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Post by Nyte on May 19, 2021 22:07:28 GMT -5
Ivan Von Reich
It was a dark, dreary night. Thunder and lightening split the sky. Seemingly by the gods that now poured their wrath down upon the buildings of concrete, steel and sparkling lights. Most of the residents of Eastport had taken refuge within their homes or places of work to shelter themselves from the fury of the elements, but on the north side of the town, in a manor that was privately owned by one of the area's leading oil tycoons, cars and limos filed their way down the cobbled driveway to the grand entrance where valets waited patiently for the guests to arrive. Each man and woman waiting at the door wore a black tuxedo and white gloves as they held large umbrellas and sheltered the individuals that stepped out from each of the cars. The guests were dressed extravagantly in long evening gowns, expensive suits and adorned with ancient looking jewelry. Each guest was escorted inside to the cover of the main foyer and then the valets quickly made their way back down the steps to help the next guest. A dozen or so of them rotating this way with each approaching car. One of the vehicles that approached was a long while limousine with black swirling decals along the rear fender. As it came to a stop at the steps and the door was opened a tall dark haired man with a red and black tuxedo stepped out. He wore his hair long, brushed back wore a confident smile upon his lips. When he glanced to the valet who held the umbrella over him the man quickly diverted his gaze and gave a sort bow without moving the umbrella in such a way that would cause the individual to get wet from the rain. A soft chuckle came from him as he started his way up the steps and entered the main foyer. There were a few other guests mingling here. Either waiting on others or trying to ensure their appearance was flawless before entering the main hall where the party was being held. The man didn't pause. He simply nodded to those who acknowledged his presence and continued walking past them. Once he was inside the main hall he hesitated for only a moment as his blue hues took in the scene before him. Tall, polished marble ceilings with lit braziers hanging just a few feet over the guests illuminated the space. Soft, silky curtains and rugs were laid out across the floor along sitting areas against the walls and a long table with food that was more akin to art sat as the focal piece of the event. It was more like a social gathering for members to simply dine and converse than a true party. No dance space was left and waiters walked from group to group to ensure that everyone was happy and content. This was the first time Ivan had attended one of these events in a very long time. Normally he was content with his own methods of survival but for some reason he had a feeling he needed to accept this invitation. Walking down the carpeted path from the foyer and into the hall he made his way over to one of the open couches and sat down just a pretty blonde waitress approached him. "Good evening, sir. May I get you anything?" She asked him with a polite smile. Ivan studied her for a moment, taking note of the black collar around her neck that clashed with the professional looking red dress she wore. She was owned and off limits. "I'll have a glass. Bring me your best." He told her in a smooth tone of voice to which she nodded and stepped away to fulfill his request. |
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 19, 2021 23:17:28 GMT -5
 Adelaide Lyra Bennett“I’m not so sure about this.” A woman stood in an extravagant evening gown that was black with beautiful blue accents. The accents brought out the blue in her hazel eyes. Her hair was a lovely curl tasseled auburn shade. She looked down to the dress and then to the woman that stood before her. “Look, Addie…you’ve got to get out of this place one way or another hm? Think of all the rich men you’ll meet. You’re quite the catch. Maybe you can bring me one too.” The young woman chuckled, she had dark hair and emerald eyes. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun. “It is fate that I found that letter in the alley, don’t you think?” The woman drew in a long breath, “I don’t know…it seems like a big event don’t you think?” She sighed softly. “I’m not anything fancy, Lilian.” Her hazel eyes gazed to the woman. “You are. You deserve to get out of this home to make something of yourself. If anything, you’ll make connections. You can’t do that sitting around here tinkering with things.” Lilian smiled. “Come here let me do your make up.” Adelaide drew in yet another breath. “I…don’t dress up, Lilian.” She groaned as she was pulled over to a chair in the kitchen. “That’s what you have me for. Remember Hannah? I helped her find her way into the upper class. This is your moment Addie.” “But what about you?” Adelaide questioned carefully as she closed her eyes so her friend to do her makeup. “They don’t really want me remember? A barren woman is a curse under any roof. That’s partly why I’ve stayed here.” She shrugged. “Good company is another part.” She laughed lightly. “But to help you my dear? That will be a delight.” She chuckled lightly. “I managed to get enough coin for one of the nice limos…it isn’t as fancy as some, but it’ll make you look more important.” She smiled sweetly. “This is your chance dear.” Adelaide drew in a breath, “Alright.” She spoke as she stood. There was a honk from the front of the home. She glanced around her surroundings, she’d grown up here. She was an orphan from a young age, her mother had died during childbirth…her father had disappeared. She picked up a glass orb and held it out to Lilian. She shook it slightly and it began to glow blue. “I’ll come back, hm?” She smiled brightly. “ “I know you will dear.” Lilian took the orb and gazed to the magnificent creation. “I’ve never understood how you create such beautiful contraptions. You have a truly beautiful mind, Addie.” Adelaide stepped forward and hugged the woman. “I hope to invent something special one day.” She smiled as she turned and then stepped from the home. The limo driver was at the door as she opened it. “Oh hello.” Adelaide smiled she gazed up to the umbrella that he held over her head. “Oh thank you.” She smiled brightly. She didn’t know what to do with such treatment. She’d always grown up in the slums of the city, poor as can be. To even have bread on the table in the orphanage was something special. When she’d grown of age she’d stayed at the orphanage to help with the children. She had no where else to go. So she’d helped Lilian and the head master keep the place clean, keep the children in line. It was something that would put a roof over her head. She had nothing to her name. Adelaide gazed to the city as they drove through it, the cobblestone streets caused the limo to bounce a bit here and there, but the ride was comfortable otherwise. When the limo pulled to a stop before the venue her jaw loosened slightly. It was beautiful. The people were dressed so extravagantly. How could she possibly blend in? She shook her head slightly as the door was opened and a valet helped her from the car with an umbrella. “Thank you.” She spoke to him and he smiled back to her as he walked her into the foyer. She gazed around the room with curious hues. All of the people the mingled and chatted. She was far too busy looking around to notice that she’d already caught the eyes of a few of the men at the party. “A drink for you?” A server held a tray down to her and smiled. “Oh, um…” She glanced around to see everyone else seemed to have a drink or food. “Yes of course. Thank you, sir.” She took the glass and took a sip from the white wine that was within it. She gazed around the room slightly once again like a lost cub. She drew in a breath, just act natural…like you belong here. She thought to herself as she walked forward. She took another sip from her glass as her eyes gazed about the room. She looked to the groups of people and her eyes fell upon a man that sat on his own upon a couch. She drew in a breath as she remembered Lilian's words. She walked forward and offered a smile. "Might I join you?" She spoke as she took a seat on the edge, she took another sip from her glass. She hoped that the liquid would give her more courage to be at such a party. "I've never been to one of these." She spoke and then glanced to him. "I'm Adelaide." She smiled, her smile was almost infectious. If she did one thing right, it was her smile. |
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Post by Nyte on May 20, 2021 19:46:32 GMT -5
Ivan sipped on his own refreshment, wrinkling his nose slightly in distaste of the liquid, though he offered no complaint. A few times a woman, man, or group would walk past his seating area. Eyeing him carefully as if they were deciding if they wanted to actually try and sit with him. However Ivan's challenging and brooding glare quickly dissuaded them from making such a decision and they moved on to the next area. After a handful had turned away from his seat he smirked to himself and sat back with a small content sigh and simply watched the others interact throughout the room.
Women giggled or laughed at the small jokes men made in attempt to impress their company. Those who were still uncertain of themselves mingled along the fringes. Standing in small groups talking quietly as they tried to gather their courage and pass some of it along to others. That was the problem with these gatherings. Everyone was so tense, so ready to please in order to make a good impression on choice individuals. Nothing said or done was because of any real passion or desire. It was disappointing to say the least. Pitiful.
It wasn't until a woman finally seemed to gather enough courage to approach him that Ivan's attention was pulled away from his musings over others. His silvery blue hues turned to the woman as he took a quick appraisal of her as she lowered herself down on to the couch a short distance away from him. Interesting. He thought to himself as he leaned forward a bit and offered her a soft, polite smile. "Never been to gathering?" He asked as he raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly. "Adelaide is quite a pretty name. Mine is Ivan." He introduced himself and lifted his glass slightly as he bowed his head in greeting before taking a sip.
The feint light from the candles lit above barely illuminated the area enough to make his scars visible. However there were still feint lines long his cheek and across his mouth where the skin had not healed smoothly from some sort of accident. Yet he didn't seem perturbed by their presence as his eyes never left Adelaide as she sat next to him. "If you have not had the pleasure of attending before may I ask what has brought you out on this... dreary night?"
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 20, 2021 21:30:33 GMT -5
Adelaide took a sip from the wine and swirled it in the glass. She’d seen it done a dozen times, it had to do something to the liquid right? She smiled back to him as she noticed the slight smile that he’d given to her. “Oh gods no. Too busy.” She gave a laugh and then sipped from her glass once again. “Ivan.” She nodded and repeated his name. She lifted her own glass and then took another sip. She raised a brow slightly at him, he was curious man. She’d been to a few of the lower class parties around the area, most men wouldn’t take their eyes off of her. Lilian had always said she was gifted with the beauty of an angel. Adelaide would argue that it wasn’t a gift at all, more of a curse. She was more focused on her studies, her inventions…one day she would make something amazing. At least, that is what she told herself. She’d make it big, and she’d be able to offer money to the orphanage for all of the years it had held a roof over her head. She’d be able to help someone instead of always getting help.
“Dreary night?” She asked with a smile. “What you don’t like the rain?” She took a sip from her wine. “I find rain to be quite relaxing. It washes away everything that was once left behind, leaving a new slate to be filled. Don’t you think?” She tilted her head slightly. “Most don’t like it though, I understand that.” She gave a bit of a awkward smile, afraid that she wasn’t giving a good impression. She wasn’t sure what to speak of. What did the upper class speak about? What was appropriate?
“Truthfully I have been rather busy on a project of mine. I haven’t left my home in quite sometime, just busy I imagine. I lost track of time.” She gave another laugh. “My friend insisted that I should come to this gathering. She said it would be good for me to get out. Meet new people. Like you, Ivan.” She nodded and lifted her glass. She then cleared her throat, “I um…imagine I should mingle about, meet a few people?” She turned her eyes to the crowd of people. She bit her lip slightly before she shifted. “Perhaps I’ll see you again?” She gave a nod before she stood and stepped away. She had the sinking suspicion that she had interrupted him. He didn’t look too pleased that she had taken a seat next to him. Or maybe she had misjudged him. She wasn’t entirely sure. Adelaide walked into the crowd her eyes gazed about curiously to the people. The laughter. She watched how the women acted with the men. How they seemed to swoon and laugh at every joke. It was an interesting charade. Not something that Adelaide was used to at all.
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Post by Nyte on May 23, 2021 13:32:32 GMT -5
Ivan lifted his eyebrow with interest as she offered another perspective on the thundering storm outside. It was an interesting choice of words to him but one he found quite amusing as well. Truthfully he didn't like the rain because it forced him to be indoors rather than out and enjoying his own property which he meticulously cared for. The rain was, of course, good for his garden and such but still prevented him from being able to enjoy it comfortably.
As Adelaide continued talking Ivan simply sat back, sipped his drink, and listened. She had projects of some kind, though he couldn't begin to imagine what sort of things a woman like her would be invested in. Then again the nervous way she seemed to be grasping at conversation topics told him all he needed to know about just how she felt to be in her current situation. No matter the quickly beating heart within her chest.
"Perhaps we will." He offered when she rose from her seat and departed to go an mingle with other guests at the party. He couldn't help but smirk to himself as he watched her walk away. She was an interesting person. Most women here simply giggled and flirted their way into the graces of others. She seemed very different.
Ivan continued to sit upon his couch, idly drinking from his glass. A few more guests entertained the idea of approaching him but none seemed to be brave enough. Growing bored his eyes scanned the room for Adelaide, wondering what sort of trouble she might have gotten herself into. He found her just as a pair of men were moving in to approach the woman. The way they moved told Ivan they had a propose in mind and he didn't think it would be something Adelaide would really be willing to partake in.
Getting up from his seat he finished his glass and set it upon the table before making it way across the floor, adjusting his jacket as he did to ensure the button was fastened. If these two were going to cause trouble he would rectify the situation.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 23, 2021 17:44:40 GMT -5
Adelaide sipped upon her wine as she gazed about. “First time?” A blonde waitress asked as she stepped forward and offered a darker wine to Adelaide. “Try this. Maybe it’ll calm your nerves. It took me a bit to settle in, but it isn’t so bad.” She searched Adelaide’s eyes a moment, a soft smile upon her lips.
Adelaide looked to the woman, “They’re just rich…I don’t know why I’m so afraid.” She laughed with a smile upon her lips. She looked to the dark red wine within the glass and swirled it slightly before she sniffed it. It smelled much drier than the last wine. Her nose wrinkled slightly. “Thank you, for this.” She nodded.
“It’ll give you more courage, hm?” The woman spoke before she stepped into the crowd to offer up more drinks.
Adelaide took a sip of the wine and it nearly stung it was so bitter. She cleared her throat and walked about. She could feel the eyes of the strangers upon her now as she looked about with her hazel hues. She’d walked to the edge of the room, to observe a bit more. “Well, you are the most delightful thing in the room. Isn’t she Marcus?” A man spoke from behind her. This caused Adelaide to turn her eyes to this man. He was taller than her, she could see his muscles push against the tight tuxedo that he’d chosen to wear. She felt his hand upon her jaw as he cupped under her chin, a grin upon his lips. “I bet you she’s a real treat Marcus.” He snickered as he seemed to be inspecting her.
Adelaide’s heart began to pound within her chest. She gazed over to the other man whom had a bit of a wicked smile upon his own lips. “Um, I’m Adelaide.” She spoke, her voice shook slightly. Why did she feel so intimidated by these two? “I um…this is a lovely party, isn’t it?” She took a step back, her back pressed against the cool wall.
The first man grinned more when she spoke, he stepped forward and took the wine glass from her hand. He sniffed it and took a drink, “Oh? Lovely choice.” He spoke and chuckled as he set it upon the side table. “Adelaide.” He repeated her name and gazed into her eyes. “Yes. This is a lovely party.” He was just inches from her, encroaching upon her space. She felt as though she was in one of the pubs in the slums in this moment. “Why don’t you come along Adelaide?” He wrapped his arm around her waist. “This way.” He glanced to his friend and grinned as he toted her along.
“Where…are we going?” Adelaide questioned quickly. She tried to fight against him but his grip around her waist was quite strong.
“Well my dear, you came to this party. Don’t you know? I would have thought you would be honored to be chosen.” He grinned to her as he walked into a side room with her swiftly. The room was just as dimly lit as the hall.
Adelaide took several steps back from him. “No…I…don’t believe I know what you mean.” She spoke as she tried to control her heartrate. She trembled. She hated Lilian for talking her into this party. The rich were no better than the poor. They were all pigs. She felt his hands upon her hips as he pushed her against the wall and kissed down the side of her neck.
His friend chuckled as he watched the horrified looked in Adelaide’s eyes as she pushed against the stranger. “Don’t take too much of the fight out of her. We don’t get that too often anymore.” He grinned as he tilted his head slightly.
“Stop.” Adelaide gripped his arm, her voice was demanding in a way. The man only chuckled to her plea. She felt something sharp graze against her neck and a chill ran down her spine. She reached her hands up and she clicked something upon her ring on her finger, she then slammed her hands against his chest. A wave of electricity came from the ring and the man stumbled back from her. A growl came from his chest. Adelaide yelped as she turned to run but was grabbed nearly instantly, he was incredibly fast. She slammed against the wall and a whimper came from her. Her ring only had one charge, the time she’d used it before it had knocked the man out…but this man didn’t seem stunned at all as he gripped onto her. She winced as she felt a sharp pain in her neck. There was an odd sensation that followed. It felt like a warmth throughout her body, and yet…she felt as though she had been dunked in ice water.
It only lasted a moment before the door to the room was pushed open. The man that held her stood up. In the dim light Adelaide thought she saw blood upon his lips. Her breathing was rapid as he suddenly released her. “This room is occupied can’t you see?” The man snapped.
Adelaide reached her hand up to her neck as she felt the warmth of her own blood leaking down the side of her neck. She looked to her fingertips that held her own blood smeared upon them. Confusion was evident in her expression.
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Post by Nyte on May 23, 2021 21:33:07 GMT -5
As Ivan made his way across the room the two men who had approached Adelaide moved quite quickly. Ivan didn't want to make too much of a scene though. This was, however, the first event he had joined in many, many years. So instead he chose to simply follow the three of them as Adelaide was ushered to a private room.
As Ivan reached the door he found the knob to be locked but he simply twisted a little hard and broke the mechanism. Locks were to keep an honest man honest, not to prevent entry. It was also no surprise that he was met with a bit of outrage when the two men were suddenly intruded upon. "Good evening." Ivan stated with cool confidence. "I've come to collect my date for the evening." He offered and glanced down to Adelaide as she lay upon the floor with blood slowly seeping from the puncture wounds on the side of her neck.
"Well, I don't see any mark upon her stating she's claimed. So fuck off and wait your turn." The first man, who had been interrupted snapped back. The thirst already had its claws into him and prevent him from thinking with clarity.
A low growling sound came from Ivan as he stepped inside the room and let the door swing closed behind him once more. "I've come to collect her. You'll do well to step aside and I might forgive this little transgression." He stated in a more threatening tone.
"Vance.. don't.." The second man started to say to his friend but the thirst was not something that could be denied. Instead the man threw himself at Ivan as he pulled back his fist in preparation to strike him.
Ivan easily dodged the attack, stepped around Vance and before the pair could register what happened Ivan was leaning down to scoop Adelaide gently into his arm. "Hold onto me." Ivan whispered softly in her ear as he held her with a firm yet gentle grip.
"You're dead old man!" Vance yelled and ran to try and tackle Ivan but Ivan dodged once more and as Vance ran past him Ivan lifted his leg and kicked him with enough strength to send him flying through the wall and into the next room. There were a couple of screams from other people who used the private room next door but Ivan seemed to pay them no mind.
Looking to the remaining man Ivan seemed to challenge him with his glare but the still sober assailant was not as willing to start a fight with Ivan. "Tell our gracious host what really happened here. If you don't I'll hear about it." Ivan told him and walked back out of the room the way he had come in still carrying Adelaide.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 23, 2021 22:02:27 GMT -5
Adelaide sucked in a breath as she watched Vance lunge forward at the man she’d met before, Ivan. This strange haze overcame her, it was like having too many ales and floating in a dream all at the same time. A reaction that Adelaide did not know what to make of. She arms scoop around and beneath her, her hazel eyes gazed up as she felt the gentle grasp around her. It was the man she’d met earlier. Saving her from these brutes? She heard the crash of the wall and her eyes widened as she looked to the hole that Vance’s body had punched through. Her eyes gazed back to Ivan then. She’d read stories of those with supernatural powers. She’d read the books of vampires and werewolves and all the like. There was no logical scientific explanation for his strength. And, oddly enough Vance had called Ivan an old man. Ivan didn’t appear to be old enough to warrant the remark. But this wasn't a novel, this was not simply a story printed upon pages...this was real life. She must have been drugged. She was imagining things, seeing things...
“Of course Ivan. Apologies for Vance, we didn’t know she was yours.” Marcus bowed his head to Ivan, though his eyes gazed to Adelaide and to the blood that was smeared upon her neck as Ivan carried her from the room.
Adelaide closed her eyes a moment, working to shake the drunken feeling from her head. The hazy thoughts. “You’re very brave…thank you for stopping them…I…” Her eyes did not open as she spoke. She could still feel Vance’s hands upon her body, the feeling of the sharp stab into her neck. She shuddered. “I do not want to think of the plans that those two had in mind. Perhaps this is not a party at all that I belong at…” Her voice was soft. She finally opened her eyes to look to Ivan. It was in this lighting that she could see the scars upon his face, though her expression did not change. “I have no money to thank you…Ivan…” She spoke then. “I don’t very well belong here at all to be quite honest…” She wanted nothing more than to leap from his arms and run to the door. She wanted to rush into the rain outside and sprint all the way home. But, something kept her there, gazing into his eyes. Her heart felt as though it was about to leap through her throat as she looked to him. She looked to her hand where her blood had begun to dry. “I’m not sure what he did…I believe he may have drugged me, my head feels so fuzzy…” She muttered as she tried to make sense of everything.
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Post by Nyte on May 23, 2021 22:17:35 GMT -5
Ivan nodded to Marcus as he gave a proper, respectful response to Ivan's instruction. He continued to carry Adelaide through the ballroom, seemingly unbothered by her weight in his arms and even smiled to those who cast a glance in his direction as he walked past them. "It was not an act of bravery, Adelaide." He replied and brought her outside, through the main doors to where the valets were still brining in straggling guests or retrieving cars for those who wished to leave.
When they saw Ivan one of the men nodded and called something in over a walkie-talkie as Ivan stood underneath the awning of the entry way with Adelaide still in his arms. "Relax. The affects will take a couple of hours to fully dissipate. Nothing else will happen to you this night." He promised. When Ivan saw his limo pull into the front of the walk way he stepped out and into the rain, where he was quickly covered by a valet with an umbrella, and walked down to his ride. The door was opened and he smoothly lowered himself down, still holding Adelaide and slid into the seat before placing her down to sit next to him.
"Here.. let me look at that." He stated as the door shut and the limo started to pull away from the curb. He gently placed his fingers against her chin and moved her head so he could see the side of her neck. "Hmm, amateur. They always tend to rip the flesh." He muttered to himself. "Sam, do we still have a medical kit in here?" He directed his question towards the driver.
"Yes, sir. Look in the compartment below your seat." A man replied without turning around.
Ivan leaned forward and fumbled with something for a moment below him before pulling up a small red box and opening it to reveal an emergency medical kit. "Allow me." He offered and began to use one of the small wet cloths to remove the excess blood from her neck. The bleeding had already stopped but there was still a mess to be cleaned. "He didn't drug you though Adelaide." Ivan stated coolly as he began to prepare a small bandage. "He bit you."
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 23, 2021 22:36:16 GMT -5
Adelaide looked to Ivan as he spoke it was not an act of bravery. Her brows tugged together, “There aren’t many that would have done such a thing…” She offered up. She knew what happened in the bars around the city in the dark corners of the streets at night. She gazed to the falling rain, her hazel hues looked to the falling droplets and a smile curved up her lips slightly. She looked to the man who spoke on the radio curiously. They seemed to know Ivan quite well. Marcus had seemed to respect the man that held her in his arms. She gazed up to him when he spoke of the drugs in her system. “How do you know? Do you know what they gave to me?” She questioned softly.
She fell into silence as they started to move forward, she closed her eyes as she anticipated the rain to hit her face, when she heard the sounds of the pitter patter of rain upon an umbrella she opened her eyes and gazed to the man that held the umbrella perfectly over the pair. “What sort of high class businessman are you?” She asked. “They treat you like nobility…” She muttered as they slid into the limo. When he slipped her from his arms she drew in a breath, the change in position caused her world to spin slightly for a moment. “It’s alright really…I’m…” She tried to tell him not to worry about the cut on her neck. When his fingers touched her chin her breath caught in her chest. Her eyes gazed to his as he looked to the punctures. His words of the flesh being ripped. It was a drug…was it not a needle? How was she drugged then? So many questions.
Adelaide watched him with curious eyes as he reached beneath the seat and pulled the medical kit out. She drew in a breath and decided not to argue with him this time as she tilted her head to allow him to clean her neck. She pulled her hair to one side and gazed to him a moment. When he made his next statement she had parted her lips to question him when he stated that she hadn’t been drugged. Though her words caught in her mouth when he spoke the next statement. He bit you. The words hung in the air like stale smoke in a sealed room. She waited for him to finish bandaging her, as she waited she fumbled with her hands. “Bit me?” She questioned, an uneasy laugh came over her lips. “Like one of those vampires in the books?” She blurted out the question, another laugh came over her lips. “He must have used some sort of device that had a drug on it…I just don’t know what it was I…” Her eyes landed on his and she drew in a breath. “I can’t explain it…when it happened I felt like I was warm like I was wrapped in a blanket before a fire…and yet I felt as though I had been plunged into an icy river all at once…I’ve never heard of a….bite…doing that…it must be something new…some new drug….it’s always something in this city…” She was rambling at this point, trying to rationalize.
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Post by Nyte on May 23, 2021 23:02:59 GMT -5
Ivan continued to clean up the wound then bandage it. Once he was finished he neatly packed away the kit, tucking all the used packaging into a small baggie, and then slid the kit back under his seat once more. Once that was done he unbuttoned his jacket and sat back in his seat with a small sigh. "There's a lot you don't know about the world Adelaide, but if you decide to stick around with me for a while I can show you a lot of things.. if you want that is." He offered and glanced over to her with his light colored eyes meeting her own, darker hues.
"For now though, rest. We can talk more once you recover a bit. Then if you want to go home in the morning I'll have Sam drop you off where ever you'd like to go." He explained.
As they drove the rain continued to pour down outside. Street lamps illuminated the interior of the limo intermittently. Ivan would occasionally glance over to Adelaide to check on her but said little. He didn't even offer a smile but simply seemed to be studying her.
After about thirty minutes the limo slowed down and turned into a winding drive that lead up to a large house on top of a hill. Though it was impossible to see the entire structure due to the large trees that covered most of it. "Here we are. Welcome to my home Adelaide." He told her as the car came to a stop in front of the main door and he opened the door. There was a large drive up area that guarded them from the elements without the use of an umbrella as well which made it easier for him to help her out of the car without the threat of her getting soaked to the bone.
"Would you like something to eat or drink?" He offered as they approached the large, glass double doors that opened up into a brightly lit living room with modern décor. The space was spacious and had vaulted ceilings that reached up to the second floor with a balcony area that overlooked the living room with sleek black furniture and a crimson red carpet over the marble floors. "There are spare rooms as well if you'd like to sleep." He explained.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 23, 2021 23:25:27 GMT -5
Adelaide closed her eyes as Ivan continued to clean the wound and bandage it. The silence was almost unsettling. She gazed to him when he was finished and she watched as he tucked the kit away and then soon enough he spoke. His words caused the woman to furrow her brows slightly. She placed her hand over the careful bandaging job that he’d done and she drew in a breath. If she had been bitten why didn’t it hurt? She pressed her lips together as she watched him. She could go home if she wanted to. That’s what he spoke. “Where exactly are you taking me?” She questioned. She didn’t feel threatened by Ivan. Though as the silence had hung in the air once again she opted to turn her hues to the passing streets. She watched as street lamp after street lamp passed the limo. Her muscles felt loose and heavy, her eyes had ha hard time focusing in on the world that moved quickly passed them.
She gazed up to the huge home, her jaw loosened slightly. She glanced to Ivan as he spoke the welcome. “Oh…” Was all that came over her lips as she watched the home come closer into view. She stepped from the car with his help and she gazed to the rain as it fell outside of the awning. As they walked into the home and he offered her something to eat or drink she found that she was staring to the vaulted ceilings and the luxury that surrounded her. She pulled her eyes to him and gave a nod, “If water would help me feel better, I would like that…” She gave a soft smile. “You live here?” She asked as she stepped forward, her heels clicked upon the white marble flooring. “Your home is incredible.” She spoke as she gazed about. She drew in a long breath as she tried to clear the fog from her mind. “You said we can talk more once I recover…” She turned her gaze back to Ivan once again. “Why…did you save me?” She asked then curiously. “I wasn’t even supposed to be at that party…my friend found the invitation that is how I go in…she found it in an alleyway and she thought it would be nice for me to meet a nice guy…” She drew in a breath and placed her hand upon her neck again. There was the pain, she was beginning to feel it now. It stung. Like a fresh cut made with a kitchen knife. “I’m not some posh girl that grew up in a place like this…I…” She drew in a breath and bit her lip slightly. “I’m not wealthy at all…”
Adelaide gazed to Ivan, “I owe you quite a bit for saving me from those two men.” She spoke and flattened the front of her dress. She hated being dressed up. Normally she would be found in a pair of jeans and an old tank top with a button up blouse over the top of it. Her hair would be in a messy bun upon her head. She might have had a few smudges of grease or dirt on her face. That was Addie in her natural habitat. This was not who she was at all. She drew in a breath as she looked to him and offered a small smile. “I still feel quite…dizzy…” She spoke after a moment. “But my vision is getting better.” She let out a weak laugh. “Lilian would tell me to stop looking for the positives in everything.” She laughed then and shook her head.
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Post by Nyte on May 23, 2021 23:43:29 GMT -5
"Thank you.. to be honest I don't use most of the space. I simply chose this spot because of the mountain it backs against and the seclusion it offers." He admitted. "Please, take a seat and make yourself comfortable." He told her and walked over to a small fridge within a long counter against the wall. He pulled out a water bottle and walked back over to Adelaide, handing her the drink before sitting on the leather couch with a small sigh. His arm draped over the back and sitting turned slightly to face her as he brushed his fingers through his hair.
"You owe me nothing, Adelaide." He retorted. "You said yourself when we first met that you weren't used to such gatherings. I had a sneaking suspicion you had no idea what exactly you had walked into. So, I decided to watch and make sure that no one took advantage of you in your.. ignorance." He chuckled. "In the future I would consider it wise not to attend parties that you weren't actually invited to."
He paused for a moment, continuing to study her, before speaking again. "Nothing wrong with looking at the bright side of things. Helps keep you a little sane when it seems all the lights have gone out." He told her. "You'll shake off the affects soon enough and feel back to normal."
With a soft sigh he turned to face forward once more and picked up a remote from the coffee table to turn on a large electric fireplace in front of them. Flames immediately lit up the space and their shadows danced across the marble floors. "You insist that you were drugged. Despite me saying that you were bit. I have no reason to lie to you." He turned his head to look at her once more. "You were bitten, Adelaide, by a vampire no less. One who is a fledgling at best and allowed to attend such parties because his sire is of prominence. It's an absolute disgrace if you ask me." He seemed truly disgusted. "Those who have not learned to control their thirst need not attend such gatherings. Our livelihood depends on it."
"Blood is the thing that allows the essence of life to flow through your veins. A gift from the gods. The only part of themselves they were willing to give up to humans. Vampires, creatures of darkness and death, spat in the face of those gods. They rejected the god's gifts for the promise of eternal life from a demon. The first demon. However, he failed to mention that we would be stealing the gods' gift by drinking it from the humans in order to survive." He shook his head and then looked to see if Adelaide was still keeping up with what he was telling her. "Nearly everyone there at that party was a vampire or at least belonged to a vampire, familiars as they're called." He opened his mouth and allowed his fangs to protrude for a moment before closing his mouth once more. "That party is so that people, like myself can find new familiars. However no one there was someone I would want to feed upon."
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 24, 2021 0:04:58 GMT -5
Adelaide looked around the room as he spoke that he didn’t use the space much at all. “Shame.” She spoke with a soft smile. “But seclusion from the city must be a fine thing to have.” She took the bottle of water and opened it and took a sip. She gazed to him curiously as he spoke that she didn’t owe him for her saving. “You’ll have to tell Lilian that, she’s the master of getting people into parties that they aren’t invited to.” She laughed lightly. She stepped around and at on the couch her eyes looked to the electronic fireplace. The flickering of the flames brought a smile to her lips. Even though it wasn’t a true fire, it crackled and danced about like it were a true fire.
She turned her attention to him as he began to speak again. The information that came from Ivan caused Adelaide to fall silent, her heart began to race within her chest once again as he spoke of vampires. It was as if she was living in a book that she’d taken from her bookcase in her room. She took a sip of her water to calm her nerves. But it wasn’t much help. When he opened his mouth and she saw the fangs protrude her breath caught in her chest. “That…” She shifted slightly her brows pulled together. “You’re a vampire…” She bit her lip slightly. “I meant no disrespect earlier…when I laughed…about the books…” She took another sip from the bottle. “Demons are real too…hm?” She looked to him.
“Is that why those two took me? Because I am not a…” She paused a moment thinking of the name he’d used. “Familiar?” She was intrigued. There was this whole other world that she knew nothing of. “Did they aim to make me into a familiar then?” She rubbed her thumb along the side of the bottle as she thought deeply. “You looked quite bored when I first saw you…” She laughed lightly then and shook her head. “It makes more sense why you seemed so confused at me approaching you…is that not normal? Are we supposed to wait for you to approach us? Like those men…” She shuddered to the thought. “I don’t believe they had good intentions at all…” She lowered her eyes and then shook her head.
Adelaide then looked to him after a long moment of silence. “I apologize for rambling so much…” She spoke then as she searched his eyes. “I’m…not supposed to know all this am I?” She asked then as it dawned on her all of the information he had just divulged to a simple human.
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Post by Nyte on May 24, 2021 0:20:51 GMT -5
"Well those are the legends anyway." Ivan stated as she asked about demons being real. Truth be told he expected her to call him a liar, and laugh or to simply run out of his home screaming. Her stunned disbelief was not a normal reaction much less continuing to ask questions about the life altering information he had just laid before her.
"That specific party was for vampires to find new familiars. There are those that dwell within our world that know how we operate and wish to find a vampire to take them in. In exchange for blood the vampire offers protection and many other perks. A bit of essence of life in exchange for a good living situation seems a fair trade, no?" He asked and tilted his head slightly.
"Those two knew you weren't a familiar and therefore not protected. They were extremely rude and dishonored their sire, he or she who turned them, with their actions tonight. Everything that happens there needs to be consensual. That's how we've done it for hundreds of years now." He shook his head and seemed irritated at the thought of the other vampire's actions. "Honestly my saving you is a way of apologizing for those of my kind who don't know how to behave themselves."
He rose up from his seat and slowly approached Adelaide, only stopping once he was standing directly in front of her and looking down into her eyes. "My familiar died a few months ago. A loyal and sweet woman who simply had gotten on in her years. I attended so I could find a new familiar to share their life blood with me." He reached up and gently brushed a bit of hair from Adelaide's face and tucked it behind her ear. There was an obvious hunger to his eyes as he stared at her, but it was controlled. Reigned back through eons of practice.
"However, that is not why you were at that party. So I will keep my promise and simply return you home."
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