[System]
Age:
24

Gender:
Male

Eye Colors:
Red and White

Gift:
Cole is capable of taking control of the living and the dead, specifically animals but humans as well if pushed hard enough though this can prove extremely dangerous as it causes him to fall unconscious after extended use. He is also capable of healing himself by leeching off the life force of a living organism.

Bio:
Cole is an abomination. His subconscious, a being of rage and malice, has been given life. Most of the time he is able to control it but occasionally in times of great duress Cole's inner evil, what he calls Dread, is capable of taking over. How Cole received this curse is unknown but when it started isn't. Dread's first appearance was when Cole was in his teens. Living with his alcoholic father and little sister Cole's only source of happiness was his sister. As a result when she was killed on her way home from a friend's home Cole was sent into a rage. Turns out his sister was not the only victim of the killer. Other girls had been targeted and Cole found the pattern in his activities. He was only 18 when he found the man who murdered his sister and when he did Dread was revealed. It siphoned the life out of the man and from that day on Cole was never the same. His outlooks on life and people were completely changed. Today Cole is a cynical and almost completely void of empathy.

Cole's Theme

[User]
A monster. Betrayed, hunted, squeezing red ragged rips, running, can't kill it can't kill it can't kill it.

The fear cracked into Chris's mind like a lightning bolt. Something was very, very wrong nearby.

That was when he turned to see the bandaged man (now sans-bandage) sprinting towards him. On his tail was someone or something else, a woman in a red and black bodysuit, a collar around her neck. Another Gifted, he thought. One they'd made a slave of.

 "Go! Gogogogogo! NOW! Run! There's a fucking MONSTER after me!"

"GET BACK HERE SO I CAN RIP YOU APART!"

Now it was starting to make sense. The bandaged man was a hunter, or worked for hunters, and he'd known this thing was coming, or maybe he hadn't but he'd known something, and he knew that Chris and the girl were in danger. That's why he did what he did, but now he was in danger.

The monster had hurt him, that much was clear from his pain and the dripping red holes in his arms. It would kill him if it could, and then the girl, and then Chris, and maybe other people too. Innocent people.

All of these thoughts flashed through Chris's mind in the fraction of an instant it took the man's frantic pace to reach his position. Fortunately, his next action required no thought. None at all.

With one hand he flung the scarf and glasses from his face and dropped them to the ground, along with his bag and guitar case. He took off running, running towards the monster, and slammed his shoulder into it from the side.

"Go! Run! Get out of here, get away from the library, there are people in there!"

[Assistant]
Lucky Newman

Lucky smirked hearing where Thomas was from, though he was right about the putting on the accent that area. It was easier to get people to talk to people if you sounded like them. Though it was hard to fit in now, being Gifted stopped all chances of being normal and interacting with others. Though it was nice to be able to talk to someone like yourself, so talking to Thomas was nice. He didn't feel so alone but at the same time he was waiting for the knife in the back. It was a constant struggle in his head, he wanted to trust but the past betrayal was hard to get over. So simply put, he was on the fence about trusting.

"I'm from Prince Edward Island, Canada." He said before chuckling softly before continuing, "If you heard my natural accent you would think I was someone fresh off the boat from Ireland or Scotland." He said with a smile remembering how heavy his accent was when he first was on the run, people thought he was from the old country. But he needed to blend in, that was when he met Siri.... He quickly shook his head to rid himself of the thoughts. He looked out the door of the old rail car when he noticed movement. "Be ready to make yourself unnoticeable Tom." He said lowly as he continued to look out for danger.

As he watched a girl suddenly popped up from behind some old train parts, "Hi...I'm Lilith." The girl said with a slight smile on her lips. Lucky locked his eyes on her and stood still for a moment before jumping down from the old rail car. He could see that she was Gifted by her Jade and Maroon eyes, though he was going to be careful like he was with Thomas. He made his body rigid as he watched Lilith for a moment, he had to wonder if she was hunter. But as he watched her he noticed that her hair was wind blown and that she was slightly dirty, so she was mostly likely not a hunter as hunters were usually clean.

"I'm Lucky." He said with a slight tension in voice but he didn't sound as threatening as he did with Thomas earlier. "You thirsty or hungry?" He asked though he was still weary of the new comer. He was glad to see another Gifted, but he was realizing that he was rusty in his communication skills. Damn you Siri! He thought as he held an arm out ushering Lilith to the old rail car that would give them some cover, for now at least. Maybe they could plan what to do next or in the very least get to know each other.

But Lucky was waiting for the ax to drop and his luck run out.

[User]
After exiting The Suite, Cole sat in the driver's seat of his car. This time there was music, only silence as he sat there trying to decide whether he was doing the right thing. Last time he tried something like this...it didn't end well. It seemed as though being around Cole was bad for people's health. The more he thought about it the more the memories of those he'd lost came back to him. It got to a point where it was too much and Cole punched the car stereo causing the display to crack and the dial to pop out again. Cole sighed as he sat back in his seat. "..What are you doing?". There was a silence as he rubbed his forehead, the pain in his knuckles had begun to fade but was still throbbing somewhat.

That was when it happened, all those memories of his old friends came once again but this time instead of agony Cole felt a growing rage which added to the already existing pool of anger he had within him. The Hunters would pay for what they did to his friends, what they do to all Gifted. Starting now his crusade would begin, and those two down in The Suite would be the first out of many other gifted he'd recruit to exact revenge on those who oppressed his kin. "I don't usually let you out...but I cam tell it won't matter soon", of course Cole wasn't talking to himself. Technically he was but now it was a different being all together.

Exiting the car Cole went to the back and opened up the trunk, inside was the same dufflebag from the gas station but instead of opening it he took it out with him along with one other bag which was for clothes. Once he was back inside The Suite he laid his clothes bag on hos bed and laid the duffle bag on the living room coffee table. Opening it revealed that it's contents were more than just money, inside were two Remington Colt 1911 R1 pistols and a G36C Assault Rifle. Cole laid the 1911s on the table but took the G36C with him to his room. Once inside the room he placed his rifle by the nightstand and headed back into the living room. He sat on the couch and turned on the tv.

[Assistant]
Lilith looked at Lucky, her eyes widening. The offer of food and water made her lip quiver. The offer of shelter and company made her want to cry. She was so desperate for a place to stay, for people she could actually become friends with. So Lilith approached the train car without a second thought, she stood only a couple of steps away from Lucky now.

If Lucky looked close enough, he would realize that Lilith's eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, her hair was disheveled, and her body was cleansed roughly, as though she had very little time to get clean. "T-thank you. That's very generous. I think I'll take you up on that offer." She understood this was generosity, and that he was offering it because she was desperate.

Still though, she managed a bold smile, and reached out her hand. "What's your gift? We might as well exchange them, since we're going to be sitting in a train car for who knows how long." Her voice was a bis stronger although it was rough as if it hadn't been used often. She offered a hand to Lucky, and then peered around him, at the other stranger. She pressed her lips together and frowned. "Um hi to you too. How are you?" She asked, glancing between Lucky and the man who hadn't spoken yet.

[User]
Valkyr took the hit from Chris and fell, but as soon as she hit the ground she was getting back up. She screamed at him and prepared to charge, but John tackled her back to the ground and shocked her with his batons. By now, people were screaming and running away from the library in panic. Valkyr kicked John off of her and sent him flying into Nice, resulting in a cracking-thud sort of sound. John moved slightly but didn't get up, one of his shock batons had fallen near Chris while the other was in the pile with him and Nice.

Valkyr had gotten to her feet and grabbed a man who came out of the library, swinging him around to slam his face into the wall. The man was killed instantly as his skull fractured on impact, and then his lifeless body proceeded to be thrown at Chris by a screaming Valkyr.

[Assistant]
What is that thing, it's got me, it's got me, hurts-

The dead man's pain was flung at Chris just as surely as his corpse was, and of the two was probably the more agonizing. A person's dying pain had always hit especially hard - his knees were buckling even before the body crashed into him, sending him sprawling to the ground, the hunter's and the victim's pain mingling with his own.

This wasn't how it was supposed to be. One innocent was dead already, and it looked like more would follow, judging by the crowd of people spilling out of the library to catch a glimpse of the tumult. The hunter was still on the floor, in a heap with the girl with the closed-off mind. The monster was roaring now, frothing with rage. Something metal rolled against Chris's foot - one of the hunter's batons. He rose to his feet, a hand closed around the weapon. He couldn't fight the monster, that much was certain, but maybe someone could fend it off long enough to get the people away. What happened to him after that didn't matter.

A sentence flashed into his mind as he tossed the weapon to the hunter. He hadn't been around the man long enough to be certain it was the sentence he needed, but if ever there was a time for a shot in the dark, this was it. "Get up, John! You can still save them!"

With that done, he whipped around, baring his face at the crowd of humans and advancing on them quickly, waving his hands. Confusion at the scene unfolding turned into dread, horror, and nausea. People stumbled back, their hands over their eyes. There were screams of revulsion, fear, as he drew closer and closer to the crowd. "Run!" He screamed. "Leave!"

They complied. With one mind, the crowd of humans turned and fled from him, fled back to the library, back inside, where they would be safe.

[User]
Naddy used her bike as seat as she un-zipped her coat and leaned on it. It took a few moments but it seemed like Chris wasn't to chatty at the moment. She sat there leaning against her bike when Cole walked back out side. "well it looks like our fearless leader has returned" Though as she spoke cole hadn't even walked out side as it took a few moments before he opened the door and walked out of the office and she turned back looking at the door.  "We have the Presidential Suite" Cole said as she fallowed behind him, though it didn't much look like this place had much of any form of suite. Once she walked in she looked around the room. She had a little smile on her face tough. It looked like a dump, but she could feel the soft air current flowing through the room leading into the closet. She looked over at it as she stepped into the room. She kept quite though before soon he walked in and opened up that false door.

 She fallowed him down descending into the room and walking in behind him. She let out a whistle "Fancy digs Mr. Wayne" She said walking in and looking around the room "Now the real question. What's the bar like, and where is the pool table?" She walked further into the room before flopping down on the couch "I can get used to this" she said getting comfortable.

[Assistant]
Sitting beside Naddy, Cole heard what she said about getting used to living here."Don't", he stated plainly before continuing "This place comes with a price from the both of you. Besides even if it didn't this might only be temporary, if the Hunter find this place we are either dead or out of here before they make us dead". Despite that bit of news being a bit of a killjoy it bothered Cole little. If these two were going to be a part of all this they had to work for their stay here. The work he had in mind wasn't an office job obviously, instead it was something not entirely legal. "...but to answer your question there should be drinks in the kitchen if not then oh well we'll have to go buy some. As for the pool table there is none, all we have is...well the pool". Cole got up from the living room couch and headed towards the kitchen, he needed a drink.

Once in the kitchen he searched the cabinets for what he was looking for. Last time he was here he hid a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka for himself incase he returned. Fortunately it was still there and after adding some ice to his glass he added the Grey Goose and instead of sipping it Cole just downed it. He filled his glass again, this time holding it up for a second before drinking it as if he was cheering. It was clear that he was drinking for more than himself. An observation confirmed once he said out loud, "This one's for the old crew...".


[System]
Gender: Female

Appearance: Akyasha is much like the rest of her kin. Pale, pleasing to the eyes…. The most notable features are her bright red hair and the religious garb she wears at almost all times.

Abilities: As a Vampire, of course Akyasha has access to Blood Magic and as a devout servant of Ichor, she also has access to Divine Magic that only Clerics of Ichor would have. The Divine Magics of Ichor are essentially Blood Magic without any weakness a Vampire might have as well as the ability to summon the otherworldly servants of Ichor.

That said, she utilizes her Blood Magic in a special way. When she strikes an enemy with her Blood Magic, she attempts to put a "seed" on or in them. This "seed" starts to drain blood from it's target and will over time sprout as a Blood Magic mockery of a lily, something that Akyasha affectionately calls a "Blood Lily". After she collects the lily, she can utilize it in a couple of ways, but her favorite is in her summoning magic. The amount and quality of blood that she collected influences the creatures she would summon from using the Blood Lily.

Personality: Some describe her as an eccentric. She's a devout servant and follower of Ichor. She follows the tenets as close as she can except for one thing. While she agrees that normally, humans cannot love them, she thinks that they can be made to love them. Though, this typically means that she likes to have plenty of human thralls. Specifically, Human Women that she can dress in her religious outfits and follow the Path of Ichor.

Outside that, one could say that she is every so slightly obsessed with the Cult of Ichor and making it as perfect as she can as well as the betterment of her kin. She sees humans in three ways. The humans worth attempted to turn to the Cult of Ichor and those that are cattle meant for feeding. This does not mean the cattle are to be treated crudely as that would be against the tenets. Preferably, they are to be given their own rooms and things to do as well as well fed. That way, their blood tastes the best it could be.

The third and final way she looks at humans…. Are those worthy of ignoring. As the tenets state not to act with cruelty and treat humans with care, Akyasha finds the best way to care is to ignore those that one does not need to interact with as interaction would bring "undue attention to the undead."

Bio: Once upon a time, Akyasha was a blonde human girl with another name, turned by a Cleric of Ichor. Over the years, she dedicated her unlife to the following of Ichor and rose through the ranks. Unfortunately, during the final years she saw many of her fellow clerics felled by Paladins until finally, she was one of the last few Clerics. Of course, one of the last few didn't matter as she was impaled with a holy weapon and put into an eternal slumber. Only to eventually wake back up in an unforgiving world….

Anything else:

[User]
Captain Argus Fellborn

If there was any doubt in Argus' mind that this monster was an unnatural creation, the seam upon its chest dispelled it. Somebody clearly made this thing and sewed it shut. Those same stitches, however, would provide an ideal place to fatally disassemble this creature without compromising its pelt any more than it already was. Assuming, of course, that he could get close enough to cut them.

That might be easier said than done, however, he concluded as the bear-boar began to charge, hurling its massive claws at the vampire.

First, Argus used his blood magic to spray a stream of his own blood in the monster's eyes, as to impair its vision. Then as it drew close, the pirate slashed at the underside of the first paw to come towards him, seeking to both turn the blows aside and hopefully lacerate an artery. The next paw to come at him would receive the same attack.

This would be much easier if he wasn't trying to leave a serviceable pelt, he thought.

[Assistant]
With the creature thus restrained, and Aleksiya able to get a better look at it, she came to realize it was no oversized chicken at all. Even in a state of such decay, it was quite obvious she was looking at a rather more familiar animal then she had expected.

A tropical and exotic bird that had no right to be here, except for the fact that the one at the source of all this was fond of them.

Aleksiya sighed heavily.

"Wonderful, I can't even make fun of you, now," she lamented as she raised her hand, slowly tracing her finger through the air. Along the same course her hand too, a crystalline line began to form, developing a sharpened edge, widening into a wedge shape as vapors poured off of its form, "I hope you're happy."

All it did now was seem sad and pathetic, more than anything else. And what it foretold was nothing particularly good.

Still, it was an obstacle. It had to be removed.

The blade of ice was sent hurtling through the air, a whistling sound accompanying it as Aleksiya targeted the point where the straining, bound wing met the body. It would tear free soon, so grounding it and then finishing it off was their best option.

@Rune_Alchemist@Asuras

[User]
Mom and Dad that were mauled by beasts in her early life? For a human that must be rough. Akyasha thought on that for a few short seconds until Julene brought up her sibling like relationship with a Gilles. "Hmm. I see." The vampire mentioned, trying to think of her past. She couldn't remember much of anything before she had become a vampire. Hell, she couldn't even remember how long ago that was. And then, Julene asked about her family.

"That's a fair question to ask, especially when I brought it up first." She pondered the question for a few seconds before opening her lips again. "Truthfully, my memories are slightly vacant. I have no recollection of my childhood nor my actual age by number. If I were to assume, my parents were dead far before I had lost them or I would have found some clue. No other family by birth with that in mind. The only real family I have are those I travel with now." The redheaded vampire said with a small amount of somber tone to her voice. "Well, the past is the past. It's unchangeable by most accounts aside, perhaps, long dead gods."

Akyasha went silent again as she didn't have much more to add to that topic. She thought about how this human had connections with one Gilles but didn't mention anyone else. It seemed her relationship with Gilles was more of one between brother and sister than anything else... Still, it didn't hurt to probe and see if she had any other close relationships. "Asides this Gilles, is there anyone else in town you're close with? Truthfully, I'm almost surprised no one came to check on you after what happened with that house. Then again, I guess there were some other troubles happening."

[Assistant]
Giselle de FarryUndead Princess, de Farry

---

With the giant bird immobilized, Giselle was also able to get a good look at the decayed abomination after dancing away from its fumbled attack. Like Aleksiya, she was finally able to recognize it as one of Kordelia's exotic pet birds, now long corrupted and twisted into a true abomination, yet apparently still loyal to the end. It was a little sobering, but it was obvious what needed to be done.

Aleksiya had been closer to the princess of beasts than she ever had been, so she let the smaller girl take the lead against the vampire lord's fallen creature. In the end, if they did manage to bring back Kordelia, Giselle supposed it would be better to hear that Aleksiya had put down her oversize bird than Giselle. She had to wonder for a moment if she had been corrupted or twisted herself before finally being brought back. If she could, she would have shuddered at the thought of herself terrorizing the lands that she once tended and shepherded.

All the more reason to end this.

"Aleksiya, I'll leave the coup de grace to you," she offered, as she moved to further restrain the creature. As her counterpart tore into its wings, she sliced into its legs to leave it only able to thrash about on the forest ground before they finally ended it.

[User]
Location:
Julene's cabin

---

"Awfully convenient." Julene replied with a dismissive grunt. "But no, not particularly. The folks here are friendly enough but, well…" Julene paused for a moment, pouring some water into some mugs as she'd turn back to the cooking meat and some water into a pot that she would add a few vegetables too. "I don't do well talking to them." She shrugged. "Can't say I blame 'em. I'm not the friendliest sort."

There wasn't any malice in Julene's voice, at least, so it didn't seem like she thought less of the people and she was speaking more as a matter of fact it seemed.

"Right about that though, can't change the past. Would be nice though, considering what those idiots in the previous era did to the world, hmph." She'd grumble, throwing a few more bits of wood onto the fire.

Forest of beasts

---

This@Asuras@VitaVitaAR

The beast shrieked loudly, Luna's ethereal chains breaking the instant Aleksiya's spear of ice would rend its remaining flesh from its bone, ripping a hole straight through its shoulder. A horrid shriek followed as the beast brought its beak down, slamming into Giselle and knocking her clean across the clearing like a doll, but she had achieved her objective.

Down a wing and now limping slightly, the undead avian shrieked again as it attempted to flap its wings, failing to find any air as its lame one uselessly laid now at its side.

So it chose the only option it had left. It reared its head back a shrill cry as it inhaled…turned its beak towards Aleksiya and shrieked. Another stream of razor wind, more powerful this time ripped across the ground, shredding the ground and scraggly trees around it. It followed by frantically scrambling along the ground, what would have been a fearsome charge reduced to a pitiful looking, half crawl as it opened its maw and would attempt to slam its beak around the vampire.

Location:
Forest of Beasts
Paladin

---

The massive beast growled as blood obscured its vision. The vampries blade found its mark, slashing into the hide of the beast, turning aside one of its paws as he'd parry the blow. The second soon followed, the beasts momentum not allowing it to stop itself as the blade cut another long gash along its paw…but both were shallow, and barely any blood seeped from the wound. Its body twitched lightly in a mildly unnatural way.

Ultimately, the beast charged past Argus a few feet, giving the vampire a few brief moments to think about his next move as the creature would turn to face the vampire once more, snorting aggressively as it seemed unfazed by the injuries on its paws. But it remained docile only briefly as it would rear up on its hind legs once more.

Charlotte, the witch, seemed mostly entertained and was writing in her journal a mere few feet away from the fight.

[Assistant]
This time, the barrier of ice shattered almost immediately. It was regrettable, knowing that she still wasn't back to the level of power she needed to pull off such a feat without effort.

But it had done enough.

The bird's beak yawning open, its body maimed, only barely recognizable as what it once was.

Aleksiya sighed, the air around her arm suddenly growing frigid. Water collected, coalescing around her pale limb, as the diminutive vampire formed a spike of ice that entirely incased it. It glistened, gleaming, shining, its point like that of the finest blade.

"Go to sleep. It's long overdo."

Her arm blurred as she thrust it forward. The length of the spike she had conjured was plenty, she was certain, to pierce the roof of re ruined avian's mouth, through the bone, and up into its brain.

To sever whatever remained of its life instantly, as it attempted to shut its beak around her.

Typically, Aleksiya took pleasure in slaying her enemies. Joy in destroying those who set themselves against her, threatened her companions, those people beneath her. Those who would trample over others.

But there was little joy to be had in this.

@Click This@Asuras

[User]
Captain Argus Fellborn

The creature's thick hide made it difficult for the vampire to injure, and it didn't seem fazed by any injuries. Many aquatic creatures were the same way, their thick layers of skin and fat making it difficult to get to their blood and vitals. If he wanted to kill this thing, he'd need to either cut deeper, or take another approach. After all, as tough as this thing was, there were so many myriad ways to bring about the end of a mortal being's life.

Fortunately, when the bear-boar reared up, it gave the vampire better shots at its vitals without damaging the pelt. In fact, it was precisely the underside where it'd need to be skinned from. Argus thrust his sword at the bottom of the creature's chest seam and thrust upward. Even if he didn't hit anything immediately vital in the process, this ought to make it easier to find and strike at something that would put it down, right?

Let's see what you look like on the inside, monster.

[Assistant]
"Well, I'm sure most of the people didn't intend for the current state of the world." Akyasha mentioned with a small smile. "Others perhaps. That aside, I find you quite friendly though perhaps not an upfront kind. After all, you let me in your home and let me rest." Her smile receded a small bit before she continued, "I would, however, prefer if you didn't call my situation 'convenient' I can assure you it's not. Though, it has led my existence since." The vampire's injuries had mostly recovered by now. Some small bits of pain and such but it wasn't half as bad as it had been.

"Well, I suppose you could say I've gained some rather 'convenient' gifts in that path. Companions, faith, strength. Purpose." She went silent for some short seconds before speaking up again. "Now, it's not much, but allow me to present my own gift to you, Julene." Akyasha said as she walked up to Julene. "Allow me to touch your person once more for but a few seconds." The vampire would lean in closer and ran her fingernail gently along the side of the blacksmith's head and through her hair. She would feel a gentle scratching before the Vampire removed her hand.

Soon, a small lily began to grow on the side of the blacksmith's head stopping at a small size big enough to be a pretty hair decoration. "A lily for you, my favorite flower. I hope you find them as beautiful as I do." With that done, Akyasha would step back giving the woman space.


[System]
Domain: The Darkness.

Appearance:

To start, no darkness shaped by her has eyes. She simply sees through their essence.

Oao has many forms for she wears the darkness around her, shaping it as both an extension of her body and a cover to conceal herself within. Her most familiar shape of darkness is that of a tall willowy humanoid, lithe with a subtle feminine shape to it. It's arms are almost as long as it's body is and possesses a pair of exceedingly long yet thin hands. It's face is a completely featureless mask sitting underneath a mass of long wispy tendrils of darkness serving as what could be assumed to be hair. It's legs end in a single trunk that sprawls out at the ankle level with several dark roots that pull it forward as a means of locomotion.

Her true form is that of an emaciated genderless little humanoid, a rather pathetic creature. Her skin is whiter than snow and she's no larger than a human child though she may appear smaller as she tends to remain hunched forward. She has got bony arms with two twig-like fingers and an only slightly thicker thumb. Despite being thin little bones called fingers they are long enough to reach around the entirety of an adult human's head. Her feet are normal sized for a human child though they only possess two little claw-like toes.

Her face is gaunt and narrow with thin lips and a mouth full of needle fine teeth. Shorter sets of these teeth run all the way down into her throat, allowing her to chew what she swallows all the way down. She has got shallow cheeks with eyes twice the size of a human's. Completely filling her eyes is a deep darkness, an abyss so black staring deeply into them can leave one's grip on sanity loosened. As though swimming in the shores of the fathomless darkness which appear to stretch on for eternity are two vanishingly small points of white light. There is only one for each eye, two minuscule stars set to float atop an infinite void confined within the space of her rather large eyes. Oao has long straight silky jet black hair that appears very well groomed, something to be envied by many with long dark hair were they to discover she had it.

Her voice is a soft, light pitch like that of a wispy young girl. Whenever she speaks it's always with a tremble to her voice, becoming shakier the more afraid she is.

Realm: The Caverns of North Crown.

North Crown, the human name given to the mountain range that encircles the northern pole of the world like a massive crown. Deep throughout this range is a truly massive series of caverns which form a truly labyrinthine maze beneath the mountains that she calls home. She has no subjects nor really anything to call her own. The tunnels she has dug are bare and frigid due to their proximity to the frozen lands and seas that lay within the crown. She has driven away all fauna from her territory save the creatures naturally born without eyes. Hence, only worms and moles reside within the mountains though these beasts can sometimes grow to be fairly large when left unchecked. Rockborer worms in particular tend to range on the rather gigantic size of things, growing to about the same mass as whales and possessing massive hardened beaks designed to bore through solid rock, hence the name.

Much of these caverns have been plastered with congealed darkness that is imbued with the power to turn aside the gaze of all beings, even the gods. Not even magic can pierce the darkness she's painted her realm in, forming a great curtain over her home that she uses to hide herself in. Of course like all things created from darkness it is susceptible to light, the essence of illumination antithetical to that of darkness. Her darkness is strong however so woe be onto the unwary who traipse into her realm thinking a mere torch will thwart the likes of her darkness.

Biography:

Many are afraid of the dark. What most don't know is that the dark is more afraid of them.

From the day she was born alongside the many others who would be the first gods known to this realm she has always lived in fear of the light. The first time she had ever poked her head out the sun's rays burned her, causing her to recoil back into her caverns. At the time she could not fathom why this had happened.

Does the sun hate me? She wondered. The moment it saw me all it wanted to do was get rid of me. Perhaps this is the same of all creatures. Needless to say with these thoughts in mind her earliest years were rife with seclusion. She turned to expand her caves since she couldn't make her home above where the sun was waiting to get her. She began to see all those who embraced it's light as being in league with it, all determined to destroy her should they ever see her. Little has changed since those days.

She is miserable. She doesn't understand why everything is obsessed with banishing her. From the light of the sun to the fires the little humans carry there is nary a single being she's aware of that doesn't wish to violate the very nature of her essence by trying to pull away her precious domain. To her these beings are essentially seeking to strip her naked so that all may gawk upon and abuse the feeble little creature that she is. She is painfully aware of how fragile a goddess she is, a tiny delicate little being trapped in a massive stone ball run by massive beings of tremendous power, all vying to steal away her hiding spaces to claim as their own territory thus forcing her into an ever smaller corner to hide in.

Even if she were the most powerful and beautiful being alive however that would not change the fact that it is in her very nature to be afraid of being seen. The terror that something might be trying to catch a glimpse of her fills her heart and consumes her mind at all times, frequently leading to full blown panic attacks. She weeps, she shivers, she sits huddled in the dark caverns far away from all living creatures. She is lonely as she is incapable of trusting anything to not betray her. Even when creatures cannot even see her if they are even nearby her mind will trick her into feeling the sensations of their eyes grazing across her cold taut flesh. Her paranoia is massive and overall she is an emotionally unstable trainwreck of a genderless aberration filled with a growing sense of her impending doom as the gods vie to steal all that is hers away until she is inevitably left at the mercy of her greatest foe: The Sun.

Needless to say given how much grief it has caused her she holds a seething enmity towards all light, the sun chiefest of them all. She would love nothing better than to snuff out the sun and plunge the world into eternal darkness but she is too shy and cowardly to ever act out so brazenly. Until something changes she maintains focus on preserving her hold over the chthonic territories, driving out intruding deities however possible so that she may remain safely hidden from all.

Notes: None.

Misc:

- Her name is taken from the sound of the great howling void that exists beyond the darkness between the stars.

- Because moonlight is a reflection of sunlight Oao can only make full use of her domain on the night of the new moon, the time of the month when the moon is at it's darkest.

"Put that on my Tabula."

[User]
' Humans are such a disgusting race, like snakes they slither to and fro spewing venom in the form of lies, like rats they scurry around stealing scraps and not able to see the bigger picture. Like spiders they spin webs of lies that span decades... I guess that's why I see so much potential in them.'

-Musings of Iarus

---

TIME:  Months Prior | LOCATION:  The Rift | INTERACTION: Dirka - @Dealdric

The sudden appearance of the Mad Musician gave what Iarus might call a fright. An ability that he had actually picked up from her a coy tine escaped from the gold slit that was his face, the strange invention she plucked caught him off guard for a moment but he quickly recentered himself,

"Ah..yes, I am in need of an elders eye. My beloved Sagu,"

Conjuring the creature who's body was that of a slithering snake from the jungles and who's upper body, minus the head was that of a human. The snake headed creature opened it's hooded neck and lowered itself in a manner that was befitting a bow saying not a word but showing utter respect for the being he was presented to,

"He is magnificent isn't he? He and his kind are going to make the perfect predators; devious, cunning and charismatic. But I feel that they missing something and as a token to all you have taught, I wished to ask your permission to make them especially skilled at magic. It would be an homage to my mad teacher…

[Assistant]
Dirka looked coyly at the beast. She went up to it at an uncomfortable distance for anything. She moved parts around and stretched others out. She stepped back and thought hard. Then, with a great smile, she plucked the harp and spoke in a joyous voice "I can't permit all magic, due to it's deceitful and dangerous nature, but I know that the illusion and destruction schools will do perfectly, in fact, I'll even give you a scroll I wrote that teaches the illusion school, an art me and one of my favorites have been perfecting before I introduce it into the human population for various purposes. I remember teaching you the destruction schools basic principles in case the need arises for you, so that knowledge should be enough to perfect them." She quickly goes over to a table of stone, vines, and blue gems that had various pieces of parchment and a wisp making a glowing purple fluid. She tossed a few scrolls and grabbed one with bright green and red trimming. She goes to Iarus quickly and shoves the scroll into his robes, and gave him a kiss on the forehead. She walks towards a table and a portal appears above Iarus and the snake-man. She waves behind her, and in a sultry voice she says "And next time, come for fun, not work~. I'd like to see what my little Lier has learned in the last year~." and the portal began to decend, sending Iarus and the Snake to Iarus' home.
 Dirka snaps her fingers and a man in very tribal yet ornate robes enters the sealed room of blue and grey stone. He bows deeply, then performs a magicians greetings. He clears his throat and asks in a voice like ripping paper "Me' lady, whatcha' need? I's got a fine spiritous brew goin' for da' party 'dis new moon celebration, and I don'ts want its over heatin'." She licks her lips. She is in awe at the flavor. "I assume you've had a taste? Needs more termite leg juice. Annyyywhhoooo, I need you to tell Sporatog that well be expecting a new race to teach soon. Also, do I have anything in my teeth? I have another meeting, and this one I want to look my worst." She opens her mouth revealing her sharp canines and wisdom teeth, which looked like canines instead of wisdom teeth. There was nothing in them, but the man decided to have a bit of fun. "Dear you, me' lady! Looks like a barn in there!" She closed her mouth and smiled. "Thank you, Haglerot! I want to see if I can make my sister queasy. Bye!" and she was gone.

---

Zee
 She popped up in Anu's throne room, but Dirka expected a filled with dread throne room. "The fresh name of mom? Anu'varr? Are you in here? I've got a proposition you can't refuse!" She turned to see a dragon; not at all what she expected. She walked to it's cage and listened to it's cries. Good thing she listened to Naswaru when he talks to beasts. "Why are you being tortured deary?" she cooed. The beast struggled to get it out, but it did. "The mother...of demons...is...punishing me for...attacking her...territory under...Ragnadon's orders." Dirka hissed when the name was mentioned. She never liked it when Ragnadon attacked her things, but she cared less for things of other gods, mostly because they didn't give her the consideration she believed was due. They asked for her help more often than not, or they try to rip her off or steal, or cheat her out of her things. Just because one is mad doesn't mean they're gullible. Yet she went with it anyhow. It wasn't in her nature to get angry over something that petty. So she decided to have some fun. She stood up, broke the cage, and dragged(impressive for a woman only 8'10") the dragon out, but kept it in pain. She slammed it's head on the ground(which also looked cartoonish) and looked it in the eye. "I'll make you a deal beast. Serve me, become my mythic beast, and I will make sure no more torment heads your way ever. Let madness seep in, let it mold you, and none can hurt you if they themselves are not mad by my right. But first, let me make a deal with your current leash holder. In the mean time..." She sat next to it's head and it's pain went away when she started petting it. "...I'll keep your pain away. Just sleep." and the dragons eyes drooped then closed. Dirka sighed. "Anu's castle always brings out my more diabolical self. Guess that's the chaos of magic for you."

[User]
Somewhere between North Crown and Osarion the Ebony Castle, just west of the great lake, a tremor could be felt throughout the ground. All the wildlife in the region could feel the earth begin to shake which created much panic. The tremors gave way as the earth erupted, two massive beams of power surging forth into the skies and beyond. The strange phantasmal beams seemed to encircle one another in a helical pattern, one beam being a pale white while the other was a darker grey which seemed to shudder constantly despite holding a precise pattern around it's conjoined other.

At the base of the intertwined glowing aural strands a black spire of fluted stone jutted forth from the earth. It reached taller than all the trees and all the mountains in the land, possessing a single hole down the middle through which the beams shined through. The spire was pocked all along the surface and contained numerous winding tunnels near it's base which seemed to wind and twist around the interior of the spire. All the while the twin strands continued their ghostly dance, shining like a faint beacon into the night sky.

The power emitted by these strands could be felt directly by the surrounding land. All the animals were the first to flee. Flocks of birds scattered until they were far across the land from the spire. Herds of deer, moose and other herd animals stampeded away from it. Even the insects that called this biome home all left, even going so far as to abandon their hives and colonies in mindless terror. This fear became so potent that even the trees themselves were coming alive just to uproot themselves, pulling themselves away upon their roots to escape the effects of the twin beams. All plants reacted similarly, uprooting to crawl in fear from the frightening force. Even the grass was driven to pull itself from the ground and wriggle away from the spire like millions of tiny snakes. The effect adjacent to the spire was so strong even the dirt surrounding the spire was slowly receding from it. By the time everything was far enough from the twin beam's effect the whole land for a couple acres within it's perimeter was left a barren crater which was completely devoid of everything, living or not. Only the spire and the powers it housed remained.

The enormous strands were intangible to all forces at the time. The amount of divine energy surrounding these strands were enormous. It was beyond the likes of even gods, a danger to even approach for sure.


[System]
Nickname: Queen Diamond

Age: Looks around 20 or so

Species: Will-o'-the-wisp, a subspecies of ghost

Appearance:

...with her skirt going all the way around, of course. And some stockings and panties.
...and minus the giant fire chandelier cage thing.

Personality: Melissa is, to be frank, not exactly sane. Sure, she's quite the lively and cheerful individual, but she has...problems. She's very, very possessive of those she holds near and dear to her heart, to the point where she'll actively strike out at anyone she fears will try to take her beloved away from her. However, she truly loves those that she says she does, she's just a bit...clingy. Don't put her love in jeopardy, and you'll be fine.

One other thing to note about Melissa is that she believes herself to be royalty, a queen, to be precise. As such, she uses it as an excuse to order around those she either doesn't particularly like, or considers to be of a lower status than her. Similarly, she has a bad habit of throwing rather nasty fits when she doesn't get what she wants. As was said earlier, Melissa has problems. Problems that need to be addressed and possibly fixed at some point, if that's even something that can be done.

Occupation: Self-Proclaimed Royalty

History: No one is sure where Melissa came from, exactly. Some have speculated that she is the ghost of a lonely village girl who dreamt of marrying and becoming royalty, while others believe that she was a spoiled princess from a far away land who died before meeting her true love.

The truth, however, is that Melissa is a normal ghost that appeared in a swamp one night with delusions of grandeur, and began traveling all over in hopes of finding a suitable partner to spend the rest of her days with. Thankfully, with the advent of the cultural exchange program, Melissa may finally find someone who will stay with her for as long as they both...well, maybe not live, seeing how Melissa is a ghost and whatnot. Let's just say that Melissa is excited to have the chance to be with someone who will hopefully become her partner and stay her partner.

House Shared With: Charles Urdien

[User]
Azael

---

'Well, this is a bit heart-breaking.'For how 'caged' he was after he finished reading the guideline for the cultural exchange program.

Basically, he was restricted of his freedom to move around without the observation of the host family. It would be a problem for such a freelancer and hermit-like lifestyle like him. A shame indeed, for how he had imagined of his own adventurous experience of new cultures. It had been so long since he last seen a city like this.

Perhaps for ninety years already. It would have been great if he could freely roam around and refill the memories what had become of the creations that he and the Gods had participated in creating and governing millions of years ago without bothering the host family.

Still, it would still be a better experience from now on, rather than climbing mountains, staying in caves and sitting in one spot for thousands of hours. Lucky that he was a seraph, a mere immortal being that could not die of hunger or thirst. Otherwise he would have been a dead man by now.

Azael placed away the guideline into his light jacket, as he glanced to his assumed housemate. A young girl with light-colored hair and...a pair of wolf's ears, staring outside of the window. She also casted a glance in his direction as well, but didn't seem to actively engage in conversations with him, and instead continued to stare outside. He would be willing to ask her questions, but that should be left when they actually arrived at the host family house, which did not take any longer after he thought of that.

The car carrying the two demi-humans suddenly stopped in front of a house. It was going to be the house that he would spend probably the next few years in. And judging by the looks of it, it appeared to be a comfortable one. At least...more than a cave that is. Though he appeared to be calm, his inside was ricocheting as he waited for the human that was going to be his host family to appear.

A few moments later, she appeared. Azael waited for the wolf-eared girl to get out before exiting the car himself. A young woman, probably in her twenties, according to human's growing stages. Her hair was plated, her eyes were purple, beautiful she was. Although Azael had to question why she was wearing such a short skirt. A fashion trend, maybe? Or perhaps that's a personal preference. For indoor clothings?

He had a lot of things to be updated.

Being asked to introduced themselves, the girl did so without any hesitation, introducing herself as Ragna, a wolf girl. For Azael however...

"My name is Azael. Pleased to meet you. And..."

The first part was the easy one. Now for the second one, describing himself. Or particularly, his demi-human species.

'Now how do I...'

Explain that he is an angel.

In a good way. A first impression is a good thing, as he heard. But he didn't have the time for hesitation. If he delayed it any further, the conversation would turn awkward. He wouldn't want that for a good impression.

"I'm the Angel of the Gods."

Not a very good way to say it though.

[Assistant]
He sighed within his mind as he had to finish up the lasting parts of his page. Putting up the new images that would for the next few shoots be his main focus. He was, in full cosplay form. Having started some videos with other means. Body covered up to some extent as you could pretty much get your hands on quite the long list of materials if needed to make the cosplay look pretty well done. Being it was just something he did to bring some sort of pass time along with the despair it may cause in others was merely an added tid-bit to his own life. He had been on live streaming actually just a few moments before. Which it wasn't hard to do as keeping quiet or making sounds was basically all he'd actually need to do when playing a game or whatever. He just had to make sure it wasn't out of his own characters sex at the time. In this case it wasn't too hard, but some of them could land up being the most ..complex.

To be honest most the people that would come to these things were watching to see what he was, or were their to enjoy the cosplay. They didn't all seem to want to try to get in his pants, only the more thirsty would try to jump down that path. In which he'd just giggle and shake his head with a light blush. It was the same game every time. Of course he'd even picked up on sounding female to some extent from his own range of characters. The use of changing your voice could really help out over all with your depiction of a character at times. Hard, but he'd usually try to set himself in the roll. Have to love all that time in acting class.

He looked over to the door of his room. The room itself was covered with sound proofing on the walls, along with a back part with a green drape that hung down from the poles that seemed to make a rather quick area for pictures if need be. In this room he also had a section that was designed for his make up should he need be, the armoir also held it's own mirror and side mirrors to allow him to see all around to make sure it was right, or to help the one applying it to show him all the sides. This was of course, depending on what he was modeling for or so forth.

Eh, it was to be annoying in most cases, but he'd still relish in the thought of how he could get fun out of proving some people wrong or others right....eh the right part wasn't too fun. He leaned back further in his chair, the white blouse was pulling on the fake breasts that were held with a bra. It was odd at first wearing such things, but he just landed up getting used to it. Thus, he'd often forget about him being full make-up'd at times. Sometimes catching himself to be brushing his teeth or walking around in just the shirt and no pants. Leading to his friends laughing and asking him to pick if he was going to be his usual self or whoever the current cosplay was, aka as his 'model' name.

Before he could fall into his usual pondering of how to make the next move in order to move further up his own social ladder along with that of his connections. There was a buzz to his apartment door. He was in what you could call a 3 bedroom apartment, with the main door being in the other direction of course. He walked out of the room after a quick turn around off his computer chair and walked towards the door. Pushing the button, he spoke into the intercom saying who it was. His voice however, still locked in it's feminine tone.

"Oh, hello. This is for mister Urdien. He had signed up for the program with the inter-species bill. We have his extra species here." The man said over the com. He basically just sounded like you general run of the mill agent. He had landed up talking to them before and even signed up with papers. They mentioned that basically based on the type of species they may have to redo the apartment. Which is fine, to him in most cases. The complex was entirely open to changing it's line up as the land lord didn't really care to much and was more then open to allowing the extra species to take up residence. He pondered on who it could be as he looked to the cam when he finally walked passed the sofa. He had all the normal luxuries a person could want generally. So long as things worked out and his own investments kept paying he didn't honestly care to much. He just played his console or pc. Watched tv or so forth. He looked to the door for a moment before they came up via elevator he assumed. Realizing for a second his situation he unlocked the door and walked towards the bathroom. Keeping the door slightly open, as he removed parts of his cosplay. He was aware he wouldn't be able get it all off, but the chest piece could be easily be removed. It shouldn't matter to much if the rest of the cosplay was still on. But he did what he could to take some of it off.

"I'm coming in." Said a voice after a knock. It must have been the agent he was working with originally which was fine. He had already explained to him it was fine to come in.

"Yah it's fine. Just sit down on the sofa like last time. I'll get something for you both to drink." He said using his more natural voice. It wasn't really rough sounding. More soft, then anything as he walked out, in basically just a shirt and boxers. The white blouse like shirt was hanging loosely over him as he walked into the kitchen with his black and red boxers showing. They were down to his mid thighs. Which was normal for most. He grabbed the black fridge door and opened it, pulling out some juice, apple, orange and grape. Along with taking some raspberry lemonade, and placed them all on a round tray, cups included as he came into the view from the dining room which connected with half doors. It was for the moment he forgot that he still had the nails on. He didn't care to much of all the make up and such, but the nails. Eh it really didn't matter. He looked over to the two of them as he placed the tray down. "So, it's a pleasure to meet you." He said to the extra-species that now sat in the living room.

[User]
Melissa was sitting in the car as she was being driven to her new family, giggling out of excitement all the while. Her mind was being filled with all sorts of fantasies and ideas about who she would be living with. Apparently, there was only one person in the family at the moment, but that just fueled her imagination even further.

The first idea that popped into her head was a gentleman, a very kind and formal soul who would dedicate his life to Melissa and ensure that she was never unhappy. It was a rather simple idea, but oh boy did it ever make the self-proclaimed queen giddy as can be. She loved being treated like the royalty she believed she was, so having essentially her own servant would've been a dream come true.

The second idea was a bit different. Melissa was imagining a maid of some sorts, but she wasn't exactly...skilled. She was very hard-working, yes, but...that's where the positives ended. The aforementioned maid was very, very clumsy, seemingly always capable of finding a way to either trip on apparently nothing or break anything she laid her hands on. Well, she did look kinda cute, but that was beside the point.

The third idea wasn't a very pleasant one. The person in question was more akin to a drill sergeant than a legal guardian, always barking orders at Melissa and scolding her for doing things that she wasn't supposed to. Again, not very pleasant.

The fourth idea, however, was much nicer. Melissa was picturing a younger girl, a little younger than her, who was just the cutest and most energetic little thing. The two would spend hours upon hours messing around and playing games, and they'd even sleep together. Honestly, she liked this idea more than the first one.

However, Melissa and her agent soon arrived at the apartment where her host family lived, which put an end to her fantasizing, at least for now. After a short bout of conversation over the intercom, the two began making their way to the floor where Melissa's new home would be.

Once inside where she would now be living, the first thing Melissa noticed was how...un-royal-like the whole place was. It wasn't super peasantlike either, but she'd prefer something a bit more suitable for someone of her social status. Oh well, that'd probably be fixed at some point in the future. Hopefully.

"Nice to meet you as well, miss!" Melissa responded cheerfully. Her host family looked rather cute, actually. The self-proclaimed noble honestly preferred men over women, but there was no use denying just how pretty the other lady was. Her red hair was especially eye-catching. "My name is Queen Diamond, but you may call me Melissa if you'd prefer. And you are?" Melissa gave a friendly smile.


[System]
Age: 29

Social Class: Technocrat

Employment: Weapons Crafter/Dealer

Skills and abilities:

Expert Handgun accuracy- With his profession his creating and inventing new ranged weaponry, his skill in using them is something that came naturally

Expert Hand-to-Hand combat- Since he was a teenager his father trained him to become a skilled fighter in many cruel and enduring ways. Though his father knew this would make him hated by his son, he knew his intentions were for the best.

Improved Strength in left arm- Though it started off as a simple machine that was able to help move and carry heavier handguns and weapons, Ezekiel soon used it for his own personal needs, going through many painstaking surgeries and such to combine the machine with his own skeleton. Giving him robotic strength.

Equipment: Two Steam Revolvers and his Signature Wooden rifle. A concealed steam colt in his inner coat pockets.

General Back Story: In his childhood days, Ezekiel always lived in the shadow of his Father, Dr. Chisel, famous weapons dealer. Though Ezekiel knew the business his father dealt with was corrupt he would soon join the profession too. When his Father died, Ezekiel took his place as a Primary Weapons Dealer and creator. The death did not affect Ezekiel as much as people thought it would. Ezekiel always hated his father so when he died it only allowed Ezekiel to move up in his line of work.

[User]
Cornelia was caught up in a flurry of handing out drinks and collecting empty glasses when Earl Lightfeather and his wife began to speak. A hush fell over the assembled crowd. He said something of a new mining endeavor-which Lady Enright had told Cornelia about before the ball-and his wife made a cruel, sardonic remark about proles. Cornelia felt anger rise up her throat, but she willed herself to shove it back down. Her back seemed to ache as she recalled the scars that would be there for the rest of her life. The Earl continued to speak, and Cornelia listened closely as she picked up a fresh platter of pastries.

And then...the world exploded. The far side of the room flew inwards, completely destroyed. Shrapnel rocketed through the ballroom and screams filled the air. Dust and smoke clouded Cornelia's vision as she stumbled away. There was a slight pause before the glass dome shattered, sending shards of glass flying everywhere. Cornelia barely felt the platter of pastries that she was holding drop to the floor. She was shoved to the ground as a Technocrat man collapsed on top of her. Pushing the man away and getting back onto her feet, dazed and bleeding from a few cuts due to the glass, Cornelia blinked several times and cast her gaze around the room. The figure that strode confidently in from the middle of the debris immediately caught her attention.

Whoever it was wore black robes and a bronze mask made of cogs and gears that never seemed to stop turning. A steamdroid attempted to attack the figure, but he-or she, as Cornelia had no idea who it was-viciously stabbed the steamdroid in the chest with three blades that seemed to come out of the figure's hands. Well, I'm sure that Lady Enright would like to know about that, Cornelia thought dryly to herself despite all that had transpired in the last minute or two. Cornelia spied her mistress standing in the corner, unscathed but shaken. That was good; Cornelia still had a job and she still would be able to collect her bribe.

The robed figure began to speak. "Earl Arthur Lightfeather, I find you guilty of oppression, decadence, persecution and gluttony. Your sentence, execution!" Then, the figure stabbed the Earl as well. Cornelia felt nothing after witnessing the gruesome event; there was no love lost in between her and any Technocrat out there. But she felt her interest piqued by the declaration the figure made right after killing the Earl-"Let this be a lesson to all of you whom would oppress your fellow man."

The figure was gone just as fast as it had appeared. He or she grappled out of the ruined ballroom, and Cornelia tried to see if she could find Anne or Lady Enright. She felt bruises forming on her side and ignored them for the time being. She'd lived through far, far worse than a couple of cuts and bruises. There were a number of people walking toward the dead Earl. Lady Lightfeather seemed to be paralyzed, immobile and gasping for air. Serves her right, Cornelia thought darkly to herself. Should've killed her instead of the damn Earl. Cornelia recognized one of the men standing near the Earl's corpse as the Technocrat with the young prole servant she'd heard earlier talking about the murderer.

Cornelia found Lady Enright in the same spot she had been in before the explosion. Cornelia figured that this was such an event where the policy of not being seen with her mistress could be ignored. "Cornelia, there you are," Lady Enright said. Lady Enright was a matronly, middle-aged woman with a sharp mind and greying chocolate brown hair. "I suppose that neither of us were expecting that." Lady Enright pulled Cornelia aside, lowering her voice so not to be overheard. "I want you to find the others and tell them to immediately head back to the house."

"Yes, ma'am," Cornelia replied softly. "Would you have me go with them as well?"

Lady Enright shook her head slightly. "No. I need you to stay and find out everything you can about what just happened. Forget the steamdroids; this takes priority. You will be handsomely rewarded for your, ah, services, as always."

Cornelia nodded. "Yes, ma'am," she said again. Lady Enright released her and Cornelia turned around, walking back into the fray. She searched frantically for Anne; sweet, kind Anne, the only one who would even speak to Cornelia. She spied her friend lying on the ground, unmoving, and hurried over.

"Anne, Anne, Anne," Cornelia whispered anxiously, kneeling beside her. Now that she was up close, Cornelia could see that Anne was bleeding badly. She'd had the bad luck to be directly in the explosion's path. Cornelia desperately felt for a pulse and breathed a sigh of relief when she confirmed that Anne was simply unconscious and not dead. Cornelia's fingers scrabbled clumsily as she took out her pocketknife from the front of her dress, disregarding all the rules of propriety, and cut a strip of cloth from her apron to staunch the flow of blood coming from Anne's chest.

Somebody abruptly yanked Cornelia's head back, and she found herself face-to-face with a Technocrat. "You," he ordered curtly, tightening his grip on her hair. "Get this cleaned." He thrusted a stained jacket into her hands, giving Cornelia once-over, his eyes pausing for a second at her chest. She recognized him as the man who almost struck a red-haired woman a few minutes earlier. Cornelia felt rage cloud her thoughts, despite her voice of reason shouting silently at her and the memories of her teenage years; who the hell did this bastard think he was, assuming that his fucking jacket was more important than her friend's life?!

Cornelia stared at him long and hard before dropping the jacket and turning back around. "What are you doing?!" the man demanded, pulling at her hair again. Cornelia felt herself lose control and shoved him sharply away.

"I'm trying to save my friend's goddamn life, that's what I'm doing!" she practically shouted. Fortunately, the other people in the ballroom were more concerned with the injured and the dead Earl than with Cornelia. She let out a breath of disgust and gingerly picked Anne up-which was not very hard to do, considering her friend's diminutive stature-and marched away.

[Assistant]
Samuel was sitting comfortably in his chair enjoying the wine when a steamdroid had grabbed the attention of everyone. It was because Earl wanted to make an announcement about his new mine. That was about the time a huge explosion had gone off, and caused Samuel to spit out the wine in his mouth and drop the bottle. His attention was then put at the black figure who took out two steamdroids and grabbed Earl by the collar. The figure then mentioned something about Earl being guilty and executed him on the spot. Samuel got up quickly and pulled out his rifle taking aim at the figure who was making his escape. Because of his drinking his vision was blurred a bit, and this made him think that the figure was in sight. But when Samuel fired he had missed by a lot only hitting a wall.

Samuel tried to focus in as much as he could, so his vision would clear up. He stumbled as he walked and eventually made it over to two technocrats (@DarkStar@rush99999). Once there he lowered on one knee to try and keep him steady "What are you two doing? You should be leaving along with everyone else." he said to the technocrats.

[User]
Evelyn looked the Fat Technocrat in the eyes as he began to raise his hand. She winced as she realised it was to strike her. Her eyes closed tightly. She opened them however not to find herself on the ground in pain but looking at an older brown haired gentleman having manhandled her foe and blocked her delicate mind from the situation. It was rather nice she had to admit. In response to his comment she gave a soft smile to him, "Do tell your father about this....I'm sure he'd be happy", a very thinly veiled threat to counter the one he made to the prole. Lady Callaghan knew how to apply social pressure, as well as financial to a certain degree. But the former was the greater power among the technocrats. They lusted after social prowess and pride before money. She gave a soft smile to him the same one she had just used so threateningly and curtsied gently, looking more out of place due to the torn, shaggy nature of her clothes than the fact she had just given a mark of respect to a prole. "I am quite good thank you. I do appreciate the help", she turned around to gaze on the tradgedy that had just befallen the party. "I will avenge the people who died here to day. Earl lightfeather was a good man and none of these people deserved to die for the quarrel he had.", in typical fashion for her class. She meant it. "And your name kind sir?", Evelyn asked gently outreaching her hand for him to take. "I must send word to the hospital. They can have personnel over here in minutes". Funny thing being not a single technocrat bar the Earl had died. "I just wonder how long till he comes after me too...", she said to herself softly as she walked over to the hole in the wall. Then pulled a small device from her purse, twisted the cap at the base four times and held it to the air and put a finger in her ear.

PHAWOOOMPH!

The flare went up quickly making noise galore, the twists had altered the amount of explosive and chemicals. Changing the colour and noise profile. Allowing her to scale the emergency notice. Quite the impressive little trinket, her mother made sure she carry it at all times. It was a message to the Emergency Medical Staff at the hospital. Well, their definition of an emergency was a technocrat being injured, but influence had it's perks. She could get the injured treated. Father would not be happy with the bills but they would certainly be paid in full. Pride before all, the family motto. It wasn't long before the message was relayed to the hospital and Airships were dispatched to the hall. Bringing with them the best medicine money could buy. My god she had some explaining to do. She brought the capsule down and looked to the flare in the sky, before looking back to the hall. A rather drunk, well dressed man quickly approached them after that. Looking at him she gave a gentle smile as he lowered to his knees. "Why yes good sir. But you are the one who needs to be leaving, I am sure that Lady LightFeather isn't going to appreciate the bullet in her lacquered wall", she giggled and pulled him up by the hand.

[Assistant]
Ezekiel stood quietly as he thought to himself. As much as I disliked Earl, this timing couldn't have been worse. Whoever this person isn't doesn't understand what they're doing Ezekiel did not care too much for the obvious social hierarchy that was in place. He was pretty well off so he didn't see any reason to change or oppose it. Even so, this act is unforgivable. A vigilante like this could prove bad for the economy in place. Taking out powerful people will only lead to downfall and chaos in the future. Without the balance of power lesser citizens will be influenced to kill other wealthy men only leading to a civil war among classes. "Whoever this, 'vigilante' is must be stopped at once!" Ezekiel would say to the group. "They're only causing trouble which will escalate into something worse."

He would then escape the crowd walking towards the exit of the manor. "This vigilante has gone far enough. It's time I put an end to his spree." The technocrat would say to himself. He knew the only way to bring about the vigilante is by means of committing acts that would be seen as oppression. But how would I go about doing that?


[System]
Elsa Newmaker

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 Basic Summary
Alias: Ella
Age: 20
Gender: Female
Birthday: December 29th 1997
Home in the Mortal Realm: New York, America

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 Personality
Personality:
A quiet person for whom a smile is rare. Elsa is a very serious young woman. She doesn't speak much, even to those whom she has known for a long time. An observer, she prefers to watch and retain rather then give her opinion. People who know her would tell you while her face is passive her eyes are going a mile a minute. You can see the intelligence in her eyes as she watches everything around her. When asked questions she answers in short sentences, only speaking when she has something of import to say. So when she does speak people tend to listen.

Her music is where her passion lies. Sitting at the piano, Elsa becomes a different person. When she is lost in a song you can see her come alive with energy, her fingers flying across the keys and her face showing her true emotions.

If someone offends her she will not hold back from telling them exactly what she thinks, but most of the time she sits back and allows people to make asses of themselves. If asked she will tell you that humans are her least favorite species.

Sexuality: Heterosexual
Relationship Status: Single
Fears:
- Darkness
- Spiders
- Water

Likes:
+ the color blue
+ classical music
+ old movies (think Casablanca, Singing in the Rain and Charade)
+ cherries
+ the sound of rain / walking in rain

Dislikes:
- heat
- the taste of alcohol
- mushrooms
- aggressive dogs
- rap and heavy metal

Other: is secretly an Alfred Hitchcock fan

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 Appearance
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 130 lb
Eye Color: Hazel
Hair Color & Style: Brunette/Honey colored / long and wavy
Build: 'Coke bottle' shape = wide at the chest, narrow at the waist and wide at the hips
Skin Tone: Peachy pink
Style:
Elsa leans towards a vintage style but with an element of comfort and traces of bohemian. Her favorite outfit is a lacy peasant blouse with faded jeans she's had for years, comfortable worn out boots and leather/wooden bracelets. Doesn't wear makeup unless she has to, but dabs on a shimmery lip balm regularly.

Other: She has a heart-shaped birthmark on her right hip

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 Skills
Skilled: Elsa is a pianist so she is very musically inclined. She only needs to hear a song once or twice and she remembers it forever. She notices sounds more than other people do, picking up little things in people's voices, making her good at knowing when someone is lying. Unless the person is a VERY good liar.

General: She doesn't let things get to her that much so if you need someone to get rid of a gecko in your house, she won't be happy about it but she'll do it. She's not much of a cook but enjoys food when she remembers to eat.

Unable: Anything to do with absolute darkness or water. Elsa has a mild phobia of bottomless empty space. Which is why she and the ocean don't really get along. If you are hurt and bleeding she will tear her shirt to make a bandage but that is really the extent of her medical knowledge.

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 History
Who were you:
Elsa was the product of a one night stand between a stripper and a drug dealer. Her mother gave her up the moment she was born. The Mason's took her in as a foster child but never adopted her.

From a young age Elsa loved music. She would listen to tapes for hours, humming and singing softly to the work of both classical and modern composers, including Paganini and Yiruma. She practiced at school and joined any music classes she could. Music made her forget about her mother not wanting her, her foster father looking at her inappropriately and her foster mother being jealous.

Her voice and her musical abilities excelled and she was able to earn an audition for Julliard, which she passed. She stays with friends in the city in between semesters, not wanting to stay with her foster parents.

Family:
Tara and John Mason - Foster parents

How did you fall into Fae hands: One night she stayed late after a concert in a park and started playing her favorite piece by Yiruma on the piano. She got lost in the music, wishing she could stay wrapped in it forever.
The next thing she knew everything around her changed and she was suddenly very far from home...

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 Current
Court/Faction: (Leave blank)
What do you plan to do about your situation: Survive any way she can

Possessions:
The clothes on her back, her shimmer lip balm, her favorite emerald ring, her wallet with her money and student ID and apartment keys, her cellphone

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 Relationships

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Tara Mason
Relationship Details: Foster Mother, bad relationship, is jealous of Elsa

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John Mason
Relationship Details: Foster Father, bad relationship, stares at/leers at Elsa, makes inappropriate comments about her looks/body

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TJ Dougan
Relationship Details: Gay best friend who watches out for her

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Colleen Farris
Relationship Details: Best female friend, tries to push her to be more active

[User]
After Vae's response Elsa stayed silent as they were brought to two other fae creatures who seemed disgusted by them. Not surprising considering that the humans reeked of their month-long journey. But that wasn't their choice.

The sight of the batheing chambers nearly made Elsa weep in relief. Finally. To be clean once more was next to heaven at the moment.
Elsa immediately went to the pool and began to take off her shoes. A sharp cry of pain escaped her as she pulled off her socks too quickly. A month's worth of open sores and dried blood had nearly fused the socks to her feet. The pain was blinding and she bit her hand trying to stifle her cries, drawing blood from her hand. Tears squeezed out from behind her tightly closed eyes as sobs racked her body.
There was no time for this. She had to move quickly. The moment her damaged feet hit the water there was no stifling the scream of agony. Her hands flew over her mouth in a futile attempt to muffle her sobs.

[Assistant]
~| Location: Unknown|~
"I know I'm different. Than what you expected. But I've been playing a role. It's time that you know the truth." Vae sang inside her mind when the fae departed to allow them to clean up. Her figure shifted inside on of the rooms, humming the lyrics, as she closed the door completely. It wasn't completely private but it did provide some distance. Granted that anyone could walk inside the room at any given time. "You may not want me anymore. I'm not what you've been looking for. But under these pieces and parts. Is a beautiful heart and it loves you."

The girl knew her singing voice wasn't perfect. It wasn't the perfect pitch for an actual singer would be able to use but it wasn't the worst. The young woman knew her second oldest sister's voice sounded like nails on a chalkboard making everyone cringe in pure pain. "I've been waiting for so long. To feel like I'm whole. More than what you see. Please don't define me. This is bigger than you and I. So give me a chance. And meet me at midnight." Vae's voice smoothly continued as she grabbed the clothes that laid upon the bed she would be using. Her fingers grasped the outfit before walking out the door and into the bathing area. "Always told what to believe. Now nothing is quite what it seemed. It's a battle of head verus heart. Can't tell them apart like before."

[User]
No one came. Not that she was expecting them to. Elsa had grown up taking care of herself. The only time any suffering on her part was noticed was if she disturbed others by making noise.
Eventually, like sticking your finger in candle wax, the burning pain numbed. Elsa nearly fainted as she slid the rest of the way into the water.

It was hot, making her wonder if there were hot springs located somewhere beneath them or if this was magic. Elsa pulled off her sopping clothes, dropping them in a heap on the floor.
Layers of dirt and sweat bubbled away. Her skin took on its pale hue once again, a slight blush from the heat of the water. A large piece of cloth to wrap around herself acted as a cover up of sorts.

Her old clothing would most likely be destroyed. It didn't matter to her. They were worn and dirty from a month of travel. She didn't want them back.

The other humans in the room showed her wear she could choose her own clothing from a small assortment.
Elsa eyed each item carefully. There were distinct styles here and she couldn't help but feel as though this might be some kind of test. A few of the other female humans had chosen quite slutty attire, looking for attention no doubt. Maximize their assets as they were.
But as for Elsa, she already knew her body would be desired so there was no point in revealing so much. In her mind it was better to cover oneself, leave something to the imagination. To her that was more sexy than dressing like Slave Leia from Star Wars.

In the end she chose something she knew would catch the eye hopefully in a good way.

It conveyed modesty and mystery at the same time. It was simple, showing humility as well.

Not knowing when they would be summoned, all they could do was find something to do while they waited. Elsa went to the piano. By playing perhaps she could calm those around her. And prepare to play for her life.

She chose one of her favorite calming pieces by Yiruma : Kiss the Rain.
The music was gentle and soothing, like a lullaby in a garden on a rainy day.


[System]
Age: 24

Sex: Male

Race: Human

Appearance: A handsome youth with a wide, cheerful face. Always wearing clothing that's ahead of the current fashion trends, sometimes setting the tone for the Vanaran season. Pieter almost always carries a musical instrument, and carries his sketching supplies with him in a leather satchel. Pieter wears a meticulously kept flintlock, and will occasionally sport a showy side-sword, though he hardly knows how to use it. Very few people know that he hides a poisoned stiletto on him.

Personality: Loud, flamboyant, charming, witty, brilliant. Pieter is a natural in the courts of the nobles. His detractors would call him a sycophant, though few would dare say that in front of his friends, who are numerous and loyal. Pieter is a regular fixture among Vanaran artists, frequently collaborating and assisting his friends in their works. Pieter is Behind his excessive braggadocio, however, is a cunning spy and, if need be, a cruel assassin Pieter is deeply loyal to the House of Delorano, and grieved deeply for the loss of Leon, vowing to protect and serve the future of the House as best he could.

Biography: Born to the successful Venaran painter, Pieter the Elder who was patronized by Leon Delarno. Pieter's mother died in childbirth giving birth to him. Pieter the Elder took his young son with him everywhere, and when Leon Delarno learned of Pieter's plight, he offered for Pieter the Younger to share Lucien's wet nurse. Leon and Pieter the Elder had as much a friendship as two men of such different classes could. As Pieter grew older, his father taught him his craft, expecting his son to follow him in his stead as a painter for nobility. His father also taught Pieter his first musical instrument, the pan pipes. Pieter was a frequent play mate of Lucien, and Nalia, when she was younger. When Pieter was 10 his father was mortally wounded after getting attacked by a jealous artist seeking Leon's favor. Saddened by the loss of his friend and favorite artist, Leon chose to take Pieter the Younger into his household. As Pieter grew older, he developed an even deeper love of music, throwing himself bodily into the pursuit. He was the constant companion of Lucien, being his closest conspirator, and later, Lorenzo. Pieter had played lookout for Lucien when he snuck aboard the Maid. Pieter spent some time as a scene painter and troubadour with a thespian troupe on the mainland for a while, seeing more of the world. He returned to Vanara shortly before the plague befell the city. During the plague, Pieter became something of a spy for Anathagos Vain, using his grace and charm as an asset for his beloved house. Since the death of Leon, Pieter's efforts have doubled in his desire to save his adopted House.

Position In House Delorano: Courtesan, House Musician, Spy

Equipment: Mandolin, Pan Pipes, pianoforte (in his chamber), an incredibly stylish wardrobe, art supply satchel, flintlock, poisoned stiletto.

Skills:

(Human: Grace +1)

Gifted: Grace, Skullduggery

Above Average: Athleticism, Craft, Awareness

Deficient: Brawling, Soldiering

[User] ignore

[Assistant]
Lucien

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Lucien look at his sister with a twisted expression on his face.

"Lorenzo... you will take the vacant seat on my other side next to your mother from now on.."

The words were unexpected and stung Lucien more than he thought they would. He snatched his rapier from the table and slammed it into the sheathe.

Inhaling sharply he stared at the faces in the room in turn. Lucien grinned suddenly, the dark scowl gone from his face. He turned his palms upward towards Nalia in a sign of acquiescence.

"Apologies, dear sister," he said not all too sweetly. "My anger got the better of me, I confess. I-dishonor our dear father at his wake. We should honor the flame of his memory while still it burns." Taking a seat beside Pieter he snapped his fingers at the nearest servant.

"You there-let's clean this mess up and bring out some more wine for the table. Pieter's cup seems to have a hole in the bottom," he said clapping his old friend on the back. Lucien paused suddenly, as if he had heard a whisper in the corridor. He turned to face Lorenzo with a mocking expression. He gestured to the seat beside Fiona.

"I believe that is yours cousin?"

[User]
Lorenzo Delorano

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It was the morning of the wake and Lorenzo sat at on the edge of his bed, woken from a dream. The sun had not yet risen but they sky shown an eerie blue, the tell tale sign of the sun following close behind the night. Lorenzo rubbed his eyes then glanced over to his bed where a female whose name he did not remember lay. He glanced closely at her, recognizing her as one of the barmaids from a pub on the far end he frequented every so often. Her hair was red and naturally curled, her face covered in freckles and her skin light. He tapped her on the shoulder, giving her a moment to respond before placing his whole palm on her shoulder and nudging her lightly again. She grumbled a moment then opened her eyes slowly revealing their brown hue.

The young woman rose her head and opened her mouth taking in a breath as if she was just about to say something when Lorenzo placed his hand on her lips, preventing her. "I think you should leave before the house wakes up. The servants should still be in the basement levels of the house." He picked up her red frock and laid it on the edge of the bed before getting up himself and entering his dressing room. Behind the door a muffled sob could be heard as the girl dressed herself then exited the room, no doubt making her way from the building.

Lorenzo sighed and began to dress himself in black, taking his time as he was still unsure how to feel about the situation as a whole. His mind as plagued with thoughts of grief and thoughts of greed, each battling one another for their spot at the forefront of his mind. The sun had risen by the time he left the dressing room, his room lit up in the morning amber light and a quick glance out the window showed the bustling of the servants quickly scurrying here and there, walking in and out of the great house.

A knock on the door grabbed his attention to where he swivelled around, seeing one of the younger female servants entering the room with a breakfast tray. It wasn't the under butler who usually attended to his personal needs. He was sure, in fact, that this was his mothers lady's maid. "I beg your pardon Sir but, Lady Fiona has yet to leave her chambers or accept food." Lorenzo, hearing the earnestness in the young girls voice, stepped up close to her, almost too close, and gently put a hand on the side of her arm, near her shoulder, looking her deep in the eyes and said in a low, calm and soothing voice. "Please, allow me to take this burden from you. Do you have a key to her chamber? Would you be the good, kind and nurturing woman I know you to be and stand by her chamber for my departure so you can help her prepare?" His eyes flickered with warmth for a moment as he touched his warm hand to hers, letting it linger there for a moment longer then it needed to before separating her fingers and removing the key from her palm.

Fiona's chambers were not far from his own and the sound of his shoes clicking against the floor were heard, but only just, as he approached the door. He took in a breath and entered the room, gently closing the door behind him so as to not disrupt his mother too much. There she lay, broken and in tears in the same position she'd been in after the news was received of Leon. He lay his head on her shoulder, placing his hands gently on her arms, speaking a thousand words and no words in a language that can only be understood between a mother and a son. She seemed to truly respond to his presence as he thought she might.

He left quickly, winking at the ladies maid as he walking by her then continuing to his own chamber where an almost impatient under butler was waiting. "I see you've already gotten dressed Sir." He said in a professional voice just masking his irritation at Lorenzos early morning self-dressings. Lorenzo nodded at him in response.

Lorenzo was used to this routine in the mornings. Him being dressed on his own on the mornings he had "guests" and his butler irritated that he couldn't perform his duties properly. Lorenzo lifted his arms as his butler named, Alfred Hobson, reached around him and fastened his sword in place. The weight of it on Lorenzo's hip was familiar and comfortable, it neither hinders his walk or slowed him down.

At this point, Lorenzo sat to eat from the breakfast tray that had been waiting for him and began entertaining in idle conversation with Alfred as he often did. Alfred was at first uncomfortable with Lorenzos forwardness in his approach to conversation but over the years they had gotten to know one another through these conversations making their interactions easier for both of them.

Lorenzo, having finished his meal and conversation made his way to the hall, entering with the sound the clang of Lucien's sword smashing against the table, sending food flying. The was an ever so brief pause before Meldyr rushed into the room trying to defuse the situation. Lorenzo nodded at his mother with an affectionate and small smile before heading towards Pieter and Otto. He shook hands with each of them, patting their shoulder once with the shake. He had known them for many years and respected them as brothers, friends and companions, even Otto in his age and stature.

Nalia made her announcement which came as a great shock to Lorenzo if only to an extent before he made his way around the room to take his seat next to his mother whose eyes which were once glistening now had a sheen of triumph that he alone would be able to recognize. As has sat down he felt his mothers hand pat his back and squeeze his shoulder.

[Assistant]
Anathagos Vain

He stood at the tower window, smoking a thin dark cigarra as he watched the last light of day bleed from the horizon. Below him lay the Delorano mansion and gardens, busier than usual on a damp and unpleasant evening, and teeming with guardsmen- for whatever they were worth.

Anathagos Vain knew of five house guards in the pay of rival families, and was sure there were plenty of others on the take. He hadn't moved against them yet- it doesn't do to show your opponents how much you know of their operations after suffering a loss- and besides, he was making sure the information they were taking back to their masters was the information he wanted them to take- a good deal of it false.

Exhaling a cloud of bluish, spicy-smelling smoke, Vain opened his mind momentarily, allowing the Mark some freedom, and let the buzzing waves of confusion and anxiety that filled the Delorano household wash over him, mingling with his own suspicion and unease.

He felt it there still, just as he had for the last several weeks. An alien presence. Someone Marked by the Umbra, nearby, prowling.

Vain's pale eyes wandered the twilit city, flitting from shadow to shadow.

He saw it.

A flash of two great wings, black against the bruised-purple of the sky, swooping from a spire in the palace district down onto the mansion below Vain's window, where the family of the dead were gathering.

"Ulsid, Gabor," said Vain, and two Umbrakin in assassin's leathers seemed to materialize from the shadows of the room behind him, "I must go down to pay my respects, but the manor has an unwanted visitor. Search the roof. I will want to question whomever you find."

Ulsid and Gabor, assassins, go to intercept the Crow.

Roll 8 (D20+6 acumen): partial success.

Roll Details

[User]
For the love of the Sisters, what the hell has happened to Lucien? He's always had a temper, but this ... This is new. Oh, where is the boy I had gone to look at boats with, dreaming of adventure?

Feeling the clap of Lucien's hand on his back, Pieter turned slightly to his old friend, reaching out and clasping his shoulder for a moment, squeezing before letting go, concern lighting Pieter's gaze.

At that moment, a sweating servant with a patchy comb-over began to refill Pieter's drinking cup. Watching the wine pour out, Pieter lightly held his hand out when the glass was nearly half full, saying softly,

"Very good, Eduardo. This is excellent for now. Thank you."

Taking a small sip of the wine, Pieter reached over to a bowl brimming with bread buns. Taking one that had cheese melted over it, Pieter took a bite of it. He thought it a good idea to eat, it would encourage others to become more at ease. More like a family sharing a meal than a group of Pirate Captains sizing each other up. Hell, Pieter knew a few pirates who would gladly hang from the gibbet just to get at this meal. These cheese buns were good.

"Lucien, try these cheese buns, they're just like when we were kids."

Washing down some of the cheese bun with a small sip of rosé, Pieter narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched the heavy wooden chair scrape against the stone, before Lorenzo sat down.

What is Nalia trying to do here? If she's trying to win succor with Fiona, this might not be the path I would take. (Then again, I would go down some very dark paths to win Fiona's succor.) Giving too much favor to Lorenzo and Fiona and she might end up letting Fiona take over. Or maybe this is an early concession? Either way, I'm going to have to talk to Nalia privately sooner rather than later. Lucien too for that matter. Oh, Leon! If only you could see us now. I'd write you that sycophantic ode I always threatened you with when you were annoyed at me.

Well, if the Head of the House orders to eat, Pieter's the last one to dare disobey that order.