Raven of the City

[Redon]

Ramon could not resist kissing her three more times. Once on each nipple, sucking lightly and once on her full lips. A long and sensuous
kiss that started to heat them both up once again.
He whispered,
"Till later then Ali. After we hunt. Then maybe we'll bring the little Bitch in to join us, eh?"

He laughed and spun towards the monitor.
"We'll see you in a few hours Sweetheart and you better be ready to give us a very fine performance."
The girl's eyes widened and she was about to cry out when Santiago flipped a switch and the screen went black.

"Alison shall we dress for the evening? It's a bit chilly to go 'au natural'."

He would dispense with his usual somber and elegant attire. Tonight he would appear as one of The Zones many Bohemian citizens.
Tight black jeans, a deep purple tee-shirt emblazoned with three leather clad vixens and the words Satan's Whores in blood red, a worn black leather jacket and to finish it off a gold hoop earring and a quick careless mussing of the hair.

He was on the Cellphone with Dog when Alison walked in.
"Goin' in style ain't we?" and he heard her smack her doublemint gum.

 

[Azerin]

Jack

Just as I reach the entrance to the warehouse, i see the door open, and Ramon walking out with Alison.
"g'evening Ramon, anything interesting latly?"

 

[Ticklish Girl]

Alison Chambers

I can’t help admiring Ramon’s outfit. The Satan’s Whores shirt adds just the right touch of Zone chic. He’ll blend right into the scene, just as he does in every situation.

As for me, I’ve elected to keep things simple: black jeans and a plain black shirt. The jeans fit me like a second skin, and the shirt clings elegantly to my curves. A black belt with little silver studs circles my waist. Tiny rubies glitter like blood droplets in my earlobes. My feet are comfortably settled in a pair of battered old combat boots. The only thing missing is my leather jacket – I spot it lying on the floor where I tossed it earlier, and scoop it up.

On the way out we run into Jack, a guy we’ve known casually for about a year and a half. We all exchange hellos, and as always I study him with great interest. From the first time I met him, he’s always fascinated me, although I don’t know why. Usually I’m not interested in other people’s situations. Ramon is an exception to this rule, of course, but Jack is another. Maybe it’s because he reminds me a little of myself when I first came to the city: full of pain and anger. He’s never confided in me, but I can read it in his face and body language. Something bad happened to him.

I hang back a little, waiting to see if Ramon has anything to discuss with him. Although my face doesn’t show it, I’m eager to get going. The night air is cool and full of possibilities, and I want to explore them all.

 

[MtnAngelWV]

Priscilla Winslow

After the children leave the library, I feel melancholy as I peer out the window. I see the car pull into the parking spot and watch as he emerges from the car. My heart races at the sight of him. For only an instant I am paralyzed in that spot. Then I turn to another worker, feign illness, and flee from the building by the back door.

I run as fast as I can from the library and the sight of him. The earth seems to be spinning out of control as I try to focus on the passing scenery, tears filling my eyes. My heart pounds as I realize I have again entered the Zone and I slow my pace. I feel the need to connect to someone else. Anyone! I walk to the newsstand hoping the kind blind man is there now.

When I reach the stand I see him standing at the counter. For some reason I have always felt at ease with him. I think it is because he is unable to see me and thus cannot judge the way I look. I take a deep breath, steel my courage and approach the stand.

"Hi! Can I help you with something?" his voice is steady and calm. I hope that mine will not betray me.

"I...er...ummm..." the sobs catching in my throat. "Has the evening edition come out yet?" I try to sound as normal as possible, I look him straight in the eyes, an act I never perform for anyone else.

 

[New4U New4Me]

Pamela Fox

I venture out briefly this day, not my usual routine, and I notice Priscilla running through the Zone. That snivelling little tight ass doesn't belong here! I have told her so in no uncertain terms time and time again. I know all about her, her secret may not be safe with me and she knows that. She tolerates my prescence for she knows that I can reveal her to all!

When she is done with the blind guy, I may just decide to have some fun with her! For now I shall retire back to my home.

 

[BLACK BART]

David

I hear the rapid footsteps, and the frantic breathing coming towards me, and I turn waiting.


"HI, Can I help you with something" I ask brightly, as the footsteps stop in front of me.


"I err, umm, Has the evening edition come out yet" Comes the sobbing reply, the harsh breathing coming directly at my face, as she tries to catch her breath...

"No" I smile gently, at the supposed joke. "Last I checked, It was early morning, and I have that paper"

My ears pick up her soft sobs, and realize what she wants is not something to read.

"Hey, my name is David" I reply gently "And you must be the young lady who reads to the children, correct?"

At the sound of her indrawn breath, I quickly joke "I may not be able to see, but my hearing IS quite good, and the kids all stop for the candy jar I keep behind the counter, they've often spoke about you. ... Look, I was just closing up, there isnt much traffic, for several hours, would you like to get a cup of coffee, or breakfast? It would be my treat."

Lowering my voice, I try to reassure her. "No one will bother you, with me, I have several friends who will guarntee that"

Reaching over the counter, I grab a sturdy cane from the corner, and then pull the shacks sides down, bolting and locking them. Turning back to the sounds of her breathing, now quieted considerably. Tossing the cane over my shoulder, I offer my arm, and ask cheerfully.
"Shall we go? I really could use the company, and hate eating alone."

 

[sojournerwolf]

Raven

Between the beers and the surge of sexual fantasy drawn from Alex's mind by their inadvertant contact, Alex weaves a bit, then passes out.

Raven sighs. It was an interesting fantasy, but perhaps it is for the best that Raven not feed on Alex. At least, not yet.. He would, as with most others, cause her to forget him and just wake with a general sense of sexual relief as from a very vivid dream. But that works best with those whom Raven has the least contact with.

Carrying Alex to her car, Raven puts her in the passenger side and gets in. He takes the keys from her purse and drives her to a small hotel just outside the Zone. The desk clerk smirks until he sees Raven's expression.

"Key," Raven growls, "Room 113"

the desk clerk gives Raven the key and Raven carries the unconscious detective upstairs. Raven opens the door of a room that no one else uses and lays Alex on the bed. Gently, he helps her out of most of her clothes and shoes and covers her.

Raven goes to the door and throws the deadbolt, then with one last look at Alex, he goes to the window, opens it, and drops to the ground. It is a fall that might break human bones, but the Raven only grunts and then hurries back into the hotel.

At the desk, he leaves the desk clerk with a wake up call of 7 a.m. for Alex and saunters out. He has left the car keys along with Alex's stuff in the room. He locks the car doors and puts a piece of paper with a Raven drawn on it on the windshield. In this neighborhood, that's better than a car alarm.

He saunters back towards the Zone. A few hours of the night remain, and he will feed, he knows. but, there is a sense of foreboding, of the Summoner and the Old Mother active somewhere and Raven knows it means there is some heavy shit going down if both of them are also feeling uneasy.

And, there is the growing sense of "the spider dream"...Raven wants to at least locate that before the night gets too far along. Try to identify the danger, at least. His hand finds the vial and packet of powder in his pocket along with the folded paper, and wonders if this has something to do with it as well.

 

[MtnAngelWV]

Priscilla Winslow

I cannot supress the smile as David mentions the children I read to at the library. I am surprised but not shocked at his revelation. I have read many things about the senses of the blind. I just wonder if he can see through my facade. See the the fear that roils beneath the surface. The nights spent in terror. I decide not to think of such things.

I lower my head somewhat and push my glasses further up my nose. His arm is offered to me and I hesitate before I lightly place my my fingers in the crook of his elbow.

"Thank you," I say with barely audible words.

 

[BLACK BART]

David

At the light touch of her fingers, I smile, and try to draw her out as we walk.

"So what else do you do, besides read fairy tales to the children?" I probe, trying to pin down what I am feeling from her.
At her lack of response, I reach down with my free hand, and place it on top of hers. "You're kind of a puzzle to me" I admit "You work so hard at helping others, particularilly the children, but hide when someone tries to help you. One would almost think you were hiding from something, or someone?"

Stopping in front of a large sliding metal door, I pull a key from a chain about my throat and unlock the massive deadbolt imbedded in it. Sliding the door open, I invite her in, and relock the heavy door as it slides home with a dull thud.

Walking into the lower level of the converted warehouse, I offer her a chair, one of few in the airy, wide open room. Spread around the interior are several large plants, their huge fronds and flowering faces, a reminder from where I came from.

Each peice of furniture bore the same resemblance, in its dark hue, plain makeup, and polished surfaces. The floor was bare, but well polished as well, its old wooden surface creaking as you moved across it.

"I promised you coffee and breakfast, lets start off with the coffee" I offer, walking towards the oversized kitchen. "This used to be a grand restaurant, before closing" I offer, as my hands touch the utensils, grinding the smooth beans, and pouring their fragrant chips into the water. "I was able to obtain it after a fire, with the help of a freind, and repair it"

Turning towards the old refrigerator, its place marked by the humming motor, I place my hand on the handle and question.

"First, tell me what does your stomach desire" I offer , hearing the creaking floor under her moving weight. "Then, if you can tell me what you are doing in the zone."

 

[THEBRAT]

Shirlene Vanderbelt

Jesse is safe for now at least until I can return.

I Transform into my Human Form to leave Jesse's Place and in a moment of thought I am in my Wolf's form again.

It is now time for me to find The One who was hunting for me in my Human Form.

I use my Telepathy as a Radar Beacon to find him.I've found him in a hurry I run Up The Street to him.All that he saw was a flash of fur running by him.

I deliberately give him a Huge Jolt of my Mind Control & Telepathy all at once to get his senses working and I keep on running I am not easy to catch.

 

[MtnAngelWV]

Priscilla Winslow

I am nervous and somewhat fearful as I realize we are at his place of residence. My stomach is churning and the voices in my head intensify. "Be careful! --- No trust him!"

I allow him to lead me into the airy converted warehouse. He is so at ease now that I attempt to calm myself. My palms are clammy with perspiration as he begins to ask me questions. Questions I don't really know the answers to. I readjust my glasses and fight the need to flee.

"I..ah...came here about a year ago. My career is not a well paid position but I enjoy it. I live in the Zone out of necessity," I hope that this much information will satisfy his curiosity. I cannot tell him the real reason I am here. The man who will not let me alone...the hands on my.... NO! the words scream inside my head.

"But enough about me, David. Tell me a little bit about yourself," the voice emitting from my mouth is raspy and sultry as I take my glasses off and place them on the table. I glide over to him and run my finger down the length of his back.

 

[Silverlily]

the summoner

A selfish pang of disappointment hit her as she realized she would be denied the pleasure of observing Raven's "feeding". Irritably, she paced the length of her apartment, still unclothed. A slight prickle inside the back of her skull told her something was exceedingly not right. Too many things were slightly off kilter. Unnoticeable to most, to her they all hissed and murmured something was about to happen.

"Enough of this, call him already," she growled, annoyed that she had dallied this long. "You should be ashamed of yourself, you know. Putting off the summoning for your own pleasure." Her reflection somberly acknowledged agreement.

Unlocking the main entrance, she settled herself in a chair and quieted her mind. Slipping into the correct mental state, the room skewed and pitched. Colors ran together until they coalesced into a soft gray haze. "Raven, Raven," she called, "Raven, I have need of you." Recalling he still had not fed, she added, "and you have need of me as well, come. Come to me."

 

[BLACK BART]

David

The tone of a voice, after years of listening, is like a face, to me. A small inflection, a hesitation, or a slight change in voice tone gives me as much insight into what isnt said, as to what is said.

Priscilla's tone was that of a terrified animal, beaten often, trying to escape from its cage. I no longer was amazed at what human being would do to another, in the zone, but still held hope it might change, improve, if only in the slightest way. Since the arrival of the Raven, that hope had grown, even with the death of several ladies.

Her voice changes suddenly, as I hear a click and rattle on the table behind me, and I puzzle at both. With the touch of her fingers, to my spine I stop the dicing of the veggies turning to face her.

"What do I say, to a lady who remains as mysteroius as the day she came here" I return the question, then lean against the counter wiping my hands.

"I came here 10 years ago, a disabled vet, from a meaningless war. This was the worst place, in the worst town I could find. I arrived, feeling bitter, and blaming the world for what happened to me. I wanted to die, and nearly did, in the bottom of a bottle.

Until one day a friend reached out, and made me face the truth, and deal with it. What she said was there are no guarntees in life, and we need to admit we are human and responsible only for our own actions."

I pause, recalling the short time I had known her, and the feelings I had felt for her, before her death.

"She made me walk on my own feet, and see that I was actually fortunate, compared to some in the Zone. I promised her, before she left, to make a diiference like she had, in as many peoples lives as I could" I finished, feeling foolish and sad, at the recalled memories.

"Hey, I can make a wicked omellete" I brag, changing the subject "Why dont you help me, and make sure I dont cut off anything you dont want to eat"

Turning back to the counter, I feel her at my side, her arm brushing mine, as I continue the task of dicing the food, the steady click of the knife becoming a blur.

 

[MtnAngelWV]

Priscilla Winslow

I hear only the partial story of his life and how he came to be here, through a hazy confused fog that seeps often into my brain. I am shocked and dismayed that my hand is resting on his shoulder. Frightened and confused, I reach up to push the glasses up my nose only to discover that they are no longer there. I look around frantically and see them resting on the table. I practically run to retrieve them.

The embarassment is hard to hide and I am thankful for his lack of sight, although I know he still may sense it. I squeeze my eyelids tightly shut to restrain the tears I know are threatening to overflow.

How could I have touched him like that? I don't even remember doing it. Maybe HE had been right all along...maybe I was exactly what he said I was.....

I inhale deeply, holding the air in my lungs as I try to regain my composure. I couldn't let David see this much of me. I know that he has told me of the pain and helplessness that encompassed his world for a time. I envy him that he was able to overcome the dread and fear. Maybe...just maybe...I could find the strength to not only survive but also thrive.

"Can I help you with anything, David?" I ask in my quiet, demur voice.

 

[THEBRAT]

Shirlene Vanderbelt

I use my Telepathy to contact the Summoner you can now get through to Raven!

I have deliberately given him a huge jolt of my Mind Control & Telepathy all at once so that he can hear your call.

Summoner here is my Telepathy Beacon if you still can not reach Raven I will come to you myself if the need araises!

 

[sojournerwolf]

Raven

Raven feels the brush of the one Raven had considered earlier in the night. What must have been a powerful mental push for her he catches and absorbs with barely a flicker of effort.

Later, babe, he sends back with a mental grin. She might be interesting to check out later, Raven decides, but not now. Not with the danger that fairly vibrates in the air and Raven's own curiosity about the substances he carries, and the note he found.

Raven moves through the streets, eyes seeing, recording. He picks up another mind scent, and a familiar one. A man called Jack, a doctor, who has declared himself the Raven's enemy inthe mistaken belief that Raven killed his wife. Jack has drifted towards the criminal element of the city in his quest for vengance. Raven has little concern over Jack's ability to do him harm, but at the same time, he remains wary. Past experience has taught Raven to never, ever discount any threat.

the sense of "spider" comes again strongly, the mind scents strong as they slither from the Licking Lizard. Raven is tempted to go in and have a look when the call comes.

It is a familiar and strong contact. There have been times when Raven has found the Summoner a welcome diversion, a useful almost ally, and sometimes, just a plain pain in the ass. But always, a challenge. His annoyance flashes and is gone. Perhaps the Summoner might have a handle on some of what is going on. And hell, Raven finds himself in the mood for a little of the mental duelling, with its own particular wry and ironic humor, that the Summoner is so skilled at...as well as other abilities that Raven has come to appreciate when hungry.

Taking a mental bead, Raven begins moving towards the Summoner, past late night street vendors and the cacophony of the Zone. Though Raven is quite capable of moving silently and unseen through darkness, of being able to enter most places undetected,he does not tryto camoflauge his approach. the Summoner is one of the very, very few humans whom Raven respects too much to do that...not to mention, Raven suspects it might be extremely difficult, if not impossible for even him to sneak up on her.

The door is open. Raven enters, mind wary for traps--it is a part of the Summorner's sense of humor she occasionally throws the unexpected at him, not to mention she is still trying to gauge fully his powers as he does hers--but finds nothing untoward.

He enters where the Summoner sits and sees the slight smile on her face as she detects his presence. Taking the rose Raven picked up from a street vendor along the way, he crosses slowly to the Summoner and picks up her hand from her lap. In a ritual only they sometimes practice, he puts the rose in her hand, and folds his own over it so the thorns prick them both, causing a small amount of blood to seep from the Summoner and what passes for blood from Raven to mingle in their palms.

"Looking lovely as ever," Raven murmurs with a faint, sardonic smile. He knows the truth of her ancient heritage, at least some of it. Indeed, she does have a physical attractiveness, but it is the mental aura, her inner image Raven sees most clearly.

Raven leaves the rose in the Summoner's hand and looks at her seated in the chair.

"You rang?" Raven asks with a grin.

 

[SexyChele]

Jesse

I awake with a start....my mind still shrouded with fog, confused as to what would have awakened me. I feel the lingering warmth next to me and place my hand there, but the comforting warmth of fur that was Artemis is not there.

Swinging my legs off of the bed, and making my way towards the kitchen, I call for her. A large dog such as that cannot hide in my tiny studio apartment. But...she is gone. A sense of sadness overcomes me, but a sense of warmth as I recall how something as simple as I dog can make one feel so good about themselves.

Going into the kitchen, I rummage around for something to eat, and instantly remember that I didn't get to the store as I should have the night before. My body is still aching from the beating received just that evening, just my stomach is demanding food as well.

Padding over to the bathroom, I run the shower and allow the lukewarm water to flow over my aching muscles. As I move, I remember the kicks delivered the night before and know that some of them had landed in places where my bones were now bruised. That would take some time to heal. But the water worked its magic and soon, with the combination of the drug still in my system, I felt my muscles loosen.

Drying off, I look in the mirror. The red mark is gone, but the swelling is still there. The black eye is still prominent. Oh, well, it's early enough, maybe there won't be that many about. I dress quickly in pair of tight cut off shorts and a cropped, tight tank top. I apply as much makeup as I can to hide the black eye, and slip on my sandals before slipping out.

Dawn is close, but I know of a market that is open 24 hours. I make my way gingerly through the streets, stepping over the drunks and bums, until I reach the market next to Shelly's. I notice that David seems to have locked up for the night. In fact, there seems to be no one around. Good.

I make quick work of going through the market, picking up a few basic items, and bringing them to the counter.

"Looks like a rough night for you, Jesse," old man Hardigan says. He's a gentle soul, seems to be here at all hours of the day and night. Understanding and compassionate, he was here before the Zone became the Zone, and simply stayed on.

"Yeah, Mr. Hardigan, it was."

"Aw, Jesse, you need to find yourself a nice young man and settle down. Get the hell out of this rat hole."

I smile at him. "A lot easier said than done, Mr. Hardigan. You know this place swallows people up like a black hole."

I pay for my purchases and begin to make my way home. Once again I feel eyes on me, watching me. I glance around, but find no one.

"Hmmm....imagining spooks, eh, Jesse? Good god, girl, what next?"

 

[BLACK BART]

David

Again the change in her voice, after the hand has gone, and her glasses scrape the table, as she puts them back on. There is more than just a hurt woman here, I think, years of pain, that will come out in one large explosion.

"Pick your favorite veggies, and put them together, we'll scramble some eggs, and make this meal together" I reply brightly, then teasingly "And tell me what your friends call you, or do I have to call you Miss Priscilla Winslow, every time"

Standing at the counter, we throw ourselves into the moment, the fun of making a simple meal, relaxing her. As the meal takes shape, our hands touch occasionally, and the touch is electric each time.

"Here taste this" I offer, holding a small peice of vegtable up, for her to take "Tell me if it appeals to you"

"You have to be honest, unless you spit it out, I won't know whether you like it or not" I chuckle

Reaching around Priscilla, I turn the gas range on, my arm brushing her gently, as my hand returns.

 

[sojournerwolf]

see the OOC thread

I have posted a very, very brief plot summary to date over at the OOC thread. It is bare bones, and leaves out a lot, particularly character development. (For that, please see the posts here and in the OOC thread.) It's not my attention to short change anything anyone has written so far, but is intended as giving us all some handle on the different sub-plots. Reading the thread is really the best way to keep up, but this might help a little, sort of in a cliff notes kind of way. *L*

 

[MtnAngelWV]

Priscilla Winslow

For the first time in years, no maybe longer than that, I feel relaxed, comfortable. David is a kind man, I sense. He is not like the others. I am actually smiling, the joy spreading throughout my body.

I feel our hands and arms meeting from time to time, such small innocent acts. A sensation flows through me each time we brush against each other; a feeling that can only be described as energy, almost electrical. I have never felt anything like it before and I wonder if it is normal....healthy. It doesn't feel bad or wrong. It feels natural and special.

He offers me a bite and I take it gently into my mouth, the feel of his fingers lightly brushing my lips. I find myself imagining what his kiss would feel like. I have been kissed before but not tenderly as I believe his would be.

"Mmmm, it is very good, David," his eyes turn towards me and though I know he cannot see, the gaze seems to penetrate my soul. My mind wanders again, thinking what it must be like to hold him, kiss him, and make love to him.

"Dirty, dirty thoughts for a young Girl. You must never ever think such things!"

"I think you know what I would really like to taste," the seductress was back. Glasses are removed and placed on the counter. Fingers run down the front of his shirt, nails scraping lightly across a nipple. He senses something is about to happen but the kiss totally catches him off guard. Her tongue snakes itself inside of his mouth, searching out the pleasure she so desperately needs.

 

[New4U New4Me]

Pamela Fox

That bitch! Who in the hell does she think she is! Only a blind man would pay attention to a mousy little tease such as her. He must be deaf and dumb as well. The men in the Zone belong to me and me only. I am the one that will bring their perspirating bodies to earth shattering explosions and me alone. And they always come back for more.

"Watch out, Bitch! I am going to destroy you!"

She knows I am here, lurking, watching and waiting!

 

[PetePumpkinEat]

Pete

I step out from the shadows to observe Jesse walking down the street and to the market. That feeling tingles in my loins and I know that I must have her, must possess her fully. If only my inadequate body was able to perform the acts I fantasize about, time and time again.

"Jesse..... The single word floats on the late night breeze, a promise of another night.

 

[Redon]

Ramon Santiago

His business with Jack is short and made shorter by the young mans sidelong glances at Alison.

"C'mon."
He takes her arm and they move rapidly away from the warehouse. A black towncar comes to life and begins to follow them at a distance.
"Dog?" she asks pointing back towards the car.

"No."
All right he's going to be pissed at her. She knows why.
They get to the corner and she stops him.
"Listen Ramon. I came here of my own free will. I'm not one of your trophies. Understand.?"

His eyes glitter for a second like knife blades, then he smiles...
"Of course Ali. We're partners aren't we?...

But if I catch you with that little bastard I'll kill you both...understand?"

More would have been said, a lot more but the sound Towncar interrupted them.
The window rolled down and a meaty hand gestured forward towards a darkened doorway.
A figure was lurking there. A shadow in the shadows.
Ramon shot a bird in it's direction and grinned at Alison.
"Hey Sweetheart you got to understand. I'm crazy jealous over you. See? I love you Baby.
Now let's go have fun."

The place they went had no name. A blue light hung over a heavy iron door and the red eye of a surveillance camera looked down at them.
The woman who opened the door was strikingly beautiful. Tall and slender, both breasts were provacatively displayed, held up by the polished black leather bustiere she was wearing. The club was full of leather clad, wild haired young people. Most of them were groping each other as they watched a live sex act on a revolving stage under flickering strobe lights. A blonde haired girl was slowly sinking down on a gigantic black dong while stroking off two lucky leather clad members of the clientele.
Another young woman, a wraithlike thing dressed in starnds of electricians tape offered them some powder "On the House"
Ramon sniffed it and turned up his nose. Bad stuff...really bad stuff. He needed to send a sample of his own over here.

"Ali."
he said trying to speak up above the screaming acid music.
"You see anything here you'd like to have?"

 

[BLACK BART]

David

Fire and Ice, as if two people were alive, in the same body, I realize with a start, as I hear the sultry voice, and feel her lips press against mine.

"Misssss..." I start to say, cut off by her passionate thrust of her lips, and tongue against mine. Despite the sudden unexpectedness of her motions, or maybe because of it, I respond. My tongue invades her sweet interior, as my hands carress her full breast and firm buttock. The press of her body, her stomach against my growing erection, reminds me of a growing flame.

"The food! It's burning" I moan, placing my hands on her shoulders, and pushing her back reluctantly.



Sanity returns to me, and I silently curse myself, you tell her you're a friend, and the next thing you do is take advantage of her up and down emotions.

"Priscilla, I'm sorry, no...not for the ki....ahhh, I mean...ohhh shit!" I stammer, as I search for the gas control, then finding it, turn it off.

"The flame it was too...we were......HOT" I say, haltingly, amazed at the sudden change in her, and my response to it.

Gathering myself, and my thoughts, I realize we have much to sort out....

"We can still save breakfast, and over coffee we can talk" I say firmly, my hands back on familiar territory, as I toss the omelets, slightly singed onto plates, and hand them towards her raspy breathing. "I'll bring the coffee, and we can sit at the table" I instruct, the surge of adrenalin still strong in me.

 

[ariosto]

Vince

Old Mother laughed, "You do nothin' child. One of them, he come to you, maybe he come like a man, like this fine white boy here." She tugged on Vincent's arm.
"Mebbe he come in a dream in all his finery. When he comes for you, you know it. You will do all he says and be happy too. See?"

Faith shook her head.

"HE saves you tonight, he saves you every night little one. You are chosen. You be gonna live forever!" and the old woman began to laugh, then Vince and finally Faith unable to avoid the contagious laughter broke into a smile.
Suddenly everything seemed OK.