he sounded concerned for Arik's life. He never cared for Arik, so what had suddenly changed in him now? \n\n\"We need to let the others know\" He simply said with great urgency in his voice.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Down in a dark alley, there was a hooded figure. That hooded figure was hunched over breathing heavily. It seemed like the figure had been running for quite sometime sometime. A bead of sweat rolled down his brow, he whipped his head around and beared his teeth. Soon after bearing them, a new set of teeth overlappped them. The new teeth were like finely sharpened knives. This hooded figure was a Vampire. The hunt was on. \"My, my what sharp teeth you have.\" said the darkness. Walking out the darkness was a young male. He wore a black shirt and stonewashed jeans. Strapped to his hip was a Model 629 .44 Magnum Hunter and he was gripping a large machete. The Vampire snareled before running deeper into the darkness. Jayceon chuckled before pursuing the fleeing creature, the vampire moved quite fast even though it was tired. Jay hadn't even broken a sweat yet, he was in top shape and made sure that he was always like that. The young hunter stopped for a brief second and pulled a small walkie talkie out of his back left pocket. \"Hey baby girl, Shark Tooth is heading your way.\"", "username": "Amphibious Assualt", "char_name": "Jayceon 'Jay' Morgan" }, { "text": "Dean sighed once more and shook his head, \"Playing things by ear in the middle of the apocalypse, the Winchester way, eh?\"\n\nHe leaned back in his chair, picking up a beer. He banged the head against the table, causing the beer to open messily, and took a long drink, \"So, what we know. Arik knows the chick. He's not back, yet, which means she's important to him, or at least was. I know him well enough to know that much. She seems to have a lot of knowledge of A.B.'s situation. I would say that she got that info from Lucifer, wouldn't you? I mean, how many demons know about this thing? Once again, we're between a rock and a hard place over this…and maybe…could Cas be right?\"\n\n--------\n\nAnnaBeth rolled off the bed with a wince, opening the door to their room immediately. Her eyes were still white, showing her panic as she began banging on the door to Mika and Dean's room with urgency, \"DEAN! Open the door!\"\n\nSome rustling inside was heard, as Dean tripped over a chair and nearly fell face first into the door, and then the heavy oak barrier was opened.\n\n\"We have to get to Bobby's. We have to do something! Cas and Arik are killing each other.\"\n\n\"Killing each other? Cas doesn't even have any juice, at the moment. How sure are you?\", Dean asked, glancing back at Mika, worried.\n\n\"I don't have visions anymore. There has to be a reason that this one came through. I wouldn't call it a 'dream', if that's what you mean. It came out of nowhere.\"\n\n\"Mika. Call Bobby back, right now.\", Dean ordered, closing his eyes with a sigh, before settling them on his brother.\n\n----------\nElena perched herself on the hood of the Mustang, a bottle of nail polish sitting open, beside her. She blew on one of her fingernails, and began to paint another, a little bored as Jay played his games with their current hunt. They used to not play with the monsters they hunted, but with the demons in hiding and the angels keeping most other monsters in check, this was really the only fun that they were able to have.\n\nShe finished the nail she was working on, just in time for the radio to hiss with a familiar voice. Smirking, she stood from the hood, capped her fingernail polish and picked up the green handled machete that lay next to it. \n\nShe lifted the radio, \"Babe…you're ruining my manicure…\", she fake whined, as she slammed the flat edge of her machete against the approaching vampire's throat, clotheslining it to the ground with a groan. She raised the machete to finish the job but was swept off her feet by a strong leg, and tumbled to the ground, her machete skidding away from her along with her radio.", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" } ]

[ { "text": "Ezria narrowed her eyes at Castiel. \"I wish you would, angel boy. But even then, if you knew what I knew, you'd understand why I don't fear you.\" She said, but things got heated and Bobby returned. \"She took her eyes off of the two for a moment and spoke to Bobby. \"Do you happen to have wolf's bane lying around? I need some for my first task.\"\n\nBobby went to answer, and saw what was.going on the.moment that Arik's eyes changed. He nearly got his sawed off up before he saw Ezria react. She managed to push Arik back, and she felt Castiel make contact with her. \n\nThis wouldn't be her end, she could feel it. He just wasn't strong enough. But something stopped it, and she barely gathered herself before she did the first thing that came to mind. She got to Arik, and she checked on him. Whether it was old habit, or just her first reaction, she wasn't sure, but he did take the brunt of it. She moved some of his hair from his face. \"Same reckless behavior, I knew it would Damn near get you killed one day.\"\n\nShe finally got herself stable and began writing a few things down. She slapped the.list to Arik's chest. \"Watch for those signs when you're with Annabeth. Get a hold of me as soon as possible if she starts labor. I'm off to get some of what we need.\"\n\nShe looked to Bobby whose phone was ringing, and he left the room to answer as she continued to scribble things down. She had sold her soul to be the strongest witch possible, though her.powers had been hindered since becoming a demon, she was still strong, and under Lucifer who was a great teacher himself. Her eyes fell on Castiel, and she averted them quickly. She had an urge to kill him, but she couldn't. She didn't the means. \n\nAnd it didn't help that somewhere in her dark heart she still cared about Arik.", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "Arik gasped loudly as Ezria pushed him away from Castiel's heated hand, falling to the floor with a loud 'thud'. He coughed and sputtered, a little blood coming up as well as a trickle flowing down from his nose as he closed his eyes and laid back against the hardwood.\n\n\"Ugh. Fucking angels…\", he groaned, noticing for the first time that his meat suit wasn't healing as fast as normal. He rolled onto his side, and sat up on one elbow as Ezria got to him, taking him off guard. He flinched away from her touch at first until his eyes settled on hers, and faded back to their normal baby blue. He sighed, and reached up, grabbing her hand, \"Did I die?\"\n\nHe quipped the words at her, a small smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, and dropped her hand. As the note was slapped against his chest, he groaned, realizing that his meat suit was rather burnt on the inside. It wouldn't take much more damage, at this point. He looked at the list and cringed, \"This looks horrible…You sure you have a plan?\"\n\n---\n\nCastiel stumbled backward, leaning against Bobby's desk as his eyes faded back to normal and the trickle of blood reached his chin, and fell onto the floor. He let his blade fall from his sleeve, into his hand for a split second, before deciding against killing both demons. He was too exhausted. Honestly, he was too exhausted to even fly.\n\nGrumbling, he glanced over at Bobby, \"I'm going for a walk…\", he huffed, stepping out the front door. It was a very human thing to do, but unfortunately, he was about as human as an angel could be, at the moment. He was becoming more useless every day.", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Mika smirked at the 'doing it the winchester way' remark. Sure, it was indeed true and rather normal for them to just go with the flow and never have a proper damn plan in mind. Yet, she still found it slightly amusing none the less. \n\n\"If she didn't hear about it from Lucifer, then it's a worrying thought. Makes me question just how many demons know about this baby full stop in general. I mean, if this chick knows then surely others must as well. Having a demon baby isn't exactly going to stay out of the metaphorical papers for long is it? That's like saying the Prince of Britain having a baby and no one finding out about it.\" Mika responded to him, it was a worrying thought and she probably made a far fetched example, but it was a good and fair one. \n\nHowever, when Dean questioned if Cas was right in HIS opinions, she scowered at him. \"Don't say that Dean... just... dont go there okay. Not yet. Cas can't be right, this baby not only has demon blood running through her veins, but she has Winchester blood running through those veins as well.\" After she said that, herself and Dean heard banging on their door which made Mika spin her head round so fast, she almost gave herself whiplash when she realised it was AnnaBeth screaming and banging on the door. If AnnaBeth was like this, something major is bound to be going down, which got her more concerned, yet when Dean fell flat on his face she couldn't help but be the sudden mean girlfriend and laugh at his downfall....literally. \n\nCoughing to control her laughter, she put on her serious face once again, when the door opened and AnnaBeth said about Castiel and Arik killing each other. Mika wasn't sure whether to roll her eyes or look horrified at this news. An angel and demon at each other's throats once again? Nothing new there she couldn't resist thinking. Though, it didn't stop her nodding in agreement and calling Bobby back to find out what the hell was happening between the Angel and Demon. \n\n---------------------------------------------------\n\nSam ran after AnnaBeth to next door to his brother's and Mika's room and was going to knock on the door but seeing as AnnaBeth had that well under control, he decided against it, as he wasn't sure if the whole door would come off its hinges if he joined in. \n\nOnce the door opened, and AnnaBeth explained what was happening he guided her inside the room, closing the door behind him.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Ezria could feel it when Arik had touched her hand. She heard his question and she was brought back to ages before, but she composed herself, and when Arik spoke she let a hollow chuckle escape her throat. \n\n\"Do I have a plan? Please, Arik, don't mistake me for the other fools.you surround yourself with. Besides, with a child in the balance, it would be unwise to not have a plan.\" She said to him, finishing writing down what she needed to. \"I'm sure you are aware that it may be difficult for me to get.to you as quickly as you can. My powers have been... well, hindered, this is a simple spell to be able to find me if it's urgent.\" She then took up a vial and allowed herself to cut her hand and bleed into it. \"And it better be urgent, I'm not here to be at you beckon call.\"\n\nThe human was on the phone and her other list was for him.\n\n-\n\nBobby answered his.phone and he had to wonder how they knew about the fight. \"Arik and Cas got into a passing contest and Damn near killed each other, but the girl forced them apart. There's definitely something between Arik and her.\" He said, \"but she's getting ready to get the things for the spell. I'd hate to say it, but from what I just saw, she might be okay to trust, for the time being anyway.\"\n\nEzria walked.over to him, barely caring that he was still on the phone. \"This list you should either have on hand, or you should be able to get rather easily. I'm off to get the others. Keep an eye on angel boy and Arik, neither of them are doing very well.\"\n\nBobby wasn't sure if Mika could hear that, but he read over the list as Ezria left, the book she had the spell in still on his desk. He spoke again. \"I'll be sending what I can gather for the spell and the book with Arik.\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "\"Babe, you're ruining my manicure\" the radio said. \n\n Jayceon chuckled at his wife's fake whining, she tends to do that. Often. Elena should be able to handle the fleeing vampire, the time to end the hunt. It was fun while it lasted, but there are bigger fish to fry. The Winchesters, and thier merry little family. The won the first battle, but they have yet to win the war. Jay kept chugging along until he came around the corner and saw the Vampire looming over Elena, whom was laying on the concrete. That's when instinct took over, Jay reached toward his lower back and unholstered his monster of a handgun. Quickly pulling it forward and cocking the hammer back, let loose a flurry of six rounds. As each shot impacted the Vampire, Jayceon moved closer to his foe until they were face to face. In one quick motion, before the Vampire could react, Jayceon decapitated the Vampire. The head rolled right off it's shoulders and smacked the hood of the Mustang before settling on the concrete next to Elena. \"You gotta be more careful babe. Next time I may not be around to save you.\" Jay said extending his right arm.", "username": "Amphibious Assualt", "char_name": "Jayceon 'Jay' Morgan" }, { "text": "Dean turned around, growling and ran his hands through his hair. He listened to what was being said, and began to calm a bit, knowing that neither the angel or the demon was killed or seriously injured in the fight. He turned back around, and stared at everyone in the room, including his brother.\n\n\"This has to stop. We all have to come to some sort of agreement here, or Lucifer is going to have a one way ticket into your head. You feeling okay?\", he asked Sam, honestly, narrowing his eyes. They settled on AnnaBeth's face for a split second, taking in her white eyes, and his own eyes relaxed, \"And you…what about you?\"\n\n----\n\nAnnaBeth placed her hands on her hips, doing her best to look not quite as huge and miserable as she was. She smirked, and a small tuft of scarlet hair fell in front of her eyes, \"I'm as good as can be expected. You look tired.\"\n\n\"I'm exhausted…\", Dean admitted, his eyes training on Sam, who looked like hell, waiting for an answer.\n\n---\n\nArik smirked, \"I could never group you in with my apes.\"\n\nHe took the vial from her hand, his eyes narrowed as he examined it. He made another wide smirk, and spoke, \"So, I can't just call you for a little fun? I mean…what's the apocalypse without a little Hell party, here and there? You did save my life, which will haunt you for the rest of eternity. I owe you.\"\n\nHe sneered at the words coming from his mouth, and attempted to sit himself up, only to lean back with a cough, some black smoke falling onto the floor, with a spark.\n\n\"I hate to say this, but this damn body is toasted. The Winchesters would shit if I found a new kid to jump into.\", another cough and some smoke, \"I'll be back in a few. Tell the old man he has a body to burn when he gets a chance…\"\n\nWith that, Arik smoked out, his body falling to the floor, lifeless. Within seconds, he returned, poofing next to Ezria, flexing his hands as he stood there, in his new meat suit.\n\n---\n\nCastiel mustered up every ounce of strength he had in him, and vanished from the front yard with a flutter of wings. He landed roughly in the hotel room with the others, slumped against the wall, coughing like crazy.\n\n\"I'm back…\"\n\n---\n\nElena shuddered as the head fell next to her. While she had grown accustomed to the gore that they witnessed every day, she would never get used to it completely. She turned her blank expression into a smirk, and took her husband's hand, hoisting herself from the warm concrete.\n\n\"Don't tell me how to do my job.\", she sassed, before smiling a little brighter, \"Besides, my eyes are set on a little bigger prize than vampires. Are we or are we not trailing the Winchesters? They can't be that hard to find…\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" } ]

[ { "text": "Ezria knew that this would haunt her forever, but before she could speak, he was gone, and she called into the house before she got too far, seeing Bobby going through his things. \"You have a body to burn. Courtesy of Arik.\" She called and she began down the driveway, seeing a new form appear before her. \n\nHer eyes trailed his body up and down, but she knew it was Arik. \"Babe, you know how to pick them, but I have a lot to do, and I don't trust angel boy anywhere near Annabeth and the child.\" She said. Arik knew of her soft spot for children, if he still had her in his.mind anywhere. \"Besides, I have a few favors to call in. They see us running together again, everything will go up in smoke.\"\n\nShe placed a hand on his cheek for a moment. \"And I swear if you get into another passing contest with an angel, I'll kill you myself.\"\n\nShe gave his cheek a little.smack as she continued to walk off. \"But, if you were feeling spunky, it does take me a while to get anywhere. My powers on a leash and all, mind a bit of a speed run?\"\n\n--\n\nBobby groaned at the whole body to burn thing. He had almost everything.on the list that Ezria gave him, it was.just gathering it up, and the last thing he'd be able to get pretty easily. He.looked at the tome and saw the ingredients left. They were odd. He had to admit that, but one stuck out. \"Angel feathers?\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "The Nephilim\nThere were sixty-sox seals, the seals were beleived only house the fallen Angel Lucifer. That was not true though, there was one being that was also locked away. This creature was not an Angel, nor was it a Demon. It was something worse, it was a Nephilim. A creature created from an unholy union between a Angel and a Demon. The Angelic Order feared the power of this hybrid so they locked it away in the same fashion that they did the Fallen Angel, Lucifer. After locking the said creature away, it was erased from all text and only few Angel's know of it's existance. Those few Angels were the Arch Angels, Metatron and God himself.\n\nWhen the sixty-six seals were shattered, Vergil the Nephilim escaped. With all of his might, Vergil pulled himself out of the pit, once out he looked around to take in his enviroment. There was splintered wood everywhere, and laying in the ground ten feet from where Vergil stood was a cross, or what resembled a cross. Vergil chuckled at the sight of the destroyed cross. \"How fitting the God would place the entrance of the Cage on the grounds of a church.\" Vergil said before vanishing into thin air. \n\nHe would later reappear in the Himalayam Mountain range, inside a cave. Buried within the cave was a chest that had both Enochian and Latin sigils carved on it. That was the only reason that the chest survived that long. Both the Demonic Order and the Angelic Order had been searching for these chests. Hidden inside the chest was a legendary Angelic tool, one of a kind, the Yamato, an Angel Katana. Vergil smiled as he collected his weapon and pulled it from the scabbard. He checked the condition of the blade, before placing back in it's sheath and vanishing once more.\n\nVergil would soon reappear in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, inside a busy gunshop. He appeared in front of the owner, crouched ontop of the gun counter. Quickly scanning the room, he spotted two weapons, a silver Smith and Wesson .500 Magnum, and a black Colt M1911. \"Both of those weapons will be suitable, I shall have them.\" Vergil said looking away from the Owner. In that instant the owner reached for a hidden shotgun and shoved into Vergil's chest. Before Vergil could turn his head, the shotgun fired launching Vergil backwards into a display.\n\nThe Nephilim stood up and laughed as if the buckshot inside his chest didn't hurt him. \"Was that nice? I don't think it was.\" Vergil said, inching closer to the Owner. The Human frantically tried loading another round into the shotgun but was not fast enough. Next thing the man knew was what Vergil's Yamato felt like. The blade penetrated deep into the man's chest. His death was not slow but he did die. Vergil then collected his weapons and vanished into thin air. Leaving behind several witnesses standing in awe and disbelief in what they just saw.\n\nThe Hunter\n\nFinding the Winchesters was not any easy task. Those two idiots moved around a lot, but that's common for most hunters. There was one definite way to find them though, thier kryptonite in other words. The ex Hunter, and now information gatherer, Robert \"Bobby\" Singer. Jayceon's recent quarry, the Vampire was in Minnehaha County of South Dakota which was all apart of the plan. Bobby Singer's home base was located in Sioux Falls, which was only a few hours drive from thier current location. This was the quickest way to get the location of the Winchesters.\n\n\"Alright baby, we just made it into Sioux Falls. It'll be a few minutes until we get to Bobby's.\" Jay said before pulling the car off the road. The shifted the Mustang in neutral, and reached into his pocket, producing a pack of Marlboro Reds, and a black zippo lighter with a skull embossed on it. Pulling out a cigarette and letting it rest in between his lips, Jay lit it and took a long drag. Upon his inhale, Jayceon began to speak. \"Here's the plan, we kick the door in and take him down fast. I don't think anyone is there, once we got him down we extract the information. I'll have my kit in case, Mr. Singer doesn't want to talk. And you know, I can make him talk. We won't kill him though, that is not apart of the plan. Also you drive babe, I'm tired of driving.\" Jayceon said, opening the door and walking to Elena's side.", "username": "Amphibious Assualt", "char_name": "Vergil" }, { "text": "When Bobby answered the phone, Mika put him on speaker so everyone could hear what he had to say and thankfully hear that both Castiel and Arik were in fact alive. She sighed in relief when she also heard the news as the last thing she wanted at this current time was more anger towards members of their world saving group. They also didn't need AnnaBeth going nucular before she gave birth. \n\nWhilst they were on speaker, she could hear in the background this new chick talking about some kind of list and saying how Bobby should have most of it already laying around nearby. She felt suspicious of this chick that she was yet to encounter personally, but if Bobby said they should trust her for the time being, then she had no choice but to accept that plan and agree to it. After all, she spent years disobeying Bobby and doing her own thing, and it didn't exactly go too well for her. \"Thanks Uncle, duely noted, we'll wait for Arik's arrival. Talk soon.\" She simply said before hanging up the phone and putting it in her jeans pocket once again. \n\n-------------------------------------\n\nSam stayed quiet the entire time they were on the phone to Bobby, also intently listening in on the conversation happening. He sighed also with relief that the two men they know were alive, he wasn't exactly happy about Arik being alive still, but for AnnaBeth's sake, he was relieved by the news. \n\nWhen the phone call ended and Dean asked him how he was doing, he snapped out of his thoughts and looked at his older brother. \"I'm okay, tired but okay.\" He honestly replied. He looked across at everyone as they all spoke to each other, and he also looked on as he watched Mika walk over to Dean and begin to massage his shoulders in a loving and concerned manner. Just like him, she was clearly concerned for Dean's exhaustion which was now beginning to clearly show. \n\nHe quickly spun his head round when he felt a gust of air on the back of his neck and saw Castiel arrive looking worse than any of them. \"Well you look like crap\" he remarked.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Dean sighed again, his eyes fluttering closed at the massaging of his shoulders. That moment of relaxation was gone the second Castiel touched down, and he noticed his state, \"Dammit Cas. What the Hell happened!? You barely have enough juice to fry an egg and you go up against a demon in a pissing match? If we lose you, do you have any idea what that means for us?\"\n\nHe scolded him like a child, causing Cas to roll his eyes breathing heavy. He sat up with a small groan, and stared at Dean, \"One…less…to worry about…\", he stuttered.\n\n\"Yeah. Well…you need to sleep, or whatever your vessel needs. It looks pretty fried, and it's not like I would know you from Adam if you poofed out of that one and into another one…well…great…\", Dean continued to scold, ending with a sigh as he watched Cas' head roll to the side, his breathing regulating, signaling that he was in a deep sleep.\n\n\"We need to make a move. What's our next move, Sammy?\"\n\n------\n\nArik smirked, straightening his leather vest as he shrugged, \"You know how much fun the old Bonnie and Clyde antics would be, especially with our leashes off…I don't trust the Angel around the baby, either. That's why I'm glad you came back. Sorry for being an asshole, back there…it was for the old man.\"\n\nHis apology was SOMEWHAT sincere as he leaned in close to her face, only to have his cheek smacked. His eyes fluttered closed, and a sigh left his nose as he watched her walk away. Before saying much more, a wide grin spread across his face and he sprinted toward her, scooping her up in his arms, \"You just say where, and we're there…\"\n\nAnd they poofed.\n\n------\n\nElena woke up with a bit of a jolt as Jay announced that they had made it to Sioux Falls. She gave a sly little smirk as he explained his plan to her, and quickly exited the vehicle, ready to raise a little hell, for once. Finding the Winchesters would make the trip even more worthy. Taking care of the \"problem\", they were dealing with. Well, that was just icing on the cake, to her.\n\nShe pranced around to the other side of the car, her daisy dukes riding up her legs as she bounced, and took her place in the driver's seat.\n\n\"Do you really think he'll break?\", she asked Jay, \"I mean…he could be like some of the other hunters. He does run with the Winchesters. They don't talk easy.\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" } ]

[ { "text": "The bags under his eyes were deep. These books used to be nothing but helpful but now they were letting him down. Bobby brought up his glass of bourbon and sighed. \"Balls.\"\n\nThey would be calling soon if he didn't call them, and all of his books had done nothing for him. He needed to find the right one, but anything he read spoke of the anti-Christ. And that was far from helpful, but he continued on, opening an even older more worn down book.\n\n-\n\nAnd there it was, Singer Auto Salvage. It had been a long trip here, but the brunette girl with human emerald eyes smirked. The black crossed over her eyes as she made her way up the driveway, a small token under her arm. She may have done her best to stay under the radar, but she knew a lot, having been watching this Bobby Singer for a while. A demon child was to be born, but nearly all signs pointed to the anti-Christ. Not the one she had though. Took some doing, but after a run in with her own kind, she managed to get it.\n\nShe moved herself towards the door, and she stopped, her eyes staring at the frame.\n\n\"Balls!\" She heard from the other side of the door.\n\n\"Definitely not good.\" She muttered to herself, knocking on the door. The older man opened the door, and looked to her. \"Bobby Singer, right?\" She asked, and he looked at her.\n\n\"Do I know you?\" He asked, and she chuckled.\n\n\"No, but you're going to want to.\" She said, holding up the book as her eyes flashed black. He moved to do something, but she held up her other hand. \"Now, Now, peace offering. I don't want the apocalypse anymore than you do. Besides, a demon lovechild?\"\n\nBobby's face said it all, \"Balls.\" He repeated, and he picked up his phone. \"What's your name?\"\n\n\"Ezria.\" She answered.\n\nBobby sighed, and the other end picked up. \"Dean.\" He said, forcing himself to allow the girl in. \"I may have found something, but first I need you to ask Arik about the name Ezria.\"\n\nEzria leaned against the door frame. Oh this would be interesting.", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "Arik perked up as, right on cue, Dean's phone lit up with Bobby's number scrolling across. Dean grabbed for it, setting his pie aside to answer the oddly timed call, \"Yeah, Bobby. Whatcha got…\", he started, before he was interrupted by Bobby's words. Narrowing his eyes, he sat up a little straighter in his chair, and listened.\n\n\"Alright…\", he murmured quietly, turning his head to Arik, who was now leaning in close to him on the bed, \"What do you know…about the name Ezria?\"\n\nAs soon as the name rolled off Dean's tongue, Arik's face fell. His eyes widened, and he stared straight ahead, as if Dean had uttered something terrifying. He quickly recovered, leaning back a bit with a sigh, \"We go way back.\"\n\n\"Why don't you define way back…\", Dean began. However, Arik leaned back a little further, before he vanished, \"Dammit! Bobby, I think he's coming to you.\"\n\nOn cue, Arik appeared next to Bobby, lighting a cigarette with a smug smile, \"Boss man's tricks. I still got 'em.\", he muttered, explaining once more the reason he had learned to teleport. His time working for crossroads demons wasn't for nothing. His eyes shifted, simply landing on Ezria with no expression.", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Bobby had just barely heard Dean's warning when Arik appeared. Bobby saw Ezria open the book and turn it towards him. \"There may be a spell we can use, but I've got to read more on it. I'll call you back when I have more to tell.\"\n\nEzria's eyes soon fell on Arik, her face equally expressionless until she gave a half chuckle. \"Its been a while, and you know, honestly, I'm a bit hurt. You don't write, you don't call, and when you knew a ball fell into my court I had to find out by following this mortal.\"\n\nEzria motioned to Bobby. \"I mean sure, getting hold of the tome was a bit bloodier than I may have liked, but hey, witchcraft was always my forte.\"\n\nBobby looked between the two for a moment. \"This spell. Where would we get half of the necessary ingredients?\"\n\nEzria gave a slick grin. \"I could help there, but I'm not stupid like others I have to, unfortunately, share a species with. But, that's only if you ask and I get something in return.\"\n\nBobby groaned. He looked to Arik, showing him the spell. \"How difficult would these be to come by regularly?\"\n\nA valid question, and Ezria just smirked. If she had learned one thing, having the Winchesters in the pocket was a good thing.", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" } ]

[ { "text": "Down in a dark alley, there was a hooded figure. That hooded figure was hunched over breathing heavily. It seemed like the figure had been running for quite sometime sometime. A bead of sweat rolled down his brow, he whipped his head around and beared his teeth. Soon after bearing them, a new set of teeth overlappped them. The new teeth were like finely sharpened knives. This hooded figure was a Vampire. The hunt was on. \"My, my what sharp teeth you have.\" said the darkness. Walking out the darkness was a young male. He wore a black shirt and stonewashed jeans. Strapped to his hip was a Model 629 .44 Magnum Hunter and he was gripping a large machete. The Vampire snareled before running deeper into the darkness. Jayceon chuckled before pursuing the fleeing creature, the vampire moved quite fast even though it was tired. Jay hadn't even broken a sweat yet, he was in top shape and made sure that he was always like that. The young hunter stopped for a brief second and pulled a small walkie talkie out of his back left pocket. \"Hey baby girl, Shark Tooth is heading your way.\"", "username": "Amphibious Assualt", "char_name": "Jayceon 'Jay' Morgan" }, { "text": "Dean sighed once more and shook his head, \"Playing things by ear in the middle of the apocalypse, the Winchester way, eh?\"\n\nHe leaned back in his chair, picking up a beer. He banged the head against the table, causing the beer to open messily, and took a long drink, \"So, what we know. Arik knows the chick. He's not back, yet, which means she's important to him, or at least was. I know him well enough to know that much. She seems to have a lot of knowledge of A.B.'s situation. I would say that she got that info from Lucifer, wouldn't you? I mean, how many demons know about this thing? Once again, we're between a rock and a hard place over this…and maybe…could Cas be right?\"\n\n--------\n\nAnnaBeth rolled off the bed with a wince, opening the door to their room immediately. Her eyes were still white, showing her panic as she began banging on the door to Mika and Dean's room with urgency, \"DEAN! Open the door!\"\n\nSome rustling inside was heard, as Dean tripped over a chair and nearly fell face first into the door, and then the heavy oak barrier was opened.\n\n\"We have to get to Bobby's. We have to do something! Cas and Arik are killing each other.\"\n\n\"Killing each other? Cas doesn't even have any juice, at the moment. How sure are you?\", Dean asked, glancing back at Mika, worried.\n\n\"I don't have visions anymore. There has to be a reason that this one came through. I wouldn't call it a 'dream', if that's what you mean. It came out of nowhere.\"\n\n\"Mika. Call Bobby back, right now.\", Dean ordered, closing his eyes with a sigh, before settling them on his brother.\n\n----------\nElena perched herself on the hood of the Mustang, a bottle of nail polish sitting open, beside her. She blew on one of her fingernails, and began to paint another, a little bored as Jay played his games with their current hunt. They used to not play with the monsters they hunted, but with the demons in hiding and the angels keeping most other monsters in check, this was really the only fun that they were able to have.\n\nShe finished the nail she was working on, just in time for the radio to hiss with a familiar voice. Smirking, she stood from the hood, capped her fingernail polish and picked up the green handled machete that lay next to it. \n\nShe lifted the radio, \"Babe…you're ruining my manicure…\", she fake whined, as she slammed the flat edge of her machete against the approaching vampire's throat, clotheslining it to the ground with a groan. She raised the machete to finish the job but was swept off her feet by a strong leg, and tumbled to the ground, her machete skidding away from her along with her radio.", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Ezria narrowed her eyes at Castiel. \"I wish you would, angel boy. But even then, if you knew what I knew, you'd understand why I don't fear you.\" She said, but things got heated and Bobby returned. \"She took her eyes off of the two for a moment and spoke to Bobby. \"Do you happen to have wolf's bane lying around? I need some for my first task.\"\n\nBobby went to answer, and saw what was.going on the.moment that Arik's eyes changed. He nearly got his sawed off up before he saw Ezria react. She managed to push Arik back, and she felt Castiel make contact with her. \n\nThis wouldn't be her end, she could feel it. He just wasn't strong enough. But something stopped it, and she barely gathered herself before she did the first thing that came to mind. She got to Arik, and she checked on him. Whether it was old habit, or just her first reaction, she wasn't sure, but he did take the brunt of it. She moved some of his hair from his face. \"Same reckless behavior, I knew it would Damn near get you killed one day.\"\n\nShe finally got herself stable and began writing a few things down. She slapped the.list to Arik's chest. \"Watch for those signs when you're with Annabeth. Get a hold of me as soon as possible if she starts labor. I'm off to get some of what we need.\"\n\nShe looked to Bobby whose phone was ringing, and he left the room to answer as she continued to scribble things down. She had sold her soul to be the strongest witch possible, though her.powers had been hindered since becoming a demon, she was still strong, and under Lucifer who was a great teacher himself. Her eyes fell on Castiel, and she averted them quickly. She had an urge to kill him, but she couldn't. She didn't the means. \n\nAnd it didn't help that somewhere in her dark heart she still cared about Arik.", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "Arik gasped loudly as Ezria pushed him away from Castiel's heated hand, falling to the floor with a loud 'thud'. He coughed and sputtered, a little blood coming up as well as a trickle flowing down from his nose as he closed his eyes and laid back against the hardwood.\n\n\"Ugh. Fucking angels…\", he groaned, noticing for the first time that his meat suit wasn't healing as fast as normal. He rolled onto his side, and sat up on one elbow as Ezria got to him, taking him off guard. He flinched away from her touch at first until his eyes settled on hers, and faded back to their normal baby blue. He sighed, and reached up, grabbing her hand, \"Did I die?\"\n\nHe quipped the words at her, a small smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, and dropped her hand. As the note was slapped against his chest, he groaned, realizing that his meat suit was rather burnt on the inside. It wouldn't take much more damage, at this point. He looked at the list and cringed, \"This looks horrible…You sure you have a plan?\"\n\n---\n\nCastiel stumbled backward, leaning against Bobby's desk as his eyes faded back to normal and the trickle of blood reached his chin, and fell onto the floor. He let his blade fall from his sleeve, into his hand for a split second, before deciding against killing both demons. He was too exhausted. Honestly, he was too exhausted to even fly.\n\nGrumbling, he glanced over at Bobby, \"I'm going for a walk…\", he huffed, stepping out the front door. It was a very human thing to do, but unfortunately, he was about as human as an angel could be, at the moment. He was becoming more useless every day.", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Mika smirked at the 'doing it the winchester way' remark. Sure, it was indeed true and rather normal for them to just go with the flow and never have a proper damn plan in mind. Yet, she still found it slightly amusing none the less. \n\n\"If she didn't hear about it from Lucifer, then it's a worrying thought. Makes me question just how many demons know about this baby full stop in general. I mean, if this chick knows then surely others must as well. Having a demon baby isn't exactly going to stay out of the metaphorical papers for long is it? That's like saying the Prince of Britain having a baby and no one finding out about it.\" Mika responded to him, it was a worrying thought and she probably made a far fetched example, but it was a good and fair one. \n\nHowever, when Dean questioned if Cas was right in HIS opinions, she scowered at him. \"Don't say that Dean... just... dont go there okay. Not yet. Cas can't be right, this baby not only has demon blood running through her veins, but she has Winchester blood running through those veins as well.\" After she said that, herself and Dean heard banging on their door which made Mika spin her head round so fast, she almost gave herself whiplash when she realised it was AnnaBeth screaming and banging on the door. If AnnaBeth was like this, something major is bound to be going down, which got her more concerned, yet when Dean fell flat on his face she couldn't help but be the sudden mean girlfriend and laugh at his downfall....literally. \n\nCoughing to control her laughter, she put on her serious face once again, when the door opened and AnnaBeth said about Castiel and Arik killing each other. Mika wasn't sure whether to roll her eyes or look horrified at this news. An angel and demon at each other's throats once again? Nothing new there she couldn't resist thinking. Though, it didn't stop her nodding in agreement and calling Bobby back to find out what the hell was happening between the Angel and Demon. \n\n---------------------------------------------------\n\nSam ran after AnnaBeth to next door to his brother's and Mika's room and was going to knock on the door but seeing as AnnaBeth had that well under control, he decided against it, as he wasn't sure if the whole door would come off its hinges if he joined in. \n\nOnce the door opened, and AnnaBeth explained what was happening he guided her inside the room, closing the door behind him.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Ezria could feel it when Arik had touched her hand. She heard his question and she was brought back to ages before, but she composed herself, and when Arik spoke she let a hollow chuckle escape her throat. \n\n\"Do I have a plan? Please, Arik, don't mistake me for the other fools.you surround yourself with. Besides, with a child in the balance, it would be unwise to not have a plan.\" She said to him, finishing writing down what she needed to. \"I'm sure you are aware that it may be difficult for me to get.to you as quickly as you can. My powers have been... well, hindered, this is a simple spell to be able to find me if it's urgent.\" She then took up a vial and allowed herself to cut her hand and bleed into it. \"And it better be urgent, I'm not here to be at you beckon call.\"\n\nThe human was on the phone and her other list was for him.\n\n-\n\nBobby answered his.phone and he had to wonder how they knew about the fight. \"Arik and Cas got into a passing contest and Damn near killed each other, but the girl forced them apart. There's definitely something between Arik and her.\" He said, \"but she's getting ready to get the things for the spell. I'd hate to say it, but from what I just saw, she might be okay to trust, for the time being anyway.\"\n\nEzria walked.over to him, barely caring that he was still on the phone. \"This list you should either have on hand, or you should be able to get rather easily. I'm off to get the others. Keep an eye on angel boy and Arik, neither of them are doing very well.\"\n\nBobby wasn't sure if Mika could hear that, but he read over the list as Ezria left, the book she had the spell in still on his desk. He spoke again. \"I'll be sending what I can gather for the spell and the book with Arik.\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" } ]

[ { "text": "Ezria knew that this would haunt her forever, but before she could speak, he was gone, and she called into the house before she got too far, seeing Bobby going through his things. \"You have a body to burn. Courtesy of Arik.\" She called and she began down the driveway, seeing a new form appear before her. \n\nHer eyes trailed his body up and down, but she knew it was Arik. \"Babe, you know how to pick them, but I have a lot to do, and I don't trust angel boy anywhere near Annabeth and the child.\" She said. Arik knew of her soft spot for children, if he still had her in his.mind anywhere. \"Besides, I have a few favors to call in. They see us running together again, everything will go up in smoke.\"\n\nShe placed a hand on his cheek for a moment. \"And I swear if you get into another passing contest with an angel, I'll kill you myself.\"\n\nShe gave his cheek a little.smack as she continued to walk off. \"But, if you were feeling spunky, it does take me a while to get anywhere. My powers on a leash and all, mind a bit of a speed run?\"\n\n--\n\nBobby groaned at the whole body to burn thing. He had almost everything.on the list that Ezria gave him, it was.just gathering it up, and the last thing he'd be able to get pretty easily. He.looked at the tome and saw the ingredients left. They were odd. He had to admit that, but one stuck out. \"Angel feathers?\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "The Nephilim\nThere were sixty-sox seals, the seals were beleived only house the fallen Angel Lucifer. That was not true though, there was one being that was also locked away. This creature was not an Angel, nor was it a Demon. It was something worse, it was a Nephilim. A creature created from an unholy union between a Angel and a Demon. The Angelic Order feared the power of this hybrid so they locked it away in the same fashion that they did the Fallen Angel, Lucifer. After locking the said creature away, it was erased from all text and only few Angel's know of it's existance. Those few Angels were the Arch Angels, Metatron and God himself.\n\nWhen the sixty-six seals were shattered, Vergil the Nephilim escaped. With all of his might, Vergil pulled himself out of the pit, once out he looked around to take in his enviroment. There was splintered wood everywhere, and laying in the ground ten feet from where Vergil stood was a cross, or what resembled a cross. Vergil chuckled at the sight of the destroyed cross. \"How fitting the God would place the entrance of the Cage on the grounds of a church.\" Vergil said before vanishing into thin air. \n\nHe would later reappear in the Himalayam Mountain range, inside a cave. Buried within the cave was a chest that had both Enochian and Latin sigils carved on it. That was the only reason that the chest survived that long. Both the Demonic Order and the Angelic Order had been searching for these chests. Hidden inside the chest was a legendary Angelic tool, one of a kind, the Yamato, an Angel Katana. Vergil smiled as he collected his weapon and pulled it from the scabbard. He checked the condition of the blade, before placing back in it's sheath and vanishing once more.\n\nVergil would soon reappear in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, inside a busy gunshop. He appeared in front of the owner, crouched ontop of the gun counter. Quickly scanning the room, he spotted two weapons, a silver Smith and Wesson .500 Magnum, and a black Colt M1911. \"Both of those weapons will be suitable, I shall have them.\" Vergil said looking away from the Owner. In that instant the owner reached for a hidden shotgun and shoved into Vergil's chest. Before Vergil could turn his head, the shotgun fired launching Vergil backwards into a display.\n\nThe Nephilim stood up and laughed as if the buckshot inside his chest didn't hurt him. \"Was that nice? I don't think it was.\" Vergil said, inching closer to the Owner. The Human frantically tried loading another round into the shotgun but was not fast enough. Next thing the man knew was what Vergil's Yamato felt like. The blade penetrated deep into the man's chest. His death was not slow but he did die. Vergil then collected his weapons and vanished into thin air. Leaving behind several witnesses standing in awe and disbelief in what they just saw.\n\nThe Hunter\n\nFinding the Winchesters was not any easy task. Those two idiots moved around a lot, but that's common for most hunters. There was one definite way to find them though, thier kryptonite in other words. The ex Hunter, and now information gatherer, Robert \"Bobby\" Singer. Jayceon's recent quarry, the Vampire was in Minnehaha County of South Dakota which was all apart of the plan. Bobby Singer's home base was located in Sioux Falls, which was only a few hours drive from thier current location. This was the quickest way to get the location of the Winchesters.\n\n\"Alright baby, we just made it into Sioux Falls. It'll be a few minutes until we get to Bobby's.\" Jay said before pulling the car off the road. The shifted the Mustang in neutral, and reached into his pocket, producing a pack of Marlboro Reds, and a black zippo lighter with a skull embossed on it. Pulling out a cigarette and letting it rest in between his lips, Jay lit it and took a long drag. Upon his inhale, Jayceon began to speak. \"Here's the plan, we kick the door in and take him down fast. I don't think anyone is there, once we got him down we extract the information. I'll have my kit in case, Mr. Singer doesn't want to talk. And you know, I can make him talk. We won't kill him though, that is not apart of the plan. Also you drive babe, I'm tired of driving.\" Jayceon said, opening the door and walking to Elena's side.", "username": "Amphibious Assualt", "char_name": "Vergil" }, { "text": "When Bobby answered the phone, Mika put him on speaker so everyone could hear what he had to say and thankfully hear that both Castiel and Arik were in fact alive. She sighed in relief when she also heard the news as the last thing she wanted at this current time was more anger towards members of their world saving group. They also didn't need AnnaBeth going nucular before she gave birth. \n\nWhilst they were on speaker, she could hear in the background this new chick talking about some kind of list and saying how Bobby should have most of it already laying around nearby. She felt suspicious of this chick that she was yet to encounter personally, but if Bobby said they should trust her for the time being, then she had no choice but to accept that plan and agree to it. After all, she spent years disobeying Bobby and doing her own thing, and it didn't exactly go too well for her. \"Thanks Uncle, duely noted, we'll wait for Arik's arrival. Talk soon.\" She simply said before hanging up the phone and putting it in her jeans pocket once again. \n\n-------------------------------------\n\nSam stayed quiet the entire time they were on the phone to Bobby, also intently listening in on the conversation happening. He sighed also with relief that the two men they know were alive, he wasn't exactly happy about Arik being alive still, but for AnnaBeth's sake, he was relieved by the news. \n\nWhen the phone call ended and Dean asked him how he was doing, he snapped out of his thoughts and looked at his older brother. \"I'm okay, tired but okay.\" He honestly replied. He looked across at everyone as they all spoke to each other, and he also looked on as he watched Mika walk over to Dean and begin to massage his shoulders in a loving and concerned manner. Just like him, she was clearly concerned for Dean's exhaustion which was now beginning to clearly show. \n\nHe quickly spun his head round when he felt a gust of air on the back of his neck and saw Castiel arrive looking worse than any of them. \"Well you look like crap\" he remarked.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Dean sighed again, his eyes fluttering closed at the massaging of his shoulders. That moment of relaxation was gone the second Castiel touched down, and he noticed his state, \"Dammit Cas. What the Hell happened!? You barely have enough juice to fry an egg and you go up against a demon in a pissing match? If we lose you, do you have any idea what that means for us?\"\n\nHe scolded him like a child, causing Cas to roll his eyes breathing heavy. He sat up with a small groan, and stared at Dean, \"One…less…to worry about…\", he stuttered.\n\n\"Yeah. Well…you need to sleep, or whatever your vessel needs. It looks pretty fried, and it's not like I would know you from Adam if you poofed out of that one and into another one…well…great…\", Dean continued to scold, ending with a sigh as he watched Cas' head roll to the side, his breathing regulating, signaling that he was in a deep sleep.\n\n\"We need to make a move. What's our next move, Sammy?\"\n\n------\n\nArik smirked, straightening his leather vest as he shrugged, \"You know how much fun the old Bonnie and Clyde antics would be, especially with our leashes off…I don't trust the Angel around the baby, either. That's why I'm glad you came back. Sorry for being an asshole, back there…it was for the old man.\"\n\nHis apology was SOMEWHAT sincere as he leaned in close to her face, only to have his cheek smacked. His eyes fluttered closed, and a sigh left his nose as he watched her walk away. Before saying much more, a wide grin spread across his face and he sprinted toward her, scooping her up in his arms, \"You just say where, and we're there…\"\n\nAnd they poofed.\n\n------\n\nElena woke up with a bit of a jolt as Jay announced that they had made it to Sioux Falls. She gave a sly little smirk as he explained his plan to her, and quickly exited the vehicle, ready to raise a little hell, for once. Finding the Winchesters would make the trip even more worthy. Taking care of the \"problem\", they were dealing with. Well, that was just icing on the cake, to her.\n\nShe pranced around to the other side of the car, her daisy dukes riding up her legs as she bounced, and took her place in the driver's seat.\n\n\"Do you really think he'll break?\", she asked Jay, \"I mean…he could be like some of the other hunters. He does run with the Winchesters. They don't talk easy.\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "For the old man? Right Arik... right.\n\nShe would believe him for now though, and when he brought up the Bonnie and Clyde.antics, memories she had.tried to push away came forth. \"I do miss the Bonnie and Clyde days.\" She mumbled to herself, and when he scooped her up, she barely got the word from her mouth before he proofed them.\n\nShe got herself down from his arms and looked around. They were definitely in Chicago, and she pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. \"Hey, I'm calling in my favor now, meet me at 5th and lake in five.minutes. Bring your collection.\" \n\nShe hung up and turned to Arik. \"Alright, babe, you gotta hang back. This one would definitely... well, I doubt this one would want you around period.\" She smirked before poking his chest with her.index.finger. \"Then we should probably drop off what I'm getting here with the Winchesters. I can't keep this Shit on me if something were to happen.\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" } ]

[ { "text": "Mika smirked at the 'doing it the winchester way' remark. Sure, it was indeed true and rather normal for them to just go with the flow and never have a proper damn plan in mind. Yet, she still found it slightly amusing none the less. \n\n\"If she didn't hear about it from Lucifer, then it's a worrying thought. Makes me question just how many demons know about this baby full stop in general. I mean, if this chick knows then surely others must as well. Having a demon baby isn't exactly going to stay out of the metaphorical papers for long is it? That's like saying the Prince of Britain having a baby and no one finding out about it.\" Mika responded to him, it was a worrying thought and she probably made a far fetched example, but it was a good and fair one. \n\nHowever, when Dean questioned if Cas was right in HIS opinions, she scowered at him. \"Don't say that Dean... just... dont go there okay. Not yet. Cas can't be right, this baby not only has demon blood running through her veins, but she has Winchester blood running through those veins as well.\" After she said that, herself and Dean heard banging on their door which made Mika spin her head round so fast, she almost gave herself whiplash when she realised it was AnnaBeth screaming and banging on the door. If AnnaBeth was like this, something major is bound to be going down, which got her more concerned, yet when Dean fell flat on his face she couldn't help but be the sudden mean girlfriend and laugh at his downfall....literally. \n\nCoughing to control her laughter, she put on her serious face once again, when the door opened and AnnaBeth said about Castiel and Arik killing each other. Mika wasn't sure whether to roll her eyes or look horrified at this news. An angel and demon at each other's throats once again? Nothing new there she couldn't resist thinking. Though, it didn't stop her nodding in agreement and calling Bobby back to find out what the hell was happening between the Angel and Demon. \n\n---------------------------------------------------\n\nSam ran after AnnaBeth to next door to his brother's and Mika's room and was going to knock on the door but seeing as AnnaBeth had that well under control, he decided against it, as he wasn't sure if the whole door would come off its hinges if he joined in. \n\nOnce the door opened, and AnnaBeth explained what was happening he guided her inside the room, closing the door behind him.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Ezria could feel it when Arik had touched her hand. She heard his question and she was brought back to ages before, but she composed herself, and when Arik spoke she let a hollow chuckle escape her throat. \n\n\"Do I have a plan? Please, Arik, don't mistake me for the other fools.you surround yourself with. Besides, with a child in the balance, it would be unwise to not have a plan.\" She said to him, finishing writing down what she needed to. \"I'm sure you are aware that it may be difficult for me to get.to you as quickly as you can. My powers have been... well, hindered, this is a simple spell to be able to find me if it's urgent.\" She then took up a vial and allowed herself to cut her hand and bleed into it. \"And it better be urgent, I'm not here to be at you beckon call.\"\n\nThe human was on the phone and her other list was for him.\n\n-\n\nBobby answered his.phone and he had to wonder how they knew about the fight. \"Arik and Cas got into a passing contest and Damn near killed each other, but the girl forced them apart. There's definitely something between Arik and her.\" He said, \"but she's getting ready to get the things for the spell. I'd hate to say it, but from what I just saw, she might be okay to trust, for the time being anyway.\"\n\nEzria walked.over to him, barely caring that he was still on the phone. \"This list you should either have on hand, or you should be able to get rather easily. I'm off to get the others. Keep an eye on angel boy and Arik, neither of them are doing very well.\"\n\nBobby wasn't sure if Mika could hear that, but he read over the list as Ezria left, the book she had the spell in still on his desk. He spoke again. \"I'll be sending what I can gather for the spell and the book with Arik.\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "\"Babe, you're ruining my manicure\" the radio said. \n\n Jayceon chuckled at his wife's fake whining, she tends to do that. Often. Elena should be able to handle the fleeing vampire, the time to end the hunt. It was fun while it lasted, but there are bigger fish to fry. The Winchesters, and thier merry little family. The won the first battle, but they have yet to win the war. Jay kept chugging along until he came around the corner and saw the Vampire looming over Elena, whom was laying on the concrete. That's when instinct took over, Jay reached toward his lower back and unholstered his monster of a handgun. Quickly pulling it forward and cocking the hammer back, let loose a flurry of six rounds. As each shot impacted the Vampire, Jayceon moved closer to his foe until they were face to face. In one quick motion, before the Vampire could react, Jayceon decapitated the Vampire. The head rolled right off it's shoulders and smacked the hood of the Mustang before settling on the concrete next to Elena. \"You gotta be more careful babe. Next time I may not be around to save you.\" Jay said extending his right arm.", "username": "Amphibious Assualt", "char_name": "Jayceon 'Jay' Morgan" }, { "text": "Dean turned around, growling and ran his hands through his hair. He listened to what was being said, and began to calm a bit, knowing that neither the angel or the demon was killed or seriously injured in the fight. He turned back around, and stared at everyone in the room, including his brother.\n\n\"This has to stop. We all have to come to some sort of agreement here, or Lucifer is going to have a one way ticket into your head. You feeling okay?\", he asked Sam, honestly, narrowing his eyes. They settled on AnnaBeth's face for a split second, taking in her white eyes, and his own eyes relaxed, \"And you…what about you?\"\n\n----\n\nAnnaBeth placed her hands on her hips, doing her best to look not quite as huge and miserable as she was. She smirked, and a small tuft of scarlet hair fell in front of her eyes, \"I'm as good as can be expected. You look tired.\"\n\n\"I'm exhausted…\", Dean admitted, his eyes training on Sam, who looked like hell, waiting for an answer.\n\n---\n\nArik smirked, \"I could never group you in with my apes.\"\n\nHe took the vial from her hand, his eyes narrowed as he examined it. He made another wide smirk, and spoke, \"So, I can't just call you for a little fun? I mean…what's the apocalypse without a little Hell party, here and there? You did save my life, which will haunt you for the rest of eternity. I owe you.\"\n\nHe sneered at the words coming from his mouth, and attempted to sit himself up, only to lean back with a cough, some black smoke falling onto the floor, with a spark.\n\n\"I hate to say this, but this damn body is toasted. The Winchesters would shit if I found a new kid to jump into.\", another cough and some smoke, \"I'll be back in a few. Tell the old man he has a body to burn when he gets a chance…\"\n\nWith that, Arik smoked out, his body falling to the floor, lifeless. Within seconds, he returned, poofing next to Ezria, flexing his hands as he stood there, in his new meat suit.\n\n---\n\nCastiel mustered up every ounce of strength he had in him, and vanished from the front yard with a flutter of wings. He landed roughly in the hotel room with the others, slumped against the wall, coughing like crazy.\n\n\"I'm back…\"\n\n---\n\nElena shuddered as the head fell next to her. While she had grown accustomed to the gore that they witnessed every day, she would never get used to it completely. She turned her blank expression into a smirk, and took her husband's hand, hoisting herself from the warm concrete.\n\n\"Don't tell me how to do my job.\", she sassed, before smiling a little brighter, \"Besides, my eyes are set on a little bigger prize than vampires. Are we or are we not trailing the Winchesters? They can't be that hard to find…\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "Ezria knew that this would haunt her forever, but before she could speak, he was gone, and she called into the house before she got too far, seeing Bobby going through his things. \"You have a body to burn. Courtesy of Arik.\" She called and she began down the driveway, seeing a new form appear before her. \n\nHer eyes trailed his body up and down, but she knew it was Arik. \"Babe, you know how to pick them, but I have a lot to do, and I don't trust angel boy anywhere near Annabeth and the child.\" She said. Arik knew of her soft spot for children, if he still had her in his.mind anywhere. \"Besides, I have a few favors to call in. They see us running together again, everything will go up in smoke.\"\n\nShe placed a hand on his cheek for a moment. \"And I swear if you get into another passing contest with an angel, I'll kill you myself.\"\n\nShe gave his cheek a little.smack as she continued to walk off. \"But, if you were feeling spunky, it does take me a while to get anywhere. My powers on a leash and all, mind a bit of a speed run?\"\n\n--\n\nBobby groaned at the whole body to burn thing. He had almost everything.on the list that Ezria gave him, it was.just gathering it up, and the last thing he'd be able to get pretty easily. He.looked at the tome and saw the ingredients left. They were odd. He had to admit that, but one stuck out. \"Angel feathers?\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" } ]

[ { "text": "When Bobby answered the phone, Mika put him on speaker so everyone could hear what he had to say and thankfully hear that both Castiel and Arik were in fact alive. She sighed in relief when she also heard the news as the last thing she wanted at this current time was more anger towards members of their world saving group. They also didn't need AnnaBeth going nucular before she gave birth. \n\nWhilst they were on speaker, she could hear in the background this new chick talking about some kind of list and saying how Bobby should have most of it already laying around nearby. She felt suspicious of this chick that she was yet to encounter personally, but if Bobby said they should trust her for the time being, then she had no choice but to accept that plan and agree to it. After all, she spent years disobeying Bobby and doing her own thing, and it didn't exactly go too well for her. \"Thanks Uncle, duely noted, we'll wait for Arik's arrival. Talk soon.\" She simply said before hanging up the phone and putting it in her jeans pocket once again. \n\n-------------------------------------\n\nSam stayed quiet the entire time they were on the phone to Bobby, also intently listening in on the conversation happening. He sighed also with relief that the two men they know were alive, he wasn't exactly happy about Arik being alive still, but for AnnaBeth's sake, he was relieved by the news. \n\nWhen the phone call ended and Dean asked him how he was doing, he snapped out of his thoughts and looked at his older brother. \"I'm okay, tired but okay.\" He honestly replied. He looked across at everyone as they all spoke to each other, and he also looked on as he watched Mika walk over to Dean and begin to massage his shoulders in a loving and concerned manner. Just like him, she was clearly concerned for Dean's exhaustion which was now beginning to clearly show. \n\nHe quickly spun his head round when he felt a gust of air on the back of his neck and saw Castiel arrive looking worse than any of them. \"Well you look like crap\" he remarked.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Dean sighed again, his eyes fluttering closed at the massaging of his shoulders. That moment of relaxation was gone the second Castiel touched down, and he noticed his state, \"Dammit Cas. What the Hell happened!? You barely have enough juice to fry an egg and you go up against a demon in a pissing match? If we lose you, do you have any idea what that means for us?\"\n\nHe scolded him like a child, causing Cas to roll his eyes breathing heavy. He sat up with a small groan, and stared at Dean, \"One…less…to worry about…\", he stuttered.\n\n\"Yeah. Well…you need to sleep, or whatever your vessel needs. It looks pretty fried, and it's not like I would know you from Adam if you poofed out of that one and into another one…well…great…\", Dean continued to scold, ending with a sigh as he watched Cas' head roll to the side, his breathing regulating, signaling that he was in a deep sleep.\n\n\"We need to make a move. What's our next move, Sammy?\"\n\n------\n\nArik smirked, straightening his leather vest as he shrugged, \"You know how much fun the old Bonnie and Clyde antics would be, especially with our leashes off…I don't trust the Angel around the baby, either. That's why I'm glad you came back. Sorry for being an asshole, back there…it was for the old man.\"\n\nHis apology was SOMEWHAT sincere as he leaned in close to her face, only to have his cheek smacked. His eyes fluttered closed, and a sigh left his nose as he watched her walk away. Before saying much more, a wide grin spread across his face and he sprinted toward her, scooping her up in his arms, \"You just say where, and we're there…\"\n\nAnd they poofed.\n\n------\n\nElena woke up with a bit of a jolt as Jay announced that they had made it to Sioux Falls. She gave a sly little smirk as he explained his plan to her, and quickly exited the vehicle, ready to raise a little hell, for once. Finding the Winchesters would make the trip even more worthy. Taking care of the \"problem\", they were dealing with. Well, that was just icing on the cake, to her.\n\nShe pranced around to the other side of the car, her daisy dukes riding up her legs as she bounced, and took her place in the driver's seat.\n\n\"Do you really think he'll break?\", she asked Jay, \"I mean…he could be like some of the other hunters. He does run with the Winchesters. They don't talk easy.\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "For the old man? Right Arik... right.\n\nShe would believe him for now though, and when he brought up the Bonnie and Clyde.antics, memories she had.tried to push away came forth. \"I do miss the Bonnie and Clyde days.\" She mumbled to herself, and when he scooped her up, she barely got the word from her mouth before he proofed them.\n\nShe got herself down from his arms and looked around. They were definitely in Chicago, and she pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. \"Hey, I'm calling in my favor now, meet me at 5th and lake in five.minutes. Bring your collection.\" \n\nShe hung up and turned to Arik. \"Alright, babe, you gotta hang back. This one would definitely... well, I doubt this one would want you around period.\" She smirked before poking his chest with her.index.finger. \"Then we should probably drop off what I'm getting here with the Winchesters. I can't keep this Shit on me if something were to happen.\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "The Hunter\n\n\"He'll break, they always break,\" Jay said reaching into his jacket. He produced another cigarette, and lighting it in that same manner as the last. It was another ten minutes before they made it to Bobby's farm house. Jayceon gauged the distance to the house itself. Once he knew the distance, he motioned for Elena to stop the car. She followed his order, and as she stopped, Jayceon opened the door and disappeared into the back. He opened the truck in which he produced a Remington 870 shotgun, and a small bag. Inside that bag was a breaching charge, the same kind of charge that police officers used in raids. Jayceon came up to the driverside window and knocked on it. \"Baby, take this shotgun and meet me at the door. We are gunna do this hard and fast, he won't know what hit him.\" Jay said before heading to the door. Once he reached the door, Jay began to set up the charge. It took him about five minutes to set up, and once he did, Jay motioned to Elena to get in position.", "username": "Amphibious Assualt", "char_name": "Jayceon 'Jay' Morgan" }, { "text": "Mika stopped massaging Dean's shoulders when Castiel arrived in the room looking very worse for wear. Though after both the boys commented on his current state, she knew better than to also make a comment about it. it wouldn't make matters better. Though she was slightly taken aback by Dean's scolding at Cas. Yes, Dean did have some very valid points in his scolding, but she wasn't quite expecting him to react quite in that manner. \"You really need a break babe...\" she though to herself. \n\n\"Scolding him like a child isn't going to help anyone at the moment, and Cas thinking you'd be one less thing to worry or stress over if you were gone is a ridiculous notion. Don't ever think like that okay?\" She chimed in, walking over so she was standing between Dean and Castiel. When Castiel showed he was clearly now fast asleep before she could even get an answer from him, she also sighed and just grabbed the over sheet off the bed and laid it over him. Cas may not need or appreciate the gesture, but she figured his vessel sure would. \n\n--------------------------------\n\nSam watched as everything folded out in front of him and decided it was just best not to say anything as quite frankly, in his mind, Dean and Mika said everything perfectly anyway - so what was the honest point in repeating what those two said? He did however notice just how motherly Mika was being, with the sweet gesture of putting a blanket over Castiel. \n\n\"Her motherly side sure is showing a lot lately... first with practically being AB's midwife and now mothering Castiel's sleeping vessel, it's kind of nice to see\" Sam thought to himself, when he was quickly brought out of his thoughts by Dean's voice questioning what their next move is. \n\n\"Hmm... I guess hang back for a short while whilst Arik gets given all these ingredients to this mysterious spell we know nothing about, then....\" He begins suggest when his phone goes off with an email. \n\nHi Sam, \nGreg here, ya know.. Greg Dawson? You and your brother helped me out on a hunt a few years back?\nWell I got a case for you if you're able to get to it. Something fishy is happening at this hotel called THE ELYSIAN FIELDS HOTEL. People are going missing inside, and the weather keeps spiking suggesting some kind of supernatural activity. I'd go myself but I'm stuck on another case. Figured if anyone can solve this it's the Winchester boys! \n\nSee enclosed the co-ordinates.\nGreg.\n\n\"Huh... we might have another case in Muncie, Indiana. So once Arik gets here, I say move on and do a case until we can move onto the main objective at hand.\" Sam suggested, not really knowing what else he could possibly say.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Dean sighed again, his eyes fluttering closed at the massaging of his shoulders. That moment of relaxation was gone the second Castiel touched down, and he noticed his state, \"Dammit Cas. What the Hell happened!? You barely have enough juice to fry an egg and you go up against a demon in a pissing match? If we lose you, do you have any idea what that means for us?\"\n\nHe scolded him like a child, causing Cas to roll his eyes breathing heavy. He sat up with a small groan, and stared at Dean, \"One…less…to worry about…\", he stuttered.\n\n\"Yeah. Well…you need to sleep, or whatever your vessel needs. It looks pretty fried, and it's not like I would know you from Adam if you poofed out of that one and into another one…well…great…\", Dean continued to scold, ending with a sigh as he watched Cas' head roll to the side, his breathing regulating, signaling that he was in a deep sleep.\n\n\"We need to make a move. What's our next move, Sammy?\"\n\n------\n\nArik smirked, straightening his leather vest as he shrugged, \"You know how much fun the old Bonnie and Clyde antics would be, especially with our leashes off…I don't trust the Angel around the baby, either. That's why I'm glad you came back. Sorry for being an asshole, back there…it was for the old man.\"\n\nHis apology was SOMEWHAT sincere as he leaned in close to her face, only to have his cheek smacked. His eyes fluttered closed, and a sigh left his nose as he watched her walk away. Before saying much more, a wide grin spread across his face and he sprinted toward her, scooping her up in his arms, \"You just say where, and we're there…\"\n\nAnd they poofed.\n\n------\n\nElena woke up with a bit of a jolt as Jay announced that they had made it to Sioux Falls. She gave a sly little smirk as he explained his plan to her, and quickly exited the vehicle, ready to raise a little hell, for once. Finding the Winchesters would make the trip even more worthy. Taking care of the \"problem\", they were dealing with. Well, that was just icing on the cake, to her.\n\nShe pranced around to the other side of the car, her daisy dukes riding up her legs as she bounced, and took her place in the driver's seat.\n\n\"Do you really think he'll break?\", she asked Jay, \"I mean…he could be like some of the other hunters. He does run with the Winchesters. They don't talk easy.\"", "username": "AnnaBeth", "char_name": "Arik" }, { "text": "For the old man? Right Arik... right.\n\nShe would believe him for now though, and when he brought up the Bonnie and Clyde.antics, memories she had.tried to push away came forth. \"I do miss the Bonnie and Clyde days.\" She mumbled to herself, and when he scooped her up, she barely got the word from her mouth before he proofed them.\n\nShe got herself down from his arms and looked around. They were definitely in Chicago, and she pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number. \"Hey, I'm calling in my favor now, meet me at 5th and lake in five.minutes. Bring your collection.\" \n\nShe hung up and turned to Arik. \"Alright, babe, you gotta hang back. This one would definitely... well, I doubt this one would want you around period.\" She smirked before poking his chest with her.index.finger. \"Then we should probably drop off what I'm getting here with the Winchesters. I can't keep this Shit on me if something were to happen.\"", "username": "SirensCall", "char_name": "EZRIA" }, { "text": "The Hunter\n\n\"He'll break, they always break,\" Jay said reaching into his jacket. He produced another cigarette, and lighting it in that same manner as the last. It was another ten minutes before they made it to Bobby's farm house. Jayceon gauged the distance to the house itself. Once he knew the distance, he motioned for Elena to stop the car. She followed his order, and as she stopped, Jayceon opened the door and disappeared into the back. He opened the truck in which he produced a Remington 870 shotgun, and a small bag. Inside that bag was a breaching charge, the same kind of charge that police officers used in raids. Jayceon came up to the driverside window and knocked on it. \"Baby, take this shotgun and meet me at the door. We are gunna do this hard and fast, he won't know what hit him.\" Jay said before heading to the door. Once he reached the door, Jay began to set up the charge. It took him about five minutes to set up, and once he did, Jay motioned to Elena to get in position.", "username": "Amphibious Assualt", "char_name": "Jayceon 'Jay' Morgan" }, { "text": "Mika stopped massaging Dean's shoulders when Castiel arrived in the room looking very worse for wear. Though after both the boys commented on his current state, she knew better than to also make a comment about it. it wouldn't make matters better. Though she was slightly taken aback by Dean's scolding at Cas. Yes, Dean did have some very valid points in his scolding, but she wasn't quite expecting him to react quite in that manner. \"You really need a break babe...\" she though to herself. \n\n\"Scolding him like a child isn't going to help anyone at the moment, and Cas thinking you'd be one less thing to worry or stress over if you were gone is a ridiculous notion. Don't ever think like that okay?\" She chimed in, walking over so she was standing between Dean and Castiel. When Castiel showed he was clearly now fast asleep before she could even get an answer from him, she also sighed and just grabbed the over sheet off the bed and laid it over him. Cas may not need or appreciate the gesture, but she figured his vessel sure would. \n\n--------------------------------\n\nSam watched as everything folded out in front of him and decided it was just best not to say anything as quite frankly, in his mind, Dean and Mika said everything perfectly anyway - so what was the honest point in repeating what those two said? He did however notice just how motherly Mika was being, with the sweet gesture of putting a blanket over Castiel. \n\n\"Her motherly side sure is showing a lot lately... first with practically being AB's midwife and now mothering Castiel's sleeping vessel, it's kind of nice to see\" Sam thought to himself, when he was quickly brought out of his thoughts by Dean's voice questioning what their next move is. \n\n\"Hmm... I guess hang back for a short while whilst Arik gets given all these ingredients to this mysterious spell we know nothing about, then....\" He begins suggest when his phone goes off with an email. \n\nHi Sam, \nGreg here, ya know.. Greg Dawson? You and your brother helped me out on a hunt a few years back?\nWell I got a case for you if you're able to get to it. Something fishy is happening at this hotel called THE ELYSIAN FIELDS HOTEL. People are going missing inside, and the weather keeps spiking suggesting some kind of supernatural activity. I'd go myself but I'm stuck on another case. Figured if anyone can solve this it's the Winchester boys! \n\nSee enclosed the co-ordinates.\nGreg.\n\n\"Huh... we might have another case in Muncie, Indiana. So once Arik gets here, I say move on and do a case until we can move onto the main objective at hand.\" Sam suggested, not really knowing what else he could possibly say.", "username": "FuriePhoenix", "char_name": null }, { "text": "[Bel and I are posting together]\n\n\"I still hate cars.\" Ariel said as she climbed off her motorcycle, looking at Maxwell.\n\n\"Yeah, I know.\" Maxwell shrugged it off with a yawn.\n\n\"Let's get a-\" Ariel froze before sniffing the air. \"I think dimwit might be back. I smell angel.\"\n\nMax chuckled before shaking his head. \"Angel. Great. No demon?\"\n\nRealizing the question, she sniffed again. \"Yes. Wait. This doesn't seem right. It's not Dimidium. But I can tell where it's coming from. Want me to shift?\"\n\n\"Lead the way.\" he sighed. \"Don't shift. They might already know.\"\n\nAriel nodded before walking to the door. \"In here, I think.\" she said. \"But it seems off. There's an angel, two demons and four humans. One of the humans is pregnant.\"\n\n\"How would you know that?\" he asked with a tilt of his head.\n\n\"I can smell the pregnancy hormones.\" she shrugged shyly. \"You wanna knock?\"\n\n\"Oh, great. A pregnant lady.\" he sighed. He knocked loudly with a sigh. \"This isn't housekeeping.\" he called through loudly.\n\nAriel rolled her eyes and shook her head, trying not to laugh. \"Well, aren't you straightforward?\"", "username": "KazeXDZ", "char_name": "Maxwell V Ravencroft" } ]

[ { "text": "Trex nodded. \"You guys go on ahead. I'll drop off the car.\"\n\nChris and Amber both exited the vehicle. \"We probably should take off.\" Chris stated. \"It's getting late and Amber needs her rest.\"\n\n\"I don't need a sitter.\" Amber replied though in reality she was a bit drained. Keeping Aerok's gate open from a distance was a bit draining. She looked at the inn. \"Tell Flynn best of luck for tomorrow.\" She said.\n\nTrex nodded and watched the two walk away. It only took him a few minutes to return the car and head back. When he arrived, he was surprised to see that Zelia was still asleep.\n\nShe had nearly jumped out of her skin when the door opened. Sword posed, relief came over her as she saw it was just Flynn. \"Yes. She woke up briefly.\" She informed him putting her sword away. \"She was a bit out of it but went back to sleep.\" She frowned. \"How did it go? Where is Trex and the others?\" She asked, trying to keep concern off her face. Blast it. She couldn't get close to anyone. Not again.\n\nTrex entered right after Flynn finished giving Skye a brief synopsis. \"Those lying...\" He clenched his fists.\n\n\"She's just resting. The spirit isn't keeping her that way.\" Skye informed him.\n\n\"Oh.\" Trex relaxed a bit. \"In that case, we better be quiet.\" He whispered. He looked at Flynn. \"Amber says best of luck. Chris practically dragged her off. Said she needed rest.\" He looked at the celestial wizard. \"Which, goes for you as well. You used up a lot of magic energy. Can't have you drained for tomorrow.\" He looked around the room. \"We'll share the room tonight.\" He informed them. \"That way if anyone else tries to attack, we'll be ready.\" Though normally they split hotel rooms, there had been a few times when they all slept under the stars together. One night in the same room won't hurt.\n\nHe went over and sat on the chair. \"I got watch. You two rest.\" He looked at Flynn. \"And don't even think about getting up for any watch. I want you fully prepared for tomorrow.\"", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "Flynn looked behind him when Skye asked where the others were, \"They were behind me... So I can only assume that Trex is dealing with the car.... and maybe Amber and Chris are helping... I wanted to come and check up on Zelia,\" he looked at her and laughed a little, \"Who would think after sleeping for that long she'd want to go to sleep again.\"\n\nHe turned to look at Trex when he came in. He placed a hand on his shoulder when Trex started to fume. However, Skye beat him to saying that the girl had fallen asleep due to her own free will. He smirked and nodded when he was told to go to bed, \"Sure thing, dad...\" he looked between Skye and Trex, \"Are you two okay with splitting the whole night between you... I mean... I think Trex would kill someone before letting Zelia take watch at all tonight,\" he winked at his friend for he climbed into the empty bed that was next to the one Zelia was already sleeping in. Flynn smirked at Trex, \"Keep in mind, watch doesn't entail staring at Zelia.\"\n\nHe laughed and rolled over in the bed and was out like a light. It seemed with having Orian out at such a distance and then opening the second gate with Pisces left him knackered. He pulled the blanket around him and soon was deep into a slumber.", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Trex scowled at Flynn. However, arguing the case would only encourage him more. Instead he looked over at Skye. There was a slight question in her eyes at what Flynn meant about killing but it was quickly disappeared. \"What time do you want me to get up for my watch?\" She inquired.\n\n\"I'll wake you.\" Trex stated sitting down. \"Get some sleep.You look tired.\"\n\nConceding, Skye placed her sword in the corner. With only two beds in the room, she made a spot in the corner. She had no issues with the floor. In fact there was some days the floor was more restful than a bed. It didn't take her long to fall asleep. The day had been quite tasking.\n\nSitting on the chair, Trex geared himself for the long night. He had no intention of waking anyone. Out of the four of them, he was the only one who really hadn't done anything that day. And as long as he didn't use his magic energy all night he would be perfectly capable of fighting in case anything happened tomorrow. He had stayed up all night many times before and one more wouldn't kill him. With the knowledge that both illusion spells were down, he kept a vigilant watch through the hours of the night. Thankfully nothing happened. And though it seemed like forever, the early rays of the sun finally started to come out. Standing he stretched. Any moment Zelia would probably wake up and be herself.\n\nHe went over to the window and peered out. The streets were empty and silent. No one was out this early in the morning except maybe a few people. Hearing someone stir, he turned and saw Zelia. Not being able to help it, he smirked. \"Slept all day yesterday and through the night.\" He whispered shaking his head. \"Tsk. Tsk. You must be getting soft.\"\n\nThough his tone was teasing he was genuinely glad she was awake. Her falling asleep had really scared him for reasons he dared not examine. \"Don't wake the others.\" He told her, quietly. \"They both used up quiet a lot of magic energy yesterday. Give them a little more time to rest.\" He smiled. Zelia had been known to drag everyone out of their beds at horrible hours because she was up and ready to go. He waited to see if she still had her spark or if the spirit and the events from yesterday had done more of a toll on her than they expected.", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "Zelia slowly stirred in bed and yawned. She was still tired, which baffled her but only slightly, she assumed if she started moving she'd be fine. She sat up and looked at Trex when he spoke. In that moment, she remember what she had let spill to Skye about her dream. Her heart stopped for a moment. However, it seemed at if Trex was none the wiser and Skye had kept the slip of the tongue a secret. She smiled at him, \"Hush up. I have a valid reason.\"\n\nShe blushed a little when he told her not to wake the others due to their drain of magic, \"I won't.\"\n\nShe looked at him for a moment, \"Did you stay up all night?\" She didn't wait for a response knowing full well that he hadn't. She groaned, \"Trex...\"\n\nShe held his eyes with her own then patted the empty space on the bed beside her. She looked at him with a soft but stern eye, that said she would drag him there if there if he didn't come himself. She pulled the blankets over herself and piled her pillow behind her, \"You don't have to sleep... Just rest... If you do sleep, I'll be sure to wake you up... But you are no good to us if you are dead on your feet.\"\n\nZelia waited a moment before sighing, \"I hate when you do this you know.\"", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Trex grunted. \"Hopefully by tonight we will be heading back to Magnolia, safe in our own homes.\" Assuming of course they weren't hit again. What really surprised him was that they had only ran across two of the Caelum wizards. Where had the others gone off to? He had no doubt they would be seeing each other again but where and when concerned him. Thankful that Zelia let him go he quickly left. Now to find some breakfast.\n\nVoices continued in the back of her head and with a start Skye opened her eyes. Like most mornings, it took her a few seconds to realize that she was not in danger. The voices sounding very similar to Flynn and Zelia. She waited a few seconds, listening to them speak, her back to them. Refraining a sigh, she rubbed the grit out of her eyes and sat up. The sun had still not risen, though little rays of light announced that it was almost dawn. She smiled at the irony. Outdoors, she woke early but in a house, she usually overslept. If it wasn't for the fact that she rented one of Zelia's extra bedrooms she would probably be late and keep everyone waiting to go on a quest or mission. Zelia would probably be so proud.\n\nSpeaking of which... Skye rose and glanced over at the two. Flynn looked like he was ready to go back to bed but Zelia looked ready to conquer the morning. Stifling a yawn, Skye noted that Zelia did seem better. Catching her eye, she nodded good morning. Though in all honesty why mornings had to start so early was beyond her. Turning slightly away from the two, she went through a few stretches to get the kinks out of her body. It wasn't until she was about finished when she realized Trex never woke her. She glanced around the room. The man was nowhere to be found. Why he hadn't he woken her up? She could have done her part. Did he sit up the entire night? Covering another yawn with her hand she picked up her pack and grabbed her brush. Fighting the tangles, she pulled the brush through her hair.\n\n\"Where's Trex?\" She asked quietly, so as not to disturb Flynn. \"He was supposed to wake me for watch.\" Her brush snapped. A bit embarrassed, Skye put the broken handle int the bag and continued using the other piece to do her hair. Avoiding eye contact, she hoped Zelia hadn't noticed. She had been meaning to get a new one but she had been to busy getting a few new outfits. Having done only a few jobs, money was a bit scarce. Not that she would admit it. The others seemed so fine, so perfect in a way. Sure they might have some problems but she doubted it was something as basic as this.", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "Zelia was rummaging through her bag when Skye asked about Trex. She sighed, \"He went to hunt down some breakfast and yes, the git stayed up the entire night,\" she shook his head, \"He's done it before and it doesn't seem to get to bad until evening... But with the Caelum wizards... I guess I'm just a little on edge and we don't need him drifting off to sleep on us.\"\n\nShe heard the snap and glanced at Skye, who was now brushing her hair with just the paddle. She smiled at her and fished her own brush out of her bag. She walked over to her, \"Here use mine... It'll be a lot easier... Maybe Trex can fix your own when he gets back.\"\n\nShe moved back over to her bag and closed it. There wasn't much else she could do but watch the time and wait for Trex to get back. She sat on the edge of her bed with a huff and looked at Skye. She was curious, if the girl had heard her last night. Although, with her being the only other person in the room and her attention completely on her, how could she not. She pursed her lips before she sighed and whispered, \"Did I say... What I think I said last night? About... Trex...\"", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The trip to the curator didn't take that long. It was good having the entire team up and out again. For a few moments it was almost like old times. Bringing up the rear, Trex kept a sharp lookout. If there was going to be any trouble it would probably be before they reached the house. Either that or during the competition itself. It all depended on what rules the curator had planned. When Zelia suddenly stopped laughing, Trex looked to see the issue. Spotting the Caelum wizards he stiffened. \"Just keep going.\" He told the others. \"As much as I would love to bust some teeth in, we should avoid confrontation.\" His gaze meet Ryzo's.\n\nThe Caelum wizard made eye contact but his expression remained guarded. Giving a short nod to Trex, he turned and went back to looking at the curator's house. There was five of them total. Ryzo, Skye's sister Tye, the celestial, the book wizard, and the teleportation wizard. All five stood away from everyone else as if either were outsiders or they did not want to be affiliated with anyone else. Trex guessed the latter. Seeing that Skye had stopped, he nudged her forward to follow the others over to where the Pegasus wizards were. \"Another time.\" He told her.\n\nSkye turned away from the wizards and followed Zelia and Flynn. When she had left that morning she didn't know what to feel. Part of her wanted to confront her old acquaintances for what they did to Zelia. But now, seeing Tye smile in her direction and remembering all the times, good and bad she had with Ryzo and Zen she just froze. She was glad Trex broke her concentration. A few more minutes and she would have probably turned and ran the other way. The message was in Tye's eyes. It was only a matter of time for her. Lifting her chin, she stopped next to Zelia and kept her attention straight ahead, toward the house.\n\nSpotting the Fairy Tail wizards, Amber and Chris came over to them. \"Glad to see you are up and about.\" Amber said looking at Zelia. \"I hope the spirit didn't cause terrible dreams or anything. She didn't seem like she would but you never know. Doing better?\" She inquired.", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "Zelia followed Flynn until they met the members of Pegasus and Amber started to talk to her. She smiled and shook her head, \"No, I think I was more of nightmare for it. I kept snapping out of most of her dreams.\"\n\nFlynn looked at her slightly surprised, \"You did?\"\n\nZelia nodded her head, \"Ya, I sensed her at the back of my head,\" she glanced at Trex, \"Didn't even have to put Lepus on my head,\" she looked back at Amber, \"None of them were bad dreams though. Most were rather pleasant actually. But I'm feeling much better... It feels good to actually be awake.\"\n\nShe stretched again and rose onto her toes as she looked at the door of the house. Flynn looked at Trex, \"You should probably still put Lepus on your head... To learn how to sense spirits in your head... You should also let me take a picture... Just for the learning experience for you, of course,\" he said with a smirk. Zelia giggled again at the thought and smacked Flynn lightly, \"Can I get a copy of it?\"\n\nFlynn chuckled at the less than expected response. He nodded, \"*Everyone*at the guild will get a copy of it. It will be his rise to fame.\"\n\nZelia laughed again and looked at Trex, \"Sounds like fun.\"\n\nShe caught the glimpse of Ryzo, some ways behind Trex. She was still curious if he had been the reason she had been put to sleep by the spirit. And why? It didn't seem like the team had even gotten attacked yesterday, just her. What was the point or reasoning behind that. She looked away from him and Trex and back at the door. She sighed, \"I can only imagine how many people wouldn't hear the speech if I did it.... merely because I would probably do it ten minutes before I said I would.\"", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Trex raised his hand as he watched Flynn fly past. \"That's some ingenuity.\" He declared. He looked around. Some of the wizards who had come with their celestial friends started to leave.\n\nChris came over. \"You got a smart friend.\" He said shaking his head, though he couldn't help but smile at the idea. \"He'll probably be the first one there and back.\" He shoved his hands in his pocket and glanced toward the house. \"That was a strange request though. I wonder what it has to do with anything.\"\nHis gaze went past them to the Caelum wizards who stood in there area conversing amongst themselves. \"Should we finish where we left off yesterday?\" He asked, a slight mischievous grin on his face. \"Technically, Flynn and Amber are safe from any repercussions.\"\n\nTrex stared at Chris. Though he did seem a bit snappish at times, he was alright. He turned and looked at the Caelum wizards. There was four on four. But then again, a fight was not always the best thing. They do to much damage and not only with the army be on their case but the curator's house might get damaged and thus make him biased against Flynn. \"Fight, probably not. Though, it will be a bit interesting to see what goth boy has to say about putting Zelia under.\" He stated. \"Especially, as the last time he stated they did not want to fight.\"\n\nHe looked at Zelia. \"It's up to you, really. We can leave the losers alone or go and get some answers.\" He shrugged. \"Though frankly they might just lie and leave it at that.\" He shook his head. He was never a fan of dark wizards. Though they weren't exactly part of a dark guild, to his knowledge, they weren't like any of the good guilds in Fiore. Besides, there was some enmity between them and Skye thus making him dislike them even more. \"What say you?\" He asked looking at Zelia.", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "Zelia still held onto Trex's arm as she looked at Chris. She nodded her head, \"There is a fair chance. Even if some people turn back and grab a car now, they have to use up the time of back tracking on themselves. This way he won't even use up any energy,\" she looked toward the door of the building, \"It has to be only the beginning of the race... How willing and strong they are without the use of magic... Some people use it as a crutch... and it warps them as people...\"\n\nShe looked between the two men as Trex brought up continuing what they had started the day before. Had they found the Caelum wizards the day before? She hadn't gotten to ask too many question before she fell asleep yesterday and Trex ran out this morning. When he looked at her giving her the option of figuring out why Ryzo had done it, she remembered she was still holding his arm and quickly dropped it. She thought about it and reassured her that it was her choice. She stole a glance at Ryzo while they stood there. She was curious, she had been since she had woken up. She was even slightly curious during her dream why she had been targeted. Why was it here of all of them that was put to sleep if they weren't going to act on it at all. She looked at Skye, she knew how the girl felt about her old comrades. She always seemed to freeze up. Sadly, her curiosity overwhelmed that and for that she was slightly ashamed. She looked up at Trex and nodded, \"I would like to know... But no fighting. If anything starts, we walk away. I don't want this to effect Flynn's chances in any way. Promise?\"", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null }, { "text": "~deleted~", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "\"That's interesting. I guess that makes since.\" Trex commented. Why talk to each one, when you could wait until they all returned? However, Flynn was right. The race didn't make sense. Especially after his speech about \"being worthy\" and all. He clasped Flynn on the back. \"Don't worry. Whatever is planned I can't think of any celestial wizard who is more worthy then you. If you had my vote, you would get the key.\"\n\n\"But it he doesn't.\" Another celestial wizard walked up wearing a smirk. \"What's the matter boy? He turn you down?\" He asked nodding toward the house. His guild tattoo, evident on his neck showed he was from one of the smaller, less known guilds. He frowned as Flynn told him they had to wait. Grunting, he waved him off. \"Right. Like I'm going to believe you.\" Going over he knocked on the door. After a brief discussion, he too had the door shut in his face.\n\nTrex raised an eyebrow. \"Apparently, he just found out you were not lying.\" He noted. The wizard didn't look their way but made his way to another spot and sat down. The front door opened again and the servant put a sign on the door. A smile toyed on Trex's lips as he looked it over. \"Looks like the servant doesn't want to be disturbed either. The sign stated that they need to wait until everyone returns, or noon. Whichever comes first.\" He shook his head. \"That's one way to avoid constant knocking.\"\n\nSkye frowned. Glancing at the others, she nodded toward the wizard. \"How far is this beach?\" She inquired. \"He came back pretty quick after Flynn. Or, where you waiting long?\" She asked glancing at the older boy.\n\nTrex narrowed his eyes. \"No. There's no way he could have physically made it there and back in this time. Not unless he had super speed or used magic.\" He scowled. \"That little cheater. I should give him a thrashing.\"", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "Flynn watched as the wizard walked up to the door and was turned away in a similar fashion that he was. He laughed a little and nodded, when Trex commented, saying that he found out Flynn had told the truth. He shook his head a little, \"Man, it would have been a lot easier if they just said it at the start or put the sign up after we left. What did they expect us to do?\"\n\nHe looked at Trex as he came to the conclusion that he had cheated. Zelia looked at him, \"Okay, now you are just trying to pick a fight. First with Ryzo, now with this poor sucker. What has gotten into you?\"\n\n\"Peacocking,\" Flynn suggested. Zelia looked at him and hit him lightly. Flynn smirked, \"Come on, Z. He is just trying to look tough for someone. He should let him.\"\n\nZelia shook her head, \"No fighting. I am now canopying the promise over all wizards. No fighting, period.\"\n\n\"Well now how is he going to show of his pretty feathers?\" Flynn snickered. Zelia smacked him in the gut. He let out an oof like sound. Rubbing his stomach, he sighed, \"Fine, I'll stop bugging.\"", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Trex turned and glared at his friend. \"It's a good thing she hit you. Otherwise I would have.\" He declared though there really wasn't malice in his tone. Just annoyance. There was no way he was peacocking. He had nothing to prove. It was just that he was a bit irritated, that's all. Chalk it up to lack of sleep or maybe his annoyance at the Caelum wizards and their increasing number of covert, snide attacks. First on him and then Zelia. Not to mention the verbal assault on Skye. He just wished he could give them a lesson. However, it was wiser to leave them be. Unless they hit again. If it came to a fight, he doubted Skye would be able to do much as put her ten feet near them and she'd freeze.\n\nSkye frowned, as if his irritated behavior brought back something to memory. She never did talk to him about why he didn't wake her. Did he not think her capable? Doubts and questions raced through her mind but she kept her peace. She would not confront him in front of the others and she would definitely wait until he got into a better mood. She hadn't seen him this angry before. True the slight tussle with Trever and his gang did bring out some annoyance, but he didn't act like he was about to jump into something. Was he just tired or was this is actual nature. A shimmer of fear raced down her spine. It was silly really. He had done nothing to threaten her but his behavior reminded her of others.\n\nTaking a deep breath, Trex realized his was getting frustrated. It wasn't Skye's fault. Whatever had transpired between them had left some major wounds. He glanced at Zelia. \"Sorry.\" He told her. \"I despise cheating.\" Whether it was that wizard of the Caelum wizards when they put Zelia asleep and played little verbal games. Give him a face to face, physical battle and he could handle it. This covert, around the bush verbal warfare was annoying. \"I won't do anything to jeopardize Flynn's chance at the key.\" He informed. His composure loosened a bit and he didn't look so on edge.", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "Zelia smiled when he seemed to calm down a bit. She nodded when he promised not to jeopardize Flynn's chances, \"Good.\"\n\nShe took hold of his hand arm and pulled him away from the others. She looked him in the eye when they were a little distance away. She sighed, \"You need sleep... You are getting snappish, Flynn deserved it but still.... You are going to end up snapping at the wrong person and things are just going to go downhill,\" she smiled softly at him, \"We'll all go sit somewhere and I want you to try and get some sleep. It is still a bit of time before noon and we can wake you. You need sleep.\"\n\nShe looked back over at Flynn and Skye and waved them over. She looked at them both, \"I was just saying to Trex that we should find somewhere to sit. Maybe let him take a nap before noon, get some energy back.\"\n\nFlynn nodded, \"Sounds good to me.\"\n\nZelia looked around slightly, \"Maybe just a patch of grass would be nice to sit on while we wait,\" She spotted one and pointed at it, \"Over there. Close enough that we'll easily be able to hear the curator when he comes out and talks.\"\n\nShe guided them all over to the grass and sat down. She looked at Trex with stern eyes, \"Sleep.\"", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Trex just shook his head. They did have a point. The cheater had been ousted and justice had been served. \"Just finish you food.\" He replied, though there was a tent of humor in his voice. So he had been a bit cranky earlier. Maybe, too much. Though he would never admit it, the rest had done him some good. Even the little time would help him get through the rest of the day. Finishing, he rose to stretch his legs.\n\nThe lunch hour flew by quickly. Shortly before one all the celestial wizards still left in the competition lined up, waiting for the curator. Amber held her rolled scroll and glanced at Flynn. \"This was surprisingly easy.\" She told him. \"Though, I'm sure he'll be looking for some keywords or something.\" She shrugged. \"I just stated my reason and left it at that.\"\n\nThe front door opened and the servant exited. \"I will collect your writing samples for the curator.\" He informed them. Coming by, he took each one and then headed back inside.\n\n\"So I guess we can go wait now.\" Amber stated glancing at Flynn.\n\n\"Let me guess, you two probably put something like 'I love spirits' or 'I can help people'.\" Maria stated coming over. She smirked. \"So wishy washy. Putting down what you know they want you to hear.\" She stated.\n\n\"What did you say?\" Amber inquired, curious. Technically, there was no reason they couldn't tell each other. Especially as they couldn't really change it anyway.\"\n\nMaria smiled. \"Power. I want the key for power.\" She shrugged. \"Honestly, that's what most people want. Even if you use up flowery words, you still want power.\"\n\nA couple other wizards looked at her. \"She's probably not going to get it.\" One snickered to another.\n\nMaria shrugged. \"At least I was honest. Undoubtedly the paper has some sort of magic to it that will tell if you are honest or not. He did it with the rocks, why wouldn't he do it with the paper?\" Turning, she walked off.\n\nAmber shrugged. \"She's got a point. But good news was, I was honest.\" She looked at Flynn. \"And I know you were.\" She said nudging him.", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "Flynn chuckled and crossed his arms as he waited, \"Of course, I didn't. I haven't a need to.\"\n\nHe looked at the door, tapping his foot, already getting impatient. He looked at Amber, \"I just told him that I wanted to make sure that the spirit was treated well and I could only assure that by having the spirit myself.\"\n\nHe shrugged, \"I guess it was the best I could do on short notice... I'm not the best at writing...\" he scratched the back of his head and laughed a little. He shifted on his feet, he didn't want to walk away and go back to his group, worried that the man might come back in shorter time than he expected.\n\nZelia looked at Flynn and Amber as they spoke. She watched the girl as she nudged Flynn, a smile on her face. Something in her stomach dropped, the girl didn't like Flynn did she? If she did, the poor girl was going to get her heart broken. She glanced at Trex, boys were oblivious to that kind of thing. She quickly looked away and back at Flynn and Amber. She adjusted herself in her seat, \"What do you think Amber and the Caelum girl wrote about?\"", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Trex scowled at Zelia. However, he quickly replaced his expression to a closed look, when the Caelum wizards headed their way. After a brief discussion, they walked off. Keeping an eye on them, he nodded. \"Then it's settled. We'll head back to Magnolia and look for another job.\" He declared. \"Don't worry Flynn, if there is another key, we'll head out to find it, but as we don't know where to go, let's earn some money.\" As they got there stuff, said goodbye to Amber and Chris, Trex kept an eye out. Though it seemed Ryzo and his pals were not directly confronting his team, he wouldn't put it past them to try something now that Flynn received another key. Reaching the train station without incident, Trex purchased four tickets. It was a good thing they were going to get a job. His funds were a bit low and he usually kept a reserve. Another couple weeks like this and he wouldn't have any money to pay rent or buy supplies. Boarding the train, he found seats for them. \"Well that was eventful.\" He declared. \"Let's try not to fall asleep.\" He stated, face serious, as he looked at Zelia.\n\nThe train ride was uneventful. As the train came to a stop and the four exited, there was suddenly a shout. \"There he is!\" A man called out. Looking around, they spotted an older man with six Army soldiers. \"He's the one.\" He pointed his finger straight at Flynn. \"Arrest him!\"\n\n\"Hold on.\" Trex said stepping in front of them. He held his hands up peacefully. \"I wish no harm, however, my friend is a celestial wizard. To avoid confusion or mixups, I would like to know what is going on before you just rush in and arrest him. Any arrest could forfeit all contracts he has with the spirits.\" He shook his head slightly as the others, ordering them not to interfere. If all three jumped in, the army might think they are just defending him. In that case, they might fight.\n\nThe captain, a man stationed in Magnolia for a good ten years nodded at Trex. \"Understandable.\" He agreed. He shushed the old man and looked back at them. \"If your friend comes willingly to the magistrate, we will not arrest him. However, any resistance and we will have no choice.\"\n\n\"That will be fair.\" Stepping aside, Trex looked at Flynn. However, the older boy had already stepped forward, also seemingly to agree. \"Hang in there, we'll get to the bottom of this.\" Trex told him quietly.\n\n\"Arrest him, I tell you!\" The old man yelled.\n\n\"Silence.\" Petro, the leader of the guard, glared at the man. \"The magistrate will decide the punishment. If he finds Flynn here guilty, then we will arrest him. But until then, he is coming willingly.\"\n\nThe old man, someone never seen by them before, glared at Flynn. \"I'm going to make you pay for what you've done.\" He declared. \"You'll pay!\"", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "Zelia gave Trex a look and nodded, \"I will do my best. I think my sleeping schedule as been screwed with enough after all.\"\n\nThe time seemed to inch by as Flynn looked out the window. He could hardly wait to get back to Magnolia and hopefully show Lucy his brand new key. Although he knew that the rest of group and agreed fully to chasing down the keys for him, he couldn't help but feel bad with everyone struggling for money. This was the second time they had gone out of their way, wasting money, to get him a new key. He'd being willing to take on a hundred year quest if it meant lightening the money problems they were all having now.\n\nThe train came into the station and they climbed off. They were met by the army and he found himself being pointed at and being called to be arrested. He was greatly thankful for Trex, when he stepped in. Flynn was in a state of shock and surely would have lost his keys then and there if his friend had not stepped in. Flynn stepped forward and nodded his head, \"I'll come.\"\n\nHe walked over to them and looked at the man as he called for him to pay. He smiled at him and nodded, as if he had not just been threatened. Zelia looked at Flynn then the man accusing him. She walked over to the elder and spoke quietly, \"May I ask... what is it that he will be paying for?\"", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The man glared at Zelia. \"Don't think you can try and threaten me.\" He snapped. \"I'm going to testify the truth. Your friend is going to pay.\" He quickly scampered after the army, occasionally sending a glare Zelia's and Skye's way.\n\nWalking alongside the Captain and Flynn, Trex glanced at the man. \"What are the charges?\" He inquired quietly.\n\nPetro shook his head. \"Theft. Destruction of property. Coercion. Threatening.\" He shrugged. \"Some seem a bit out of line but he has witnesses.\" He looked at the two. \"I'm sorry Flynn, but it might be a solid case to convict you. The magistrate will decide.\"\n\nTrex frowned. That didn't seem correct. \"Don't worry, Flynn. We got your back.\" He declared. \"The magistrate is just but fair.\" Falling back, he meet up with Zelia and Skye. Explaining the charges, he looked toward the accuser. \"See what you can find out about him. It sounds bogus but if he's got witnesses, Flynn can be in trouble. I'm going to stick with Flynn, make sure they don't arrest him or do anything.\"\n\nPausing in front of the courthouse, the group was met by the Captain of the army in this area. Captain Rellex was not the best man. Sometimes a bit cruel and known for harshness he was also known for stringency to the rules. Frowning, he scowled at Petro. \"Why does he still have his keys?\"\n\n\"He's not under arrest.\" Petro replied saluting.\n\n\"No. But assume he is guilty and arrested, he will be a hassle with his keys.\" He glared at Flynn. \"Hand them over. If you are cleared, you will get them back.\"", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "Zelia looked at the man as he yelled about her not being able to threaten him. She looked back at Skye, unsure about the state of mind the man was in. She followed with the other woman as they walked slightly behind Trex and Flynn. Shortly after, Trex slowed in pace and explained to them what was happening. She shook her head, \"That makes no sense, when on Earth would he have had time to commit that many offenses.... We've hardly stopped moving to give him the chance.\"\n\nShe crossed her arms and looked at the old man again, she didn't trust him before but now she was thinking he was up to something. She nodded to Trex, \"I'll try and see if I can get a word in without him yelling about me threatening him...\"\n\nShe shook her head and walked over to the old man again. She held her hands up in surrender, \"Sir, I promise I don't wish to intimidate or threaten you. In fact, it seems to me like you might have a case... I was just wondering what this wizard has done to cause so much trouble. Do you think you could elaborate on his charges?\"\n\nFlynn looked at the Captain then at his keys. He removed them from his belt and looked at him, \"I'm not under arrest though, I retain all my contracts with my spirits... Do you think that one of my friends can keep hold of them? If I am found guilty, I want them to go to a wizard I can trust.\"", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The judge entered and glanced toward the accuser. \"What's your grievance?\" He inquired ready to start the case.\n\nThe old man stepped forward He pointed a finger at Flynn. \"These wizards think they can get away with everything.\" He declared. \"They think just because they have some power and that they are part of some guild means that they can just walk all over the rest of us.\" He shook his head disgusted.\n\nThe judge folded his hands. \"What exactly did he do?\" He inquired.\n\nThe man turned back to glare at Flynn. \"He destroyed my cart and everything in it. He destroyed my entire livelihood!\" He declared angrily. \"When my assistant tried to stop him and have him pay for his mess, he attacked him viciously, leaving my poor assistant badly injured, perhaps permanently.\" He said pointing toward a man on crutches, looking like he had been through a lot within the past few weeks.\n\nSkye frowned. \"That doesn't make sense.\" She whispered. \"Flynn was with us the entire time.\"\n\n\"I have witnesses.\" The man continued, calling up three different individuals, a merchant, a docks man, and a soldier. All three testified that they witnessed Flynn do exactly what the older man had said.\n\n\"I'm ashamed that I was not able to stop him.\" The soldier stated, finishing up. \"I tried to go after him but he sent one of his spirits after me. I barely escaped.\" He frowned at Flynn.\n\nThe judge frowned. He looked at Flynn. \"You've heard the testimony against you. What do you have in your defense?\"\n\nSkye shook her head. Why would all four of them lie? She glanced at Zelia. \"Flynn was with us hunting for the green key at the time.\" She whispered. \"They have to be lying.\"", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "\"You've heard the testimony against you. What do you have in your defense?\"\n\nFlynn was slightly stunned that so many people were lying about something he hadn't done. He looked to the judge and shrugged, \"They make a good argument against me... But I wasn't even in the city on day that they are saying I supposedly destroyed this cart. I was in the North... Searching for a celestial key. I have two people here who would say the same. The third is taking my keys to the guild and I could get more. Like two Pegasus wizards whom I met on the trip. Or the owner of the inn that we stayed in, who isn't a wizard,\" He looked from the soldier to the judge again, \"On top of that, I would never send one of my spirits. They aren't attack dogs... Nor would I ever attack someone who was trying to make me pay for a mess, that is sadistic and cruel.\"\n\nHe looked to the witnesses then back at the judge, \"Would it be possible to ask them to describe my spirit that I supposed sent on the soldier?\"\n~~~~~\nZelia nodded at Skye, \"This is just getting more and more wrong. Flynn is smart though... He should be fine.\"\n\nThe older wizard started to talk then and Zelia smiled, \"See... And I think.... I might know who sent that man after Flynn..... I hope Trex is okay...\"", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "There had been a lot of walking and parts of the day dragged but Trex enjoyed the trip overall. He enjoyed Zelia's company and was glad that she was willing to come with him. Despite the fact he was a bit apprehensive about what his family would say. He had no doubt they would welcome Zelia with open arms. He just hoped they did not think he was bringing her home as a potential spouse. He knew that just her showing up was going to get some hard ribbing from his brothers. But that was his brothers. He had given back almost what they had done to him. How many times had he got them into trouble or tattled on them. Not that he tattled a lot. A lot of things stayed between them. Though they got into fights a lot, the three of them would quickly band together against any outsider. It was part of being siblings.\n\nAs they walked down the road toward his family's farm, Trex felt his heart lighten a bit and his aching feet seemed to ease a bit. They were almost there. Everything brought back memories. The trees they climbed in. The pond they swam in. The spot where he and Robert tried to catch a ride out of here. Good memories. Snapping out of his thoughts when Zelia spoke, Trex glanced ahead. Lights could be made out on the farmhouse ahead. He nodded. \"That's it alright.\" He stated a smile coming to his face. It wasn't much but it was home. Heading up the lane, Trex kept his pace contained and though he had a small smile he kept his excitement contained. It had been some time since he had last been home. The life of a wizard was hard and difficult. And since he was either on the road a lot or pushing all his effort into training, he did not have the time to just come by and visit.\n\n\"Let me put them in the barn before we go in.\" He told Zelia pausing as they reached the farmhouse. They were probably starting to eat soon and he wanted to make sure that the horses were cared for before going in. Otherwise, in all the excitement of the reunion they might get temporarily forgotten.\n\nGoing into the barn quietly, Trex pointed out a few of the other animals to Zelia, before going over and greeting each one by name. Well, except for a few that he did not know yet. Finally getting to some empty stalls he let Zelia deal with the reins and harnesses from the two horses and comb them down while he went up to the loft and knocked some feed down. As he picked up the pitchfork he heard barking. Glancing down as the barn door opened he blinked back as the lantern brightened the room.\n\n\"Who are you?\" A deep voice demanded spotting Zelia. In one hand he grasped the lantern and in the other he held the collar of a very large dog. Though the dog looked a bit old there was no mistaking how much of a threat he still was.", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "Zelia nodded, it made sense to drop off the horses. She walked with him into the barn and took the other horse from him as he stated that he was going to grab them sometime to eat. She tied the horses up to allow herself to remove their saddles. Once they were both comfortably bareback she started to brush them down one by one. She was part way though brushing the leg of the first horse when she heard the barking. She turned to look at the man who held the lantern and dog, who she assumed to be Trex's father. She looked toward that hay loft, to realize that Trex was out of sight. She blinked a few times, as the brightness of the lantern started to hurt her eyes. Zelia bowed to the man, \"Sorry, Trex and I were going to drop off the horses before coming in to see you... I'm Zelia, I'm part of your son's team at Fairy Tail....\"\n\nShe felt incredibly awkward, she looked up at the hayloft to see Trex looking down at them. Frowning, she levitated him off the hayloft and down to the ground below. She smiled at him then walked over to him and pushed him toward the man, \"Say hello before he sicks the dog on me,\" She whispered with a small laugh.", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Ryzo watched as Zelia stood. She was weak. Extremely so. He wondered again how long she had been here. Had their captors intended to just leave them here to die? It made no sense. Why would they do that? Why put a collar on them and then never come back? If the intent was for them to die, than why not have them killed right away?\n\nEither way, what-ifs and wonderings wouldn't help much. Going over beside Zelia he looked at the crack then his gaze looked at her. They were close - close enough that he could see the vibrant color of her eyes as well as the droplets of water forming at the edges: tears. He didn't comment on them or point them out knowing that it wasn't really his place. Besides, it was understandable. \n\nHe frowned slightly, his hand going to the collar at his neck. \n\n\"Well, I haven't figured it out yet but then again, it is a bit difficult to examine it when it's on your own neck. But now that we both are here, I can get a better look. Do you mind?\" He asked his hand moving up slightly to touch her collar. He brushed her hair slightly aside and leaned in to examine it. It fully encircled her neck. No beginning, no end. It was completely fused.\n\n\"Interesting.\" He frowned. That would make breaking it more difficult. Still...\n\n\"How about you try that rock on my collar.\" He nodded toward a large rock. \"See if you can bust it off. Just...just don't hit my neck okay?\" A smile toyed on his lips but he was partially serious. He wasn't sure how much she hated him. He was betting on the fact that she wasn't going to purposely kill him as she could use his help to escape. Though, he wouldn't put it past her to 'slip' once or twice.\n\n~ ~ ~\n\nTrex waited for Flynn to say goodbye. He gave his friend a slight grin as the older boy headed out with them. Nudging him in the shoulder, he lifted his eyebrows. \"Still with Lucy huh?\" There was a bit of teasing in his eyes, though not as much as there once had been.\n\nMoving on to the question at hand, Trex frowned. \"Well, let's start at the border and work our way back. Her last location was up north so we'll go there and see what they say. Then we can trace the most logical route back - presuming there wasn't any conveys that came from that area. It will be a big search but hopefully we can narrow it down and find her.\"", "username": "Black Ninja", "char_name": "Amber" }, { "text": "As Ryzo brushed her hair aside she gathered it over her shoulder and in her hands. Allowing Ryzo to get a better look at the collar that she wore around her neck against her will without her hair falling back in the way of his view. She stared intently at the ground. It was weird... standing this close to him. Zelia, although a very friendly and open person did not allow many people into her personal space. She could think of only one person she would continually welcome to stand as close to her as they stood now... and she didn't believe he reciprocated those feelings... This, however, never effected that relationship. \n\nShe looked over her shoulder at Ryzo as he suggested that she attempt to bash his collar off of his neck with a nearby rock. She crouched down and picked up, looking it over for a moment, a small smile playing on her lips as requested that she not hit him in the neck, \"It's tempting,\" She teased before she held out the rock to him, \"You are stronger and my magic is versatile. If this is going to work, you are going to have a better shot at pulling it off. Your strength and angle will be a great asset compared to my own strength and height,\" She pursed her lips, \"I said I would trust you... So I'm trusting you not to hit me in the neck.\" \n\nZelia took a deep breath before she once again pulled her hair over her shoulder and closed her eyes, awaiting the blow that would hopefully damage this collar enough to at least use her magic. \n\n~ ~ ~\n\nFlynn shrugged, his cheeks turning a little red, \"Yea... She's great... She's been helping me figure out all the weird stuff that's been happening with my keys. Spirits just popping up out of no where... It's been wild, man.. You've missed a lot,\" He wrapped his arm around Trex's shoulder and pulled him into his body, \"We've missed you a lot.\"\n\nHe looked over at Skye and gave her a smile. He enjoyed the time during the war that he got to spend with her. Getting to know her and her quirks a little bit more. In some cases, she was still a mystery but Flynn no longer felt like he was forcing a friendship upon her. It felt reciprocated now. He released Trex and nodded his head, \"That sounds like good a plan as any... Is there anyone we can contact to track down which infirmary location she was at? I know the North got hit pretty hard so they set up a few bases along the border.\"", "username": "tsubasa", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Sadie Ethans had been waiting for this day for the past four years. She had been blown away by the sudden appearance of a barn owl on her brother Brennan's eleventh birthday and been extremely put out about not getting one herself. Her parent's had thought the letter a silly prank until a woman in dark robes had appeared on their doorstep and told them no, magic really does exist. It had been a day Sadie would never forget, one that forever altered the course of her life. When she had asked the severe looking woman if she would get to go to Hogwarts, the evil woman had simply told her to wait and see.\n\nFor four*years*, Sadie had waited. She sent Brennan letters weekly, demanding to know everything he was taught and to reassure her that she would get her chance as well. He did neither of these things, likely because he found her frustration amusing. Her pestering only worsened over his holidays, to the point where mum and dad had to send her to her room (which Sadie found supremely unfair). She'd nearly had a nervous breakdown in the week leading up to her eleventh birthday. Her owl had been cruel and hadn't shown up until nearly*lunchtime*on July Thirteenth. She'd already given up hope on being selected for Hogwarts and had resigned herself to a life of misery by the time her beautiful parchment letter arrived.\n\nNothing had been as wonderful as reading 'Dear Miss Ethans' in elegant emerald script. Nothing, perhaps, except the sight of the scarlet Hogwarts Express, and knowing that she had a place on it.\n\n\"Right, now promise you'll write every week,\" her mum instructed her as she dusted off Sadie's cardigan. Sadie could barely speak for her excitement.\n\"Yes mummy. Oh, look at the*train*,\" she was bouncing in place, and she missed the amused look her parents exchanged with one another. Sadie only had eyes for the steam spilling out of that beautiful engine, her heart beating a painful staccato in her chest. She needed to be on the train*now*!\n\n\"Sadie, calm down,\" Brennan grumbled, looking annoyingly cool in his school robes and with a broomstick slung across his shoulder. \"You're embarrassing me.\"\n\nShe stuck her tongue out at Brennan, before her father shot her a warning look. She blushed and tried not to fidget.\n\n\"Brennan, you look out for Sadie. Make sure she doesn't, err, blow anything up.\"\n\nSadie pouted. Blow up one loo, on accident, and no one ever lets you forget it. Brennan sulkily muttered some form of assent. As soon as mum and dad were done hugging him goodbye, he had scurried off to go meet up with his friends. Sadie made a 'hmph' sound. He couldn't have abandoned her any quicker!\n\n\"Be good sweetheart. Work hard,\" her mum squeezed her tight. Sadie laughed as her father picked her up in a bear hug, before setting her down neatly next to her trunk.\n\n\"I will. I'll be the best,\" Sadie's fist clenched and her eyes lit up. She was going to make Brennan, who thought he was too cool for his little sister, look like a complete twit. She'd best him at everything! Her parents exchanged another, rather worried look, but before they could say anything the whistle had sounded.\n\n\"I have to go! I love you mum, love you dad!\" Her father helped lift her and her things onto the train, and before she knew it, they were pulling away from the station.\n\nSadie released a high pitched squeal of excitement. Oh gosh, she was finally here! She was here and this was real and not just another frustrating dream! She tried not to hyperventilate. Mr. Tufty, her screech owl, shot her a withering look. A taller girl with dark hair helped her move her things into an empty compartment, where she left Sadie to bounce on the seat, nose pressed to the glass.\n\n\"I'm going to Hogwarts, I'm going to Hogwarts~!\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "Coming from one of the remaining Pure Blood families, George had no fear of not recieving his letter. After blowing both the kitchen windows one Novemeber evening, both his parents couldn't deny they'd be sending their son to Hogwarts with their eldest. Of course, that night had always stuck in his mind vividly. That was the night his own father was finally caught and arrested. It had been all over the Daily Prophet that week.\n\n*Known Death Eater George Nott Sr. Finally In Chains*\n\nIt was a black stain on his family, although many of the other Pure Blood families didn't care for their status, even his brother had recieved a fair number of threats over the years. However, in his fifth year, Theodore was no longer under such scrutiny.\n\nAs they passed onto the platform for the fifth time, George clung onto his trunk as tightly as any nervous child would.\n\"Here you are. Your father would be proud.\" His mother cooed. She was a tall woman, thick brown hair completely opposite to George's. It had been pure luck; he shared his father's name as well as his hair and looks. Unlike Theodore, who had his mother's rosy cheeks and bushy brown hair. Swallowing hard, George turned his eyes to his remaining parent and sighed. \"Write when you can. I'll try and get letters to your father.\" She kissed his cheek gently and smiled, stepping back to look at her two sons. \"Both of you, behave. Please. Theo, look after your brother. For heavens sake, don't do anything stupid.\" She teared up and pulled them both into a hug.\n\n\"I'll be back for Christmas, mum.\" Theo smiled, patting the woman gently on the back. She pulled away and nodded, a hand moving to each of their cheeks. Seconds past before she let them leave. \"Greyback!\" Theodore shouted, making a dash into the crowds. Of course this left George standing around on his own. He sighed gently and passed his trunk over to a prefect. He smiled gently and climbed on board.\n\nIt was a strange feeling to climb on board the Hogwarts Express. As his feet touched the floor and his hands touched the shiny metal exterior, George felt himself change. There was no way life was ever going to change. Hogwarts was going to be the best seven years of his life. He would be on the Quidditch team, maybe even join Duelling Club, something that had picked up since Professor LongBottom arrived in the school. He could meet all the ghosts, find Peeves, spot the Giant Squid, meet a real centaur. George inhaled his first breath as a new person and pushed himself onto the train.\n\nHe walked along onto the first corridor, looking at all the students, most meeting with friends, others bumbling around to meet new friends. He felt his feet carry him down the gangway, moving with the crowd. He eventually forced himself to stop by one door; it had been the first mostly empty cabin he'd seen in almost an entire carriage. He swallowed hard and pulled open the door. The whole train jerked forwards, and they were off.\n\n\"Can I sit?\" George coughed, resting his trunk by the door. To be honest, if the girl said no, there wasn't much she could do. He pulled his trunk inside and rested it against the opposite seat. He looked at her for a second and silently judged. She seemed far too excited to be pure blood. Half blood perhaps, he guessed Muggle Born lastly, avoiding the term his father had grown him up using.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "He was awfully quiet. Sadie didn't quite know what to make of that. Mum had bemoaned her inability to keep her voice down a thousand times this past summer.*\"You've been screaming since you were born, Sadie, please give it a rest,\"*was a popular complaint of Brennan's. She didn't mean to be so loud, honest, but something about quiet made her deeply uncomfortable. Sadie resolved not to worry about it, her excitement for Hogwarts swiftly overwhelming any other thoughts.\n\n\"SIX HOURS,\" she hadn't meant to shout, but the thought was horrifying. She'd already waited*years*for this! Now she had to sit through a six hour train ride? Couldn't magic speed things up? Sadie had been reading her textbooks for weeks, and a little extra speed seemed perfectly within the realm of possibility! Of course, perhaps it was a safety thing, but she'd nicked her brother's spellbooks and they had things like shield charms in them—Sadie finally remembered that shouting was rude. She winced. \"Sorry. Just… that's like, a million years.\"\n\nA beat of silence passed. Sadie tried not to fidget. The landscape blurred past, turning into rolling countryside. Somewhere out there, in a tiny little village that smelled of cows and cheese, her little dog would be waiting for mum and dad to come back home. That life felt a thousand miles away, almost unreal compared to the train. It was curious.\n\nGeorge offered her a sweet. Sadie blinked intelligently. A jelly bean? She was about to ask what was so scary about jelly beans when he mentioned vomit. Curiosity lit up her hazel eyes as she connected the dots.\n\n\"So, they're weird… on purpose? Huh.\" Sadie considered that for a moment, and waited as he tried one. A wild grin spread across her face as he mentioned toothpaste. \"I have got to try this.\"\n\nShe tipped out a bean, brown and shiny, popping it into her mouth enthusiastically. It took a moment for her to place the lemony flavor. She laughed brightly, even as she resisted the urge to spit it out. That was impressively disgusting. How had Brennan not shared these with her before? What a git!\n\n\"Wood Varnish.\" She turned the box over in hand, examining the packaging. It looked unlike anything she'd ever seen before. \"'Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans'. That is really the most accurate name for anything in the history of the world.\"\n\nShe replaced the box neatly, impressed she hadn't spilled it. His next offer made her eyebrows elevate and her grin grow wider. 'Exploding' was such a dangerous description, especially when it came to Sadie, but it was awfully exciting.\n\n\"Mum says I'm not to explode anything,\" she admitted with a laugh, swinging her legs as her excitement built. Sadie had always been rather… competitive. \"But I'm the reigning Queen of snap back home, and I will defend my title at all costs. How does the exploding part work? Is it like normal, non-blow-uppy snap?\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "She really was exicitable. George almost leapt out of his seat when she screamed some rather angry distaste out loud.\n\"It flies by.\" He stammered. They did have an entire country to cross, on a steam train. He'd heard muggle trains were faster, but there was something spectacular about steam powered trains. Perhaps it was the magnificence. \"You've got a whole year ahead of you, more things than you'll ever imagine.\" If Hogwarts was really as wonderful as he'd been told, then things were really going to take off, he couldn't quite picture it in his head.\n\nHis own parents- well, his mum would already be home and his father would be fully aware of his sons new attendance to the school everything started at. His stomach turned at the thought. Both his parents had been Slytherin's, his grandparents and his cousins; at least most of them. He didn't need to be related to his death eater father in any other way, he shared a name and some hair, that was all. He didn't want or need to share a house.\n\nHe watched her amazement for a second and smiled. Deffintely muggle born. He couldn't wait to see her face when they finally arrived. She was entering a whole new world and nothing was ever going to be the same again.\n\"Some of them are nice. I've had banoffee pie more than once.\" He added, rolling up his sleeves. \"There's plenty of sweets like this out there. Liquorice snaps, candy wands which produce sparks when you use them. They're not harmful, just fun.\" George , despite having forced himself out of his comfort zone, was feeling at ease. Sadie could quite well be a friend by the time they got off the train.\n\nHe quickly laughed.\n\"It's a lot like muggle snap, the cards just explode randomly. Makes the games a lot harder. Especially when you're trying to match a pair and this whole deck goes up.\" He smiled.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "He assured her the train ride would fly by—Sadie could only hope it would. She'd never been particularly patient, and she'd wanted to go to Hogwarts for so*long*. Brennan never answered enough of her questions and he had refused to show her even just a hint of magic (\"*It's against the law, blah blah blah, I'm a total jerk\"*). She knew next to nothing about it. It was a magical school, Brennan played some sort of game on broomsticks and was in a house called Gryffindor and apparently a ghost taught one of his classes. He'd always been rubbish at writing home and his letters never went into much detail. Mum and dad said he was going through a phase and simply needed space. Sadie thought he was just being a selfish prat.\n\n\"I hope so,\" she tore her gaze from the green farmland rolling by, resolving to be a little less anxious. Everything would work out. She would make it work out. Sadie had always been determined, and Hogwarts had been so dear a dream for so long, she couldn't bear the thought of it not living up to her expectations.\n\nGeorge was explaining the sweets and Sadie was trying not to get too excited, which was a doomed effort. Candy*wands*? How would that even work? Sadie's curiosity burned, gears beginning to whiz in her brain. She'd read the brief section on crafting in*The Standard Book of Spells, Grade One*which stated that, beyond simple tricks, true item enchantment was all but lost. Only the Goblins still knew how to create wondrous things, a secret they jealously guarded. Sadie hadn't finished the section on Goblin Crafting in her copy of*A History of Magic*, as her mum had to physically confiscate her textbooks so she would do her chores. Mum had kept her busy with the chickens and the cows for the remaining week of summer holiday, insisting that she would have plenty of time with her books at school.\n\n\"They just explode? That's perfect. Prepare to lose!\" she laughed, folding her legs up on her seat. Sadie got comfortable, pulling her red hair to one side and absently fiddling with the ends. \"So did you grow up with all this, then?\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George was a little jealous. The Pure Blood kids, well, they were excited, finally going to Hogwarts. The act was like a coming of age, a right of passage. Yet to all the muggleborns, the whole thing was something from their wildest dreams.\n\"Yeah, both my parents came here.\" His voice trailed off slightly, uncomfortable and a little unsure. Perhaps he should have been thankful that Sadie wasn't like him. All the Death Eater arrests had front pages of the Daily Prophet, for years. Sometimes there would be months or years without another arrest. George shuffled the cards quietly, replaying that evening in his head.\n\n***\n\n\"Mum! Theodore has my gobstones! He won't give them back!\"\n\n\"For Merlin's same, stop arguing.\" His mother had called from the living room. \"Just give them back and stop fighting.\" It took a few moments before Theodore gave them back. Outside, it was thundering, stormy and cold. The eldest Nott son moved over to the window and innocently looked outside. At the age of eight, he was old enough to realise somethings. Such as the two ministry officials that stood outside their house. He watched for a moment longer, counting men from the far side of their curtain.\n\nIt was another thundering noise that disturbed both Theodore and George from whatever they were doing. They were the unmistakable sound of their father's feet on the stairs.\n\"Kiera.\" He shouted, hurrying down the hall at a sprint. \"They're here.\" That's all George and Theodore heard. During fights and private conversation, their parents always surrounded themselves with a protective wall of sound, preventing any sound from escaping that bubble. He next noise they heard wasnt something any of the Nott family would forget any time soon.\n\nBang!\n\nThe whole front door flew off the handles and sped at full speed down the entrance hall. Foot steps hurried down their corridor and the most visor moment he could remember from that evening occurred. His brother hurried over and pulled George up and behind the sofa, whilst the vision of his parents running in, holding hands occurred before them. There was another moment, one that defied his entire childhood. His father's hand rose up, as if the murder any of the Auror's that had come into their home. Instead, a small, pale white hand arose to deter George Sr. from making any more mistakes. Then his father pulled their mother into a loving embrace and kissed her, longer than he ever had, until he was thrown from her side.\n\n***\n\nGeorge had never been able to remember just why that image stuck in his head for so long. Theodore had often explained it to be due to 'Dad's other women over the years. That Mum wasn't even sure he loved her.' It was obvious from that kiss, surely.\n\nComing back to reality, George handed the cards out quietly and offered Sadie another sweet.\n\"What was it like for you growing up?\" At least it would create conversation, he wouldn't hear the same boring stories again and again, he'd finally hear something different and something new.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "-stupid nodeletable post-", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": null }, { "text": "He had never seen a farm? How strange. Or was it? Did wizards have farms? And if they did, did they have normal animals on them, or magical ones? She realized that she had no idea what animals existed in the wizarding world, and she wasn't sure how she'd go about learning about that. None of her textbooks had made any mention of beasts, magical or not. Perhaps she hadn't found the relevant sections yet? Sadie filed the thought away.\n\n\"You aren't missing much,\" she informed him with a shrug, \"Picture the quietest, smelliest place you can, and it's still probably more exciting than Hankerton. I mean, I'll miss mum and dad and Arfur, but I*definitely*won't miss cleaning up after the cows at five in the morning.\"\n\n\nSadie flipped over the first of her cards—the two of diamonds, and she was very impressed with the way the red diamonds spun and glittered—paying mind as he explained sorting.\n\n\"A magic hat?\" She queried with a grin, because really, it all sounded a bit ridiculous. Of course, she reminded herself, she'd just eaten a jelly bean that tasted of wood varnish and was playing snap with cards that were due to explode, so… perhaps her sense of what was sensible was obsolete in this world. She considered his words for another moment, popping a jelly bean into her mouth. Ooh, tiramisu! And not just the flavor, but the texture, and she could have sworn she was actually eating a piece… that was pretty awesome. \"Why do people want to be in those houses?\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George only knew what he'd grown up hearing. Gryfindor was the house of Harry Potter, the now greatest wizard of all time. It was highly unlikely Sadie would know who he was. A lot of the muggle borns wouldn't know. Slytherin, on the other hand, was a house of blood-pride. All Purebloods desired to go there, well, most.\n\"They're the favourites. My mum says Gryfindor is for the brave and the strong, and that Slytherin is for the powerful and determined.\" It was hardly like he could say racist and evil. \"Most people like to think they're brave or powerful.\" His stomach tossed and turned at the thought. He glanced down at his cards and placed down an eight of hearts. Two blonde haired females danced around the picture, blowing kisses his way. Had he been older, George would have made a remark about feeling too much like his 'late' father.\n\n\"I guess you'll get used to all the stuff in this world. My brother tells me that Hogwarts is far better than you can imagine. Seeing the castle for the first time is brilliant.\" He smiled. He pulled out another sweet and chewed timidly. Tangy, filled with juices.. George refused to swallow for a moment. It tasted soapy. He eventually swallowed and looked back at Sadie. \"What did your parents say when you first got your letter?\" He can't imagine what life must be like for a muggleborn to recieve a letter. To read about magic and then to finally find out they're magic too. It was a moment he'd never experience.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "Sadie chewed on her jelly bean thoughtfully, flipping over another card. Six satyrs lounged about, with goblets of wine and pan pipes. She could almost hear their music and the card made her smile. She wasn't sure what suit it was supposed to be—spades, perhaps? Sure.\n\nGeorge answered her question, and he had a point. She could see the appeal of bravery and strength. She'd been raised on stories and movies of heroes and epic journeys her whole life, and hadn't half her imaginings been of grand adventures for herself? Hogwarts had been the ultimate dream come true. She really*was*special and this was the first step on her own journey. Her smile widened at the thought. Gryffindor sounded nice, even if her idiot brother was there. He'd be ignoring her anyways, so she tried not to let him spoil it for her.\n\n\"I hope so,\" she laughed there, leaning back in her seat. \"My brother's been tight-lipped about everything, he just tells me to piss off and leave him alone whenever I ask questions.\" She rolled her eyes, annoyed at the thought. She knew she had a tendency to get excitable (and explosive) but he was a total prat about it. Mum said it was because he was a teenager, but Sadie thought that was a cop out. He was being a jerk, jealously guarding the secrets of magic from her. Rude!\n\n\"I think my dad said 'stop screaming' and then 'get the extinguisher' after I accidentally set the curtains on fire,\" she offered a cheeky grin, selecting a black jelly bean. Licorice. Bleh. \"I mean, they went through it with my brother four years ago, so they were a little more prepared, but my mum was right scared of the owl. I think they thought it was a prank the first time, but some old lady came by and talked to them about it and showed them magic. They're not big fans of the whole magic thing, but I think it's just really weird for them. So you said your brother's been going here? What house is he in?\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George smiled and laughed. Magic really was something new to all people like Sadie. He knew they had stories, nursery rhymes; even he did.\n\"He's in Ravenclaw. First of my entire family..\" He awkwardly shifted in his seat and pulled up his next card. \"He's in his fourth year too, they probably know each other. Does your brother play Quidditch?\" He realised soon after Sadie probably didn't know what Quidditch was. It wasn't like he knew any muggle sports to compare it to either. Regardless, he found it unlikely that she'd know. \"It's fun. You'll probably enjoy it.\" Turning over a single goblin, he looked over the card and his almost hateful stare. The card was a little damaged due to use, something which seemed to have bothered the goblin in the picture. \"It's pretty violent at times, or at least the professional stuff is.\" He'd never seen Hogwarts Quidditch before.\n\nOutside the carriage, the countryside sped by. The world outside a blur, yet in the distance, the muggle city of Luton spat grey and brown onto the horizon. George's geography wasn't the best. He could see a town he did know though, located some miles to their left.\n\"You see that town there?\" George pointed to the small blot on their left. \"That's Ilkley. Its completely inhabited by wizards. There isn't a muggle in the entire town.\" The blonde dropped back into his seat and sighed. It was an awkward moment before he finally dropped his goblin Ace onto the table. Much like a lot of the cards, its suit was often difficult to tell. The goblin adjusted his jacket and brandished his own spades patch on both of his pockets. Perhaps it wasn't his day, before George could even notice, the compartment door slid open and a tall, thin student, already dressed in the black, blue and silver robes he'd been chosen to wear the same day four years ago, stepped inside.\n\n\"Fane packed my study books in with your stupid Duelling magazines again.\" Theodore stepped up onto the seat, ignoring both his brother and Sadie until he yanked the heavy leather trunk down onto the seats. He looked between the two of them and his brain ticked quickly. \"Theo.\" He introduced, offering his hand out to Sadie. She wasn't freaking out about either of them... She seemed the same age as his brother... The simple fact she was almost buzzing in her seat. Muggleborn. He smiled a little and pulled his hand away.\n\n\"Yeah, this is-\"\n\n\"I'm his brother. Your cards are smoking too much, best play faster. I don't expect them to have much game time left.\" The taller brunette yanked the trunk open and hunted around for a thickly bound, leather and ivory book from the bottom of George's trunk. He slammed the whole this shut and pulled out a wand that seemed almost too well cared for. He looked both ways before swishing his wand to lift the trunk up to a height he could manage. With both feet on the seats again, Theo pushed the trunk up onto the racking and dropped back down. It was something the boys did share in common that seemed to show. They both equally pushed strength over magical talent. Theo preferred to use his own body to move objects than rely solely on magic. George on the other hand, who currently knew very little on the subject, would, over time, prefer the strength of his own mind to push his magic to greater levels and more powerful standards.\n\"Mum needs to sort Fane out.\" Theo sighed before picking his book up and moving towards the compartment door.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "Theo was the very personification of the middle class wizarding world. Like most Pureblood families, the Nott's came from a rich history, linking back to the Black family as most did nowadays. Both boys had been raised in a household, although unstable, had been 'proper'. It had rubbed off more on Theo than it had on George. The taller, black haired boy smiled and disappeared towards the door. The book in his hands was thick, ancient in appearance and clearly well-read. On close examination, several of the pages could be seen to be dislodged and no longer connected to the spine of the white cased tome. Inside was passages George could never understand. He'd stole a moment to try and work out exactly what had been keeping his brother so quiet over the last year, but inside were confusing texts and passages written in a language he didn't know. Theo had told him they were Runes from time to time but he still didn't understand. Earlier in the summer, he had managed to work out partially at what Theo had hoped to do with his life after Hogwarts. The day they took a trip to Diagon Alley, Theo had expressed a great interest in the wand George had been given. Aspen, something Theo had seemed to think had made a lot of sense. Dragon Heart String, something Theo seemed almost hesitant in.. It worried George, he didn't understand what it meant but if it was going to make school worse-\n\nTheo seemed to stop in the doorway, another voice bursting over their ears. The newcomer was clearly talking to Sadie, whoever he was. Mum? Her brother? He glanced over to Theo and watched his head raise a little; a trait he'd taken up from his uncle. He smirked and scoffed.\n\n\"Ethans.\" He muttered curtly. Clearly they hated each other for whatever reason. George felt his mind race, he was worried. If they hated his brother, would they hate him too? For what his father did.. Probably. He didn't want them too, school was already going to be difficult. It hadn't occurred to him, despite the news that Sadie had shared, that the two were Quidditch rivals. His own brother had been a chaser for over a year now, despite his height he was exceptionally quick. \"I'm sure I'll see you on the field this year, best not to fly into the wall again. Sometimes it hard to keep up with better players.\" His accent was richer than his brother's, heavy in an Oxford tone. Theo smiled and pushed past him into the corridor again, leaving George watching the two. Sadie's brother looked almost like he was going to explode himself. He wouldn't have been surprised if his brother ended up with a black eye before the train ride was over.\n\nThen the boy turned his attention to them both. He felt eyes on himself, uncomfortably. Discerning? What was he, an animal? George felt annoyed, stressed almost. How exactly was he lesser? So his brother and the boy didn't get on, he didn't exactly care. He wasn't his brother, he was just related to him. As they were both related to a mass murderer.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "The cards were smoking vigorously now. Sadie was far more worried about her brother's temper than the playing cards in hand. Ethans blood ran hot, and Brennan was the worst of all of them. Sadie drew in a deep breath. Already she could feel her ears reddening, her own teeth grinding as she tried to keep her irritation under control.\n\n\"You're a prat,\" she informed her brother with a hiss, \"Get out of my compartment.\"\n\n\"Shut it you little shit,\" Brennan was surlier than usual—he must*really*hate Theo, she surmised. She knew him well enough to know he was simply lashing out, emotionally crippled as he was. Still, her lips pursed into a thin line at his poor manners. Instinctively, she chucked her cards at him. Several of them exploded along the way, and it filled her with a vicious sort of pleasure to see her idiot brother flinch back. For a moment she thought he might tackle her; their childhood had been half spent in cahoots and half spent trying to maim each other. She jut out her chin, sitting up as tall as she could.\n\nHe made an irritated huff that sounded something like 'brat', but he stalked out nonetheless. Sadie tutted, sticking her tongue out at his disappearing back. After a long moment (and a quick set of deep breaths), she shot George an apologetic look. Sadie had the good grace to blush.\n\n\"So,\" she said after a beat, \"My brother's kind of a jerk. A lot a jerk,\" she amended thoughtfully, scrambling to pick up the cards she'd chucked at him. \"He kind of turned into a rampaging git a few years back. He used to be pleasant, I swear.\"\n\nShe sighed there, before bouncing back brightly.\n\n\"I'm sorry about all that!\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "Theo hadn't exactly been the one to talk about the people he hated and those he didn't consider a friend. Their mother had said he got his temper and superiority complex from their father. So long as neither of them would end up reliving the life the man had, neither of them had seemed too bothered; at least until George noticed how much his mum saw their father in his face. Bastard genetics... He'd be okay so long as nobody paid attention. There had to be other Death Eater's kids in the school, they were all probably fine. That was how things tended to work, people just didn't care, right? George glanced up at Sadie and smiled. He shook his head. He could hear his brother's voice in his head.*How can an eleven year old have the weight of the world on his shoulders? Grow up, George*\n\n\"**Honestly, it's fine. Brothers are like that.**\" He commented, gathering what was left of his cards.The box had been enchanted on purchase, a simple repairing charm fixed each of the cards once they returned to their packaging. Perhaps they were a more expensive brand. He stuffed them back into his pocket and turned his eyes out the window. He had no idea where they were now or how long it would be until they arrived at school. He dreaded to think in all honesty. His stomach was leaping and jumping around. Was it this normal to be nervous? The sounds coming from the compartments on either side of them indicated just how excited everyone seemed to be. Then there was Sadie who seemed to be bouncing off every wall.\n\n\"**What sort of things did you do then? You know, as a muggle?**\" Perhaps he sounded ignorant, yet he knew very little of the muggle world. He'd seen muggles living in his neighbourhood but he didn't know what they did for fun, or where they went to school. \"**Did you go to school as a kid? There is no other school for wizards. We're all home taught.**\"", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "George's comment on brothers brought a grateful smile to her lips. It was nice to not be alone in dealing with obnoxious siblings. She finished collecting the cards she had thrown, arranging them as neatly as one could arrange recently exploded cardstock. Passing them to George, she returned her attention to the landscape, humming brightly. Everything would be lovely—they must be getting close, right? Sadie could only hope. She needed to be at the castle*now*!\n\nHe asked her about what she did—and she tilted her head, considering his words. As he mentioned that he had yet to go to school, she found herself gaping. No primary school? That was just*weird*.\n\n\"Everyone is homeschooled? What if both your parents work?\" She frowned, finding the idea very peculiar. Her mum and dad were always busy with the farm and their business. There's no way they would have had time to homeschool her. \"I started primary school when I was five. I would have been going to secondary school this year if I hadn't gotten my letter. Um… outside of school and the farm, I really like films! And video games!\"\n\nSadie didn't really think how alien her words would sound as she began babbling, bouncing away.", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George laughed. Perhaps it seemed strange, most wizarding mother's stayed home to tutor their children until eleven years old, unless they were well off. George had been tutored by a witch at home, alongside Theo, who'd taught them all the basics of reading and writing, life and everything else they'd need to learn in order to survive school. Their real education had started at Hogwarts, and perhaps that was the reason so many seemed out of place in Muggle Society.\n\"Most mum's teach their kids, but me and my brother had a teacher, she taught us three times a week.\" He turned to Sadie again and furrowed an eyebrow. She'd already been to school? It was strange to think. It was probably why muggle-borns and halfbloods fit into the system better, or so his brother had said. \"You've already been to school, that's so strange.\"\n\n\"Video games?\" George asked, looking at Sadie as if she were mad. Muggle's were odd. \"I don't understand.\" Maybe he sounded like an idiot in her eyes, completely unaware of what she was talking about. During his trips through muggle London, George had seen various video games, though unaware at the time. He'd unknowingly noticed how popular and how many they were Yet without knowing what they were, he disregarded the fact and carried on their trip to Gringotts that day. His world must seem so strange to Sadie too, a world that was so sought after by muggles, a world of magic and myth. They had broomsticks, time travel, unicorns, wands, wizards, talking pictures and goblins. His world was her stories, however it was life to him.\n\n\"What did you think of Diagon Alley?\" He asked, smiling to himself. So far it would probably be the only wizarding location she'd seen. He could imagine her face at the site. It would have probably been at lot like the faces of some of the other kids he'd seen.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "George tried to imagine what it would be like to have not grown up in the world he'd already been surrounded in. How he'd feel when he first recieved his letter, what it would feel like to enter a world that seemed so unlike what he'd alreay experienced. Seeing Sadie react was hilarious. Having grown up with wands, Wizards and witches, goblins, elves, ghosts, talking paintings, flying and apiration, it would seem unwordly to someone who'd never expirenced it all before. Despite all this, he felt Hogwarts would be the same for them both. His brother had described it to be the most amazing place he'd ever experienced, something of which George was already aprehensious about. He was nervous, for no reason he repeated to himself often.\n\n\"This would be an awful dream if it were one.\" He commented, adding a smile as he spoke. \"Considering you're not the only one here.\" He reached into the bag for another Bean and glanced over the flavour. It shone a strange, misty blue, dancing almost. After Norway's win at the Quidditch World Cup that summer, there had been an influx of themed sweets. \"Here.\" George offered, handing it to Sadie. \"It's not a sweet, so don't eat it. It's a miniturised Dragon Egg, frozen as simply a shell. You can collect them, I think there's thirty, or just use them as decoration.\" They weren't rare as such, but a collection of petrified dragon eggs had certainly become a collectors item over the few months they'd been sold.\n\nHe turned his eyes over to the window, wondering just how long it would be until they were reaching the school. The last time George had known, they'd been in parallel with Norfolk, perhaps less than half way. He knew they usually arrived after sundown, but without watches, he hadn't a clue of the time.\n\"How long do you reckon is left?\" He asked, turning his head back to his.. Friend? Was Sadie a friend now? His train of thought had been pushed aside when the door pushed open, two girls laughing and giggling themselves at the door.\n\n\"Here, a present.\" One laughed, throwing a small black package onto Sadie's lap. The girls laughed for a second, both pushing the door shut before the compartment burst into complete darkness. They could hear the girls on the opposite side of the door, but as George fumbled for the train window, he noticed one voice disappeared. He fumbled, coughing up the dust, or whatever it was. A hand found the latch and soon the window was open, black powder filing out the window as if it were forced. He rushed to the door and pulled it back open, aiming to shout at the girls who'd pranked them. Down the carriage, he saw the two girls running, hand in hand, hurrying away from them. One had been a slightly plump female, brunette and loud, the other had been a taller female, slimmer, and with a similar blonde to his own. It wasn't a rare quality, but striking to him all the same. The girls glanced back, laughing once more. George let out a sigh and groaned. He waved at the last bits of the Instant Darkness and sat back down.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "Sadie laughed brashly at George's comment, tipping her head back with her mirth. He was being really rather nice. She didn't doubt the lengths that jerk's like her brother would go to in pulling a prank. She supposed the train was a bit out of his reach, but as a professional younger sister she'd learned that there was*always*a chance she was being messed with. Especially considering she tended to give as good as she got.\n\n\"Maybe it's just a massive prank and there's loads of hidden cameras everywhere,\" she grinned, although she had visibly relaxed in her seat. \"And instead of Hogwarts we're just going in a big loop and we'll end up back at King's Cross. My dreams can be right terrible sometimes.\"\n\nGeorge offered her a small blue bean, which she accepted. She blinked as he told her not to eat it—and her mouth dropped when he explained what it was. Sadie was aware she looked daft, but this was too wild to be stupid like Brennan and feign apathy.\n\n\"A*dragon egg*?\" She repeated, her little mind blown by the implications. \"Like, there are enough dragons in the world that eggs can just be like, shrunk and passed out in sweets?\"\n\nShe stared at the little blue bean—*egg*—in her palm, pale fingers reaching out to better examine it. It was so wee; and a little sad. She'd much rather it be a proper egg, with a proper dragon. Still, it was wonderful.\n\n\"Thank you,\" she breathed, rather enthralled, her brain working a mile a minute. She didn't process his question about the time, still puzzling over the egg, and then, rather alarmingly, something dropped in her lap and the compartment when black.\n\n\"Ack!\" Sadie coughed, reflexively covering the egg with her hands to keep it safe. The light had been extinguished. It was oppressively dark, pressing in all around her, and Sadie let out a desperately uncool*squeak*. Her lungs burned and her heart raced in terror. She had to get out, it was too dark, she didn't have her phone to use as a light and—\n\nThe window opened, the air clearing almost instantly. Sadie breathed deep, grateful for the fresh air and all the precious*light*. Black powder streamed out in large swirls, but her heartbeat was taking longer to slow down. She relaxed against her seat as George went to the compartment door. An empty sachet sat in her lap, which she carefully turned over.\n\n\"'Weasley Wizard Wheezes Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder',\" she read aloud, a painful knot in her throat. A humiliated flush had crossed her cheeks, freckled ears burning bright red. Sadie knew it was silly and childish, her fear of the dark, and wished desperately that she could be less pathetic. \"That's, um… s-something else.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George dropped into his seat with a light thud. He gave a short sigh once again and looked back up at Sadie.\n\"It's just prank stuff. There's a huge shop filled with it in Diagon Alley, I'm not sure if you saw it. It's supposed to 'get you out of any trouble spot'.\" Wouldn't work for something outside the safety of Hogwarts. \"Just ignore it anyway, pranks never mean to hurt anyone.\" Despite the ease of their conversation before, the sudden interruption had done nothing but twist the eleven year old stomach into knots. He sat quietly for a short while, pulling a small handful of beans from the box.\n\nThey were two separate sides of the spectrum. Sadie was filled to the brim with excitement. George couldn't help but feel nervous. It didn't matter though, it hardly would. His dad had been in prison for a long time and wouldn't be facing the Dementors for a long while. He'd serve his time before they'd 'put him to sleep'. It was pretty much how his mother described it, how she'd always described what would happen to their dad. He gave another sigh and tossed back the last few sweets he'd taken from the packet.\n\nGeorge finally glanced up, taking in the colour of Sadie's cheeks and face. He gave a short laugh and smiled. He didn't mean it in offence, children never did.\n\"It's only a prank, no need to get embaressed.\" He smiled, offering her the box once more. Outside their compartment, he could hear the sound of others laughing and cheering, playing games and talking. He wondered how many of them would share the same family history as him. There had been potential for a fair few, especially if he truly believe the stories they had from before the Ministry burst into their home. George turned back to his friend once more.\n\n\"If you keep the egg warm for long enough, they're supposed to hatch. I don't know how true it is, they're only eggs. But there's loads of dragons, tons in the north and east. I've heard of them being found in the deserts in Africa. You'll learn about all that though.\" He added with a smile. He was sure they'd learn everything there was to know about the Wizarding World in time, they just needed to get there first.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "Sadie had held her breath the whole time George sat beneath the silent hat. He'd been so nice to her, and she hoped against hope that he would be sorted into Gryffindor. Perhaps, somehow, her desperate prayers had worked, because not a moment later the hat had shouted _Gryffindor_! She applauded brightly, grinning as Seine stuck two fingers in his mouth and gave a piercing whistle.\n\n\nSadie noticed, however, that not everyone was as excited as they were. Brennan looked especially grumpy, and even the crazy pretty Xia He seemed... a little hesitant. Still, she plastered on a smile and applauded as the pale blonde boy approached. Others were less polite. Sadie wasn't sure what to make of all this. \n\nScooting over so George could sit, she clapped him on the back happily. \n\n\"Yay! We're all together!\" She cheered, entirely too excited. But she'd been so terrified for so long that she'd come to Hogwarts and would be all alone. She'd had friends at school in Swindon, but they never came round the house to visit. And now she was here, and everything seemed to be better. \n\n\n\"Welcome to Gryffindor,\" Xia He smiled.\n\nRames, Hector became a Ravenclaw to thunderous applause, and Rames, Cassandra to Slytherin. Sadie eyed the dwindling crowd with interest, bouncing in her seat.", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George was grateful for the house he'd been sorted into. After all, he'd been terrified completely by the prospect of becoming the manic murderer his criminal Dad seemed to have been. He wondered exactly what his dad would make of all this, how he'd react at knowing neither of his son's were following in his footsteps. George grinned back at Sadie and dropped down next to her and their other friend Seine. At least now he could relax, let himself go a little and become himself again. He adjusted his robes so he could sit down comfortably, blissfully unaware of what had been a less than warm welcome. It didn't matter anymore. He had friends, one's he'd spend the next seven years with. \n\nHe turned to watch the remaining crowd, the last nine being passed towards the other tables with ease. He wondered how many of them were like him. Blue eyes turned about the rest of the room, wondering how many more in the room were the same. He avoided making eye contact with Brennan after earlier and switched back to looking towards the front. He watched the last student step carefully towards the front of the room, sitting gently on the stool. They seemed quiet, a little shy and not at all there. Regardless, off to Slytherin they went. The whole table cheering simply out of habit. George let his mind wonder a little before resurfacing when an older looking women took to the front.\n\nHer robes were an old pattern, shining and almost silk like. They were a mixture of green and black, clinging to an older frame. Her hair was pulled back tight on her head and knotted into a small bun. Whoever she was, the whole room was silent upon her standing. \n\"Welcome everyone to Hogwarts School. For some of you, it's your first day and for some others, it's your last year. The rest of you have time here to truly become brilliant.\" She looked about the room, a strange grace to her that George couldn't put his finger on. \"To new students and old, remember the Forest is out of bounds, as always. Let us all have a wonderful year.\" She clapped with a smile and the world infront of them burst into life. Bright colours of food exploded before their eyes. Roasted, boiled, fried, chopped and diced. It was all laid out beautifully. George turned to Sadie wanting to see her reaction, laughing to himself already.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "\"Oh! That's her,\" she whispered to George and Seine, bouncing excitedly, ignoring the sharp look her brother gave her. Xia He looked amused, and Sadie blushed, dropping her voice lower as she leaned in. \"She's the one who came to our house when we got our letters!\"\n\n\nAs frustrating as she had found being told to 'wait and see' all those years ago, she remembered the wonder she'd felt when the woman had transformed into a cat to prove her point. She'd returned in July and Sadie had pinned the severe looking woman in a tight hug. Professor McGonagall had looked rather displeased by that.\n\n\nShe fell silent for her speech, listening with interest. Suddenly, she had clapped and the whole room lit up with food and Sadie could only stare. She couldn't even fathom how much food this was, had never seen… this was incredible. She gasped, looked to Brennan, but he was already piling food onto his plate. He'd never told her about this. Sadie smiled as Seine passed her a large dish of potatoes, scooping a healthy portion.\n\nThere wasn't a lot of food at home—it wasn't her parent's fault, just sometimes things were tight and they had to make do with what they had. She snuck another glance at Brennan who was chatting with Amos, smirking about something or other. She looked to Seine and George, grinning brightly.\n\n\"This is amazing! How does this even happen?\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George laughed and passed a grin towards his two friends. \n\"My brother says it's House Elves, though I don't know how many.\" George commented, helping himself to some of the various and amazing meals in front of him. It was certainly a feast, with everything they could ever have imagined. It was more amazing than he'd imagined and it was all only just beginning. Their lives were changing now and no matter what, they weren't going to go back. George stood lightly, scooping a ladle full of soup from the cauldron to his left. He'd probably be sharing a dormitory with Seine, which he was grateful for. The last thing he needed was to be alone. Of course, he'd make friends in time, but there was no way that they'd all be friends in one night.\n\nGeorge began to took into his meal, a small bowl of onion and pepper soup with a bread crust to go with it. He was a small lad, destined for height like his brother but thin and a little lanky. However, it was the way they'd been raised. \n\"What do your parents do?\" George asked Seine, now having relaxed enough to come out of his shell and speak to the lad properly. \"Sadie's work on a farm, I wondered what your parents did for a living?\" He scooped up a spoonful and eat it quietly, looking between his two friends and outright refusing to look up the table. \n\nHe wondered what Quidditch was going to be like after earlier that afternoon. His brother wasn't the type to hate, too much but what he'd seen seemed almost a grudge. It would be brutal between the two of them. His own brother was a chaser, having speed over strength. He couldn't remember what Brennan played but he guessed it was either Keeper or Beater. He had the build for both.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "Sadie wasn't sure she really understood what House Elves were, or what \"live to work\" meant, but it seemed a little troubling. She bit her tongue, because she got the sense she wouldn't quite like the answer and she didn't want to stir up trouble. She'd just gotten here and made friends. She didn't want to ruin everything on her first night in the castle. \n\nSadie busied herself with her dinner, listening as George enthused about Seine's dad. Famous then, she deduced, looking over at him. Seine grinned a bit, rubbing the back of his neck. Wow, she'd never met anyone famous in her life. Sadie drained her pumpkin juice, listening intently. She was going to learn everything-- she detested this feeling of being lost, of others having to fill in the blanks for her. Brennan had told her the library here was a monstrosity, and she was eager to find it. \n\n\"Yeah, that's my old man. He just took a contract for the World Cup next summer, so that'll be fun,\" he sounded proud and excited, and Sadie bit back the bitter taste of envy for a smile. It was silly—she couldn't change her humble beginnings, so there was no point in being jealous. Sadie almost believed herself.\n\nSadie listened as George explained his mum's theory behind ghosts, watching a stream of pearlescent figures streaming in. A beautiful woman floated to the table of blue and bronze, and man with trailing chains to the far end of the room. Sadie rather liked the jolly friar moving along his table. He reminded her a bit of Father Elliot from church, who had always been kind and welcoming. \n\nAs brilliant as this was, Sadie found herself missing St. Catherine's. This was amazing and shining and the food was wonderful and magic... but it felt so frighteningly large, and Sadie felt so very small here. St. Catherine's had been strict, but it had been calm and kind.\n\n \n\nDinner concluded well over an hour later, and Sadie had never eaten so much before in her life. Her stomach hurt, but she firmly regretted nothing. The pretty prefect and the grumpy one were calling for first years, and Sadie fell in obediently behind them. Xia He was explaining the path to the common room, the importance of passwords and various other things. Sadie was busy studying the moving portraits and gasping as the stairs moved beneath her—not like an escalator, the whole bloody staircase was moving!\n\nThey had stopped at a portrait of an exceptionally fat, but elegant, lady garbed in luxurious pink robes.\n\"Password?\" she intoned, touching the crown of flowers in her hair and smiling coquettishly. \n\" _Acta non verba_,\" Xia He spoke clearly, and the portrait swung open wide to reveal a beautiful circular room. Sadie smiled at the crushed crimson velvet and gold and overstuffed arm chairs. She waved to George and Seine as she followed the girls to a staircase on the right. She smiled at a girl with a beautiful red hijab and a blonde who was nearly half a foot taller than the rest of them.\n\nTheir dorm was gorgeous. Handsome four poster beds with crimson and gold draping stood around the room, with their names stitched in elegant golden cursive. Sadie beamed, testing her bed with a bounce. Ooh, nice! \n\n\"Wow,\" a curly haired girl commented, running a hand over the mahogany of her bed. \"This is nice.\"\n\n\"It's brilliant,\" Sadie agreed, sliding off her bed. She extended her hand, the shorter girl shaking it with a polite smile. \"I'm Sadie.\"\n\n\"Tasia,\" she looked around the room questioningly. The lanky blonde blushed, stammering.\n\n\"G-Gail Mascolo. Nice to meet you.\"\n\n\"Maryam,\" chirped the girl with the pretty headscarf, looking up at the ceiling, where a beautiful carving of fire connected all the decorative silk from the walls. It looked as if it were actually burning, and Sadie decided she quite liked these accommodations. \n\n\"Rosamund,\" a curly redhead nodded, digging in her trunk for something or other. A brunette lingering near her arched a brow, arms folded.\n\n\"Holly,\" she remarked cautiously, almost suspiciously, and Sadie turned to smile at a quiet girl with coppery braids assigned to the bed next to hers.\n\n\"Asenath,\" she murmured, looking almost alarmed as Sadie bounced for joy.\n \n\n \n\nSadie had not had many girlfriends before in her life, but here, sitting on the floor of the common room with the other girls and laughing over stories, she finally felt properly at ease in the castle.", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George smiled and laughed, joining in like any normal child would. \n\"No way! Are you going? My Mum's trying to get us all tickets for the Final. It's in Denmark, but it doesn't take long to get there, so it shouldn't matter. Be cold, mind.\" He commented, taking a sip of his soup again. The room around him was more alive than he'd ever expected it to be. More friendly and cheerful. Certainly more welcoming than he'd pictured. It may have only been a few hours and tomorrow may be the beginning of their real lessons, but he could already feel how amazing everything was going to be. They were all going to be friends for their entire school lives. He could feel it. Sadie wouldn't have trouble making new friends and he was glad she'd made the effort to chat to Seine. He was a good kid, he could see it already. George hoped he'd at least be sharing a room with him. He wasn't even sure how many he had to share a room with. He'd never shared a room before. What if his stuff wasn't safe? \n\nHe stood up with the rest of his House when everyone sprang to life once more. He joined the bustle as hundreds of children and teenages tried to leave the giant doors together and all at once. He followed suit, keeping close behind Sadie and Seine. He spotted a house dressed in yellow disappear down a hall just to the right of him before watching another horde descend down some stairs. That just left themselves and Ravenclaw to ascend on the staircase that seemed to rotate and move! George watched along with those around him, some spotting the moving stairs above them, whilst others gawked at the moving paintings. He gave a short laugh at the sight of Sadie's reactions to everything. Muggleborns were the funniest.\n\nSoon the troop slowed down, reaching a complete stop before a strange looking painting. He couldn't see much behind all those infront of him but soon heard a rich voice, old and firm. He tried to make mental note of the password and followed everyone inside. He peered over the shoulders of some of the taller students and gaze around a room clad in red and a vivid gold, lions on each wall and paintings that walked about, trying to see all the new students. He heard something about splitting up and gave Sadie a brief wave in goodbye. He felt a pang of anxiety and kept close to Seine. The other students were going to be as nice as the two he'd already made friends with but there was nothing certain about it.\n\nClimbing up the stairs, he counted the small group of boys to be about five, including himself. He didn't dare look back to try and work it out. They were guided into a room with thick wooden beds, each clad with red again. He would probably grow sick with the colour in time, but this was really it. This was his home. He followed Seine inside and spotted his trunk against one bed, shining a thick, expensive looking leather, silver straps covering the top, contrasting against the gold well. He walked over to his own bed and sat down, taking a moment to realise it was all happening. This really was it. He pulled his wand from his robes, running a hand over the white wood before placing it down on the cabinet by his pillow. He looked about the room at the boys he'd be spending his years with, smirking at the fact most of them had already started talking.\n\nBrent was the first name he noticed. A stocky lad with thick bushing eyebrows, who sat opposite Seine, juggling a pair of socks in his hands. A thinner and shorter boy with a considerably round face introduced himself next, his voice quieter than anyone expected. \n\"Lincoln.\" He stammered, slipping down onto what would be his bed. George watched Seine introduce himself next, leaving just George and another boy, who seemed cheery and a little over-weight. \n\"Devon.\" He smiled. George quickly judged him to be over-confident and possibly prone to accidents and many failures over the next coming years. Finally, George spoke his name, avoiding looking at everyone in the room. Instead, he chose two and flicked between them both before looking back down at the ground. \n\nSlowly they all settled in, unpacking and decorating, chatting and sharing sweets. It took some time before himself and Lincoln began to relax around the others. Brent spent too much time talking about quidditch and Devon seemed too interested in being everyone's friend. Yet it was Lincoln who George found more interesting. They sat and discussed Duelling more than anything else that night, sharing magazines and chatting teams and favourites. Before too long, everyone was yawning and growing sleepy. One by one, they retired, changing into pajamas and climbing into bed. \n\nGeorge didn't dream that night, or at least he couldn't remember it. Instead he awoke feeling tired and rushed as the room about him all hurried to get dressed into their Gryfindor robes and scurrying down to breakfast. George grabbed his wand and stopped at the bottom of the stairs, perching on armchair whilst he waited for Sadie and Seine.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "Had the girl been old enough to play such games, her words wouldn't have been loud enough to pass across the narrow space between his own chair and the walking fleet of Gryfindor girls. The blonde shot his eyes to the ground and clenched his jaw. He was too anxious for his own good.. He'd grow out of it, he was sure. After all this was day two, nothing was ever fixed over night. Did he really look like alike? Why hadn't Seine said anything? He was Pureblood at least on one side, he was sure. Sadie wouldn't know unless it hit her in the face... \n\nGeorge pulled himself upright, his uniform pulled on as best he could. It seemed baggy in places, his shoulders looser and his shirt waist slack. He tugged at his sleeves and turned to his two friends, greeting them with a smile. \n\n\n\"I slept okay. It's hard to sleep in a bed you're not used to.\" He commented, fidgeting with the small button in his sleeve. The boy couldn't fully understand why it was all bothering him so much. He had good friends and an amazing life. Personally he was lucky. He knew some students whose families were less than well-off. He needed to stop acting like the victim of something that wasn't his fault.. Right, it wasn't his fault. It wasn't. His father was a murderer well before he was born. There was no way it was his fault. \n\nGeorge followed behind her, smiling away his consistently growing anxiety and distress. \n\"I wonder what lesson we'll have first.\" He commented. His feet took him out of the protrait hole and into the noisy castle around them. Paintings were awake, eating their own meals and sharing stories they'd been told from whomever else they'd spoken to during their nights. George waited for his two friends before placing a hand on the railing and starting down the stairs. \n\nHe could already smell the food from the Great Hall. Thick smells of pastry and cooked meals. Unfortunately his stomach twisted in protest. He'd eat at lunch. He needed to meet the others for himself first before hed allow himself to relax. Of course he was an idiot. He paused as the staircase lurched into life, taking them down another route. One day theyd learn which stairs moved where and no doubt they'd be up and down the castle in minutes before they left the school.\n\nHe headed down into the large hall, looking for a selection of seats they could all take without bothering anyone. It was a fair distance down the table and the entire trip wasn't something he was comfortable with. Instead however, he tried to focus his thoughts on Sadie's excitement. He tucked himself onto the bench and managed to find something that he thought would cheer Sadie up more. \n\n\"This will help you learn our world quicker.\" He smiled, passing her what seemed to be an abandoned Daily Prophet. \"It's okay from time to time.\" George smiled, his hands nervouslg twisting his wand under the table.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "\"Thanks!\" Sadie chirped as she accepted the paper. Huh. Little gifs printed on the paper. Well, they were a little more involved, but it was nice to see something she could (sort of) understand. She hummed through it, nibbling on a sausage. She couldn't make sense of a lot of what was being discussed, but she folded the newspaper. She'd unlock its secrets later. For now, food and conversation.\n\n\"Looks like we've got Herbology with Hufflepuff first,\" Seine piped up, buttering his toast. Sadie had already memorized their schedule and prepped her composition books—because parchment was ridiculous—and pens and read most of her textbooks. Her hunger to know was insatiable. \"With Professor Longbottom. Dad says he's a war hero.\"\n\n\"War hero?\" Sadie blinked, looking to Seine. \"Like, Afghanistan or something?\"\n\n\"What?\" Seine returned her blank expression, shaking his head so his dreadlocks bounced. \"The Second War? You Know Who? Battle of Hogwarts?\"\n\n\"…Seine. You keep saying words but none of them make sense.\" Battle of Hogwarts? Sadie didn't like the sound of that. She looked between Seine and George. Wizards had wars? Well, that wasn't so weird, she supposed. War was everywhere in the muggle world. Why would it be any different just because of magic? Seine looked wary, as if he wished he hadn't said anything. Sadie's frown deepened. She wasn't going to like this, but she had to know. \"Okay, so this is obviously important, so I'm going to find out eventually. Tell me.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George fumbled over a jug of the thick, orange liquid they'd all become accustomed to and carefully poured its condense into the metal goblet he suspected to be silver. He was nervous but he knew he'd be sharing his lessons with his friends at least. So long as they were there, he would feel even the slightest bit more comfortable and that's what mattered most, surely. His hands tucked the pitcher back down on the table before searching for his cup. Yet the cup barely left the table before his toes curled under his shoes, his stomach wrapping around itself over and over again. He chanced a glance at his two friends, noting Sadie's interested face and Seine's now rather regretful and uncomfortable.\n \nGeorge gave a short stammer at first. It was all he could manage. She didn't need to know everything.. Slowly, the blonde twisted in his seat to face his friend, his brain trying to make sense of the story he'd been told by his parents numerous times.\n\"Way before any of us were born, there was a wizard. He was pretty bad and he had an army. He lost the first war and everyone thought he'd died.\" He paused and flicked his eyes about the duo. \"Turns out he didn't die. There was this other wizard too, and he was the only one who could kill this bad wizard. When he was at this school, the second war happened and his army arrived at this school. A lot of the students stood and fought him, some died. The Ministry came to fight too and other witches and wizards. The bad wizard was killed here and his army scattered. Some of them were never found and some were caught years later..\"\n \nGeorge quickly turned back in his seat and held his cup in both hands. He skipped over far too many details. Why were his palms sweaty? It felt incredibly hot. He glanced up between the two of them again and tried so hard to work out what they were thinking. There was no way Sadie would link anything together, but that wasn't his worry. He turned his eyes to Seine, studying him hard for a moment. He couldn't tell, how on earth did he expect himself to… \"It's a pretty famous story. Apparently people were celebrating for weeks afterwards. Ask your parents, they may have seen some weird things around that time.\" George forced himself to change his tone, desperately trying to make it sound like he wasn't affected at all by what had been said.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "Sadie listened to George intently. She didn't miss the look the two boys shared, deeply uncomfortable and knowing, as if she was going to regret asking. How could knowing be bad? She tried to keep up with George's stories, but the lack of details and names made it a bit tricky. The idea of dying, but not really, caught her interest. There were ghosts, but she had thought that death was still a forever thing. The curiosity gnawed at her brain.\n\n\"Okay, but why?\" She pressed. She felt a little guilty; George looked really uncomfortable. But she got the sense that she was missing an important detail and she couldn't help herself.\n\n\"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named,\" Seine said quietly, \"he didn't like muggleborns. A lot of the older families agreed, said that muggleborns were stealing magic and destroying wizarding kind. They rounded up muggleborns as criminals. The lucky ones got sent to Azkaban.\"\n\nShe'd heard of that—her textbook had talked about the prison, about things called Dementors. The photograph had made her feel physically ill. It was a desolate place.\n\n\"The lucky ones?\" She asked cautiously, her heart fluttering. No one had ever said… it made sense, in an awful way. People were people, magic or not. She'd always been an avid lover of history, but it seemed that every corner of the planet was marked by genocide and scapegoats.\n\n\"Yeah,\" Seine didn't elaborate further. He smiled at her tightly, clapping her shoulder. \"Things are getting better, though. There's been a lot of reform. You're fine. We've got your back.\"\n\nHe looked at George, and Sadie caught the faintest nod, the glimmer of something like understanding. He's a Nott, came to mind suddenly, and Sadie filled in the blanks. Had George's family been a part of that, then? She glanced to the pale haired boy, before a little smile crossed her face. Her left hand squeezed the dark palm on her shoulder, her right found George's palm and squeezed it tightly.\n\n\"Thanks,\" she said quietly, releasing the boys before they could complain. She tucked back into her breakfast, \"So, I don't know about you two, but I'm super stoked slash terrified about flying on Thursday. On one hand, flying, on the other; I'm already super clumsy on the ground. I'm pretty sure I'll find a way to screw it all up.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "It was a strange place to linger in. A child could love a parent more than then themselves, cling to them with everything they had. No matter what they did, some parents were ever 'bad'. George may have wished his father a better life, one he didn't have to spend on the run, but he was still his only Dad. It may have been embarrassing and uncomfortable to know a man so close had ended more than one wizard or witch's life, even worse to know their descendants may have been in the room. He knew his cousin, Njall had it worse. Descending directly from the werewolf every Wizard had feared couldn't have been great.\n\n\nGeorge watched his two friends, a smile rising on the corners of his lips when the two of them seemed so easy to stand by him. Sadie would have stood by anyone in his situation. She was a good friend. Seine, well no doubt he'd be around for years. There was nothing stopping him. George turned back to Sadie and nodded his head.\n\"Thanks.\" He muttered, feeling a heavy weight slowly ease itself from his shoulders, gently allowing his mind to relax. \n\nAs anyone would have been, the blonde was thankful for the change in conversation. Sadie was talented that way. \n\"You'll love Quidditch.\" He commented, choosing to feed himself a round of toast. \"It's pretty damn amazing. I'll try and get my Mum to get us a extra couple of tickets and you guys could come to the World Cup with us in the summer? Sadie you'd love it.\" George could only remember swirling colours and screaming fans from his previous World Cup. Argentina against Japan. It had been insane. The game didn't last two hours. His brother had told him how three Argentinian players went out, leaving a single chasers and a single beater. George could just remember the noise. \"It would be amazing to see the final, but those tickets go quickly.\" \n\nHe just hoped the rest of the day would be this easy. \n\"Either of you two looking forward to Herbology?\" He asked, turning his attention back to his food. \"Personally, I'm not big on plants. My brother says I'd be better at Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts.\" He added, nervously rambling a little.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "George was surprised he understand the phrase 'green thumb' although he'd only heard it when his mum had spoken about the elderly lady in the tiny shop down Diagon Alley. He assumed the term probably wasn't so derogatory in the Muggle world. For a moment, he tried to imagine exactly what plants muggles did grow, but eventually drew the line at simply vegetables and possibly a few cooking herbs. Maybe that was why they'd be forced to take muggle studies for the next three years. He couldn't imagine what the next few years would even be like. No doubt he'd look back on himself in years to come to simply think about this day, to remember his friends when they were young, to recall how wonderful their first real day at school was. He'd look back and laugh at the homework, the spells and even regret not trying harder; George had no idea what he wanted to do with his life, so trying hard didn't exactly matter.\n\nGeorge turned his eyes towards the huge hourglasses, all remaining solidly at the top, waiting for when slowly students would start earning points. The more attention the eyes gave, the more the castle seemed to sparkle and reveal a secret. \n\"Oh gosh, how many?\" George asked, trying to imagine what a new record in lost house points was. One hundred points? One thousand points? How many points did students even get? It couldn't be one, that was too little. It wasn't going to one hundred either, that was too much. \"You're dad sounds he caused a lot of trouble whilst he was here.\" George added, sharing a laugh with Seine before Sadie chimed in. \n\n\"It's not the end of the world if we're not the first there.\" He looked back over as Sadie expressed her desire to be early. \"Suppose we should go then.\" He commented, sliding out of his seat and back onto his feet. He didn't exactly know where Herbology was.. And the map they'd been given was less than helpful. However, he remained quiet, walking towards the great doors once again. He passed glances over at his two friends, unsure if they were sharing the same lost feelings. By the looks of things, George thought as he twisted the small parchment in his hands, the green houses were outside.. Problem was, there were three ways to leave the castle. The blonde turned towards a row of stairs, looking down towards a door that a few students were passing through. \n\n\"This way?\" George asked, looking between the map and his friends. He gave himself a determined push and headed down the stone stairs. They'd get the hang of it before too long. Maybe having so long to travel was a good idea. Travelling out into a courtyard filled with students playing games and shouting loudly just to hear over the voices of those around them. A group of five students seemed intent in rolling glass balls across the ground. Each one varied in size and colour. Some rolled further than others, and a few exploded just to knock others from the middle.\n\n\"Gobstones.\" Seine pointed out, as they walked past. \"Not the most interesting game in the world but it's funny to watch some times.\" They headed out towards a bridge and the same stairs they'd climbed from the docks the night before. They looked so different in day light. The lost expressions on their faces had already attracted the attention of a particular prefect dressed in royal blue. \n\n\"You three look lost.\" He chimed, a huge grin on his face and an accent that screamed Oxford. \"Can I help?\" He asked, leaning on the stone wall beside him. \"Let me guess-\" He spoke first, butting in before any of them could speak. \n\"Herbology.\" Another boy added. His accent was different, similar but with an older and more 'BBC' tone: London. \"Max, this is my brother.\" He added, pointing out George and his two friends. \"Herbology is directly across the bridge. Then through a few coridors before some huge doors. You can't miss them.\" Theodore spoke, pointing them across the bridge. His stopped with his eyes on Sadie for a moment, his nose flaring a little. \"Max can walk you if you need it.\" The prefect smiled again, pointing to himself. It was strange to know he was a catch with a lot of Ravenclaw girls.\n\n\"Come on then, follow on. I'll lead.\" He headed out, his sandy blonde hair bouncing a little as he walked. He certainly was strange, but the confidence worked. \"So names.\" Max smiled, starting with George. \"I know you, you have your brother's nose but I don't know you two.\" He began to walk backwards, pointing over at Seine. The first year replied with his name, leaving only Max to jump his attention to Sadie.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "The castle was infinitely better in the daylight. Now that she could finally see everything, Sadie's head kept whipping back and forth, wonder painted across her face. A castle. She lived in a castle. How was this even her life right now? How had she been so fantastically lucky to be a witch and live in a castle in such a mythical landscape? She felt like she was in a movie, clicking across the courtyard. The crisp air was so real, stinging her cheeks. How would seven years ever be enough to marvel over this wonder?\n\nShe hitched her bag more securely on her shoulder, quickening her pace to catch back up after the distraction of gobstones and the light glittering off the most beautiful clock she had ever seen. Sadie had opened her mouth to ask for the map when they were joined by a pair of older boys. She recognized George's brother—whom her own had looked ready to murder, she remembered with a wince. He hadn't seemed to have forgotten that. Sadie was grateful for the distraction of the other upperclassmen, who seemed several million times friendlier. \n\nWith a glance to her companions, she obediently followed. He—Max—was… chipper. She felt a little more at ease, even with her nerves coiling in her stomach. Class. Her first class. She'd waited so long for this, hoped for so much… she had to be the best. She was going to learn everything. Because magic. \n\n\"Seine Jordan,\" her taller companion offered, a heavy brow quirked. Sadie waved a little, bouncing as she walked.\n\n\"Sadie Ethans. It's—ooh!\" The bridge! She hadn't meant to get distracted, but the view! She darted on ahead, red hair flouncing, undoubtedly mussing up the braid Asenath had woven so expertly that morning. She bounced, leaning out across the railing as far as she could, utterly enamored. The misty valley was beyond beautiful—Sadie laughed in delight, dropping back to her feet to bounce. She heard Seine's snort of amusement, but she couldn't muster any embarrassment. \"That,\" she informed them brightly, \"Is officially The Best View in the History of Views. Full stop.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "Max chuckled soon after. \n\"Wait until you see the Astronomy Tower. It's fantastic in the day, but amazing at night. However not a good enough reason to take the subject for your O.W.Ls but you've got plenty of time before you have to think about them.\" The boy smiled. George had determined the boy wasn't a threat and relaxed a little. He turned himself and glanced back at where his brother had been standing. Theodore was still watching them, thick brown hair resting neatly on his shoulders. Despite the two being brothers, George found it hard to tell what his brother was thinking sometimes, although he often found himself wishing it was possible. \"So, let me think- what did I do in first year Herbology...\" Max wondered outloud, occasionally turning back to look at them both. He slowed down and stopped beside Sadie. \"Up there.\" He added, now pointing to the tallest tower in the entire castle. \"If you look carefully enough, you'll see the telescope.\" He leaned down get his arm level with Sadie's eyes. \"See?\" Max pulled himself upright and waited a few moments before continuing his small tour. It took him only a second before he began to talk once again.\n\n\"First year Herbology is nothing special, neither is your second or third year. It all gets going in your fourth year. You learn real defensive and interesting magic. Like summoning spells and much more useful transfiguration spells.\" He just kept going. George and Seine walked behind him, listening to the none-stop words falling from the boys mouth. \"I suppose one of the most interesting things about your first year is Quidditch, which starts next month I believe. You should come see your brother practice, George. He's incredibly fast. I have no idea how he does it. Bit weird really, you don't normally see someone as book-smart as him being so into sports. Guess he's just lucky. The rest of us just have to try and keep up. I like chess personally but that's not a sport and it's kind of dull. Ravenclaw always win the cup though, guess we're just better than most.\" They finally reached the inside of the castle again and were, thankfully, only a small number of steps away from the green houses. \n\nAs they turned the corner, a small congregation of students had formed outside the greenhouses. Max seemed to burst with glee at the thought of being able to help a few more students out during his first morning back. He picked up his pace before chiming out:\n\"Greenhouse One is this way.\" George passed a laugh to his friends as the man walked too far ahead for earshot. \n\n\"He was certainly something.\" Seine laughed. They could all agree on that at least. George felt his stomach tighten up again at the sight of the others students in their house. He wasn't sure his aprehension was noticeable but he certainly felt like his entire face had lost all colour.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "Sadie decided instantly that she rather liked Professor Sprout. She reminded Sadie of her mum, kind eyes and the little smear of soil on her cheek. Her heart ached for home; as wonderful as Hogwarts was, she missed their little dog and the way her mum hummed around the kitchen. Sadie forced her thoughts to the present, tucking a loose red bang behind an ear.\n\nThe Professors were busy placing potted plants on the table, all sorts of strange and familiar flora. Enormous daffodils that trumpeted enthusiastically as they strained towards sunlight, shivering shrubs whose spines looked as sharp as swords, bulbs that hopped enthusiastically in a glass covered tray. \n\nSadie wanted nothing more than to answer herself, but nerves had kept her hand in her lap. A reedy little Hufflepuff answered, eying the pot of violet flowers in front of him. Professor Sprout's encouragement bolstered her confidence and her hand rose into the air.\n\n\"Wolfsbane; the leaves are toxic and used to be used to hunt wolves?\" Sadie ventured, ears turning pink as eyes turned on her. Why had she said it as a question? She knew the answer. She'd studied her textbook exhaustively, since it had been the most familiar subject. Professor Sprout smiled sweetly nonetheless, and Sadie could feel her heart beat easing up.\n\n\"Correct! Five points to Gryffindor,\" she moved on swiftly, and Sadie breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Freyja was slouching beside her, nails drumming a little rhythm on the table. \n\nThe calm was interrupted by a Hufflepuff squeaking terror as a tangle of vines lashed itself around Professor Longbottom's arm, slithering up to his shoulder and chest with truly remarkable speed. Sadie gaped, the expression shifting rapidly to a grin of delight. No. Way. That was awesome! It occurred to her suddenly that, perhaps, she ought to be less thrilled by this development. But Professor Longbottom looked perfectly at ease, withdrawing a long wand from his pocket.\n\n\"Incendio,\" he offered calmly, a little tendril of flames curling from his wands, chasing away the plant. Sadie's grin widened further, eyes alight at proper magic. She felt Freyja perk up beside her, and she glanced to the Hufflepuff, her eyes glittering with interest. Okay, yes, that was the reaction people were supposed to have! Even Seine looked impressed, although he seemed less amazed by the magic itself. She glanced over to George, eyes dancing. Incendio, hm? She'd be practicing that tonight, she mused. \n\n\"Devil's Snare. It fears fire. You'll be working extensively with it in your third year,\" he gently slid the plant further away from shrinking students, \"We'll start smaller.\"\n\nSadie's grin twisted to a frown of disappointment. Smaller sounded far less exciting than this Devil's Snare.", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George felt a little taken back by the entire situation. He knew very little about the plants of his world. Neither of his parents had taken an interest in Herbology. He knew his father had N.E.W.Ts in Potions and Charms and he knew both his parents had passed with at least an E in Defense Against the Dark Arts. They're opinion of Herbology had been less than enthusiastic. Blue eyes turned to Sadie when her voice perked up beside him. One day he'd grow to disagree with how smart she was; who knew that much as a muggle born? The plant closest to them, exactly two benches to their left, seemed as if to breathe. He watched its dancing leaves and sharp spines, a cautious warning to leave that plant alone echoed a little inside his head.\n\nThe shriek brought his attention back to reality however. He followed everyone elses' eyes as they watched a thick vine begin its ascent up Professor Longbottom's arm. Longbottom? The name rang a bell in his head. Somewhere in the back, where the memories from childhood were kept. Strangely the name reminded him of Christmas and he wasn't entirely sure why.. \n\"Incendio.\" George watched as the familiar flares carried their way along the vine until the plant let go and hurried back into its pot. He could wait for their first real lesson. Things were going to get really interesting. Then again, George couldn't wait until their fourth year, when they already knew so many spells! It was going to be far more exciting than learning about stupid plants; perhaps he'd never share Sadie's excitement for everything. Partly he was jealous!\n\nThe room's attention turned back to Professor Sprout who continued about the room, testing the students knowledge on plants. There was sweet looking flowers and one plant that seemed more boring than anything else in the room. Its green stem occasionally produced a thick green branch with rubber looking leaves attached on each end. It looked more like an ornament than an actual plant. Their teacher slowly more her way over to the plant and smiled widely. \n\n\"Anybody want to hazard a guess to this brilliant little thing?\" She giggled, the sound of pure joy in her voice. She looked over the room, more than one making eye contact with George, who was already squirming in his seat. \"Yes.\" She smiled, turning to one of the other Gryfindors in their year.\n\n\"Isn't that Dit-..\" The boy paused, looking at his hands for a second. \"Dit-something.\" \n\n\"Dittany!\" Another girl called out, having picked up on the missing syllables. Professor Sprout immediately clapped with pride. Clearly the girl was correct.\n\n((Skip ahead at any point :) ))", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "The lesson eventually entered familiar territory as Professor Sprout explained their tools and showed the class around the Greenhouse. This, at least, didn't require the use of a wand. As much as Sadie had loved buying her wand (and nearly blowing up half of Ollivander's shop when the dogwood wand had met her hand), there was something… intimidating about that sort of magic. Sadie hadn't been able to find anything in her textbooks about how to grip it, let alone how it worked. And as much as she yearned to cast magic, a secret terror lingered in her heart. What if she wasn't actually a witch? What if she didn't actually belong here?\n\nBy the time they were filing out of the greenhouse, Sadie was starting to feel sick. Freyja smiled and flounced off to join a round-faced blonde and an extremely tall boy. Sadie tried not to let her nerves drive her spare. Following the massive crowd out of the Greenhouse, she dug in her bag for the schedule she had already memorized. Transfiguration with Professor Clearwater in Classroom 1B. \n\n\"First years!\"\n\nSadie perked up at the familiar voice of their prefect Xia He, crossing the bridge with a wide grin. Sadie glanced to Seine and George before falling in, twitching her fingers in greeting at Gail and Asenath. \n\n\"Right, looks like that's all of you. Let's get you to Transfiguration,\" Xia He was all smiles, and Sadie winced as she spied her brother over her shoulder, surly as ever. Resolving to ignore him, she instead returned her attention to Seine and George.\n\n\"Professor Sprout seems nice,\" she remarked lightly, clasping her hands behind her.\n\n\"Pity we can't actually do anything yet,\" Seine remarked, nose scrunched in distaste. Sadie blinked.\n\n\"Well, yet. You have to walk before you can run though, right?\" She pointed out with a lopsided grin, brow quirking. \"Besides. It's magic. Even the 'boring' bits are freakin' magic.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "The lesson was interesting none of the less but it wasn't exactly George's cup of tea. Plants weren't what he was interested in. They were more his brother's sort of subjects, although he was sure Theo wasn't taking Herbology for his N.E.W.Ts. Plants weren't anything useful to him. You could just buy what you needed instead of having to grow it. Spells were pretty much everything that mattered. George pulled the crumpled paper from his robe pocket and read through their lessons for today. Knowing Transfiguration was their next subject left George feeling a little more enthusiastic than the gardening lesson he'd just had to sit through. \n\nHe'd been lucky enough to seen more than one Dueling World Championship in his life; the talents and strength of those players were insane. The difference in styles between players from all over the globe was mesmerizing. The Scandinavian teams were always harder to beat. The Ström Svärds from Sweden were the strongest team on the planet. Seven wizards with an incredible ability for some of the strangest hexes and curses he'd ever seen. Then there was the teams from South America. They were faster than any other players, spinning charms quicker than any Quidditch player. George longed to be able to perform that kind of magic. Not the useless stuff he wouldn't need, like Herbology. He'd have said the same for Potions if it wasn't something that interested him. \n\nGeorge filled out behind Seine and Sadie, shuffling between other students as the class filed out the door. As soon as the crowd reached the end of the bottleneck, the voice of the girl from the previous night echoed over to them. She seemed chirpy. He joined his two friends and stuffed his timetable back into his pocket. \n\n\"Thing is though, you're never going to need any of that stuff. Not unless you plan on having a garden full of them. Spells are the only thing you're really going to need.\" George added, following the rest of their group towards their next lesson. He wondered who they'd be sharing their next lesson with. It can't have been Hufflepuff again, otherwise they'd be following them now; The excitement of the lesson ahead was enough to push all natural apprehension out of the boy's mind, leaving him to relax quite peacefully. \"It may be interesting but it's not exactly useful. Diagon Alley has everything you'd need anyway. You can just go there.\" He added, turning left along a long corridor filled with paintings again. \n\nThe crowd moved quickly, all glancing around at the characters on the wall. One small girl had turned her attention to to the painting long enough for the crowd to move just a little further away from her. \n\n\"Boo!\" Yelled a creature from the other side of the painting. A wicked laugh danced around the room as a small ghost floated past the girl he'd made jump. He watched as she jogged to catch up with her friends, still shaken from the 'joke' she'd just endured. The ghost passed the group a wave and drifted off down the halls laughing loudly.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "George passed off Sadie's comment on gardening. Maybe it was a farm thing? Sadie had mentioned that she'd lived on a farm during the train ride so plants must have been pretty common there. A garden would be pretty sweet if only to look at. He didn't have a garden- was that a bad thing? Well it was tiny and they didn't use it. He shrugged his thoughts away after a moment of deciding it really didn't matter, no one in the middle of London had a garden. He carried on walking, eyes darting left and right, taking in the paintings and art. They did remind him of home. The paintings at home weren't as grand as the ones covering every stone wall of the castle but the figures in the paintings were all the same, living, moving and speaking. He had the faintest memory from childhood of one of his uncles telling him there was painting within the castle who's subject had another frame within their home. George for the life of him couldn't remember the name although the letter O kept rolling on his tongue. \n\nOl-\nOlli-\nOth-\nOthe-\n\nA loud scream stopped his train of thought as a student came screaming down the hall. Everyone laughed, mostly. George exchanged glances with Seine and smiled at Sadie's expression. George waved a hand in front of her face and smiled. \n\"Aren't ghosts stories to muggles?\" He asked, turning to walk down the hall. \"My great-great-aunt Ilza is a ghost.\" It was quite sad, or so his Dad had always told him. There was nothing noble about a ghost. They weren't brave just cowards. Cowardice was weak, the sign of bad blood and a flawed mind. Everyone got scared though.. He knew his Dad had been scared, they all had been that night. With a quiet smile, George turned his feet and carried on along the path they were walking. He probably should have been paying attention on the path they'd been taking, considering the castle was so huge.\n\nGeorge felt his attention drift from trying to memorize the route to his friend. A tapestry? Secret? \n\"We should go look for it this evening. After dinner.\" George added, looking about as excited as the next person. Whatever it was, they'd find it. It was probably a secret passage of some kind. Theo had mentioned one once, although mention was a light term. His memory played a rather hostile image of his brother pacing backwards and forwards in the dining room, ranting and raving about how he'd found Amelia Fuller, his sweetheart from the previous year, making a real fool of herself with a Gryfindor boy behind a tapestry the previous Christmas. \n\nGeorge followed to stream and headed in a classroom with little decoration inside, aside from a large globe and a few wardrobes. He felt the excitment drain from him. Transfiguration was probably going to be way less interesting than he'd hoped. Searching for a seat, George grabbed them a bench to the side, placing his bag on the middle desk. Judging by the space, the tables only really left space for two people, so instantly he regretted the decision and made an effort to save the desk next to him for his friends. The more people starting filing in, the more people started to take notice of the feline sitting on the floor by the desk. Girls cooed and smiled, offering a hand to stroke it. The whole room seemed to assume that it was a pet, at least until the cat lurched forwards and shifted into the face of their headmaster.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "Sadie started when George waved his hand in front of her face, snapping back to focus with a cheery smile. If she didn't look in the ghost's direction again, well, who was going to call her on it? The dead were meant to stay dead, weren't they? There were hundreds of books and movies all about how badly things went wrong when the dead came back to life. Zombies outnumbered saviors a thousand to one.\n\n\"All of this is stories,\" she said lightly, grateful for the distraction of intrigue and secrets. After dinner sounded like a lifetime away. A lifetime filled with magic and wonder; Sadie could deal with that, she decided.\n\nThey filed into the classroom, chattering brightly. It seemed that after the successful Herbology lesson, most students were in a good mood. Sadie was very nearly elbowed as she made her way towards a table George was holding. Finally, she managed to drop her bag on the table and claim a seat of her own. Seine dropped in beside her, leaning forward on his elbows. \n\nWatching a cat transform into a woman would never get old, Sadie decided. Her eyes lit up as Headmistress McGonagall strode across the front of the classroom. The woman's severity was a thing of wonder—the whole classroom went quiet, sitting up straight in their seats, hands stilling. \n\n\"Good morning,\" Professor McGonagall's sharp voice reminded Sadie of Sister Marguerite's no-nonsense attitude. Sadie decided she rather liked the woman in tartan at the head of the classroom. \"Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned.\"\n\nSadie felt Seine shift a little uncomfortably beside her. The whole classroom seemed hesitant—and then Professor McGonagall transfigured her desk into a large, prowling lion. Gasps and delighted laughs filled the classroom, and Sadie swore that the severe woman looked rather pleased with herself when she transfigured it back with a complicated dance of her wand.\n\n\"We will not be starting with object to animal transfiguration. We will begin with the fundamentals. Now…\"\n\nBy the end of the lesson, Sadie had filled nearly five pages of lined paper with her neat cursive, and she was nearly bursting with excitement. Herbology didn't come anywhere close to transfiguration, she decided—this was incredible! Professor McGonagall had spoken of laws and rules and, despite the impossibility of magic, the fact that it had rules it had to follow was a pure joy. She could make sense of this. She would. She refused to let herself just mindlessly recite words and wave her wand. She would learn everything about this world.\n\nSeine was glassy eyed as she chattered all this at him, and seemed entirely too relieved when they were joined again by George, as if he'd found an escape in the blonde haired boy. \n\n\"Looks like it's time for lunch, yeah?\" Seine enthused, \"And, look, we have the afternoon period free. We can go find that tapestry.\"\n\n\"But…\" Sadie started to interject, already thinking of working on the problem set they'd been assigned. She thought better of it. Surely this adventure wouldn't take the whole evening, right?", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "It did kill George as much as it did any other student. When were they going to actually learn magic!? His brother was speaking and reading foreign languages, turning water into wine and creating the most insane of potions. Here, he was, writing notes on parchment like some idiot. Of course, everyone had to start somewhere and they all knew that this was every first year's first lesson but George couldn't help but pine for that first moment of magic. That first spell he would learn, not matter what it was. George would master every single one of them regardless of how difficult the rest of the year found it. He'd the best; join the London Longswords and professionally duel like there was no tomorrow. He just had to get through school first. He was sure they'd be learning magic by the end of the week. They had to.\n\nBy the time the lesson was over, George's hand was cramp. Was it normal to write this much? Did every student write as much as this. He shook his left hand and tried to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling in his wrist. He looked across to his friends and quickly concluded it was a wizarding thing. Seine seemed to be much slower and occasionally shook his hand himself.. Then there was Sadie, the unstoppable force. He was surprised she could handle a quill so well- did they have those in the muggle world? London hadn't ever sold any that he'd seen.. Surely none of this was useful stuff. George pondered the thought, reading over his notes whilst their headmaster babbled on about how a transfigured wizard wouldn't know he was a cup at least until another wizard turned him back. George's thoughts drifted off and wondered how many inanimate objects were just trapped wizards. That could have been how they'd found his dad.. 'The house is secret.' It was a phrase he'd heard a hundred times before as a child but it didn't make sense. He'd have to ask Theo later.\n\nGeorge bubbled just as quickly as Seine did and stuffed his parchment into his bag. Anything was better than homework! He waited for the bottleneck to disappear from the door once again and watched as the horde of students all began to walk in one direction. Hungry or not that was clearly the way to the Great Hall. He waited against a wall for his two friends and stood on Sadie's left. He wasn't overly hungry but the sheer wonder of their previous night's meal was all too tempting. Breakfast had been just as wonderful and there couldn't be any denying just how spectacular lunch was going to be. Although he couldn't work out what food they'd serve. Sandwiches? Soups? Cakes? Pastries? The hum of the student crowd around them gave them enough cover to speak happily without prying ears.\n\n\"My brother told me the first lunch time back, the Quidditch team has a race around the castle. Apparently someone set a record once and they're all trying to break it.\" He smiled, looking towards the two. \"Apparently it's just over two minutes to get round the entire castle. It's tradition to try and set a new record.\" He was a little excited to show Sadie their world's sport. He'd seen muggle fans cheering for their own sports and seen the 'Football' newspapers all over the place. There was no end of fans in London. His memory reminded him an evening one summer. Two muggles, he assumed both drunk, began fighting on the road outside their house. They smashed a few cars before someone called the police. He assumed they were rival teams, one was wearing red and the other blue. Quidditch was only the same. \n\n\"I think you'll enjoy watching it.\" He added, feet following the group in front as they stepped between halls and finally onto the staircases and down towards the Great Hall. The more he looked, the more amazing the school seemed to be. Bright colours and history all over the place. He couldn't work out which part was more amazing. \"We should grab lunch and head into the grounds. Then once we're done, we should go find that tapestry.\" George stopped a second later. \"Do you have any idea what it looks like?\" His eyes turned up towards the long and towering inside of the castle, his excitement dwindling at the thought of how many tapestry's there were in the castle.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "George happily stuffed a small sausage pastry into his mouth as they made their way out towards the grounds, carrying a beautifully made cheese and cucumber sandwich. Whoever made this food was far better than his mum and far better than his Aunt Lysa's cooking. He hated Christmas for that reason, he knew Theo hated her cooking too but was just to polite to say. The Great Hall was fairly full although there seemed to a small majority of the students missing. \n\n\"Unicorns too.\" George added as soon as the conversation came up. \"My brother says you can start to study all the creatures in the forest when we're in Third Year.\" The boy had found an insane fascination with the magical creatures of his world, all after an incident in Norfolk one winter. His Aunt Lysa lived in an ancient house on top of a small hill. She was an odd women, 'touched' was the word his father had used on occasion when their mum had been out of earshot. Her garden stood before a bog, far stretching along an old barely used road. His attention had been caught by a drifting light that looked far too unlike a car headlight. It bounced around for a second, dancing happily in the late evening moonlight. It seemed peaceful against the shallow snow, drifting to and fro across the bog. George shared the moment with his brother, both staring at the light as they sat on their Aunt's porch, not two winters ago. Hinkypunk was the word Theo had used as he explained all he'd been taught earlier that year. \n\nThe blonde's attention drifted over the crowd as they walked out off the bridge and into the grounds beyond. He could see groups huddled together, brooms in hand, chatting and pointing up at the castle as a lone figure twisted about the turrets. The whole prospect was exciting. He already longed to see his first Hogwarts Quidditch match although it wouldn't start until at least November. He followed behind his friends, trying to locate his brother among the collection of students. He wasn't hard to find though, standing among a strong bunch of Ravenclaw students, again, standing alone from the rest of the congregation. The crowd quickly perked up as a student clad in vivid yellow raced along the bridge at such a high speed it felt like a gale, rippling through robes and hair. There was no doubt that the new models of broom were getting faster and faster. The student crossed through a hovering red line and joined a group of cheering Hufflepuffs. \n\nA slender women with thick black hair blew a whistle and shook her head, causing both outrage and joy. The Hufflepuff students spent a moment expressing their anger before patting their friend on the back and stepping back to let someone else try. George watched a Slytherin girl with long brown hair pull her hair into a ponytail and step up to the line, feet on the either side of her broom. She shuffled her feet and pushed off the ground as soon as the whistle hit, her silver broom disappearing into a blur as she shot through the line at the simple sound of the whistle. George found a small spot of free grass and sat, Seine joining him soon after, eyes glued to the girl as she turned around the first tower. \n\n\"When do we get to do this?\" Seine laughed, making room for Sadie on the ground which was thankfully dry.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "Unicorns. They had captured her imagination as a little girl, curled up on the sofa with her mum watching The Last Unicorn. She'd spent months wishing she could actually be a unicorn, much to her mum's amusement (and Brennan's chagrin). She'd been heartbroken when none of the unicorn hair wands Ollivander had her try seemed to fit. In the end, she'd bonded with a dogwood and phoenix feather wand. She'd gotten over her upset quickly enough—her wand was so happy! It always seemed to warm when she touched it, as if it were pleased to see her.\n\nBut—unicorns. For real unicorns, in the forrest! Sadie looked longingly at the trees, which looked far more inviting than they had five minutes ago. \n\n\"Wow,\" she murmured, lost in her wonderings for a moment. Seine elbowed her in the ribs. Sadie jumped and laughed bashfully, forcing herself to look away. She wasn't sure if she could wait until third year to see a living unicorn. For now, there was a ruckus erupting on the grounds. \nThey seated themselves near a group of fellow first years. The redhead—Ellis, she thought—was chattering enthusiastically to a black haired girl (Kelly? No, the bird, Kestrel!) and a bunch of boys whose names Sadie couldn't remember. The dark haired Ravenclaw had the same look of skepticism that Sadie had seen in Freyja, and she made careful note. Sadie got the feeling that banding together with her fellow muggleborns would make this whole experience much better.\n\nSeine asked when it would be their turn. Sadie went a little pale, but grinned weakly. She wasn't exactly…keen on heights, but she knew she at least had to try. They were flying! Maybe she could just push her way through it and everything would be fine.\n\n\"Second year,\" an older boy informed them, having evidently heard Seine's comment. Sadie looked over and tried not to swoon. The Hufflepuff leaned back on his elbows, with the sort of face that looked more like it belonged on a magazine than in a school. \"It's been nearly twenty years since a first year played.\"\n\n\"Oh, that was Harry Potter, right?\" Seine asked, with all the ease of someone who was not stunned by chiseled jawlines. The older student offered a lopsided grin.\n\n\"Yeah. You lot are Gryffindors, yeah? My little brother, Graham, just got sorted into your house. Try not to let him cause you too much trouble, he's kind of a little shit.\"\n\n\"Language, Adam,\" A leggy Ravenclaw girl chided, punching his leg. \"And look, it's Pepper's turn. Pay attention.\"\n\nA tall blonde with messy hair had perched on a sleek broom, crimson robes stark against the grey morning. She was laughing about something, leaning sharply into the starting line before she was off with the whistle. Someone had hung something like a screen from a window, and it wasn't unlike a movie being played, following the girl as she sprinted through the sky, the school more blur than building on the rather strange monitor. It couldn't be electronic—the picture wasn't quite right, and she'd discovered that electronics simply didn't work in the castle—but it was essentially the same thing. Someone was chattering a blow by blow, and the crowd—namely the Gryffindors—were cheering enthusiastically. \n\nThe race didn't last long. Soon, the blonde had crossed the finished line, her hair tousled and face flush. She laughed sheepishly as the dark haired girl shook her head, and several of the Gryffindors let out a groan.\n\n\"Better luck next time, Spicy!\" The amplified voice of the announcer echoed. \"Next up!\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "Second year seemed so far away! George span in his spot upon hearing another voice. He glanced over each of the faces behind them, flitting silent and unconscious judgment as anyone did. \n\"If it's been so long, why don't they let first years play?\" George asked. It didn't seem fair but it probably made sense. He imagined briefly what it would be like to see Sadie trying to fly among so many others who'd had years of practice. It wasn't a pleasant sight.. He answered his own question during his moment of imagination and twisted back to the conversation at hand. George felt a twinge of misunderstanding during the mention of Harry's name. He'd been a curse word in his home- \"Fucking-Potter\", \"Boy-Who-Lived-My-Arse\", and his father's favorite \"Fucking Potter.\" He had never really understood why and he still didn't. There were so many questions he still didn't have answers to, even after eleven years. He suspected Theo had already worked it out. He'd always been one step ahead. \n\nGeorge turned his attention off the exchange and looked about for his brother again. Theo had moved this time, standing nonchalantly against the backdrop of forest. He looked so cavalier standing tall in his uniform, George almost hated him and it made it him feel resentful. He had no reason to hate his brother other than for his own selfish jealously. \n\nThe crowd buzzed again when a girl stepped out and everyone's eyes shifted. No one seemed to be continuing their conversations now someone was racing. Everything seemed to be on her. All comments, cheers, hesitant and nervous breaths- no one's eyes were off the screen for more than a second. Pepper darted the course with a speed that seemed so unnatural. It wasn't enough though, her landing again and the echoing whines of the rest of Gryffindor seemed to prove that. The crowds quickly turned back to their conversations whilst the next student decided to have a go. George tugged from blades of grass from the floor, subconsciously ripping it into tiny pieces. \n\nThere was a cheer again from across the gathering, and everyone's attention snapped up. George flushed a vivid red that rivaled even the brightest of country beets. He watched his brother slide off his cloak and carry what looked like the broom their Uncle Chilton had bought him not days before they'd left for Hogwarts. It stood out that was for sure; silver wood and deep black bristles was totally common, right? George followed his brother's eye contact for the slightest second and stopped on Sadie's brother. It wasn't long until Theo had his two feet planted firmly on the ground, his chest low against his broom, waiting the whistle to blow.\n\n\"GO!\" The announcer yelled followed by the eruption from the Ravenclaw gathering on the hill across. George watched with shallow breath and nerves as large as a house as his brother's journey was displayed so largely in front of everyone. What if he didn't beat the record? Or Sadie's brother beat him? He'd be embarrassed so much! There was no way Theo could solely rely on the newest model to keep Brennan out of the way.. This was all it was about, George was sure. That was unless Theo had someone he was impressing. The boy weaved between the towers, the wind rattling against his jumper and trousers, his thick brown hair blowing wildly. The Ravenclaw's had blown up into some kind of chant, guided by a skinny red head holding Theo's robes. Of course there was a girl- George turned his attention back to the screen as Theo came back into view, almost flat against his broom, heading straight for the finish, red faced and windswept.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "Barely heard anything either of his friends said until the announcer spoke again. He watched his brother float down to the grass and hop of his broom as if the whole world was his oyster; George had always envied him in that regard. As soon as his two feet touched the grass, the same skinny red head ran over, his robes folded neatly over her arm. Theo didn't have a girlfriend- He was sure of it. He hadn't written to anyone over the summer and there was no way it could have happened overnight. Watching his brother slide on his robes once again, a conceited and smug smile toying with the corners of his mouth, George couldn't help but feel embarrassment bubble and boil in his stomach. The younger Nott traced his brother's gaze directly to Brennan and instantly shrank into the grass. Theo had to win this... \n\nThe blonde contemplated hiding behind his hands, staring at the ground, even feigning illness and returning to his dormitory. If Brennan won this, Theo would be humiliated. Braving a glance towards his friends, George tried to judge their expressions. Sadie looked just as apprehensive as he did; Seine clearly electrified by the whole situation. All George could hear was the echoing boom of the Gryfindors behind them, rallying together to scream Brennan's name as he flew. \n\nGeorge's eyes were fixated on the screen, as was everyone elses'. No single pair seemed to have taken their attention from the footage for even a moment. From the corner of his eyes, George could see his own brother following the boy's race around the turrets and towers of Hogwarts, pushing his hardest around the track. Brennan could fly, there was no denying that. The closer he came to the finish line, the louder his friends began to screech. This was it...\n\nBrennan thundered across the finish at a speed that didn't seem possible, straight into the whooping cries of those clad in red. \n\n\"It's a tie-\" \n\nGeorge felt his stomach twist in on itself a thousand times over. All of his previous trepidation frothing over the edge and out of control. There couldn't have been a more unwelcome result..\n\n\"That's troll shit!\" One boy yelled, thick and stocky. \"Everyone knows Ethans can't fly for jack!\" The silence that followed was painful. George gaze darted about for his sibling again, who stood with his back to Brennan, displaying nothing other than loathsome and obnoxious hate for the result. He said nothing- did nothing, despite the constant distress of the red head beside him. She rather looked like a chicken at this point, flapping her wings and throwing feathers about the place. \n\n\"We should go...\" George muttered, slowly standing. His voice uncertain and shaky. \"We have lessons soon.\" It was the only excuse he could think of and watching Theo seethe in his spot was an less welcome than a cockroach at a restaurant. Watching his brother smolder and simmer, boiling and brewing, fuming and foaming, George could feel his toes curl. He'd never seen his brother so irate. \n\nTheo rolled his shoulders and turned to face Brennan, smirking again. He pushed off the red head, who'd clung to his arm by this point and stood firmly at the edge of his friends. \n\"Considering your broom is not top notch, I'd say you flew well. You still take corners terribly but there are first years who can fly better with their eyes closed.\" \n\n\"We need to go.\" George insisted by this point, all his alarms going off on full DEF-CON 1. He tugged on Seine's robes and passed him a pleading look. \"We really need to go.\" \n\n\"Other than simply blood minority, it's hard to say exactly why you made the team, Ethans. After all, your arm isn't up to par. I'd blame parentage but after all these years, I think it must simply come down to the fact you're a runt.\" Another short shove towards the red head who'd returned to his side to pull him from the inevitable fight. George froze still on his spot, staring in horror as his brother just kept going. \"You're a fuck up, Ethans. You've no skill, only luck. One day that luck will run out and everyone will realize exactly what you are. A half-pint moron with dirt for blood.\" \n\nGeorge felt the color drain from his face pretty quickly after that. He was thankful Sadie didn't understand, although he dared to guess what Seine must have been thinking. He felt his attention shift directly to Brennan, waiting for the moment he'd be expected to side with his brother. Their uncle had always said Theo was too proud and smug for his own good. He'd really out done himself this time.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "Sadie was blown away by the intensity of the cheers. Brennan looked both frustrated and pleased; bolstered by the joy of their housemates, but determined, as if he wanted another go around the castle. She knew that look—Brennan had always been hyper-competitive, and it had gotten him into trouble hundreds of times over the year. But the blonde had slung her arm around his shoulder and for a moment, Sadie thought everything might be okay.\n\nThe peace didn't last but thirty seconds. A vulgar protest shot through the crowd, quieting the raucous laughter. Everyone knows Ethans can't fly. \n\nSadie felt her stomach twist, one parts surprise to two parts indignation. What did that mean? He had just tied, hadn't he? She looked between Seine and George, confusion written on her face. Seine shrugged, but George was urging them to go. Sadie rose to her feet, but couldn't quite tear her eyes away from the spectacle.\n\nShe'd never seen Brennan look so hateful, not even when she'd accidentally set his jumper on fire last summer. He looked at Theo like he wanted to rip his throat out, fists clenched. Sadie realised suddenly that the blonde, Pepper, had a hand on his shoulder, holding him back.\n\n\"You know, for two thousand galleons, I would have thought your broom should do the flying for you, seeing as how you can barely put the bird through her paces,\" Brennan's voice was strangled by frustration, and Sadie couldn't look away. It was a train wreck in slow motion, and everyone surrounding the two boys seemed to recognize it.\n\n\"Come on, Brennan, let's just go,\" One of the crimson clad boys muttered. Brennan seemed to try and compose himself, and Sadie though that he'd managed the impossible and controlled his temper.\n\nA half-pint moron with dirt for blood cut through the air like a knife. A gasp and a chorus of outrage rippled through the crowd—and Brennan had launched himself at Theo. Sadie gaped as her brother grappled the taller boy, raining down blow after blow. People were shouting—several of the students in red were screaming for blood.\n\n\"ENOUGH,\" boomed throughout the courtyard. Brennan and Theo were ripped apart, and Sadie could see her brother straining against the magic, knuckles bloody, as if all that mattered was the fight. The Headmistress was sweeping across the grounds in a rush of emerald tartan robes, wand aloft. Students cleared a path for her automatically, \"Control yourselves, the both of you! Never, in all my years—\"\n\n\"Professor,\" Pepper interrupted. The sharp look Professor McGonagall gave terrified Sadie, and she wasn't even the one receiving it. Pepper swallowed, but continued, fists clenched. \"Brat deserved it, he called Ethans a mudblood—\"\n\n\"That is enough, Miss Averys. I cannot believe a Head Girl would condone this response—the both of you,\" Professor McGonagall directed her wand to the two boys, still suspended and held apart. They were placed on their feet, and Brennan looked as though he might launch himself at Theo once more. Sadie chewed her nails anxiously as Professor McGonagall marched the boys—and a few of the older students with little golden badges—away.\n\nDirt for blood, he'd said. Sadie watched Theo and Brennan's backs. That was what Seine and George had meant.", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George stood stationary, on the edge of hyperventilating after his brother's outburst. If it was possible to turn back time... Theo was going to get himself killed for saying that. The blonde's eyes constantly flicked between the boys, waiting. The uproar of response was expected, after all, he'd said the worst thing. His brother was an idiot! He made one last attempt to pull his friends from their spots only to startle and jump as soon as a thud echoed the grounds. \n\nTheo was on the ground, Brennan throwing punches faster than George thought possible. Watching was unbearable. His brother deserved the response, it what he'd sought after but George doubted it was this. He peered round at the students, Gryfindor backing Brennan, two Ravenclaws making a dash to pull Brennan from their friend, along with plenty of students disappearing back to the castle as if they sensed the trouble that seemed so close at hand.\n\n\"Enough!\" A voice rang out like a bell, standing each student still, with magic and without. Seeing his brother stood upright was a sorry sight. His nose looked displaced and his shirt- Oh Theo. George felt himself feel sorry for his brother. No one dared to speak aside from the blonde girl Brennan had been attached to. No one was denying Theo didn't deserve it but Brennan had broken his nose; it was uncalled for. \n\nThe skinny red head looked more distressed than before. George couldn't tell if that was a joint effort or whether the final shove had been the cause. It didn't stop her looking like a hen, clucking and flapping wings, red feathers all over. \n\nAll anyone could do was watch their Headmistress and silently argue, she was terrifying. Watching the two boys stand alone again was worse than tortue. Theo lifted a hand up to pinch his nose, stopping the bleeding Brennan had caused, and Brennan looked for than ready for round two. George couldn't look yet he still did. He needed to be there for his brother, it was the reason they were so close. The sight of watching him walk away, head tipped back, was painful. His face no longer held the twisted smirk that it had done when dealing with Brennan, now Theo just looked tired.\n\nAs soon as the two figures were out of sight, George let out a sigh, a breath of nervous and anxious air. He glanced between his two friends and then at the ground.\n\"I'm sorry my brother said that.\" George muttered quietly, as if speaking too loudly would turn the mob on him. \"He can be a bit thoughtless sometimes.\" George felt the undying need to protect him rumble and stir despite how little he could do.\n\nThe students began to shuffle back towards the castle, speaking amoungst themselves, murmurs and mutters everywhere. George had suspected Theo hadn't been best impressed when Sadie's brother bumped into him yesterday but he didn't expect the hate to run so deep. It seemed unnatural for him, starting fights on purpose. He watched those whose George suspected to be friends of Theo's leave his broom with the red head as they stalked back to the castle embarrassed.\n\nGeorge waited until most of the students were gone before heading back to the castle, his lunch no longer appitising. His stomach still flipped like a robotic muggle dog, faster than Brennan punched his brother. This wasn't going to plan at all- he was hating school because of this. He paused whilst Seine caught up and again whilst they waited for Sadie. Both of them knew they'd have to explain what Theo had said to her, neither of them wanted to. There wasn't anything worse Theo could have uttered. No doubt they'd be hearing about it all day though.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "After the first week, Sadie finally found the rhythm of her schoolwork. It was tricky work—she frequently had to ask her classmates what certain magical terms meant—but that was good. Sadie had always liked cutting her teeth on difficult concepts. There was nothing like the joy of finding the answer, especially when she found it herself. She'd apparently become the class nerd, but Sadie found the near apathy of some of her classmates staggering. She knew in the way that she knew that she must breathe that she would never tire of the magic of spells and potions and earth beneath her fingernails.\n\nThe first Quidditch game was terrifying and exhilarating in equal parts. She couldn't forget the sight of that little Hufflepuff girl hurtling towards the ground. She'd woken up in a cold sweat half a dozen times, heart slamming into her ribs until she feared they might break. No one else seemed particularly bothered, and Sadie kept those nightmares quiet.\n\nIt had been two months, and Brennan had barely spoken more than a dozen words to her. She'd seen how he darkened when she came around with George, his lips pressing into a thin line. But it hadn't been George who'd said those awful things, she wanted to scream at her brother. Somehow, Sadie didn't think Brennan much cared. It was, truthfully, rather lonely. At least her mum wrote frequently, sending sweets and trinkets from back home. Her dormmates had been fascinated by the still photographs Sadie's muggle friends had sent, their fashion and technology so alien to them. \n\nShe was surprised to find herself missing home. Magic was wonderful and great, and she adored it, but she yearned for her phone, for streaming music and television. She missed knowing slang and context and staircases that didn't change on her. Sadie had a sharp sense of direction, but Hogwarts seemed to be purposefully trying to make her late for classes by completely altering its layout halfway through her walks.\n\nHalloween was as lavish as Christmas, she'd realised with a gasp as she and her friends entered the Great Hall. It was spectacular, flickering candles and spiders crafted of wisps of smoke dancing up and down webs of gossamer magic. Sadie spent the first five minutes of the meal whipping her head back and forth to catch sight of something new and wondrous. One of the older students chuckled as she gasped in delight at little cauldron cakes with ladles stirring around in their chocolate. \n\nSeine was regaling them with a particularly thrilling (and brutal) Quidditch recounting, Estonia vs. Laos, but she was only half listening. Seine was an amazing story teller, but she'd already heard the match--yellow and black robes whipping in wind, body tumbling like a rag doll toflat, flat earth—and she instead focused on the food.\n\nShe was halfway through a bowl of pumpkin soup when she noticed that a tall, thin Professor was whispering into the Headmistress' ear. Sadie watched at the elderly witch's face blanked, her lips pursing into a thin line. Little whispers seemed to break out along the Head Table—and then they were hushed, smiles placed back on their faces. She almost thought she had imagined it, but…\n\n\"Did you see that?\" Niall muttered from across the table. Sadie met the his curious gaze, flicking her eyes back to the Head Table. Everything seemed normal, but…\n\n\"That didn't look like good news,\" Sadie murmured, knitting her brows together. \"Wonder what they're hiding.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George found himself chatting along with Seine, regaling the events the match he'd read about. \n\n\"Wasn't that the game where Keola was banned for life?\" He asked, wiping pastry crust from the corners of mouth. \"Didn't he almost murder Estonia's keeper?\" He was barely aware of Sadie's attention existing elsewhere, instead solely focused on the conversation at hand. Seine's eyes animated and his hands waved with enthusiasm. \n\n\"Yes! He nearly get the woman on fire. Oh what was her name- Ti-, no... To, er-\" He paused for a moment, as if trying to pull the name from the very back of his mind. His hands danced in a circle like a fisherman recoiling a rod. \"Tulli!\" Seine yelled suddenly. \"My dad said that the whole crowd just freaked out! He plays for some Chinese team now though, so his ban must have been lifted... I don't know why.\" Seine continued, trailing off to stuff more food into his mouth.\n\nThe Great Hall echoed with the chorus of the ghosts and the echo of students laughing and babbling about anything that sprang to mind. The faces of each first year still seemed to irradiate with excitement and elation. Pumpkins floated about the room, each one carved to display a different face. From cackling smiles to slanted and devilish eyes. Each one was unique. George had spent the first part of the evening wondering exactly how had spent all afternoon craving each face with such creativity until it occurred to him that a simple charm would have easily done the job. The ghosts seemed to glade through the room, going from table to table, each joining in a small chorus of a song that seemed far older than anyone else in the castle. \n\n\"What do muggles do for Halloween?\" George asked after the conversation of Quidditch had died down. He'd never truly realized how different their worlds were. Muggles had such strange things, items he didn't understand. Their paintings and photographs didn't move yet large screens played sound and moving images, changing at the push of a button. There was music coming from tiny devices in pockets and huge metal birds that flew in the sky. How could they stand not being able to get somewhere instantly? What if something was broken? Did they just throw it out? There were far too many questions to make any real sense of and two months of Muggle Studies had done little to ease the burden he had in his head. He wondered what muggle kids did for fun? What sports did they play? What did they learn at school? How did they speak to people in other countries? How many of them knew his own world existed? What was it like to be told you were a wizard!? \n\nGeorge pulled another lump of his pastry and ate eagerly awaiting Sadie's response to his question. Did they eat big meals? Did they have parties? Did they do nothing? He could remember seeing shop windows decorated with masks and spiders webs. The image of a green faced women, her nose huge and long, with a single boil on the end was firmly placed in his mind yet he didn't really understand why. Was that what muggles thought his kind looked like? Sure, goblins weren't great looking but wizards and witches looked like anyone else. There were some perculier types but everyone looked normal.\n\nGeorge looked across to Sadie, waiting for her reply only for his eyes to follow her gaze across the table. He frowned a little and pulled his forehead tense. He watched the exchange for a moment before voicing the same opinion they all had.\n\n\"What was that about?\" He muttered, looking between his two closest friends and Niall. \n\n\"Do you think it's something serious?\" Seine asked, leaning in close to his friends. \"Maybe something has happened in the castle. They wouldn't just start panicking if it did.\" He offered, putting down his food to glance at the others. George followed suit, looking between the trio in the hope that someone would provide answers. \n\n\"It's probably nothing.\" He suggested, trying to, for once, play devils advocate. It wasn't a role he usually played, but one he felt he would need to learn in time. \"Its not like their going to tell us, is it? Regardless of what it is. If it's serious, it'll be in the Daily Prophet tomorrow. It's probably nothing.\" He repeated, desperate fantasy despite the fact he was riddled with anxiety, his thoughts lousy with the one hundred worst case scenarios he'd suddenly come up with.\n\n\"George has a point. If it is anything serious, it'll be in the Daily Prophet. It's not like their going to hide it really. Even if they did try, someone's parents would know and send a letter.\" Seine blurted, his eyes bright. \"Do you think the centaurs are angry? Maybe thats what it is. I heard they start stampedes a lot in the forest. What if it's a werewolf? Then again, they'd have to tell us about that one..\" He added.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "November came with a sudden plummetting of temperature. Sadie hadn't wanted to leave her warm bed, still recovering from the late night of Halloween and the poor choice to eat sweets until she hated herself. It had taken both Tasia and Maryam badgering her to roll out of her crimson blankets and stumble to the loo. The dormitory was chilly. Someone had left a window open and frost glittered on the glass.\n\nShe felt considerably better after she got ready, bounding down the steps after the other girls. Asenath had woven twin braids into Sadie's red hair and they bounced cheerily as she caught up with Seine and George. In later years, undoubtedly the three of them would be teased for spending so much time together, and rumors would fly. But the innocence of youth made their friendship easy, free of complication.\n\n\"Hiiiiii!\" Sadie greeted with exaggerated vocal fry. Seine chuckled, clearly chalking it up to a weird muggle thing.\n\nThey'd nearly made it to the great hall when George's brother snatched the back of his jumper. Sadie frowned deeply, looking between the pair as the elder Nott dragged the younger off. It was hard to like Theo after The Race. She did her best not to voice her displeasure or make George uncomfortable, but she couldn't help but scowl after the Ravenclaw.\n\n\"C'mon Sades,\" Seine gently tugged her arm. Sadie unclenched her fists--she hadn't even realised she was so tense--and took a deep breath. She beamed at Seine, flouncing along with the taller boy.\n\nThey found their usual spot near the Head Table, chattering brightly. Sadie didn't notice the smattering of upset faces, too happy to have breakfast and the post coming in. The owls were still one of her favorite parts of the morning, swooping and dropping parcels and papers.\n\nGeorge dropped down next to her, looking paler than usual. Sadie frowned, cocking her head at him. She shared a worried look with Seine.\n\n\"George?\" Sadie ventured, but her voice was drowned out in the beatings of wings and the cries of hundreds of owls.\n\nA parcel was dropped next to her plate, adorned with her mum's neat handwriting. Seine accepted a copy of the Prophet from his handsome tawny owl, thanking the bird. As he unfolded the paper, his face dropped. With dread pooling in her stomach, Sadie looked over to read massive letters above a photo of a terribly familiar building.\n\nMASS BREAK OUT AT AZKABAN\nDEPARTMENT OF MAGICAL LAW ENFORCEMENT REFUSES TO COMMENT ON THIS \"ACTIVE INVESTIGATION\"\n\n\"No,\" Seine muttered, looking grim. Sadie looked over to George, concern painted on her features. His expression connected the dots on all the hints. Oh. Oh. Was one of those escapees related to him?\n\nSadie touched his elbow instinctively, uncertain what to say but plainly worried.\n\n\"Look,\" Seine whispered. Tension was rippling throughout the Great Hall as silence gave way to a buzz of activity. There were students all over the Great Hall shrinking, looking sick, angry, stone faced...\n\n\"V,\" Niall muttered from across the table. Sadie followed his gaze to the dark haired Slytherin girl they'd crossed the lake with. She was staring resolutely at her plate, spine ramrod straight. Someone passed and hissed something at her--the girl flinched, and then pursed her lips into a scowl. Niall sprang to his feet, looking furious, but the girl (Verdana, she remembered suddenly) pushed away from the table and began to walk briskly out the hall. Sadie turned to look at Niall as he followed.\n\nSeveral students were leaving suddenly, whereas others had been cornered, either shouted at or arguing with other students. Suddenly, Sadie found herself scared. Her grip tightened on George's arm. Seine took her other hand, lacing his dark fingers with her.\n\n\"Don't run,\" he spoke to George, \"It's not your fault--\"\n\nThere was a shout as a fight broke out, hexes and sparks filling the air. Sadie flinched, suddenly terrified.\n\nProfessor McGonagall entered the Great Hall at precisely that moment, her eyes sharp.\n\n\"Enough,\" her voice was magically enchanted to echo throughout the castle. \"All students will report to the Great Hall immediately.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "Had the dreary news not set over the wizarding world, many could have argued that pleasantness of the day. Despite the growing November chills, the strong gale winds, and the frigid rain, the blue sky ahead seemed amiable. Students bustled across the Great Hall, gorging on their breakfasts and rushing through parchments of late homework. Moral appeared high, yet the encroaching fog appeared in the weary eyes of staff sat solemnly at the top table. The professors muttered among themselves, voices out of hearing. The occasional student would send a smile, a wave or a greeting and the noted teacher would return with a trained faultless expression. It appeared very few were expecting the disaster plastered on the cover of The Daily Prophet.\n\nGeorge had begun ripping his toast into small bite size pieces, his mind reeling with possibilities. What would happen if they caught him again? They'd lose him. Anyone who escaped ended up with the Kiss without trial. The blonde eleven year old pulled at his jumper sleeves, and rested his hands on his lap. Theo had more than one exclaimed the boy's tendency to worry too much; if it weren't for the thundering sound of his pulse within his ears and his throat closing within his neck, George might have disagreed.\n\nThe echo of beating wings flurried in from the roof of The Great Hall. Students excitedly searched for their own owls, smiling gleefully as they caught their parcels as they dropped from the air. The young Nott turned his head, his eyes trailing across the table for the boy he called brother. Theo sat upright, chatting happily to the friends he had, as if oblivious to the news the morning paper would bring them. George often wondered how his brother managed it, covering himself and his feelings; ones that weren't anger. It took a moment of staring before the bushing haired brunette spotted his younger sibling's gaze, panicked and unsure. He shook his head firmly and twisted his gaze towards the Ravenclaws beside him. George turned back towards his own friends as a result with his stomach twisting. \n\nIn the pause that lingered- the short moment before each student clambered for their friend's copy, ripping and snatching the paper from one to another- George felt the dread set in. Blue eyes stared directly at Seine only to flick to Sadie as she took her own turn to read. One by one, hysteria began to set in. Students began to panic, shouting and confused. Seine drew their attention to a small student with thick dark hair. Her familiarity now struck him- Verdana Dolohov, a cousin. Her own father had been trialed shortly after his own. Antonin Dolohov had been present more than once in their family home during both his and Theodore's childhood. The latter of the brother's had once claimed the man to be \"one of the worst\" and professed his own fear of the man. George felt the pang of empathetic trepidation as the students around her turned into snakes, hissing her way.\n\nThe Great Hall suddenly sprang to life with the shrill panic of several hundred students, each fearing for their safety. Theodore Nott was gone when George turned again for support. The tall Ravenclaw had already begun his beeline for the tall doors as the fights began. His feet carried him along the thick oak table, between his own and the yellow house. His face displayed little emotion aside from a faint sense of concern and dread. A spell shout from one 6th year student as he passed, its intended already screeching in return. Theo's feet picked up their pace and quickly he slipped from the hall. \n\n\"Don't run.\" George couldn't see why not. Sadie's grip grew tighter around his forearm, scrunching his sleeve and creasing his shirt. \n\"What do we do?\" The boy stammered in return as his attention turned to Seine. The yell that erupted from further down the Slytherin table and the spells that followed seemed only to make things worse. A huge boy, matted mouse brown hair and a thick set jaw roared a hex in response and the first fight broke out. \"What do we do?\" George squeaked again as the frenzy grew worse. He pulled Sadie's hand down from his arm and twisted his fingers into her palm, holding tightly. The situation grew worse, escalated to a state almost out of control.\n\nThe sudden booming voice of a wiry woman shook the castle still. Students froze, wands raised and friends in tow. A painful second passed before slowly each student complied, taking a seat at the nearest table, fear on every face. An icy silence followed as Professor McGonagall made her way towards the plinth ahead of all four tables. Her expressed seemed stoic, although by force. Several hundred faces stared her way for guidance, desperate, scared. The few students who'd rushed from the room slowly began to enter the hall and many of the ghosts had taken to join them. They floated quietly against the back wall, whispering among themselves. \n\n\"I understand you're all scared, perturbed and many of you are angry. This wasn't something any of us expected to find out, especially in such a fashion.\" Her voice strained as she spoke, kind old eyes hiding a fear of something they'd never expected to see again. \"Many of you know Hogwarts was subject to its own battle many years ago, and the scars of this have not all healed. Students, professors, witches and wizards alike lost their lives to keep this place standing; but I can assure each and every one of you that this school is as safe as it always has been. These walls will keep you safe. The Minister of Magic is more than prepared to ensure the protection of each student within these walls, regardless of who they are.\" She paused in her speech and her gaze circled the room ahead.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "\"Brennan, slow down,\" Sadie whined as she struggled to keep pace with her brother. He'd dragged her off from the Great Hall and hadn't bothered to tell her where they were going. He didn't respond, and Sadie huffed and yanked her hand back. \"Brennan, stop!\"\n\nThey drew to a halt on the stairs, and he turned to look down at her. He was angry--which wasn't unusual--but there was concern painted across his face.\n\n\"I told you that Nott kid was trouble. Do you get it now, Sades?\" Brennan's voice cracked as he shouted, grabbing her shoulders as if he meant to shake her. Sadie flinched, frightened of the intensity of his temper. He squeezed for a moment before pulling her into a hug. \"I don't want you getting hurt because of them.\"\n\n\"Bren, you didn't say anything,\" Sadie pushed him back, puffing her cheeks in temper. \"You just said that he's a Nott but you didn't explain what that meant. No one has explained anything! Everyone just talks about it like I should already get it, but they won't out and say it!\"\n\n\"Fine! They're blood maniacs, alright? Their old man murdered dozens muggleborns and supporters in the war, and you need to be careful so you don't get offed too! They hunted people like us for sport and there's plenty of records of muggleborn kids getting tortured in Azkaban for 'stealing' magic, and that's only scratching the surface.\" Brennan exploded at her, face flushed red.\n\nSadie was a clever girl, and she had already put together plenty of the pieces based on her talks with Seine and George and what she found in the library, but that had been so...clinical. Brennan spoke plainly and for the first time it all felt real.\n\n\"George has been nice though,\" She tried, and Brennan shot her a look as though he couldn't believe her.\n\n\"You don't know the kid, Sades. Look, he could be the nicest person in this damn castle, but it doesn't mean you're safe with him. You need to stay away from him.\"\n\nSadie searched her brother's face, uncertain what to make of everything. As angry and infuriating as he was, Brennan looked so scared. He was insufferable, but she knew he cared, and he knew so much more about this world, but...\n\n\"Look, I...I get it, Brennan, but I'm not going to blame him for what he didn't do,\" Sadie chewed on her lip. Her brother's face fell and she cut him off. \"No, look, that's not fair and you know it.\"\n\n\"Sades,\" Brennan tried to reach for her, but she turned sharply on heel in a flutter of red hair and began to descend the steps. \n\n\"I'll see you later,\" she called over her shoulder before focusing on making the trek back towards class, gears spinning violently in her head. It was a lot to take onboard, and, truthfully, Sadie wasn't sure what to make of it all. She frowned, before looking up to see Seine and George a ways down the hall at the base of the stair case. She quickened her pace and jogged towards them, flashing a tight smile. \"Sorry! My brother's an arse. Lets get going!\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "As the term had continued, George had grown ever more comfortable, even though such had only been that way within their tiny triangle of friends. Now, with the news the morning had brought, he felt small, out of place and afraid. The Wizarding World was going to change before their eyes and the dense pit in the young boy's stomach only suggested exactly how much worse this was becoming. \n\n\"Do you think it's going to happen again?\" The scrawny blonde asked through a mouth that barely opened. His words were almost inaudible, sapped away by the dread and fear hanging over the school; pungent. Whilst he greatly feared the loss of his friends, the lingering apprehension within twisted around a fear of his own. Before, it had always been a family affair, two or three generations at a time. Once their world shifted back toward the chaos, exactly how long would it have been before Theo and himself were presented as willing volunteers? \n\nSadie's arrival frightened the remaining colour from George's face, leaving the ghostly complexion to outwardly compete with the unpigmented and chalky shade of his hair.\n\n\"You can't blame him really. We've all had a shocking morning.\" Seine added with a smile. \"They would have sent us home if it were anything serious. I'm sure they'll catch them soon.\" He paused before apologising to the impish kid to his left. \n\n\"Hopefully, they do,\" George added in a defeated murmured. He loved his parents, although he wasn't going to outwardly admit that he missed having his own father at home. George Snr was a murderer, but he was still a parent; someone George longed to return home. They all knew capture meant the end of the line: a duel to the death or the Kiss. His Dad hadn't been able to avoid them forever before, it was unlikely he'd be able to do so again. \n\nHe trudged alongside his two friends in silence, occasionally adding a note or comment to Seine's attempt at altering the mood. As they climbed the staircases towards the Third Floor, the milling crowds had begun to disperse. Transfiguration stood as their first lesson of the day and George was entirely grateful for the possibility of quietly taking notes instead of being forced to communicate. \n\nSeine, however, had spent their entire walk trying to engage Sadie in conversation entirely separate to the news they'd received that morning; for all their sakes. \n\n\"Did you manage to finish the essay Professor Thirmin had asked for? The one on foreign object transfiguration? I was barely able to manage the two sides and we were expected to cover three.\" It was a rushed conversation but entirely expected considering the state of their previously comfortable schooling day.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "George looked as scared as Brennan had, but where Brennan's temper had flared, George just seemed to shrink into himself. It hurt, seeing her best friend like this. After a moment, she realized it was the first time she'd thought of George like that, but it rang true. George and Seine were the closest friends she had here. She missed her girlfriends from home, but they didn't know about this part of her, and it was difficult to feel close to them with such an enormous secret in her heart. But George and Seine always waited for her, always had a joke and a story, and she looked forward to every day they had together.\n\nStill, best friends or not, Sadie couldn't understand why they seemed so bored by their homework.\n\n\"Um, yeah,\" Sadie laughed a little nervously. \"It's not like it was a lot?\"\n\nOne of the things that had struck her was just how more relaxed Hogwarts was. She hadn't gone to the world's most prestigious school, but her workload had been ramping up as she had been getting older, and her muggle teachers had assigned far more work than this. Sadie usually found herself going comparatively overboard with her work, but she was used to a far more aggressive pace.\n\n\"Ugh,\" Seine grumbled intelligently. \n\n\"I must once again remind you that you are always welcome to join me in the library after class. We can do our work together,\" Sadie offered, but Seine pulled a face at her.\n\n\"You spend hours there,\" He complained. Sadie rolled her eyes.\n\n\"We are literally learning magic, breaking the laws of physics and doing impossible things. That should make you want to study nonstop,\" Sadie reminded Seine. They'd had this argument half a dozen times, and she suspected they would have it until they graduated.\n\nThey'd reached the Transfiguration classroom during their bickering. Seine pushed open the door and they filed in, taking their usual spots. The atmosphere in the classroom was like a coiled spring, ready to explode with energy. Other students were shooting George dark looks, whispering, and Sadie simply held her head high. She and Seine sat on either side of George in a show of solidarity. \n\nThe whispers were silenced upon the arrival of Professor Thirmin, and Sadie sank into the rhythm of the lesson.", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "The school seemed muted compared to the excited volume it lingered on most days. Such was to be expected considering the news they'd received that morning. Just like Sadie and Seine, the halls were still echoing with the sound of students discussing what mattered in the present; School. Regardless of the situation at hand, their world certainly didn't feel like it was in danger. Perhaps, however, it was. To students like both the Nott children and the Dolohov siblings, their families were finally returning home. The smallest sense of happiness lingered within, a smile he wouldn't have shared in public. All George could do, was hope his parents were still reunited as Christmas arrived.\n\nThe Transfiguration classroom felt far more constrained than it usually did. The walls felt unnaturally enclosed, despite their previously large size. He turned his eyes to Sadie and followed suit; letting the glares fall within his peripheral vision. This would all blow over soon, surely. People would forget, surely? \n\nGeorge was more grateful than ever and allowed himself to focus entirely on the subject at hand, in an attempt to ignore the burning sensation in the centre of his skull.\n\n\"We should explore some more of the grounds this evening,\" George muttered whilst the room was preoccupied with the notes at hand. \"There's the east side of the Black Lake that we haven't had the chance to see yet.\" \n\n\"It would be cool to see if we can spot the Merpeople beneath the Lake.\" Seine smiled encouragingly, furthering their friend's request to remain entirely out of the view of the remainder of the school. \"It's a shame we're not old enough to leave the Grounds yet. My Dad says Hogsmeade is cracking.\" The boy's positivity was appalling and contagious. \n\n\"I've heard good things about Honeydukes. I could ask my brother to bring us back something next time he goes.\" His tone quickly slid off into one of instability and self-doubt. The last few weeks had been nothing short of enjoyable; yet now George felt the mist of dread settling uncomfortably along the edges.\n\n\"You should definitely try Pepper Imps, Sadie.\" Their more cheerful friend returned with a grin wider than necessary. \n\nGeorge let the two of them speak for a moment as he uncomfortably considered the day's news. Had Sadie and Seine not remaining his friends, he likely would have been sat alone. He'd thank them one day; when he thought as much to do so. For now, however, he meerly clutched at his least healthy thoughts and made an extended effort to remain focused on the lesson; one of which ended much longer after George had hoped- or his preception of time certainly felt off.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "The school seemed muted compared to the excited volume it lingered on most days. Such was to be expected considering the news they'd received that morning. Just like Sadie and Seine, the halls were still echoing with the sound of students discussing what mattered in the present; School. Regardless of the situation at hand, their world certainly didn't feel like it was in danger. Perhaps, however, it was. To students like both the Nott children and the Dolohov siblings, their families were finally returning home. The smallest sense of happiness lingered within, a smile he wouldn't have shared in public. All George could do, was hope his parents were still reunited as Christmas arrived.\n\nThe Transfiguration classroom felt far more constrained than it usually did. The walls felt unnaturally enclosed, despite their previously large size. He turned his eyes to Sadie and followed suit; letting the glares fall within his peripheral vision. This would all blow over soon, surely. People would forget, surely? \n\nGeorge was more grateful than ever and allowed himself to focus entirely on the subject at hand, in an attempt to ignore the burning sensation in the centre of his skull.\n\n\"We should explore some more of the grounds this evening,\" George muttered whilst the room was preoccupied with the notes at hand. \"There's the east side of the Black Lake that we haven't had the chance to see yet.\" \n\n\"It would be cool to see if we can spot the Merpeople beneath the Lake.\" Seine smiled encouragingly, furthering their friend's request to remain entirely out of the view of the remainder of the school. \"It's a shame we're not old enough to leave the Grounds yet. My Dad says Hogsmeade is cracking.\" The boy's positivity was appalling and contagious. \n\n\"I've heard good things about Honeydukes. I could ask my brother to bring us back something next time he goes.\" His tone quickly slid off into one of instability and self-doubt. The last few weeks had been nothing short of enjoyable; yet now George felt the mist of dread settling uncomfortably along the edges.\n\n\"You should definitely try Pepper Imps, Sadie.\" Their more cheerful friend returned with a grin wider than necessary. \n\nGeorge let the two of them speak for a moment as he uncomfortably considered the day's news. Had Sadie and Seine not remaining his friends, he likely would have been sat alone. He'd thank them one day; when he thought as much to do so. For now, however, he meerly clutched at his least healthy thoughts and made an extended effort to remain focused on the lesson; one of which ended much longer after George had hoped- or his preception of time certainly felt off.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "Sadie frowned as George and Seine whispered during the lesson. Had the morning not been quite so awful, she might have shushed them and gotten annoyed. But with things so raw, she couldn't muster the will to be so sharp. She was already several chapters ahead in the textbook, frustrated by the snail's pace Professor Thirmin seemed all too content to set. \n\nSuddenly she could hear the Hat humming in her head, Plenty clever…what a thirst to prove yourself. It had flashed images of eagles swathed in bronze and blue with those words in her head, and it seemed all too ready to name her a Ravenclaw before it found whatever had tipped the scales so firmly to Gryffindor. Privately, Sadie wondered if she had been sorted wrong. She loved her house, her friends, but it was frustrating, feeling so alone in her wonder. \n\nSadie shook her head to clear it. What was done was done—there was no resorting, as far as she knew. She'd just have to make the best of it.\n\n\"I'd like the see the squid again,\" Sadie murmured. She arched a brow at Seine's insistence she try some unheard of sweet. Pepper Imps? \"Those do not sound good.\"\n\n\"Would you like to share your conversation with the class?\" Professor Thirmin called suddenly. Sadie flushed scarlet, dropping her gaze to her notes. Seine had the good grace to look uncomfortable and manage a quiet 'no'. Professor Thirmin frowned but, mercifully, did not dock any points and continued on.\n\nThe rest of their lessons passed by in a rush. Sadie led the way to the lake, chattering with Seine about music. He was filling her in on the classics of the wizarding world, and seemed amused by the muggle artists she named in return. He offered to lend her records and look bemused when she burst out laughing, calling them quaint.\n\n\"Records. What are we, hipsters?\" Sadie snorted, \"I mean, they've got great sound quality and all, but come on. Digital is so much more convenient.\"\n\nSeine looked at her blankly, and Sadie sighed.\n\n\"It's like this world is trying to stay backwards,\" She said theatrically, tossing her hands in the air. \n\nThe three of them were following the banks of the lake, the castle growing ever more distant. The black forrest seemed to almost beckon to her, trees rustling, and it took Sadie a great deal of willpower to remember that it was forbidden.\n\n\"We're not backwards,\" Seine said, sounding a little defensive. Sadie snorted again.\n\n\"You use owls for mail, Seine. Owls. Back home, I can email or text and get a response instantly. Or call someone instantly, without having to shove my head in a fireplace. I mean, magic is great and all, and I'm super happy to be here, but it's like I was shot back fifty years. This is so weird.\"\n\n\"We've got quidditch! And dragons!\"\n\n\"I'll give you dragons.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George was as glad as anyone to see their school day finally over. There was only so long he could manage to keep his head from spiralling over the morning's headline until it became ingrained in his brain, word for word. It wasn't as if it was only his family who'd willfully taken part in the two most recent Wizarding Wars, voluntarily murdering muggles and wizards alike; Theo's continuing bigoted options weren't helping George's case.\n\nHe followed along behind Sadie with a handful of pastries he'd quickly taken from the Great Hall: pumpkin pie, sausage rolls, and a traditionally sized Cornish Pasty. Tonight would just be the three of them, at least until time grew too late.\n\n\"Quidditch is great, normally,\" George added to the two's current discussion. \"I'm not looking forward to the next three years of Quidditch here, mind you. Friendly competition is one matter, but I don't think things are going to be friendly.\" He passed a tiny chuckle as he spoke. Round Two of the Battle of the Brothers rang low on his list of events he wished to revisit. \n\n\"Quidditch is fantastic! I still can't believe you don't like it. The season has already started and you'll see your brother play in a few weeks; you'll be a fan before too long!\" Seine continued with his family smile, wide and genuine. \n\n\"Did you follow any muggle sports?\" George pulled his robes from his shoulders and laid the collection on the fabric between them. \"Don't muggles have lots of sports? I remember seeing one in a pub once where the players were throwing tiny sticks at a target. All the crowd seemed so serious, it was incredibly daft.\" It was the first time all day his tone hadn't sounded entirely defeatist. \"I just don't get it, a lot of muggle things don't make sense.\" He even managed a chuckle. \n\n\"Wait, what were they doing?\" Seine asked with a snort of utter confusion.\n\n\"These men were dressed in waistcoats and were tiny sticks-\" He paused and motioned the throwing of a dart. \"against this huge target, covered in numbers. There was another target in the pub itself since most of the muggles were watching it on a rectangle.\" George fumbled over his words. His childhood might have been far from sheltered in terms of the Wizarding World but George had little knowledge when it came to the world of Muggles. \"It really weird, the sport, not the rectangle, paintings have moved for years.\"\n\nSiene cracked a grin behind his hand and soon found himself roaring with laughter, much to the confusion of his friend. George glanced at Sadie and Seine with panic and bewilderment plastered on his face. His skin shifted in tone, rolling from pale to an uncomfortable red hue.\n\n\"I'll let you explain this one, Sadie.\"", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "\"It's also like, horrifically violent,\" Sadie pointed out, rolling her eyes about Quidditch. It didn't help that she was terrified of heights. She had spent her flying lessons desperately trying to get away with not flying, and had managed a decent job of it thus far. She suspected Madame Hooch was aware of her self-sabotage, and Sadie wasn't sure how much longer the hawk-eyed woman would let her get away with it. \"Hard pass.\"\n\nAs George asked about sports she was interested in, Sadie bounced back with a grin.\n\n\"I really like tennis! My mum and I are big fans of the Williams' sisters. They're incredible, literally the best players ever! I'm not very good at playing, but it's so fun to watch.\"\n\nIt took Sadie a couple of moments to piece together what George was talking about. It was adorable, really, the way he described the real world. Perhaps it was unfair to think of it like that, but she suspected the wixen world would always feel more like a vacation than her own life.\n\nSadie giggled as Seine burst into laughter. Their amusement wasn't mean spirited, but she did feel a tinge of guilt as George's face turned pink. Her tone was gentler as she spoke up. \"You're talking about darts. It's more of a pub game than anything else. You're trying to throw darts at specific numbers so they can sum up and get your score down to zero. I mean like, it's kind of a sport, but it's not super popular. We're more into like football and rugby.\" She wrinkled her nose, shrugging her shoulders. \"They're okay, I guess. Brennan played a lot of rugby with some of the other boys in the village when we were kids and never let me join, so it kind of soured me on it. That jerk.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George looked at Sadie as if she was speaking a completely different language. Football he'd heard of, but tennis and rugby? Perhaps had he seen a video or an example of the former, he likely would have understood the former. Since examples weren't available, he remained clueless.\n\n\"That's a bit rude if they didn't let you play. Did you ever ask him why?\" It hardly seemed fair that Sadie hadn't been allowed to join in. Although, had he known the rules, he likely wouldn't have agreed. Quidditch was violent but at least they weren't so young; and magic, which helped a great deal when injuries got worse.\n\n\"You'll have to show us some, one day. Probably not when it's freezing outside though.\" Especially since it was only going to get much colder. November had started wet and continued through until the approaching winter winds hit the castle and seemed to whip across faces and under cloaks as students made their way across the bridges and the grounds. They'd each be grateful for the temperature inside their year-round home, but it only seemed to be getting colder by the week. George hadn't expected it be long at all before the snow hit, as excited as he was. The white flakes weren't common in London, nor at his Aunt's boggy home. \n\n\"Who do the sister's play for? Are they on a team? Like a city team or a country team?\" Such a closeted anti-muggle household meant such commonplace things such as television and tennis were far more alien than most would expect; especially considering the short distance between his home and the famous tennis court.\n\n\"I think you're thinking of Rugby, Georgey.\" Seine continued, a wide and bright grin still creasing his cheeks. \"There aren't really any teams in Tennis, right?\"", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." } ]

[ { "text": "Coming from one of the remaining Pure Blood families, George had no fear of not recieving his letter. After blowing both the kitchen windows one Novemeber evening, both his parents couldn't deny they'd be sending their son to Hogwarts with their eldest. Of course, that night had always stuck in his mind vividly. That was the night his own father was finally caught and arrested. It had been all over the Daily Prophet that week.\n\n*Known Death Eater George Nott Sr. Finally In Chains*\n\nIt was a black stain on his family, although many of the other Pure Blood families didn't care for their status, even his brother had recieved a fair number of threats over the years. However, in his fifth year, Theodore was no longer under such scrutiny.\n\nAs they passed onto the platform for the fifth time, George clung onto his trunk as tightly as any nervous child would.\n\"Here you are. Your father would be proud.\" His mother cooed. She was a tall woman, thick brown hair completely opposite to George's. It had been pure luck; he shared his father's name as well as his hair and looks. Unlike Theodore, who had his mother's rosy cheeks and bushy brown hair. Swallowing hard, George turned his eyes to his remaining parent and sighed. \"Write when you can. I'll try and get letters to your father.\" She kissed his cheek gently and smiled, stepping back to look at her two sons. \"Both of you, behave. Please. Theo, look after your brother. For heavens sake, don't do anything stupid.\" She teared up and pulled them both into a hug.\n\n\"I'll be back for Christmas, mum.\" Theo smiled, patting the woman gently on the back. She pulled away and nodded, a hand moving to each of their cheeks. Seconds past before she let them leave. \"Greyback!\" Theodore shouted, making a dash into the crowds. Of course this left George standing around on his own. He sighed gently and passed his trunk over to a prefect. He smiled gently and climbed on board.\n\nIt was a strange feeling to climb on board the Hogwarts Express. As his feet touched the floor and his hands touched the shiny metal exterior, George felt himself change. There was no way life was ever going to change. Hogwarts was going to be the best seven years of his life. He would be on the Quidditch team, maybe even join Duelling Club, something that had picked up since Professor LongBottom arrived in the school. He could meet all the ghosts, find Peeves, spot the Giant Squid, meet a real centaur. George inhaled his first breath as a new person and pushed himself onto the train.\n\nHe walked along onto the first corridor, looking at all the students, most meeting with friends, others bumbling around to meet new friends. He felt his feet carry him down the gangway, moving with the crowd. He eventually forced himself to stop by one door; it had been the first mostly empty cabin he'd seen in almost an entire carriage. He swallowed hard and pulled open the door. The whole train jerked forwards, and they were off.\n\n\"Can I sit?\" George coughed, resting his trunk by the door. To be honest, if the girl said no, there wasn't much she could do. He pulled his trunk inside and rested it against the opposite seat. He looked at her for a second and silently judged. She seemed far too excited to be pure blood. Half blood perhaps, he guessed Muggle Born lastly, avoiding the term his father had grown him up using.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "Sadie hummed an idle little ditty, the same annoying little tune she had bothered her brother with all summer. By the end of the holiday, she'd had her brother flying into fits of rage only three notes into her song. It had backfired slightly, as it was now perpetually stuck in her head, but it was a small price to pay. She'd achieved what all little sisters worked towards-- she'd driven her older brother insane.*That*would teach him to think twice before he played keep away with her things again.\n\nShe continued to bounce in her seat. Mr. Tufty tucked his head beneath a wing disdainfully. She'd thought the owl to be quite funny when she'd bought him, but Sadie wished she had selected a pet less prone to nipping her fingers. Maybe Mr. Tufty just wanted to stretch his wings. He'd been confined to her room since she'd bought him last month. Her mum said having an owl swooping around the neighborhood might qualify as suspicious. Sadie hoped Mr. Tufty was just grumpy. The alternative was rather...worrying. Mr. Tufty wouldn't*always*hate her, right?\n\nThe door to the compartment slid open, and Sadie's head immediately swiveled to watch. Her hazel eyes lit up with curiosity. A boy stood in the doorjamb, about her age, with white blonde hair that would be the envy of all the girls back in tiny Hankerton. Mum always said not to stare, but Sadie had yet to kick the habit. She wanted to know everything about everyone. Was that so terrible? This argument had never gone over well with her mum.\n\n\"Go right ahead!\" She chirruped brightly, legs swinging. Sadie was exceptionally useless at sitting still. The train jerked forward, and Sadie managed not to squeal in delight (but only just). She gripped the edge of her seat in a bid not to fidget, craning her neck to look out the window. Her idle hands had a way of getting her into trouble. She didn't mean to break things, but she just got so excited and then things ended up dropped or shattered or, like the unfortunate Loo Incident, exploded. It was best for everyone that she refrained from poking things.\n\n\"I'm Sadie Ethans, by the way!\" Sadie was at the stage of excited where 'Everything I Say Ends in Exclamation Points!' Mr. Tufty hooted derisively, clearly unimpressed. The nerve! She scrunched her nose at her bird before returning her attention to her new companion. \"What's your name? Is this your first year too? How long is this train ride anyways?\"\n\nThe last bit wasn't entirely directed at her companion. She looked out the window impatiently, the city transforming into a blur as the train picked up speed. Surely this would be a quick ride... wouldn't it?", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George watched her for a moment before attempting to heave his trunk onto the overhead racking. It was certainly heavy. He struggled for a moment, and managed, eventually, to get the thing tucked away safely. Why his brother hadn't bothered to teach him anything, he'd never know. Their mum had always said Hogwarts would be the best years of his life, learning before would ruin the experience. He dropped from the seat he was stood on and rubbed the now tender part of his shoulder he'd used to push the trunk into the storage.\n\nEyes turned down to look at both the girl and her owl. Part of him wished he'd bought a pet, something to keep him company. After all, he'd probably be in the same house as his own dad. He wouldn't even think what would happen if he was.\n\"George Nott.\" He commented, sitting himself opposite her. Her excitement as obvious but it was normal. He suspected anyway. He suspected his excitement would arise when they saw the castle. Then panic and fear then excitement. \"First year.\" He added quietly.\n\nMaybe he did have too many guards up. After all, the student he shared a compartment with, well, she was bubbly and happy to chat. He on the other hand, would have been happy to sleep or hide himself away. Looking back up to her, after his moment at watching the last of the station disappear into the steam, he replied with an answer he wasn't completely sure about.\n\"About six hours, I think. My brother says the feasts at eight and the Sorting Cerimony is at seven. I assume well arrive a while before then.\"\n\nMorbid curiosity was getting the better of him. He knew making friends early would help. Yet he had no way to break the ice. He slid off his seat and stood back on the seat again. Diving a small hand into his trunk he retrieved a box of sweets and a pack of playing cards. He returned to his seat and opened the sweets.\n\"Here.\" He offered her one with a smile and waited. \"Have you ever had one before? They're fun, but scary. In the last box I had, I swear there were at least three vomit flavours and a seaweed flavour.\" He placed the box down on the tiny table they shared and took one for himself.\n\nHis face was hesitant at first until he seemed almost relaxed.\n\"Toothpaste.\" He smiled. Next he drew up the cards. The box was a vivid red, two giant letters on the front- WW. \"Exploding Snap?\" He offered, opening the box a little.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": null }, { "text": "He was awfully quiet. Sadie didn't quite know what to make of that. Mum had bemoaned her inability to keep her voice down a thousand times this past summer.*\"You've been screaming since you were born, Sadie, please give it a rest,\"*was a popular complaint of Brennan's. She didn't mean to be so loud, honest, but something about quiet made her deeply uncomfortable. Sadie resolved not to worry about it, her excitement for Hogwarts swiftly overwhelming any other thoughts.\n\n\"SIX HOURS,\" she hadn't meant to shout, but the thought was horrifying. She'd already waited*years*for this! Now she had to sit through a six hour train ride? Couldn't magic speed things up? Sadie had been reading her textbooks for weeks, and a little extra speed seemed perfectly within the realm of possibility! Of course, perhaps it was a safety thing, but she'd nicked her brother's spellbooks and they had things like shield charms in them—Sadie finally remembered that shouting was rude. She winced. \"Sorry. Just… that's like, a million years.\"\n\nA beat of silence passed. Sadie tried not to fidget. The landscape blurred past, turning into rolling countryside. Somewhere out there, in a tiny little village that smelled of cows and cheese, her little dog would be waiting for mum and dad to come back home. That life felt a thousand miles away, almost unreal compared to the train. It was curious.\n\nGeorge offered her a sweet. Sadie blinked intelligently. A jelly bean? She was about to ask what was so scary about jelly beans when he mentioned vomit. Curiosity lit up her hazel eyes as she connected the dots.\n\n\"So, they're weird… on purpose? Huh.\" Sadie considered that for a moment, and waited as he tried one. A wild grin spread across her face as he mentioned toothpaste. \"I have got to try this.\"\n\nShe tipped out a bean, brown and shiny, popping it into her mouth enthusiastically. It took a moment for her to place the lemony flavor. She laughed brightly, even as she resisted the urge to spit it out. That was impressively disgusting. How had Brennan not shared these with her before? What a git!\n\n\"Wood Varnish.\" She turned the box over in hand, examining the packaging. It looked unlike anything she'd ever seen before. \"'Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans'. That is really the most accurate name for anything in the history of the world.\"\n\nShe replaced the box neatly, impressed she hadn't spilled it. His next offer made her eyebrows elevate and her grin grow wider. 'Exploding' was such a dangerous description, especially when it came to Sadie, but it was awfully exciting.\n\n\"Mum says I'm not to explode anything,\" she admitted with a laugh, swinging her legs as her excitement built. Sadie had always been rather… competitive. \"But I'm the reigning Queen of snap back home, and I will defend my title at all costs. How does the exploding part work? Is it like normal, non-blow-uppy snap?\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" } ]

[ { "text": "He assured her the train ride would fly by—Sadie could only hope it would. She'd never been particularly patient, and she'd wanted to go to Hogwarts for so*long*. Brennan never answered enough of her questions and he had refused to show her even just a hint of magic (\"*It's against the law, blah blah blah, I'm a total jerk\"*). She knew next to nothing about it. It was a magical school, Brennan played some sort of game on broomsticks and was in a house called Gryffindor and apparently a ghost taught one of his classes. He'd always been rubbish at writing home and his letters never went into much detail. Mum and dad said he was going through a phase and simply needed space. Sadie thought he was just being a selfish prat.\n\n\"I hope so,\" she tore her gaze from the green farmland rolling by, resolving to be a little less anxious. Everything would work out. She would make it work out. Sadie had always been determined, and Hogwarts had been so dear a dream for so long, she couldn't bear the thought of it not living up to her expectations.\n\nGeorge was explaining the sweets and Sadie was trying not to get too excited, which was a doomed effort. Candy*wands*? How would that even work? Sadie's curiosity burned, gears beginning to whiz in her brain. She'd read the brief section on crafting in*The Standard Book of Spells, Grade One*which stated that, beyond simple tricks, true item enchantment was all but lost. Only the Goblins still knew how to create wondrous things, a secret they jealously guarded. Sadie hadn't finished the section on Goblin Crafting in her copy of*A History of Magic*, as her mum had to physically confiscate her textbooks so she would do her chores. Mum had kept her busy with the chickens and the cows for the remaining week of summer holiday, insisting that she would have plenty of time with her books at school.\n\n\"They just explode? That's perfect. Prepare to lose!\" she laughed, folding her legs up on her seat. Sadie got comfortable, pulling her red hair to one side and absently fiddling with the ends. \"So did you grow up with all this, then?\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George was a little jealous. The Pure Blood kids, well, they were excited, finally going to Hogwarts. The act was like a coming of age, a right of passage. Yet to all the muggleborns, the whole thing was something from their wildest dreams.\n\"Yeah, both my parents came here.\" His voice trailed off slightly, uncomfortable and a little unsure. Perhaps he should have been thankful that Sadie wasn't like him. All the Death Eater arrests had front pages of the Daily Prophet, for years. Sometimes there would be months or years without another arrest. George shuffled the cards quietly, replaying that evening in his head.\n\n***\n\n\"Mum! Theodore has my gobstones! He won't give them back!\"\n\n\"For Merlin's same, stop arguing.\" His mother had called from the living room. \"Just give them back and stop fighting.\" It took a few moments before Theodore gave them back. Outside, it was thundering, stormy and cold. The eldest Nott son moved over to the window and innocently looked outside. At the age of eight, he was old enough to realise somethings. Such as the two ministry officials that stood outside their house. He watched for a moment longer, counting men from the far side of their curtain.\n\nIt was another thundering noise that disturbed both Theodore and George from whatever they were doing. They were the unmistakable sound of their father's feet on the stairs.\n\"Kiera.\" He shouted, hurrying down the hall at a sprint. \"They're here.\" That's all George and Theodore heard. During fights and private conversation, their parents always surrounded themselves with a protective wall of sound, preventing any sound from escaping that bubble. He next noise they heard wasnt something any of the Nott family would forget any time soon.\n\nBang!\n\nThe whole front door flew off the handles and sped at full speed down the entrance hall. Foot steps hurried down their corridor and the most visor moment he could remember from that evening occurred. His brother hurried over and pulled George up and behind the sofa, whilst the vision of his parents running in, holding hands occurred before them. There was another moment, one that defied his entire childhood. His father's hand rose up, as if the murder any of the Auror's that had come into their home. Instead, a small, pale white hand arose to deter George Sr. from making any more mistakes. Then his father pulled their mother into a loving embrace and kissed her, longer than he ever had, until he was thrown from her side.\n\n***\n\nGeorge had never been able to remember just why that image stuck in his head for so long. Theodore had often explained it to be due to 'Dad's other women over the years. That Mum wasn't even sure he loved her.' It was obvious from that kiss, surely.\n\nComing back to reality, George handed the cards out quietly and offered Sadie another sweet.\n\"What was it like for you growing up?\" At least it would create conversation, he wouldn't hear the same boring stories again and again, he'd finally hear something different and something new.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "It was a little strange, to be chatting to someone whose*family*had gone to this mythical school. Logically, Sadie knew that she and Brennan were the strange ones, what with being muggleborn, but it was still impossible to imagine what magic was really like. She'd only ever seen the severe woman in green transform into a cat—and now some funny jelly beans. Her textbooks had moving pictures, but so did the internet, and that in itself didn't seem particularly special. Growing up with magic had to be better than farm life in a tiny village. No wonder Brennan was so bitter coming back to Hankerton every summer. Surely it couldn't even compare.\n\nGeorge went quiet for a moment. Sadie wasn't the most aware of people, but even she could sense that something was off. He looked contemplative and Sadie, in a rare fit of good manners, elected not to comment on it. He dealt cards, and they felt curiously warm. They really*could*explode, and the thought made her grin widen. She accepted the sweetie, ignoring the thought of her mum's chiding (*\"They'll rot your teeth!\"*), nibbling as she considered his question. What was life like in Hankerton?\n\n\"Boring. The Ethans have been raising cows for the past hundred years, and will probably keep doing so until the eventual heat death of the universe.\" She grimaced. She'd never liked farm life. School in Swindon had captured her imagination, and Swindon wasn't even really a proper city. She'd been to London once to get her school supplies and it had been the best day she'd ever had. The city was glamorous and exciting and didn't smell of cows. There were so many lights and*people*! It was a whole other world. \"When I wasn't in school, I was cleaning out the barn or tending chickens or doing any one of my ten billion chores. I mean,\" she blushed as she realized how selfish she sounded, \"It was just a lot of work. Things weren't*bad*I just… don't want to be a farmer when I grow up. I like cows, they're funny creatures, and it's important work and all, but I want to go explore. My brother's the same way. Dad was right upset when he said he didn't want the farm.\"\n\nShe'd said too much, as she usually did. Sadie had never been good at knowing when to stop talking.\n\nThe cards were dealt and smoking slightly. Sadie flipped hers, a funny looking King of Hearts with a lion's hat. The hat roared at her. Aww, how cute! She couldn't help but giggle. Mr. Tufty shot her a foul look, which she ignored.\n\n\"So, you said something earlier about sorting,\" she commented, feeling a bit apprehensive. \"My brother's gone on and on about how awful it is, but he's a git and last time I trusted him I ended up stuck in a well, sooo… what's the deal with that?\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George listened, curious more than he possibly should have been for a Pure Blood wizard.\n\"Want to know something funny?\" He asked, picking up his own hand of cards. \"I've never seen a farm before.\" George's entire family, cousins and all, lived in the city. The Nott family tree, much like any of Pure Blooded family, extended back into the Black Family. Of course there wasn't anything much of that family anymore. However, there were other cousins, families out there he shared Black blood with. Then again, there was surely a point where all Wizarding families shared Black blood. George shared it at least three times, he tried not to think of the implications. Preservation and all that. Now the more he thought about it, the worse his family sounded.\n\n\"I'm sure it can't have been that bad. You'll miss it over the winter.\" She probably go home for Christmas, then again, he probably should too. Mum was alone, and it wasn't like they were going to let Dad out any time soon, or at all. George finally placed down his first card, a Jack of Spades, a rather happy young man danced upon the card face, twisting a pipe around in his fingers. He'd show her chess at some point, merely for the comedic value and as she won't have seen it before. Well, that was if they were put into the same house. The last thing he wanted and needed was to be wearing the same colours as his father, not when George was sure he'd grow up to be the spitting image.\n\n\"Sorting?\" He rose an eyebrow and tried to describe it the same way his parents described. \"There are four houses, like families that you can become part of. Except you don't choose them yourself. The Sorting Hat does that.\" He realised how vague he was being. \"It's a hat that sits on your head and reads your mind and thoughts, deciding which qualities you have and which house you should go in.\" He said, taking another jelly bean. Tomato. \"The houses are pretty cool, there Hufflepuff, Gryfindor, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.\" He hesitated on the final house, his stomach twisting. \"Most people want to be in Gryfindor or Slytherin, most of the Pure Blood families have ended up in either of those.\"", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "-stupid nodeletable post-", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": null }, { "text": "He had never seen a farm? How strange. Or was it? Did wizards have farms? And if they did, did they have normal animals on them, or magical ones? She realized that she had no idea what animals existed in the wizarding world, and she wasn't sure how she'd go about learning about that. None of her textbooks had made any mention of beasts, magical or not. Perhaps she hadn't found the relevant sections yet? Sadie filed the thought away.\n\n\"You aren't missing much,\" she informed him with a shrug, \"Picture the quietest, smelliest place you can, and it's still probably more exciting than Hankerton. I mean, I'll miss mum and dad and Arfur, but I*definitely*won't miss cleaning up after the cows at five in the morning.\"\n\n\nSadie flipped over the first of her cards—the two of diamonds, and she was very impressed with the way the red diamonds spun and glittered—paying mind as he explained sorting.\n\n\"A magic hat?\" She queried with a grin, because really, it all sounded a bit ridiculous. Of course, she reminded herself, she'd just eaten a jelly bean that tasted of wood varnish and was playing snap with cards that were due to explode, so… perhaps her sense of what was sensible was obsolete in this world. She considered his words for another moment, popping a jelly bean into her mouth. Ooh, tiramisu! And not just the flavor, but the texture, and she could have sworn she was actually eating a piece… that was pretty awesome. \"Why do people want to be in those houses?\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" } ]

[ { "text": "George smiled and laughed. Magic really was something new to all people like Sadie. He knew they had stories, nursery rhymes; even he did.\n\"He's in Ravenclaw. First of my entire family..\" He awkwardly shifted in his seat and pulled up his next card. \"He's in his fourth year too, they probably know each other. Does your brother play Quidditch?\" He realised soon after Sadie probably didn't know what Quidditch was. It wasn't like he knew any muggle sports to compare it to either. Regardless, he found it unlikely that she'd know. \"It's fun. You'll probably enjoy it.\" Turning over a single goblin, he looked over the card and his almost hateful stare. The card was a little damaged due to use, something which seemed to have bothered the goblin in the picture. \"It's pretty violent at times, or at least the professional stuff is.\" He'd never seen Hogwarts Quidditch before.\n\nOutside the carriage, the countryside sped by. The world outside a blur, yet in the distance, the muggle city of Luton spat grey and brown onto the horizon. George's geography wasn't the best. He could see a town he did know though, located some miles to their left.\n\"You see that town there?\" George pointed to the small blot on their left. \"That's Ilkley. Its completely inhabited by wizards. There isn't a muggle in the entire town.\" The blonde dropped back into his seat and sighed. It was an awkward moment before he finally dropped his goblin Ace onto the table. Much like a lot of the cards, its suit was often difficult to tell. The goblin adjusted his jacket and brandished his own spades patch on both of his pockets. Perhaps it wasn't his day, before George could even notice, the compartment door slid open and a tall, thin student, already dressed in the black, blue and silver robes he'd been chosen to wear the same day four years ago, stepped inside.\n\n\"Fane packed my study books in with your stupid Duelling magazines again.\" Theodore stepped up onto the seat, ignoring both his brother and Sadie until he yanked the heavy leather trunk down onto the seats. He looked between the two of them and his brain ticked quickly. \"Theo.\" He introduced, offering his hand out to Sadie. She wasn't freaking out about either of them... She seemed the same age as his brother... The simple fact she was almost buzzing in her seat. Muggleborn. He smiled a little and pulled his hand away.\n\n\"Yeah, this is-\"\n\n\"I'm his brother. Your cards are smoking too much, best play faster. I don't expect them to have much game time left.\" The taller brunette yanked the trunk open and hunted around for a thickly bound, leather and ivory book from the bottom of George's trunk. He slammed the whole this shut and pulled out a wand that seemed almost too well cared for. He looked both ways before swishing his wand to lift the trunk up to a height he could manage. With both feet on the seats again, Theo pushed the trunk up onto the racking and dropped back down. It was something the boys did share in common that seemed to show. They both equally pushed strength over magical talent. Theo preferred to use his own body to move objects than rely solely on magic. George on the other hand, who currently knew very little on the subject, would, over time, prefer the strength of his own mind to push his magic to greater levels and more powerful standards.\n\"Mum needs to sort Fane out.\" Theo sighed before picking his book up and moving towards the compartment door.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "\"Quidditch is the thing with broomsticks, right?\" Sadie queried, \"Brennan says he plays Beater, but he won't explain much past that. It freaks mum out, she's right protective. Apparently he broke his leg last year; she had a fit when she found out, tried to convince him to quit playing.\"\n\nGeorge pointed out the window to a blurry town and Sadie dutifully followed his gaze. It was whipping by, and she realized suddenly how fast they must actually be moving. She couldn't help her gasp when he described it. No muggles? Somehow, she'd never thought of wizarding villages or cities, had thought everyone was simply living among normal people. That was silly; of course wizards would flock together to form towns. Sadie flipped a card over. A stag with ten clubs in his horns thrust his head into the breeze majestically, a doe nuzzling against his chest.\n\n\"That's crazy awesome,\" she began, but she was distracted by the opening of the door. A much taller boy, taller even than Brennan, entered. He didn't pay them much mind, saying something about books as he dragged down George's trunk. She shot a curious look at her companion, but as he wasn't looking too perplexed, she surmised that he knew the bloke.\n\n\"Theo,\" the boy introduced, offering his hand. She shook it with a bright smile, sunny as ever.\n\n\"Sadie! It's a pleasure.\"\n\nAh, brothers. Sadie was amazed Theo was as cordial as he was, her own brother being a massive prat. At his warning she turned her attention to her cards. She laughed in delight, a wicked grin dimpling her cheeks.\n\n\"Haha! This is stupendous!\"\n\n\"Oi, Sadie, did mum leave the pasties with you—\"\nThe door opened again, catching her attention. Her brother stood in the doorway, speaking more to the bubbly blonde waiting behind him, waving her off. He turned, nearly running straight into Theo, stopping on a dime. Sadie had never seen Brennan's face twist so hatefully so quickly. Grumpy git though he was, this was beyond his normal levels of surliness. His loathing was, alarmingly, directed entirely at Theo. Sadie quirked a brow.\n\n\"*Nott*,\" he gritted out. Holy shoes, was that a vein popping? Sadie snorted, but Brennan (for once) didn't take the bait. Sadie cleared her throat loudly.\n\n\"Ground control to Major Bren?\" He seemed to snap out of it, huffing in irritation. Sadie twisted in her seat, digging into her large messenger bag and withdrawing a paper bag. She passed it towards him, rolling her eyes as he grabbed it viciously. \"Hey! Don't be a jerk!\"\n\n\"Sadie—\" He looked ready to explode. Rather like the cards, Sadie mused. His scowl renewed at the gaze he cast about the compartment. \"You should be more discerning in your company.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "Theo was the very personification of the middle class wizarding world. Like most Pureblood families, the Nott's came from a rich history, linking back to the Black family as most did nowadays. Both boys had been raised in a household, although unstable, had been 'proper'. It had rubbed off more on Theo than it had on George. The taller, black haired boy smiled and disappeared towards the door. The book in his hands was thick, ancient in appearance and clearly well-read. On close examination, several of the pages could be seen to be dislodged and no longer connected to the spine of the white cased tome. Inside was passages George could never understand. He'd stole a moment to try and work out exactly what had been keeping his brother so quiet over the last year, but inside were confusing texts and passages written in a language he didn't know. Theo had told him they were Runes from time to time but he still didn't understand. Earlier in the summer, he had managed to work out partially at what Theo had hoped to do with his life after Hogwarts. The day they took a trip to Diagon Alley, Theo had expressed a great interest in the wand George had been given. Aspen, something Theo had seemed to think had made a lot of sense. Dragon Heart String, something Theo seemed almost hesitant in.. It worried George, he didn't understand what it meant but if it was going to make school worse-\n\nTheo seemed to stop in the doorway, another voice bursting over their ears. The newcomer was clearly talking to Sadie, whoever he was. Mum? Her brother? He glanced over to Theo and watched his head raise a little; a trait he'd taken up from his uncle. He smirked and scoffed.\n\n\"Ethans.\" He muttered curtly. Clearly they hated each other for whatever reason. George felt his mind race, he was worried. If they hated his brother, would they hate him too? For what his father did.. Probably. He didn't want them too, school was already going to be difficult. It hadn't occurred to him, despite the news that Sadie had shared, that the two were Quidditch rivals. His own brother had been a chaser for over a year now, despite his height he was exceptionally quick. \"I'm sure I'll see you on the field this year, best not to fly into the wall again. Sometimes it hard to keep up with better players.\" His accent was richer than his brother's, heavy in an Oxford tone. Theo smiled and pushed past him into the corridor again, leaving George watching the two. Sadie's brother looked almost like he was going to explode himself. He wouldn't have been surprised if his brother ended up with a black eye before the train ride was over.\n\nThen the boy turned his attention to them both. He felt eyes on himself, uncomfortably. Discerning? What was he, an animal? George felt annoyed, stressed almost. How exactly was he lesser? So his brother and the boy didn't get on, he didn't exactly care. He wasn't his brother, he was just related to him. As they were both related to a mass murderer.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "The cards were smoking vigorously now. Sadie was far more worried about her brother's temper than the playing cards in hand. Ethans blood ran hot, and Brennan was the worst of all of them. Sadie drew in a deep breath. Already she could feel her ears reddening, her own teeth grinding as she tried to keep her irritation under control.\n\n\"You're a prat,\" she informed her brother with a hiss, \"Get out of my compartment.\"\n\n\"Shut it you little shit,\" Brennan was surlier than usual—he must*really*hate Theo, she surmised. She knew him well enough to know he was simply lashing out, emotionally crippled as he was. Still, her lips pursed into a thin line at his poor manners. Instinctively, she chucked her cards at him. Several of them exploded along the way, and it filled her with a vicious sort of pleasure to see her idiot brother flinch back. For a moment she thought he might tackle her; their childhood had been half spent in cahoots and half spent trying to maim each other. She jut out her chin, sitting up as tall as she could.\n\nHe made an irritated huff that sounded something like 'brat', but he stalked out nonetheless. Sadie tutted, sticking her tongue out at his disappearing back. After a long moment (and a quick set of deep breaths), she shot George an apologetic look. Sadie had the good grace to blush.\n\n\"So,\" she said after a beat, \"My brother's kind of a jerk. A lot a jerk,\" she amended thoughtfully, scrambling to pick up the cards she'd chucked at him. \"He kind of turned into a rampaging git a few years back. He used to be pleasant, I swear.\"\n\nShe sighed there, before bouncing back brightly.\n\n\"I'm sorry about all that!\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" } ]

[ { "text": "George's comment on brothers brought a grateful smile to her lips. It was nice to not be alone in dealing with obnoxious siblings. She finished collecting the cards she had thrown, arranging them as neatly as one could arrange recently exploded cardstock. Passing them to George, she returned her attention to the landscape, humming brightly. Everything would be lovely—they must be getting close, right? Sadie could only hope. She needed to be at the castle*now*!\n\nHe asked her about what she did—and she tilted her head, considering his words. As he mentioned that he had yet to go to school, she found herself gaping. No primary school? That was just*weird*.\n\n\"Everyone is homeschooled? What if both your parents work?\" She frowned, finding the idea very peculiar. Her mum and dad were always busy with the farm and their business. There's no way they would have had time to homeschool her. \"I started primary school when I was five. I would have been going to secondary school this year if I hadn't gotten my letter. Um… outside of school and the farm, I really like films! And video games!\"\n\nSadie didn't really think how alien her words would sound as she began babbling, bouncing away.", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George laughed. Perhaps it seemed strange, most wizarding mother's stayed home to tutor their children until eleven years old, unless they were well off. George had been tutored by a witch at home, alongside Theo, who'd taught them all the basics of reading and writing, life and everything else they'd need to learn in order to survive school. Their real education had started at Hogwarts, and perhaps that was the reason so many seemed out of place in Muggle Society.\n\"Most mum's teach their kids, but me and my brother had a teacher, she taught us three times a week.\" He turned to Sadie again and furrowed an eyebrow. She'd already been to school? It was strange to think. It was probably why muggle-borns and halfbloods fit into the system better, or so his brother had said. \"You've already been to school, that's so strange.\"\n\n\"Video games?\" George asked, looking at Sadie as if she were mad. Muggle's were odd. \"I don't understand.\" Maybe he sounded like an idiot in her eyes, completely unaware of what she was talking about. During his trips through muggle London, George had seen various video games, though unaware at the time. He'd unknowingly noticed how popular and how many they were Yet without knowing what they were, he disregarded the fact and carried on their trip to Gringotts that day. His world must seem so strange to Sadie too, a world that was so sought after by muggles, a world of magic and myth. They had broomsticks, time travel, unicorns, wands, wizards, talking pictures and goblins. His world was her stories, however it was life to him.\n\n\"What did you think of Diagon Alley?\" He asked, smiling to himself. So far it would probably be the only wizarding location she'd seen. He could imagine her face at the site. It would have probably been at lot like the faces of some of the other kids he'd seen.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "\"Why's it the mums job?\" Sadie asked, a little annoyed at the idea. It hardly seemed right to her. She knew several of her friends mum's stayed at home, but Sadie had never liked the idea. As much as working on the farm didn't appeal to her, she'd been raised to work hard. She detested the idea of being stuck at home all day. She 'hmph'ed a little, before moving onwards. It was hardly George's fault that the wizarding system was so seemingly unfair.\n\n\"School is brilliant,\" she enthused brightly, folding her legs up onto her seat. \"There weren't a lot of other kids in the village, but I got to make lots of friends in class.\"\n\nHe looked confused—oh, right, Brennan had mentioned that wizards didn't really have video games or television. How strange. She lit up, clapping her hands.\n\n\"Oh! They're brilliant! People make stories and you get to play them. Um! I don't know how else to describe them? I'm bad at this,\" she laughed there, scratching her nose. \"You get to be someone else and fight bad guys or solve puzzles or save the galaxy. It's magical!\"\n\nHe asked about Diagon Alley and Sadie lit up like it was Christmas. She couldn't help but gush.\n\n\"Oh my goodness! The*hats*! And the owls! And and the broomsticks were great and it's just,*wow*. I saw someone transform someone else into a teapot! Then blokes in funny robes came by and dragged them off and wow, it was just*crazy!*Ollivander's was brilliant, too. I guess it just, I don't know, made everything seem*real*. It's amazing. I never would have imagined something so wonderful, you know? I'm just Sadie,\" she softened there, shrugging her shoulders awkwardly. \"One minute I'm gathering chicken eggs and cleaning up after cows, the next I'm buying a wand and going to learn*magic*. It's just… I guess I thought it was going to be a joke for a long time, like 'fooled you, Sadie, we got you good' but I'm on the train and it's*happening*. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and I'll be back on the farm.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George tried to imagine what it would be like to have not grown up in the world he'd already been surrounded in. How he'd feel when he first recieved his letter, what it would feel like to enter a world that seemed so unlike what he'd alreay experienced. Seeing Sadie react was hilarious. Having grown up with wands, Wizards and witches, goblins, elves, ghosts, talking paintings, flying and apiration, it would seem unwordly to someone who'd never expirenced it all before. Despite all this, he felt Hogwarts would be the same for them both. His brother had described it to be the most amazing place he'd ever experienced, something of which George was already aprehensious about. He was nervous, for no reason he repeated to himself often.\n\n\"This would be an awful dream if it were one.\" He commented, adding a smile as he spoke. \"Considering you're not the only one here.\" He reached into the bag for another Bean and glanced over the flavour. It shone a strange, misty blue, dancing almost. After Norway's win at the Quidditch World Cup that summer, there had been an influx of themed sweets. \"Here.\" George offered, handing it to Sadie. \"It's not a sweet, so don't eat it. It's a miniturised Dragon Egg, frozen as simply a shell. You can collect them, I think there's thirty, or just use them as decoration.\" They weren't rare as such, but a collection of petrified dragon eggs had certainly become a collectors item over the few months they'd been sold.\n\nHe turned his eyes over to the window, wondering just how long it would be until they were reaching the school. The last time George had known, they'd been in parallel with Norfolk, perhaps less than half way. He knew they usually arrived after sundown, but without watches, he hadn't a clue of the time.\n\"How long do you reckon is left?\" He asked, turning his head back to his.. Friend? Was Sadie a friend now? His train of thought had been pushed aside when the door pushed open, two girls laughing and giggling themselves at the door.\n\n\"Here, a present.\" One laughed, throwing a small black package onto Sadie's lap. The girls laughed for a second, both pushing the door shut before the compartment burst into complete darkness. They could hear the girls on the opposite side of the door, but as George fumbled for the train window, he noticed one voice disappeared. He fumbled, coughing up the dust, or whatever it was. A hand found the latch and soon the window was open, black powder filing out the window as if it were forced. He rushed to the door and pulled it back open, aiming to shout at the girls who'd pranked them. Down the carriage, he saw the two girls running, hand in hand, hurrying away from them. One had been a slightly plump female, brunette and loud, the other had been a taller female, slimmer, and with a similar blonde to his own. It wasn't a rare quality, but striking to him all the same. The girls glanced back, laughing once more. George let out a sigh and groaned. He waved at the last bits of the Instant Darkness and sat back down.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "Sadie laughed brashly at George's comment, tipping her head back with her mirth. He was being really rather nice. She didn't doubt the lengths that jerk's like her brother would go to in pulling a prank. She supposed the train was a bit out of his reach, but as a professional younger sister she'd learned that there was*always*a chance she was being messed with. Especially considering she tended to give as good as she got.\n\n\"Maybe it's just a massive prank and there's loads of hidden cameras everywhere,\" she grinned, although she had visibly relaxed in her seat. \"And instead of Hogwarts we're just going in a big loop and we'll end up back at King's Cross. My dreams can be right terrible sometimes.\"\n\nGeorge offered her a small blue bean, which she accepted. She blinked as he told her not to eat it—and her mouth dropped when he explained what it was. Sadie was aware she looked daft, but this was too wild to be stupid like Brennan and feign apathy.\n\n\"A*dragon egg*?\" She repeated, her little mind blown by the implications. \"Like, there are enough dragons in the world that eggs can just be like, shrunk and passed out in sweets?\"\n\nShe stared at the little blue bean—*egg*—in her palm, pale fingers reaching out to better examine it. It was so wee; and a little sad. She'd much rather it be a proper egg, with a proper dragon. Still, it was wonderful.\n\n\"Thank you,\" she breathed, rather enthralled, her brain working a mile a minute. She didn't process his question about the time, still puzzling over the egg, and then, rather alarmingly, something dropped in her lap and the compartment when black.\n\n\"Ack!\" Sadie coughed, reflexively covering the egg with her hands to keep it safe. The light had been extinguished. It was oppressively dark, pressing in all around her, and Sadie let out a desperately uncool*squeak*. Her lungs burned and her heart raced in terror. She had to get out, it was too dark, she didn't have her phone to use as a light and—\n\nThe window opened, the air clearing almost instantly. Sadie breathed deep, grateful for the fresh air and all the precious*light*. Black powder streamed out in large swirls, but her heartbeat was taking longer to slow down. She relaxed against her seat as George went to the compartment door. An empty sachet sat in her lap, which she carefully turned over.\n\n\"'Weasley Wizard Wheezes Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder',\" she read aloud, a painful knot in her throat. A humiliated flush had crossed her cheeks, freckled ears burning bright red. Sadie knew it was silly and childish, her fear of the dark, and wished desperately that she could be less pathetic. \"That's, um… s-something else.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" } ]

[ { "text": "Sadie laughed brashly at George's comment, tipping her head back with her mirth. He was being really rather nice. She didn't doubt the lengths that jerk's like her brother would go to in pulling a prank. She supposed the train was a bit out of his reach, but as a professional younger sister she'd learned that there was*always*a chance she was being messed with. Especially considering she tended to give as good as she got.\n\n\"Maybe it's just a massive prank and there's loads of hidden cameras everywhere,\" she grinned, although she had visibly relaxed in her seat. \"And instead of Hogwarts we're just going in a big loop and we'll end up back at King's Cross. My dreams can be right terrible sometimes.\"\n\nGeorge offered her a small blue bean, which she accepted. She blinked as he told her not to eat it—and her mouth dropped when he explained what it was. Sadie was aware she looked daft, but this was too wild to be stupid like Brennan and feign apathy.\n\n\"A*dragon egg*?\" She repeated, her little mind blown by the implications. \"Like, there are enough dragons in the world that eggs can just be like, shrunk and passed out in sweets?\"\n\nShe stared at the little blue bean—*egg*—in her palm, pale fingers reaching out to better examine it. It was so wee; and a little sad. She'd much rather it be a proper egg, with a proper dragon. Still, it was wonderful.\n\n\"Thank you,\" she breathed, rather enthralled, her brain working a mile a minute. She didn't process his question about the time, still puzzling over the egg, and then, rather alarmingly, something dropped in her lap and the compartment when black.\n\n\"Ack!\" Sadie coughed, reflexively covering the egg with her hands to keep it safe. The light had been extinguished. It was oppressively dark, pressing in all around her, and Sadie let out a desperately uncool*squeak*. Her lungs burned and her heart raced in terror. She had to get out, it was too dark, she didn't have her phone to use as a light and—\n\nThe window opened, the air clearing almost instantly. Sadie breathed deep, grateful for the fresh air and all the precious*light*. Black powder streamed out in large swirls, but her heartbeat was taking longer to slow down. She relaxed against her seat as George went to the compartment door. An empty sachet sat in her lap, which she carefully turned over.\n\n\"'Weasley Wizard Wheezes Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder',\" she read aloud, a painful knot in her throat. A humiliated flush had crossed her cheeks, freckled ears burning bright red. Sadie knew it was silly and childish, her fear of the dark, and wished desperately that she could be less pathetic. \"That's, um… s-something else.\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" }, { "text": "George dropped into his seat with a light thud. He gave a short sigh once again and looked back up at Sadie.\n\"It's just prank stuff. There's a huge shop filled with it in Diagon Alley, I'm not sure if you saw it. It's supposed to 'get you out of any trouble spot'.\" Wouldn't work for something outside the safety of Hogwarts. \"Just ignore it anyway, pranks never mean to hurt anyone.\" Despite the ease of their conversation before, the sudden interruption had done nothing but twist the eleven year old stomach into knots. He sat quietly for a short while, pulling a small handful of beans from the box.\n\nThey were two separate sides of the spectrum. Sadie was filled to the brim with excitement. George couldn't help but feel nervous. It didn't matter though, it hardly would. His dad had been in prison for a long time and wouldn't be facing the Dementors for a long while. He'd serve his time before they'd 'put him to sleep'. It was pretty much how his mother described it, how she'd always described what would happen to their dad. He gave another sigh and tossed back the last few sweets he'd taken from the packet.\n\nGeorge finally glanced up, taking in the colour of Sadie's cheeks and face. He gave a short laugh and smiled. He didn't mean it in offence, children never did.\n\"It's only a prank, no need to get embaressed.\" He smiled, offering her the box once more. Outside their compartment, he could hear the sound of others laughing and cheering, playing games and talking. He wondered how many of them would share the same family history as him. There had been potential for a fair few, especially if he truly believe the stories they had from before the Ministry burst into their home. George turned back to his friend once more.\n\n\"If you keep the egg warm for long enough, they're supposed to hatch. I don't know how true it is, they're only eggs. But there's loads of dragons, tons in the north and east. I've heard of them being found in the deserts in Africa. You'll learn about all that though.\" He added with a smile. He was sure they'd learn everything there was to know about the Wizarding World in time, they just needed to get there first.", "username": "TheDookieNut", "char_name": "George Nott Jr." }, { "text": "The train ride felt as though it had taken a lifetime. Sadie was nearly mad with excitement by the time it began to slow into the station. She'd changed into her uniform and school robes when the skies had gone black, positively bouncing with excitement. Sadie was certain she was being impossibly annoying, but she couldn't help herself. Hogwarts was here!\n\nThe station was all glittering lights and a massive crowd. Sadie stared out the windows, eyes bright, before scrambling to join the throngs leaving the train. She patted her robes pocket to ensure her wand was still in place. The dogwood wand seemed to warm to her touch, as if reassuring her. Beaming, Sadie babbled as she and George exited the train.\n\n\"Firs' years! Firs' years over 'ere!\"\n\nSadie had never seen such an enormous person before. She gaped for a moment (before reminding herself that staring was rude) at a man in heavy furs and with the thickest beard she had ever witnessed. He was a redfaced man, beaming wide, and Sadie instinctively liked him. Grinning to George, she followed the crowd of short students gathering around the giant of a man.\n\n\"Alrigh' everyone? I'm Professor Hagrid, I'll be takin' ye to the castle. Ready to go? Follow me!\"\n\n\"Wow,\" she breathed. The group struggled to keep pace with Professor Hagrid's long pace, winding down the streets. The walk was quick, which Sadie was rather grateful for, with the chilly September air biting through her robes. She gasped loudly as they reached a large, shimmering lake. Several stately boats sat at the water's edge.\n\nSadie and George ended up in a boat with a chatty boy named Seine with long dreadlocks and a pale girl who looked rather displeased by their mode of transport. Sadie spent most of the trip leaned over the edge, looking deep into the water or up at the castle.\n\nOh, the*castle*. It was better than she could have imagined, all soaring towers and ramparts and lovely. Even the quiet girl, Verdana was it?, seemed amazed by the castle and its majesty. Sadie practically ran for the castle the instant they landed, eager to see its halls. Seine said something funny, but she barely had the presence of mind to reply because Hogwarts was too lovely.\n\nShe arrived breathless, bouncing on the balls of her feet as the doors swung open. Sadie was pleased to be the first of the students after Professor Hagrid to enter the school. A warm looking witch with kind eyes and curly grey hair greeted them,\n\n\"Welcome to Hogwarts, dears. The start of term banquet will begin soon, but first, we need to sort you. Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be your family within the castle. You will have classes with your housemates, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your common room. The four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has numerous famous witches and wizards to its name. Your successes will earn you house points, while any rule breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup. It will be just a few moments before the ceremony is ready to begin. I'll be back in just a few moments.\"\n\nThe squat woman hurried out with a cheery wave to Hagrid, leaving the group of rambunctious eleven year olds to wait anxiously. Sadie was humming brightly, searching the small crowd for George. Verdana had left them for another dark haired girl, but Seine was grinning widely and waved her over. She complied and bounced over.\n\n\"Oooh! This so brilliant!\" She enthused, clapping brightly.\n\n\"It's awesome,\" Seine agreed, before looking between them. \"What house do you want? I reckon I'll be Gryffindor like my dad.\"\n\nSadie shrugged, rocking on her feet, straining to see everything.\n\n\"Um! I don't know! I'll be happy wherever, I'm just glad to finally be here!\"", "username": "El Taco Taco", "char_name": "Sadie Natalia Ethans" } ]