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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 22, 2022 21:15:49 GMT -5
Evelyn Carmine Heavy footsteps plod over the old wooden floors of the home. A young woman with short chestnut brown hair that was cut to shoulder length rushed through the home. Her eyes were a startling grey color – quite unique. She wore a hat over her hair that resembled that of a golfer hat made of a thick leather. A mossy green jacket trailed behind her from the speed she ran – much faster than most. Beneath the mossy green jacket she wore a corset with a white tunic beneath it and tight leggings with straps upon the side and knee high boots. She rushed down a set of stairs into a musty damp basement. She skidded around a corner to find a man that was leaned forward over a table of different liquids that were placed in vials and beakers. One happened to be on the flame as he carefully held another over it. “Brother!” The young woman spoke – only lightly winded from her sprint.  Ezra CarmineThe man with matching chestnut hair flinched slightly and a drop larger than he anticipated came from the vial. Crimson thick liquid. He watched with wide pale green eyes as the drop landed within a milky white liquid. It instantly swirled and bubbled before it burst into flames. A heavy sigh came from him as he looked to her, “Loud enough?” He questioned with an irritated tone. “One would think that you do not believe this to be important work, Evie.” He raised a brow slightly as he waved his hand over the fire and it extinguished easily. “There is a hunter in the city, Ezra.” She spoke in a quick tone. “Marcel went missing last night.” Ezra’s brows scrunched together slightly. He lifted his goggles from his head and a heavy sigh came from the man. “Well, we knew it would come to this one day or another. Didn’t we?” He gave a broken laugh. “I had hoped that my tinkering would save us from this fate.” He glanced to the table. “We didn’t move soon enough.” Evelyn spoke, she paced slightly. “We should have moved months ago.” “What and lose the business? I quite like your little art shop.” Her brother chuckled lightly. “Perhaps...Marcel isn’t missing, just misplaced?” He questioned with a smirk. “You know Marcel. He finds himself a fling and he is known to disappear.” He shrugged as he lifted the beaker full of pitch black liquid. “Take a seat would you?” He motioned to one of the chairs. “What do you think will come of your experiments anyway brother? You’ve spent centuries.” Evelyn spoke as she stepped forward and took a seat in a chair. “Well. I do hope to reverse this curse one day. Or perhaps find a cure for our ailment. The need for blood is quite….annoying if you ask me. It makes us weak.” He spoke as he tied a tourniquet around his sister’s arm. “And with you being the first...” He grasped a needle before he flicked her skin with a finger. “Your blood is the most pure...at least I would like to believe that.” He nodded to her before he pierced the needle into her skin and withdrew a syringe full of blood. He gazed to the crimson liquid a long moment before he loosened the band around her arm. “Wouldn’t you like to be free from the curse?” He questioned. Evelyn held a piece of gauze over the puncture, her silvery hues were now a deep red color. When injured that was the easiest way to tell a vampire from a human. Aside from their tendency to perform blood magic and lean toward the dark arts. “I don’t believe it is possible.” She spoke as she stood. “Besides...what of all of the others? Hm? Sure I might be the first...but those that made us...it didn’t stop with us brother.” She pressed her lips together. “We are not the reason that hunters loom in the shadows...those that feed upon humans like a buffet are the reason. I’ve heard the horror stories just as you have.” A chuckle came from Ezra as he placed her blood into a vial and tilted it back and forth. “Hm...this is true. But you and I have had plenty of years to understand our condition. Those that are turned and not given any guidance...those are the true monsters...yet I cannot blame them.” He raised a brow slightly. “It was not long ago that you and I both fought with temptation. But we were lucky to live in a time before machines. In a time where we truly could fly beneath the radar as we gained our bearings.” He set the vial down and looked to his watch upon his wrist as it clicked about. “Hunter or not...you have a masquerade to attend this evening. Do you not?” He grinned to her. “Don’t let this hunter deter you sister.” He grasped her thermos and uncapped it to take a sip. Evelyn pressed her lips together as she gazed to the thermos. The scent of blood wafted into her nostrils. She wrinkled her nose slightly and shook her head. “But what if Marcel was killed by this hunter?” She questioned and crossed her arms. “We will find Marcel.” Ezra raised a brow slightly. “Our coven has thrived here for nearly 100 years now. I do not fear hunters anymore. We’ve no reason to leave. Besides – they would notice you were gone.” He smirked, “That would be a dead giveaway to this hunter. Those whom flee without notice. That is a target upon your back. Easy.” He finished off the thermos of liquid and capped it before he set it upon his desk. “Right...right...of course...” A heavy sigh came from the woman. “I’ll um...just go to the masquerade...” “Right. You get the best sales each year at this event. Tell me I’m wrong.” Ezra grinned once again. “I’ll be there. I’ll keep an eye out while you do your work.” He assured his sister. “Come on.” He spoke as he walked from the lab and up the stairs into the finely decorated home. “Just – enjoy the evening, hm?” Evelyn shook her head slightly, “This entire world is teetering on the edge, brother.” She spoke as she walked with him to the gorgeous kitchen. She poured herself a glass of wine and drank a few large gulps of it before she set the glass down. “Did you hear about the fine white magic? I’ve heard it is all but gone. Then you have the machinists...this entire world is going to implode.” She took another sip. “You worry far too much about the politics of the world sister. In another 100 years this will seem like a blink of an eye.” He assured her with a smile. “Of course. Unless the world is blown to bits.” She raised a hand to simulate an explosion. “Then what? We’ve watch this steadily grow from a simmer to a boil over the last century. Yet we do nothing about it?” She shook her head. “If I am to be immortal. I would enjoy to have a world to live in.” She raised a brow slightly. “Don’t you think? Wouldn’t you prefer this.” She motioned to the room. “Over a desolate wasteland...sure we could survive. But how long would humans truly survive it? Would their blood be tainted by the nuclear waste? What would that mean for us, brother?” Her tone was sharp. Ezra rolled his eyes slightly as he poured more wine into her glass. “Evie. Just...drink the damn wine. Enjoy the damn event. You worry far too much.” He assured her. “Perhaps you do not worry enough, Ezra.” Evelyn spoke before she finished off her glass. She raised a brow as she looked to his leather vest, “Make sure you dress appropriately for the ball, hm?” She spoke before she walked from the room. ** Hours later as the sky turned hues of orange and pink many gathered outside of a large building within the downtown of the bustling city. Motor cars and bikes whizzed along. Men and women walked along the sidewalks, enjoying the views of the city, or heading into work or home. The doors opened and Ezra greeted everyone with a handsome smile beneath a simple crimson mask with silver swirls. “Welcome to Decora Carmine – please come in. Enjoy the refreshments and peruse the art.” He repeated this several times as others came. Within the art gala there were several different pieces with careful brush marks. It was something that Evelyn had grown quite good at over her long life. She knew how to shade and how to manipulate the colors of the pallet. Her art was truly unique and unlike anything else within the city. This allowed her to price her art at a higher value – and people were always willing to pay for a piece by Evelin Carmine. The gallery was open to a balcony above that was accessed by a curving staircase on either side of the balcony. Upon the balcony stood Evelyn with her stormy hues focused upon the crowd below. Her mask was intricately done, a piece of her own work that she’d spent days on to get just right. It was a bronze metal mask that held gears and tubing upon it to look like that of a machine. It dipped down on the right side of her face and covered half of her lips, though her smile would still be unmistakable. Two puzzle pieces fit together upon the mask over her cheek. She wore a beautiful black dress with a black corset that held bronze stitching to match with gears worked into the fabric. She drew in a breath as she walked down the stairs, a glass of wine in hand. Her silver hues looked about the crowd as they looked over her art, a smile curved up her lips. She loved to listen to the compliments – the true awe as they spoke of her art. With her identity hidden she could eavesdrop in on conversation. What did they like? What did she need to change? Without the mask she couldn’t hide amongst the crowd. Evelyn sipped upon her wine. She chatted amongst the guests and moved about carefully. Her stormy hues seemed to watch everyone – the thought in the back of her mind drew to Marcel. But seemingly as if to answer her thoughts the door opened to the gallery and in walked a man that she knew even with his mask. His shoulders were broad as he was tall, he had a bright fiery beard upon his jawline. “Marcel.” She spoke as she slipped through the crowd and grasped his arm. “Are you alright?” She questioned quickly. Marcel smiled down to the petite form of Evelyn. “Isn’t this a masquerade? You aren’t supposed to say my name.” He chuckled from behind his black mask. “I’m alright. Never been better.” A woman walked in through the front doors. He gazed to her and smiled. “I brought a plus one even.” He wrapped his arm around her waist – the young woman giggled lightly. Evelyn gazed to the woman – a breath left her lips as she saw a slight bruising upon the woman’s neck. “Marcel.” She spoke with a stiff jaw. He merely chuckled and walked with the woman into the crowd. A heavy sigh escaped her as she watched him disappear into the bodies. She grasped another glass of wine and drank it swiftly before she moved about the crowd once again. She grasped another new glass of wine to replace her empty one before she climbed the stairs and returned to her perch upon the balcony. Her eyes once again scanned over the crowd of people carefully. |
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Post by Raven on Nov 24, 2022 17:14:27 GMT -5
9-T2334   "Your assignment" a courier rushed forward. A woman stood at the top of a set of stairs that led down to the doors, within a beautiful victorian mansion. The place was highly decorated with red and black colors, every inch of the place was hand carved or delicately placed. Flashy vases of golden trim, with flowring plants in the corners. The woman turned and a letter was placed within her hand, the courier was already gone. "Hmph" she slid her finger into the letter and opened it.
9-T2334
Assignment: Protect Carmine Family, discover X2 intentions. Report weekly.
Task Priority: Gold
Task Criticality: Gold
Details: Interception on Vampire Hunter Sector X2 - interrogations conclude intentional attacks on Carmine family. Unknown purpose. Task is to determine reasoning and report any findings, while protecting the Carmine Family.
Daily Earnings: $2,200
And so it was - finally a Gold Assignment. She was awaiting this moment as she deserved it so, that finally she might gain a promotion upon the success of this mission. Her eyes were aimed for the High Council of the Blood Association, or as many called it "The BA". The society itself was hardly classy, rather it was that of blood and war. They were known as the strongest united force of Vampire kind, put together to defend and attack on hehalf of the society itself. The warriors within were not every a normal kind. Human Orphans taken in and trained as young children, then turned Vampire when their body was at the ultimate peak. The BA warriors were known to be the best in all arts of fighting. Martial arts, guns, swords, whatever they could get their hands on - could be a weapon of mass destruction. Of course - their work was not free. To gain protection via the BA - one had to pay a great sum. While they are of course intentionally there to fight on behalf and protect, their services were never free. The Victorian home she stood was one of many bases located all throughout the country, where she could stay for free. It was always stocked with warm fresh blood, the staff were always fantastic. Once the harsh training ended and she had turned - her time of luxury began. The years of crucial and horrid conditions made it all that much better. Though her turning was a some odd - 40 years ago now. A long lost thought in her mind. Her life was contract to contract. Slaughtering cult mages, vampire hunters, and even other vampires that bridged the gap of the acceptable. The BA was certainly not the governing body of vampire society, but rather the brute force behind that body... With that she was off - Nine dawned her BA warrior attire, all similar in some fashion. The markings of their organization was etched in red upon the cuff of her sleeves, and the collar of her jacket. It was a long silver jacket with beautiful red accents, a hood to cover her guise. below it was a thick leather corset of protection, with many belts that crossed her waist. Into a matching pair of leather pants, tucked into perfectly shined boots. About her waist was a single sword, and two large guns - more like Hand Cannons. A red short cape swished behind her and she head off to the grand city of Luka. The city was a massive hub of technology and power, a place of science and magic, the only real place where it all happened at once. It was a mosh pit of chaos, but also opportunity. Why the Carmine family resided here was beyond her, but she made her way. A long train ride, and then a motor-car ride in. When she arrived to Luka - another courier appeared...and then he was gone. There was two letters, one addressed to 9-T, and the other to 'Evelyn Carmine'... She opened the letter for her and more details regarding the assignment unraveled. An Invitation to the masquerade, and location of its gathering. The bottom of the letter stated to locate Evelyn and present her the offer letter... After an adventure into town she managed to procure herself a mask fitting of her outfit, which did not change. The same attire, though cloak down. She clasped the glittering silver mask over her face and approached the long winding pathway that outlined the huge fresh courtyard of the villa. The town felt filled with smog, and oil even - it left a kind of gross taste in the back of her mouth. She came to the door of the building and peered to the man before her, he wore a crimson red mask and greeted her. She handed the invitation to him and stepped inside. Her boots clicked on the tiled floor - the interior of this building certainly did not match the city's dreary appearance. It was impeccably clean, and it smelled of fresh lemons and tarts in the distance. Art was displayed in a spacious manner, a perfect flow was outlined from piece to piece to admire. People stood - talking idly, or peering to the pieces. She figured she would play the part, at least. On the train ride in she had read a file she procured on the Carmine family. The name Evelyn Carmine had been mentioned before, but she was not privy to such information. Though now she held some of the most coveted pieces of information just in her satchel. The first Vampire... much was missing on the how, or why... but information of personality, the comings and goings, was all readily available. The curiosity within her peaked - but she was trained to never dig further than the assignment... Artistic was in her file, and this was true. There was a depth to her paintings... Nine stood with a stiff waist, golden eyes peering over an intricate piece. It was that of a woman standing in the rain, though the rain was crimson red and every bit else was black and white. Though the depths in the distance felt dark and mysterious. "What do you think of it?" A woman questioned as she approached, a glass of wine in hand. Nine had not said a word since she entered - she turned her gaze to this woman. In all of her fine attire and perfectly done hair. Nine was simple in her way, other than her proud BA uniform - she kept her hair short. A fresh buzz on one side, black hair that rest angled upon her head, some would consider it a rather aggressive hair style for this day and age... "Her soul speaks in this one" Nine spoke, her voice was oddly a little deep, with a sort of emptiness to it. "The shadows in the darkness almost consume the piece, but yet they remain locked behind the frontal scene... which is of a perfect estate, nothing could be wrong. Except.. the woman stands - with hardly any markings of individual characteristics - you cannot tell who she is... no umbrella, and raining of crimson rain... the thing which consumes her most, but yet..." she pointed to the darkness once more in the depth of the sky. "That very rain keeps it all at bay, hm?" she gave a chuckle. "Impressive" Nine simply spoke and passed by the woman - who stood stunned by such an observation. The random woman peered in closer to the art to see what Nine had seen. Nine peered upward, golden hues catching one of the most interesting of people. A Golden mask of obscurity, and yet a statement piece alone. She gave a slight smirk and passed by several people. Nine's attire alone was unmistakable, if anyone knew of the BA - it would be impossible to pass up her presence. Nine came up the winding stairs to the woman above. "The Curator, I presume?" she questioned and then dug into a pocket. She held an envelope forward that stated 'Evelyn Carmine'. "Business first, hm?" she questioned with a raised brow... |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 25, 2022 17:14:49 GMT -5
Ezra stood in the entry of the art gala, a smile upon his lips, wine in hand. His eyes turned as he heard the fall of footsteps approach, soft leather boots meant for sneaking. His pale green hues fell upon a woman dressed in a cloak that he could never mistake, a grin split his lips as he gazed to her. “Ah, welcome, m’lady.” He spoke as he took her ticket and eyed it a moment. The workings of the Blood Association never ceased to amaze him. He ran his thumb over the intricate raised lettering upon the ticket. “Please enjoy yourself, drinks and aperitifs are on the house of course.” He flashed a handsome smile before he took a sip of his wine. It was almost as if he had been expecting her. He stepped over to a podium and set the ticket down before he turned his eyes upon the bustle of the party.
Soft jazz music played through the hall by a live group that was situated upon a small stage. They didn’t overpower the room, their volume was just enough to notice that they were there over the low rumble of voices as the people mingled. Laughter carried over the crowd as a few took to the free drinks a bit more than others, but that was to be expected. At least within the city at such high class events there was always at least one of those.
Evelyn gazed over the crowd with her silvery hues. Her eyes didn’t miss the entry of the mysterious woman in her cloak. The attire wasn’t exactly fitting for the masquerade. Many wore lavish dresses and tuxes. Her brows pulled together slightly as she watched the woman hand over her ticket to her brother – the smile on his lips as he greeted her. She followed the woman with her eyes as she set her half full wine glass down on the balcony and spun it about within her fingertips.
“It’s a fine turn out this evening.” A voice spoke.
Evelyn turned her eyes to the man – expressionless. She didn’t want to look away from this mysterious stranger. “Ah yes, quite a few came.” She gave a smile – though it was not genuine. Evelyn looked over the man whom wore a fine tux with a top had and a white mask with what looked like blood splattered over it. Though it wasn’t real blood, Evelyn knew that. She’d smell it if it were real. “Are you enjoying the party?” She asked to make small talk.
The man moved a bit closer to Evelyn and gazed over the crowd. “Of course. I hear the artist is quite the mystery herself.” He replied as he shifted to look down over the crowd. “Though, who is to know if she is even at this event.” He spoke then grinned to her.
“Oh yes, I’ve heard she is quite the interesting one.” Evelyn didn’t skip a beat. She smirked slightly, “Perhaps you should keep looking. I’m sure she is around here somewhere.”
The man chuckled lightly before he shifted. He nearly knocked the wine from Evelyn’s hand – his own hand clasped over the top of the glass. His eyes locked on hers for a long moment as he held his hand over her glass. “I will do my best. I’m no detective.” He spoke before he stepped away without another word.
Evelyn lifted her glass to take a drink but a strong wiff of something filled her nostrils. She pulled her glass away and swirled it slightly, inspecting the glass. A frown came over her expression. Was that the hunter? He wasn’t that big of a fool was he? She scoffed slightly as she swirled the liquid again, she muttered something under her breath just as she heard another voice. Her silvery hues turned to see the cloaked woman. Her eyes looked over the woman as her words washed over her. Then the envelope was offered forward.
“I should have known that was a BA cloak.” A smirk curved up her lips. She looked back down to the crowd to see her brother as he gazed up toward them with a smile upon his lips. “You’re quite right. I’m the curator.” A chuckle came from her lips. “Now...business then.” She spoke before she turned her back to the crowd below. “Come along.” She led the woman away from the crowds and into a hidden door in the back. She pressed her hand against one of the stone tiles and it scanned her palm. Then the door opened with ease.
Evelyn walked into a tidy office that held several different pieces that were in the midst of work. She had darkness in many of her pieces. It was what drew people to her art. The sense of realism. That gut wrenching feeling. The emotion behind her art and the way it flowed. Evelyn set the envelope down upon her desk and stepped to the balcony where she poured out the wine and a sigh escaped her lips. “You know.” She spoke as she came back to the desk. “I truly hate wasting a good wine. Especially vintage.” She clicked her tongue slightly. “But I do suppose that is worth it over being poisoned with gods know what.”
She lifted the envelope and then a small envelope opener that looked like a miniature rapier sword. “Business then.” She spoke as she sliced open the letter. She set the opener down with a clink upon the wooden desk and slipped the letter out as she leaned her hip against the old mahogany wood. The craft of the desk was clearly not from this time, an antique that Evelyn surely appreciated for its artistic design with the carefully hand carved edges. Evelyn gazed to the letter with almost curious eyes.
Miss Evelyn Carmine,
The Blood Association has been made aware of a possible threat to your life. We have sent 9-T2334 to assist you against this threat and ensure your safety. This will be at a cost of $2,500 per day of use of our agent. If you so choose to use our services – our agent will get in contact with us and we will determine payment.
Regards,
Agent Luca
Evelyn’s brows rose slightly as she read over the letter, a chuckle came over her lips. “Short and to the point, isn’t he?” She lifted her eyes as she still held the letter in her hands. She gazed over the woman’s attire for a moment before she drew in a breath. “This is not the first threat that I’ve had to my life, dear.” She gave a slight smirk then, “Though, usually it isn’t simply a death threat, as I doubt this will be. I’m certain that Luca in his ultimate wisdom knows this as well.” She set the letter down. “You’ll have to dress different.” She commented. “If you want the job.” She stepped over to a cabinet and pulled out a new glass and a vintage bottle of wine. “The circle that I am involved in will know the moment that you step into the room that you are not simply an associate of mine or a friend.” She raised a brow slightly as she glanced over her shoulder to the woman. She poured the glass then, the deep red color of the wine sloshed about slightly before she set the bottle down and took a long inhale.
“In all my years I have yet to be approached by the BA.” She spoke, a soft laugh came over her lips once again. “So...you’ll have to tell me what you need from me in order to function effectively. I can pay you after the event of course. Do you prefer a wire transfer or actual cash? I can do either one.” Evelyn seemed completely unbothered by the price. “Would you like a glass?” She asked before she took another sip of her own. “250 year old vintage – the crisp of the grape is just...” She grinned and then laughed once again. It was clear that she’d had a few drinks this evening, but she was no where near drunk, just a relaxed state. “It’s nearly as good as the blood that we need to live.” She finished her statement a few moments of silence later.
Evelyn stepped over to her desk and pressed her lips together a moment. “What do I call you? The letter states you are agent 9-T2334. That is...not very easy to call across a room.” She smirked. “I’m certain you know my name since you’ve been contracted to me. But I am Evelyn Carmine, you may call me Evie if you’d like, my brother does.” She smiled then before she took another sip of her wine.
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Post by Raven on Nov 25, 2022 21:01:05 GMT -5
Nine raised a brow as the woman turned and lead her into a hidden office, she eyeballed the scanner briefly and followed behind her. She glanced back before the door shut – as if to see if anyone were following. She did not spent much time looking at the paintings, simply she stood before the desk with her hands clasped before her waist, waiting patiently. She did not respond to her words post the reading of the letter, she remained cold and still even yet.
As the woman mentioned she would dress differently – Nine glanced upward and scoffed slightly. “I apologize, Miss Carmine, but my attire will remain the same. There is a power behind the thread, you know, and they know – when I enter the room. I can tell the uncertainty of the guilty immediately, I invoke fear, or respect. That is the purpose of the attire, after all. A warning sign to those who are around you…. You might heed its power. If the moment requires it – I may dawn a different attire as guise, however” she lifted a brow. “It is not a job for me to accept or deny, only for you to claim. The Blood Association stands ready, but we are not a servitude, whatever happens will be as I see fit. Do we have an agreement, Miss Carmine?” she raised a brow. Her voice was stern, with a hint of coldness in the depths of her voice.
“If we are to proceed – then you can address me as Nine. It is best if I stay at your place of residence, but I cannot – I can make due otherwise. The group who we have intel on such plans is Vampire Hunter Sector X2. We know that they have recently been working with Doctor Xavius.” She paused to let that sink in. The doctor who had started it all…
“We are not aware of what their intentions are. I cannot assume anymore than that – my job is to protect you, and investigate. I can begin with understanding this weak attempt at poisoning you…” she reached forward to the empty wine glass that sat on the table. She lifted the wine glass briefly and stuck her finger into it and took a sniff. “I will have to have this analyzed…” she lifted a brow and set it down. “I take it your life is attempted frequently, the greatest of bounties for a hunter, no doubt…” she sighed softly.
“And… a wire transfer will be fine enough. Come, let us mingle before the crowd suspects anything else…” she lifted her glass of wine, to play the part so to speak. She held the glass between her fingers and made for the door. The door slid open and parted for her. As they made their way out – she came to the balcony ledge. “Point out the one who attempted you…” she spoke softly, glancing outward. She did not sip her wine, she simply held it comfortably. Her eyes studied the room as she took it in – she took mental notes on each person she saw. What they wore, how they stood, their voice inflection, everything she possibly could.
“Do not let me keep you from your event, please” she bowed her head and nodded, her eyes peering over. She felt the occasional glance her way, but she simply observed. Hunting for the most suspicious of people – her job had started the moment she walked in. This was no joyful peruse for her… but she was one of the best, for a reason…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 25, 2022 22:54:21 GMT -5
The stillness of the woman caused Evelyn to look to her a few times while she had been reading the letter. Though, what did she expect from a child that was raised to be a soldier? She knew how the Blood Association worked. Years ago they had requested her assistance in the program. She turned them down, rather harshly. It was surprising that they had even offered one of their agents to her. She didn’t believe in turning humans into vampire soldiers. She wanted to end the madness that she lived within. At least – the immortality – the constant need for warm blood to fill her stomach and fuel her body. As the woman responded a playful smile came to Evelyn’s lips. She wasn’t used to anyone standing up to her. In fact, few argued with her about anything. It was a welcomed change of pace. “You have that well rehearsed don’t you?” She spoke with a smirk upon her lips. The cold nature of how the woman spoke intrigued Evelyn – that was evident in the way she smiled. “Nine, hm?” She pressed her lips together. “I can manage that.” She took a sip of her wine. “I have plenty of space at my home for you to stay in. That won’t be a problem, Nine.” She listened as the woman spoke of the hunter group, Sector X2. It didn’t mean anything to her of course. But she seemed to play along well with a nod of her head. Though as the woman mentioned the name Xavius her breath caught in her chest. The very doctor whom had experimented on her. The one whom had made her into the monster that she was – years ago. He had readily turned himself into a vampire after it worked on her. So many died before her. So many suffered at his hands. What would he want with her? She hadn’t heard from him in well over 200 years. “I can’t imagine that Dr. Xavius has any good intentions about him. He doesn’t have a bone in his body that is good.” She remarked before she pressed her lips together again as Nine began to speak more. A chuckle came from Evelyn when Nine mentioned that her life was attempted frequently. “When you’ve been alive as long as I have, hun, it becomes a game.” She grinned then. “I’ve moved from city to city, this is the longest we have settled in one place and...as much as I could easily move...” She tilted her head from side to side. “I agree with my brother, I do like it here. I love my little art gallery.” She chuckled lightly. “So what is a poison to do? I can smell it.” She winked before she sighed and took a sip from her wine. “Ah yes, of course. Mingling is the best part of the evening. Isn’t it?” She smiled as she walked toward the door and followed Nine to the balcony. “Hm...” She scanned the crowd. Her eyes fell upon the man then, he stood before a piece of art that depicted the rolling dark clouds of a storm before the face of a great mountain. “That one, with the white mask that looks to have blood on it. Don’t worry, it isn’t blood.” She chuckled lightly. Evelyn smirked as she glanced to Nine, “You’re not keeping me at all, Nine. I find you interesting.” She spoke before she stepped away and down the spiraled stairs back to the main floor. She made her way through the crowd and mingled about. She laughed with those that spoke to her and seemed to genuinely have a good time. “Thank you for coming.” Ezra walked over to Nine, “I only send word yesterday. So that’s quite impressive. Don’t take anything that my sister may have said to heart. She’s her own creature.” He spoke as he slipped around Nine. “Do tell me if I can assist you in anything.” He spoke as he moved back into the crowd of people. He was gone as quickly as he’d come. Evelyn stood before another one of her pieces – her eyes gazed over the careful brush marks that she’d made to craft it. It was of a blurry body that sat upright as if at attention to something. The face and head above the jaw were but smokey lines. The piece was titled ‘lost soul’. A woman walked up next to her, “I want to purchase this one. It speaks on so many levels.” She spoke and took a sip of her wine. Evelyn merely looked to her with a smile upon her lips. “That’s what this event is for, isn’t it? To find the right piece to take home.” She gazed back to the piece for a long moment, “It would be an honor to sell you the piece, Mayor Jennings.” The woman stiffened slightly and then gave an uneasy laugh. “I...I would love to take it home.” She smiled and gazed to Evelyn. “Your art is so rich with life, Miss Carmine.” She smiled, “I am always amazed at each showcase that you have.” She chuckled lightly. Before she took a sticky note with a number upon it and placed it on the upper right hand corner of the piece. It was how Evelyn knew who to charge, it also helped her to package it and deliver it. Each person whom bought a ticket was assigned a specific number. It was genius really. Others could see that someone had already purchased the piece and this would drive them to want to buy one of their own, and so on. “Have a lovely evening.” Evelyn spoke as she stepped away to mingle among other guests. She paused as she found herself staring into the eyes of the strange man from before. “How are you enjoying the wine this evening?” He asked before he sipped from his own. “Oh, it is delightful. I had to get another fresh glass.” She smiled back to him. “I can’t get enough of this.” She swirled the wine around in her glass and then smiled to him again. “Did you find who you were looking for.” “Of course.” He replied simply. “But only time will tell.” He grinned to her. “I can grab you another wine if you’d like.” He offered. “Oh no, I’m quite particular one my wine selection.” She replied as she slipped through the crowd to get away from him. She quickly found her brother. “Ezra.” She spoke, her tone was a bit sharp. “Did you ask the BA for help?” She questioned, her eyes narrowed slightly. Ezra smiled to his sister, a chuckled came over his lips. “Evie don’t look so mad.” He spoke as he reached forward and touched her shoulder. “Your big brother has to look out for you. Huh?” He chuckled and then gazed to the crowd, his eyes seemed to search for the agent but she had escaped his gaze long ago. “If we are to stay here, then it is a necessary evil..” He replied and then shrugged. Evelyn scoffed slightly and rolled her eyes. “If you hadn’t talked me into this art gala I would have left years ago.” She remarked, before a sigh came from her. “But, thank you brother...I guess.” She smirked to him before she walked off into the crowd to mingle once again. This dance continued until the hall was empty of people. Evelyn was walking around with a notepad and pen to each painting. Nearly every painting had sold. A smile rest upon her lips as she wrote down numbers and the painting and moved to the next. Her eyes found Nine and she smirked to her. “Find anything out?” She questioned curiously. “Once I am done here we will head back to my estate.” She spoke as she jotted down another number and walked to another painting. |
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Post by Raven on Dec 11, 2022 23:25:43 GMT -5
Nine raised a brow as the woman reacted to the mention of Xavius. That striking confidence had a lingering hint of fear that festered in the gentle aura that Evelyn attempted to pertrude. Nine turned her gaze away from the woman as they head for the balcony, looking over the party of people. She spied her eyes on the man who attempted Evelyn, she trained in on him for a long moment. He had a glass of wine in his hand, half empty, he idly spoke to a woman near by... though his eyes seemed tirelessly searching.
"Enjoy the evening" Nine nodded to Evelyn and she lifted a brow. She stepped away from the Balcony and made her way towards a bathroom. She opened the swinging door to several stalls, a few were taken. She stepped inside and dug through an interior pocket - she withdrew a small red vial and uncorked it. She downed the drink and she held her hand upward. It glowed gently and her image began to change.
It was magic of illusion, a very rare gift that came with her vampire capabilities. She could take on the appearance of whom she drank, if chosen. This was incredibly handy for her craft, a primary reason as to why she was considered to be one of the best in her ranks. Her black hair turned to a curly blonde, it fluttered about her shoulders in tassels of golden locks. Her eyes transitioned to a gentle blue, her face as soft as ever with the smallest hint of red. She no longer wore her uniform either, rather she wore a slim fitting red dress that cupped her bosom heathily. There was a single slit down the side of the dress that exposed her thigh in a revealing way. This look was all too intentional - the premium example of a perfect woman of their time.
Nine pulled her mask back to her eyes and clasped it into place and she left the stall - her heels clicking on the flooring as she left. There was no trace of her previous form... and her current was so convincing that even her scent had changed, her voice also a higher pitch - soft like its original keeper. She smiled to a passing person and she made her way to a painting.
She released a soft sigh and she tilted her head to the painting. It was a mountain scape with darkness swelling in the background. Tendrils of shadows reached forward and consumed the colored forest below, seeping into the lake. It appeared nearly alive as she glanced to it. She backed up to take a closer look - and knocked right into someone.
She released a gasp - her voice squeeking slightly. "Oh Gods-" she turned to peer to the man that she knew to be the one who attempted Evelyn. She reached forward and quickly grasped the wine glass that teetered in his hand - keeping it from falling and spilling over his coat. "I am so sorry" she released a sigh. This woman was hardly her at all, but that was the trick - acting the part. A few gasping breaths and she finally settled
"Oh, not to worry. I'd take a glass of wine to the chest any given day for you" the man smirked and glanced to the painting that she peered to. "So dark... you fancy this?" he questioned, purring nearly.
"Oh, well. I can admire the work, certainly." she turned to him with rosy cheeks. "Are you familiar with the artist?" she questioned eagerly.
"Oh, a good friend of mine suggested I come... Unfortunately I am not too aware of her" he admitted, giving a broken smile to her as he took a sip.
"Oh? Evelyn is easily a master. You don't have to love her themes to appreciate the amazing work, see these here" she pointed to the tendrils. "There is a mastery to dark colors that layer each other and yet still have contrast. And the movement within the painting makes it appear nearly film" she chuckled. "I wish I could afford such a piece, how I'd love for her work in my own home"
"You cannot afford it? You look like you could buy the moon, if you pleased" he glanced her up and down.
"Oh, thank you" she blushed and hid her cheeky smile. The heavy flirting was strong between the two. "Um, no. I mean, my beauty is about all I have. I am not shy to hide that weapon" she smirked to him and then peered back to it.
"I love a confident woman" he chimed back and finished his glass.
"So, you collect?" she questioned with a raised brow.
"Just an admirer" he nodded and looked to the painting.
"Tell me what you like then" she nodded to him, her ocean eyes peered back to the painting.
"Hmm..." he thought for a moment. Though the way he gripped his chin uncomfortably, the wavering in his voice. She knew he didn't know shit about art, nor did he care. He dug deep for something meaningful in the art. "You are right, about the darkness details. How does one make a lake in pitch black appear to be a lake, so clearly?" he questioned.
She chuckled and nodded "Exactly, you get it" she grasped his elbow and lead him away from the painting. They walked in sync for a few moments and she glanced up to him. "What is your name?" she questioned. "I know, masqurade and all, but -"
"Genroe" he glanced to her "You?"
"Vivienne" she smiled to him. She reached forward and plucked a hair from his shoulder, it was his own - short and brown like his own hair. She clicked her tongue at him and giggled as she moved her hand away, though she slipped this piece of hair away for her own keeping. "Genroe..." she hummed and turned to him. "If I happened to be at The White Horse, say Friday night - would you come?" she questioned with a brow raised.
"The White Horse? Why might you be there then?" he flirtaciously responded with a grin.
"For a drink, of course" she gave him a gentle playful nudge. "So?"
"Friday night... I might just fancy a drink myself..." he smirked. "I'll be there" he nodded. It was then that the crowd was beginning to clear out.
"Good" she smiled and bit her lip. "I supposed the party is over... it was nice, Genroe" she gripped his arm slightly and she leaned forward and gave him a gentle kiss on his freshly shaved cheek. She turned then and stepped away, only to glance over her shoulder a single time as she walked away. She climbed the stairs back to the ladies room and entered it. She waited for some time and then slipped out once more, the place had emptied almost entirely.
Still in her form as Vivienne, she walked towards the office of Evelyn and she tilted her head, the door was open. She slowly stepped in and cleared her throat - as Evelyn would have peered to her; her image changed. She returned back to her original self. Short black hair, dark eyes and her uniform - Nine.
"Fun event" she muttered and stepped over towards the wine glass. She plucked it - the one which she would have to test. "A hair sample... the glass.. and a date for Friday. To find out more..." she looked to the woman and tucked the glass away in a bag. "Let me know when you are prepared to leave" she spoke and walked back out to the balcony, her hands touching the railing as she glanced downward. Only a person or two lingered, soon to be ushered away by the staff...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 12, 2022 11:25:51 GMT -5
Evelyn stood within her office over a stack of papers. The purchase requests for the paintings. She had a slim laptop open and as she sifted through the papers she typed the names and amounts within a spreadsheet. Her stormy hues lifted as she heard the delicate click of heels upon the tiled flooring. Curiosity came over her expression. “I believe the evening has come to an end--...” She began as her eyes gazed over the beautiful blonde in the red dress that accented her figure all too well. A smirk curved up her lips as the woman before her seemed to melt away into the now familiar face of Nine. “Interesting party trick. Rare even.” She remarked as she rest her hand on the paperwork that she was nearly halfway through.
She grinned as Nine revealed her findings. “You don’t waste time do you?” She questioned. Her lips parted to speak as the woman turned to walk back out to the balcony to overlook the floor below. Evelyn cleared her throat slightly before she returned her attention to the tedious task before her.
After the last guest stepped from the floor Ezra locked the door. He made his way through the empty floor humming to himself, a smile upon his lips. He walked up the staircase and grinned to Nine. “Ezra Carmine.” He spoke as he held a hand forward. “Quick response to my request.” He spoke and then glanced over his shoulder to the office that his sister sat in, drumming away at her keyboard on her laptop. He drew in a breath before he moved to lean against the balcony next to Nine, his pale green eyes stared to his sister a long moment as she worked swiftly. “I hope you can find whomever placed the target on my sister.” He spoke and then gazed to her. “I’d like to squeeze the life from them myself. But I’ll settle if you do it for me. It keeps my hands clean after all.” A chuckle came over his lips.
“Ezra.” The heels of Evelyn clicked across the floor. She had removed her mask by this point. Her carefully sculpted eyebrows and perfectly blended make up could be seen now. She wore a red lipstick that popped against her skin and brought out the grey of her eyes to make it that much more striking. “You don’t have to wear the mask anymore.” She motioned toward his face and then smirked to him. She had a black leather satchel over her shoulder that must have held the computer and other various items in it.
Ezra gave a laugh and rolled his eyes slightly before he removed his mask to reveal his young nearly perfect skin. He gave a handsome smile to Nine – a smile that caused many women to swoon just at his presence. “I forgot I was wearing the damn thing.” He chuckled and returned his attention to his sister. “How much did you make?” He questioned curiously.
“Plenty.” Evelyn responded with a knowing smirk, her stormy hues looked to Nine a moment before she started down the staircase.
Ezra grinned and followed after his sister. He glanced back to Nine. “Is she--...”
“Yes. She’ll be staying with us for the time being, brother.” She glanced to him a moment. “You requested the Blood Association. You should expect nothing less.” A playful smile crossed over her lips. “Comes with a lovely fee too, Ezra.” She spoke as she walked outside. The sky was filled with flashes of lightening to which thunder world crackle through the city streets. The sound seemed to reverberate off of each building. Evelyn walked up to a deep midnight blue sports car that chirped as she approached it. She climbed into the driver’s seat and awaited the two.
The engine rumbled to life and off they went. She drove through the city streets with ease, she’d move through the traffic as though she was weaving her own pattern within the streets. It took some time but eventually they arrived at the estate. A winding driveway pushed up a hill through old maple trees that swayed within the winds of the storm. As they came to the crest of the hill the home could be seen. It was a gorgeous home upon the hillside, as if it didn’t belong within the city. It held careful stonework and steep tin rooftops. A rounded tower – as was popular nearly a century ago. The arches were carefully placed and added to the decadence of the home. Evelyn drove into the roundabout and turned the care off. “Alright – this is our home.” She spoke before she cut the engine and climbed from the car.
Ezra waltzed to the front door and walked inside before he climbed the staircase without another word, he was gone into the shadows of the huge home. Evelyn glanced to Nine a moment before she drew in a breath. “I imagine you have had a long day of travel. Tired?” She spoke as she climbed the staircase. She walked through the halls that held old paintings that held the same careful brush strokes that she exhibited at the gala. Eventually she pushed open a door to a beautiful room with a four post bed. “This should be more than accommodating for you.” Evelyn spoke as she glanced around the room. She then looked to Nine a long moment. “Did you gain your ability when you were turned?” She questioned then, her eyes curious. “I’ve only seen it one other time in my lifetime. It’s quite rare to be able to take the form of another being.” She spoke as she watched Nine carefully, almost as though she was studying her. “It’s curious the gifts that we are given.” She spoke with a bit of a sigh as she stepped toward the door. “Is there anything else I can get you this evening? A drink perhaps?”
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Post by Raven on Dec 12, 2022 22:27:00 GMT -5
Nine turned as she heard steps coming her way. She noted the gate of the pace, the pressure in the heel of the boot. It was someone with an intentional sort of step, a swagger nearly, ego in every sway. With dull eyes she peered to him and glanced to his hand, she sighed softly and reluctantly shook his hand. His grip was firm with his hands were soft – delicate fingers that were tended to. Hers had a slight roughness to them but yet nimble, her own grip fought his for the greater strength. Though she did not linger long before pulling her hand away as he did. “I was simply dispatched” she raised a brow.
“I do not think it will be as simple as capturing an adventurous thief…” she pressed her lips together in a flat line and then glanced to him. She did not react to his comment about squeezing them himself, it was an annoying statement to her. He did not have the skillset, she could tell, the statement was a sad attempt to equivocate himself to her. As if she was some kind of threat to his capabilities, and that he commanded her with the money in his pocket. A thing she was used to seeing in such stature of people. Her hues glanced to Evelyn as she stepped forward – but this one was different.
Nine did not pay him any attention as she flashed a cheeky grin, a flare of pearly teeth – she turned and followed behind the woman as they both plainly left Ezra in his stance. His questions still bouncing off the grand walls of the gallery. She lingered behind as Ezra caught up – with the next few lines she cracked a smirk. She did not know who requested her services, it was obvious Ezra had – and his sister was not all too fond of it. She could tell right away who had the reigns over the family, and it was the brother who seem to reach for them constantly. There was a way she held herself, the way her words slapped his hands – Evelyn was a force of nature.
Part of her seemed to respect her in the little time she was witnessed her. It was refreshing to see someone of capability, and not be afraid to hold her stance. It was too often than women were ran over and crushed. Often that was her in the forces of the Association. She had to work harder than any other just to get a chance. Her peers had already advanced to the next rank, and yet she remained. Her thoughts mingled on as she sat within the sporty car. There was little to admire as the Association had its expensive taste in the management cycle, it felt nearly like that…
As they rounded a corner – her hues spied the grand home as she rest in the backseat. It was exactly as she would have imagined the Legacy of Vampires to live in. Though, she did admire the stunning nature of its height and size, the intricate designs in every lip and crest. She slipped from the car and followed silently behind Evelyn. Tired? Nine peered to her as they climbed the stairs and cleared her throat. “Yes” she simply replied. Though, she wasn’t that tired. She was used to long nights and even longer days.
As they entered her room – she glanced about it. She pulled her pack from her shoulder and set it down near the wardrobe and peered about the room. It was decorated with the classiest of designs. A claw foot wooden side table, a lamp that curved upward with intricate golden laced like tendrils that held it against gravity’s will.
“Angileen Carlisle, third generation. That is my greatest lineage…” she pressed her brows together “I.. don’t know what you experience the Ancestorial Guidance, but… as you may be aware – I am connected to one of my Ancestors. She guides me, but I am also gifted with her abilities. As a harbor of some of her memories – she was fond of you” she gave a slight smirk and then she shrugged her glorious cloak from her shoulders.
Below her legendary cloak she wore a vest, several daggers rest on a diagonal belt, to which she removed as well. A hardened vest that worked much like a hard corset, though she was not as gifted as her previous form in her chest. She was nimble, her cloak gave her much presence but below her frame was lean. “A drink then” she followed behind.
“I will try not to make the evening all work, but… I will want to know any details about your recent encounters with Doctor Xavius. Even if a hundred years ago… the Blood Association lost track of him some time ago, my notes did not offer much…” she followed the woman into what was obvious – a room specifically for lounging and drinking wine. It was as beautiful as she could imagine it to be. She always found herself slightly envious, despite her training to be emotionless. She owned nothing, yet would reside in many different places. This was as fine as she had come to see… working previous dirty scum jobs, leaving her in hostels or worse to pass in guise…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 12, 2022 23:08:02 GMT -5
Evelyn surely put her brother in his place. She did so with ease. It was a well practiced art. Being the first vampire caused her to change the way she held herself, the confidence that she had. She became what she would have never imagined herself to be. Once a shy young woman – now nearly 800 years later she was a distant cry to who she was ages ago. Unrecognizable really. Evelyn had caught the grin and the smirk from Nine as she’d pushed her brother around. Many didn’t expect such things from such a petite woman. She looked young and innocent. Yet behind the guise she wouldn’t hesitate to make the call. She wouldn’t pause for someone else to issue her orders. No, that is what got her into this situation centuries ago. Her mousy personality had gotten her into the clutches of Dr. Xavius.
As Evelyn stood within the guest room she glanced to the clawfoot wardrobe – it was nearly 300 years old at this point – but it didn’t look a year old. She kept her things tidy, she was proud of what she had made of herself over the years. If she had to live indefinitely she must do it right. At least that is what she told Ezra.
Angileen Carlisle
The name got the smokey eyes of the vampire to turn to Nine. Intrigue. A bit of a smile tugged at the edge of her lips as she listened to the woman, she watched as Nine’s brows creased and the way that she spoke of her ancestor. The smirk at the end caused a grin to spread across Evelyn’s lips. “Dear sweet Angileen.” She spoke and gave a soft chuckle. “I should have known. She is the only other that I have ever seen with your such ability. How curious that you’ve gained such a gift.” She raised a brow slightly. “She was a dear friend of mine. She spent plenty of time in my presence.” A playful smile came across the features of the woman then. She watched as Nine removed her cloak and seemingly her threatening presence as well. She gazed over the lean frame of the woman curiously.
Evelyn turned to lead her from the room, “You’ll have to ignore Ezra.” She spoke as she walked over to a hutch that held several bottles of wine, liquor and mixers. “Hm...” She tapped her fingers upon the oak wood that was polished to perfection. Evelyn bent down to open the doors of the hutch and she pulled out a few different bottles. “Ezra is more of a bright mind – he understands science.” She spoke as she looked about the hutch for the ingredients to the drink. She grasped a silver shaker and began to concoct a drink. “What he does not understand is the art of what you do, Nine. He couldn’t fathom doing such a thing and in fact...he’d be a complete and utter failure if he tried.” She smirked to the woman before she returned her attention to the hutch. She grabbed a small black bottle and poured it into the shaker as well before she grasped a few ice cubes from the cooler that was attached to the piece. Soon enough she poured two blood red drinks into martini glasses and carried them over to the lavish leather sofas that held intricate stitching and artfully crafted wooden frames. “Here you are, house special.” She winked. Nine would notice the sweet delicate scent of blood within the martini. A drink that Evelyn had created years ago to hide her need for blood during gatherings and balls.
Evelyn took a sip of her martini and drew in a breath, her expression contorted to that of irritation as Nine mentioned Dr. Xavius once again. Just the mention of his name made her skin crawl. “I have avoided him for nearly 150 years now.” She spoke and pressed her lips together. “Though that is not to mean that he has not searched for me. Xavius has trailed me since he turned me nearly 800 years ago.” A scoff came over her lips. “I am his first creation, thus I have everything that he wishes to have. He unfortunately did not take to the turn as well as some. It was an injection originally...a poison...” She took a long drink from her martini and leaned her head back slightly to the sweet sweet flavor of the blood within it.
“I was the only subject of 90 that he’d injected to survive.” She spoke. “He has wanted me to turn new vampires since he created me. He hunted me down for years as I am certain that he still is. That is truly the reason why Ezra and I usually move every 20 or 30 years...but we’ve remained her for a century...I quite like this city. It has everything that I need...” She sighed and took another drink before she swirled the liquid around in her glass for a long moment. “In the town of Gin, 150 years ago I stood face to face with Xavius.” She stared at the far wall as she spoke, clearly remembering the encounter. “He shackled me. Aimed to take me as his prisoner. What he wants from me...I will not do. So he wants to discover how to bend the laws further. He wants to bend what he has already created and force my hand. He thinks that if I were to sire a vampire that it would be the perfect specimen.” She took another drink, her glass nearly empty now. “Though, I can imagine that he has other wild ideas in his head at this rate. The man was insane 800 years ago. As time has gone on his insanity has only compounded into something more. He should be committed, but an asylum for humans couldn’t hold him. Just as it couldn’t hold you or I.” She finished off her drink and a sigh came over her lips.
“Does that answer your question sufficiently?” Evelyn’s stormy hues fell upon the woman once again. “What do you intend to learn from the hair sample? Will that get you anything significant?” She questioned curiously. She stood and stepped to the shaker before she carried the metal piece to the table. She uncapped it and poured herself another drink. “Another? Help yourself.” She spoke as she set the shaker down on the table. Evelyn seemed to think a moment, a playful smile curved up her lips then. “Do you speak to Angileen often?” She asked. She didn’t have the guidance of ancestors. Neither did her brother. So she wasn’t entirely certain how the guidance worked. She’d spoken to others about it, but it was a foreign concept to her.
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Post by Raven on Dec 12, 2022 23:44:16 GMT -5
Nine watched the woman collect bottles together, her hands moving easily – like she had done this a hundred times before. She couldn’t imagine having been alive for so long. It was a mystery in truth, how most of the original vampires had died so long ago. What about Evelyn kept her alive, and why? She had heard of stories of some vampires hitting a certain age and losing themselves. Some commit suicide by silver, or some other forms of death came their way.
“Thank you” She reached for the martini and her nose lingered over the rim. A gentle waft of sweetness called to her lips and she took a long sip. She allowed herself to relax into the flavor and enjoy it, despite the very little she ever drank. She honed in when Evelyn reacted to the discussion of Xavius, her contorted face, the anger that bubbled within. Nine raised a brow and listened.
“You never sired?” she questioned – her face perplexed. It was against the code for Blood Association vampires to sire, but the idea that the original vampire ever had never turned a soul? She sat back with brows pulled together and she forced herself to relax her face. It was acting against her wishes, something that she normally had great control over.
“The Blood Association believes that he will not relent in whatever plans that he has. We are attempted to be subtle by only sending me… but I am to investigate. If I determine his threat Is critical – the Crimson Division will step in, our military force to essentially wipe him off the face of the earth… but until we know what we are facing – we do not want to risk any internal wars…” she raised a brow. “So, my subtle gifts will be of much use…” she took another long sip and peered to the drink in awe.
“The hair sample will give me an idea of who this man is. If he is human or not, firstly. If I can trace him and learn who he is – I can determine if he is a pawn, or someone of interest. He is my first lead, if one at all. He could be a one off assault, or perhaps he is a lackey of Dr.Xavius. Whoever he is – he is not too high up in the chain of order, but I can possibly get a name out of him. In combination with the poison – it will help me determine how seriously he took the task. Was he meant to kill, or incapacitate you? Did he use something cheap, or something rare? All of these give me clues…” she raised a brow. It was obvious she was talented in investigations, she knew the questions to ask and how they point in the direction she needed.
“Not many weakminded men can resist the persona of Vivienne Lacrue” she smirked. She finished her drink and filled her glass once more as she rested comfortably in the plush chair. The gentle wave of the alcohol crawled over her and she let out a soft sigh of content.
“Angileen…” she pressed her lips together. “Not in some time, she only really comes when I am in the most dire of situations. She is quiet otherwise. Her death was… not clean, quite horrid actually. It caused her soul to be in disarray, making it difficult to connect. Only when my state is… chaotic can she even link over and bridge the Spirit realm…” she bit her lip slightly. “So our conversations are usually swift” she chuckled. “But… her memories come and go in my sleep. I’ve seen you before… and her…” she shivered at the thought of saying it out loud. “Her emotions stir, like they are my own – but I know they are not. She is fond of you not because she told me, but because I can feel it. When I see you – she sees you. Whoever you were to her – she…” she took another sip, suffocating her words before she said something she didn’t mean. “She admired you” she lifted a brow. “Which… is not a feeling I am used to” she gave a weak chuckle.
“I am actually concerned that Angileen’s emotions over you may distract my work. We are trained to block emotions so we can focus on the task, no distractions…” she gave a chuckle and let out a sigh. The alcohol made her slightly more free to speak her mind. “This is the first A tier assignment I’ve ever had. I cannot risk this one, besides saving your life potentially… my career teeters on this very task. Despite this… uncontrollable variable – I must succeed” she raised a brow.
“There is a mild resentment over my Ancestorial Connection with Angileen, by even the Blood Council. I have had to fight this for too long. Though, not nearly half your age, a hundred years of shit tasks is…” she scoffed and finished her second glass. “To serve or to die, those are my options…” she sat back. “Shackled for eternity to a life I never asked for – and yet, I strive for the promotion, live for the accolades” she chuckled. “The epitome of daddy issues” she finally gave her first chuckle, of maybe even the year. Between Angileen’s emotions, and the alcohol – a part of Nine opened up, in a manner she wished to shove deep down in her gut once more.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 13, 2022 0:35:30 GMT -5
Evelyn took in the perplexed expression. This was a familiar response when she revealed that she’d refused to sire another vampire. The original vampire that refused to curse another. A bit of a smirk curved up her lips as she watched Nine fight to relax her expression. “No, I haven’t. That is my choice. I do not choose to spread this curse anymore than it already has been spread. The gift of immortality that Xavius imagined is a far cry from what he truly wished to create. It isn’t a gift at all to live for so long. Yet I cannot die.” She gave a dry laugh then. “Why would I wish that upon anyone else?” She questioned with a cold tone. She sipped upon her martini as she listened to Nine speak of the Blood Association. She frowned slightly at the mentioning of the Crimson Division. Truthfully Evelyn despised the Blood Association and everything that they were. Hence her reluctance when she was approached and begged to join. Begged to turn humans that they stole from orphanages. No, she wouldn’t be part of that. “There are already internal wars, Nine.” She spoke as she watched the woman. “Wars that have been brewing for centuries now that at the most subtle twitch of a muscle will implode...there is a reason that I am not involved with the Blood Association...there is also reason that I am not involved with the Gotterdammerung...” The society stood for ‘Twilight of the Gods’ it was an entire secret society among the vampires where they prophesied the end times of the world. They too tried to convince her that if she sired the world would be saved rather than damned...to which she merely laughed in their faces. Evelyn was not a puppet to anyone. She gave a wry smile then before a sigh escaped her. “Your gifts may be the only thing that could possibly make this...possible without too much of an uproar.” She leaned back against the plush couch and crossed her legs, the slit in her dress revealed her toned thigh and a carefully crafted tattoo of a tree with leaves that seemed to glow blue and roots that curled toward her knee. She smirked slightly as she listened to Nine’s explanation of how she could trace the man, what she could determine. She enjoyed how skilled this woman was at such investigations, at least the way she spoke of them. “He wouldn’t be the first vampire hunter to have set his sights upon me. You live long enough and it becomes a rhythm of life. They come from time to time and try various ways to kill me...yet here I stand.” She took another sip of her martini. “I’d be interested to see if Xavius has stooped to such a low as to consult in a lowlife such as that man – his attempt was very poorly executed. It is as if he didn’t even try. Or perhaps that was the ruse entirely. He may have only wanted to get my attention.” She seemed to think a long moment. Evelyn chuckled to Nine’s next comment. “Vivienne Lacrue. That’s who you played?” She questioned with a playful smile upon her lips. She was still curious about the blonde woman it seemed. “You put enough of a show on before a man’s eyes and he is likely to forget anything but his own desires. To which he will do anything to bring to fruition.” Another light laugh came from Evelyn, it was clear that she’d used such tactics in her past. She knew how to pull the strings of others to get her way – how else would she have come to such great fortune? When Nine began to speak of Angileen her smile fell. The death of Angileen still gripped her soul. Nearly 700 years...and...she still had it clearly plastered within her mind. “I know.” She whispered softly. “I was there.” She downed the remainder of her drink and then grasped the shaker. A sigh escaped her as she stood and stepped to the hutch once again. “Horrid doesn’t even begin to describe her death, Nine.” She muttered as she moved about to mix up another shaker full of alcohol for the two. Evelyn sat across from Nine once again as she spoke of her dreams. A smirk curved up her lips as the woman shivered and seemed at a loss for words. She didn’t say anything to it thought, she remained trained in on Nine as she topped off the martini glasses. “Hm, admiration has so many tiers.” She spoke and then took a sip before she chuckled to Nine’s confession. “Feelings are not something that anyone of the Blood Association are used to. Hm? Feelings are dangerous things that cause you to slip up.” She winked, clearly entertained. Or perhaps it was the alcohol that coarsed through her body. Nine’s next words confirmed her prior statement. “Only the first?” She questioned and raised a brow. A scoff came over her lips. “You seem well rounded Nine, that seems hardly fair. Besides with a gift like yours...and they have been wasting you on lowly assignments?” Another scoff. When Nine revealed that there was resentment she pressed her lips together and shook her head slightly. “They are jealous that you gained Angileen’s gift. You’re the first...it’s been 700 years since she and I sat in the same room with one another.” She gave a weak smile. To serve or to die, those are my options... This statement caused Evelyn’s expression to sour. She merely sipped from her martini glass to hide the expression though. Words were not something she wished to share, she’d already divulged that she was displeased with the Blood Association. The chuckle, the smile upon the woman’s lips pulled a smile from Evelyn. “We all seek praise. It’s human. Isn’t it? Or at least the only part of us that is still entirely human.” A laugh escaped her before she sipped upon her martini once again. “How do you intend on testing your sample? Ezra is quite handy – he has a lab in the basement. He could get you your answers if you ask nicely.” She had a curious look about her as she crossed her legs once again. “Did they kidnap you? Like the others? Train you and turn you when you reached the age that they deemed to be appropriate?” She tilted her head slightly as she asked the question. Truthfully she’d never sat in the same room with anyone from the Blood Association. She refused. But Nine seemed different. She wasn’t one of the leaders – merely a victim. “Who turned you?” She asked then – she had tried to follow Angileen’s bloodline but after centuries it became difficult to follow and eventually she’d lost track nearly 300 years ago. |
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Post by Raven on Dec 13, 2022 1:38:00 GMT -5
Nine lifted a brow as the woman spoke of how she disdained the concept – creating more Vampires… She had never heard anyone utter such words. She sat back and peered to the woman – her eyes searching for something. A telling sign of a lie, but there was no such thing. Evelyn was confident, she was true. It hit her then that she truly did sit before a legend. Though, no one ever said much of Evelyn. It made sense now – she refused to partake, so of course all of the different cultish groups had erased her from the importance of history. In this moment though – she realized that all of their history sat before them, and their future now too. It was almost as if the future of Vampires now rest in Nine’s hands…or at least she would have a vital play in it. There are already internal wars, Nine The black haired raven nodded slightly. “They do not teach us much of the current standings, we are taught never to ask. We perform our task and move on…” she pressed her lips together. “But I suppose you are right… I’ve always known the politics of the grandeous was thicker than the blood they drank…” she listened as the woman spoke of another organization… Gotterdammerung. The German accent rolled over the tongue of Evelyn as if it was her first language… there was a hint of beauty in the sound of it. “The Twilight Cult…” she scoffed and let out a sigh. She had heard of it – in truth they hunted the Blood Association to ‘cauterize the impure’. Though their recent attempts had settled, after surely some deals and agreements made. She wondered now what they did – what did the Blood Association give up to make such a deal? “I agree… my gifts are the only reason why I was given this task. I suppose… I will take what I can” she smiled weakly and glanced to the woman, who’s exposed leg revealed a beautiful piece of art about her thigh. Nine pulled her gaze away swiftly – quick images of the same tattoo flashed before her eyes. Memories that were not hers. It was not much of an image – but it was obvious in the quick flash of a memory – Angileen was tracing the tattoo with a single finger… Nine cleared her throat and raised a brow to her comments. “I agree, it was a weak attempt by this.. Genroe…” she sighed. “I doubt he will tell me much, but hopefully I can get a few more leads from him” she grinned then as Evelyn reiterated the name of her guise. “Ah yes… I have a few. Vivienne Lacrue is actually a woman by the name of Ashley Vanderburg, a very sweet librarian” she chuckled “I met her a few years ago, she has no idea that I have been stealing her blood – and appearance, for some time. Vivienne Lacrue though…” she chuckled and smirked – obviously it was a face she loved to take. “A wild woman who is very aware of her beauty, the woman I wished Ashley to always be, I think” When the topic shifted to Angileen once more – she saw the pain in Evelyn’s face. She was just as close as Angileen was to her. She wondered then – just how close? She glanced down to the woman’s leg once more and she instantly became uncomfortable with herself. She stood then and placed a single hand in her pocket of her leather pants and stepped towards the fire that rumbled in the beautiful fireplace. “Thank you, for your… compliment. It means a lot, I suppose. In my eyes – you are above the Blood Association… though, never let them hear me say that” she gave a smile – persuaded by the martini in her hand. She took a long sip and let out a deep sigh. “Perhaps using Ezra’s skillset might make him feel more involved – I will ask him to analyze the pieces. Otherwise I was going to deliver them to the Blood Association labs here in town… “ she shrugged slightly “Perhaps leaving them out of the loop until I have a proper analysis is the call anyways. They have a knack of getting in the middle of things before I can make conclusions..." she pressed her lips together. She let out a scoff of a laugh “I don’t think I’ve talked so much shit about them before” her voice seem to drop from its lull of a monotone, it had a sense of flavor to it. Whoever this Nine was, it was unraveling now. “I blame Angileen” she took a long sip and then glanced to her drink as well. “And that you’ve gotten me drunk” she turned back to Evelyn and came back to her plush chair. She set her drink down on the table and looked to the woman. To the soft features of her cheek bones, her hues that watched her closely – like she was the only thing on the planet to look at… “I don’t know much… I know that I was an orphan, just like the others. They didn’t necessarily steal me… I was never adopted, they adopted me. Paperwork is there, it’s just all a ruse…” she pressed her lips together. “The system on the human side is just as fucked, honestly. At least… that is what they teach us. They teach us that it is a gift, we are chosen – offered a life many people would beg to have. And… in some cases; it is true. I could be an orphan, beaten and bruised, with no power to stand up for myself… “ she grew silent for a second, fingers reaching for the stem of her glass once more. “My odds were cursed from the beginning” she took a sip and leaned back, thinking for a moment. “I was sired by Bentley Felton. He is… about 200 years old, 28 generations from Angileen. Despite my orders – of course I traced the history. There is a few gaps, the tree sort of explodes about 300 years ago. Bentley though has sired about 60 vampires since his time in the Blood Association too…” she shook her head slowly. “It is expected that whenever I reach Rank 12 that I will begin to Sire as well.. I am only Rank 8, at 10 I become more of a free agent…but it is very difficult to become a Master” she pressed her lips together. “But – “ she hiccupped suddenly and covered her mouth, chuckling slightly. She set her martini down and stepped towards to the fireplace again. As she turned around – her hair was a beautiful silver which was braided in a thick tendril about her shoulder. She was nearly exposed – wearing just a thin golden gown about her body. Her shape had formed into Angileen of Old. “You have a taste for Queen’s though…” she smirked – in a way that only Angileen could. Her voice was deeper, thick with wise tones and event hints of royalty. She stepped a single bare foot forward, and then the next. “I dream too fondly of a dance – once shared under the pale moon…” she held her hand forward to Evelyn. “So dance with me” she commanded. She appeared exactly as she did from a reoccurring dream. She would dance, on the balcony of a castle. A ball existed behind the doors of this balcony, the lingering sounds of strings muffled behind the walls. It was a secret dance, with a person she could never make out in these dreams - a blurred person, who spun her and pulled gentle giggles from her chest. It was only now that the memory of this dream was finally completed - Queen Angileen danced with Evelyn... |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 13, 2022 8:05:43 GMT -5
Evelyn noticed the way that Nine reacted. The way she looked to her as she spoke of how she refused to partake in the groups led by other vampires. It was a look she was used to. Though, it was not laced with disappointment. Nine didn’t even argue with her when she spoke that she refused to sire other vampires. For every ancestor there were now hundreds if not thousands of descendants. Yet, she was not the one that they could trace their roots back to. “The Blood Association doesn’t want you to know the current standings, Nine. You’re a puppet for them to pull the strings on. Why do you think they’ve kept you from higher tier assignments? Besides jealousy.” She sipped from her drink. “You would see right through the lies that you’ve been fed your entire life. You’d see just how corrupt this world is. If you haven’t realized that already.”
Evelyn watched Nine with a comfortable expression as the woman scoffed about the cult. A smile crawled over her lips as she caught Nine staring to the distinct tattoo upon her thigh. A tattoo that she’d gotten early after being turned. It still looked just as beautiful as the day she’d received it. She sipped upon her martini as Nine continued the conversation, a playful smile still remained upon her lips to the pause that the conversation had taken. Short, but it was still there like an accent over a musical note. “Perhaps he will tell you more than you imagine.” Evelyn grinned back to Nine. She tilted her head slightly as she began to speak of this librarian. A chuckle came over her lips as she watched the smirk spread over Nine’s lips. “Hm, you’ve given her life it seems.” She commented. “Even if she doesn’t know it.”
As the conversation took the turn and Evelyn shared a bit more about Angileen she found herself gazing away from Nine. It wasn’t until the woman stood and walked over to the crackling fireplace that she brought her stormy gaze back to her. A broken laugh came over her lips, “You’ve only just met me, Nine. Do not judge too quickly. You’ve had a lifetime with the Blood Association. Haven’t you?” She grinned before she poured herself another drink. Evelyn was leaning toward drunk at this point, but she seemed to be enjoying herself quite a bit. Her smile had softened, her muscles relaxed.
When Nine agreed to ask Ezra for help a grin split her lips, “He would feel useful. But don’t let it go to his head, my dear brother already has enough of an ego I am afraid.” She laughed to her comment. “But I do believe you’re right. He can offer you the same information that your labs would – but without the ties. Who needs the Blood Association looking over your shoulder on a little lead? Hm?” When Nine spoke of how she’d never spoken ill of the association a smirk curved up her lips. “The liquid courage does seem to draw it out...and you’re right Angileen hated the Blood Association more than even I do.”
“I wouldn’t say you’re drunk just yet, Nine.” She topped off her martini glass for her with a smirk. “We’ve only just begun.” She gazed over the woman’s features as she held a playful smile upon her lips. She relaxed back into the couch once again and studied Nine more deeply as she spoke of her childhood. Her breath caught in her chest ever so slightly, she pressed her lips together. Perhaps there was worse than the Blood Association. She sipped upon her martini. “Perhaps your odds were cursed. But you’ll never know.” Evelyn spoke as she searched the woman’s eyes. “You were never given the chance to know, nor the choice. Angileen at least gave those that she turned a choice. It all started that way...in the beginning. It was a choice. But as time sped by too quickly – it became something that was forced upon others. There is a darkness to certain cults that has them turning humans as if it were a sport.” She scoffed and shook her head. “They create the monsters that you see upon the movie screens. The thing that humans fear...not...what we truly are.” She clicked her tongue slightly.
Evelyn paused, her brows pulled together. Bentley Felton. He was a high rank within the Blood Association. She let out a slow breath – the distain visible on her expression once again. “Expected?” Evelyn’s brows tugged together as she spoke the word in a sneer. Her fangs – though small could be seen glinting in the light. “They’ve warped beyond even what I had imagined.” She spoke and downed the rest of her martini as if it would save her from the hatred she felt toward the Blood Association. “I’ve heard of Bentley...it is a shame that he is a descendant of Angileen.” Her voice softened slightly. “He doesn’t have the class.” She smirked as she twirled her glass within her fingertips. She stared to the empty glass almost longingly.
The hiccup caught Evelyn by surprise. “You truly are drunk aren’t you?” She spoke through her own laughter. She watched as the woman walked toward the fireplace as she had before. Though Evelyn’s lips parted and she rose to her feet, her jaw loosened. Her breath became trapped within her lungs, her body frozen as her stormy hues fell upon Angileen. The words washed over her like a tidal wave – the inflections over her voice – the curve of her lips…
The sounds of her bare feet as she crossed the floor to close the distance between them. Evelyn finally remembered to breathe as her hand clasped onto Angileen’s soft hands. “Angileen...” Her voice cracked slightly. Her mouth felt dry. Her stormy hues glazed with tears. “That night...” Her words were merely a whisper. Evelyn – the strong and confident woman was shattered now as she stood before Nine in the illusion of Angileen. Evelyn placed her hand upon the hip of the woman before her, a soft smile curved up her lips. Her eyes searched the beautiful hues of the woman before her – the Queen. Her breath trembled and her eyes took on a dim glow.
The faint sound of music from behind closed doors spread to her ears first. Then the world around them began to shift. The light of the room flickered and within the blink of an eye they stood upon the balcony. The cool air of fall washed over Evelyn’s bare shoulders. She stood in a beautifully crafted red dress that exposed her thigh – thus exposing that unique tattoo that she had on her leg. A black lace corset cinched in her waist and accented her body perfectly. Her hair was long and tasseled to fall about her face. She wore ruby red lipstick to match her dress. “My queen.” Evelyn spoke with confidence in her voice. The moon played over her features and brought out the gentle structure of her face. There was a sadness behind her eyes as she began to dance to the music inside.
It was an intimate dance. She held the queen close to her body, she led her about the balcony with ease. It was a dance to remember as she dipped her low and moved with her like water through a stream. They twirled about and and smile lit upon Evelyn’s features. A smile full of life – love even. It showed so much more emotion than any of the smiles that she’d graced Nine with. She laughed as she dipped the queen low and then brought her so close that she could smell the sweet scent of her perfume. She could feel the gentle breaths against her skin as she stared into the woman’s eyes. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to the queen’s as she pulled her in close. A sweet kiss that burned with a passion that she couldn’t dampen.
Then the coolness of the air changed to the warmth of the estate. The sound of the music began to fade away. It left Evelyn with her hand clasped upon the cheek of Nine, her forehead was pressed against the woman’s forehead. Her breaths shuddered. Evelyn’s magic was far different from that of anyone else in the world. She could see things near and far. She could delve into the past of someone with a simple touch if she willed it. Though – sometimes if she didn’t ask for the vision it would come to her like this...usually it would be of the future and not the past. But the most unique feature of her magic – she could share these visions, and she had. Without meaning to at all her magic had laced around Nine and drawn her into the memory. It would have given Nine all of the feelings that the queen felt in those intimate moments upon the balcony.
Evelyn stared into Nine’s eyes – frozen in a way. She didn’t speak. Didn’t move. No one had evoked such emotions on her in centuries. It was a foreign concept to her at this point. She could feel Nine's breath on her lips. She couldn't move as her mind replayed the memory again. Those sweet moments, long forgotten. Yet fresh as though it had happened yesterday. The door to the room opened and she suddenly broke free from Nine. Her chest rose and fell at a quick pace. “Evelyn?” Ezra questioned his eyes looked to Nine and then to his sister. He’d seen how close they were. Just a hair apart from a kiss.
Evelyn cleared her throat and her brows furrowed slightly. “Brother.” She spoke, her expression contorted to that of irritation. “Nine needs your assistance with testing a few items she collected at the Gala. I told her you could be of help. It isn’t really my forte.” She spoke as she swiftly made her leave. She didn’t so much as glance to Nine as she rushed from the room.
Ezra gave an awkward smile as his pale green hues looked over Nine. He let out a chuckle, “I’ve not known anyone to fluster my dear sister in...hm...” He thought a moment. “Must be 4….or 500 years?” He grinned then. “You need my help?” He questioned and a brow lifted slightly. He looked to the empty martini glass upon the table and chuckled lightly. “Well, that’s quite a strong drink you two shared.” He remarked with another giddy laugh. He was entirely entertained by the frustration of his sister. Almost as if he lived for it.
“Come on.” He spoke as he led her through the house. “You need to grab anything?” He asked as he pushed the door to her room open and allowed her a moment to grab the items. He then led her down the stairs in the foyer and he turned down another hallway of the grand estate. He pushed a door open and stone steps led down into a basement that held a chill to it. Ezra had changed into less formal attire – a simple shirt and pants. He looked far more relaxed now. He walked through the large basement and pushed another door open and clicked on the lights to reveal a full lab. He grinned as he glanced to Nine. This was his pride and joy.
He had several journals upon his desk. His research. He was so close...at least that is what he told Evelyn each time he took her blood to experiment on. Truth was – he hadn’t had a breakthrough in years. He arranged a set of empty vials within a rack and then gazed to Nine. “Alright – what is it you would like me to test then?” He questioned curiously.
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Post by Raven on Dec 14, 2022 1:34:17 GMT -5
You were never given a chance…
The blue hues of the Queen stared to Evelyn before her. The crackling fireplace behind them was the only subtle sound in the static air between them. Until they came to each other – their ragged breaths now filling the gaps between each crackle of wood. Angileen peered about her as the world seemingly morphed upon their touch – the memory she had seen so many times in her sleep came to fruition. She did not question it – rather her feet seem to remember the very steps.
In this moment Nine felt a tug in her chest, whatever part of her that was Angileen was to the forefront. Nine was a guest in this body now, and it was the spirit of her ancestor that seemingly took over. The hands of the confident woman twirled Evelyn and accepted her own movements. Fingers lingering over waist, hips, trailing up the spine of Evelyn, grazing over the slender dress that hugged her partner.
The Queen was dipped and the world spun slowly above, all she saw was the rosy cheeks above her. When they stood once more – their bodies were glued to each other. What happened next was not in her dreams – but it felt all the same. Their lips touched in a tender embrace. The Queen did not hold back, she found herself engulfed in a fury of passion that she had never experienced before – Angileen kissed the woman as if it were their last.
Pulling from their locking embrace – Angileen fought to catch her breath. As the world dissipated – the guise of the ancestor faded and it was Nine who held her closely now. When reality occurred – something felt terribly wrong. Though yet – so terribly good. Angileen loved Evelyn – this love was not something she could even recognize. It was an overwhelming feeling that seemed to rip her apart and rebuild her. What she imagined life to be – had been wiped away and broken, this feeling seem to be some gravity to purpose, she knew it so. And yet – it was not hers, it was Angileen’s…
“I am so-“ The door opened and Ezra entered, breaking the moment they shared. Evelyn was quick to pull away – passing words to her brother and she was gone before Nine could comment. She pressed her lips into a line and she peered to Ezra, who investigated their setting. She felt nearly betrayed in that moment, Ezra seem to poke at the moment. She sucked in a breath and let it go, diverting back to her original mind – as well as she could…
Nine did not comment on anything that had happened, simply she moved past Ezra and into the hallway as they left for her room. “Yes, I need you to DNA sample a strand of hair. Also, I need you to determine was poison was attempted on Evelyn, I have the glass in which it was delivered…” she followed him to her room where she retrieved the Wine glass, and a small baggie which had a single strand of short brown hair.
“This belongs to a suspect, Genroe… unaware of his last name, or if this is truly his name. He attempted to poison Evelyn at the gallery. Though his attempt was poorly executed, I want to determine anything I can. Who he is, if he has a job, I can look into his assets, determine as much as I can and build a portfolio on him. If he has any connections – I want to squeeze a lead out of him, but I do not think he is particularly… ranking. I have a erm.. date with him on Friday. Evelyn figured you could run these samples.” She followed behind him to his lab.
“I anticipate that Genroe has a record, so his DNA is likely registered…” she dug through her bag and pulled out a thumb drive. “This will connect you to the Police database to match the DNA… just make sure your IP is masked…” she chuckled “a bit of a hack” she crossed her arms. “As much as I would love to sit and watch you do this, I need to write my report to the Association… I’ll bid you good night…” she bowed her head and walked out of the room.
It was true – she did have to write her report… but in truth she was embarrassed about the moment before. She didn’t want to face Ezra any more than she had to. She climbed the stairs back up and retraced her steps to her room… She shut the door behind her and let out a deep sigh.
Don’t you do that again… A familiar voice rang in her head.
Nine looked up and saw a vision of Angileen. She was standing before Nine – in a sort of ghostly blue essence of herself, her arms crossed. It was extremely rare that Angileen appeared before her… she must have felt the surge of her power in their moment.
“I am.. sorry” she shook her head. “I didn’t think-“
Exactly, you didn’t think. You are not me, do not pretend to be me. Do not take my guise again. And don’t rip her heart out like that again. Do you know how painful that must have been for her? I am Gone – she remains. Now she will sit and relive those memories, the suffering Angileen stepped forward angrily and gripped the throat of Nine. She was stronger than she expected – Angileen lifted Nine into the air, her feet dangling off the ground.
Hurt her and I will end you
“You really did love her… didn’t you?” Nine’s dull eyes studied the woman as Angileen set Nine back down.
More than you could ever think possible, I loved her. Angileen vanished then.
Nine touched her bruised throat slightly and let out a slight cough. She sucked in a breath and shifted over to the desk in the room. She found herself sitting for a long moment – sifting through the bag of emotions that was overflowing within. She distracted herself by pulling out parchment and a pen from her bag and she began to write. She wrote of the gallery, Genroe, what she learned and what her plans were. Nothing else to report… She folded the letter and wrote a series of letters and numbers on the front, a code for the delivery…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2022 11:00:59 GMT -5
Ezra’s pale green hues played over Nine, the playful smirk still upon his lips. She hadn’t responded, but that didn’t seem to dampen his fun one bit. He frowned slightly when she chose to completely ignore his statement about his sister’s frustration. But he’d press later, he knew it. If not Nine, he’d ask his sister. He raised a brow slightly, “Tonight? Someone attempted her life?” A sigh escaped his lips as he waited. Soon enough they stood within his lab and he carefully arranged the items. He gazed to her and grinned as she handed over the thumb drive. “Ah, I’ve always wanted one of these.” He commented as he walked over to his computer and plugged it in. He waved a hand to her, “Of course – hacking is my specialty.” He looked to her with an excited smile. “Ooo a date huh?” He questioned, “Don’t tell my sister you have a date.” He chuckled as he clacked away on his computer. “I’ll find out who this guy is. Don’t you worry….and this….” He held the wine glass up and sniffed it. His nose wrinkled slightly, “I’ll determine exactly what was used. Shouldn’t take too long.” He began to grab other items when she spoke that she had a report to write. “Yes of course. I’m used to working alone – or with the bored gaze of Evelyn.” He chuckled, “I’ll have this finished by the morning for you.” He seemed to dismiss her as he turned his attention away. ** Evelyn stood within her room, her hands clutched onto the artfully crafted edges of her boudoir. Her knuckles were white as snow, her breaths shook like that of leaves upon a tree in a terrible storm. Salty droplets of her tears had burst upon the beautiful pinewood as she stared into the mirror. Her mind fought her. She squeezed her eyes shut – a tear rolled down her cheek – as hot as fire it seemed. She could hear it as it fell onto the wooden surface. Taste it even. She stood like this for hours. Unable to relax. Unable to move. Her mind rummaged through the centuries and pinpointed moments with Angileen. Down to when they had first met. Evelyn was a young vampire – she’d escaped the clutches of Dr. Xavius for the first time. She and her brother escaped on a small sailboat. One that truly was not meant for the seas – it was a fishing boat meant truly for the waters of a lake. But when one is faced with a life of pain and torment or a life of freedom...the choice becomes quite easy. Evelyn became a name among the humans within this new city – she was an oracle. She used her gift of magic to see into the past and the future. She embraced her talent for the first time in her life...possibly the last time as well. She met Angileen when she was still the princess of the great kingdom of Alabastein. She was invited to the castle for a ball and asked to give readings to those whom visited from other kingdoms. She could still remember that night – when her stormy hues fell upon Angileen for the first time. She was stunning. So stunning that Evelyn never imagined speaking to such a woman. Yet, Angileen had come to her for a reading. She saw greatness – she saw Angileen upon the throne, confident and strong with quite the following. Though she saw a glimpse of darkness – a glimpse of what was to come. But Evelyn was so young and naive. She brushed it off. She didn’t realize that it would be a brutal and cold end for Angileen. Evelyn’s mind raced. She eventually stepped upon her balcony into the chill of the night air, the moon cascaded over her skin. She gripped onto the railing. The tears would not stop. She had made it 700 years without Angileen...yet now it felt as though she lost her all over again. It took quite a considerable amount of time before she stood in silence. Evelyn stepped back into her home and made her way down the hallway. She walked into her office which was filled with art. She stood before a canvas and as her emotions flowed so did the paint. She no longer had tears that streamed down her cheeks. Instead Evelyn allowed her emotion to flow freely onto the canvas before her. A woman stood alone on what appeared to be the peak of a foothill or mountain, the sun seemed to be rising in the distance. Darkness shrouded the skies above. Wisps curved through the sky and pulled from the woman’s body – almost as if she was fading into the darkness above. The sound of her brush upon the canvas brought her a sense of calm. It lulled her. Eventually when the painting was completed Evelyn sat upon the plush couch of her office – she stared to the painting a long moment before she gazed out of the window. The sun was beginning to crest over the mountains in the distance – it cast the rays of oranges and yellows against the depths of the darkness of night. She pushed herself to stand from the couch and make her way back to her room before she changed her clothing. She wore more relaxed clothing – rather than a fancy dress. She pulled on knee high leather boots, a leather corset to match with a white frilly tunic beneath. She then pulled on a long jacket that reached nearly to the back of her knees. It was an artsy look – one that would be subtle and yet draw attention. That was how Evelyn had always been. She was subtle enough to blend in yet she held enough mystery to draw a crowd. She walked through the silent halls of her home and frowned when she saw Ezra perched at the kitchen island – a book in hand a glass cupped in his other hand. Her brother lifted his gaze and a smile came to his lips. “Good morning, dear sister.” He spoke and nodded to a glass that sat on the island for her. “Breakfast.” He spoke with a grin. Evelyn stepped to the glass and slipped her fingers about the stem before she lifted it. She took a drink and then let out a content sigh. She didn’t look to her brother though as she stared to the world beyond the glass panes of the window. “Are you going to tell me about last night?” He questioned with a grin. The world seemed to shatter around Evelyn in that moment. Her breath hitched, her brows tugged together. “No.” She replied simply as she took a long drink from her glass. “I have art to ship.” She spoke as she abruptly rose from the table. “Did you get answers for Nine?” She asked. Ezra raised a brow slightly. His sister still frustrated? That was a new one. “Yes of course.” He responded and tapped a small folder that he had upon the island next to him. “I even printed it all up for her.” He grinned as the feat he’d accomplished. “Good. Then you can show them to her.” Evelyn made to leave. “Eve.” Ezra spoke, his brows tugged together. “You’ve barely had your breakfast..” “I’m not hungry...perhaps later.” Evelyn replied softly. She turned and stepped away from the island. She quickly moved through the home and found her way to her office where she sat upon the couch and stared to her art. She drew in a breath as she furrowed her brows – she couldn’t shake the memories. The feeling of Angileen’s touch. Something that she’d believed to be gone. Something that was impossible to replicate – yet Nine had… Evelyn shook her head and stood. She paced slightly for a moment, her boots thudded about the wooden floor of the home. She grasped another canvas and began to paint once again. Her expression softened as once again her ears filled with the gentle brush strokes and the canvas began to come to life one stroke at a time. This time a gorgeous piece of Angileen began to form. Beautiful colors filled the canvas, unlike her usual dark art. |
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