Curse of the Fallen Quest: Ring Bearer's Trilogy

[Quiet_Cool]

Christian

Vladimir...
Good, another name I didn't know...
I shrugged it off. At this point, what difference did it make? I was lucky I knew those who were here.
Joseph, the disfigured but still apparently strong vampire, exited and there was silence left between us. Aria spoke up just as I was deciding I couldn't take it any longer.
When she was finished, having explained a little about what was motivating Joseph and how she was thankful Kieth had saved her, not to mention the old witch (why was that familiar? COuld it be...?), I looked around, hoping we hadn't lost anyone. I should have been concerned about the other ring-bearers, but for some reason, I didn't want this human to leave. I wasn't sure if it was the bravery (stupidity) he'd shown in confronting the old vampire, or just that he was willing to help, without much real reason to. I considered what I had learned and guessed it made as much sense to him, then added his being human on top of all that and realized it had to be much harder for him to swallow than I.
He wants to believe us, I thought. Otherwise, he'd had gone already, if he would have even made it this far.
"It would be best if we all stuck together, Kieth and Joseph included," I stated. "We must find this witch, and we must move quickly. We may stop to feed if it is necessary, but the ease with which this aging and wounded vampire has found us has made it clear that his words of our carelessness ring true. I feel it would be wise not to give our opposition time to catch up to us. Just my thoughts. Aria, Kat, Ray. It's your show."
I waited, hoping that my words had drawn some attention away from those that had just been spoken.

 

[Firegirl976]

Kat

Sighing I watch as Joseph walks out and listen carefully to Aria and Christians words. Walking back towards the edge of the group I nsigh again deeply, "You are right wingsib." I look at Christian and smile genuinely at him before refocusing my attention back to everyone else. "WE need to feed and we need to train........." I pause a moment looking at A.B with a critics eye...."And we are running out of time." I look up at Ray "We need to feed before we get on the road, None of us have fed in quite some time and we will need our strength for what is yet to come......I think we should perhaps all clean up a bit and go out on a hunt, it wll help all of our nerves." I walk over to Ray and touch his arm gently "You need to feed Ashke'.........your color is not good." I look around at the unnatural paleness of everyone in the room except the human and notice that none of us have fed in quite some time. "A.B if you will come with me we can get ready..........I have something I wish to s how you." That said I pick up my bag and wait for her by the bedroom door.

 

[poohlive]

Keith nodded, swallowing as he did so. Now wasn't the time or the place to argue some more. He had to choose his arguments carefully from now on. The whole situation being new and unsteady came up on him suddenly, and he lashed out at the first thing he could, an outsider, an unknown.
It wasn't without good cause, he knew that much, but it wasn't exactly called for either. Keith realized that this Joseph might very well be covering his ass in the next feww weeks, and his first impression was to fight against the man about how vain vampires were.
Vampires were vain!
He kept that little fact to himself as well. No use stirring up the pot any more than it already was. He felt himself becoming the outsider with each passing minute. The human looking in on the vampire world, and throwing accusations left and right.
He didn't know how things worked, no one stated this paranoid paramilitary zombie vampire had a few screws loose and should just be tolerated. His behavoir rubbed Keith the wrong way, no one should be that secretive, especially if they were on the same side.
Vladimir was never that secretive. Vlad had been so upfront about everything. He had nodded when Aria talked about him, but he didn't listen to her. In truth, ludicrous thoughts of screaming at her. She was saved because Vladimir had taught him how to fight, how to be brave, the world of his childhood opened up and seen for the sick and disgusting thing it really was.
He didn't say a thing either, there was no need. As stubborn as he was about Vladimir and the truth, she was probably just as well about her positions, and Joseph the same way. He couldn't argue with them, because he couldn't get through to them. They had their experiences and he had his, no more no less.
Still, he didn't like it.
"I'll be here, waiting when you return."
Keith retired to the kitch, to fix himself something to eat. His own hunger was made apparent as his stomach growled against the gun still worn on his belt.
Inside the kitchen he took it out, and uncocked it.
Joseph had scared him coming inside, becoming so apparent. Maybe that was something that made Keith argue even more, Joseph was so damned scary. Not just his face, or his actions, but his tone, and his sheer willpower. When the man spoke, he expected everyone to listen and obey. That was what scared Keith most of all, and made him cock the gun, suppressing the urge to bring it out.
He didn't. Even when Kat, he thought her name was Kat, when she grabbed and squeezed his arm, her voice sweet as honey, but that tone of poison underneath. As she spoke, and touched him, he felt the same arrogant tone. I speak, what I say you will do, do not argue you filthy human. His finger played on the butt of his gun as she spoke, but he fought to bring it out as well.
They spoke their peace, and although threatened him, they did not do anything.
Keith but the gun back in his belt however, still not feeling the least bit safe. Joseph was still out there, and so was everything else.
The gun made him feel safe, and since it was in easy reach he did feel safe.
He felt very safe.
A chill ran down his spine, and he shook it off, knowing that at this moment he was more terrified than he had ever been on the force.
Whoever said Ignorance is bliss is the smartest fucking genius in the entire world. With all of this knowledge jumping around his head, Keith felt as if he would never be happy again.

 

[Sweetp4u]

A.B.

She finally spoke up, "I agree with Christian. We should move on before we are discovered, if we haven't been already." truth was both Kat and Christian said this, she agreed with both their ideas. It all came down to one thing.. getting the hell out of there!

She moved to stand beside Christian, her hand slipping into his and giving him a little squeeze for reassurance. She was with him reguardless of what was decided. So soon too, it was a little different, but she felt a kinship to him. She knew him better than the others, and he prove to be safe as well as wise.

She turned her attention to Kat and smiled somewhat, still a little awkward in this friendship thing. Was it a friendship? She did not know, but she felt good vibes off of the woman.

"Yes, thank you." She released Christian's hand and moved to Follow Kat. She too needed to feed, her complextion worse than before, pale was a nice term, she could feel the skin sucking to her skull from dehydration. She definately needed a full meal. She thanked her departed master silently, thanked him for teaching her how to control that hunger inside.. and then cursed him for the training, she wasn't looking so well right now.

"What is it you wish to show me?" She asked softly as she trailed behind Kat.

 

[Firegirl976]

Kat

MY smile broadened slightly when A.B walked over, "We won't be long.....girl stuff.........Keith you won't mind if we use your bathroom for a bit??" At no response from the kitchen I shrug and turning walk into the bedroom A.B close behind. "You may want to shut the door." I say as I set the bag in my hand down on the bed and begin pulling out books, herbs and other artifacts. I set several candles around the room and pulling out my arthame and setting it down on the bed gently i look up at A.B seeing the confused expression on her face and smile. "Before we go on this hunt you are going to need to be in a slightly improved condition." Turning I pull out a flask full of a purple liquid and gesture for her to have a seat. "Your hunger is so great I can feel it coming off of you in waves and that will not allow you a good hunt......and you cannot feed off of energy as I can." I pause in my movements realizing what I have just told her. She now knew one of my secrets.......(Damn)......I looked up at her waiting to see her response...........

 

[Sweetp4u]

A.B.

Startled a little and more intrigued than before, she watched Kat with a renewed interest.

"Energy?" This baffled her, but was not unheard of.. But..? Didn't one have to.... It did not matter, but she was more impressed with this woman than before, which was hard to manage.

"What do you plan on doing?" She was a little nervous, but not over looking different, more of would it hurt? Looking at Kat, she felt an easy feeling come over her, this woman had the face and demeanor of an angel.. A healer.. She would not hurt her.

"I am ready and if I have not said it before, I thank you." Smiling up at Kat, she sat still on the edge of the bed, watching Kat's every movement. This interested her more than what they others were talking about earlier. This woman had a knowledge that she had never seen before, far greater than her own mentor. She could learn alot from Kat, providing Kat wished to share her secrets.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

Still stunned, I had no thoughts in my head at the moment, too confused over how Joseph is still walking this earth? In more torment than anything else, I felt my heart ache for him and knew there was nothing I could do. This happened months ago... Yet he had not healed? Why?

Perhaps the best answers would lay with Kat? I knew she had healing abilities, she healed John after Trinity changed him over. Surely Kat could help him too? I could only ask..

I could hear Keith in the kitchen, irritated I was betting and still not knowing how to soothe his ruffled feathers anymore than the others in the room?

My eyes lifted and met Ray's, his eyes still showing the pain he's felt over centuries, many lifetimes.. He did not want to do this again but would because he was chosen.. He took a risk of losing everything as I had and yet stood here. We would all be here, reguardless of how we felt about each other. No one could say why either, not even I.

When had this quest become a chore? Long before I even uncovered it. The guilt of leading them all into this ate at me, as did the visage of my son as his life left his eyes. My hands tightened into fists, my nails biting into my palms and blood dripped down. A minute bit of pain physically for a life time of hurt inside. This had to end and how could I convince these people, especially the new comers it was a worth while quest?

This all was eating at me, words used to come so easily when I was writing, why can I not speak them aloud? Reassure them? Encourage them? Stress the importance? Why would they care? This has never come to pass before, and if it werent for me, might have never happened to begin with. How do we know what will happen? All I had to go on was what Lance had told me, how badly Mongrel wanted this book and the crazed rantings of a mad man in a cell...

"Christian?" I glanced up and spoke to him directly for the first time that I could recall. My hands eased a little, the cuts healing a little as I stood up and moved towards him. "You are new here, not familiar with our family.. Neither is Keith or AB, but you are welcomed." I tried to assure him that we would protect his back, he would be accepted into this family because the ring chose him. That spoke highly of his character in my mind. How do I put him at ease with this?

"You wear Sacrifice.. Your ring." I pointed to it. "Means you will give up more than anyone else, or have given up much. "I have no where to go with that comment, just making conversation.. Lame attempt I know.. Perhaps I could help ease some fears or doubts? I can answer questions you might have as we go along. Lance is better at explaining this but he is not here..... yet." Sighing, I felt like a total idiot yet again, where did I go wrong with people? I used to be so good at this!?

"I just want you to feel welcome here, protected.. trust us as we trust in you.. We have to build this trust and at the same time, explain why you are wearing a ring and involved in something that could take your life. Once the ring has chosen you... Anyway, we have a little while before we leave here.. How can I make you feel more at ease?" I glanced at Ray yet again who had been silent for quite awhile, this worried me as well. It is not like him to not voice his opinion?

"Ray? You alright?" I was nervous, edgy and wanting to send them all home. I honestly did not want to see another die, it had taken its toll on me already.

 

[Firegirl976]

Kat

Sensing the conflict going through her, hearing her words and seeing her smile I knew she was ready. With a quick wave of my hand the candles around the room lit of their own accord and I grinned again slightly at A.B startled look. "Before we do this let me explain what is about to happen." I continued dropping different herbs into the vial in my hand until it turned a vibrant green then setting it down on the table I grab my arthame off the bed and sheathing it at my waist sit down next to A.B. "Our kind must sometimes make sacrifices for those we love.....and to survive. I have seen and been through many things and one of the consiquences of keeping my power was that I had to learn a way in these times to keep it charged." I pause a moment letting what I am telling her sink in. "I drink blood as the rest of you to heal and sustain myself but blood does not increase or contain my power. To do this I need energy and next to a lifeforce there is one energy that is stronger than any other. You've heard of all things having a price?? It's true in order for me to keep my powers I must at times drain the sexual energy of others. It does not harm the person and I build it up as much as possible before I feed off it. Ray doesn't really understand what is different about me but he knows there is something that has changed and he constantly sends me bits of his strength allowing me without his knowledge to sustain my energy." I look at A.B to be sure what I have told her is sinking in. "I have the ability to heal your outer appearance which will accomplish many things to help prepare you for what lies ahead........and I can slightly increase your abilities." I look into her eyes and see she understands what I am telling her and a smile comes over me at her surprised expression when I tell her I can increase her own gift. "It will never be powerful.....but it will be stronger and something you will have more control over when I am done.....allowing you to become a better warrior. I will train you to use your gift to your advantage. I cannot heal your outside though unless you truly want to be healed and I can tell you this....If you remain as you are you will not be ready for what is ahead. You are not at full ability and your own mind the fact that you still live in the past is what is preventing you from going foreward. IT is completely your decision and I will train you either way.........make no mistake about that I will not allow anyone to go in at less than their full abilities but it is your decision. You will be a help no matter what, I offer you this just this one time....you will always carry a burden inside yourself that is the price you pay for your past choices, but I can lighten your pain both inside and out and remove the marks of your torment to help make you stronger....all you have to do is tell me your choice and I will respect your wishes." I sit beside her my hand on hers in a supportive gesture as I await her reaction at what could be a giant turning point in this whole mess.......................

 

[Sweetp4u]

A.B.

She listened carefully, each word and each phrase, she did understand.. as best as someone could who did not have Kat's gifts. She knew about sacrifice as well, maybe in different ways, but she knew. That was not too much to ask for the most part, giving something for getting was just how things worked in her mind.

"Anna... my name is Anna." She smiled a little and exhaled a deep breath. Turning her head, her hand giving Kat's a little squeeze she nodded once, "I am ready for this and I do want to heal. I am tired of being trapped in 1720." She could feel her free hand shaking a little, the first time in a very long while she had said anything about that time aloud. Time to heal and move on, she wanted free of it and the ghosts, it was a self pity excuse mostly anyway. Without those scars seperating her, there was nothing left keeping her apart from others but herself, and she was truely tired of that loneliness.

"What do I have to do?"

 

[Firegirl976]

Kat

Nodding my head I stand up and again grab the potion. "Just sit there and relax...try to clear your mind and think of yourself without the scar." That said I set the bottle down and after infusing a few more herbs remove my arthame from its scabbard. I hold my hand above the bottle and slice my palm with the blade making sure the blood runs into the liquid, watching as my hand heals almost as quickly as I placed the wound there. Closing my eyes I focus my power, calling forth the ancient skills from deep within myself i gather the power around me seeing it as a myst. The tattoo on my forehead begins to glow and turns a bright lavender, when I open my eyes the room is covered in violet myst and A.B is watching me bravely. I look upward chanting quietly and ask for the goddess's blessing on this woman and her healing touch to once again work through me. I turn again to A.B and hand her the potion. "Drink all of this, you will feel things and see things.........your past, your present, things you do not perhaps know about yourself." I stand next to where she is and taking her hand stand her next to me. " Focus on the scars healing both within and without...........I am here with you no matter what." With the power flowing through me as it does my whole body is full of warmth and I see surprise in her eyes when I touch her without the normal chill of our kind. I focus my energy on her surrounding us both in the myst the calm settling on us to help with her courage. "I am with you."

 

[Sweetp4u]

AB

Her eyes widened as she watched Kat first slice her hand and then drop blood into the bottle. Her eyes never left Kat as she went about setting things up, even noted with awe the glowing mark on her forehead and aura around her of warmth.

She nodded her head mutely, relaxing as best she could but not yet willing to take her eyes off of Kat. It all amazed her, the power in that woman was astounding! She smiled a little and nodded, she could remember her past and heal.. She wanted it badly enough to accomplish it!

She took the offered bottle and drank it, noting Kat's touch was warm? Closing her eyes, she lay back and felt greatly comforted by Kat's words and promise to be here with her. She was safe, she could let down her guard and proceed.

She felt a little light headed but warmed, the little blood in the concoction warming her. Things began to float through her mind, seeing herself where she once was. Seeing her scars heal and vanish repeatedly as well as moving through a dreamland and visiting her past. Her hand groped for and caught Kat's as she approached the man with the knife once again, but this time she accepted it without fear and loathing. It was done, it was in the past, it only made her stronger.

She moved through her life in seconds, seeing the good with the bad. Her first kill and the pain it caused her to do so, the ridicule from others, their laughter in her head and stares. She erased them away with her mind. Scared, intimidated a little, she focused on her scars, willing them away with everything she had inside. The images kept coming and she kept erasing it in a sense, their actions, words, the deeds done to her, it was time to wipe the slate clean and disperse with that past hauntings. She knew deep down she was better than this, better than that meek woman shadowing through life. The scars ceased to matter in her mind as she focused on building her own self confidence, scars or no.

 

[Firegirl976]

Kat

Kneeling next to the bed I allow A.B to hold my hand continuing my own focus to help her. As the spell finishes I open my eyes and help A.B to sit up supporting her lightly with a hand behind her back I help her stand. Walking with her ov er to the mirror her eyes still closed I banish the myst with a thought and allow the energy to settle itself back into it;s natural order. I place A.B.....now truly Anna in front of me. "Open your eyes Anna.....take a deep breath and open your eyes." The myst gone the candles now gutted I stand back a bit allowing her to see herself anew for the first time.

 

[Sweetp4u]

AB

She stood before the mirror, a little weak and dizzy and felt Kat support her until she got her footing back.

She could hear her own breathing in the room, a little nervous to open her eyes as Kat asked her to do.

Did it matter one way or another? She asked herself that and the answer was instantanious.. No. It didn't.

Her eyes opened and met in the mirror, focusing a little as the room spun.

Here goes..

She looked to her face and turned her chin just a little, her eyes seeing nothing but pale skin and a firm jawline.

"Oh! It worked!" She spoke reverently soft, awed and touched beyond words.

Turning she hugged Kat fiercly and felt a tear slide down her cheek. "I do not know how I could possibly thank you for this.. For everything. Even if it hadn't worked.. I feel so much better. Thank you!" She hugged her with a little more squeeze in there and released her, stepping back and looking sheepish a moment.

"Sorry, caught up in the miricle.." She laughed a second later, truely happy. Happy that she hugged Kat without fear of rejection at her touch. Life had a new light to it.

" Thank you.." She couldn't say it enough, she owed this woman more than she could ever repay.. Her soul felt at ease, it was so lightening.. The weight gone from her shoulders.. She actually stood taller! She turned back to the mirror, noticing the glint in her eyes, a spunky feeling.

"You are.. Wow.. Thank you Kat. This has got to be better than any drug in the world feeling this way!"

 

[Firegirl976]

Kat

Smiling lightly at her words my eyes open a bit startled when Anna grabs me up in a fierce hug then apologizes for being overt. I step back allowing her to fully see herself in the mirror. Turning I reach into another bag and pull out a dress, the silk is the color of twilight blue with threads of starlight running through it. The top is sleeveless with a high collar running down to a short knee length skirt. "This should be about your size.......tonight you will learn a new way to hunt...." I hand her the dress and matching shoes as I walk towards the bathroom. "I don't know about you but I need a shower and a HOT meal." Grinning I send her a mental touch of support and start the water my last sight of her is that of her standing in front of the mirror looking completely awestruck at the clothing. (Now I'll have some company on the hunt) I think quietly to myself.

 

[Sweetp4u]

A.B.

Awe struck by the changes, she merely nods in agreement, holding the dress but eyes glued to the mirror. She turned this way and that, her eyes scanning over her face. Nothing. Not a single trace of the scar.

"Yes, shower and a hot meal." She mumbles, half listening, "Unbelievable." again she murmers.

Pulling her shirt away from her left arm, she again turned and looked. Nothing there? She smiled brightly. Her eyes met her reflection in the mirror, even her eyes looked clearer than before.

Then she glanced down at the dress and gasped in pleasure, "Oh wow!" The gown was beautiful, something she would have never thought of purchasing for herself. Holding it up, it looked to be perfect in size. Amazing too that she could fit into something of Kat's without it looking like a bag. Kat had curves where she did not, and yet it wasn't too big for her smaller frame.

"Thank you!' She called out as Kat vanished into what she thought was the bathroom. A shower and this dress and new hunting, good lord! Could she do it? Glancing in the mirror, she nodded with a smile, she could do it.

She showered after Kat and changed as well. Now to face the others.. That wouldn't be so bad, but Ray and Christian had seen her scars, would they think her vain? It didn't really matter much, she was too happy to care what they thought about the scars vanishing. She wanted to hug Kat again in thanks but held back the overly familiar stuff.. It might make them both uncomfortable having just barely met.

ooc: Just jumping through all that and await the next posts

 

[Firegirl976]

Kat

OOC: Right onward we go..........soon as I am dressed

Standing in a robe I watch as Anna walks out of the room for her first interraction since her healing. I turn back to my suitcase and grab my black leather mini skirt and matching corsette. Donning them with a pair of thigh high leather boots. Pulling my hair up in a ponytail I frown slightly as I notice even drawn up it falls to waist level, but the waves give it a nice look and I let it back down throwing in some small braids at the crown of my forehead and accenting it with feathers. "Only a Cat would decorate herself with feathers for a hunt." I think grinning to myself. Running my hands over one last time I grab a small vial out of my bag dropping a measurement of the expensive perfume on my jugular, breasts, and wrists. ""K'chara" I think, celtic for love is the name of the scent one that I knew drove not just mortals wild but Ray as well. Always makes his hunt a bit more interesting when he is distracted......I thought to myself....besides perhaps blood wasn't all this hunt would produce. I turn and walk out to join everyone else in the main room. "SO......Anyone else need to prep for our outing?" I ask a soft burr to my voice and a feral grin to my lips as I glance around the room at the reactions to Anna and my eyes catch Rays I see his head spin suddenly his nostrils flaring as he catches my scent and a predators gleam enters his eyes.

 

[Sweetp4u]

A.B.

She grinned as she watched Kat come into the room and Ray's reaction to her. Sitting back into a chair, she knew Ray would be puddy as well as any other male Kat set her sights on. Hunting was going to prove interesting in this light, very interesting indeed. How did Kat plan on teaching her a new way to hunt tonight? This made her even more curious to picture different things in her mind.

"I am ready." She said giving Kat a little wink, poor Ray was going to need to control himself before a fly flew into his mouth.


Aria

I watched the two come in and settle down, knowing how they intended to hunt tonight by their clothes. Glancing down at my own, I just shrugged it off.

"Yes, we should get going." Christian hadn't said anything to me, and Ray still wasn't speaking. This was a tad uncomfortable and a hunt would do wonders. At least it would end this audible silence between all of us.

My eyes wandered to the window again, watching for signs of Joseph but getting nothing. I doubted he would hunt with us in his condition, but did he have some place he could?

"I believe there is a nightclub down by the Airport and Mall, or a pub. Seen a few beer signs in the window. That will work." Rising from the couch I glanced around at everyone.
"We need to pack what we have unpacked and be ready to leave when we are done feeding, that way we don't have to come back here." I gave a small smile, a little worried myself over our future.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

Joseph returned, closing the door quietly and sitting himself down in a chair. He gave a sigh. He tried to make himself comfortable, but found it near impossible.

"If it wouldn't impose on you all too greatly, could I ask that you bring something back for me? I'm in no condition to hunt."

He sighed again, sinking into the chair as he listened to those around him. He felt,...He tried not to think about it. He'd stay in here while they were gone. No reason to be outside all the time, besides, he had something he needed to do....

 

[nightray]

Ray

I stand at the window watching half lisoning to every one talk not having anything to add or to comment on. I had seen the looks that Kat has been giving me if I didn’t no better I would swear she was flirting with me it wouldn’t be the first time she had don so before teasing me but some how this seemed to be more then simple harmless teasing.

I watch as the last of the sun sinks behind the trees. I tilt my head slightly as a sent touches my nose faint at first but some how fumiluer. I hear the door to the bed room open behind me and the sent hits me hard my head wiping around as I breath deeply. My eyes lock on Kats as the intoxicating sent begins to fog my mind with lust. I stair at her wondering why she wore that sent when she knows what it dose to me.

I shake my head slightly clearing it focusing cutting threw the fog. I smirk slightly at Kat winking at her my eyes moving over her body. I then look around the room at the rest. I tilt my head “Well then let’s go on the hunt.” I say with a slight growl in my voice at the anticipation of the hunt and the lust brot on by Kats sent.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

"Fine. Let's go." Saying nothing more, I grabbed my borrowed dagger from Ray.
"We'll bring you something back Joseph." I glanced down at him where he sat and wondered what was going through his mind? He had said little to me, feeling it best to let it be, I walked outside without another word and climbed into the rental to wait for the others. It wouldn't be too hard to bring back a girl toy for Joseph... Unconscious.



Ab

Dressed, she nodded in agreement, not meeting anyone's eyes, she followed out the door in suit. Something to eat would be great, and kat intended on showing her a new way to hunt tonight? This interested her.

"Coming Christian?" She asked as she passed him on her way out the door. She crawled up behind Aria and moved into the far back to sit.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Christian

I sat quietly, considering what she'd said about my ring, how obvious that ha dbeen though I hadn't put any thought into it. My mind slipped away, however, back to Kayla. I guessed that would be happening a lot, for the next months or so at least.
When the door opened and Kat and A.B. exited, I stared, wide-eyed, noting less the changes in her physical appearance than I did the difference in her demeanor. She was a new person (vampire) in a sense, a very real sense it seemed. I just hoped the warrior inside hadn't been affected for the worst. It seemed happiness could be a great distraction from what had to be done.
Part of me felt that might be a good thing, however. She wasn't a ring-bearer. Maybe this would be the inspiration she needed to pick up and return home, to leave the dark work ahead for those who were forced (by destiny?) to take part. She needn't die for this cause in that case, should it come to that.
When the newcomer returned, sitting ina chair and requesting we bring him something (someone) to feed on, I thought of how he'd pointed out so many flaws in what we were doing and how he was on top fo things and felt he would bring a great contribution to this quest, with or without his eyesight.
"Coming, Christian?" A.B. asked.
I stood, taking hold of my spear and other weapons, and followed thier lead out to the rental car.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

"We can't all hunt in the same place and together, it would be too noticable. I am going to go hunt for Joseph and I near here. You and Ab pick somewhere else to go please." I spoke to christian as I climbed back out of the rental. "Tell Ray and Kat to hunt another, meet up or plan something simple and quick. We leave as soon as we are all back here." Waving I vanished into the darkness around the cabin. Now to find something suitable for dinner, that would not be noticed... nor cared about.

I quickly located a bar with more than a fair share of drunks and a few passed out outside. Listening and moving around I located myself something to feed on, wiped his memory clean and moved along to a tourist group. Knowing Joseph it wouldn't matter what his meal was, so I grabbed the first female I could find and woed her into coming with me. It wasn't too hard since she was drunk to calm her mind and give her a reason to come with me.

Entering the cabin, I had her sit on the couch and turned to Joseph. "She's a tourist and not known here, if you need all of it, take it. If not, let me know when you are done so that I may return her to the bar." I couldn't smile at him, he wouldn't see it anyway, this was awkward to say the least. Leaving the room I went into the kitchen and sat down at the small table.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He got up, moving over to the couch. He knocked the woman unconscious, and threw her over a shoulder before turning to the door. It would be best if she wasn't missed. He was finding he couldn't hold himself back to simple bleedings anymore. He carried the woman outside, to a place where he hoped they couldn't see him. He dumped the woman, pulling her up and exposing her neck.

His fangs sank deep into her skin as he bled her. He waited until it was gone before he ripped out her throat. It wouldn't do to get blood everywhere. He licked his lips when he was done, dropping the drained and mutilated body back to the earth before returning to the cabin and sitting back down on the chair.

"Aria? Can we talk?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

Hearing his request, I could not tell him no, but what did he want to say to me? A million thoughts came to mind and none of them remotely flattering.

"Sure Joseph. We've got nothing but time to kill right now." I turned from the table and sat facing him, not even trying to read his expression. I felt pangs yet again, he had suffered greatly because of my stupidity, this was hell facing him.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He could smell her. His eyes closed, and a small smile came to him as he thought about better times. Although, granted, there was only about a week of those times, it felt good to remember them. And a kind of sadness was within him, and a fear that those days would never return.

"Aria,..." He ouldn't put what he wanted to say into words. How could he possibly? Did he even know what it was he wanted to say? "...It's good to see that you're alive."


Lord Vladamir Trepes

He picked up the phone, and carefully began dialing Mongrel's number. It had been long enough. He'd been a good little henchman. He'd gone to the city he'd been told, and even tried to find a ring-bearer. He sat back in the seat of the private plane as he finished dialing Mongrel's number on his ceell phone, waiting for his boss to pick up.

Perhaps now Mongrel would trust in his loyalty. After all, he had to get up the chain fast in order to be Mongrel's most trusted by the time he had the page. After that, it would be harder and harder to get into what power Mongrel left for his loyal.