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Post by myststranger on Mar 15, 2017 19:05:42 GMT
"Trust me, I don't see any need to betray Balthazar, so I won't."
Jonathan practically radiates sincerity.
"Burning bridges isn't my style."
A Devil's Smile suddenly splits his face.
"Of course that doesn't mean I'm passive. When it comes to threats: I. Am. Very. Proactive."
The smile shrinks as Jonathan realizes something.
"Ah where are my manners? I'm Jonathan Elliot, pleased to meet you."
He extends a hand. His handshake is firm. You just now notice Jonathan's wearing dark-tinted glasses. Which is strange, since poor eyesight isn't something Kindred carry over from their mortal lives.
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Post by ARomanova on Mar 16, 2017 9:47:45 GMT
Alythia warmly extends her welcome.
"I'm pleased to meet you too."
She is curious about the glasses. However, she is used to Balthazar and other Kindred wearing special items to differentiate themselves from others. And Jonathan seems to be perfectly able to see and read. So even if he was affected by anything, it obviously does not interfere with his life and good services.
"So what are you hoping for in here? Many come to us for many different reasons. Forgive my curiosity, but I'm sure you've considered other... groups... as well. And also, what are your interests? Besides reading, of course. We share that one."
She is very friendly and genuine.
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Post by myststranger on Mar 16, 2017 12:11:49 GMT
Jonathan is nonchalant.
"Your group was the first to make an interesting offer."
He shrugs.
"I could have waited to see if there was a better one, but I didn't feel like it. As for other interests, are there specifics you want? I could give you a complete rundown, but that would take us into the daylight hours. Of next year. I'm the list-making type."
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Post by ARomanova on Mar 16, 2017 13:57:42 GMT
Alythia chuckles.
"I could imagine that. A mini-list should do."
She thinks.
"Top 10 activities you enjoy doing, in order of preference, seems good enough."
She's curious for the answer and internally betting on some of those that could come up. She likes reading people, and understanding their emotions, and finds that tastes are usually very telling of ones personality.
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Post by myststranger on Mar 16, 2017 16:49:32 GMT
Jonathan goes still for a moment and the recites in the tone of someone who's memorized a list:
"My own mind
Reading
Discussion
Tearing apart someone who deserves it
Enjoying television or movies with a friend
Blood
Games
Music
Acquisition
Watching the exact moment a realization is reached."
Jonathan's posture relaxes and his eyes take on a new shine. There is a type of fire behind them you'd call madness if you weren't certain he was sane.
"Now what's your story? Everybody's got at least one."
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Post by ARomanova on Mar 16, 2017 19:22:26 GMT
Alythia smiles.
"Well, I am in this Coven since the beginning. In fact, much of this was my idea, and I still regularly help with it's... management. As for stories, I have quite a few. You see, I like new experiences, and seek them regularly. It is no wonder that me and Balthazar often get caught up in situations worth remembering."
She looks into the distance, smiling with a look of nostalgia in her face.
"Of course, there were better times than this."
She pauses to reflect a little.
"At least we get technology - plane rides, movies, IPods... And flushing toilets."
She smirks.
"Anyway, ever since I found Balthazar I found myself."
A genuine smile takes over her face.
"Is that the kind of story you were looking for?"
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Post by myststranger on Mar 16, 2017 19:38:10 GMT
Jonathan tilts his head slightly. A smile curves it's way up his cheeks and the fire in his eyes starts burning brighter. It's your imagination, but his voice seems to be the only sound in the room as it becomes cold steel.
"That's not the story we're all in. What's happened to press you into the shape you currently are? Small talk is all well and good, but the fact is we're all monsters. It's just a matter of what kind of monster we've become. I've cast aside the urging of those who call our kind predators AND the claims of idealistic fools that we can be a force for good. At the beginning of the day you still drink blood."
Jonathan smiles politely, seeming bored.
"Let's hear one of your more exotic experiences."
Both of those seem to have happened at the same time.
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Post by ARomanova on Mar 16, 2017 21:20:33 GMT
Alythia is not too surprised. She has seen too many things in her existence.
"Very well. I agree we drink blood. If that alone makes us monsters is, however, debatable. I believe that more than just the consumption of blood is needed for such a label to be used. Are those who slaughter for fun deserving of the same treatment and label as those who obtain it in peace and with mercy? Not in my opinion. But, oh, let's not delve into that."
She smiles.
"As for exotic experiences..."
The smile on her lips leaves her face. Seconds pass.
"Unfortunately, I have many... Exotic would not be the word to describe them. No. I have conducted many rituals... I have learned with the best... Great Lord Rasputin amongst them. I was his follower. His apprentice."
She seems different. She's changing into a darker side of herself. Same looks, same everything. Yet somehow, you can understand how some could fear her. You feel as if the environment around you gets colder and darker. She seems paler, but not frail. She seems to be in a sort of transe.
"I have seen great massacres. I have done my share in them. Even if for good reasons... They were still no more than slaughter. I have done what I've done to protect the ones I love. The blood that was spilled was unnecessary. If only they'd listen... If only they'd left us be..."
She looks increasingly powerful and wild. And yet, she also seems in to be in agony and sorrow.
"It does not bode well for me to remember... My dark side - I must control it..."
She pauses. You get the feeling she knows something. 'Balthazar' - she thinks.
"He's coming."
There's pure silence in the room, besides her deep breathing.
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Post by connal123 on Mar 16, 2017 21:20:55 GMT
The door to Balthazar's chamber swings open as if a whirlwind had hit it. He steps forth and goes straight to Alythia, a look of worry and concern for his lover on his face.
"Alythia, dearest...You do not need to remember that. Calm yourself. I'm here."
Balthazar has his lover in his arms, cuddling her and stroking her hair, making sure that she is calming down. He knows of her night terrors. Then his deep blue eyes lock onto Jonathan.
"I understand that you could not have known this."
After making sure Alythia is better and herself again, he pulls Jonathan to a side.
"Jonathan, Alythia is... special. She is a very strong empath, stronger than any that I have ever met. Remembering the events of her past can lead to much distress. Those around her have also suffered due to her losing control. She never means harm, but if those who she's loyal to are attacked in any way, she cannot stand it. She will destroy them. One day you might come to know the story of her awakening."
Balthazar remembers what happened to those who bore ill-wishes to Rasputin, her master. He's saddened for the agony she feels. Yet he also remembers that night that a group of his own Kindreds thought to dispose of him for their own profit. She had felt it, from a distance, and came to save him. What a foolish and mindless choice they made. In a matter of minutes, they were gone. He remembers how passionate he felt for her. The same as he still does now.
"When her master died, she destroyed everyone that betrayed him..."
He half-smiles.
"A part of me wants to see that again."
He smiles at the thought of her dominance.
"Now, would you like some more blood? It's almost lunchtime..."
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Post by myststranger on Mar 16, 2017 23:18:27 GMT
Alythia did not see it, but Jonathan's face turned hungry when he saw her distress at her memories. Eyes may be windows to the soul, but tinted glasses act as shades.
Jonathan turns to face his host:
"I-" a ringing sound causes his attention to snap to his phone.
"My apologies, it seems my bureaucratic are needed. The downside of being indefensible is putting in the work for it."
With a snap of his wrist a blank business card is in Jonathan's hand and a cloud of black dust hangs in the air. He waves the paper through the cloud, and hands Balthazar the paper, now with contact information.
"I won't apologize for being an extrovert however. My gratitude for your hospitality."
Jonathan's backpack is packed in a few seconds and then he's out the door.
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Post by theunseenelder on Mar 17, 2017 0:46:57 GMT
*Ulfgar walked into the main hall of the mansion quietly. There appeared to be discussion already ongoing and who was he to interrupt? Besides, it would do good to get a quick feel for the place. He did not know of these people yet and if centuries of unlife taught him anything it was that you do not trust easily.*
"A book club? A shame, here I was expecting to be ambushed and quartered."
*Humorous sarcasm was a skill Ulfgar picked up early in his life. He walked into the light of the chandelier wearing a black leather jacket over a simple grey v-neck. He wore blue jeans and a pair of clean black boots. His style was a simple one and he never tried to go over board with it as his clothes hid an athletic body. His brown hair was styled into a crew cut and he had a five o'clock shadow on a strong jawline*
"A pity I did not bring a book. But by the looks of it I might be able to borrow plenty. The sight of that younger man fleeing out the door so quickly almost made me doubt entering." *He gazed around the room one last time before settling his baby blue eyes on the other two occupants* "Ulfgar Holm, at your service." *He takes a quick bow before interlocking his hands behind his back*
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Post by ARomanova on Mar 17, 2017 10:24:13 GMT
Alythia smiles warmly.
"Alythia and Balthazar Crowley. We are very pleased to meet you. Welcome to our Coven."
She looks at Ulfgar, and then at Balthazar. She has a big smile on her beautiful face.
"As for the books, we do have a fair collection. I always try to increase it. I have many rooms now filled with them. We do much more in here than just book reading though. Much more."
She's very happy Ulfgar made his way in. She needed a distraction. She looks at her husband, reaches for him, kisses him and then elegantly sits in her sofa. Her beauty and sensuality are transcendent.
"Would you like a drink? I would love a refreshment in good company."
She loves to host others, especially those who bring sarcasm with them. Suddenly, three tall glasses and a bottle of blood appear in a beautiful table in front of them. She pours the drink, and then passes one glass to Balthazar and one to Ulfgar. She smiles. Her presence is genuine.
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Post by theunseenelder on Mar 17, 2017 15:56:28 GMT
"A pleasure to be here, Mister and Misses Crowley."
Ulfgar smirks as he looks them both over once more. Moving to the table he quickly pours a sizeable portion of blood into each glass and hands them out.
"I do look forward to some reading. I have taken to some good reading over the years. Especially the dangerous sort."
He takes a sip of blood and closes his eyes for a moment to savor the taste. Taking a seat in a lounge chair he leans back to get comfortable but not lazily.
"Roman. Latin is always an acquired taste. This is very expensive to come by, I applaud you. Især for at dele det med gæst."
His eyes travel once more to his host as he sizes them up silently but carefully. The man she called Balthazar was definitely older than he, something he suspected from the start. Unsure from which age or how much older but it was something Ulfgar would strive to discover. The woman, Alythia, she was not older but certainly not a younger neonate. But it wasn't her power in age that attracted him. No, she had something unique. Had to be whatever was ongoing when he walked in. A weird feeling. He could swear he had felt that before sometime in the past but from where he was not certain. Snapping out of his own thoughts he returned a smile.
"Apologies for staring, I've grown accustomed to our younger generations and it's been quite awhile since I've shared a conversation with fellow elders."
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Post by connal123 on Mar 18, 2017 16:18:44 GMT
Balthazar rises and smiles as he strokes Alythia's hair when she slithers back into the Sofa.
"Ahh, Mr Ulfgar. I have heard that you were coming but I was unsure on what time you would get here. Well, I can assure you that my wife is correct. We have many fine books but that is not the reason you have come here... Before I can officially accept you into Hellspires, however, there is a range of tests that you can choose from. But looking at you, I would suggest the combat test."
Balthazar looks Ulfgar over - he was old, it was an impressive sight since he had not seen someone of over 1000 years old for a long time... Then again, Balthazar made a habit of usually not mixing with kindred of his own age. It usually made him feel uneasy. Yet Ulfgar didn't make him feel that way...
"As for the tests.
You may choose to fight a champion of humans, a strong man with a blade blessed by the Church...
You may try and solve a riddle that I will speak and the riddle will be about the most dangerous of magics...
You may also try to craft a weapon, armour or even clothing of your desire, all the tools are accounted for in that corner...
OR, you may try and do something that I have not listed and may try and surprise me...Make your choice...However, I should say that if you choose to impress me by combat, the arena is the door to my left. The room is empty but once I arrive at the upper levels of the room...You will have the honour of trying to defeat this man in my name."
Balthazar stares at the door for a moment...He wanted to see the old gladiatorial days. The days of old when death matches were not forbidden. He looked back at Ulfgar, a grin on his face.
"But if you wanted to entertain my wife and myself, I would suggest combat. it has been far too long since we saw a good show."
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Post by theunseenelder on Mar 20, 2017 14:58:41 GMT
Ulfgar listened to Balthazar intently as he gave his instructions. It was strange, conversing with someone older than he. Ulfgar usually avoided the "wider" community of his kin. Preferring instead to stick to his smaller circles which usually involved others of his age or younger. But Balthazar didn't give him any unease strangely. Ulfgar wondered if his wife had any hand in this calmness. Such a rare thing.
"Surprise you? I suppose I could always just take all of your test. Then again, I am afraid my crafting skills aren't up to...modern standards these days."
True that combat would be the easier slot for Ulfgar, for obvious reasons. But he was also an accomplished spell caster thanks to his sires unnerving interest in the subject. 1000 years does give one a rather good resume. The look on both of his host faces suggested they were more keen to trial by combat anyway. He wondered for a moment if perhaps Balthazar was Phoenician? No doubt born around the Mediterranean while the Romans still stood. Would explain his taste for combat spectating.
Spinning in a circle with his arms outstretched he dramatically placed down his empty wine glass of blood and removed his leather jacket exposing his never changing athletic tone. Now donning only his v-neck shirt, blue jeans and boots he marches through the door to the left. Preparing his mind and body.
"Lad os smage blod, da."
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