ANONYME [Seereous & Caeli]
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Caeli on 17-03-2008, 04:48:38</h2>
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				Title: <strong>ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>17-03-2008, 04:48:38</strong>
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				The torrent of rain abated as the night wore on, the time uncertain until the gray storm clouds cleared away slightly. Then, the pale, luminous moon could be seen nearing the opposite horizon from which it had risen, and more clouds disappeared as if all the sky needed to clear itself was a brief glimpse of the moon. However, in certain portions of the city, a light drizzle still fell, as if the gods were mourning the loss of yet another life.<br><br>Certainly, Celeste mourned the loss of her elder sister, one of the few remaining pure-blooded Nephilim. Few of their kind knew where the others were - with Paris grown so large (both in population and in size), and with the murderous <em>Anonyme</em> still making free with the city, most had gone into the hiding or tried to lay low. Celeste scrubbed at her wet cheeks with the backs of her hands, her eyes painfully bright as she wrapped a long coat tighter around her body.<br><br>Unlike her sister, Celeste's blood was half-mortal, half-Nephilim. She brushed back glossy black hair and huddled underneath the overhang, numbly watching drops of water fall from the sky into the puddles at her feet. She had run out of tears when she'd walked into her home, only to discover Vivien lying in a large pool of her own blood.<br><br>She had come close, unable to scream at this living nightmare, staring at the almost black pool of blood underneath her sister.<br><br>Celeste had fallen by her sister’s side and pulled the weapon out. Six inches of steel, drenched in crimson. And then she had begun crying, unable to stop, whimpering for Vivien to wake up.<br><br>Then the sirens had begun ringing, and Celeste vaguely recalled cars screeching to a stop in front of their apartment building. And then she had run unhesitatingly, because she had pulled the murder weapon from her sister's warm body and had their shared blood on her hands and clothes. She didn't need to be in a right state of mind to know that she would be suspected and held accountable. So she had run. She had nothing else she could do.<br><br>But she also had nowhere to go. Which was why, at that moment, Celeste still had her long black coat wrapped around her body, the dagger wrapped in silk and safely concealed in one pocket, and her hands were raw and red with almost obsessive scrubbing in the river. Her sister's blood was no longer evident on her person; the memory was stronger by far, and even when Celeste could no longer see the dark crimson stains on her hands and clothes with her eyes, her mind would not believe her.<br><br><em>How... How did</em> Anonyme <em>find us?</em> Celeste lurched away from her meager shelter under the bridge, and began walking slowly. Her subconscious vaguely registered that the night was fast disappearing, with the moon already behind the horizon and the faint light of the sun beginning to spread over the night's shadows.<br><br>Ten years ago, both of her parents had disappeared, leaving Celeste and Vivien to fend for themselves. They were the first among the disappearances – soon, it became dangerous to step outside alone, or after night fell. And then, just a few months ago, the nightmare truly began. Bodies of people with Nephilim blood in them began turning up mangled, butchered... tortured. It was in the news – the serial killer <em>Anonyme</em>, who seemed the perfect killer. There was never any trace of who the murderer was. It was almost as if the Nephilim had been killed by some strange sorcery.<br><br>But always, always, there was a stiletto. And engraved in the hilt, that pattern that struck fear into every Nephilim who knew what that symbol meant: the Monstrum.<br><br>"What do I do, Vivien?" Celeste croaked, shutting her eyes against the pain. Her hunched form stopped in the middle of the path as she gritted her teeth and clutched her head between her arms, trying to ignore the terrible pounding of her headache.&nbsp; Her home was gone - with all the police crawling around the place, she would never be able to get in. Her parents were long gone. After what happened, no friend would open their door for Celeste, who might be next on <em>Anonyme</em>'s hit list. She was alone. She had nowhere to go. Nobody could help her.<br><br><em>"The Lux Veritatis, Celeste... never forget that they are our allies."</em><br><br>The whisper almost seemed like a figment of imagination, but when she recognized the melodious voice, her head snapped up anxiously. Celeste's jade eyes searched her surroundings anxiously, her flicker of hope dying when she saw nothing but the glistening cobblestones of the ground and the coming dawn. She wanted to burst into tears again when her hope crushed itself... her sister was gone. It was useless to hope otherwise - she had seen the blood, the pale skin, the lifeless eyes. <br><br><em>I need to find them. Someone. Someone who knows what to do... The Lux Veritatis.</em> She clutched that thought tightly to herself as her feet began moving again, first to find shelter, then to find the one who could help her find vengeance.
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				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>17-03-2008, 05:21:24</strong>
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				He watched from the roof top, as the police finally left. <em>Stupid bastards. Probably ruined the whole thing.</em> <br><br>He was in his hotel room, a place that no one would think to look, when he heard the news over police scanner. He'd just gotten out of the shower, looking himself over in the mirror in the small, cramped space. He was fit, extremely so, but not built like those grotesque idiot bodybuilder types. He was rugged, a body made for work and endurance. It was marked, scarred and a multitude of other villainous things had been done to it. He was Lux Veritatis, and a young one, which led his enemies, mankind's enemies, to underestimate him. Those idiots were all in Hell now.&nbsp; <br><br>When he heard the news, he moved quickly, taking a small bag with him. His 'tool kit' he called it, along with the two pistols and several daggers that were hidden away on his person. He made his way to his Peugeot, a beat up thing, and climbed in. When he started it, it purred to life, and he smiled. The Peugeot was a great car, made it's presence on the World Rally Car circuit known, and he'd spared no expense in getting the thing in prime running condition. There were times when you just had to run and run fast. <br><br>As the last of the police left the room he was climbing in through the window, looking around the room, taking in the surroundings. The room smelled. This was not natural. Well, the murder may have been, but the implements used were certainly not. He didn't want to hang around too long, this was just recon. He would come back later. <br><br>As he searched, he went through the various rooms and took note of things, but didn't touch anything. He found what he was looking for, a picture of two women, one beautiful, the other pretty, but not in the same way. He smiled and whispered. <br><br>"I found you, love." He grinned and was on his way out, when it happened. <br><br>He could 'see' things at times. Only violent acts when he was in the area of a crime. He saw the beautiful girl, heard her scream and felt the stilleto, and he heard the last thought in her head. <em>Celeste.</em><br><br>He opened his eyes and took a moment. "I am sorry that I couldn't save you, pigeon."<br><br>He stepped out of the window again and into the rain. He had to find her. This...Celeste.
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				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>17-03-2008, 05:50:15</strong>
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				Celeste had several close calls with the police as she fumbled her way through lamp-lit streets, with only a vague, blurry memory to help her along. The police, unfortunately, patrolled the streets regularly, and weren't lax in their duties in the least. At one point, Celeste had almost walked straight into the backs of a pair who had (fortunately) had too much to drink that night; as soon as she faded back into the shadows, their superior had come roaring up from down the street, reprimands and spittle flying from his mouth.<br><br>The young woman flitted from shadow to shadow, looking for the signs that pointed to the church known secretly as the <em>passage au ciel</em>: the Gateway to Heaven. The statue that pointed to the rising sun. The garden of rainbows, where flowers of all colors bloomed. The Fountain of Mary. Past a shop that held the keys to time. It was difficult, because she wanted to avoid being seen, and she didn't even really know where she was going. Celeste had vague memories of those very monuments and buildings that kept her going, even when an hour passed, then another. She and Viven had attended this church when they were children... when their parents had disappeared, they had stopped going.<br><br>But finally, she reached the church. God's haven for his children, and those who believed in His protection. However, this church was special, because the priest who served as His servant - His voice - knew about the Nephilim.<br><br>The line of priests before Father Andre not only knew about the Nephilim, but some of the men far, far in the past had also been members of the Lux Veritatis. He would know where she could find help, and he would likely know a warrior who could help her, who could protect her from <em>Anonyme</em>'s genocide.<br><br><br>Maybe the current days of the world had not so many who believed so wholeheartedly in God and His teachings.<br><br>Perhaps those very teachings had been warped and twisted with time.<br><br>But this was still a church, and a safe haven from those who would hunt her and kill her kind.<br><br>Celeste took a deep, shuddering breath as she stood outside the small, cozy building, staring up at the simple metal cross rising from the church steeple. Simplicity itself - no gold ornaments, no fancy signs proclaiming the church - only the building and the cross. She snorted and shook her head as she thought of other religions that did not teach such simplicity, and instead influenced followers to greed and materialism.<br><br><em>Well... I suppose I should go inside and see Father Andre. I wonder if he remembers us...</em> Celeste's head lowered as tears clouded her eyes, but she wiped roughly at her eyes, dashing away any evidence of tears or weakness. She needed to be strong to find Vivien's killer and bring him down - she needed to be strong to find someone who could help her. The killings were increasing, and those who hadn't already fled Paris feared for their lives. Celeste knew better than anyone that the fact that she had survived was a stroke of luck - <em>Anonyme</em> always slayed entire families. He did not make mistakes. Somehow, today he had.<br><br>The door swung open silently, allowing a thin sliver of moonlight into the small church as the young woman entered. That bit of light disappeared when she closed the door, and for a long moment the girl sighed, breathing in the smell of fresh wood and paper. As she expected, a solemn voice flowed soothingly through the silence, tugging on all of Celeste's heart strings at the sympathy and compassion that she could feel more than hear.<br><br>"It is a late night for you to be about, child," he murmured as she walked towards the altar. Even in the darkness, she could see that kind smile, that gentle sparkle in his eyes. Her throat constricted as she kept walking, but finally her feet stopped. Celeste bowed her head and she all but collapsed at the priest's feet, her tightly strung body finally realizing that it'd had so very little to eat in the past day. Half-falling, half-stumbling, she knelt as hot tears began falling, scalding her cheeks as pain and emptiness and cold misery swept into her heart.<br><br>"'Twas <em>Anonyme</em>, Father," she cried, despair making her voice a miserable, soft wail. "My sister... he murdered Vivien, and all I could think to do was run. I was so scared... I fear he will come after me next..." Heart-broken, soul-wrenching sobs. Her hands rose to cover her cheeks as her shoulders shook. "This... this monster and his kind have ruined my life twice over! I know it is terrible for me to say so, but I want retribution. I want him to pay for the hurts he has given me!" The full weight of the night's events - the shock, the horror, the fear as she ran and hid for her life - caught up to her. Combined with the lack of food and her tight nerves, Celeste could do nothing but try to choke back the pain she felt so deeply.<br><br><em>I feel like my life has ended... where do I go? What do I do? I feel so lost. Please help me. Please, somebody...</em><br><br>"There, there, <em>ma fille</em>... I shall do all I can to heal these wounds later, but for now, do not fear - for you are safe here." Celeste felt a pair of arms embrace her through the haze of tears, warm and comforting. A hand gently smoothed back her hair, just like her mother used to do when she had fallen and scraped her knee, or someone had teased her at school. "I have missed you very much these many years, Celeste... and I am sorry that it is Vivien's death that brings you back to my doorstep."<br><br>She cried until all her tears were gone.<br><br><br>Only after Celeste fell asleep from exhaustion did Father Andre finally move, leaving her prone form on one of the church pews. He walked into the back room, and picked up the phone. After a slight hesitation, he dialed the number of the Lux Veritatis warrior, Damon.
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				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>17-03-2008, 06:21:25</strong>
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				He was driving about the city, sticking to side streets and stay off the main thoroughfares. If she was to be found, and if she was smart, she would stay away from those. <br><br>His phone rang and, he answered, though he didn't speak. He ended the call and summoned the cars hidden speed, making his way to the Gateway to Heaven. <br><br>He walked up the steps leading to the church. He took his time, not wanting to seem like he was in a hurry, and making sure that he wasn't being followed. He pushed the heavy doors open and shut them behind him, not needing to get used to the changes in the lighting. <br><br>"Father?" He called, knowing the priest was there. Father Andre was one of Damon's teachers. He also knew of Damon's past and what he was, and in his heart didn't approve of the way that he did his job.<br><br>"Damon." Came the reply as the priest came out from the back of the room. He priest looked Damon up and down, his gaze weighing and measuring him. <br><br>"Ever still the Knight Errant, I see." The priest said. "Adhering to your own code instead of the one that you have been taught and trained to follow." No, the priest was not happy about this, but he couldn't object to the fact that Damon was a God fearing man, and he did his job well. "You haven't come to confession in months." <br><br>"Father, we've been through this, and it will not help the young woman that needs me...needs us." He said. "I don't come to confession because the one one that I need to absolve me of my sin is God Himself." <br><br>The priest bristled, but let the comments go for now. There would be other times. "I know a little, just what I've seen and heard on the news. They are just calling it a cult crime." <br><br>"That is good." Damon said. "It's best that they not know what's out there. If they did there would be more killings and that is something that we can't handle. We're too few. Where is she?"<br><br>Andre led him to the back room where she was sleeping, and Damon just watched her for a few moments. She was pretty, but that was not something that was on his mind right now. He would now be her Warder...her Guardian. It was said that the Nephilim used to have a personal guardian, but over time they were killed off and had to form the Order as it was today. Damon looked over his shoulder at the priest. <br><br>"Father, I'm not telling you where I'm taking her, but she will be safe." His nose wrinkled and he sniffed the air. "She's carrying something of theirs." He said. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>17-03-2008, 07:01:13</strong>
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				Celeste's dreams were tainted with her imagination, which created the scene of her sister's murder. She could only imagine everything that had happened - every night since The Monstrum had returned, things remained the same, day after day, night after night.<br><br>Vivien would have just finished her daily bout of shopping that evening, walking home just as the sun began setting in the sky. She would have made small talk with the guard who stood watch in their building, bantering and teasing the young man before going up the stairs to their apartment. Once she got there, she would fumble with her purse and key before opening the door and dropping all the groceries on the table. Vivien would kick the door closed as she kicked off her shoes as well, then begin cooking dinner for the night.<br><br>Celeste would arrive in the window of time from fifteen to thirty minutes after her, hair unbound as she followed the smell of Vivien's fantastic cooking to their cozy little home.<br><br>Her conscious mind stirred briefly as she wondered when the murderer must have struck. Vivien's body had been warm, almost as if she were still living... and blood had still been spreading on the ground, though some of it had already been smeared over the walls to write the murderer's name, and draw the symbols of The Monstrum over the walls.<br><br>Had Vivien suffered? Had he struck from behind, silently, or had he frightened her and then run her through? Celeste whimpered in her sleep, curling in the bed where Father Andre had put her. Her mind drew an enemy into her memories - a figure in a long coat, wearing a scarf and a hat. Unidentifiable. Black, from head to toe. She watched as the enemy opened the door soundlessly, searching the room until he heard noise coming from the next room. And he walked slowly, resolutely, with deadly intent, approaching Vivien as she cooked... giving her just enough time to recognize what he was and scream, before-<br><br>Celeste jolted awake with a strangled scream of fright, her hands clapped around her ears. For a few seconds she stared, unseeing, into the darkness, watching as the scene in her mind faded, replaced with the silhouettes of two figures standing beside the bed. She couldn't stop the tears that trickled helplessly down her cheeks from the nightmare, but tried her best to stifle her sobs when she realized that it was not only Father Andre who was watching her sleep.<br><br>"Celeste... My dear," Father Andre entreated when he got no response from her. "He is a... friend. He will be able to help you." He glanced once more at Damon before giving Celeste an awkward pat on the shoulder, then leaving.<br><br>Celeste watched as the priest disappeared through a door, then straightened and stood up slowly, watching this man as he watched her. She swallowed nervously, brushing her hands on her coat. His features were actually quite handsome, making the half-Nephilim suddenly aware of how shabby she must look after a night of creeping around the Paris underground and hiding from who-knew-what. She suddenly found that she couldn't meet his eyes, and her nervousness made her step back slightly, knotting her hands anxiously as she tried desperately to say something. The dim light in the chapel hid many of his features in shadow, but he was most definitely taller than her. Obviously, he had a physique to match the subtly charming face - he filled out the long coat he wore as protection from the elements.<br><br>Celeste suddenly wondered wildly if this man had come to arrest her - maybe he thought she was the one who'd murdered Vivien? Before she could logically dash those suspicious thoughts away, she heard herself choking out a half-sob, half denial. Green eyes met his for the first time that night, the plea for help in them evident even in the shadowy confines of the chapel.<br><br>"I didn't do it! Please... sir, you must believe me. I loved my sister. She was the only family I had left!" Fresh tears sprang to her eyes, though this time she bravely dashed them away, rubbing her eyes on her sleeve. Celeste pulled out the stiletto that had killed her sister, holding the silk-wrapped dagger carefully and presenting it to the stranger. The bloodied silk fell open soundlessly, revealing the bloody blade. "This... I took this without thinking, from my sister's body." She bit her lip, anxiously wondering if he would think that she had murdered Vivien. "I... might have arrived right after it happened. Her body was still... warm. But she was pale... her heart had stopped. She was already dead when I got home," Celeste whispered.
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				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>17-03-2008, 07:20:21</strong>
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				He watched her closely, looking her over. She was pretty, not gorgeous, but that would draw more eyes and attention. <br><br>He forced himself to stop thinking like that. <em>You're in the house of God, you fucking moron.</em><br><br>When she looked at him with those pleading eyes, he felt the compulsion to go to her and comfort her, but now was not the time. When she produced the stilleto, his eyes narrowed he took the silk wrapped blade from her. He knelt and placed the blade on the floor, pulling a silver flask from his coat. He dribbled some mercury colored liquid over it and started to chant in a language older than Latin. As he did she would see the whole stilleto start to dissolve. He was destroying evidence! Surely he was on her side! A dark knight as such. When the stilleto was a pool of liquid in in the silk it would seep into the cloth, being dissolved. When that was done, he would stand and bundle the cloth up and place it in his pocket along with the flask. <br><br>"I know that you didn't kill your sister Celeste. My name is Damon." He said. "I am Lux Veritatis, and I'm here to keep you alive and to ensure that those to destroyed your life pay for it with their own." He did his best to give her a comforting smile, though that was something that he, quite simply, wasn't used to doing. <br><br>"What I need you to do, is trust me. I know that is going to be hard to do, especially after what has happened, but I need you to try. The first thing that we are going to do is get you out of this church. I'm going to take you to my hotel and we'll let you rest, shower and get some food into you." He gave her a reassuring smile and held his rough, calloused hand out to her. <br><br>"Will you trust me?" 
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				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>17-03-2008, 07:50:59</strong>
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				Celeste smiled, her eyes gleaming wetly in the moonlight as she nodded. Lux Veritatis... a warrior from the order would definitely protect her. She listened to his words, clutching his hand tightly as her knees went weak from relief. Finally... safety.<br><br>"Thank you," she whispered, bowing her head briefly before she lifted it to meet his gaze. Her eyes were more stable now, knowing that she was with someone safe, and would be protected. She felt as if a huge burden had been lifted from her shoulders, and reflected that if it were not for the Lux Veritatis, she wasn't sure what she would have ended up doing. Suspected for murder, targeted by Anonyme and the Monstrum - she would have been dead before the week was out.<br><br>The sound of their shoes on the floorboards of the church were the only sound that could be heard. Damon's steps were heavier and more solid; Celeste's, light and quick, though her boots dragged slightly from weariness. She clutched his arm anxiously as they exited the church, and yanked on his sleeve gently to get his attention.<br><br>"My life is in your hands, warrior," she whispered softly. She took one of his hands and opened it, then placed a silver rosary ring on a silver chain in his palm, closing his fingers over it before he could say anything. Her eyes were bright when she finally had the courage to look into his eyes. There was fear, but she was trying her best to hide it, and suppress it, and conquer it.<br>&nbsp;<br>"I need you. I will trust you. This was - my sister's. Please keep it for me, until our victory is assured." She waited solemnly for his assurance and his promise.
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				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>17-03-2008, 08:05:34</strong>
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				His eyes widened briefly at her gift and he nodded. <br><br>"I will. Come on, we need to get you out of here. We can talk with we get to my hotel." He lead her to the beat up car and opened the door. When she was safely inside, he went around, keeping a wary eye out. <br><br>What he didn't tell her is, when she took the dagger they could track her. They could loose a Hound and he would track her down and kill her. He was amazed that she was still alive in all honesty. When he'd dissolved the stilleto earlier, it broke the magic and gave him and weapon at the same time.<br><br>He got into the car and let the engine purr to life. "She doesn't look like much, but she's got it were it counts." He said, referring to the car. In just a few moments they were on the road, driving across Paris at the early morning hours before pulling up in front of the hotel. He shut the engine and got out, helping her out and up to his room. It was dirty, not at the lack of his cleaning it, it was just a bad hotel, though the sheets on the two beds were clean, likely his own. He pointed out the shower.<br><br>"If you want to take a shower, please do. After that come back and we'll talk if you want, or we can get some sleep and we'll talk after. You'll have to wear your clothes until we can get you some new ones."<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>18-03-2008, 01:58:21</strong>
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				She remained silent for much of the trip, lost in her own thoughts and feelings. It was difficult to think that she would never see her sister again - her peaceful life had been disturbed and destroyed, and even getting her revenge on <em>Anonyme</em> and destroying the Nephilim's enemy would not bring it back. Part of Celeste screamed that God had abandoned his children, the Nephilim... but she quickly suppressed that thought, shutting her eyes as if it could block out the sound.<br><br>Celeste was woken from her doze when the car stopped. She followed him numbly into the lobby, then into his room, thanking him when he offered her his shower. When she was inside the bathroom, piece by piece, her clothing fell to the tiled ground. Her mind was completely blank as she opened the glass door to the shower stall and shut herself in... too locked on the numbing grief to think of anything.<br><br>She stood under the spray of the scalding water, ignoring how the heat made her skin burn. It almost felt like she was washing everything away - the pain, the grief, the cold emptiness.<br><br>When she finished with her shower, Celeste pulled on her black panties and bra, then reached for her clothes. She froze when she saw how dark they were with blood - the crimson was everywhere, like she had been the one stabbed, not Vivien. Celeste tried to make herself put them on - after all, Damon was outside waiting for her - but eventually she shrank away, eyes shut so she wouldn't have to look at the bloodstained clothes. She pulled the towel from her damp hair, letting it fall down her back, and then wrapped the cloth around her body, before she stepped back into the room.<br><br>"D-do you have a shirt I can borrow?" She asked boldly, staring down at the ground as heat bloomed in her cheeks from embarrassment. "I don't want... to wear them. They're covered in Vi- her blood," she said softly, biting her lip nervously.
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				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>18-03-2008, 02:28:59</strong>
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				As she showered, he set himself about the task of setting wards around the doors and windows. As he chanted, he dribbled some more of that mercury colored liquid, his skin tingling as he felt the wards set. Anything bent on harming Celeste would regret it if they came thought there. He had already set wards to the mirrors and the bathroom door. Some freaky shit came from there and the sewer pipes...freaky shit.<br><br>When she popped out of the shower, he was seated at the small circle shaped table a shotgun laying across it. He started at her asking for a shirt and he nodded, moving to one of his bags, pulling out a plain white t-shirt. He walked a bit closer to her, his eye couldn't help but take her in, though it was a fleeting glance for than a stare. <br><br>"Here you go." He said, handing her the shirt. <br><br>"You can take the bed against the wall, I'll take the one closest to the window. If anyone tries to come in after you, they'll have to get through me first." <br><br>He turned then and moved back to the table and sat down, giving her a clear look at the muscled ass that was undoubtedly under the tight fitting carpenter's pants. That was a common thing about him. His shirts were tight as well as his trousers, though they were loose around his legs. <br><br>"If anyone breaks in during the night crawl under your bed. Do not try to help me, let me deal with what comes." He smiled a little. "Don't worry, they will have to kill me before I let anyone, or anything, hurt you." <br><br>He went quiet for a bit. "Oh, Celeste. I'm sorry about your sister. She seemed like a wonderful person."
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				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>20-03-2008, 01:01:31</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Celeste pulled on the shirt hurriedly when he turned around to walk back to the table, her hands fumbling with the hem of the t-shirt several times before she managed to pull it over her head. Even when she pulled the shirt down completely, it only covered a few scant inches of her thighs. For the most part, her long, firm legs were bare, bits of water still clinging to the lightly tanned skin. She followed him to the table and also sat in the second free chair, tugging the wet towel around her shoulders so her damp hair wouldn't drip on the t-shirt.<br><br>"Do you think someone is going to try and come after me tonight?" She asked, when he began detailing how she should run and hide if someone tried to attack. Still, the question itself was rather rhetorical; Celeste, after living with her almost-perfect sister, knew her limits well. She could make a graceful lay-up in basketball and had a killer drop shot in tennis, but couldn't cook to save her life; she picked up hip hop routines quickly and could place her spikes in volleyball, but looked awkward when trying to do ballet. Celeste also knew that, in a life or death situation and faced with a murderer intent on killing her, she wouldn't stand a chance. It was best, she knew, to leave the fighting to those trained at it... even if it was a bit humiliating to run and let someone else fight her fight.<br><br>"My sister... there will be time enough to mourn her, after we capture the killer," Celeste said softly, staring at the table and trying to ignore the painful clench in her heart. She wanted to cry... but this wasn't the time for that.<br><br>"What... what do you need to know about what I saw, or about my sister and I, that could help you? There have been rumors, dark rumors among the Nephilim, that Anonym walks again, backed by powerful descendants of The Monstrum. What do you plan to do from here, warrior Damon?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>20-03-2008, 01:36:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He looked over at her for only a moment, taking that single moment to stop being what he was and admire the fact that she had gorgeous legs. It was almost enough to bring a smile to his face. Almost.<br><br>At the mention of capturing her killer he shook his head. "Make no mistake, Celeste. When we find the one that killed your sister, there will be no capturing. It will die, plain and simple. There is no man made law that can punish the crimes these....things have committed."<br><br>"I doubt that they will come for you tonight, they will try and find you first, then recon, looking at your strengths and weaknesses and if you develop patterns. After they have enough information, then they will come. Unless they are desperate." He thought for a few minutes. <br><br>"I need to get back to your apartment and look at it a bit more in depth, and we need to do it soon, probably tomorrow, or I will loose the resonance." <br><br>He looked down at his watch and gave her a comforting look. "It will be sunrise in a few short hours. I know that it will be hard, but go ahead and get some sleep in. Don't worry, I'll will watch over you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>23-03-2008, 12:18:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celeste nodded hesitantly, but she couldn't think of anything to say besides thank you - and that, she had already said. It was frightening, to think that over the next few days people would be searching for her, and watching her... searching for a chance to kill her. And even though she wanted to trust Damon, it was hard to try and forget that Vivien was no longer alive, and she had no one on her side except him now.<br><br>A Lux Veritatis warrior... they were supposed to be long dead. But what with the recent activity from Anonyme, it was no surprise that warriors, hiding in the shadows, had come into the relative open again to hunt down the enemy of the Nephilim.<br><br>As all these thoughts ran through her head, Celeste tried to smile and nod as she got up. "Thank you. And... do you think we can go shopping tomorrow for some clothes? If you don't want me to go out of this room, you can get some from our- ah, my apartment," she said softly. Celeste walked on shaky legs back to the bed. She hadn't noticed before, but being through so many emotional hurricanes that day had left her weak and exhausted. She knelt beside the bed and made a silent prayer before finally pulling herself in, falling asleep nearly the instant her head fell on the pillow.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>23-03-2008, 16:59:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He watched her sleep until he knew that she was in a deep sleep. He got up and went into the bathroom and closed the door, looking down at the blood stained clothing. Grabbing on of the hotel towels on the floor, he piled the clothes up on top of it. He pulled that flask out from his pocket yet again and dribbled the liquid over the clothes and they immediately started to steam and dissolve. The being that killed Vivian may have actually been bloodied as well. That was a good sign if true. That would give them another day before the Monstrum would go on the hunt and he wanted to be out of this hotel and somewhere else by then. <br><br>As he chanted the clothes finished dissolving and they faded into the towel, turning it a green/gray color. He pulled out his pocket knife and cut the towel into long strips, rolling them up and carrying them into the room. He placed two on the table and the rest in his duffel bag with the other weapons. He looked over at the window and saw the silvery light of dawn under the heavy drapes. The room was still very dark and she should sleep long enough for him to do what he needed. <br><br>As he did every morning he dropped to his knees and muttered a prayer to the heavens, asking God to provide him with fortitude, strength, knowledge and the courage to defend his charge, even at the cost of his own life. He always felt better after doing that, felt...clear headed. He stood and watched over her for a little while, watched the rise and fall of her chest. It had been hard for her, he knew, but it was going to get harder. A lot harder. <br><br>He stood and went to the door and opened it, slipping out into the dawn.<br>***************<br>Should she wake while he was gone, he would return just a few minutes later, his arms full of bags. He would place them on the floor, across from the other wall where his stuff was. He would give her a smile and nod. <br><br>"Good morning, Celeste. I come bearing gifts."<br><br>Inside she would find underwear, thongs, bikini cut, and short shorts in silk, satin, cotton, and lacy in green, black, white, red, and any other color he could find. There was lingerie and silk pajamas and robes. There were plain t-shirts and jeans as well as cargo pants, slacks, various tops, coats, jackets, pant suits, and even a few dresses that were...well...gorgeous and would be a bit revealing. <br><br>"Try all this on. I think everything will fit, but if something doesn't, we'll get something else. While you're in there, take another shower and bring me your bra, panties and that t-shirt from last night before you try anything else on, okay?"<br><br>As she tried the clothes on she would find that they did fit...extremely well. The tops hugged her in the right places, and the pants and slacks hugged her bottom and thighs but flared out comfortably on the rest of her legs. The dresses molded themselves to her body and hinted at all the things that were hidden. He even got her makeup! <br>*************<br>As she was inside the bathroom, he waited and started packing up the room, his various weapons going in their duffel's. When she came out, he would be holding, the symbol of his office, the gothic styled bastard sword, the blade gleaming in alchemical silver in one hand, placing it on the table. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>24-03-2008, 13:42:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Though Celeste hadn't expected to sleep well, she awoke the next morning with the sun filtering into the room through the curtains. She was still slightly groggy when she heard Damon's voice proclaiming his return from somewhere, and with gifts; she woke fully when she saw how many bags he dropped onto the floor, implying that all of it was for her. Her eyes widened and she blinked in shock, her emotions racing to astonishment when she saw the sheer variety, then to embarrassment when she saw all the lingerie, then to amazed, sinful enjoyment when her fingers touched the silks and satins of the dresses in the last bags.<br><br>"This is..." Before she could say anything else, she was shooed into the bathroom, the door shutting with a click behind her. Celeste eagerly took a bath, cleaning herself thoroughly though as quickly as she could; she noticed that the bloody clothes she had left on his bathroom floor last night were gone, though she had no idea where or how Damon had disposed of them. Still, she couldn't be anything but thankful, even though the coat had been a precious birthday present from Vivien... for a long time, things that reminded Celeste of her elder sister would hold unbearably painful memories, sorrow that would not abate for a long time.<br><br>After the shower, Celeste wrapped a towel carefully around her body and opened the door, slipping out shyly and handing Damon the clothes she had worn last night, though giving him her bra and panties made her blush hotly the entire time. She was also painfully aware that it was the first time they had really seen each other in the daytime. She handed him the clothes nervously before hurrying back to the bathroom to begin trying on Damon's 'gifts.'<br><br>Of course she didn't try on all of them - but everything fit very well, making Celeste wonder if Damon had a lot of experience purchasing clothing for women. The garments hugged her curves in all the right places, emphasizing and complementing her tall, willowy form. And though it made her blush to try them on, the lingerie and underwear also fit well, for the most part. Suspicious, but... well... Celeste couldn't be anything but grateful.<br><br>When she came back out, Celeste was dressed in a plain pair of jeans and a simple black blouse. There was minimal make-up on her face - after all, she didn't expect to go far today, not even for the classes that she knew she was missing at the university - but some concealer around her eyes helped hide the dark circles from nightmares, and slight redness from crying the day before.<br><br>She was startled at seeing the sword in hand, but said nothing, simply sitting down in a chair and greeting Damon with a light good morning. The young woman was smiling, though there was sadness in her eyes; although the knot of grief was still lodged securely in her heart, it was obvious that Celeste was making an effort to live despite it. "Now... what are your plans for today?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>24-03-2008, 18:20:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With the t-shirt she borrowed, the bra, and the panties he did what he did with the rest of the stuff. A chant and that silvery liquid dissolved it into the towel that he used. <br><br>When she came out of the bathroom, he smiled at here. "You look nice." He said, and meant it, though it was definitely the words of a man that wasn't used to being around women or giving them compliments. "I had to guess on your clothes size. I hope that it fits. I uh...got more than a few stares when I was buying some of the more intimate pieces. I think I got the names and phone numbers of more than six women." He blushed a deep red. He had thrown the numbers away, not really caring about those. The only person that he was worried about right now was Celeste and keeping her safe. <br><br>"The first thing we're going to do is get out of this hotel. So go ahead and start packing up the clothes that I bought you and put them in the duffel bags. We'll load up my car and then we need to go back to your apartment. We'll have to leave everything there, no doubt the police have cataloged everything. Though you can grab a few pictures or personal items if you want. Small things that the police won't really miss or investigate if they see them missing." <br><br>He realized then that he was being very clinical, and right now she most likely need a sympathetic shoulder or at least someone to just listen. So he crossed the room and placed a finger under her chin, gently lifting her eyes to meet his. <br><br>"I'm sorry that I'm not being more sensitive. I'm just focused on keeping you safe. When we're done with going over your apartment, we're going to leave the city and go out to a...safe house. There you'll be safe and if you want, I'll show you how you can defend yourself." <br><br>That was breaking a very big rule within the Order. Your job was to protect your charge, not teach them to rush the enemy head on. He would teach her just enough to be defensive, so if he was rushed she could lend a hand and not get captured. <br><br>That was when he noticed that they were standing a bit closer together than he intended. He dropped his hand and smiled at her again. "Alright. Go ahead and get your things packed up, okay? I want to be out of here soon." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>27-03-2008, 07:15:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celeste nodded, a slight smile on her face when she realized how embarrassing his escapade to buy her clothes must have been. She silently folded all of her new clothes, stuffing the duffel bags as fully and neatly as possible. With the amount of clothes Damon had purchased, Celeste didn't think she would ever finish. Of course she did; it was with a sigh of relief that she wrapped the beautiful dresses and gowns in their plastic wraps and folded them carefully into the last duffel bag.<br><br>"I'm ready to go," she told Damon solemnly, resolutely picking up two of the duffel bags and hefting them in her hands. Most people would balk at letting such a fragile-looking girl take the bags; however, Celeste was clearly stronger than she appeared, because she didn't seem to have any trouble carrying the bags down the stairs and putting them in Damon's car.<br><br>She was lost in her thoughts for most of the trip back to her apartment; when they were finally back in her former home, Celeste had to force herself to look away from the dark stain on the hardwood floor, evidence of a terrible tragedy. She took surprisingly little from the apartment - some precious pieces of jewelry (none of great enough value that would be missed) and two framed pictures from her room, one of her and Vivien with their parents, and one of the sisters taken a few months ago, when they had gone to tour the university she would be attending. It had been a triumphant moment when she had received her acceptance letter in the mail; both sisters had worked hard to put together enough money for Celeste to attend university.<br><br>When she had everything she wanted, Celeste took a last look around the grim, silent apartment, before lowering her head in silent prayer for her lost sibling. Then she turned to face Damon, her resolve firm. "I'm ready to go."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>28-03-2008, 01:43:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In her apartment, he went to the spot where the murder happened and he knelt. His hand hovered over the blood stain and he was hit with waves of the incident, gasping for breathe.<br><br><em>Vivian had just come home and was happily getting comfortable, undressing after a long day. She felt the wrongness in the room, but didn't see anything that would alert her. Then, out of the corner of her eye she saw it move just before she felt the pain and bite of the stilletto driven into her back.</em><br><br>He shook his head, hearing was the two creatures said and immediately he had cause for worry. He would have to be more vigilant with Celeste. He could not allow that to happen to her. <br><br>When she looked at her him, he gave her a smile and took her hand in his. "We have to go."<br>**************************<br>Two hours outside of Paris, he pulled onto a long private road. Soon enough she would see the vision of an old country chateau built from white and gray stones, trees and bushes lining the driveway. He pulled up next to the stone staircase and shut the engine. <br><br>"We're here." He said and got out of the car, walking around to the other side and helping her out. <br><br>Again, he took her hand and lead her up the stairs and as they approached the door, and older gentleman in a tuxedo was waiting. <br><br>"Welcome home, Master Damon. Miss." He bowed slightly to Celeste. Damon smiled.<br><br>"Philipe, this is Celeste, she will be staying with us for a while." He started. "Please have her bags taken to one of the guest rooms near my room." <br><br>The old man bowed again and walked off. "Would you care for something? Or would you just like to go to your room?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>01-04-2008, 13:25:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celeste lowered her head slightly as she nodded to the older man. She was in awe at the old-style castle - it took her back to the stories her parents used to tell her about the Nephilim of centuries past, who lived in grand castles and manors. Though the chateau exuded a subtle masculine strength, the neatly-contained nature around his home lent an air of formidable challenge to the stone walls.<br><br>"Ah... if it isn't too much trouble, I wouldn't mind having something to eat. I am a bit hungry," Celeste admitted as her stomach reminded her that she hadn't eaten since the day before. "You have a lovely home, Damon... do you live here alone?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>01-04-2008, 21:01:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled at her and took her hand again, leading her through several rooms before they both emerged in a huge kitchen. The place had stone walls with wood accents. The appliances were stainless steel. <br><br>A rather plump older woman was seated at a circular table at the other end of the room and she beamed when she saw him. <br><br>"Master Damon." He rose from her chair and waddled her way over and drew him into a tight hug. "So good to see ye." He started, then looked at Celeste. <br><br>"Well, aren't ye a pretty thing." He said patting her arm. "Come on, ye don't come to someone's kitchen unless ye're hungry."<br><br>She sat them at the table and brought them each a heaping bowl of a beef soup and a loaf of crusty homemade bread. "And ye'll not be getting up unit ye've both finished ye're plates."<br><br>He smiled at Celeste and reached over, they were sitting next to each other and took her hand, giving it a pat. "To answer your question from earlier. I live here with Philipe and Marianne, the maids and the grounds keepers. But if you're asking if I live her with a wife or lover, then no, I am alone in that regard."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>22-04-2008, 00:17:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celeste swallowed nervously, attempting a shaky half-bow before she followed Damon and the other woman into a warm, comfortable kitchen. She remained silent even though the woman seemed kind and friendly enough; it almost felt like she was an observer to her own life, watching distantly as her body followed Damon numbly, uncharacteristically quiet and obedient.<br><br>Still, no matter how distant she felt, seeing the large, steaming bowl of soup set in front of her thawed a bit of her uncertainty, as a lovely aroma wafted from both bread and soup and enticed the Nephilim to sit forward unconsciously. Her eyes drifted half closed as the pleasant smell of freshly-made soup and bread filled her nose. Of course, as soon as Damon took her hand in his calloused ones, she jumped slightly, startled. Celeste flushed, her gaze lowering so she wouldn't have to look him in the eye.<br><br>"Ah... I see," she responded softly. Uneasily, she tried to pull her hand back, still uncomfortable with entrusting herself into his care. Certainly, a warrior of the Lux Veritatis would never betray a Nephilim, especially one whom he or she was sworn to protect. But-<br><br>"Is it not lonely here?" She questioned, wondering if he had ever felt set apart from the rest of humanity. As a warrior, he would have known that his future was different from those of most mortals; from childhood, would have trained daily to become someone who could protect God's precious angels on earth. She, too, had sometimes felt set apart from the people she met in her daily life... with her parents gone and only Vivien to care for her, there had been times that Celeste had wished she was not who she was. What she was.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>01-05-2008, 03:05:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He watched her for a bit, thinking over his answer. <br><br>Was he lonely? Sure, most of his life he was kept away from children his age. He was given tutors in philosophy, politics, mathematics and all of the other subjects young boys hate to study. He was taught to fight, with his hands and with weapons, and he was taught terror, how to use it and how to face it.<br><br>More than all of it, he was taught how to die. The Nephilim were their charges and he would die before he would let her be harmed or taken. He read in his library about the Nephilim and Lux Veritatis lore and histories. The ancient texts told that Nephilim used to have their own personal protector, but that had changed as the ages went on and the numbers of Nephilim grew smaller. <br><br>He shook his head, getting back to her question. "Yes. I get lonely. Sure I have companionship here at the house will all of those that work here, but I don't have anyone to share my burden with, and that can get very lonely."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>13-05-2008, 15:04:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She nodded in understanding, her eyes lowering as she thought of past memories when she couldn't really feel like she was connected or bonded with her friends in junior high and high school... and even in the university, her concerns about the lurking threat of Anonyme were far more serious than any problems that her classmates could have, especially the trivialities of being unable to buy a cute sweater or a pair of earrings. What made her Nephilim only served to underscore how different she truly was from them all.<br><br>Would her future be different? Would she even have a future, without her parents, without her sister... and in fear for her life?<br><br>The silence accompanied Celeste's somber thoughts as she slowly made her way through the hearty meal Damon's cook had set before her. It was many minutes later when she finally sipped the last bit of soup from her spoon and set the utensil down in the bowl, gently patting her lips with a napkin before she looked to Damon expectantly.<br><br>"Why did we remove ourselves from Paris?" She asked quietly, her large eyes steady, if melancholy, as they fixed on her savior, the Lux Veritatis warrior. "Would it not be easier to find who Anonyme is, and to discover Le Monstrum, if they have surfaced, if we were in the city?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>15-05-2008, 16:46:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You're too much of a target in Paris. They know that you live there." He said, staring into his stew. He tore his eyes away, making himself look at her. <br><br>"Out here, I'll be able to protect you a little easier. If we have to go on the run in Paris, it would do nothing but wear us down and that is how you make mistakes. We're going to find out what happened and all that goes with it. For me to do that I need to be completely rested, and so do you. After a few days things will be a little more calm with the police and it will be easier in general to ask questions. After a crime like this, people get a little suspicious of people asking questions." <br><br>He leaned across the table and took her hand for a moment and squeezed it gently. "Celeste, please take the time that we're out here to enjoy it. I know that what has happened to you is not going to be something that you just get over, but you do need to try and rest. If you like I will have a doctor come out to the house and check you over, maybe give you something that will help you sleep. I will ask Father Andre to come out as well, if you like, if you will be more comfortable talking to him." <br><br>Her hand was soft, smooth and warm, he liked that. Which is why he lifted his hand from hers. <br><br>"If you want, Celeste, I will teach you how to defend yourself while we are here." He offered. She would need to know if anything were to happen to him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>18-05-2008, 12:35:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celeste shook her head when he suggested that he call a doctor or Father Andre to his home. "No... I am fine. Nephilim, even half-Nephilim like myself, don't respond well to human medicines, unless our blood has been extremely diluted. I will be able to sleep tonight, I think, knowing that you are here to protect me, and thanks to the comfort of Marianne's delicious food."<br><br>Having her hand taken inside his larger one, Celeste looked down in embarrassment, though the comforting touch eased some of her nerves and skittishness. She was slightly surprised when he drew his hand back a bit quickly, but didn't comment on it, as her attention was taken with Damon's next suggestion.<br><br>"Defend myself? Well... I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I am not too keen on learning any hand to hand combat. Were any member of Le Monstrum to get close enough to touch me... well, it is rumored that their kind possess poisons and dark natures that would wound Nephilim upon contact. Those with more human blood in them would not be as susceptible, but for me..." She trailed off, knowing that Damon would easily puzzle together her implication. Nephilim were extremely sensitive against darker natures and evil substances, especially since their very natures were pure in essence. Even though Celeste was not a full-blood, a simple touch from practitioners in Le Monstrum would overwhelm and disable her easily.<br><br>"However... I would like to be taught how to use this." In a rare display of forbidden magic, Celeste extended her left palm in front of her facing the right. It glowed brightly as she focused her energies, and then she pulled a short stick from inside the light. A quick twirl extended the stick into a long, silver staff.<br><br>Celeste quickly spun away and put the weapon between herself and Damon, poised in a defensive stance. "Vivienne taught me the basics of using this staff, but they were only diversionary or defensive tactics. I would be honored if I could learn more from you, Damon."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Seereous</strong> on <strong>06-06-2008, 08:10:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He watched and smiled with a grin. "I will teach you." He said quietly. <br><br>"First I want you to get a few days of rest. Try on your clothes, mourn if you need to, and then well start your training." He looked in her eyes. His were flat, as if the spark of life was taken out of them. <br><br>"I know that this is none of my business, but did you have a boyfriend or lover in the city that will be missing you if you do not return for a few days?" He asked her, noticing that once again, his hand was laying atop hers. It was just there to be comforting, that's all. Well, that's what he told himself. Her hand was so smooth, delicate. He shook himself inside. Now was not the time for this. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: ANONYME [Seereous &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>19-06-2008, 09:00:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celeste gave him a rare smile, a light touch of magic and a spin making her staff a simple stick again. Instead of hiding it, she tucked it into her belt, thanking Damon quietly as she returned to her seat. She was quiet as he spoke, wondering why his voice had suddenly gone very.. cold, and rather lifeless. She had to swallow nervously, though some of the anxiety was soothed away by the warmth of his hand.<br><br>"I... no. I didn't have a boyfriend or a lover, not like that. I had friends, but none very close... nobody will miss you," she said quickly, blushing as she shook her head adamantly. She didn't know why she felt embarrassed or flustered by telling Damon about her personal life - after all, he already knew her biggest secret - but it just felt a little awkward, even though he had saved her life and rescued her from her precarious situation in Paris.<br><br>It was with a great effort that she put a shaky smile on her face. "Would it be okay if I went to bed now? I'm feeling a bit tired," she admitted.
			</dd>
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