Graves Hall

28 Years Ago...

2012-01-25T03:38:19Z

He thought of his mother every day still. Every time he closed his eyes to try and rest, Draven saw horrific visions. Visions of the mother he never had the chance to meet before being savagely ripped apart. Now, for him, the only way Draven knew his mother were the handful of photographs his grandmother had of her scattered through out her whithered home.

Agatha, his grandmother, took Draven in after Lilith, Agatha's only child, was murdered. Agatha hid Draven in the basement of her home, afraid that he too would suffer the same fate as his mother. Forbidden to even leave the house, Draven's only escape was at night when his grandmother had gone to bed. She was the only being in all of Meridian that knew he existed so, in his eyes, nobody would notice if he slipped out of the house to mosy about.

Tonight began just like one of those nights. Agatha, older than old, was fast asleep in her bedroom and wouldn't hear him slinking through the house. She probably wouldn't even hear me if she were awake, he thought to himself with a grin.

Draven had made it out the front door when the silence of the night was quickly broken. "It may think Merk's master is stupid. It may even think Merk is stupid. But Merk is no fool."

Merk. Draven thought to himself as he turned to see his grandmother's goblin servant staring at him with distain. "I don't think you're stupid at all, Merky buddy," he patronized, "I just think of you as that dinner I'll never have the priveledge of draining dry."

Merk's upper lip curled, "Merk cannot wait for the day it trys to feed off of Merk."

"Now who's calling who stupid?" Draven asked, very well knowing goblin blood was like acid to a vampire. Merk, his temper short at best, pulled out his favorite blade and it put it to his own hand. "Really Merk? We're going to do this again?"

"It is forbidden to leave master's home without permission!" Merk snarled.

"Yeah, yeah it knows," Draven replied, "but let's just think about this for a moment." Draven paused before continuing, proud that Merk was actually listening, and chose his words carefully. "The time it will take you to cut your hand and come at me, I will already be a half mile down the road," he said before gesturing to the dirt road. "So why don't you just save yourself the trouble and the pain because either way: I'm leaving."

The goblin's glare did not dissolve. Merk watched the vampire closely but, with much resentment, lowered the dagger. He grunted and turned his back on his master's grandson.

Draven, after a slight sigh of relief, smiled. "Good choice," he whispered to himself. Laughing to himself as he continued away from the house. Quickly he began shuffling down the empty, dirt road. Miles out from the city, the only life that existed out here was the tiny lights of New Meridian far off in the distance.

Draven had never been to the city. He was over one hundred years old and he had never visited the most important place in all of Meridian. Draven shook his head as he tried to push the thought out of his mind. Looking up from the dirt road, Draven noticed he had already walked all the way to the Waldemar estate.

He smiled at the dark house, quiet and calm in the moonlight. He envied the Waldemar family. The Waldemars were pleasant, honest, well liked and, most of all, had everything Draven wish he could of had. A family.

More often then he liked to admit to himself, Draven lurked around the Waldemar house; lately more than usual. The Waldemars just had twins recently that kept them up late in the night. Draven headed down the driveway and chuckled when he heard, like clockwork, the cries of both of the babies. A light flicked on inside and Draven could make out a figure stumbling around inside the master suite.

Draven paused for a moment, startled. His heightened senses allowed him to smell something quite out of place. "Blood?" he whispered to himself confused. He watched the lit bedroom window with curiousity as it suddenly became dark again. Draven continued to walk toward the house, still confused, as he still heard the crying babies.

Something shattered and the scream of a woman sounded. Draven didn't need time to think before he shot like a bullet into the house. He entered the front door and looked down the hallway ahead of him into a large living room, a window shattered. Draven found the stairwell and darted up. He threw himself into the nearest bedroom, as he peered down the hallway from inside the room.

"Please don't hurt me," a voice sounded from inside the room. Draven's eyes flicked over his shoulder to see a small boy standing in the corner.

"I mean you no harm," Draven whispered, "just stay put. Everything is going to be okay," he told him. He turned his attention back to the hallway. Nothing. He made his way a little more down the hallway and made himself into the master bedroom. "Oh fuck," he mumbled to himself as he saw all the blood.

Blood was pooled on the hardwood floor, smeared on the walls, and soaked in the bedding. Mrs. Wolfram was on the bed and Draven only glanced at her once, her pained lifeless face looked directly at him. Mr. Wolfram was on the floor close to Draven's feet and he was quick to kneel at his side. "Mr. Wolfram, are you okay?" Draven whispered to him.

"My... children," he choked out. "Please," he added before his last breath escaped him. Draven put a hand up to his own mouth and knew there wasn't time to waste. He zipped out of the room and headed toward the cries further down the hallway toward the nursery.

"Put the child down," Draven spat as he entered the twins' bedroom to find a figure standing over one of the cribs. A woman spun around, a baby in her arms. Her eyes were on the baby she held, a finger caressing it's small face. "Don't make me repeat myself," he demanded.

"I thought I wouldn't hesitate," she said aloud, her eyes still on the infant. "I thought I'd just snap his little neck and..."

Draven held out a hand, "just... just set him back in the crib and there won't be a problem." He watched the woman as she began to rock from side to side.

"Over a century from now," she said aloud, her eyes finally looking up at Draven, "this boy will be a man... a man that murders dozens of people, leave thousands of people magicless, and turn all of New Meridian to complete anarchy." She lets out a sigh, "and here I finally have him in my hands... I can stop all of that..." she shook her head.

"He's only a baby," Draven offered. "You can't do it because he's only a baby. He's not that man."

"No," she said as she looked back down at the baby. "I don't want to harm him," she confessed, "but it is only one life for many." She hissed at the baby, it began to wail. "I don't want to harm him... but I must."

"No!" Draven yelled and ran toward her as she went to bite the baby. He flung himself at her, his own fangs exposed. About to collide with the woman vampire, his arms wrapped around the infant that went into his chest. Draven twisted to land on his side and not atop of the baby as he hit the ground. His eyes flicked around the room to find that the woman had vanished into thin air. Skeptical at first, he rose up and placed the boy back in is crib and inspected his surroundings. "She's gone," he said to himself, "what the hell?"

He leaned against the side of the crib as the young boy from the room down the hallway peered into the room from around the corner. "She's gone," Draven told the boy, "erm, you're.. safe now." Draven let out a breath as he scratched at his temple. He wasn't sure what possessed him to risk his life for this family but the adrenaline was beginning to disappate and he realized he should probably jet before the boy knew his face all too well. "I have to go but... everything is going to be okay now," he told him before he went to slip out the nearby window. "I'll uh," he looked back at the boy, "I'll keep an eye on you guys," he told him before disappearing into the night. Something inside of him nagged at him to do more but he figured he'd done enough; he had already risked exposing his existence to the outside world.

Derailed

2011-02-18T13:03:40Z

Ohana liked the busy streets of New Meridian. They afforded a person enough anonymity to wander blissfully with a head full of thoughts.

Life had settled in the months following her "disappearance" and subsequent return. It took time to earn Cressida's trust again. While they'd come a long way they had much further to go. Forgiveness was a long, hard road; one which she walked very carefully and with all the patience she could muster.

It occupied her thoughts every time she didn't have other things to think about.

So it was today that she didn't notice immediately when the ancient woman stopped her mid-step. She might have plowed right on ahead, but the crone blocked her path. Beyond that the woman had a look about her, something important, something not to be ignored.

"Come with me," the woman beckoned gently to a side alley that was mostly vacated.

This was the sort of thing that Ohana couldn't resist. She followed the woman out of the crowded street and into the sheltered alley like a child following a trail of candy. They stopped at the far end near a backstreet which wasn't as crowded in the daytime.

The woman smiled at Ohana in a rather alarming fashion. It curled up the wrinkles in her face and distorted her already blotchy, pale skin. She pulled her long turban from her head to reveal a long mane of silky, black hair.

Ohana didn't recognize her immediately, but she knew the mark of her trade.

The woman offered her a nod of acknowledgment. "My name is Eurydice."

"I'm Ohana," she replied solemnly.

"I know who you are," Eurydice replied quietly. "I sought you out."

Ohana had no reply to that. She didn't know if a response was needed. She watched the ancient woman as she weighed her words and decided the best approach.

"You recognize me as a weaver, and while that's so it is also not as you think." Eurydice paused long enough to wrap Ohana up in so much intrigue the girl was waiting on her every word. "Not all weavers weave dreams," she said slowly. "Some of us weave fates."

Ohana peered around the back alley just to make sure there weren't others listening around. "I don't believe in..." she trailed away at the silencing glare on Eurydice's face.

"Simply because you disbelieve we must not exist?" She laughed, a cold and demanding sound. "Little weaver there is so much in this world you are not capable of understanding. I must ask you to take it on face value. Your fate has been twisted by the fate of another. This fate derailed your own."

Ohana had nothing to say to this. It didn't make sense and she couldn't pick it apart or reason with the woman about it.

Eurydice didn't bother over Ohana's disbelief. "I have been sent to get your fate back where it should be."

"And how will you go about that?" Ohana asked with her hand on her hip like a petulant child.

"I need to ascertain the damage first." Eurydice arched one perfectly groomed eyebrow upward. "You should go now. We will meet again soon."

Ohana shook her head and lifted a hand in protest, but Eurydice was already walking away at a pace that defied her ancient years. She could have caught up, but it was clear that she'd been dismissed. There was nothing else to do, but ponder this peculiar meeting and wonder when they'd cross paths again.

Prophet-able (open to Titus (and maybe Morgan))

2011-01-07T19:33:27Z

Gideon was practically gleeful. It had taken some pulling but he finally got Parliament to fully back his idea. Hamlin's protest, which usually quelled a law proposal immediately, went on deaf ears.

The law was passed and now it was up to Parliament to pick two new prophets.

Gideon had an idea in mind and he had already, carefully suggested his recommendation. He needed the idea to come from someone else, another official, since the man he wanted to step up to be a prophet was his "son-in-law."

He was more than gleeful standing on the porch of Morgan and Titus' home. Word had come down the pipeline that Titus was a strong contender for the position. Gideon would need to groom the man properly before he could face a room of Parliamentary officials firing questions at him. He needed to take some time and make sure that Titus was the exact candidate they would name as prophet at the end of the day.

Candlement Wishes (open to all)

2010-12-27T21:05:02Z

Every year on December 28th the denizens of Aylasia take a little time out of the day for themselves. They light a candle and then write down their wish for the coming year. They burn the wish within the flame of the candle to send it off in the hopes that it will come true.

Yuletide Haul (open to all)

2010-12-24T17:19:33Z

Every year on December 25th friends and family gather to share presents with each other, in an act of kindness, thoughtfulness, and genuine care. It's a day to let the people closest to you know how you adore them through gifts ranging from the simple and mundane to the truly absurd.

(Log) Bon Festive (Pete)

2010-12-21T03:59:13Z

Bingo: Admiring moonlight

Petera had spent the day with Oharu, they had helped each other the hardest part of the day. They held each other through goodbyes and comforted each other through tears. It had been hard on them both, it always was for one reason or another. This Bon Festival, Pete's wounds were fresh. After a long, hard day she laid down to rest with Oharu but sleep never came. She listened to the sounds of his breathing for a long time before she finally got up and dressed herself in the outfit she had been wearing through the day. She stepped out to her balcony after applying her favorite red lipstick and grabbing a bouquet of lilies.

The night air was cool and refreshing on her skin, the gentle glow from the moon illuminated her pale skin, making it seem blue. She faced the gentle breeze, leaning against the balcony railing. She closed her eyes and picked up a lily. "You've been gone for a while haven't you?" she asked letting the breeze take the flower.

She took another flower. "I wish I could redo it all. I had over one hundred and eighty years to be better for you, one hundred and eighty years to spend more time with you," she let the breeze take the second flower and picked a third.

"I could feel something Kiri, I could feel something the first time you disappeared and I knew something wasn't right when you came back. You're always going to be a mystery to us, you always were," she let the tears she had been holding back all day finally slip down her cheeks as she released the flower into the night.

"I never thought I would be able to come to terms with this, I never thought I could say goodbye to you. And it's so hard, it's so hard because you're so damn lovable," she laughed. "Of course you would give me a hard time even when you're not here," she took the last handful of flowers. "I love you Kiri, my little sister, my beautiful flower. Goodbye." She released the flowers into the night, letting them fly which ever way the chose, some spun away from the balcony while others drifted down to the ground and scattered. "That's so like you," she said with a hint of a smile.

A Real Death Faked (Backdated to mid-November)

2010-12-20T13:52:10Z

Warning: violent imagery

Aries managed to enjoy Kiri's opulent lifestyle longer than even Bonne imagined he would. He played nice with Kiri's siblings, wearing her face, her clothes, her sweet demeanor. Even he thought he'd get bored with it much sooner.

But then it got to the point where the sister became suspicious. It got to the point where her friends started asking questions about her disappearance. The thin veil of happiness at her return had worn off and now they were curious. Dangerously curious.

He found some papers in Kiri's pretty little farm house and practiced her writing until he had it down. He crafted a carefully vague note.

I think they found me. The troubles I had this summer have caught up to me. I don't think I can run far or fast enough. I love you, Pete. I'll always be with you.

He ransacked the house a bit with the help of some friends. He broke a glass in the kitchen as if she'd been drinking it, careful to leave some blood (that was not his own) on the edges of it, spattered around in a trail from the kitchen to the back door of the house.

He pulled some of her hair out of his head while wearing her face and caught it in the broken door frame he left as evidence of the assault. He cast a subtle spell that left the echo of screaming, the hint of pain and death in the house.

They would never find a body, but they would know now that she was dead.

(Log) Bon Festival (Evie and Oz)

2010-12-20T05:15:40Z

Bingo: Something small

To say they had been dreading this day was not to be saying the entire truth. Maybe it would help them, maybe it would change the way they felt about everything that had happened. Evie was the first to wake, she always rose before Oz, especially this close to the full moon. She laid in bed next to him, listening to his breathing, watching his chest rise and fall. She hadn't felt that sort of peace in a long time. After a while she placed a cool hand on his forehead, he shivered a little and opened his eyes. "Good morning," he said gently easing himself in consciousness.

"Good morning," she said, the warm tone of her voice smoothing over the distance between them. That honey sweet tone was the only motivation he ever needed anymore. He pulled her closer for a snuggle and kissed the top of her head.

"Are you ready for today?" he asked gently, not wanting to get out of bed and face Bon Festival again. At least he would not be alone this time.

"No one ever really wants to be ready to say goodbye to a child they never got to know," she said gently, that hurt feeling rising up in her chest again. She had wanted so badly to put it all behind her and forget but that was not possible, she knew she needed to face this and say goodbye. She needed that closure and so did Oz.

"I know," he whispered. "But we have each other."

"Yes, you're right. We have each other," she nodded finally. "Let's get up, the earlier we go, the better," she stood from her bed and smacked it gently. "Come on little buddy, let's go," she grinned. They both got ready for the day ahead of them bringing along the first and only gift they had ever bought for their first child, some daisies, and a sapling to plant in the child's honor.

They walked together, hand-in-hand to their own front yard where they stood for a long time, admiring the forest around them, the animals that snuck in and out of the undergrowth to check out what was going on. Oz finally made the first move. He walked toward the house and dug a little whole in the earth, letting his magic reach out and touch the soil. He placed the sapling in the ground, touching it again, letting his magic protect the little sapling. "We didn't know you very well at all," he said honestly. "But we loved you more than anything, we loved you fiercely and without question and we always will," he patted the soil and sighed deeply.

Evie knelt down next to the little sapling. "My love," she said quietly, her face brightening up. "I've been misguided these past few months," she said quietly. "I hope you can forgive me for my... insane behavior," she laughed a little bitterly but continued on. "I love you, I always will. I'm sorry you never got to see the world, I think you would have liked it. Me and your daddy would have made sure of that," she smiled again and stood up. "Okay, let's go," she nodded.

Oz and Evie, holding hands, made their way to the burial site where they buried what they could of their child. Evie placed the flowers on the ground near the little stone, Oz placed the teddy bear there. They both stood back and sighed deeply. "Good night love," Evie said.

"Good night," Oz said with a nod.

They didn't go back to the house, not immediately. Instead they walked through the forest to the usual spot just outside of Salem where Oz always went to remember his own father. They spent the rest of the day together, enjoying the forest around them and the peace that had settled over their own little world. They had finally said goodbye.

Parliamentry Power to Name Prophets in Time of Need

2010-12-18T12:42:35Z

In such times that the prophets are not able or willing to name a replacement to keep their number at the traditional five, Parliament shall be granted the temporary ability to name a new prophet by any process it deems fit.

In light of recent events I propose that we move quickly on this law so that Parliament may suggest two new prophets and the venerable institution can be returned to its full complement.

Proposed by Gideon Morrow.

Approved by Jackson Willis in the Year of Leaning Sideways

New Meridian News

2010-12-18T10:16:30Z

New Meridian News
Saturday, December 18th

Prophet Steps Down Without Replacement

Monroe Puissant, a respected and venerable prophet has renounced his abilities.

This news comes among a flurry of accusations from outside organizations. The prophets, which have always numbered five, have not been able to find replacements since the disappearance of one of their own. Many groups are worried that the prophets are losing their abilities, or worse are acting under the direction of outside influences.

Since Mr. Puissant has left his position the prophets now number only three.

Gideon Morrow has stated that he will pursue a bill which will allow Parliament to seat a prophet should the others be unable or unwilling to find their next replacement.

The prophets have been as much an institution in guiding and shaping Aylasia as Parliament. These recent events have shaken the public's confidence.

None of the prophets could be reached for comment.

Never Good at Obedience (OPEN)

2010-12-18T09:48:40Z

Bernadette was very good at whatever she set her mind to. She could learn whatever bit of magic Margaret set before her so long as she took the time and concentrated. She would have been a brilliant student if there weren't fifty million other things going through her mind, back when she lived in a place called Arizona, back when she was in and out of foster homes faster than she could adjust.

But one thing Bernadette was never very good at was obedience.

Maybe it was her sporadic upbringing. Maybe it was something innate about her. She always thought that a person was born a certain way.

Bernadette was born to break rules that had been set for her. She was born to break curfew and do the exact opposite of what was expected of her.

So when Margaret told her not to wander around this strange new place that felt so much like home it ached, Bernadette opposed her true nature. She stayed inside and learned what she could from Margaret.

Time though, she's a beast. Bernadette couldn't stay locked up forever and she couldn't avoid her nature much longer.

Once Margaret cleared off for work at the Parliament building, Bernadette slipped the thin leash of obedience tying her to their shared apartment in the city of New Meridian. She wandered close to home at first, taking in the smells and the faces, the noises that bustled around the busy streets.

As the day drew along she grew bolder and wandered much further, closer to the shopping district. There were fascinating windows to peer into and fascinating people to watch here. So fascinating that she wasn't paying attention to where she was going. She bumped into someone and turned with a quick apology. "I'm so sorry," she gushed and grinned at her first words spoken to a native of her new home.

(Log) Witchlight (Evie and Oz)

2010-10-30T21:09:18Z

Bingo: Witchlight

The light coming from the little cabin in the woods gave an eerie effect to any passersby who might witness it. Those inside did not seem to notice nor care whether or not it was noticed or not. Oz had no intension of stopping Evie and Evie had no intension of stopping. It had come to them as a sort of impasse, a loose-loose.

Evie’s eyes grew as she sat at her work table and the green light emitted from her charmed jars grew. “This is it!” she said holding the jar up. “This is what we’ve been missing!”

“A light spell?” Oz asked from his chair in the corner. He tried to keep his voice calm and clear of the disturbance he was actually feeling.

Evie shot him a look and sighed. “The concept stupid, the concept! It has to last, the spell has to be lasting, none of this temporary bullshit.”

Oz shook his head. “Of course it does, your spells always last,” he sighed.

“No. No they don’t. My protection spell didn’t last, my own body destroyed it,” she stood from her chair and looked at him accusingly. “Are you saying that it was my fault?”

“No, no, I never said that. I would never say that. Let’s get back to research,” he took the book from the side table and dove right in, researching again the thing that had been haunting him his whole life. He thought they had come to a place that was okay with his condition but ever since the summer time when Evie lost the baby she dove right back into her research with lycanthropy and spell binding. Oz hadn’t wanted to stop her as she finally seemed to be coming out of her depression.

Evie stared at him for a long time; her sadness and guilt replacing her momentary anger. It was true that she had tried to replace her sadness with researching the same old thing she had finally come to terms with. She needed Sam if they were going to get through this mess whole. “I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “It’s not you, it was never you,” she walked over to Oz and took the book away from him.

Oz pulled her into his lap and held her close. “I know,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry about everything.”

“Okay. Let’s forget this, let’s forget all of this and just… move on for real this time.”

Oz only nodded. He couldn’t make that promise entirely. He would never forget everything leading up to this moment but they most certainly would move on from this.

Like Clockwork, Slowing Ticking Out of Time

2010-10-03T22:50:26Z

Trix sat back hard against the tree, as if willing herself to be part of the earth again. A cloud of hazy smoke drifted up from her open mouth.

"Loitering's a crime, you know?" said a cheerful voice at her elbow.

"I thought you'd never get done," she replied. She stood up, raking her back as she moved up the tree. The scratch felt refreshing in a way she couldn't place, almost as if she were alive once more.

Andrew Mast smiled at his unlikely friend. "Lots of paperwork," he offered as an explanation.

Her reply was dubious. "Sure." Still, she smiled back at him, the points of her fangs showing over her lips. "What are you feeling tonight?" It had become customary to get something to eat for Andrew on their evenings together. Lately he'd been in a donut habit, something which Trix teased him about mercilessly.

"We had a box at the office," he said knowing exactly what she meant. He knew not to ask if she'd eaten. Most days he didn't want to know, but he could tell now by the flush in her cheek and the subtle way her skin went from pallid to almost pink. She'd gotten a bite before coming over to the mainland. "If I see another donut I'll burst."

She offered him a sly little glance, but didn't comment on it. "Feel like wandering the beach tonight?"

"Sounds lovely." He followed her and ordered them a carriage which took them up toward the New Meridian coast. The beach here was more grass than sand, but it was still pleasant in the late evening. The stars peered out in between clouds; Andrew wondered if they really watched the mages down below or if they occupied their time in other ways. He'd never met a star in person to ask.

Trix walked down close to the water. She might have dipped her toes in, but it would cool the fresh blood running around her veins. "Any interesting cases?" she asked idly. She had to step quickly away as a rather large wave broke.

Andrew liked to watch Trix as she meandered up and down the beach. She was the most beautiful and terrifying woman he'd ever known. He couldn't quite believe that she'd like someone like him, but she seemed to enjoy their time together, even seeking him out sometimes. "Nothing I can talk about," he replied, but offered her a bright smile. "There was a bizarre robbery the other day. I think it was in the paper. Someone stole a handful of potions down the Dark Way. Probably would have gone unreported, but the thief tossed the potions on the way out of the store and everyone who was doused turned into a farm animal."

Trix shook her head and couldn't help the loud and cheerful laughter that coughed forth. "That must have been a ridiculous call."

"You don't even know," he said. "Me and two of the guys had to go down with nets just to catch all the victims and make sure they got the antidote."

Trix enjoyed this little anecdote so much so that she reached into the cold ocean and splashed water at her friend. Her hand stung from the cold; it was such an odd sensation to feel cold when she hadn't since her death. That was how Andrew made her feel; he brought life back into her veins better than any victim had. She had been cold and predatory since the change. Andrew had brought back some of what Trix was before, when she was still a living and breathing thing.

Andrew didn't know this, would never know this, but Beatrix Teufel loved him, perhaps better than anyone had in his entire life.

[Thread] (Open to Miles)

2010-10-02T23:02:44Z

Waking was difficult regardless of what was still in her system - there would be pain, fear and reality yet to come. But as heavy as she felt, and as much as she would like to remain oblivious to it all, there was some urgency in her plight. She began to rouse and a few things filtered through the grogginess. She was stiff, in pain and cold. The smell hit her next and she was luckily able to lean herself over before throwing up. She opened her eyes after that - a little less surprised to find that she’d been put out with the garbage. She went to straighten herself up but her head reeled, and as she went to support her head with her hands, her arms practically screamed. “Fuck,” she muttered under her breath. She shouldn’t have woken up.

Esther simply sat there with the bags of garbage. They were in an alley by the bar she’d started out at last night. She wasn’t really aware of the time passing, but when she felt a little more able to deal with things, she noticed that it was around dawn. She didn’t really want anyone to see her - not like this. It was a little easier to straighten herself up this time. Esther peeked up one of the sleeves of her jacket and was disappointed to see bandage. As if the pain hadn’t been enough of an indicator. She couldn’t go home in such a state. Where she could go, however, was a mystery to her. Esther managed to stand herself up. It hurt, but she tried to ignore it. Walking came next - it wasn’t the easiest thing right now but she was determined to have it beat sitting in the garbage.

The albeit slow and painful walking helped to clear her head a little. It was still heavy from the drugs and all the things she wasn’t yet ready to deal with. But she was a little more capable of rational thought. She wasn’t going to return home with her arms bandaged up the way they were. Esther knew she wouldn’t be able to explain it and she knew what the logical conclusion would be. But she was in a fair bit of pain and she definitely needed some water.. so she had to go somewhere. The clinic was the logical place, but they’d come to the same conclusions and tell her family anyway. But she’d be healed. Esther sighed. She didn’t really have a choice.

The carriage ride didn’t do much to ease her stomach or her mind. When she arrived at the clinic she tried to explain to the nurse at reception that she had hurt herself but bandaged it up. She got a rather dubious look when she revealed the wounds to be on her arms though. Esther was told that a healer would be with her shortly - the bandages deemed enough for her to be able to wait until one of the healers was ready to see her. She went about trying to ignore the world then. Though Esther found that more than anything, she did not want to be alone with her memories right now.

PLACEHOLDER

2010-10-02T09:02:31Z

c.c

WILL FILL AT SOME POINT

[Thread] (Open to Miles)

2010-10-02T08:23:11Z

Information could travel in the strangest of forms. From the way someone took their tea to the more direct punch in the face. In this case, the first piece had come to him in the form of Morgan a day prior. The second piece had arrived just this morning - a simple note requesting his presence at a certain run down apartment later that afternoon. That was curious. He was curious. Miki had told him to leave it, as was her way. Curiosity killed the cat, after all, and she was no cat. She knew he wouldn’t listen though. So instead of hanging around while he got in trouble or stroked his ego, the mongoose had decided to go off and kill some curious cats.. or rodents or insects. She really wasn’t that fussy. That had led to Ajax standing alone in a florist pondering just what flowers were appropriate for the situation he’d soon be walking in to.

Aden had been sure to have a drink before sending the note off to Ajax that morning. She’d had another one after.. and a couple more in the interim. She had tried to take her time in getting ready - straightening her hair, re-curling it, then putting it all up with some rather sharp hair pins. She knew what she would - or would not - be wearing, and yet she tried on almost everything she owned in an effort to pass the time. Waiting was not her strong suit. And more than anything she wanted this - and today - to be over. But in the end it didn’t matter that she’d been ready for hours, as soon as the knock on the door came Aden realised that she wasn’t in the least bit ready for this.

He knocked again - a little louder this time. If the extent of their grand plan was to have him turn up at her empty apartment, well, the illusionist was disappointed. She could have been dead in there, he supposed, but he doubted Miles would have gone for that. Ajax was stalled in his wondering of what this was all about by movement on the other side of the door. It opened and he was met by Aden - who appeared to have gone to more trouble than normal with her appearance. Hadn’t they done this all before? “Happy Birthday,” he said cordially - handing her the red roses he’d decided upon. It seemed she was lost for words - a fact that brought him a little smile as he moved into the apartment. He had a quick look around to see if he could get a handle on anything. It was a little cleaner than normal.. but there was no scene, no Miles. That gave him an idea, at any rate. “Why am I here?” he asked simply.

If opening the door had been hard, not closing it again when he’d wished her a happy birthday had been almost impossible. But she hadn’t - she even tried to smile as she took the flowers and closed the door behind them. Fuck, she thought. Why was she doing this? Aden placed the flowers down - not bothering to find a vase or water for them. She’d burn them later. His question, while perfectly reasonable, took her off guard and she stumbled a little getting into the game they were meant to be playing here. “I want a new memory.. for today.” In her head I want a new memory would have come off silkily, without the need for explanation. But from her mouth it had come out raw and with a lot more honesty than she would have liked. She knew he would come today.. but she hadn’t realised just how much she wouldn’t want to be near him. She was starting to doubt her ability to pull this off.

Ajax considered her response. It wasn’t surprising that she’d want a new way to remember her birthday. It was surprising that she thought she could get that from him. This only fed his suspicion that Aden had been consulting with Miles in an effort to set him up. And it was all becoming quite clear how, he thought. She was asking him for something new to remember. Of course he’d give her something new - and traumatic - to remember. He was actually kind of impressed. Ajax decided to let this go on for a little longer though - he was curious to see how far it would get.. and if his suspicions were correct, of course. “What makes you think that I want a new way to remember today?” he smirked. “I quite like my memories.”

She’d been trying to pull herself together while he considered her proposal of sorts. It was difficult and his words threatened to crush what hope there was for this to go ahead as planned. But those words seemed to have sparked a little anger in her as well and she pulled on that - thinking that she could be on the other side of this memory battle if she could just pull it off. She moved towards him - it wasn’t so hard. Though that could have been because she’d inadvertently closed her eyes. She opened them and there he was - right in front of her. She reached out with a slightly shaky hand and gripped his shirt - leading him into the lounge room where he quite compliantly took a seat. “I was hoping,” she let her hair down as she spoke - handing him the sharpened pins. “That we could both enjoy them.” Aden wanted to cringe and Ajax actually did - which made her laugh. “Just, c’mon,” she said, trying to fight the urge to laugh some more.. or to cry or scream. She was perched on the arm of the chair and she moved on to his lap in hopes of encouraging him. They had to do this and it had to hurt.

Ajax let her lead him. He let her sit him down. He even took the hair pins from her. But he couldn’t help but cringe as she spoke - she didn’t need to try so hard. It seemed she got that though and her laughter calmed her down. Moments later she was in his lap. He stood the both of them up and moved a hand to his pants - though it went for the pocket rather than the zip. He retrieved what he needed - removing the cover of the needle with his teeth as his other hand gripped the hair she’d just let down. Ajax spat the cover to the floor as he rested the needle of the syringe on her neck and held her head in place by her hair. He presumed this was what she wanted. Well, what she thought would happen next anyway. Though from the look on her face he wondered if she’d thought this would go a little differently. “C’mon,” he smirked. He wanted her to send the spell out for Miles now but he couldn’t just stand there threatening to put her out. He plunged the needle in and expelled the sedative - letting her down gently as it took effect. The illusionist sighed. He’d have to wake her up in a little while and hope that the shock of being sedated was enough for her to call for the healer. Ajax needed to see him.

The fact that she should have expected it didn’t make her panic any less when the needle was pressed against her neck. She didn’t care if he didn’t get very far. She didn’t even care for the LEOs. When it came down to it - when the needle pierced her skin - she silently sent out the medical emergency spell alone. And even then she wasn’t sure she wanted Miles to witness this.

The Disappearing Act (open to Pete or Vic)

2010-10-01T22:03:41Z

Aries didn't like this one bit. First Bonne had him kill the silly, little, hotel heiress and make her body disappear. Then she had the audacity to have him stick around while her "disappearance" makes front page news. And THEN. Oh then. She had the balls to ask him to pretend to be the heiress.

"It's not like I spent time braiding her hair and getting to know her. You might have told me before I killed her."

"You're telling me in all the weeks you spent trailing her around that you didn't learn a few little tidbits about her?"

Oh that bitch knew how to rub it in. Of course he'd picked up a few things in the course of tailing her. He could put her face on and show off the mannerisms he'd picked up. He could probably pass as Kiri for a few days, pick up more as he played the part.

But what she wanted him to do next was almost inconceivable. Bonne wanted Aries to play Kiri for her sister or brother, who ever happened to be in control of the finances at the Lossehelin Hotel. She wanted him to get into the Hotel safe and retrieve something for a client. "You're telling me this whole elaborate set-up was just to get into that safe?"

She patted his cheek and offered him the most sympathetic look Bonne had ever offered anyone. Which is to say that she shrugged at him with an ironic hint of remorse. "It's a need to know job. You didn't need to know."

So it was that Aries found himself in a Kiri suit, waltzing into the Lossehelin hotel as carefree as could be, as if she hadn't been missing for over a month. He was going to wing this whole thing and hopefully retrieve what his client needed. All he knew was that there was a lock box in the safe and the client wanted the whole thing, no questions asked. Aries found one Kiri's siblings and offered a sunshine bright smile. "Oh my stars! What's this I hear about me having been missing? I wasn't gone that long, was I?"

Coming Out of a Stupor

2010-09-29T10:51:20Z

Maris sat opposite Hamlin in a hidden gem of a restaurant in New Meridian. Her smile was treading water, already sinking below the surface.

"Not a social call?" he asked settling himself more comfortably in the chair. His dealings with prophets were usually serious. He hadn't expected this to be polite pleasantries, but life had been so quiet, so wonderfully mundane for months.

"Monroe has voiced a desire to step down."

Hamlin's eyes opened wider as if letting in more light could also let in more truth. "Has he seen his successor?"

Maris shook her head slowly. "I have convinced him to stay in his position until we can find his replacement. I do not know what else I can do. He has been tired of his ability and position for many years. I fear he may do something drastic."

Hamlin had always wondered how Agatha had done it for so many years. She was the oldest prophet, one of the oldest, naturally aging Aylasians at the time of her death. Monroe wasn't nearly as old, but he'd always been fussy about his ability. "I'll look into it," Hamlin offered.

He didn't know what he could learn that the prophets couldn't. He had already puzzled over it for months. Agatha hadn't been able to name her successor. Her death had taken her by surprise. The prophets had convened immediately to see for her, to find the replacement who would step into her job. They hadn't been so quick after the mass disappearance. None of the prophets had seen it coming and afterward none could name a successor to the prophet that would never return.

Hamlin had researched, spent many long hours in every library on the continent. Rumors of a sixth prophet never named had come up in many of his readings. Accounts of mages who were gifted only in fortuna but had passed in and out of life without ever being named were numerous.

But through all of his readings Hamlin had never come across an instance in which a prophet could not name a successor. On the same account he hadn't read one in which their visions disagreed, as in the case of naming the new king, or in which they simply didn't see an event such as the mass disappearance.

The worry that shone on Maris' face was alarming. The quiet in his own life had lulled him into a kind of stupor. He'd been ignoring the building troubles, none of which were directly related, all of which left him feeling distinctly uneasy.

Maris nodded slightly. There was a growing knot in her stomach, a feeling that couldn't be suppressed no matter what charm she bought. Hamlin's assertion couldn't ease it, even though she felt confident that he'd put all of his effort into it.

[Thread] Last Minute (Open to Miles)

2010-09-28T13:46:50Z

It was possibly the first time in her life that Aden was early to something. To be fair, the reason she was early was due to the fact that she had been late in acquiring Ajax’s schedule. After her last meeting with Miles, Aden had decided to sit on the whole thing for a bit. She had been considering the impact their plan would have on her life - all the reasons she’d not wanted to involve herself in going after Ajax in the first place. It was, quite frankly, bad for business - and she didn’t get enough of that as it stood. She also figured that it would damage her sex life - another thing that was damaged enough already. Then there were her overall feelings concerning Ajax. None of those things had motivated her to move on it. But there had been a shift in her feeling as October approached, along with that recurring realisation that the only thing she needed from Ajax was for him to be out of her life. And that really, looking at her life, there wasn’t much to lose. So she had set about getting the illusionist’s schedule and now here she was.. waiting.

Aden had picked the place this time. It was another small coffee shop, and while not her favourite, it still served a decent cup of coffee. She’d gone ahead and ordered herself one, thinking she’d more than likely order another when Miles arrived.

[Thread] (Open to Miles)

2010-09-10T02:34:31Z

LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY showtime)

Aden figured it was roughly around the time Miles had set for them to meet. Well.. it was morning, at least. It was probably a smart move by Miles to make this in the a.m. - Aden would retain much of her agitation from the previous day on account of simply being out of bed.

He'd named some dingy coffee shop for their rendezvous. Aden hoped they served decent coffee. She didn't feel particularly confident of that fact as she approached it, however. At least Miles was easy enough to spot - a duck out of water if ever she had seen one. Aden, on the other hand, with her mess of morning hair and her expansive sunglasses, seemed to fit quite well with the establishment. "Miles," she said as she took the seat across from the healer. "They better serve good coffee here." Or else she'd be starting the day with a cigarette instead.

New Meridian News

2010-09-10T02:34:30Z

LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY graveshallnpc)

New Meridian News

Friday, August 20

Hotel Heiress Missing

The LEOs have reported the hotel heiress, Kiri Lossehelin missing as of this morning. Lossehelin has been missing since at least Tuesday evening.

Miss Lossehelin has been a staple of the Isla Partei socialite scene, well known for her attendance at all night parties and fundraising events. Recently Miss Lossehelin bought a farm residence in Salem and retired to a quieter life.

It is unclear as to whether Lossehelin has chosen to disappear from her social life or if there is foul play involved. A search of her residences proved fruitless. There are presently no active leads.

The family has offered a sizable reward for any information leading to her return.

Herp derp

2010-09-10T02:34:30Z

LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY showtime)

“When?” she asked first, as if the whole business hinged on her being able to find the time. But they both knew that Aden’s schedule tended to be more than a little ..sparse. “And what,” she conceded.

The illusionist had raised an eyebrow at her question. “How about now,” he smiled. “That is, if you’re not too busy. Aaand.. I need some things torched.” It wasn’t a complicated job at all - she probably could actually do it now. If they weren’t in the middle of a crowded cafe, of course.

Ajax had chosen the cafe because he didn’t want to deal with Aden - not at the moment, anyway. Obviously he wanted to do business with her, but he wasn’t in the mood for any of their other mess.. and he wasn’t sure that could be avoided if they were to meet at their apartments. And in terms of public places with good cover - you really couldn’t hear yourself think here.. and you had enough trouble trying to spot the people you were looking for. Though Ajax had somehow managed to spy a familiar face in the crowd. He wasn’t sure if she’d seen him.. and he wasn’t sure he wanted to be seen, so he looked back to Aden hoping the glance had gone unnoticed. Aden seemed to be looking at him expectantly though. “Sorry?” He'd missed something.</lj>

Her Hair So Red

2010-09-10T02:34:29Z

LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY blinkanditsgone)

Who: Aries and a dead woman
What: Aries completes a contract job
When: Tonight
Where: Cadogen River
Warning: for violent imagery

Aries stood at the edge of the river bed, watching as the body he'd just dumped moved downstream. It would get swept up in the current soon and become almost unrecognizable as it beat against the stones, shoved and tossed through rushing water.

He didn't understand why he had to kill this lovely creature. It wasn't often that Aries played with his prey, but this one had been a treat. He could still see her long, alarmingly red hair skimming the surface of the water. He allowed himself the briefest of moments to wonder who would mourn her.

Then he brushed his hands on his pants. He'd made an awful mess of himself in the process of killing her. He'd have to call the Butterfly Brothers in to clean up her little farm house. It had been fun trailing her around the house, dodging her clever little spells. It had been more fun once she was worn down and tired. He could take his time then, cutting and carving until she wouldn't recognize her own skin.

Bonne hadn't been too particular about the how, just so long as Miss Lossehelin ended up in the river at the end of the night.

Aries had seen to it and had enjoyed the contract this time around. But once again Bonne left with the eerie indication that he should stay close. She'd need his services again soon.

Power Struggle

2010-09-10T02:34:28Z

LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY inthemoment)

Amon knows everything Iris does. She too knows everything Amon knows. The only difference between the two was that Amon feared the easily attainable knowledge of his dark past at Iris' disposal. It gave Iris the upper hand when it came to controlling him. Holding the guilt he felt from his past over his head meant Iris was always on top. Iris called the shots and she most certainly made sure that Amon rarely gained control of the body they so unhappily shared.

It's my mother's birthday, Amon reminded her as she lounged on the bed in her room at the Sleazy Does It.

"I haven't forgotten," Iris replied as she exhaled the smoke from her cigarette.

Amon knew by her tone that she had no interest in letting him have control of their body. I just want to visit her tonight for a short while. Not the whole night.

Iris sighed, "I have to work tonight," she stated simply.

Iris, please. You know I go every year to see her, he pleaded.

"She's dead, Amon," she reminded him, "don't you think it's time to let go?"

He knew she was right but it wasn't the point. Even if he had 'let go' he still had a right to go see his mother's grave if he wanted to. This was my body before it was yours.

"My, my," she chuckled, "desperation has arrived quite quickly." She leaned toward the closest nightstand to put her cigarette out in the ashtray. Falling into the plush blankets afterward, she breathed in the scent of fresh laundry. "I love this bed," she mumbled, "Vic must really love me," she added. It was apparent that the elf had her bedding washed.

Iris, Amon wailed. This is completely unfair and you know it. I need to see my mother. I'm sorry that you don't understand what it means to me but-

"No, you don't understand," she cut in, "I'm not interested in what's fair, Amon. You can visit the fucking graveyard a different day." She sat up in bed when she heard a knock on the door. "I've got to work now so piss off." She slipped off the side of the bed and headed toward the door to open it. Waiting a moment before reaching for the doorknob, she smiled when she knew Amon had done as she said. "Thank you," she whispered before whipping the door open.

Secretive Snarkers

2010-09-10T02:34:27Z

LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY restless)

Margaret had been very careful about where she traveled in New Meridian. Her contact had arranged their housing, but not much else. She had to establish herself here and find a way for her and Bernadette to function in this world. Bernadette only knew the other world; it would be a struggle for her to adjust all locked up.

Margaret wasn't sure what to do about that problem just yet. She could probably solve the first problem a lot quicker if she didn't have Bet's well being to worry about. It was easy enough to insinuate herself into a situation here. At the moment she was peeking around the Parliament sector of town. It seemed like the perfect place for the skills she honed as a lawyer.

"Of all the people I thought I'd see today certainly not you," came a voice from behind her.

She turned sharply to find Nicodemus smiling at her like a feral beast that had been caged for too long. She didn't expect to run into anyone she knew and definitely not someone like Nicodemus.

"Not even a snarky reply. We must be off our game."

"Surprised to see you," she said as congenially as she could manage. "What brings you to New Meridian." The underlying question was more along the lines of what brings you to Aylasia.

"Personal matters," he answered with as much bite as he could manage in polite society. "And why so ever would a creature like you be haunting this part of town."

"As if it's any of your business," she replied in an almost identical tone.

He grinned. She was finding her footing again. "What name are you going by these days?"

"Margaret," she answered. That was one thing he was wise enough to know about. Some demons names acted like fae names; if you knew a demon's true name you could summon them and exert some measure of control over them. Very few people knew Margaret's true name. She hadn't spoken it in at least three centuries; Nicodemus certainly didn't know it. "Still running as Nicodemus?"

"The name hasn't run out of usefulness yet." Just as secretive as Margaret could be, he was more so. He was willing to change the subject already, on to more pressing matters. "What do you need?"

"Nothing I can't get for myself." As much as she could use the help there was no way in all of Aylasia that she'd be taking a handout from him. "I'm most certain I can make myself useful."

"See that you do," he said with a grandest smirk he could manage. "It would be a shame to waste talents of your caliber." With that he offered her the tiniest of bows as if she were royalty. "You'll find Aylasia much changed since your departure."

"I've already found it changed."

"It would be best to properly conceal your nature."

"I had assumed as much." His advice was useful, even if she'd never admit it to him. Despite that she felt the need to ask anyway. "Anything else I should know?"

"You're smart enough to figure the rest out," and here his smirk grew vicious. "You were always quick and clever."

"If that's all you have to share, Nicodemus I'll be off." She was about to turn when he very gently ran his finger up the back of her arm.

"Do look me up if you find yourself wanting some entertainment." There was the barest hint of seduction in his tone.

Margaret wanted to damn her knees for getting just the tiniest bit quivery at the suggestion. Nicodemus' game was all about seduction; she knew it enough not to fall into it. "I will do no such thing. If you should get the desire do me a favor and pop on out of town. Pop right on out of Aylasia." She wasn't going to stand here and waste the day exchanging barbs with him. She offered him the barest of smiles, a slight nod and then carried on with her business about town.

By the end of the day Margaret had a job as an office assistant for one of the Parliamentary officials. It wouldn't be too hard to climb ranks from there, or so she hoped. At the very least she felt more secure. With time she could help Bet learn more about the world she really belonged in. With luck she wouldn't run into Nicodemus again.