What's Hidden Beneath..

[poohlive]

A part of him boiled up. Something about her tone of voice, perhaps. Had she not heard that he had insomnia? He would have liked to shown her the respect of not repeating himself.
Something bigger stopped him though, it literally forced him to behave.
He had never felt that before. Drake always felt in control with the entity, it helping him decide and go in directions, but this was the first time it ever stopped him from doing something.
It had left him drained all of a sudden, as if he were fighting himself. The problem was, he thought that he was losing.
The thing inside him felt so much stronger again, as it did in the early morning with the ritual.
Inside his skin, flourishing throughout his pores, sharing his body. The thing was alive again, and it still only had one thing in mind. If Drake's antics got in the way, then he would have to be stopped.
Drake let it go before it hurt more.
"Just don't sleep well sometimes," A fixed glaze went over him, but it was soon replaced, with a different fire, a different soul to enthrall the body.
"Nightmares can get pretty bad, I know. I've had a few bad ones myself, sleeping alone for so long, the imagination tends to wander. It's amazing what one can truly think up when they are given the chance."
Drake fixed himself on her once more. Brazious and determination in his eyes, deep blue trying to hide pitch black.
"How did you sleep back at home?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

I sipped the milk and held the glass between my hands, thinking back to home. I was begining to miss it.
"I slept well at home.. Never had any nightmares. The only thing that would keep me up at night was an interesting book, my puppy or an over active mind." I fell silent again.
I finished up my milk and glanced over at him.
"I should get some rest before dawn comes. I do have to work tomorrow." I smiled softly, he looked so alone I wished silently I knew how to make him smile?
"Sometimes.. To sleep well.. you just need something to cuddle with?" Rising from my chair, I offered to take the tray and glasses back into the kitchen.

 

[poohlive]

"No, go on up to bed, I've got this mess," he said, a bit of a smile on his face. He grabbed up the assortment of late night snack things, taking them over to the kitchen.
So, it had worked after all. Not exactly as he had planned, and a lot slower, but it had worked. There was something brewing inside her mind, and it would continue to stay there, fester, like a bad itch that was just out of reach.
A week, a month, it didn't matter how long now. Sooner or later she would be his, undeniably. She would bow before him, swear her love, and then he could finally ride again.
Oh god, that day is so close at hand, after all these years, all of the practice, the work, the pain, it was finally coming together.
Drake could almost taste it.
For now, it was bedtime, morning would come sooner than he thought, and there was so many things to do.
It was time to take things to the next level.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

Smiling, I handed him the glass and gave his hand a little squeeze.
"Thank you, for the snack and the company. Good night Drake." Turning, I quietly left the den, finding my way to the stairs. Slowly I climbed up, trying to imagine the loneliness he felt. This place was huge and yes I guess it could get very lonely.
I glanced over my shoulder, down the stairs just as he passed by, his face seemed to have a happier lift to it.
Smiling again, I jogged back up the rest of the way and down to my room. Walking into the cool darkness of my room, I crawled onto the bed and was asleep instantly.


*** Later ***

The Butler made his way up to my room, carrying a breakfast tray once again. Knocking gently on my door, he entered my room. Sitting up in the bed, I yawned and peeked out through one eye at him.
"Good morning Madam."
"Good morning." Snuggling down into the velvet comforter, I watched him bring the tray in and set it down on the table.

 

[majinbuu1234]

David - Drake's Brother

David stood before the castle door as he laid his luggage down to ring the bell.

" Before we go in, I must warn you... my brother... well... he is a little eccentric. " He said turning to his girlfriend.

After standing outside for several minutes, he rang the bell again.

" I wonder what the hell is taking... " But before he could finish his sentence, the doors flew open.

Standing before them was the butler.

" Master David, what a pleasant surprise. "

David rarely came back to visit ever since he left for school in the states, and when he did come back to visit, it was usually only for a day or two just to check up on his brother. So it wasn't a surprise that he never got aquainted with the staff of the castle as they seem to be changing with every visit, but at least one face still remained familiar. It was the same butler David remembered growing up with during his childhood. He was the only person keeping him from feeling like a complete stranger in his own home.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

Hearing the door bell from the library, I moved towards the door to get it until I seen Drake's butler moving to do so.
Turning back to my desk, I went back to work of restoring the last of his collection on Roman life and wars.
I didn't bother to read the, it was a subjet that did not interest me in the slightest. And from the condition of the books and how tight the binding was, no one else was interested in this either.
I heard voices speaking in the hallway and the heavy foot falls of the group entering into the living room area.
Curiousity normally would have sent me looking at who was the new arrivals, but I was behind schedule thanks to the lack of sleep and how long I over slept this morning.
Working a few more minutes, I decided to give my legs and stretch and go out and see who had come? Standing, I put my supplies away and headed out the door.
Walking down the hall quietly I stopped at the opening into the living room. A man and a woman I had not seen before were standing just inside speaking to the butler. Gazing at the man, I had a premonition this was family of some sorts. Drake and this one looked alot alike, I wondered who he was?
I stood in silence just watching, It was rude to interrupt, but wasn't it rude to eavesdrop? Shrugging, I turned and walked away again. Back to work, I'd find out at dinner who it was.

 

[Jessie]

Amber - David's girlfriend

Stats:
Hair: Black, waist length
Eyes: Emerald green
42D, curvy body figure
Age: 24
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


She rolled her eyes at his comment. "Eccentric just like y-." She was cut short as the door opened, amazed that it was a butler answering the door. Dude..posh, Amber thought to herself.

She walked inside, her breath taken away by the luxury, and sheer grandeur that was this..mansion. Just like all the fairytale castles she'd dreamt about in her childhood.

Her mouth hung open, gazing at all the tapestries..the curtains..the high ceilings..all of it. Amber almost felt like a tourist..thinking anxiously about how great it would be to explore the entire place. If the inside is this great, imagine the outside!

The butler led her and David into a living room of sorts, and began some idle chit-chat. Amber kept asking questions about everything. How old was this, and where did they get that, was that an airloom.

Somewhere during the time, she noticed a young woman out of the corner of her eye. She was about to ask the David who she was, but when Amber turned back, the mysterious woman was gone.

 

[poohlive]

Drake had been twiddled a small letter opener between his hands. A simply little device, but very sharp, just exactly what he adored about it.
He plunged it deep into the desk.
"He's here, he would be here," he rose from the chair, glancing at several of the chairs around him. That damn fuck would have to bring some whore here to impress her. This would ruin everything, it would fuck with all his plans.
For the first time since his transformation his hands had begun to shake again. Small twinges dwon his fingers, but it felt terrible to him. He was losing control, he was losing control of it all.
Then whatever was inside him moved. It was a steady slip, almost like an adjustment of weight, and all of a sudden he had calmed.
This wouldn't be so horrible. Drake felt a wave of calm pitter down his spine. No, things would be fine if he just kept his focus in on everything.
Brushing the dark locks that had excaped his hair, he felt more relaxed. Better than anything he had felt in days. This was going to be ok.
He moved out past the den, and into the living room.
"Ahhh, there you are, you old dog," he said, a warming smile on his face, he walked over, hugging his brother, "Took you long enough to get here, didn't it?"
There was a deepness in his voice, an air of calm and rationality that he had only remembered hearing back at the lake with Christy. It wasn't him talking, it was the force.
"And you brought someone with you, how charming," he clasped her hand tenderly, kissing it, "To what do I owe the pleasure of such beauty in my home?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

Hearing Drake speaking to the new comers, I was certain he was family or friend come to visit. Not wishing to interrupt the gathering, I quietly made my way upstairs.
Sneaking off into my room, I quietly shut the door and locked it. I needed a nap after last night's nightmare.. i could always work over the weekend to make it up. If I kept up this rate I would be able to go home in two weeks time.
Curling up on my bed, I pulled out the old book and opened it up. My eyes scanned the pictures slowly, taking in all the little details of the wolf and the surrounding scenary. It was just like my dream, only the cornered rabbit was me instead.
Turning the page, the next set of pictures showed this man with the same glowing eyes holding a woman to him. The first picture she looked to be somewhere between love and passion. Her embrace clutching him, her features content.
The picture next to it showes the same woman, fear in her eyes prying at his arm to let her go and his hands gripping tightly enough to pinch deeply into her flesh.
The scene and it's prediction scared me a little, slamming the book shut I set it aside. Why was I dreaming of these things, and did I dare ever look at that book again?

 

[Jessie]

Amber

She blushed furiously as the man, who she could only assume was David's brother, Drake, took her hand and kissed it.

"And you must be the infamous Drake," she said, smiling warmly at him. He's just as delicious as David is...not to mention the fact that he's got this place going for him... "I really love your home. How long has it been in your family?"

 

[majinbuu1234]

Glancing around the living room started to bring back old memories of good times. It sure felt good to be back home again.

" Say, where is that brother of mine anyways? I bet he’s too busy cooped up with his books to come greet us. " Just then, the sound of footsteps approached the living room. It was Drake.

" There you are. I was wondering what was keeping you. For a second there, I thought you were too good to come welcome back your own dear brother. " He joked. " Oh, where are my manners. Amber, this is my brother, Drake. Drake, this is my girlfriend, Amber. Now, we'll have plenty of time to get more acquainted at dinner, but right now, I could use some rest. It was long and tiring flight over here. I hope my room is still the way I left it. "

" Please take my luggage up to my room. " David asked the butler.

" Oh. By the way, Amber, do you want your own room or do you prefer to just stay in mine? "

 

[poohlive]

"A few centuries now," he took in her essence in the room, a definite maiden of pleasure, if he wasn't mistaken. There was so much potential there, and beauty as well.
If he didn't have pressing matters at hand.
"Amber, such a delicious name. We will have to get to know each other better, perhaps even discuss how my brother managed to capture you."
He turned back to his brother, a little off key, "The room is mostly the same, but it hasn't been cleaned in a while. Iif I knew you were coming I would have had it made ready. I don't think it'll take too long to get the sheets changed and things dusted."
He waved his hand as someone from the archway began moving up the stairs.

 

[Jessie]

Amber

"Umm..would it be okay if I stayed in my own room?" Amber half asked David, and half asked the butler. That way I can come and go as I please without waking him. She smiled and blushed again at Drake's compliments. Amber noticed his gaze change slightly, and felt a shiver go up her spine. Huh...weird...

"I'll see you at dinner then," she replied to Drake with a smile.

Amber turned to David. "What was it like living here? Have things changed much?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

Thoughts in my mind of my job downstairs I got back up and walked back down. I needed to find Drake and ask him about the journals. Did I fix them or leave them alone?
They could be fixed if needed, perhaps i could show him how? Anything was possible?
walking down I heard Harris speak up, "This way Master David, Amber. I will show you to your rooms." he moved past me in the hallway, waiting for the two to follow him.
I walked inside and caught Drake's eye.
"Can I speak with you in the library for a moment?"
I gave a small smile to David and Amber, but said nothing. Perhaps later we could get aquainted, if it was allowed by Drake.

 

[poohlive]

Drake was concentrating on something at the moment. His eyes were fixed on a spot on the floor. Something drawn him to it, down, past the floor, in the basement. Something was calling, calling to him, forcing him to beckon it.
Christy's voice caught him off guard. At first he glanced at her, not sure what she was saying. The words, once repeated in his mind made sense to him the second time.
He nodded, watching his brother and her friend follow the butler up the stairs, as he and Christy moved past the stairway and into the library.
"You desire me?" His words were slick and oily, but didn't feel like they had an alterior motive. It could have possibly been a harmless joke, or maybe even an attempt at flirting.
Beneath that demure there was something bigger and deeper waiting to get out. Waiting for her to let her guard down, just one chance to grab her.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

"Yes, I need to ask you something about some books in the....." I paused and looked at him, into his eyes.
"What?" he was staring at me oddly, did I miss something?
"I need to show you some books, journals on the shelf in there, do you want them repaired or perhaps i will teach you how and you can repair them?"
He seemed to distance himself from me for a moment, what was he thinking?
"Are you alright?" I moved forward, my hand taking his for a moment and staring into his eyes. Perhaps he did not get much sleep last night?

 

[poohlive]

"I'm perfectly fine," he said adamently, shaking his head with a smile. Her hand touching his seemed to make it burn in.
"I guess, it's just a little bit stressful here lately," he might as well milk this for every penny it was worth. Sympathy is the first emotion to something much more powerful.
"My brother just came hom, you passed him. I never feel well when he comes over, it's like a sickness that comes over me. He was... well I don't want to bore you. Just, fix the journals, whatever needs to be done."
Drake brought his hand up to wipe away imaginary sweat that wasn't on his forehead. Deep within, he asked for his skin to become paler, and in a moment he could actually feel the warmth drain from him. It was freaky, as if a ghost kiss, perhaps an echo of something more deeper.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

I moved forward, he did not look to well at all.
"maybe I should help you to your room? You should lay down a little bit, you don't look to be feeling to well Drake.." My arm went around him to help hold him up, he looked faint and pale. Oddly enough he was cold too.
"You need bed rest and chicken noodle soup! Come with me.." I tugged on him turning him towards the door way. Since Harris was busy with the others, I could get Drake up and into bed and perhaps locate the cook for something for him.
Poor guy was wearing out, and I didn't know why either.

 

[poohlive]

Drake nodded, his eyes half opened and closed. He held back much of his strength, letting her half carry him back up to his room. Once there, he got comfortable under the covers.
"You are too kind," he said, his voice still crisp and oily, "You don't have to do this, but it is very good of you."
He waved off any food or anything.
"I think I will be fine with just some rest, thank you. Maybe if you could send one of the servants in every few hours, that would be helpful, thank you."
Secretly he grasped his hand tightly around the small length of hair he had taken from her. Just a few strands, she would never miss them. In time though, she would regret that tiny mistake.
"Thank you so much Christy."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

"You are welcome Drake, I will send someone up to look in on you in a little while. and I will find a way to entertain your brother and his girlfriend until you are feeling well." I bent down and kissed his forehead softly, "Rest well M'Lord." I pulled the covers over him and left his room quietly.
Wandering downstairs I looked for the head housekeeper to find out what to do for Drake.

 

[poohlive]

Inside the dampened room Drake gave out a hefty sigh. The door had closed to the outside world, leaving him with only his demons to play.
He leaped out of bed, rushing over to the closet. Inside, there was a horrible smell. One had to bring their nose very close to the large double doors of the mahogany chest. His hands ran over the polished wood, one still cluthing the two pieces of hair.
The door was ripped open, and a wall of smoke came to envelope him. At first, it might look as if the swift motion of the door had simply let the smoke come to him, but after a few seconds, it became utterly clear.
The smoke was carressing his body, clinging to his flesh. It was circling the very soul that now held him at a trance. The small black pot let the smoke come out to grab him, and complete the spell.
Kneeling down, he dropped the two hairs in. They fell through the air with a poetic hint. Riding tiny waves of air before sifting into the purplish poisoned ligauid below.
He stirred it with his bare hands, barely aware that his skin screamed from the touch of the stuff.
Just an hour or so to boil, and then the plan would really begin.

 

[poohlive]

*bump*

 

[Shoty98]

Miranda

Miranda
19 years old
Auburn hair
5’4”
95lbs.

I had been here a little over two years. I was sent here from the states when my parents were killed in a car accident. Grandma had been my only living relative and so the courts had sent me here to live with her. The first year and a half I had followed her around, watching, listening and learning from her how to run this household.
About six months ago grandma passed on and Lord Drake had been kind enough to let me take over her job. I was appreciative for the work and the roof over my head, but there were days when I didn’t think I was in the right place. A lot of the staff regarded me with spite, unwilling to listen and follow my orders. How had grandma done this for all those years? I didn’t know, but I knew what the current problem was. A young girl taking over responsibilities that should have been placed in the hands of someone older, wiser and……bigger. None of the staff seemed to deal well with this and they loved nothing more than making my job more difficult.
I shook away all those thoughts from my head and looked down at the list of things that needed to be done. Today would be long and I got the feeling it would only get worse when Harris strode into the kitchen and informed me that we had two guests staying with us. “Drake’s brother David has arrived this morning and is accompanied by a lady friend. The young lady wished to have her own bed chamber, so I placed David in the East wing and her in the West wing.”
“Alright Harris I will inform cook that we have two more for breakfast and have the guests rooms more thoroughly cleaned. It has, after all, been a while since we last had guests. Thank you Harris…will that be all?” He gave me a curt nod and strode out of the kitchen the way he had come. Great, more guests, as if there wasn’t enough going on right now. And I meant that in reference to the way Lord Drake had been acting lately. Granted I didn’t see him much but when I had, over the last few weeks, he seemed to act more and more peculiar each brief time. One time I could have sworn he had been talking to himself as he walked through the front hall.
I simply chalked it up to lack of sleep, being over worked, something simple I was sure. I laughed softly and made my way to find cook. She gave a grunt of displeasure and went about her work. Now that was one disgruntle old woman. Smile quirked over my face as I turned to leave, now it was time to find the maid and have the guests’ rooms cleaned.
A short time later I had found her, informed her of what needed to be done and asked her to tell our guests breakfast was ready. She quickly turned and went to go do her work and I went to find Harris. In my search I found Christy instead, looking like she was looking for something as well.
“Can I help you with something miss? You look a little lost.”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Christy

"Oh! Hi there." I nearly jumped out of my skin when her voice startled me out of my reverie.
"Drake isn't feeling well at all, I thought perhaps some soup would do nicely for him? Although I am not too sure he wants to be bothered." I twisted my fingers not sure what to do about all of this. And how would I entertain his brother and girlfriend?
"Could you have Harris inform David and his guest that lord Drake isn't feeling well and will join them later? I have work to do." I smiled a little unsure smile and walked, nearly ran, to the library.
I was safer in here, didn't have to interact with strangers for the time being. Perhaps something would come to mind for those two?

 

[Shoty98]

Miranda

"Ah...yes Miss." I spoke with a raised brow as she quickly turned and left. I stood there for a moment laughing softly, Lord Drake had the strangest guests here.
Oh well they were his guests to invite not mine, my job was to tend to their needs while they are here and that is it.
My quest to find Haris was on once more. He should know what the Drake wanted, whether it was to be left or alone or otherwise.
I found Harris in the kitchen giving orders to one of the stable boys. Kindly waiting until he was finished I relayed the message that Christy had given me and asked Harris to inform David and his companion that breakfast was being served in the dining hall.
The look he gave me chilled me to the bone and I shivered slightly. I had no idea what this man's problem was but if he didn't quit I was going to knock him for a loop.
I shook my head, straightened my blue satin button up shirt, brushed a ball of lint from my tan slacks and went about helping cook set the table for breakfast.
Soon all was ready, now all we needed was the guests to come down and eat....