Banshee

[nightray]

Ramon

I look at Talon as Zoya tell me to go see what is going at the motel. I say to Zoya "on my way" and to Talon “you can emagine all you wish to no one will stop that” I smile coldly saying “I’ve go things to do if you'll excuse me.” I stand not taking my eyes of hem until I tern and walk out the door.

I walk past the cops as they talk to Carl my mined delving in to Carls. I frown as I see the dead bellhop in his mined as he talks to the cop. I send a mental message to Zoya saying “this may be series boss it seems the bellhop was killed last nigh some one ripped out his throat.” I keep walking as if I’m not in the lest interested I walk to the fire pit on the other side of town. I look down in to the pit smiling as I see that any avidness of the body that I throw in is now barred under ash.

I walk over to a bulldozer getting up in to it I drive it down in to the pit pushing the pile of ash to a lower part of the pit Making room for more trash in the prose’s baring the bones deeper under the junk. I drive the bulldozer back to where I fond it terming it off. I walk back to the club a small satisfied smile on my lips.

 

[truthpurveyor]

I felt the menace in Ramon's stare...the raw hatred that he held back creating a glow in his Banshee eyes.

*I'd know you anywhere* I thought as he walked out the door, no doubt investigating the sirens next door... *But those eyes are a dead giveaway, another part of the "GIFT" from my grandmother..."

Getting up from the chair I moved to a vantage point near the entrance, where I could look thru the glass door and still see the kitchen's swinging doors...

Several squad cars sat outside the motel, thier lights reflecting wierdly off the adjacent buildings while a pair of white clad men rolled a gurney into the office.

*They're in no hurry* I told myself as I watched *That means it's minor...or fatal*

Betting on the fatal choice I leaned against the door jamb, remembering a similar time...only a lot more personal....

 

[PmTick]

Carl

The cops arrived about 7 minutes later. Carl's hands were shaking so bad he was getting whiskey all over the place.

A blonde haired, blue eyed officer walked up to Carl as they headed down the hall to examine the body. He gave his statement, "Nothing out of the ordinary happened last night. The bellhop wasn't around all night, but he usually slacked off."

They were taking the body down to the morgue for further examination. Though they said the room was ok to open, Carl locked it, he didn't even want to walk past it.

"....bet this is cause of that damn club........fucking hoodlums......"

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Zoya

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/Zoya.jpg
Jasmine hefted a tray loaded with silverware and dishes and a huge stack of fresh bread which she had grilled and buttered while I finished placing the oua jumari sufoca in o' branza sos surrounded by the mititei onto a large platter. Grinning, we pushed the swinging doors open with our backs and carried the food into the main room of the Club.

"Breakfast is served, M'Lords and Ladies!" I announced with a big smile. "The Wonder Women have done it again!"

I smiled at Talon who was standing near the door and approached to serve himself. "No, no. Sit. This time you are our musafir, da? Another time you may not be... " I let the intimation of what I was saying trail off innocently as I sensed Roman returning.

So.. it is not good, Ramon? I queried, filling a plate for myself and our guest, bringing it over to the table he and I had shared earlier.

"Eat. Enjoy. You will not taste anything finer on this side of the ocean, my friend," I said imitating an old country mamã.

I wanted this Talon Vanator to know that he was just as 'suspect' as he seemed to think I was. It was my duty as the head of our family to protect the rudenie, and protect them I would.

 

[Clare Caxton]

Great thread

I am gonna print this one out

 

[truthpurveyor]

So I was her "musafir"? Hmmmm...Her "guest"? I mused as I caught the warning in her voice as the two ladies set the food down.

Standing over the table I inhaled the delectable scents wafting from the dishes and complimented them.

"Scrambled eggs with an old world cheese sauce, it's been ages since I last tasted a dish that good. It would seem "nerecunoscator" to such an "seducator, placut, gazda" if I didn't take a bit of it, wouldn't it"

Dishing a portion to a free plate I tasted it and admitted...It was delicious...

"There ARE some good things that come from the old world" I stated as I looked up and into Zoya's eyes, sending a different meaning to her and seeing her eyes widen as she caught it.

"I'd like to take a look at the garage, after breakfast?" I queried "Then we can discuss what it will cost me?"

The tantalizing meal finished I laid the plate and silverware down, thanking my hostesses as I did so...

"Jasmine...Zoya, You are excellent cooks...your food makes a man want to live forever, so he could taste it every day...Ahhh, if that were only so...hmm? Then one could sample the food and perhaps the cook as well???"

"Zoya, perhaps Stephanie would be so sweet to show me the station? It seems you have your hands full with the tasks of running this fine club? If she is finished with her tasks of stocking the bar, that is?"

 

[DreamGrrl]

Lillith

There was a moment of indecision, a crossroads when Lili found herself considering deviating from her set course.

But then the wizened figure before her hissed and leapt at her, and Lili’s move became one of sheer instinct and survival. Her hands came together in a Taoist-like prayer movement, fingers folding and twining except for the forefingers, which remained upright, and against each other, the thumbs as well. Her eyes narrowed, the crystalline green darkening, swirling into a pure black essence that seemed to curl, smoke-like, about the entire surface of her eye.

A handful of whispered words later, and the spry, leaping figure of the attacking old woman shrunk and receded on its’ own frame, aging rapidly before Lili’s very eyes, screeching at an inhuman pitch until naught remained but a pile of powdered remains, the wind tugging them into a thin line across the ground.

Lili knelt next to the scattering pile, her eyes clouding with tears as she experienced a lifetime of pang and regret, one hand bracing against the ground as pictures and memories flash through her mind at phenomenal speeds – three heartbeats, two seconds at most, and the life of this being had been reduced to such – a few seconds of thoughts, impressions, words, a whole life remembered vividly along with a pile of now-ruined flesh.

She gave a soft, keening wail, and fell back onto the leaf-scattered forest floor. The wind picked up, swirling away various debris, including the fine pile of gray-brown powder, and Lili stumbled to her feet, running away from the choked forest glade, leaping out into the sunshine of an old fire scar, letting the young trees dance and sway around her as she stood in the midst of the waist high grasses and sobbed.

Until ten years ago, she hadn’t even known they truly existed.

Even as her ‘dearly beloved’ parents shared that tiny bit of information with her at their completely natural deaths, she had been disbelieving and unsure. For years, she had merely called them ‘myths’ and ignored her older, even ancient siblings insistence that they were real.

But she had found for herself, as she slowly traveled east, leaving the selective confines of the Pacific Rim, entering into the vast lands of Russia and Siberia that mayhap they weren’t simply ‘rumors’…

Her excursions into the western edges of Europe had only reinforced that sensation. She had spent weeks, months, years, tracing their residual footprints across the land, tracking a movement and history completely foreign and yet as integral to her as her own breath.

There the impressions had become stronger, had overlapped, over-run each other until she hadn’t had to hunt for their echoes. It was then she had encountered her first, of many, of them.

They weren’t like her kind. They were suspicious and accusatory, attacking and attempting to shatter her. She hadn’t known – hadn’t known that they were nothing like her own people, these ones. They were lost in ancient powers gone rusty, unaware of the individual ability to adapt and evolve, and because of it, she had unintentionally destroyed them.

And now, it seemed, they were out to return the favor to her. How kind, she thought, were the people of her mothers mother.

 

[nightray]

Ramon

I walk in to the club looking around I fined where the food is lad out on a table. I walk over making a dish up for my self. I then go and sit in a corner watching Talon as he talks to Zoya. I say mentally “Zoya that body does not appear to be linked to use that I can tell.” I eat my food slowly enjoying it I add “By the way your food is as good as ever.” I smile at her nodding showing how much I like it. I say mentally “It tastes all most as good as you do my sweet.”

 

[BadForm]

Jasmine "Trench" Trenchert

Jasmine lay the table and served dishes to all the diners. She was silent, and efficient, her experience as a servant having prepared her to be of service to anyone in any way. The food was delicious, as was always the case when she and Zoya cooked.

She was intrigued by the stranger, he whose mind she could not touch, and wondered just what kind of thing he was. If need be, any one of them could kill him, of that she was sure. But there was still something dangerous and exciting about him. As she stood behind him, setting his plate, she lent down to whisper into his ear.

"If my Mistress wishes me to serve you, I shall be more than willing."

It was something she meant as a truth, Zoya, though a friend, was first her mistress. She would do anything that Zoya asked, for a request was a command. But it was never heard that way. It was heard as a kinky bdsm invite, and that always excited the meat.

 

[truthpurveyor]

Talon

Cocking my head I watched Zoya with amusement...I had suggested the only mortal in the room to guide me, in hopes of gaining her as an ally. But the lithe dancer had caught my eye, and I had not missed the challenging flashes in hers as well.

"The preference is yours, Mistress" I bowed my head to her as I spoke "I will be willing to accept what ever guide you assign"

The choice now faced her, to weaken her strength at the Club and send one of her own with me...Or to send Stephanie and risk the chance that I might seduce her and turn her to my side.

"You need only speak and your word is "the law" is it not?"

 

[DreamGrrl]

Lili

(Pardon me for not explaining that this first introspective view of Lili is quite some time before any of the rest of thread has occurred yet – mayhap consider it a flashback? ^_^ Consider my character still in the distant past, and working her way up to your current timeline… Sorry about the confusion there guys, and thanks!)

Lili had long since abandoned the European continent, skipping first into the UK and then up towards Iceland and Greenland, following the ‘mind’ prints that practically screamed to her from the routes she traveled.

They had been here – yes, it was quite some time ago… some as long as three or four hundred years. But their steps had walked this way. Doggedly, she followed. Seeking more of them, desiring to know, to understand.

Instead she found herself persistently having to strike out at those whom she would call ‘kin’. She always hated herself afterwards for it. More and more, her self-loathing began to express itself in her movements, her actions; her thoughts. Her coral-colored lips, usually so eager to curl into that joking leer or smile were drawn into almost a perpetual pout, her ebony brows caught in a constant frown.

It seemed her life was taking on the semblance of a downward spiral.

All that she would know of these people is the gift those last handfuls of moments of contact after they each withered away showed her.

Not enough – it was never, ever enough to assuage the fierce curiosity that burned within her soul.

 

[Mistress Jorja]

Ginger

Temperature gauge in the red…the pop of the pressure relief valve…the clouds of steam billowing from the two-door Mustang’s hood.

Never signs that you’re day is going the right way.

Ginger jerked the wheel, dragging the car unwillingly to the side of the road. The tin cans clattered loudly on the asphalt as she slammed on the brake. Turning the heater up full blast, Ginger climbed out, glowering at the car and issuing a string of creative profanities.

Just Married was soaped over the back windshield, obstructing any view. Not that it was a problem; she hadn’t passed another car in forty miles.

Kicking the tire once in frustration, Ginger tromped around to the hood. The steam billowed out of it and she drew back with a soft exclamation as her hand touched the hot metal. Raising it despite the heat, she propped it open.

The metallic blue Mustang, the same color as her squinted eyes, stood in sharp contrast to the washed-out desert sky.

Her white lace bridal train lay listlessly at her feet like a dead animal. The tiara sparkled painfully in the blistering sun and her veil was dragging in the sand. The trendy vintage wedding dress, her 7 tier cake, the horse and carriage, her weeks of gleeful planning from Modern Bride, Bridal Guide, and Martha Stewart Weddings…all for this!

Tearing the material raggedly from just above her knees, Ginger wrapped the yards of shimmering fabric around her hand. I’m a resourceful woman, dammit, what did I need a husband for in the first place?

Unscrewing the radiator cap, she stepped back quickly as what was left of the scalding water shot into the air. Turning off the car angrily, she left the hood up and grabbed her purse, shoving the keys into it viciously.

Great. Just fabulous. Broke down in No Man’s Land. Wonderful ending to the purrr-fect day, she thought bitterly, spinning around on the steeply graded shoulder, searching for any signs of civilization.

With a vengeance in her step, Ginger stood in the middle of the two-lane road to nowhere. Sighing, she started off in the direction she had been heading, her white satin heels clicking against the blacktop and her veil dragging sluggishly behind.

 

[Imoen]

Steph

http://alystin.homestead.com/files/Steph.jpg

I leaned against the bar chin in hand, my elbow propped against smooth, gleaming surface of the wood. I had long since finished with replenishing the liquors, wine and beers that would be consumed come sundown tonight.

I watched the room, feigning a detached interest yet my mind was awhirl with curiosity. Going purely by past experiences, of course never learning from them, I did at least realize that my natural inquisitiveness was not necessarily one of my more healthy habits. Tensions were running high that was for sure, and it all seemed to stem from Talon’s impromptu appearance. Hmmm. Maybe it wasn’t so impromptu. Only one way to find out I guess.

“I can show him the garage, if you like. I’m finished here until tonight basically. Everything is pretty much ready to go. So, ‘sup to you, Boss.” I shrugged as I lifted my cup to my lip, catching Zoya’s eye over the rim, my gaze speaking volumes.

 

[truthpurveyor]

Talon

An almost imperceptible flick of Zoya's wrist and Stephanie nodded...

Rising from the polished surface of the bar she moved past me and quipped "C'Mon Big Fella, I'll show you the sights" and continued towards the door.

Turning to follow her I stopped, and looked at Zoya, her eyes boring into me.

"It's customary for the guest to give the Host's home a blessing, is it not" I asked her, knowing the old ritual as well as she did, counting on it, in fact.

"I would like to take that honor, and do so for you" I pressed on, seeing I had won a point with her as her eyes flickered.

Raising my glass I held it in the air and spoke in the ancient dialect...

"As you have remembered my family, so I shall remember you, and what you haven given to them, I shall return upon yours seven times seven"

Turning I set the glass down and followed Stephanie out the front doors...

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Zoya

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/Zoya.jpg
I accept the blessing Talon confers upon my 'house' with a slow, easy smile. I have been the beneficiary of a Romany's blessing before. Radmilla was properly thanked for her gift as you shall be.

The seventh son of a seventh son thinks he will provoke me until I act foolishly. I did not survive this long only to become easy prey for one such as he. Others have come before and... gone. So mote it be, vanator. So mote it be.

I watched the hunter follow Steph out the door and turned toward the rudenie who were slowly finding their way downstairs now that they sensed we were alone.

"You shall have your turn with him soon enough, pet." I said with a wry smile directed at Yasmeen. "I need you here with me now. I need all of you."

I looked from face to curious face as the remembering began.

As it has been told before, the Banshee hunted the Romano woman, Radmilla, to learn the truth of the 'gift' she had bestowed upon... them. She was tortured until she revealed that truth and was relieved of her mortal soul in return.

This man, Talon Vanator, is a descendant of that woman. The seventh son of a seventh son... though it has happened that it was a daughter who came from time to time.

Those gathered were finding seats and making themselves comfortable even as they nodded and voiced their assent in superior mocking tones.

Do not underestimate this one, rudenie. He is stronger than his successors, as each hunter has been in turn. The vanator hunts the Banshee as they have for centuries. Vengeance flows through their veins and they are not easily defeated, for they cannot be 'drained'... as we cannot be.

Do not let your guard down. He is one to be reckoned with. I admonished. But then again, neither am I. Neither am I, Talon Vanator.

 

[Imoen]

Steph

http://alystin.homestead.com/files/Steph.jpg

Weird. The whole freakin’ thing was weird. You could cut the tension in the room with a knife, although Zoya was the picture of calm and cool as usual. Well, at least mostly. Today had been the first day I had ever seen her evidence so much as a hint of apprehension. This stranger worried her a bit, and if he worried her, he most likely should worry me. That’s would be reasonable, no? Her being my boss and all. Jasmine, well… She and Zoya had that talent of masking her emotions fairly well. Jas had the inscrutable mask trick down pat today. Kudos to her. Ah though, Ramon, he was a different story. His sultry hazel eyes gave him away. Ramon was fuming, his eyes glittered dangerously, narrowed to tiny little slits as he regarded the stranger. Perhaps I should warn Talon, Ramon is definitely not one to get on your bad side. I covertly slanted a glance in Talon’s direction. Nah, He’s a big boy. He can figure it out for himself, fairly soon too by the looks of it. I grabbed the keys from the drawer under the bar and headed out the door fully expecting Talon to follow me.

“We’ll be back in a jiffy, Boss.” I called over my shoulder as the door closed behind us.

The gravel crunched underfoot as we made our way across the lot. The garage was situated caddy-cornered to the Blue Moon nearly directly across from club. “Yo Steph!” The call came from the patrol car that was pulling away from the motel. He slowed down to pause next to us, window down.

“Heya Manny.” I said as I leaned down on the open window, peering into the empty backseat. “What’s up over at the ‘moon? We had a pretty wild bunch in the club last night.” I grinned, fully expecting him to account some tale of punk ass kid’s disorderly conduct charge.

Manny usually joked and carried on with me, but he was solemn today. The expression on his face, or lack there of, rivaled Jasmine’s. He darted a quick appraising glance at Talon and then back to me.

“Looks like a suicide, Steph.” He said quietly, shaking his head, throwing another glance Talon’s way. “The Moon’s bellhop was found dead in a room. It’s a shame, young kid and all.”

“Oh my God, Manny! That is awful!” My eyes widened in shock.

“Yeah, Steph.. It is. Gotta be on my way. I get the joyful task of alerting the next of kin.”

“Ahhhh Manny. I am so sorry. I’ll be thinking of you.” I said as I stepped back from the car. I stood there and watched it until it disappeared in the distance.

I sighed and shook my head, casting a glance over to Talon. “Kids these days, huh?”

I continued to lead Talon on over to the ramshackle garage, warning him with a grin to check for the oh so dangerous speedy armadillos prior to crossing the well-traveled road. Heh.

“The lock seems to be stuck.” I frowned as I tried to twist the key to no avail for the hundredth time. “Here… “ I said as I stepped back, motioning him forward. “Your turn. Give it a shot.”

 

[truthpurveyor]

Talon

“Your turn. Give it a shot.”

Placing my hand on the knob I let my mind follow the contact of flesh to rusted metal and inside the ancient lock. A gentle nudge here, a prod there and I felt the brittle mechanism begrudgingly begin to work.

"It just took a good twist" I told Stephanie, rattling the door knob as I turned it and pushed the door open.

Waiting for the slim blond to walk in I followed and immediately smelled the familiar scent of ancient grease and oil, almost covering the bitter smell of fear and terror.

"You said someone died in here" I recalled our first meeting and the short discussion "But you didn't mention he died such a painful death"

At her surprised and questioning expression I nodded and explained.

"Your boss already knows I didn't come here to fix my car, in fact the only reason she allowed me to stay is so she can keep an eye on me while she rallies her "troops". You can go back and tell them all I'm waiting, if you want...It will only speed up the inevitable. OR you can stay here long enough to hear the entire story of who the "people" are that you work for...And what they're up to"

Stepping aside of the ancient car so her path was unblocked I watched her curiously, waiting for her next move...

 

[DreamGrrl]

**BUMP**

 

[truthpurveyor]

CLOSED FOR REPAIRS, REOPENING SOON

 

[BLACK BART]

Bump

Reopened and hopefully soon to be renovated...casting call to follow in a seperate and linked thread