A Thrice-Damned Love
<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: resonanteve on 11-06-2009, 09:05:16</h2>
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				Title: <strong>A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 09:05:16</strong>
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				Fiona brooded. While she normally enjoyed the tranquility of the third-story drawing room, perching in her favorite chaise turned toward the viewing window showing the dark gardens and maze on the lands behind the family estate, this was a the last day of a week of annoyances. She had expected life to improve after entering the Irudine Academy - after all, wasn't there more flexibility for her studies and allowances there? - but had thus far met with increasing troubles.<br><br>Two of her professors did not agree with her learning style at all and stifled her creativity. Here, she wanted to <em>invent</em> and <em>improve</em> upon the designs of spells already made, but they insisted on her going along with the set patterns and formula. Fools. She would prove her brilliance, of course, but their stubbornness would cause much friction. <em>The stuffy fools ought to be thrown into the Pits.</em><br><br>Her parents had insisted that she attend the gala that week, and Fiona detested having to suffer the prattle of the women who knew nothing of her family's dark work and the true, addictive power in her studies. Why would she rather fret over clothing, gossip, and men when she could feel the voluptuous shape of arcana in her hands? She was resentful for the waste of time.<br><br>To make matters worse, though she had callously turned the advances of the Thurman's eldest son, the 'boy' showed up at their estate anyway. Many days she enjoyed torturing and manipulating her suitors, but he had come calling while she was in the middle of her latest experimentation on dead animals, and it was costly to the operation.<br><br>Breathing out a sigh, she took another sip of her spiced black tea, her mind scanning over trails of magical patterns in her imagination more than the trails of the land. <em>If only I could slay them openly.</em> Of course, mother and father wouldn't approve. Not that the rest of society would either, yet the thoughts came all the same.
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 09:23:08</strong>
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				Unlike his sister, Donovan was in better spirits. From the garden wall, he kissed and waved farewell to Elisa—the youngest of the Bolinger daughters—before he helped boost her over the wall. With a giggle and a clatter she tumbled down on the other side. At age 18 and from only a moderately prosperous family, Elisa was far from his most promising paramour—but she had soft body with generous curves and no reluctance to show them off. Donovan had been toying with her for the past week, and though he was overdue for dropping her for a new one, the game of seduction was beginning to lose its shine. Each girl was as easily beguiled as the next, and their endless, saccharine doting grew quickly tiresome.<br><br>But, having temporarily satiated his lesser appetites, Donovan strolled contentedly back through the garden, eyes flickering upwards across the manor’s windowed façade. He eventually made out a silhouette in the drawing-room window, perched on Fiona’s favorite chair. Concluding that it could be none other than his twin, Donovan smirked and gave a flourishing low bow. He wasn’t sure if his sister caught Elisa’s escape, but waved just in case. While he knew many of the stuffy aristocrats in their damned circle of family friends would disapprove of his frivolous relations, he doubted that his sister would rat him out.<br><br>Darting up the long steps to the front door and then up three floors, Donovan jogged lightly around the corner and made for the drawing room. He slowed to a stop before the entrance and burst into the room without further announcement.<br><br>“Catch the show?” <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 09:33:54</strong>
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				Fiona watched the exchange lazily. Her brother's appetites were predictable, if not easily sated. Why his passions drove him so, she did not know nor asked, but vice was vice, and she knew that, at least, very intimately. The screams that resounded in their cellars at night certainly attested to that.<br><br>Finishing her tea, Fiona breathed another sigh and closed her eyes, relaxing into the chair. She returned her mind to the ritual she was working on to corrupt living organs into deathly ones that did not kill their owner outright or even slowly. Whether or not such a compatibility was possible in the long-term, she wasn't sure, but she fairly certain it could work out for awhile. Assuming, of course, that she could get the inverted energies to coexist.<br><br>Still ruminating, she muttered a light reply to her brother at his entrance, her fingers laced together in her lap. "For all the fascinations of your preferred stock, I think they would make more pleasant company under your knives." Her lips formed into a pleased grin. The week's sentiments lent well to her morbid interests.
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 09:43:40</strong>
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				Donovan entered without invitation. His lips curved to a small smile at his sister’s reply—not the sweet, charming smile he gave to most of the girls that came knocking at their manor door, but a knowing smile twisted with malice and desire. He dropped down to a nicely cushioned chair across hers, propping the heels of his polished, spit-black leather boots on the windowsill—a practice he would not have abided had there been anyone else in the room but them. <br><br>“Darling Fiona, if you could find a girl who would provide me with such an opportunity, I would be more than delighted,” he smirked at her, “you know that.”<br><br>He stretched his arms out behind him and propped one behind his head, sinking lower into the chair. Heaving a long sigh, he said, “But alas, if any of these fragile little flowers of the aristocracy suffered even the slightest twinge at my hands, we would find an angry mob at our doorstep.”<br><br>Donovan’s eyes glanced in her direction, lingering a little longer than necessary as they swept over her figure, “And you know better than anyone we can’t have them probing through our lives.”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 09:54:48</strong>
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				Fiona regularly wore expensive and elegant dresses of the current fashion, though she clearly tended toward dark shades of black, brown, crimson, and violet. She also sometimes wore the uniform coat of their school, which covered her from the waist to the neck, though it was formed tightly to her body. Today she had elected not to, giving a more available view of her neck and chest. Fiona was very aware of how attractive others found her, and often let them look, but she would not abide anything above that without invitation. More than one overeager male had found himself stunned, burnt, or thrown back by the force of a protective glyph.<br><br>She smirked back at her brother, her eyes sliding open to peer into his. "There are peasants enough in the city that you could certainly charm." She chuckled with her own dark malice. "You wouldn't want to spoil that pretty reputation of yours, though."<br><br>Letting out a breath, she arched her neck, tilting it overly hard and making a cracking sound as she stretched her delicate frame. "Yes, yes, of course. But I grow weary of smaller specimens that have not the minds to fracture under torment."<br><br>It was a good thing that the 'servants' of the estate were magical spells, ensorcelled slaves, or disguised undead, as Fiona often let her tongue go in the confines of their estate.
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 10:05:53</strong>
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				And there could be no doubt that Donovan appreciated Fiona’s choice of apparel for the day, as his gaze clung briefly to the view proffered by her low neckline. He made no effort to hide this, and, in fact, it would not have been the first time for her to catch him appreciating her beauty. He had heard it pass in more than one conversation that Fiona’s radiance was unmatched—it seemed unfair that Donovan should not be able to admire it.<br><br>He scoffed at her mention of his reputation—though he did nothing to deny it. He had done much over his years to cultivate the guise of a perfect gentleman. Without fail, he knew what to say, when to say it, and never stepped beyond anyone’s zone of comfort. The only women who had experienced his darker desires were prostitutes plucked from the darker backalleys, whose pale bodies he bound to the shackles mounted to their cellar wall until he streaked their backs with blood. Their screams must have echoed into the household, but the servants wouldn’t dare utter a word against it. He released the whores after he had his fill, sending them stumbling back into the night with a purse of coins and a promise that he would render them deaf, mute, and blind if they spoke a word of it to anyone.<br><br>“Mmm, speaking of <em>smaller specimens</em>,” Donovan responded, bitterness imbibed in his words. He watched indulgently as she stretched herself out on the chaise, “I saw the Thurman boy stomping huffily off the grounds earlier. Finally sent the pathetic weasel on his way, did you?” <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 10:13:37</strong>
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				Though her brother's attention had appeared a tad concerning a time or two, Fiona often did not notice her brother's lecherous gaze. Her eyes were often elsewhere, and when she looked to him, his eyes usually found hers. How she would feel about the looks if he was more careless about it while her attention was fixated on him, well, she hadn't thought on that.<br><br>Fiona snorted at the mention, looking hardly amused. "I did the first time he offered his advances. I nearly had to threaten him with a hex to get him to lose interest the second time." Her mouth turned into an annoyed frown. "Such a tiresome interruption. I sometimes wonder if we're the only ones with manners in this city."
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 10:19:50</strong>
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				Somewhere though—a muddled desire yet unknown to his conscious mind—Donovan <em>wanted</em> Fiona to find out. He wanted her to complicate his growing attraction, to consider him in such a light. As of now, he had not even fully articulated his desire to himself—the thought at once exhilarating and terrifying—but it was a growing beast within him, and one he knew he would face rather soon.<br><br>“I would be more than happy to hex him for you,” he offered, perhaps more eager than necessary—though that could be as easily attributed to Donovan’s penchant for torturing those he deemed “lesser” than himself as his jealousy towards the men who could openly court Fiona, “You should know by now, though, there’s not a man in this town who deserves you. God knows the wretched lot that have come courting you thus far would be better served as experimental subjects than lovers.”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 10:27:28</strong>
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				"For me?" She looked at him somewhat incredulously, though with no serious contempt. "Why, dear brother - you know I love to dirty my hands myself." She chuckled softly at the thought. Chivalry could be of use at times, she conceded, but when it came to inflicting torment, why let any other have the satisfaction?<br><br>The bemusement still hung on her lips as she looked at her brother. "Oh, but how I agree with you." She moistened them, then, with her tongue. "Their vapid heads have nothing more to offer, I do suspect." Putting on airs, she gave a false pouting face that faded rather quickly. Such pretense did not last long without need.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 10:35:42</strong>
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				Donovan laughed. Of course he knew—in fact, that was one of the things he loved about her. It provided such perfect contrast to the delicate beauties that surrounded him, incapable of anything without a helping hand. He watched as her tongue flicked across her lips, inhaling sharply to clear the breath that caught in his throat, “Yes, I know. I just thought I offered in case you had more interesting pursuits in which you were engaged.”<br><br>With that thought in mind, Donovan swung his legs back off the windowsill and planted them against the ground. He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, moving closer to her and dropping his voice, “Speaking of which, how was the latest experiment?” For a moment, he dropped his covetous looks entirely and seemed only genuinely interested in the outcome of her magical trials. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 10:42:29</strong>
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				"Mmm." She considered the thought, the many bodies of unwitting men fueling her experiments. It was a fun, if not uncommon fantasy. "If only." Fiona grinned with such delight.<br><br>She watched her brother and matched her eyes to his, staring with pleasure for her magical experiments. "Interrupted by the aforementioned weasel. But, before then..." She recollected, precisely dissecting the processes and flows of the magic and will involved. "The preparations were going well. The body seemed to accept the growing necrotic energies, but I hadn't yet dessicated and animated the organs." Fiona shrugged lightly at the inconsequentiality.<br><br>"I'll continue later. I think I have this figured out, and I'll be pleased to see the results." She smiled pleasantly, in her dark manner.
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 10:54:50</strong>
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				He loved that smile; it suited her well and sent his heart pounding double in the confines of his chest. Donovan’s gaze shone with shared excitement. For all their playful competition, any advancement made by either part was still considered a success—a furthering in their exploration of the darker magical arts, “I’ll be pleased to see them too…” he said, though his voice and expression seemed to suggest that his mind had returned to other pleasures.<br><br>Shaking the thought from his head, Donovan stood abruptly from his chair, “Well,” he said decisively, smoothing his palms across his elaborately woven brocade—gold thread on black, as he so often wore, “If you’re making such progress, certainly, I should be off to work as well. Wouldn’t want you to get ahead of me…” His usual confidence seemed to flicker out just for a moment, his desirous gaze falling sadly to his sister’s irresistible features.<br><br>“And, of course, I must get to work if I’m have some sort of brilliant epiphany before nightfall. Now that you’ve mentioned them, I must make use of those knives tonight…” he added, filled with a sudden and burning urge to feel a body writhe beneath his. To hear screams and pleas and to experience the raw pleasure of claiming something that wasn’t his. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 17:58:34</strong>
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				Her eyes glittered with the intensity that accompanied her fervor for Necromancy. It was a matter that truly thrilled her and excited her veins to the core, more so than any other distraction she might engage in. There was something pure and wonderful in it that nothing else could approach. "And I to share them."<br><br>Fiona nodded lightly to her brother, wearing a smug expression. "Ahead of you, brother? Aren't I <em>always</em>?" She laughed, a tinkling, more open-hearted manner, feeling somewhat better from her time spent brooding. Her brother <em>did</em> tend to always cheer her up. They had been very close since memory, and no matter how much they teased and competed with each other, it was ever on friendly terms, and they enjoyed playing off each other. It was certainly her best and most treasured relationship, though the need to say such words was absent. They knew.<br><br>"Do find yourself a good distraction, then." She chuckled a bit more before stretching again and standing up, looking out the great window. Feeling more rejuvenated, she pondered over what she would work on in the interim - <em>spell theory in the observatory, I think</em> - and waved to Donovan before moving off.
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>11-06-2009, 19:28:45</strong>
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				Though he had already left the room, Donovan paused to watch Fiona’s retreating figure—no doubt off to further her studies, again. Though they were indistinguishably matched in talent and intelligence, sometimes he considered that she was simply more diligent than he. Though he had been distracted with other thoughts as of late—ones that had little to do with magic at all. <br><br>----&nbsp; ((Scene change—I believe one’s in order…))&nbsp; ----<br><br>Donovan spent the afternoon in his study—old tomes splayed across the tables, scribbling endless matrices over long rolls of parchment. But he could not get himself to concentrate on his work. The magical threads became too complicated; they interwove and he could not tell where they emerged. He felt as if his mind were fraying, worn away by the unspoken yearning that tugged within his chest.<br><br>With a frustrated growl, he swept the books from his table and ventured into town—off for a better diversion.<br><br>Late in the evening, he returned with two girls on his arm. They were not particularly beautiful, but not ones that would be missed. Not ones about whom anyone would care if they returned from their journey to the Vorum estate with a few scars or more. Donovan said a word to no one and led them to the dungeon he had portioned off of their cellar.<br><br>If anyone had ventured to the ground floor that night, they would have heard screams—piercing, howls of pain torn from pale throats being bruised by his hands. But something went wrong. Donovan’s voice yelled a deep bellow of anger and surprise. For a moment, there was nothing but clattering, and the sounds of clumsy, fumbling violence. Then a woman’s screams. Then silence.<br><br>Donovan reemerged from the cellar, dressed haphazardly, shirtless and with his pants still partially unlaced. He held the pants up in one hand, and pressed the other hard to his side. There was an ugly gash that arced from the middle of his ribs to the front of his torso, ending just above his waist. He was covered in a thin sheen of sweat, features hardened with fury.<br><br>“Bloody, goddamned whores…” he muttered as he climbed up the stairs, bare feet striking the marble steps with light slaps. He stopped before a mirror in the corridor to examine the damage. He was as much the picturesque male form as Fiona was a vision of female perfection. His torso was laced with layers of taut muscle beneath flawless, firm skin barring the long streak of red that still streamed blood into the hem of his pants.<br><br>“Fuck…” he cursed, breaths sharp and uneven. He half-jogged through the passage, navigating the familiar halls in the dark. Though the injury should have been nothing that he couldn’t handle herself, and though Fiona was more than likely asleep, he found himself skipping the door to his own chambers and making straight for hers. Already, he excused himself in his head—healing magic wasn’t his forte, he was in too much pain to bother, and he wanted it done well so that he wouldn’t scar… all that wasn’t quite fully true either. Donovan was never the sort to seek help even in the most dire of circumstances—and this wasn’t quite even that.<br><br>Leaning against her doorway, he curled his hand into a fist and pounded lightly on the solid wood of her door.<br><br>“Fi? Fiona?” He called through the door, not thinking except to obey the strange, unspoken desire to see her. Something in him wanted to see her react—to see the knowledge of his latenight activities flicker across her features and to see her respond to the sight of him injured and bleeding. It would be foolish to expect a weeping, sisterly concern, but he was curious nevertheless.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 06:22:07</strong>
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				((Feel free to scene change as you like.))<br><br>Fiona spent the majority of her evening conjuring magical formula and displays, patterns and interactions, theory and knowledge up in the observatory. She used minor magical spells and a small item they kept their to make it all visual in grand planes, where she could visualize and organize by her will. When manipulating a lot of thoughts and data at once, she found this presentation faster and more efficient than sorting through many sheafs of paper and the writing and rewriting she would have to do.<br><br>By the end of the evening, she had made advanced progress on the magical forces surrounding controlled putrefaction. Necromancy was the greatest art, to her, and she regarded it as an art form of the highest order. Her discoveries and research were just as creative as they were cerebral, and she took immense pride and joy in her findings and work. Were Necromancy ever to become a lawful practice, she would easily be one of the top magicians of her field.<br><br>Being so high up, she missed her brother's antics, and went to bed to read for her classes the following morning in the comfort of her room. Dressed down to a black slip and gown, she was comfortable and in her flow when she heard the pounding on her door - and her brother's voice following. Interrupted, she regarded the door with a skeptic's curiosity for a few moments before putting her book down and slipping out of bed. Since it was her brother, she didn't bother to cover up further and opened the door, not sure what to expect of him - likely chicanery, but his voice spoke otherwise.<br><br>Her eyes widened a bit at the sight of the wound and then she frowned, giving him a bothered look. "What trouble did you get into this time, Donovan?" Sighing with some exasperated concern, she went to him and looked over the wound, moving his hands from the wound. She tsked at his recklessness, allowing himself to be so injured. "This is very unbecoming of you, brother," she mumbled quietly. She looked up at him, then, with a mix of amused curiosity and fraternal worry. "You ought not to be so careless."<br><br>Muttering words of power and arcana, she began the tedious process of healing his wound with magic. Mastery of the arcane never lended itself well to healing wounds, which was the province of those who followed the divine paths, but it was possible, albeit difficult. Drawing some of her own life force out of herself, she transferred to him and sped up the process greatly, healing over his wound with the care of an expert flesh-sewer.<br><br>Feeling a little faint, she stood up again, breathing out deeply and touching her face with shuttered eyes. "What did you get yourself into, anyway?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 07:13:59</strong>
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				For a moment, Donovan worried that she wouldn’t come to the door—that she had fallen asleep or had otherwise chosen to ignore him for this late-night disruption. He stifled a sigh of relief when the door finally swung open, though not too distracted by his current state to appreciate her state of attire. There lay nothing between him and her but a thin sheet of—no, that thought was leading nowhere good.<br><br>Despite the obvious appeal of her thin apparel, he could feel his pulse slow in her presence. Warmth splayed throughout his chest and the adrenaline that been surging through his veins felt abruptly unnecessary. Chuckling dryly at her question, he stepped just inside her room and shut the door softly behind him. Though no member of their household would utter anything unbidden outside these walls, he also didn’t want to broadcast the utter failure he had made of this night. Internally, he berated himself for his foolishness. It wasn’t like him to be careless or clumsy.<br><br>Even so, he couldn’t help a small smile at her concern—or her exasperation. He loved entirely their interactions and, though he should not have required a reassurance for it, he enjoyed the reminder that she did, in fact, care. Eyes intent on Fiona as she began her work, he leaned back against the wall, focusing on the way her slip draped over the sensuous curves of her body. He winced as his flesh began to knit back together—not exactly a painful experience, but it came with the very uncomfortable sensation of someone repositioning his skin and muscle. <br><br>When she stood, he immediately jumped towards her, catching an arm around her waist just in case.<br><br>“Thanks…” he murmured softly, applying gentle pressure at her back to suggest that she take a seat on the bed, “Didn’t want to bother with fixing it myself…” he added to no one in particular—as if he felt some need to justify his presence here.<br><br>He shook his head, “I, don’t know… I guess I shouldn’t have turned my back—the chain had rusted off the wall—the last storm or something,” he said disjointedly and then shook his head again. Positioning himself across from Fiona he matched his gaze to hers, “but… I was more careless than I intended.” He frowned, looking down and running his fingers over his newly healed flesh.<br><br>“I killed them,” he said, his expression hardening into something unreadable, “I… they’re just two whores from the city. No one will come looking, I think,” he frowned, “I’m not sure I meant to. I just…” he paused, trying to recall the sheer force of frustration and fury that had erupted the moment he turned to see the girl holding his knife. He sorted through the bundle of emotion knotted in his gut and decided not to dwell on any of it at the moment, “Well, at any rate, I figured they might be of use. It was a clumsy incantation, but they’re hidden and preserved in the cellar until I move them.” <br><br>Donovan forced a laugh, “At least, now we have something bigger to work with than a couple of odd animals.”<br><br>He felt, as one who worked so close to death, found such a terrible fascination in it, that this should be of no importance. But it wasn’t a calculated murder. It wasn’t even one for a particular reason or even to serve his work (though no doubt, that’s what they would be used for soon), it was a crime of panic and rage. She had been there, waving his knife like a madwoman. He had no choice. <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 07:37:24</strong>
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				Fiona took hold of his arm gently as he caught her, swaying a little before settling. She breathed out, deeply, and sat back on her bed, collecting herself. She wasn't very drained, but it did weaken her. At his excuse, she simply shook her head a bit, unconvinced by the words but feeling his distress all the same. There was something particular in being twins, and being so close - it was easy to read him and understand his feelings, generally. They rarely had reason to keep true secrets between each other, either, so it was easy to read him and his distress.<br><br>It was unusual for Donovan.<br><br>"It <em>was</em> careless of you, brother." Her tone had become more harsh and reprimanding, but the harshness wasn't cruel and was born of affection - she did care about him, after all. Sitting up more straightly and leaning back against the wall next to her bed, her eyes opened fully again and flicked toward him. "You and your vices," she said softly.<br><br>Her eyes moved to the wall opposite of her as her thoughts churned and took handles over the situation. <em>Foolish, of course. But, what can be done? Alas, brother. You'd best not have stirred up the dragons with this.</em> Giving no response at his laugh and last comment, she puzzled out more of the situation before looking at him again.<br><br>"Did you pick them up and bring them while properly disguised?" She eyed him carefully, speaking with rational consideration. This was best sorted out with a clear mind, first.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 07:50:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Briefly, Donovan stood as if to venture towards a chair or to sit elsewhere, but he changed his mind. Instead, he sprawled out beside her on the bed, pillowing his arm beneath his head. He stared up at the ceiling as she spoke, already having resolved to take his present situation as lightly as possible. At her question, he rolled his eyes.<br><br>“Of course, Fiona, I’m not a simpleton—and I’m certainly no novice at this,” He repositioned his head so that he could see her, though he did not sit back up, “Today, I was acting as Gustav Portier, a travelling merchant from abroad. I ensured that the barman knew my ‘name’ and my attire, but not my face, and I rented a room under the pseudonym at a seedy tavern. And, better yet, I enchanted several theatergoers into thinking that they saw me in our family box at the opera this evening.”<br><br>He grinned at his own forethought and then turned onto his side. Extending an arm, he gently trailed his index finger along her spine, feeling the warmth of her skin through the delicate fabric.<br><br>“Don’t worry Fi, I covered my tracks…”&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 08:02:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She snorted softly, but with a measure of calm. "Good. I would hate to see this bring us ill fortune." Her lips then turned a smirk, and she regarded the situation further. Likely, nothing ill would come of it; she would be careful, of course, but few mundane investigators could ever stumble upon a hint of truth in this situation. Though, anything was possible with magic... hopefully they weren't so well missed or connected.<br><br>Fiona blinked, then, when she felt his finger against her spine and regarded him with a curious arched brow. "Then you have little to worry about - with how well warded the estate is, nothing short of great power will pierce the veils." She gave him an unimpressed look, still deriding him over his slip-up, but amused all the same.<br><br>"Do try not to worry me so, though. It's taxing." She poked him in the chest, adding to the verbal jibe. <em>Silly brother.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 08:09:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan laughed as she poked his chest, feeling significantly more relieved now that they had had their brief discussion. Clearly, he was being ridiculous earlier. There was nothing to worry about, he <em>had</em> covered himself well and now, the only lasting consequence was they had better fodder for their experimental magic. With that thought in mind, he happily pushed himself up to sitting, shifting himself so that he was positioned behind her on the bed.<br><br>He wrapped his arms around her in a loose embrace and rested his chin against her shoulder—nothing over presumptuous, though he tensed slightly simply at the proximity, “Do try not to worry so much,” he responded teasingly, “we wouldn’t want you to sprout grey hairs, now would we?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 08:19:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At that she laughed, mocking the tease. "You'll go grey long before I do, dear. I plan to preserve my grace forever." Posturing a bit, she chuckled at the thought. Utter confidence lingered in her words, voice, and posture - she was capable of doing it, after all, and had every intention to. Such was her ambition and will.<br><br>And, of course, her power.<br><br>She let him do the act of touching her - they had always been comfortable with easy, fraternal displays of physical affection, though it had grown less over time as they grew up. While a natural progression of adulthood in their society, it also arose in part from his insatiable appetite for the pleasures of women, a vice Fiona did not share in kind with her brother. While she didn't make a point of truly deriding him for it, it did not make much sense to her - in actuality, she was still a virgin. Lust for sex had not struck her, and she did not expect it to, ever.<br><br>"You ought not to be so ruled by your passions for women, brother - they tend to cloud your judgment." Fiona smirked at that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 08:31:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Honestly, their more recent divergence in academic and magical achievements could more likely be attributed towards Donovan’s growing fascination with the opposite sex. What started as mild flirtations grew more and more dangerous. He had robbed more than a handful of wealthy daughters of their virginity, and may have fathered a few illegitimate children in the city slums. But even as flirtations turned to sex, to bondage and complete forceful taking of women, he felt unfulfilled. There remained a portion of his desires entirely untouched by his recent activities, constantly seeking to soothe a yearning that no one could yet touch.<br><br>Donovan laughed at her statement, though he couldn’t deny its veracity, “I have noticed…” he admitted with a slight sigh, eyes closed as he breathed deeply—as if hoping to fill his lungs with the comfort of her scent that sent his heart racing but already felt like home.<br><br>Then, biting his bottom lip to shake the feeling, he added in a forcibly teasing voice, “But then again, maybe you’d understand it better if you weren’t so painfully chaste in your daily activities…” But even as he said it, he almost regretted those words. Quietly, he dreaded the day when she finally broke her constant chastity. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 09:13:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ha!" Fiona scoffed openly at his brother's suggestion. "You may be wooed by the flirtatious attentions of the opposite sex, but all the courteous words and glances I've gotten from them have come from dullards." Mirth shook softly from her lips.<br><br>"Besides you, the most eligible men have their minds elsewhere than between the legs of others." She snickered openly at her jibe. It was all true, of course, but she wouldn't pass up the opportunity to jibe Donovan again - especially after such a mistake. Her intentions certainly weren't malicious, though they sometimes came across with her characteristic acidity she reserved for the living.<br><br>They suffered more from it, after all.<br><br>Fiona shrugged nonchalantly afterward, as if brushing off the words. "Such things hardly interest me, anyway. Magic has so much more to offer than the touch of mere <em>men</em>." While it wasn't directed at Donovan, she held back none of her condescension in saying so.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 09:31:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan knew not to take too much stock in her words. He didn’t mind her slight ribbing—he’d earned it, after all. Besides, he had enjoyed his escapades, even if they weren’t fully satisfying, and he had nothing to regret about them—this night excepted. Yet Fiona’s presence had managed to shake even that from his mind. <br><br>“How do you know it can’t interest you if you’ve never had it?” He asked, finally releasing his arms from around her body, though reluctant to do so. Shifting back so that he could see her properly, he raised a brow in curiosity, “Besides, are you saying that absolutely none of your suitors have interested you? All of this town’s silly little aristocracy is practically waiting with baited breath for you to finally choose someone.”<br><br>As pathetic and futile as he found the entire game of courtship, even he waited anxiously for his sister to finally elect a suitor. It seemed worse to wait for the terrible day when she might devote herself to someone than to actually see it come about.<br><br>((OOC: Early morning tomorrow. It's been a pleasure, as always, but now it's off to sleep with me. I'll look for your post in the morning! G'night.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 16:53:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Laughter came to Fiona even more loudly at Donovan's insistence, erupting from her in a cascade. "Oh, brother!" She laughed for awhile, the cessation a more difficult activity than expected, though she wasn't flailing about. "You are just too rich!"<br><br>Recovering from such deep, genuine amusement, she wore a rather pleased smile. Imagining such things did nothing but amuse her, and the image of a vast court waiting with 'baited breath' for her to choose a partner was all so much ridiculous absurdity.<br><br>"Ah. If that is the talk of the town, then I will be keeping them waiting for a long time. Not a single of the pampered paragons of manhood that have come knocking have expressed a genuine wit to me." Remembering the various courtship favors offered her drove more chuckles out of her - gifts and expressions of all sorts were universally rejected by her. She wondered, briefly, why the offers kept continuing despite all of her rejections. Despite her temperament on the estate, Fiona did maintain decorum and a high degree of guile and pretense while about the city. Perhaps such manners and a gentle, beautiful, brilliant frame egged them on? Preposterous.<br><br>"Why should I waste my time on the frivolous manners of one I do not respect?" She grinned a bit more darkly at her brother, showing her teeth.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>12-06-2009, 18:45:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan shook her head at her amusement. Yes, the court had absurd interests and absolutely nothing to do with their lives other than guess at and play the games of courtship—but a lot was at stake. Families with such high fortunes and such influence were always interested in where the power would pass next. Donovan had realized this a while ago and had made a hobby of playing the system—of manipulating dukes and their wives into thinking that he was the perfect fit for their daughter, meanwhile already having plied their daughter to his bed and grown bored of her body.<br><br>And while Fiona was a perfect gem within the aristocracy, Donovan thought her careless with her beauty. With so many powerful figures doting on her, trying to acquire her hand, she could have done so much more. But she must have found politics less interesting than he.<br><br>“You shouldn’t waste your time,” he answered her question, returning her smile with a grin that mirrored hers, “You should find someone that interests you. There is more pleasure to be found in the human flesh than what can be experienced through magic.” His grin twisted further as his mind filled with unbidden thoughts—of her body naked beneath his, rising against him as he guided her through more carnal pleasures.<br><br>And then, with a guilty expression, he looked away. He either needed to stop having such thoughts or to act on them. But Donovan never <em>yearned</em> for anyone. He seduced, he claimed, he baited, but he never <em>pined</em>. It was ridiculous.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 04:54:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona watched Donovan's eyes, which had long been fairly transparent to her. No, she couldn't exactly read his mind, but he knew that thoughts were passing through his head. He could tell similarly for her. It was something that worked well between them.<br><br>Unlike her brother, Fiona found it more interesting to pursue political affairs through magic and accomplishment than through the bedroom and marital alliances. There was much to be commanded and directed from the seats of power - magic was not something that many had, and its scarcity and potential made it hencely powerful to such a high degree.<br><br>And, of course, she had thus far felt no desire for the pleasures of the flesh.<br><br>"I disagree. But - " she eyed him intensely and curiously, tilting her head, "you seem to be reproaching me in earnest, brother. What's on your mind?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 05:16:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan looked taken aback by her question, feeling as if he had suddenly overplayed his hand. What started as perfectly harmless teasing now twisted towards a much more foreboding path. For a moment, he said nothing, eyes leveled with Fiona’s as he considered his answer carefully. He couldn’t quite lie; if he did, she would likely know it, and he didn’t want to give the impression that he was actively trying to deceive her.<br><br>“I…” his voice faltered and he knitted his brow together, frowning to himself as a multitude of replies scrolled through his mind, “nothing of importance.<br><br>Donovan chuckled, “Perhaps I’m just worrying over the day that some sweet-tongued lothario will steal you from me.” The statement was true, though now he passed it off as only brotherly concern. Even without romantic interests, he would miss her. Every now and again, he was struck suddenly by the thought that they were now growing old enough that soon this would pass—their shared inhabitance of their family’s manor. Soon he would no longer be able to pound on her door at an inconvenient hour of night and ask for her comfort.<br><br>“Forgive me,” he added, reaching out and stroking his fingers against her cheek. Leaning forward, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, “I meant no real reprimand.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 05:21:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Unknowing of his feelings and intentions, Fiona had missed his point and he, too, seemed to have missed hers - but the other didn't quite notice.<br><br>She raised a brow at him, smiling at his concern and protectiveness. "Steal me?" She laughed, softly. "No lover could steal me as a sister any more than one could steal you as a brother." She shook her head at him, ruffling a hand through his hair.<br><br>"Besides, you're far more likely to be gallivanting off to wedding bells with some noble's daughter before too long. If it weren't for magic, I don't know how many of them would be pregnant right now." Fiona rolled her eyes, lightly amused. <em>Oh, the things you amuse yourself with, brother.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 05:31:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Though he was sure that she meant them, Fiona’s remarks meant nothing to Donovan. He felt not in the least bit reassured, even though he mildly appreciated the effort.<br><br>“Ah Fiona,” he gave a humorless laugh at her teasing remark, “You know it’s all been in fun. There have been absolutely no girls with whom I’ve heard <em>wedding bells</em>.” At the last words, he made a face to indicate exactly how unpleasant marrying any of these women would be. Imagine a lifetime of mediocre sex, vapid conversation, and a passionless marriage. Horrible.<br><br>“At any rate,” Donovan added, pushing himself up to standing, “I should let you get to sleep.” He kissed her cheek and turned towards the door, “Thanks, again, for…” he gestured towards his torso, where now the skin was once again seamless as if nothing had happened.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 05:50:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona frowned at his sudden change in mood, curious at what brought it on. She nodded a bit, her face unsure in response to what he said.<br><br>She caught his arm and squeezed it gently after he kissed her cheek. "Of course, Donovan." <em>I'd always take care of you when you need it,</em> she thought.<br><br>Laying back down on her bed, she thought over the conversation. What had happened that upset him so? Was he really so worried about losing her? Fiona smiled a bit, touched at his brother's affection, but still curious about it. She would have to ask him later, of course.<br><br><hr><br>The large, impressive bells of the Academy rang out the end of the classes for the day, resounding throughout the campus loudly. Fiona walked down the halls beside her classmates, talking offhand about spell theory and the latest goof of the professor. Amidst the mass, she broke off and wandered the halls more slowly, going off in her individual way. Sometimes she enjoyed simply walking through empty halls, and she used the time to think.<br><br>In time, she wound her way down to the entrance of the school, ready to leave for home. As she walked down the main hall, a male student with two adults and a professor passed by her. They caught eyes, briefly - and Fiona blinked, surprised.<br><br>Exiting the school without haste, she stood outside the steps, her mind caught off guard. <em>Who was he?</em> Fiona looked to the sky, her thoughts adrift, as she walked toward the carriage area.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 06:02:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was Donovan’s turn to be in a foul mood. He had thrown himself headlong into an argument with a professor about the mechanics transfiguration of live subjects. He already knew his methods worked; they had been tried and proven in his study time and again. However, the professor deemed the methods “dangerous” and “unstable.” Frustratingly unable to prove his point without tapping into questionably dark magic, he was forced to argue his own techniques as if it were theory rather than—what he knew as—hard fact.<br><br>A small cluster of male students welcomed him as they passed, and a closer friend reached out as if prepared to invite him to join them, but Donovan waved him off with a disgusted grunt. Storming out the hall and down the front steps, he shouldered his high-collared, woolen coat and began searching the grounds for Fiona, already having prepared a rant in his head that deemed the professor a “dried up old hack” and a “fool unfit for academia.”<br><br>He lifted one hand in a half wave as he saw her, but her attention seemed caught elsewhere. He followed her gaze towards the student, and he felt his anger bunch tighter in his chest. He tugged even more roughly on his coat, doing up the front buttons and making straight for the carriages as if he had never seen her. Finding the one emblazoned with their family coat of arms, he nodded curtly at the driver, pushing past him and opening the door himself. He yanked it open so that it rocked on its hinges and jumped onto the bench, slamming the door shut behind him and waiting with dread for Fiona to arrive.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 06:14:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Curiosity about the student percolating in her mind, she presumed that he was a potential new recruit. It wasn't uncommon, after all, considering how shortly ago the year had started. Something about his eyes, though... he at once had looked far more intelligent and perceptive than most of her male colleagues, despite the fact that they were all magicians.<br><br>Nearing the carriage area, she noticed her brother storming with such bluster and the shake and slam of the carriage. Furrowing her brow in concern, she walked more quickly, wondering what was the matter. He had seemed more preoccupied of late, after they had had that night's conversation - why was he keeping such distance? Well, it had gone on too long as it was. She'd come down to the truth of it.<br><br>Greeting the driver cordially, she entered the carriage across from her brother and eyed him rather directly.<br><br>"What's made you so angry, Donovan?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 06:24:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan had directed his gaze out towards the campus, eyes narrowed, but otherwise expressionless. He didn’t glance up as Fiona answered; looking at her was growing more unbearable as it was, and at this moment, he was afraid that he would come to say something he couldn’t revoke.<br><br>For a minute, he gave no acknowledgement of her question, preparing to sit as he was, arms barred across his chest, ignoring her existence. But eventually, he sighed, shaking his head so that it ruffled the dark hair that he currently wore more messily than usual.<br><br>“Just… fucking Osler, that old fool. He was preaching on the impossibilities of transfiguring a live creature into an inanimate object and back without either maiming or killing it. And, of course you knew, last year, I—with the cat?” Donovan opened his mouth as if to continue, but shut it again. He had spoken the entire time without turning towards his sister and now seemed very preoccupied with the view of the horizon.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 06:29:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Watching Donovan carefully, Fiona moved off the seat and onto his, sitting next to him, looking into his face carefully. She touched his cheek, turning his to face hers.<br><br>"No, brother. You've been distant all week long. What's the matter?"<br><br>Her eyes held his, seeking to know his thoughts and feelings. <em>What could be bothering him so much?</em> Now she wanted to know a great deal - he was acting so strange and unusual.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 06:38:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There it was again. The same snapping he had felt the other night with the two whores. For months now he had felt that something in him had been drawn taut, stretched well beyond its limits and straining to be broken. Though he registered with vague appreciation her concern, he had already burst. He sized both her wrists, leaning over her so that his body just about pinned hers to the side of the carriage.<br><br>“What’s the matter, Fiona? <em>What’s the goddamn matter?</em>” he growled, “Don’t you know? Can’t you feel it?” He pressed closer, face inches from hers as he spoke through gritted teeth, “Or perhaps you’ve been too distracted by whoever the fuck that was out there? What was his name? The fucking new kid you were eyeing out on the lawn?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 07:00:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona was caught completely off guard by this reaction. Donovan, her twin brother, had grabbed her wrists and pushed her back against the carriage and was now growling at her with such terrible rage and seething malice. Her eyes stared widely into her brothers', her will unnerved by this violence. No matter what had gone on between them, he had never done <em>anything</em> like this.<br><br>The apparent source, or something nearby, was equally strange. Why was he so jealous of her all of a sudden? "What are you talking about, Donovan?" Her nails turned around onto his hands, her eyes burning with indignation, concern, and fear. "What's the matter with you? Why do you care so much about me staring at some new student?"<br><br>Her eyes searched his, trying to find reason in his mind and bring him back to whatever he was before he flew off into this strange landscape she didn't understand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 07:07:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan stared back at her, eyes clouded with passion and long-contained frustration. Her question barely reached her ears, and it took him a long moment just to process what she was saying—for the words to make it through the fury buzzing through his head. As her nails dug into his hands, he turned to look at them—at his fingers gripped white-knuckled around her wrists—frowning as if they were foreign to him.<br><br>Slowly, he released her, slouching back down in his seat, ardently rubbing his eyes. <em>I’m sorry</em> the apology flashed briefly through his mind. But he could not bring himself to say it. He didn’t truly feel sorry—not yet. He might later, after replaying this moment in his mind. But at this exact time, he felt that she was partly to blame for his current situation. For being blind to his attraction—more, for not returning it.<br><br>“Forget it,” he waved an arm in aggravation, returning his attention to the road.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 07:16:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His anger mystified her. She couldn't help but stare, incredulous, twisted, torn and upset. Matters so simple and inconsequential had stirred her brother up? Things were not what they seemed at all, and Fiona refused to leave it at that.<br><br>Fiona stared at him, trying to pierce the fog surrounding him. Jealousy boiled up into his eyes so intensely, filling him with such hate. Jealousy, for her, for what she might do with other men. Jealousy, from her brother over herself.<br><br>She looked away as the voice inside spoke to her - <em>is that what he meant?</em><br><br>Her breath quieted as she considered the rational possibilities of it all, her heartbeat making her ears hot as she became intensely aware of the passage of time.<br><br><em>Is that how he truly looks at me?</em><br><br>As Fiona dug through their recent interactions, her paradigms came crashing down in her head about her relationship with her brother. She stared down, looking into her lap, the thoughts wild in her imagination.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 07:22:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Unfortunately for Donovan, his sister was no fool. As he sat there, fuming at the trees that whizzed by, he knew that she was placing the pieces together. He hadn’t exactly been subtle; part of him had been emboldened by the optimistic possibility that she might return his feelings and react well to his flirtations. But that wasn’t the case. She seemed frustrating asexual, really, which was even an almost-acceptable possibility. Until today. He had never seen his sister eye anyone with that expression, however subtle it had been.<br><br>Slowly the carriage rocked to a halt before their estate. Donovan sat, mortified by what possibilities might be going through Fiona’s mind, until the driver dismounted and opened the door. Climbing slowly out, he stood with his back rigid until he heard the carriage roll slowly away, wheels crunching over the gravel.<br><br>Turning towards Fiona he drew a deep breath, “I…” he frowned, dropping yet another potential apology, “What are you thinking?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 07:33:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona had never before gave real consideration to any kind of romantic relationship - there were truly and plainly none she found interesting, nor did she feel any particular attraction to anyone. At all. And here her brother, lecherous player of women that he had been, was showing her a keen interest - quite like and unlike that she had seen him show other women. <em>Is this what he's like to the girls he seduces?</em> It was hard to look at him at all, knowing now that he likely harbored such thoughts about her. Certainly, it was known that she was beautiful and desirable to more than a few men, but the idea that her brother wanted in on this?<br><br>Though he was going about it in a rather peculiar manner, it was hard to shake the thoughts of how he was with so many other girls. To think of herself being grouped in with the lot of them, to be another toy to him to use and throw away - this, more than anything else, offended and hurt her. She had thought of their affection as being so much more, so close and so precious; but now, here, he wanted something different and like all the other transient pleasures he had. This was what their bond had come to.<br><br>Blinking at the ground, mutely, she looked up into his eyes and held them for a moment, showing a mix of blankness and pain before turning to wounded anger. Glaring at him with the ferocity of stabbed pride and betrayed love, she turned away and walked up the steps to the doors of the estate, tears at the corners of her eyes.<br><br><em>How could he.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 07:48:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Honestly, she didn’t need to answer the question. He could read it all from her posture, her expression, and her eyes—the way they bore into him with such betrayal. In all their years, Donovan had never seen his sister quite like this, and the knowledge that he had been the cause bit into him like acid on bare flesh.<br><br>In silence, he watched her walk up the steps, again debating his options. He could let her go; it seemed only fair that he let her have a moment alone after dropping such a devastating confession. But he couldn’t. Worse now than the fear of rejection, he realized that he could have ruined everything that made them <em>them</em>. He could have destroyed the very bond that had defined his life for so long, on which he could rely more than any other constant in his life.<br><br>He felt such disgust at his behavior that it threatened to overwhelm him, building at the back of his throat like bile. One step at a time, he moved his leaden feet, speeding up until he began running after her up onto the steps. Reaching out for her, he thought better of it at the last minute and retracted his hands. <br><br>“Wait… Fiona…” he pleaded, voiced weaker and more vulnerable than it had ever been, “Please… I—” He paused. It wasn’t the blind lechery he felt towards the other girls. She wasn’t there to satiate his lust or dark curiosities. This was different, which was exactly what made it so significant<br><br>“Fiona…” he gulped against his dry throat, walking up next to her and placing his palm against the door so that she couldn’t open it, “Please, it’s not--… I mean… it’s not. I’ve tried.” He paused, hating that he was so inarticulate at the moment. He could charm any of the aristocratic pigs in the court, but here, with his sister, he was tongue tied?<br><br>“I never meant to tell you. I… know… how horrible you must think I am. But please… stay… talk to me.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 07:58:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona continued up the stairs even as she heard him behind her, and was reaching out for the door when his hand intervened and kept it shut. Her teeth gritted against each other, rage and tears mixing on her face and showing each other simultaneously. What words was he trying to express now? Now that his secret was out in the open, now that his jealousy was exposed - to what extent did his thoughts and feelings run, anyway? Was he just looking for another easy fuck with her like all the others? He couldn't get enough from the women who threw themselves onto him?<br><br>Her lips parted, anguish seething from her. Fiona simply did not make scenes, act out drama, or go through emotional moments - she was doing all she could to hold on to her composure. "I will not be a toy to your intemperate desires like so many other women.." She swallowed, the tears on her cheeks running more freely, her heart clutched so cruelly. "... brother."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 08:09:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan looked wounded at her words, entirely taken aback at the accusation. The thought had never crossed his mind; he never realized that his sister could think that he could be so… base. He had had his fun; why would he threaten their relationship for something so simple? No, whatever attraction festered within him was anything but straightforward. He had tried to unravel its threads, to loosen its hold on him, but failed. And he was about to lose his sister for it.<br><br>“No.. Fiona…” he said softly, reaching out slowly to wipe the tears from her cheeks, “No, how could you think that?” He bit his lip, feeling as if his chest were slowly being hollowed out—leaving nothing but an empty cavern that threatened collapse.<br><br>“It’s not… it’s not anything close to that.&nbsp; Honestly, how stupid would I be if I threatened <em>us</em>—everything we are together for something so pathetic?” He dropped his hand back down, “You… you mean the world to me, I swear it. I would never, <em>never</em> think so lowly of you. In fact… this--…. This… whatever I feel towards you… is exactly because I think you’re—” Donovan lifted an dropped his shoulders in a helpless shrug, “you’re perfect. Is it such a crime to love you for it?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 09:53:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Feeling his gentle fingers, she turned her face away from him, hiding her tears and choking down her emotions. Here, before their doors, their father likely nearby, was this distraught wreck of a scene between the two scions of the Vorum family, wielders of the famed art of arcana, heirs to nobility... here, the twin siblings were speaking of such direly forbidden matters - not quite unlike what they already did behind closed doors.<br><br>"Truly, Donovan... you perplex me with your desires to make something so publicly shameful of our relationship and family."<br><br>She turned to look at him, a steely coldness in her eyes as she wiped away her tears. Already, he had put something so large and gaping between them. A love like this could persist without fracturing their closeness; clearly, now, already, he could not handle the pressure of it. How would he react to her not returning these feelings?<br><br>"You know well the stigma of what you speak." She eyed him, then, with fatigue matching the wall she had erected. <em>How can this end well?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 18:52:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By now, Donovan felt absurdly foolish for ever having thought that this might turn out well. It seemed now like a child’s fantasy. <em>I should have bit my tongue and kept my revolting thoughts to myself.</em> Yet even as he mentally admonished himself for his silly optimism, he was shocked by her cold statement. Didn’t she understand how difficult this was? Didn’t she understand that he hadn’t meant to make anything of this? It was she who asked and she who deduced his feelings. Tears glazed his eyes, but he did not let them fall. <br><br>Now looking past Fiona rather than directly at her, he shook his head, “You know well enough. This land is ours for countless acres, no one can hear us,” even as he said this though, Donovan dropped his voice. He spun around and scanned the windows above them for any sign of their parents.<br><br>Failing to find anyone, he returned his attention to Fiona, steeling himself to meet her eyes, “You behave as if we have never openly spoken of forbidden matters on this estate before… Fiona... You insult me; rather than directly confront my emotions, you stand here fretting over the social stigma of our conversation?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 20:05:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona shook under the onslaught of emotions. Why did this have to happen? What was there to gain in this? She stewed under the weight of all of this. It was all so surreal, so unlike everything. Closing her eyes, she swallowed again.<br><br>"Conversation?" Her lips pursed a bit, teeth biting into her lower. "You want a lot more than 'conversation', brother." Thoughts of what he had likely done with so many others came unbidden, tormenting her further.<br><br>She looked up slowly, looking back toward the doors. "I will not do you the disrespect of absence. I will..." her teeth gritted again, pushing down her feelings as much as she could, "consider... your feelings." Her face turned to him, facing him askance. "Do not rush me, Donovan."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 22:48:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With difficulty, Donovan swallowed his endless queries and complaints. He would have traded his inheritance to return things to the way they were—him and his sister, without the terrible complications of love. Love; the word sat like a stone in his mind, cumbersome and unmoving. Of course, he had always loved her—but this was different from the fraternal affection that they had shared all their lives, and he could not help but feel that there was a sinister beast winding its way through him, knotting itself around his vital organs, slowly squeezing his life from him.<br><br>“If nothing else,” he told replied, speaking with a measured softness, exercising painstaking control in every word so that he would not make another misstep, “do not think worse of me, Fiona. I am… still me. I wish nothing but happiness for you. And if that lies not with me… then so be it.”<br><br>He had the strangest urge to gather her in his arms, to hold her until it all disappeared. But as the problem itself lay between them, he fought back his instincts. Instead, he released his hold on the door, reaching for the doorknob and opening it for her. Stiffly, he gave her a nod as if to say that she could leave. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 23:19:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She stood, watching him, her eyes considering his and the battle inside him that painted his face. There were too many emotions and thoughts right now, too much threatening to pull her down and throw her against the ground into a maddened frenzy. Too much pulled her in different directions, and she needed clarity. Time; and clarity.<br><br>"You are still Donovan... and if you can be yourself again without being so distant or jealousy spiting me... I see no reason to not treat you like my brother." Sadness and pain stood alongside the beats of anger in her eyes, and it was all she could do to keep herself from caving into herself.<br><br>"We will... eventually discuss this." She swallowed again, walking into the doorway and wiping her face again. "But give it time."<br><br>Focusing on her movement and her movement alone, Fiona slowly walked her way up the stairs and to her room, where she closed the door behind her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-06-2009, 23:39:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Time. It should have been a simple request, but it wasn’t. Donovan retreated to his room, where he wasted energy assaulting his furniture and magically reassembling it. For the next few days, he actively avoided Fiona, excusing it in his head in that he was giving her the space necessary for her to think things over. In reality, it was because he could not trust himself to bring it up, to throw the topic back in the open rather than let it fester silently in plain sight.<br><br>He engaged in several disastrous experiments in his study, resulting in scorched walls and a rather unsightly burn that covered his arm for the better part of a day before he manned up and healed it himself. Already, he had rendered one of the prostitute’s corpses nearly useless, draining the cadaver until it seemed too fragile to touch. And he had discovered nothing of any significant use.<br><br>After spending an entire afternoon sparring furiously with some schoolmates, he returned home, bathed, and seated himself in the downstairs parlor with a battered textbook. He was still pretending to read when there was a knock on the door, answered quickly by one of the household servants.<br><br>“Hi. I’m—I would like to speak with Fiona…” an unfamiliar voice issued unseen.<br><br>“Of course, sir,” Donovan heard the maid’s voice and watched as she disappeared through the corridor to retrieve his sister. <br><br>Curious, Donovan rose from his seat, striding around the corner to see a wide-eyed university student standing at the threshold of their estate, gazing about like an idiot in their marble-floored foyer. That boy—the same damned student that Fiona had been eyeing that day on the campus.<br><br>“You!” the word burst from Donovan’s throat like a curse. He walked quickly towards the doorway,&nbsp; back rigid and shoulders drawn back, “What the hell are you doing here?”<br><br>((Sorry to hijack your character for plot-advancing purposes. I would have carried the conversation further but I wasn't sure if you wanted to name him/determine his personality))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>14-06-2009, 04:09:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Feel free! If I disagree, I'll let you know. But that's what they're for.))<br><br>Fiona's emotions fluctuated between the differing impulses and thoughts. Donovan had wounded her, betrayed her, moved her in his perceptions and emotions - sister, still, but unrequited lover now, too. Things could not be the same again, most likely, she had mused. This upset her most, in the longer term, than the other upsets and injuries and hurts. To lose that ally, that connection, that comfort and closeness - he was very much a part of her, and she likened it to losing a limb (in the way that one can't reattach it with Necromancy).<br><br>It became apparent that Fiona was preoccupied most of the time, now, lost in thoughts that made her much more absent. Generally, she was very skilled at being the social butterfly, despite how consistently she turned away suitors - this was in part why she kept drawing more - so it came as a concern to acquaintances and friends. Some asked her why, and she alluded to a distant family matter that took up her attention. It wasn't that far from the truth.<br><br>There was much for Fiona to pull apart and untangle to resolve her emotions. Of course, she still loved her brother. She came to see that, no, he didn't regard her as he did his many women; he didn't act the same way toward her, even if he harbored some similarity of purpose and feeling. He treated her in most ways still as his sister.<br><br>Though, now, he was just absent. It was like he couldn't bear to look at her. This hurt, too.<br><br>Fiona considered the matter carefully. She hadn't ever been a lover, and the notion was vaguely unsettling; perhaps dirty, perhaps unseemly, perhaps 'low'. She wasn't sure exactly how she felt about that; all she knew was that she hadn't really felt inclined to explore those activities or feelings.<br><br>Considering her brother's actions, she didn't expect him to be very reasonable about the entire matter. Fiona sighed often to herself, thinking over it all. There were dangers and problems on either side of action.<br><br>But the most important question was, what did she want?<br><br><hr><br>The student blinked and looked over at the harsh, commanding voice, a look of confusion passing over his features. "Me?" He was taken aback a bit, but had no trouble standing his ground, his gaze running over Donovan and assessing him calmly. "I'm here to see Fiona - I take it you're Donovan?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>14-06-2009, 04:52:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan blinked at the question, taken aback by the fact that this boy knew his name. Had he spoken with Fiona before? He didn’t know what to make of that brief interchange between him and Fiona on the campus. For all Donovan knew, it could have been a first meeting, or a hundredth; optimism had led him to think that it was a tiny event—a blip that didn’t develop further. Maybe this kid had asked about her; there was a surplus of people around readily willing to discuss their family. But, perhaps she had been seeing him? Perhaps she had pursued something already? <br><br>It was a cliché, but Donovan could feel his heart sink—settling like dead weight against his stomach. He felt twice-wounded. One, that his sister might have already engaged with this boy while still never completing their conversation, and two that she had done so without his knowledge. <br><br>Standing with his hand balled to a fist at his side, Donovan considered his options. He could hex this lad into the next century, or he could go the old-fashioned route and grind him to a pulp with his knuckles. But Fiona had already been so injured by his jealousy before. If, in fact, she did invest romantic interest in this stranger on their doorstep, she would be irreparably angry if Donovan assaulted him.<br><br>“Yes…” he finally said, “I’m Donovan.” He glanced over his shoulder, “Fiona should be here shortly.”<br><br>Though, at this point, Donovan should have left these two to their conversation—whatever that may be—he did not depart the foyer. He set his book down on a table and then stood, arms folded with his back against the wall as he waited for his sister to join them.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>14-06-2009, 09:58:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The young man gave a slightly shy smile toward Donovan, inclining his body in a gesture of respect. "A pleasure to meet you - I've heard a good deal." His smile increased a bit after he mentioned Fiona, and he looked toward the staircase in anticipation.<br><br>Attending to her studies in her room, Fiona looked up wearily at the knock upon her door. After answering it and finding out the purpose from the servant, Fiona's expression turned to confusion. Someone named Alex was to meet her? <em>Ah, yes - that new student.</em> Fiona blinked and smiled a bit, curious about the visit. She was interested in what this man had to say, even if she wasn't accepting suitors, still; something about him had interested her intently.<br><br>Glancing at herself in her mirror, Fiona went toward the foyer when she thought then of how Donovan would react. Frowning with a deep sigh, she worried over his jealousy and newly flavored affection for her; Donovan had already been acting distant, and for it to get worse would only upset her further. She touched a hand to her face, feeling much less excited about seeing Alex now.<br><br>Arriving at the staircase, she quickly saw her brother there along with Alex and his smile. The tug of his disquiet pulled at her heart, stealing most of the enthusiasm that may have accompanied the return of Alex's expression.<br><br>"Welcome, Alex."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>14-06-2009, 10:32:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan waited, quietly shuffling through his conflicted thoughts in the silence that settled between him and their guest. He weighed his options in his mind, trying to quell the monster that beat against his breastbone, aching to act out—to seek revenge for what it considered a serious affront. Somewhere, inexplicably, he was angry. Angry at this boy, but more so at Fiona—who really didn’t deserve any of his wrath but received it nonetheless. He felt… abandoned. They had cared for each other so well throughout their lives and now, with what felt like the most difficult, convoluted experience in his life, she felt distant and unreachable. <br><br>“Oh, Alex, is it?” Donovan inclined his head towards the lad, moving away from his corner against the wall, “I’m afraid I didn’t catch his name when he entered. Alex, how kind of you to call upon my sister. Won’t you step in? Have a drink?”<br><br>Without waiting for an answer, Donovan gestured towards the maid to go retrieve some glasses and a bottle of wine. No one but Fiona could tell, but Donovan was mocking this guest with his every word, his voice coated with a subtle sarcasm and bitter intent. Though he meant to do no serious harm to their visitor, he also wasn’t readily prepared to leave the room. While other, less direct individuals might have contented themselves to depart and simply spy or listen in on the happenings, Donovan preferred much more… confrontational methods.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>14-06-2009, 11:00:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It wasn't too difficult to find his name by asking around." Fiona gave a slight, sad smile. She knew her brother would act in a regrettable fashion, but there was little to do but hope that Alex would depart before too long. She gave a tiny sigh.<br><br>Alex looked between the two of them, giving a brief expression of some recognition, though of what, there was no certainty. "Thank you, Donovan. I'd be happy too, though I can't stay long." He gave a smile again to him before looking back to Fiona.<br><br>"I apologize for the abruptness of my visit. I have been used to more formality preceding visitations," Alex smiled delicately, here, "but I wanted to present myself first, since I am new here, as you already know."<br><br>In his mannerisms and voice, Alex appeared to be very polite and civil. As Fiona could already tell, he had an astute and observant eye as well.<br><br>Fiona slowly went down the stairs to be on the same level as them, moving to a point closer to them both. She was certainly diplomatic in public, of course, but at this point, she mostly hoped that her brother wouldn't make this too painful of an experience.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>14-06-2009, 19:55:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Ah, but sister, in order to ask around you must first be interested in his name,” Donovan responded with the same dry tone of feigned politeness. Turning towards Alex, he drew his expression into an overemphasized smile, “You are among a very fortunate few. She rarely takes interest in any of the men around here.” <br><br>Turning as the maid returned with glasses and a bottle of red wine, he thanked her with a nod and gestured that she may leave. With a wave of his hand, Donovan unwrapped the foil in a neat spiral and the cork snapped out and into his palm. Small use of magic, and in fact, Donovan almost never employed magic for menial tasks, but he felt the need to—to what? Show off? <em>Stop being pathetic, you moron. You’re the male heir to the Vorum fortune, you’re nigh unmatched in magical talent, or any scholastic capacity for that matter—and… he’s got Fiona.</em><br><br>Pouring the wine into each of the glasses, he handed one to Fiona and one to Alex, and swirled his own glass to let it breathe.<br><br>“From the family vineyards,” he told Alex, “the best red wine in the region.”<br><br>Looking around, Donovan lifted his glass in the small gesture of a toast, “To Alex, then. May you find happiness in our city.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>14-06-2009, 20:55:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Few men seem to be accomplished without letting it inflate their ego disproportionately." Fiona looked toward the window, wishing the skies could offer more solace. Her fingers tapped over her folded hands, running themselves in a distracted manner. She wondered if she would have to forcefully intervene to bring this to a halt. It was difficult retaining her civility, at times.<br><br>Sadness deepened in her as she watched her brother, feeling it tug deeply at her heart. Never would she able to ignore her brother's suffering, of course, even as it brought her more.<br><br>Alex remained cordial and graciously took the wine from Donovan. "Thank you - I have already heard many good things about your family." He raised his glass as well, seeming somewhat bashful about the toast.<br><br>Fiona raised her glass as well, hiding another sigh.<br><br>After drinking some wine, Alex let a moment pass before speaking up again. "While I am happy to meet both of you, I must admit that my reason for visiting was somewhat more... academic." His smile turned apologetically charming. "I learned that you were one of the best students in your classes," he intoned his head toward Fiona, "and that your brother also performed very well in his studies." He gave a smile toward Donovan.<br><br>"If you were open to the idea, I am interested in forming a study group."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>14-06-2009, 22:34:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan found amusement in Alex’s abashedness. While there were plenty of people who would applaud charming, embarrassed humility, Donovan was not one of them. In his years of finessing the aristocracy and the court, he had never found use for “bashfulness,” and saw such disposition as a weakness rather than a sign of good character.<br><br>After an initial sip of the wine, he quaffed it quickly, letting the warm, complicated bouquet of flavors wash against his pallet. After draining the glass he set it down on the table, only allowing Alex half of his attention as he spoke. At the proposal, Donovan nearly laughed. In fact, he had to stifle the impulse with a cough as he turned away from the guest.<br><br>The Vorum twins didn’t need study groups. If he thought about it, schoolwork only consumed perhaps a tenth of Donovan’s time in his study—and that was if he deemed it worthwhile. Beyond that, he spent his time unearthing materials beyond the depth of his classes, following them down darker paths than the university would ever condone. And certainly, Donovan though, Sir Bashful at their doorway would be appalled at even the slightest glimpse of the dark arts. No, Alex looked far too morally upright to explore the more twisted potentialities of the craft.<br><br>“A <em>study group</em>?” Donovan echoed, turning towards Fiona with feigned fascination—but playing the part so genuinely that only his sister could have known that he was mocking the very idea—“what a lovely idea. What do you say, dear sister? It should be a wonderful opportunity to get ahead in your studies.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 09:47:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona watched Donovan's reactions to what Alex proposed, and looked between the two of them, wondering what, if anything, Alex was up to. Her perceptions saw that he was not up to simply this - though, perhaps that was simply a matter of paranoia - and she tried to gauge him by how he responded.<br><br>For his part, Alex did not seem perturbed by Donovan's dismissal; in fact, he seemed to be emboldened by it, moving on before Fiona even replied.<br><br>"Well, I really thought to include both of you - studies are not especially difficult, but the potential for research and design with the meeting of three minds instead of one --" Alex cut himself off, smiling with a degree of assurance and confidence in his conception. "I think such a cooperative effort could truly turn heads in sublime envy at the Academy."<br><br>Listening to the young man, Fiona raised an eyebrow and looked from him to Donovan, a slight smile tugging at the edge of her lips. She was curious what, exactly, he had in mind, but suspected that her brother had nothing of the sort. It would be fun for her if he accepted with any earnest desire, but, barring that, she might pursue it herself. It all depended on the circumstances, really.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 10:04:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Research and design</em>. Donovan scoffed in his mind, careful not to let any of his thoughts drift into his actual demeanor. <em>Pompous ass…</em>. But now he eyed Alex with curiosity; what were his real intentions? If he were so interested in study—in this many minds versus one scenario—why just the Vorum siblings? Was he simply trying to get closer to Fiona? Including Donovan in hope that it wouldn’t seem so suspicious? Or it could be something more devious. The Vorum name had been impenetrably perfect for as long as memory served. There were plenty of people who would have paid good money to see it crumble; perhaps Alex was hoping for information?<br><br>“At the risk of sounding over-inflated, we already turn heads in envy at the Academy,” Donovan said with a short laugh, “But I believe a ‘study group’ has its potential. I am willing to see what will become of it.” Donovan couldn’t fully explain why he was supporting this idea—perhaps only because he wanted to see what Alex was about. And worse yet, Alex’s very presence seemed a challenge to Donovan—in magic, in academics, and in his sister’s affections. <br><br>“What do you say, Fiona?” he asked, walking to her and draping his arms in mock-playfulness about her shoulders—a gesture that was at once frivolous and quietly possessive, “Will you join Alex and me in thorough exploration of our studies?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 10:32:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doing nothing to stop him, Fiona looked up to her brother, blinking softly. Even as he invited her to join him, she felt like he was pulling her and trying to force her into something - tearing her, as it were. She loved him, still, but he made her much more uncomfortable now. Where did she want to take things? Letting her twin do all of the leading was not in her best interest; she was not a very passive person.<br><br>"The idea of something more complex than addressing classes does intrigue me." She nodded to her brother, her eyes searching his for several moments. "I will."<br><br>Alex grinned openly at their acceptance. "Excellent! I already have several ideas for research topics, but I wanted to hear of any projects the two of you wanted to pursue." He moved closer to the two of them, looking at them boldly.<br><br>"I also wanted to know if you had suggestions for other promising students you wanted to work with."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 10:44:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan could sense Fiona’s discomfort. On the one hand, it pained him that she now so ill at ease around him, but on the other, he still felt slighted as she hadn’t spoken to him of their disastrous conversation days ago. Struggling to find balance within these conflicting emotions, he stared down Alex, an inquisitor’s gaze probing for more information. <em>What is he after…</em><br><br>Donovan raised a brow at Alex’s final statement. Until he determined whether this ‘study group’ was legitimate in purpose, Donovan was reluctant to invite anyone he knew to join them. Actually, as he was only joining this silly little club to investigate Alex further, he honestly didn’t want any more people complicating matters. <br><br>“I’ll think on it… I believe I’ll have a better idea as to who might suit our little group better after we have discussed in more depth,” Donovan said diplomatically, “But I believe you said earlier that you could not stay long, so perhaps we should have that discussion another time?” He was growing weary of this game. Now that he had remained in a room with Fiona for more than two minutes, he felt overdue for a real conversation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 19:58:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona was only slightly surprised, after thinking through the details, by her brother's choices. He would have his own motives, of course - as would Alex. For a moment, she felt as though she were the pawn being fought over between two knights, but she dismissed it. Obviously, she was no pawn, and the conflict between Alex and Donovan was yet uncertain. Her feelings, too, were uncertain, and those she was even less eager to confront.<br><br>Her thoughts also turned to Alex's questions and proposed plan. There was a great deal of possibility in it, veiled or otherwise, and she was undeniably intrigued.<br><br>"Very well." Alex gave another eager smile and looked between the two of them. "Before I leave, though, I would like to know - upon what topic shall we direct our research?"<br><br>Fiona spoke up, then, "I have as of late been interested in the subschool of Teleportation." She smiled, looking between the two of them. "Would you mind pursuing this?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 21:27:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan quirked a brow at Fiona’s suggestion, having yet to hear about this latest interest. Teleportation was certainly fascinating, but so seemingly unachievable that it seemed almost futile to explore. But it wasn’t as if the ostensibly impossible has not occurred under this roof—the very existence of their mother was evidence of that. For a moment, despite his foul and conflicted mood, Donovan’s lips twitched into a genuine smile—subdued, but affectionate. He loved his sister’s boldness; her determination to test the bounds of magical limitations.<br><br>“An unusual, but brilliant choice, Fiona,” he nodded, “I support this endeavor.” But even as he said it, Donovan wondered how she planned on achieving such powerful magic without venturing into darker realms. For a long while now, he had been accustomed to fueling his experiments with sacrifices of flesh and blood, and using animal corpses to absorb the magical rebounds. Did she intend to study in earnest? And if she did, how did she intend to do so without their usual techniques?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 21:42:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex positively beamed at the suggestion. "I agree - that would be a brilliant, master stroke." He positively ecstatic. "I will begin gathering research at my earliest convenience." He bowed to them both. "I will let you know when I see you both at the Academy." And with that, he turned to leave.<br><br>Fiona nodded to him, and waited for him to leave, feeling the grasp of her brother upon her. She looked up toward him, studying his face calmly, interest in her eyes.<br><br>What would he say, now? Her heart lay in stasis, the anticipation vast and immense.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 21:54:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan nodded a farewell to Alex, eagerly shutting the door behind him as he departed. What an unfortunate addition to their lives. He took his time sliding the bolt back in place, reluctant to turn and face his sister, but unable to yield this opportunity either. He dreaded actually speaking with her, but he didn’t think he could carry on this way much longer, dodging her in the corridors of their own house.<br><br>“I… think we should talk, don’t you?” he asked, eyes intent and sad upon hers, “I… would like to know what you’ve been thinking.” It was the first time in his life that Donovan had needed to ask such a question. The majority of the time, their thoughts were easily transparent to one another, but they had crossed into a forbidden territory, and Donovan could not begin to divine what his sister must think of him. <br><br>He glanced about them and moved towards the den, gesturing for her to follow so that they could speak unheard.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 22:19:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan's actions were followed well by Fiona's eyes, her interest plainly apparent. He had been silent too long, and uncomfortably avoidant. She wanted him to be closer, more visible to her, but she didn't know how to make that happen without... caving in one direction or another. She hated feeling so precariously set upon a ledge.<br><br>Fiona nodded to her brother's question, searching his eyes for his feelings. With such distance, she had missed their closeness and easy affability, their ability to share anything and everything without restraint or motive. It was a sad state of affairs for her as well, though with some departing reasons.<br><br>Twin followed twin into the den, where she waited until he came close. Her eyes went to his, watching closely.<br><br>"Are you sure you want to know?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 22:33:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a wary glance down either end of the hall, Donovan shut the door behind them, clicking the solid oaken panels into place. Their conversation should be safe. At her question, he gave a soft chuckle, “I appreciate your concern Fiona, but I am stronger than all that. I can endure what you need to say, it’s all right.” Looking down at her with a sad smile, he set both hands on her shoulders, “The only thing worse than your rejection is suffering this uncomfortable distance any longer. I’m a grown man, Fiona. I can handle it.”<br><br>That said, he released her, dropping his arms to his side and bracing himself for what was to come. Donovan wasn’t one accustomed to rejection; in fact, even if they wanted to, few girls would have dared to spurn his advances. Their family name promised fortune, influence, and prestige, and Donovan held the potential to be a successful man in his own right. However, of course, none of that mattered with Fiona. It was just him and her, both simpler and absurdly more complicated than it should be. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 22:53:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Thoughts had long been churning and roiling through Fiona's mind. Here, she had been faced with a problem as steep and treacherous as the 'dark paths' of magic, which were fraught with madness, addiction, sacrifice, possession, and opposition. While these acts would not be the same between her and her brother, the consequences on either side were enormous. Fiona was not, to her knowledge, a sexual creature - she had no interest or feeling in that direction. Such was very clear to her, though her brother was convinced that such pleasures overshadowed the sublime joys of magic. Fiona was not.<br><br>When it came to love, too, Fiona felt strongly about her brother, but not in the flavors he desired. If she spurned him directly, though, she wondered what ill would come of it. Though he said he could handle it, she had seen the ferocity in his eyes, the fervent desire he displayed - it was unlike anything she had ever seen in them before. It was at once terrifying and intriguing, for she could see the willingness to go beyond his normal codes of conduct and wrench his hands into the Abyss itself to get to his goal.<br><br>He did respect and love her, though, which she hoped she could rely upon. It was a fine line to walk, but threads of plots had come into her mind, and her hand wanted to play them out. Fiona had to admit that the attention her brother did show her was interesting, and that she would be happy to see him not fetter away his brilliance and time on the flesh of so many unworthy women. It would be a boon, a credit to his life, she thought, if he could rise above such tastes and constrain the courts and lives of others in the same snarls and binds he did his paramours.<br><br>Fiona's eyes stared directly into Donovan's, becoming whorls of certainty and impenetrable design. <em>The webs we weave.</em><br><br>"You come to me speaking of things that I have never deigned to find interesting or worth my time, brother. Despite my trust for you, I am not so easily convinced that I have the same taste for these games you play with others." She paused, watching her brother's face and eyes, drinking in his reactions and thoughts.<br><br>"If you find me so desirable, then you must show me properly." A flicker of a smile danced upon her lips, the expression fleeting.<br><br>"You may court me, if you think the pursuit so worthy."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 23:10:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At her first words, Donovan nodded dismissively. He knew that Fiona did not deem herself a sexual creature—something he could not entirely believe. The same blood coursed through their veins, and he would be damned if hers couldn’t be ignited by the pleasures of the flesh. Of course, he didn’t expect her to bed just anyone. He doubted that she would find interest in most of the bumbling idiots that came to court her, but that was exactly why he thought them well-matched. She deserved the absolute best and, somewhere in him, Donovan could not help thinking that that should be him.<br><br>However, due to her silence and initial revulsion, he had already expected her to spurn his affections entirely. Her latter proposal came as an absolute shock. Donovan’s eyes widened and he struggled to maintain his composure, feeling his heart lift with a weightlessness it had never experienced. Though it was far from an absolute yes, he felt as if he had unshouldered a great burden. In his absolute elation, he grabbed Fiona about the waist and lifted her, spinning in a celebratory circle before setting her back on the ground.<br><br>But that was a gesture more suited towards a brother’s familiarity than that of a proper suitor. With a smirk at his lips, Donovan drew himself up with more dignified composure. He bent in a low bow, and when he was standing straight again he took Fiona’s hand and pressed his lips to it in a light kiss.<br><br>“A test, Fiona?” his laugh was richer and more genuine than it had been for months now, “Unconventional, but still. You, of all people should know; I don’t fail, and I do not disappoint.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 23:26:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona's slight smirk turned to surprise as she was lifted and spun, and she couldn't help but give a startled laugh before being set back upon the ground. <em>Such enthusiasm... but at least you seem more yourself, brother.</em> She smiled a little softly, and then with amusement, as he went through the motions of being 'proper'. It would be an interesting game to play, this little dance, and she hoped it would keep him well distracted. It gave her, in the meantime, room and time to plan and make her decision. She would be no easy target, nor swayed by the lightest of graces. When Fiona meant to play, she wove everything three steps ahead and two webs beyond.<br><br>"Do not think you have my undivided attention, though." Her mouth turned a slight devilish as she watched him, her words precise and planned. "I will allow others to do the same, and I will be more than busy with my interests."<br><br><em>You'd best plot well, brother.</em> Part of her laughed softly inside her breast, watching and preparing for what would come.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>15-06-2009, 23:39:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Even with this new game in play, Donovan could feel the tension between them ease. Certainly, he had an interesting task before him. All his prior experience was virtually useless here. He would not debase Fiona in using the same tricks he had with other girls—nor did he delude himself in thinking they would work. Their familiarity was now and advantage and a disadvantage; she would be able to see through any facades and false charms he employed. But on the other hand, it was his sister—whom he had known and cared for and loved all his life. His affections were genuine, and he could do without his tricks and ploys this time.<br><br>At her warning, Donovan simply shrugged, having already seen his competition in the other courtiers. She would be half-daft to take an interest in most of them. Strangely, her most promising suitor was Alex, but that was not enough to dampen Donovan’s spirits at the moment.<br><br>“Ah, dear Fiona, I only do better with competition. But…” he grinned and drew her into a tight embrace, “though I’m sure I will enjoy our little game, do not expect me to cease being your brother.” He released her and held her at arm’s length, eyes meeting hers as he flashed her a boyish grin, “I expect to be able to tease you and intrude upon you as always. The point of courting you would be lost if it ruined what we already have.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>16-06-2009, 00:27:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smiling in return to his happiness and enthusiasm, she was faintly demure and mocking at the same time. "Of course, Donovan - I was hoping you would be nothing less." She chuckled, softly, even as she wondered how matters would change between the two of them. She would always miss their familiarity if it left forever, just as she would miss his antics and attitude. There was much to him to be enjoyed, when he was being himself - though she enjoyed how adeptly he could play others, too.<br><br>Though she would not say it in public, Fiona had no illusions of truly respecting others who did not warrant it. The Vorum family was of the utmost pedigree, skill, and position, and it would fall to no simple meddling of outsiders, nor would it bow in defeat to those who could not best it in every category - and that was likely impossible.<br><br>"I'm happy to see you smile again." She squeezed his arms gently. "But, if you'll excuse me, I must resume my studies."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>16-06-2009, 03:40:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Oh, of course,” Donovan nodded as Fiona excused herself, opening the door and stepping out of her way. As she left, he caught her by the wrist, “Thanks, Fiona,” he added with a smile of gratitude—for discussing this with him when it should have been entirely dismissed at first thought, for allowing him a chance, for helping him set things back to normal. <br><br>He left quickly after her, turning towards his own room.<br><br><div align="center">----------</div><br>Afterwards, Donovan seemed to return to his normal self. He did exceedingly well at his studies, made progress on his private endeavors, and went about his usual socialization with his friends. The only notable difference was that he now lacked any of his usual female visitors. If any of the girls turned out at their door, he sent them away within a few minutes, allowing only enough time to be sufficiently polite.<br><br>Though he had spent plenty of time with Fiona, he had refrained from any romantic intimations for the time being. Except for the way his gaze lighted upon her in brief moments, or the quiet tension that remained, he gave no reminder of his feelings. Until today.<br><br>Donovan had been absent from the manor for most of the day. Now, as night began to set, he stood on the expansive front lawn, holding the reins to his favorite horse and hers. The two animals had been bridled and saddled and well-brushed. Donovan, on the other hand, stood simply attired with a plain black towncoat, grey cotton trousers and a linen shirt.<br><br>He had sent one of the servants up with a note for Fiona—a short scroll tied to a single, obviously magically enhanced rose. The bloom was nearly twice the normal size and its red had been deepened to a dark crimson. And while most people chose to trim the thorns off, Donovan had left them on his single offering.<br><br>On the note, he had scrawled in his thin, slanted letters:<br><em>Join me on the front lawn. Dress plain.</em> No signature, as he deemed one unnecessary.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>16-06-2009, 04:19:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona blinked as she was grabbed and returned Donovan's smile. For her part, she would be happy to see him return to something more resembling his normal self. She had no idea how long she would indulge Donovan's advances, or anyone else's, but exposing herself to the ordeal would strengthen her skills in the matter and change the political landscape.<br><br>Considering her words, Fiona thought about how she would make it more obvious that she was accepting the invitations of possible suitors now. Judging her possibilities, she decided that she would let it spread through rumor, and reverberate by word of mouth. It would be no surprise to her that many would show their creativity once it got out.<br><br><hr><br>Dedicating herself to more studies outside of Necromancy, and particularly researching Teleportation, Fiona was at once highly visible and very unavailable. She booked her time between her studies and events, attending all sorts of parties and gatherings. Deigning to be a more social butterfly, she exercised her mastery of airs and elegances well and played the part superbly. She had cultivated the skills over many years, after all.<br><br>After four days of an outward change, invitations began appearing, and Fiona accepted them here and there amidst the mass. She had made it clear that while she was now being amiable to possibilities, she was still as picky as ever - and anyone interested in her would have to capture her attention.<br><br>Alex had returned with details regarding arrangements for the mentioned study group, and, after communicating them to Donovan, they made plans to meet the following weekend.<br><br>Donovan's changes in behavior were very noticed by Fiona, who paid careful attention to his habits and actions. She was secretly pleased that he had stopped engaging his time in so many women - even as she opened herself up to spending time with other men. This duality was curious to her, on many levels, but she was welcome to the change, after so much else had already changed.<br><br>Fiona was in the middle of reading through an aged tome when the note came. Slightly surprised at the rose, she smirked a bit and felt the signature of Donovan's magic - a subtlety that was rare to distinguish, but after so much time with her twin an effortless distinction. <em>Is this how he plans to play?</em> She wasn't entirely impressed, but it was better than some. Marking her place in the book, she changed into town-friendly clothes, one of the disguises she kept hidden in her wardrobe. She ended up in a plain, if not pretty, brown dress with an undercarriage and a neat black coat.<br><br>Fitting on plainer boots, Fiona went downstairs and outside to meet with, as she expected, her brother.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>16-06-2009, 04:38:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan still wasn’t sure what to make of her sister’s newfound social interactions. While he was glad to see her exploring her social potential, it was, of course, difficult to watch her accepting all the invitations from her eager suitors. But this was the game in which they were now engaged, and he had come to accept it. Surprising even himself, Donovan took the matter in good stride, sometimes meeting the young men when they came seeking Fiona. Never again did he linger intently in the room. He simply greeted the lad with a polite interchange and exited when his sister entered.<br><br>Honestly, Donovan wasn’t out to impress Fiona—not before, not now, probably not ever. It wasn’t to his advantage to try; putting on any sort of airs would be obvious and transparent, and she already knew him to the core. If there was anything about him that impressed her, she would already know. He wasn’t foolish enough to make a pompous ass of himself trying to show off.<br><br>He grinned as she arrived in perfect attire, glad that she had understood the message. They wouldn’t exactly need to be in disguise, but the less likely they were to be traced back to the manor, the better. Briefly, his gaze skimmed her figure from head to toe and then he unceremoniously tossed her the reins to her horse.<br><br>“It’s about an hour’s ride,” he told her without explanation, wedging his boot into the stirrup and swinging up onto his horse’s back, “That is, if you can keep up with me…”<br><br>He dug his heels into the horses side and it started at a smart canter, rounding past the gate and towards the main road—heading away from the town’s center. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>16-06-2009, 05:13:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona's eyes looked over Donovan's attire and she simply nodded to him after he tossed her the reins, mounting almost at the same time as he. They had both had plenty of practice on horses, her mostly for pleasure, and though she did not indulge as often anymore, it wasn't difficult for her to find her way into a saddle. Despite her appearances and easy pace, Fiona contained a hidden strength and swiftness.<br><br>Smirking, she started her horse off as well, following her brother. "An hour? I suspect you have no intention of telling me what you have planned, brother." She eyed him and started ticking off places they could be go - maybe he would surprise her, after all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>16-06-2009, 05:48:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan glanced behind him to make sure that Fiona was keeping up, setting a brisk pace, but not one that would be uncomfortable for them or the horses. They were riding parallel to the sunset, watching the red disk scorch the horizon, slowly being engulfed by the oncoming darkness. He was leading her down a lesser road, one rarely travelled by anyone from their city and certainly never by the aristocracy. As they got further away from home, the path grew significantly more narrow, tapering to a thin dirt road at times overgrown or strewn with rubble.<br><br>Because it was difficult to hear one another over the hoofbeats, Donovan chose not to speak. But he could feel the excitement build within him. Honestly, it was probably somewhere he would have taken her even if they weren’t at this game. But, that was partially the point. He was proving that he wasn’t going to be… particularly different. He wouldn’t become a different man for her; her loved her as she was, and he hoped she could return that, nothing more or less.<br><br>When they drew near, Donovan eased pressure onto his horse’s reins, slowing to a brisk trot. They were headed into Eiseth—a tiny town that overlooked the sea. Though it harbored a solid population of artisans and craftsmen, it had earned an unsavory reputation for its underground slave trade, predominance of gambling, and a poorly-concealed black market. Though Eiseth stood beside the sea, its shores were lined with ominous, rocky promontories and suffered from constant high winds, and it could not operate as a port. For this reason, Eiseth had been entirely overlooked for the larger, trade cities on either side, and suffered from a perpetual lack of growth, order, and technology.<br><br>There was already a stable boy waiting near the edge of the city when they arrived. Donovan greeted him with a wave and dismounted handing the kid the reins of his steed and gesturing for Fiona to do the same.<br><br>“Thank you Walt,” Donovan dropped a few coins into the boy’s palm and waiting for Fiona to join him. He scanned the poorly lit street with its grungy facades and crowded buildings and smiled, “I hope you weren’t hoping for something romantic,” he added, turning towards Fiona. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>16-06-2009, 19:57:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona carried on after her brother without difficulty, though she found his silence a little odd; she was used to talking to him about all manner of things and passing the time away in conversation. Instead, she watched the sunset for much of the journey, both aesthetically and symbolically enjoying the passage of the sun against the horizon. Her mind played over their history together, which was inextricably entwined with her life as a whole - by what mechanism had he come to be in love with her?<br><br>The passage was not especially familiar to her, but it did not concern her. As they got closer, she recognized the area for what it was by her memory of geography and looked at her brother with curiosity. <em>What business do we have here? Corpse-snatching, perhaps?</em> She smirked lopsidedly, eying Donovan. He was clever, and sometimes his cleverness surprised her still.<br><br>Fiona dismounted along with her brother, handing off the reins similarly. She walked over to her brother and looked him in the eyes for a moment before nodding. "There are few things I hope for, Donovan." Looking at the town, she smiled softly - there was a beauty in the occasional remark of something sincerely true from the heart.<br><br>She waited for him, ready to follow his lead.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>17-06-2009, 00:40:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan chuckled at Fiona’s response, “Well good, then I won’t disappoint.” Though darkness had settled over the town, it seemed to be the environment in which its residents thrived. People crowded onto the streets, dressed in workman’s clothes or heavy cloaks. Even simply attired, Donovan and Fiona could easily look like the wealthiest people around.<br><br>Easing his arm around Fiona’s waist, Donovan guided her through the streets, weaving into the unlit labyrinth of narrow alleys and hushed conversation. Clearly, Donovan had been here before, pivoting at the exact points where they needed to turn, holding his sister protectively close. In a town where law and justice were more theory than fact, he had no doubt that someone would seize the opportunity to claim a beautiful young woman for himself—not that Fiona couldn’t probably handle any simpleton who dared to pose a threat. <br><br>Soon it appeared that Fiona’s guess couldn’t be too far off the mark. The town’s activity seemed to dwindle as they drew near the cemetery. The streets opened unceremoniously into a field of tombstones and crosses. The sound of conversation and activity dissipated behind them as they ventured further out. They were alone, guided by a full moon that bathed everything in a silver glow.<br><br>“Anyone can give you fancy dinner and dancing and such,” Donovan remarked cheerily as he picked his way through the scattered graves—most of them planted without any thought to placement or order, “I give you dead people—well, person—ah, here we are.”<br><br>He stopped before a lone grave, marked only by two wooden planks nailed into a cross, seemingly no different than any other. With a wave of his hand, Donovan muttered the counterspell to reverse the earlier enchantment that hid his materials from sight. A burlap sack came into view, so thoroughly packed that it bulged at the seams. The handle of a shovel stuck out of the opening.<br><br>Digging into the sack, Donovan extracted the shovel, five candles, a few sticks of yew wood, and a unicorn horn—rare and, as the creatures were considered sacred, highly illegal. Setting the sack (still half-filled) aside, Donovan laid out his materials on the ground, shrugging off his coat and draping it carelessly over the cross that marked the grave. He rolled up his sleeves and plunged the tip of his shovel into the packed dirt.<br><br>“Have you heard of Finnegan Drake? Probably not, no one has. I didn’t know who the poor bloke was until a week ago when I was doing research for our little study group.” As he spoke, Donovan continued digging a shallow pentagram over the grave, “He was once a respected sorcerer, over a century ago, but one who became increasingly seduced by darker magic. Eventually, though no one proved anything, he was cast out into Eiseth, where he lived a penniless existence, conducting magical experiments in his hovel. Supposedly, though, Drake once succeeded in <em>teleporting</em> a live chicken. I know, it’s a far cry from human teleportation—especially because the chicken was dead when it reappeared on the other side of his laboratory. But the point was, he moved something from point A to point B without mangling it in the process. Of course, by the time he made this claim, most had discredited him as a tired hack trying to regain his lost fame. And, when the villagers noticed that he had been killing their goats for sacrificial blood, they burned him alive in his house.”<br><br>Donovan paused, wiping his brow with his sleeve, “All Drake’s work was reduced to ash. So…” he grinned roguishly at his sister, “we’re going to summon his spirit. You want to know about teleportation? Let’s learn about teleportation.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>17-06-2009, 22:56:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona let herself be held and guided by Donovan, making no protest as she discreetly observed the ongoings of the town around them. There was no denying the seediness of this place, and while she could bring many of them unto ruin, she would rather avoid conflict at all in such a place. It wouldn't do to draw undue attention.<br><br>A small smirk came to Fiona's lips as they came unto the graveyard. "My my, how romantic brother." She chuckled softly as she followed him through the haphazard paths between the graves. They weren't very well attended, giving a sense of disorder and chaos about the place, mirroring the town it belonged to. A far cry from the usual neat and orderly existence Fiona shared with her brother, she found the difference quite interesting. On less than a handful of occasions, Fiona had imagined what life would be like as a traveling sorcerer, made to do with grubby lodgings and the hard work of one's own hands alone. While interesting, she had every intention of enjoying her good life while it remained easy to maintain.<br><br>Pursuing Necromancy to its fullest may one day prove difficult, though.<br><br>Fiona eyed the sack her brother had prepared with a good amount of curiosity. His choice of a unicorn horn was a particularly interesting one; very few spells actually required such a rare and valuable reagent, so she presumed that he was intending to modify an existant spell to be more powerful, more reliable, or to increase its duration. Considering their location, she was not yet sure.<br><br>As her brother laid out his information, Fiona listened with interest. <em>So he has been busy, hasn't he?</em> She brooked a genuine smile as she watched him, forming the details in her mind. Finnegan Drake was indeed unknown to her, but the value of his research blazed instantly into her mind. Despite the trifles of it all, they could take what he already had at his disposal and extend it forth by leaps and bounds - such was Fiona's belief in her and her brother's capabilities.<br><br>"Why, Donovan - you do know how to endear a woman's heart." With a hearty laugh, she took lay of the surrounding area and began to make preparations for the ritual while her brother dug up the corpse. By using the unicorn horn, they could bind Finnegan's spirit into it for a rather long period of time if they completed the ritual correctly. One of the strengths of the twins, beyond their already incredible talents and abilities, was their ability to work together - a ritual always went better with another skilled hand and mind while the two worked in harmony. Together, they excelled well beyond their brethren with ease.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 04:18:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan couldn’t help but grin at his sister’s approval—elated not just because he was to court her, but because they had truly returned to their normal selves; the new game they played was a simple addendum to their relationship rather than a completely redefining. Already, he knew that Fiona was drawing the exact conclusions he did—however shoddy Drake’s work must have been, it would serve as a perfect launching point for their own research, allowing them to start at step three rather than step one.<br><br>At her last remark, he chuckled, “Did you ever doubt me, Fiona?” his smile softened, “I should hope that by now, I would know you well enough.” He considered her silently for a moment, watching her prepare for the summoning. He felt an unbearable swell of affection rise in his chest and forced himself to look away, resuming his digging.<br><br>When the shovel struck the lid to a slipshod coffin, Donovan quickly scraped away the remaining dirt, revealing a flat panel of cheap wood sagging from years of decay. Wedging the blade of the shovel beneath the lid, he pried it off and kicked it aside. Dirt and debris clouded into the air and Donovan coughed into his sleeve, assaulted by the acrid scent of a century’s worth of deterioration.<br><br>There wasn’t much left of old Drake—a skeleton rotted clean to the bone, crumpled into the coffin as if he had been chucked in without care. With a deep breath, Donovan reached in and rearranged Drake into something both more dignified and more suited to their purposes, preparing him for the ritual.<br><br>Donovan glanced down at his attire—crusted and stained with mud—and laughed, remarking, partially to himself, “Mucking about in old graves—only for you, Fiona…” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 06:02:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona softly murmured amidst the sound in response, not making any intelligible words from his distance. Had she doubted her brother? Since he had shown his violent passions to her in a fit of rage, she had certainly come to doubt several things for a time. It had shaken her once unshakable connection to her brother, and the admittance afterward only deepened the trouble. After picking through her brother's actions and emotions, however, she came to still view him in a similar light; certain things had changed, and she would act always with caution around him henceforth, but he was still her brother. Some things did not change, and his capability was certainly not in question. Fiona hoped, though, that she could manage to control him away from his darker tempers - however she chose to manage them.<br><br>The ritual was one they had practiced together many times in the course of their studies, and they had learned from several eminent scholars. Most often, the reagents were not so impressive, so she hoped that this Drake fellow would indeed have valuable knowledge to impart to them - if he was mad already or too far off his rocker, it would be more difficult to extract information from him (though not impossible). It would be nice to master teleportation before they had even finished their first year at the Academy. That would put the Vorum family into the history books for all time.<br><br>After drawing the faint patterns, leaving space for Donovan to move earth, she placed most of the implements down and begun gathering energy from the surrounding land. Once he had cleared the dirt away, she finished the circles and placed the last of the implements. In short order, the preparations were ready, and she held the horn in her hands tightly.<br><br>Smiling at her brother's exertions, she giggled softly. "Your heroism and self-sacrificing will not be forgotten, dear Donovan."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 08:12:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Good,” Donovan answered with a smirk, patting dust and dirt from his clothing—what little he could remove at the moment. Tossing the shovel away beyond their ritual site, he pressed his palms to the soft earth and pulled himself out of the grave, “I shall hold you to that. From henceforth, I expect to be treated as befits a hero,” he added jokingly, rubbing his palms against the front of his trousers to clean them.<br><br>“Now…” he grinned, “ready?” Taking her by the arm, he moved to a more optimum location, setting his hands over hers. When working in conjunction with another, Donovan always preferred having physical contact—not that it was impossible without, but it helped bind him to their magic and vise versa.<br><br>Channeling energy from the earth around them, from the life that pulsed through the land and air, he used himself as a vessel through which to funnel magic, weaving it in familiar patterns that they had long learned. He mentally uttered a quiet prayer to the gods in which he did not fully believe that this would not be a wasted exercise in futility. After all, how impressive would it be if he delivered such valuable information to Fiona? It should certainly be worth far more than the trivial gifts her suitors kept delivering to the manor. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 09:12:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At his words, Fiona simply looked upon her brother with more amusement. Ribbing between them was a rather fun and comfortable part of their relationship, even as they tore up corpses and animated monstrosities to life.<br><br>Nodding to Donovan, she moved with him, their hands forming a circuit of magical energy between. "Ready."<br><br>Drawing energy from the reagents, from them, and from the stores she had already accumulated around them, Fiona wove across from Donovan, creating the structure for the ritualistic spell that was about to be cast. They worked in tandem nigh flawlessly, their ability to cooperate a shining and superb example of group magic. As the spell formed around the grave, she created the connection between the worlds of life and death and cast out the tether for Finnegan Drake's spirit, led by his corpse. It was almost easy, scanning out with his dead eyes for the rest of him.<br><br>And, shortly, without much ado, she snagged him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 09:39:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With all the tenuous interactions that had happened between them lately, Donovan had almost forgotten the ease with which they worked together. The fluidity of their work felt like home, like sinking into a perfect embrace. Joining his efforts with Fiona’s felt natural, every action drawn from him as if from a force outside his own. They sighted Drake in no time and Fiona seized his spirit.<br><br>Like a pulled thread, the soul extended towards them, tethering itself to his earthly remains. Drake stood before them—not entirely solid but not entire vapor, more like the outlines of a man as viewed through light fog. Drake, or the figure now representative of Drake, looked less than surprised with his arrival. His short silhouette turned from one sibling to the other and, when he spoke, it seemed as if his voice were issued from a great distance, but from all around them at once.<br><br>“Well? I’m here now. Let’s get to the point,” he said cheerily.<br><br>“Master Drake,” Donovan said, speaking through the magic that grounded the spirit to this earth, his voice channeled into a language laced between the living and the dead, “We wish to learn of your studies in teleportation.”<br><br>“Ah! Teleportation! Yes, yes, very interesting,” Drake answered ebulliently, his figure aquiver with excitement, “Of course, no one believed that I--… I mean I <em>did</em> you know, even though the chicken didn’t… ah but it was so much <em>further</em> than anyone had ever—and to have no one with whom to share my discovery! Could you imagine—”<br><br>“Master Drake,” Donovan repeated, sensing that this man was prepared for a long and tangential rant, “We wish to know how you achieved it.”<br><br>“Ahah. Well, watch carefully…” Drake’s elusive form raised both hands—or what would have been hands—and he began tracing patterns into the air—using space as a three-dimensional chalkboard. Silver strands of light trailed behind the movements of his fingers, leaving endless equations, diagrams and charts, and sloppy and superfluous calculations that Donovan was already simplifying in his head, trying to follow the man’s erratic stream of thought.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 18:38:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona grinned at the acquisition. Success had come without a great expenditure of energy - every time she committed a spell or ritual, she was reminded just how masterful she was at the process. Nothing was wasted and she replenished herself quickly.<br><br>As the two interacted, Fiona began making the preparations for the next step - the binding. While normally, everything involved would hold Finnegan Drake's spirit until the next sunrise, Fiona wanted to bind him into the horn Donovan had brought. She had already prepared several steps of attuning the horn to the purpose, and now she carried out the rest while Drake began to explain his research. Her preparations culminated in her stabbing the horn through a corpse still in its coffin, using magic to propel it through the earth.<br><br>Sliding back up to Donovan, she held aloft the horn, subtle flows of Necromantic magic surrounding it. Winking at her brother, she resumed her attention upon the explanations given by Drake, curious to see what all he had found out and how best to use his knowledge.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 22:17:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan watched Fiona from the corner of his eye, though not allowing his attention to stray from Drake’s demonstration, making sure he understood each step. Brow furrowed, his eyes darted from one note to the next, making the implied connections in his mind.<br><br>“Crude… but brilliant…” he muttered, entirely to himself.<br><br>“I heard that!” Drake paused, hand poised over the center of an unfinished diagram, “Your materials would be crude too if you were forced to study in abject poverty in a straw hut…” he paused and he looked again from Donovan to Fiona as if assessing them, “though that doesn’t seem as if it should be a problem for you.” That said, Drake grumbled incoherently and completed his last illustration.<br><br>Frowning with concentration, Donovan studied everything from beginning to end, pausing to ask questions for clarification. Finally, he turned to Drake, and posed his own theory, “It seems you only accounted for the <em>physical</em>aspect of your subject. A soul, a life, or a spirit—whatever you would like to call it—is more intangible and would not be necessarily carried with its body unless you account for it in your calculations…”<br><br>Drake nodded impatiently, “Yes of course I realized that, but no one had developed a magical means of handling souls in my time—it was a forbidden magic, and any information was difficult to come by.”<br><br>“It’s no less forbidden now,” Donovan answered, “but better explored… So… we either need to divine a method of forcing the soul to travel with the body as it slips in and out of space or to allow the soul to escape and recapture it and bind it to the body once it reappears—but the latter is less preferable as we would essentially kill the subject before reviving it each time…”<br><br>Donovan glanced sidelong at his sister, wondering what she made of all of this.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>18-06-2009, 22:42:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Going over the notes and calculations a few steps behind the other two, Fiona began to process the information in rapid succession, her mind turning it all over in her mind. The puzzle filled into her mind, data and pieces arranging themselves, pulling apart and coming back together as she divined the meaning of each piece, separated and whole.<br><br>Fiona mumbled softly to herself as she rounded it all up in her mind. Listening partially to what they said, she tapped a finger idly on her lips, looking over the diagrams again with fresher eyes. "Hmmm..."<br><br>There was much Finnegan Drake did not know, even as he had mastered quite a bit. She saw streams of energy and creation where he had moved the physical body, where inefficiencies lied, where she would want to create new models and designs to better carry the pattern. She many things in sum, that would need further work, but it was a foundation laid out, ripe for the building. Ripe for the conquest of adaptation.<br><br>Stepping forward, Fiona took a magical point of light and began messing with Drake's calculations in the space before them. "I think, good sir," she spoke softly as she began rearranging equations of his, "that if you change this here... and these points... and this, too..." a new design began forming from her permutations, shifting before them, "that you'll find the body and soul are treated as one entity, now."<br><br>Fiona beamed quietly at her work, staring at it with brilliant eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>19-06-2009, 09:06:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan couldn’t help a broad grin at Fiona’s proposal, studying her adjustments with admiration. She was always quick at these things—her attention to detail eclipsed his. Whereas he had been focusing on the broader strokes, she had caught intricacies that had escaped his notice, cleaning up Drake’s methods even with her few rearrangements. <br><br>Drake’s eyes widened as he watched her work. Of course, the twins had access to a century’s worth of knowledge, of development and progress that Drake could never have imagined.<br><br>“Amazing,” he remarked, “The advancements that have been made—oh what I could have done with…” the old man trailed off, clearly lost again in his own thoughts.<br><br>Donovan smiled, “Not to worry, Master Drake. Your work will be continued.” He stepped behind Fiona, studying her work with pride, “It’s brilliant, Fiona, truly. And we can simplify this part here…” he stretched his arm out above her, rearranging one of Drake’s configurations, “and it will be easier if we exchange this for this…” he dropped his hand and grinned, “We can do this, Fiona.”<br><br>He turned back towards Drake who was now distractedly studying their adjustments.<br><br>“Thank you, for your help.” <br><br>“Hrm? Oh. Oh yes, of course…” Drake nodded absently, “Yes… yes… I think… I think this will do.”<br><br>Donovan set his hand on Fiona’s shoulder, “I think that’s all we need, yes? Shall we return Master Drake to his rightful place?” <br><br><br>((Just, FYI, I'll be in Vegas for the next four days. Fri-Mon. I'll probably still manage to make a post every day, maybe several, but it will be at random times.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>19-06-2009, 21:20:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Not a problem.))<br><br>Grinning as they spoke, Fiona spun the knowledge put up and gathered into small whorls that she shunted into her memory so that she wouldn't forget any specifics of what had been put up by the three of them.<br><br>"Of course we can, Donovan." She beamed at her brother, too, her eyes asparkle in creativity, thought, and enthusiasm. Magic was what she truly lived for, beyond anything else, and this kind of studying excited her to the core. To think that their arts were forbidden, that their knowledge was so formidable and off-limits - with all they had at their fingertips, there was so much they could do, so much they could accomplish. She thought the rest of the world full of folly in their heads, and determined to prove them wrong.<br><br>While Fiona had been expecting to bind Drake for an extended period to learn more from him, they had seemed to exhaust the lengths of his research's fruits rather quickly, and still in time, too. Slipping the prepared horn into a pocket within her clothes, she nodded to her brother and moved to where they finished the ritual, smiling over at Finnegan Drake.<br><br>"Thank you, sir. We will happily continue your work and show the world that your research was brilliant - that you deserved the credit due you."<br><br>Touching her hands to her brother's, Fiona began summoning up the energies that they had bound into the circle and tied Drake to his body with, and gathered them together, undoing the knots and pulling apart the threads they had bound him with. In short order, the spell unraveled, Drake's connection to this world was gone in an instant, the Necromantic magical energies settling like blue wisps onto the ground.<br><br>Despite the time and energy they had spent, Fiona felt only more energized, more alive. This was what she wanted so earnestly and powerfully.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>20-06-2009, 09:53:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan glanced down as Fiona’s hands touched his. Latching his efforts to hers, he retraced the steps they had taken to bind Drake to this earth. The reversal was immeasurably faster, following the threads of their spell, returning energy to its source when he could, otherwise letting the magic dissipate into nothingness. As they worked, he glanced towards Fiona, recognizing the expression she bore—the feel of one invigorated by her work, by the potentialities that sprawled before her. Donovan, sharing her enthusiasm with equal fervor, spared an affectionate smile. It was hard to take his eyes off of her when she was this happy. <br><br>When they were finished, Donovan finally forced himself to look away, glancing about them and eyeing the hole he had gouged into the earth with his shovel. With a new reverence, he replaced Drake’s remains in the casket, sliding the lid in place and magically sealing it so that Drake wouldn’t be bothered with any more gathered mildew. Feeling too lazy to deal with shoving everything back in by hand, Donovan uttered a small, simple spell, tilting the displaced dirt pile so that it crumpled into the grave.<br><br>With a sigh of completion, he turned back towards his sister, inclining his head towards the unicorn horn she had kept in her pocket, “I guessed that you intended to keep him around longer, but I doubt he had anything left to give us… we can save that for future use. Oh! That reminds me…” Donovan returned to the still half-filled burlap sack he had set aside earlier and picked it up off the ground.<br><br>“I found a good contact in the black market in town… and I thought this might be better than a bouquet of roses.” With a proud grin, he opened the bag for her to see inside. He had managed to acquire a good number of rare, magical elements. Within, were several vials of dragon’s blood, rare powders ground from bone or herbs or tree barks in distant countries. There were elements whose uses he had not yet fully determined, but would be excited to explore.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>20-06-2009, 19:55:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After Donovan finished putting the dirt back into the grave, she did another extended cantrip to smooth out the area to appear unruffled. It was always better to take precautions, and she didn't want to have to deal with unnecessary attention. They were above such things, after all.<br><br>"Indeed." She smiled at her brother, who could so quickly and easily notice and intuit her designs. They really did work together so well as a team - likely better than any other team, with maybe less than a handful of exceptions. Putting their heads together for teleportation... well, she would be surprised if they didn't master it, despite their age and 'relative experience' (<em>Thoughtless!</em>).<br><br>Fiona turned her eyes curiously to her brother and his sack, looking to his finding. "How'd you manage that?" She grinned lightly back, looking over the reagents he had procured. <em>These will actually be quite valuable; I wonder how they ended up in a town like this?</em> It seemed strange to her, but she wouldn't question it at the moment. That was for another time. These could end up being quite valuable to their experiments, though, of that there was no doubt.<br><br>Ideally in the end of their research, she wanted a viable Teleportation spell that required no reagents, but that would remain to be seen.<br><br>"Thank you, brother." Smiling at him, she gave his cheek a light kiss, a familiar exchange of affection that had once been shared between them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>21-06-2009, 07:27:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((hey sry it turns out I wont have internet access until late mon so I will get back to you then... this is written from my cell phone which kinda sucks at posting))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>23-06-2009, 05:28:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((I return triumphant! ... aka I won 50 cents with virtual poker...go Vegas.))<br><br>Donovan grinned at her question, “I’ve come to find the there is very little that money and charm can’t get you in this city…” But at that statement, Donovan dropped his gaze—remembering just what else he had found with enough money in this city. There was more than one inn that knew him by name, where he had brought nameless girls, where he could get a room without anyone identifying him as anything more than a passing traveler.<br><br>“Of course,” he answered her small expression of gratitude, his smile broadening at the kiss even if it did nothing to redefine their relationship, “I’d say this calls for a celebratory drink, wouldn’t you? I know the best taverns in town…” Nearer their own home, it would be mildly unseemly for him to go to local taverns, let alone a lady. But here, as long as their coin was good, no one would give a damn. That was the other thing he loved about this place—the anonymity of it, the freedom of being without the expectations tied to their name. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>23-06-2009, 10:17:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Yay!))<br><br>She mused silently at his words, regarding him, wondering about his various exploits. He had definitely spent more of their family's money abroad, amusing himself on various ventures. She spent it more on supplies for magical workings - a more worthy endeavor, she would think, but Fiona did not strive to be too judgmental of her brother. She did love him, after all.<br><br>"A drink? I suppose I could." Her gaze watched his, careful and attentive. By his words, he didn't seem to have an ulterior motive, but it was harder to be sure now. "As long as we'll make it home without too much trouble." Fiona blinked up at him, looking into his eyes in her calm manner, wanting to trust her brother.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>23-06-2009, 18:46:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan sensed the slight wariness in Fiona’s gaze, and he couldn’t decide whether to feel hurt or humored. After a moment in which he studied her perplexedly, he simply chuckled, “Relax, sister…” He reached down for her, and drew her into a small hug, kissing the top of her head, “I would never try to ply you with drinks.” Pulling back so that he could look directly into her eyes, he managed a small smile, “Do give me a little credit.”<br><br>That said, Donovan snatched his jacket from where he had left it atop the grave marker and donned it quickly. Then, with an excessive, flourishing bow, he offered his arm to Fiona, as if he weren’t dusted from head to toe with dirt, “My lady.”&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>23-06-2009, 19:10:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona sighed a bit before sharing his gaze. "I was more worried about the other drinkers, actually." It was true that she did not have any of the same experience in night taverns in shady towns - such was the province of her brother. No matter how well she knew her way around a graveyard, that was one area he excelled at, for what it was worth.<br><br>Shaking her head slightly with a chuckle, she gave a wave of her hand and the dust clinging to his clothes suddenly let go, falling down into a ring around him. Doing the same for herself, she joined him and took his arm, amused by his gestures. "Let us go, then."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>23-06-2009, 23:43:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Well then, not to worry, Fiona. I’ll protect you,” Donovan answered with a wink. To be fair, Eiseth was on the seedier side and, had he looked likely to be a victim, Donovan might have suffered more mischief here. But, as it was, Donovan stood at a fair height and breadth and he had experienced little trouble.<br><br>Looking down as the dust powdered off of him, he smoothed down his wrinkled clothes and puffed out his chest in mock-pomposity as he started towards the tavern. Leading her back through the narrow streets, he picked out a plain, unmarked door tucked at the end of an alley and pushed through it.<br><br>They were greeted by an onrush of sound—there were sailors dicing at a table, men and women chatting, flirting, and arguing with fervor. A space had been cleared at the center of the room to allow for dancing and it was filled with people hopping and tapping to the beat of a fiddle. Donovan was greeted by a few waves from around the tavern, and the ample-bosomed barmaid waved enthusiastically.<br><br>“Two tankards of ale, Marie,” Donovan called to her and he led Fiona to a small table in a corner, a fair distance from most of the commotion. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 01:50:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona wasn't truly worried, of course, but she would rather not have to resort wielding her magic in public. It could make a mess of things and they didn't need the attention.<br><br>As they went through the town, Fiona's gaze was attentive and watchful, wanting to take in the details of the derelict and seedy place. She wondered just how exactly familiar Donovan was with it after finding their way so easily and knowing some people inside by face alone. He certainly was experienced in this regard.<br><br>Following him to the table, she sat carefully, looking about herself. "How often do you come here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 02:26:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan smiled sheepishly at the question, “Not <em>that</em> often. It’s just… nice not to be… a scion of the Vorum name every now and again…” he said embarrassedly. It was not something he would have liked to admit. For all appearances, Donovan embraced their heritage—and he did enjoy it to its fullest, manipulating his way through court to his fullest potential. But, there was something inexplicably relieving about being without a name and without a title. Besides, befriending the townspeople had its advantages—his newfound connection with the black market, for example. Nearly all acquaintances were worth making, he had discovered, and nearly all people could be useful in some way or another.<br><br>Marie arrived at their table with two frosted mugs perfectly foamed at the top, and Donovan nodded his thanks. She winked at him and mussed his hair as she walked past again and returned to the bar, which Donovan tried to pretend didn’t happen.<br><br>“Spiced ale,” he explained to Fiona, “Not exactly something they would serve at the next masque, but I like it. Anyway,” he raised the drink in a toast, “To Finnegan Drake.” <br><br>But before Donovan could touch his tankard to Fiona’s, an inebriated girl tumbled into his lap, and he remembered why he had never thought to bring Fiona here before. Her blonde hair was in disarray, her skin covered with a thin sheen of sweat from dancing, and her breasts were just about to spill from the corset bound tightly to her frame.<br><br>“Hey handsome,” she slurred, “Been a while, y’know. I’ve missed you.”<br><br>“Portia!” Donovan almost spilled his drink in surprise, setting it back down on the table.<br><br>“Fancy a… poke?” she asked before losing herself in wave of drunken giggles.<br><br>“Now’s not the time, Portia.” Donovan lifted the girl by her arm and pushed her from his lap, turning her back towards the crowd.<br><br>“Come on…” she insisted, walking her fingers up Donovan’s shoulder as she stood behind him. Suddenly, she noticed Fiona for the first time and tilted her head “Ey, who’s she?”<br><br>“My sister. Fiona, Portia. Portia, Fiona. Now get the hell out of here,” Donovan said rapidly as he brushed Portia’s hand away and pushed her back to the dance floor.<br><br>“Arright. Fine! You’ll come crawwwling back to me later,” she muttered as she stumbled back towards the musicians.<br><br>Donovan cleared his throat awkwardly, not looking directly at Fiona as he returned his attention to her, “Ah, um… Where was I? Oh… right. To Drake.” He lifted his mug again.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 02:37:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hmm." Fiona thought of making a jibe about the frequency of his visits, but declined. She was in celebratory spirits, in general, and would enjoy the chance to work further - but would also enjoy some good time with her brother. "You really think so, don't you?" Her brother was different from her in several ways, this preference included. Though Fiona would concede the freedom of anonymity, it was difficult for her to think of life differently from what it was for them. They were nobility, after all; though she didn't buy into all the posturing, they did have privilege, and she saw no reason not to take advantage of it.<br><br>Fiona perked a brow at Marie's attention to Donovan, the thought of a jibe reoccurring. Maybe it would suit him. She eyed the drink curiously and began to pick it up as the sweaty lass spilled into his lap, looking just as ready for his attentions as any ladies he had brought to the estate.<br><br>Watching their interaction, she sighed softly, looking askance. It was somewhat embarrassing to be in the company of it, more so because it was her brother, and it felt far away from her, doing nothing to increase her esteem of her brother's attentions toward women. Her eyes settled on the musician playing the fiddle in the tavern, observing how he played the instrument. It was with less care and pomp than the musicians she was used to watching, filled with more passion and fervor. There was something very different to the atmosphere here, some of which could be interesting, and the rest ranging from neutral to disdainful.<br><br>Donovan was certainly quite pondersome.<br><br>Looking after the exit of the 'lady' Portia, Fiona eyed her brother with a faint twinge of disappointment. <em>Such is thy blood, though.</em> Smiling at him lightly, she lifted her mug and touched it to his. "To Finnegan," she replied, drinking from the spiced ale.<br><br>To her surprise, it wasn't actually that bad, though it certainly burned her throat, causing her to sputter a bit. "Ugh... this will take some..."&nbsp; here, she coughed, "... getting used to." Finishing off the last of her disturbance, she managed a more genuine smile at him, trying to 'fit in'.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 02:56:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When Donvan finally forced himself to meet Fiona’s eyes, he frowned at the disappointment that he found. Of course, he had expected it—what other conclusion would anyone else really reach after such a display? But still, he filled with a sense of annoyance—annoyance at Portia for disturbing the evening, and, honestly, annoyance at Fiona for judging him. He had severed any contact with any of the girls he had once romanced. He had walked on glass to ensure that she, his own sister, wouldn’t think that he objectified her. And now, he was supposed to prove himself? Why didn’t she know? That he was better than that. Well, perhaps because of moments like this.<br><br>With a soft sigh, he gave a half-smile at her reaction to the drink, “A few more sips, and it won’t burn nearly as much anymore. And then it’s simply delicious,” he chuckled, but it trailed off as he lifted his tankard to quaff a few heavy gulps, draining the mug halfway.<br><br>“So…” he frowned, “How have the suitors been?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 03:11:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona tried another sip, coughed some more, and decided to wait a bit before continuing. It wouldn't be very ladylike to do this kind of thing all evening and, well, it hurt.<br><br>Her eyes watched his as she responded, laying out words carefully and gauging his reactions after noticing his bit of annoyance. These things would take time, of course. "Well, as predicted... somewhat boring, though not as completely tiring as I once thought." She grinned a bit. "While I certainly never would have expected to find any of them endearing, the innovative ways many have expressed their affection have been rather amusing."<br><br>Fiona tilted her head a bit, feeling a mite tired. "Indulging in attention may be somewhat addictive; I'm not sure yet." Her hands folded together, brushing her fingers against each other. "I'm not a very willing target beyond politeness, though many of them are stilling to go to any lengths..." She shrugged a bit, thinking it over. "None of the ones that have lasted more than an outing have been boorish. That was one trait I dismissed out of hand." Fiona gave him a smile. "So far, this has been the most exciting outing I've had, though."<br><br>Looking into his eyes, she wondered how he had gone about courting so many women, and whether any of it brought him any difficulty. It would be interesting to compare everything, after awhile.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 03:26:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she recounted her experience, Donovan managed a look of polite interest, inwardly trying everything he could to avoid actually picturing her out with any of these men—with their doting attention. Honestly, he wasn’t sure he even could imagine it. He had never seen his sister offer any man attention, and the very idea of her flirting seemed preposterous—did she flirt? He lifted his mug and gulped several more times.<br><br>“Well…” he offered a small, but genuine smile, “I’m glad it was exciting.” While the game had seemed an interesting prospect at first, he was already beginning to grow frustrated with it. He was stuck courting his own sister, one of many vying for her attention. In his mind, this wasn’t how it should have happened—but, of course, in his mind, he had thoughts of passionate confessions between sweat-dampened sheets that he would never admit to having.<br><br>For all his romps with numerous women, Donovan had never courted any of them in earnest—none had been interesting enough. They weren’t intelligent, or talented, or beautiful enough for him to want them for more than the odd night. And no, he had never difficulty with that. <br><br>For a moment, he felt as if he were on the edge of a confession—about to renounce this whole charade in trying to win her over. But he stopped himself with another well-timed gulp, draining the last of his drink and setting the empty tankard on the table.<br><br>With a deep breath, he mustered a smile, and asked, “Have you spoken with Alex since his… unannounced visit?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 03:33:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan was as clear to her as he had always been, and while she couldn't perceive any thought of his, it was clear that he was begrudgingly maintaining composure. She did not linger long on any detail; that would just stir up his wrathful jealousy.<br><br>It was so striking to think of him being so jealous of her; so strange upon her ears, so odd to her heart. She wasn't sure what to feel about it.<br><br>Fiona managed another sip and got the burning under control, though she had to cover her mouth. Swallowing and recovering, she let out a deep breath, looking at her brother with a bit of an embarrassed look. "Yes... I have. He's been doing more research regarding Teleportation," she smiled a bit at Donovan, "but I think he's somewhat behind us now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 03:46:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				But of course, Donovan guessed that she was skirting the details for his sake—and that, in and of itself was also frustrating, on many levels. For one, he would have liked to be able to hear about everything anyway—a sort of morbid curiosity perhaps. But also, he hated that there were now things that she didn’t share for fear of provoking him. And worse yet, he hated that she was right; it <em>would</em> provoke him.<br><br>He managed a smile at her answer regarding Alex, “Should be,” he nodded. <em>Self-righteous bastard…</em> Briefly, he wondered in what context she had seen him. Had Alex arrived with more “purely academic” intentions? Had he taken her out? Or were his intentions as opaque as ever.<br><br>Donovan considered ordering himself another drink, but decided against it. Getting drunk would not, in fact, help Fiona’s developing opinion of him.<br><br>“Why did you decide on teleportation anyway?” he asked, reminded of his surprise when she first proposed it as their topic of study.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 03:51:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She nodded, her mind still aswirl in excitement about the potential discoveries and uses that lie in wait for them. Oh, what they would be able to accomplish!<br><br>"It's an untapped field that doesn't quite tread into the realm of forbidden, so it was an ideal suggestion..." she offered a deeper smile, plans within plans playing in her eyes, "but to be honest, it is something that has always intrigued me. How easy and convenient it would be as a simple mode of transportation - how powerful and earth-shaking as a weapon of surprise and escape." Her voice drew low as she spoke, not wanting any to overhear her.<br><br>Sometimes, Fiona's malice and cunning nearly surprised herself. She knew what dark desires hid in her breast, even as she did not her brother's. Many things whispered to her. Many, many things.<br><br>Taking another drink, she managed to get it down with a grimace. The alcohol was beginning to have an effect on her, but it would take some time before it fully developed into being tipsy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 04:06:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan nodded in agreement; it was a brilliant choice, and, had she not suggested it, he would never have thought it within their realm of possibilities. He had begun to think this would be a long and tiresome search until he ran across Drake’s name, giving them a much-appreciated springboard. He smirked, approving, as Fiona continued about what could come with such power. Of course, he had shared similar thoughts, perhaps worse.<br><br>“Or how great a tool for the furthering of our work. I was thinking that—after mastering, of course, more basic teleportation, we could consider the possibilities of teleporting objects from a distance. Instead of, say, teleporting ourselves or something in our presence, would could snatch objects from a great distance…” he had dropped his voice to match Fiona’s, so that their voices would be drowned out by the noise of the tavern if anyone had cared to listen. If they could teleport objects or people <em>to</em> them rather than away from him, they could seize any number of coveted objects—for example, the texts on necromancy that had been collected and seized by the government censors. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 04:09:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hmmm..." What Donovan brought up was of intense interest, of course, but Fiona had dismissed it earlier in her thinking. Teleportation itself was something of a 'monumental undertaking', supposedly, but that was involving the pattern of the object at hand. Trying to teleport beyond one's immediate reach? She had no idea if it was even possible. Her mind started thinking, though.<br><br>"It would depend on how well we could grasp the pattern. We'd have to be able to reach it, in any event; using a form of scrying or a censor may be able to accomplish that." She giggled softly, thinking of the possibilities. "For now, though, it would likely be easier to teleport ourselves somewhere, take what we want, and then teleport back."<br><br>The idea was intriguing, though; the congress between Fiona and Donovan produced so many exquisite gems.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 04:19:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan nodded pensively at her response, “Well yes, of course it would be easier if we just went and grabbed it—but the advantage of bringing it to us would be that it would be nigh untraceable. If we managed to achieve this, we would be the only ones who possessed the knowledge and the technology. No one would have the slightest clue as to how to follow it back to us.”<br><br>He grinned at her excitement; she always seemed more like herself when discussing magic. Her passion for it was unique, and unmatched by anyone else he knew. The thought made him ache. With a long sigh, his smile softened.<br><br>“But I’m sure, with your endless enthusiasm, we’ll figure it out in no time.”&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 04:35:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She pondered his words. "Perhaps; depending on the method, they could attempt to trace back the magical energy... but if it's over particularly long distances, it would become very difficult to trace." She frowned a bit, sipping more ale. "Of course, the longer the distance, the more we'll need to fuel it..." She smiled wryly. Oh, the vagaries of magical method!<br><br>"Well, as long as you're helping me, brother." She gave him a large smile and squeezed his arm. After a bit, she then asked him, "What else did you have planned for tonight?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 04:40:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan grinned, “Always.” He couldn’t imagine a magical career without her—no matter which of her suitors she ended up choosing. That was perhaps the strangest part of this all—Donovan had somehow never quite outgrown the idea that he would spend the rest of his life living and working with his sister. The idea of an outsider lurking on the fringes of their shared life seemed…uncomfortable at best.<br><br>At her question, he gave couldn’t help a roguish smirk, “Oh you know, seduce you thoroughly, take you home and have my way with you—” he paused, knowing that this was probably the least appropriate of jokes considering the circumstances. Flashing an apologetic smile, he shrugged, “to be honest, this is where my plans ended. Is there anything else you would like to do with this evening?”<br><br>((And off to work with me. Back later))<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 04:52:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rolling her eyes, Fiona laughed more heartily at his words. <em>Yes, that is what you'd like to do, isn't it?</em> They were amusing, but also touching, perhaps. It was hard to say, but she trusted her brother more than any other suitor of hers. A slight part of Fiona was curious, which was mostly drowned out by an annoyance and disdain for the pleasures of the flesh, but as Fiona looked into herself, she saw fear about it as well. More than afraid of sex in general, which she was to a degree because of her ignorance the vulnerability involved, she was afraid of what it would be with her brother. She feared how it would change their relationship, what it would entail, how it would compromise her.<br><br>But, for the moment, she could laugh at the predicament they were in.<br><br>"Well... I did want to return to the estate for sleeping. Is there a more interesting ride back to the city from here?" She blinked, thinking a bit after taking another drink. "Or, perhaps, something else here you wanted to show me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 08:47:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				If he were to be entirely honest with himself, Donovan would know that—as exhilarating as the idea was, as much as he ached for it—the idea of sex with Fiona also unnerved him to a certain extent. It would be real—more so than any late night encounter with a giddy nobleman’s daughter or a girl from the local pub. It <em>would</em> be vulnerable. But such things were not even worth contemplating for as long as she seemed so distant and unreachable.<br><br>Donovan paused in thought at her question. Were the parts of this town worth showing her? Where he wouldn’t risk another encounter such as that with Portia? Slowly, he nodded, “Actually, yes. It’s a detour on the path towards home, and not nearly as exciting—or romantic—as a graveyard, but… I think you might enjoy it. At least, I do.” <br><br>At the moment that he finished his sentence, the door peeled open, and a small cluster of girls walked through with whispered exchanges and stifled giggles. Before they could have noticed him, Donovan stood from the table, “Well, let’s get to it then, shall we?”&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 08:55:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Alright. Let's, then." She smiled at him and stood up without finishing her drink, smoothing out her dress and moving to him to follow him out. Fiona wondered what he had in mind, but she trusted her brother's taste, usually; she shared them often. Of course, she was amused, also - as funny as the thought was, a graveyard kind of was romantic for them. Odd, that.<br><br>Her glance turned to the cluster of girls only momentarily. Unlike her brother, Fiona was not innately jealous of him, and in her state, didn't add the two together in the moment. While she did chide him sometimes for his... indiscretions, she did not judge him too harshly for them; though not as 'pure' as magic, in her mind, they weren't an issue to be disgusted with him about.<br><br>Or so part of her hoped, anyway.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 09:15:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan looked down at her unfinished drink, lifted the tankard and drained it for her, “Next time, I’ll find us more favorable refreshments, I promise,” he laughed and, with a hand at the small of her back, led her back to the door—taking care to duck the new crowd of girls, and going back into the night. The noise immediately subsided. In the late hour, even here, there were fewer people out on the street. There were the odd lurkers, puffing from pipes or chatting quietly, but most of the activity had dwindled.<br><br>The journey back was an easy one. The returned to the edge of town and Donovan tipped the stable boy again for the retrieval of their horses—both of which looked better fed and rested than before they had begun on this short journey. Donovan mounted the saddle and started down the unlit path, but his horse seemed familiar enough with it that it required little guidance.<br><br>Just a few minutes out, Donovan tugged lightly on the reins to turn them down a smaller path—one virtually invisible by moonlight, faintly marked through the overgrown grass. They started up a moderately steep climb—one ridden with rocks and boulders, but the horse knew where to step and Donovan checked back behind them to ensure that Fiona’s did as well.<br><br>“I’ve only been here a few times. I mean… I don’t really get the chance that often,” he told her as the continued the ascent, “And… you’ll be happy to know, I’ve never a brought anyone here, let alone another girl.”<br><br>Eventually the path led to a plateau—where they could hear the soft sound of distant waves far below and feel a fresh, untainted breeze. Here, the city was small and far enough that its lights could not disturb the view of the stars—clearly visible on this nearly cloudless night. If they stepped near the edge, they would be able to see the waves far below, weltering against the rough outcropping of rocks on which they stood. For some reason, he enjoyed the duality, of standing somewhere that seemed so untouched, so entirely peaceful, and yet being able to hear the tumultuous crash of water beneath them. It was as if they stood on the threshold between peace and chaos.<br><br>“I’ve found that it’s a good place to help clear my thoughts—but… it’s far enough from home that I never really get to visit. Unless,” he grinned, “unless, of course, if we discover the secret behind teleportation. Though it seems like a frivolous use for such powerful magic…”<br><br>With a shrug, Donovan made his way towards the edge of the cliff, sitting so that his legs swung over the precipice and gesturing for Fiona to join him.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 09:50:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hopefully something with less potency." Fiona gave a small laugh in return, following him out of the tavern. Though it was interesting within, she enjoyed the silence without more, and felt the chill night around her like a warm blanket of its own. Though she didn't do it overly often, she rather enjoyed the night air - it had a special quality to it that nothing else could match, besides a grave pall.<br><br>Following her brother, Fiona's eyes looked around now more in curiosity than caution. The night was comforting, too, despite its own unique dangers, not that she couldn't handle them. The hidden path Donovan ventured onto piqued more of her curiosity, and she went down it happily.<br><br>"It doesn't much matter what you've done before, brother," she replied solemnly, feeling the glow of a relatively untouched place. Though her heart was a bit divided, she resolved to push that aside and not judge her brother on such matters. It was beneath her, perhaps, but regardless, she didn't like it weighing on her.<br><br>"What's made you come here before?" Fiona walked to the edge and gazed into the ocean, recalling the magic of flight. It was less useful in some ways than teleportation, but more useful in others; nevertheless, their acclaim at mastering teleportation would be wide-reaching indeed - if they decided to publicize it at all.<br><br>After a time, she sat down next to him, enjoying the immensity of the view. It was something much different than the majority of the city, though she enjoyed its long views from atop hillside estates, too.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 09:59:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan’s expression quirked into a slight smile as she told him that it didn’t matter what he’d done before. He wasn’t sure whether he could trust such a statement—no matter how magnanimous she had decided to be, the past always had its implications in the future. But, at the very least, the statement meant that she was trying—trying to move past her disapproval of his indiscretions, and trying to take him for the merit of him alone rather than what he may or may not have done before. And, really that was all he could ask.<br><br>“Well, thank you,” he nodded, drawing a deep breath of cool air. <br><br>At her question, he gave a dry chuckle. His lips parted with an attempted thought and then closed again as if he were trying to decide what to say—or even whether to answer with the truth. But it wasn’t worth lying to her for this, and, moreover, she’d likely see through it.<br><br>“Well…” he managed a sad smile, “I’ve found that when one is trying to deal with unmanageable and inappropriate feelings towards one’s sister, one has a lot of unpleasant thinking to do.” Donovan nudged her playfully with his shoulder, “You could drive a man crazy, you know.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 10:09:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her eyes remained on the water for a time, watching the waves crashing, delivering their force and sputtering back into the mutable mass from whence they came. The advance and recede of tides, the constantly shifting yet predictably similar pattern, was matched to any number of patterns and viewpoints in magic. Its structure was used in far too many analogies for Fiona's liking; it was plenty enjoyable as it was without being co-opted into half-correct analogies.<br><br>Fiona sighed, quietly. "I don't recall casting that particular spell upon you, brother." Not that she ever would, either. To think of him, Donovan, being without his mind, without his self - that was an unbearable thought. Fiona realized that she had taken the fact of their nature as twins, their connections across so many levels, for granted. One could call it the gift of fate (though she suspected it the gift of magical engineering), but it did not matter from whence it came. It was something truly special, and it shouldn't be disregarded lightly.<br><br>She turned to face him, looking at him evenly. "When did you start feeling this way?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 10:26:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“No, no spell,” he shook his head, gaze trailed on the distant horizon where moonlit waves lapped at an empty night sky, “But there are things more forceful than magic…” he frowned, voice growing softer, “and perhaps even more forbidden than necromancy…” Their family had enough secrets, enough hidden behind their walls. He couldn’t imagine how much more entangled it would all become if Fiona decided to indulge him.<br><br>Donovan was so surprised at her question that he turned towards her, filled with mixed emotions. He was glad, even relieved, that they were finally speaking of this, and that he could finally tell her such things without feeling overly awkward. But on the other hand, it made him feel excessively vulnerable—baring the dark, humiliating core of his soul.<br><br>&nbsp;“I… honestly? I can’t remember. Perhaps always. Perhaps not.” He shifted so that he faced her entirely, eyes meeting hers with an open, brutal honesty, “I know that I have always felt something towards you, Fiona—something beyond blood, it was just… not until recently that I dared put a name to it. That I dared even acknowledge it in my own mind.” <br><br>He shook his head, leaning in closer to her and wrapping one of her hands in both of his. His voice grew thick with passion, words bursting from him like water through a broken dam, “If I could control it, I would. If I could erase it, I would. But because I can’t, I refuse to regret it. You are… everything, Fiona. My greatest passion, my closest companion, my inspiration to be greater, better, more. You are beautiful—and in more ways than those clumsy suitors will ever know. Really, I’ve been doomed from the beginning. How could I come to know you so well, so intimately, and not love you?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 10:44:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona could not yet be sure that there was anything specifically more powerful than magic - after all, it could make and unmake reality, given enough force. Shifting everything in her grasp was a potential ability... even other humans. But what was the essence of willpower? Nothing else was more vital to the endeavor, and where that came from was its own, inviolate font.<br><br>At his words, her eyes widened some as she was taken aback. She had not expected his feelings to run so strongly and deeply. For all his struggles, she could see that something potent affected him, but it did not convert into such passions in her mind. This was a matter wholly different and touching.<br><br>Her lips parted slightly as he took her hand and finally confessed himself before her. The tide of emotion was nearly overwhelming; to think that he harbored such feelings, for so long, distressed Fiona. This had been between them, so clearly and so invisibly. She could no more doubt his words as she could his face, and her only response at first was to swallow. Nothing before had been like this, and she was immediately disarmed. She could not have expected this.<br><br>"I..." Her gaze faltered, and she looked down, the sight of her brother's eyes thus compelling and frightful in a strange fashion. Donovan had, purposefully or not, shunted through her carefully laid webs and presented something far earlier than she could have hoped to prepare for. Faced with his expression, it was hard to say no to anything that would make him happy, but she was still so unsure of anything in regards to this, most of all herself.<br><br>Sighing, she closed her eyes. Her brother's passion had touched something, like the first light of the sun on a new bud. Fiona could feel the stirring in her, shifting beneath the stone she had felt over it before. It was too much, too quickly, though, and she could not easily find any words.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 10:53:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Before all of this, before his reality was wrenched apart with feelings he could not possibly justify, Donovan would have shared Fiona’s perspective. Magic had dictated much of their lives—possibly their very existence and why they worked so well, both together and individually. However, if there were a magical solution to this, if he could have in some way stripped himself of these emotions, he would have.<br><br>After his long stream of confessions, Donovan only felt further embarrassed. He had never intended to say any of that, let alone so soon. But she had caught him off guard—actually willing to speak of it. And here, in a spot that seemed so perfectly removed from the world, he had momentarily felt safe to say it. But that feeling was gone now.<br><br>With a self-deprecating laugh, Donovan shook his head. He released Fiona’s hand from between his and gently pressed a kiss to her forehead, “Forgive me. You needn’t respond to any of that. A fool’s ramblings…”<br><br>He reached to lift her chin, “Did you enjoy tonight? That is, after all, the important part.”<br><br>((OOC: Calling it a night for now. Goodnight.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 11:14:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Phew! So much plot advancement. :3 Night.))<br><br>Swallowing again, Fiona opened her eyes as he lifted chin, looking into her brother's. She nodded her head softly, looking a little sad, but mostly shaken. So much had changed, and so quickly. More than anything else, in this moment, Fiona hoped that everything would turn out well - she did not want to lose Donovan.<br><br>"You aren't a fool, brother." She half-smiled at the left corner of her mouth, her eyes already soft, barely restrained from spilling out emotion. Though it had shook her so, she was glad he had opened up to her. Everything was different because of it.<br><br><em>I don't know what to call you, though.</em> Taking his hand from her chin in both of hers, she squeezed it softly, appearing amused in an off way. "I could hardly fault you for thinking so highly of me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 18:53:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan’s expression filled with gratitude. She was accepting this significantly better than before—though, to be fair, he hadn’t essentially tackled her to the side of a carriage this time around. That was the other unfortunate effect of this. In order to avoid further offending Fiona, Donovan had reined in most of his aggressive nature; he had played everything safe and left her mostly alone. And, even now, in this relieving conversation, he could still feel his forceful instincts caged tenuously within him.<br><br>For a moment, he stared down at his hand in hers, savoring that small bit of contact. Since her discovery of his affections, he had taken care to avoid any physical contact that could be misjudged for anything amorous. <br><br>“Well, maybe I shouldn’t then,” he finally answered her facetiously, grinning, “wouldn’t want to inflate your ego.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 19:19:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona laughed softly, regarding her brother fondly. "I'm not sure you could manage to make it any larger."<br><br>The overreaching mood had lightened, and for that Fiona was glad. Seeing her brother upset was very unpleasant, and being at a loss was not where she wanted to be. There was too much at stake to make missteps. She would rather not face consequences for such things.<br><br>Holding her brother's gaze for several moments longer, Fiona looked back to the water again, enjoying its calming effects. "You can tell me more about it later, Donovan." <em>After my heart's had time to settle,</em> she didn't add.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 19:31:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan returned his gaze to the water as she did, watching the white crests of foam gather and crash with the waves. He nodded slowly, “Yes, of course. We can speak more when you’re ready.” Even he wasn’t prepared to take their discussion any further, feeling like a man exposed. It was strange how this had adjusted the balance of their relationship; it made things uneven, him seeking her. The least he could hope for was that things would even out—one way or another, in time.<br><br>He considered this for a moment, the heels of his boots tapping the edge of the rocks, allowing himself to be soothed by the soft breeze. He didn’t enjoy feeling as if everything were out of his power, waiting for his sister to pass judgment, but such was his lot for now. After a long silence, Donovan sighed.<br><br>“The hour grows late. Should we return to the estate?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 19:36:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				'When she was ready.' Fiona had hardly been ready for what had transpired, and did not know how she could be ready for more, but she did not want him to have to suffer in silence. For better or worse, she'd rather hear his secret counsel than leave it as such. They were twins and things ought to be shared, after all.<br><br>After long moments of staring off, Fiona finally nodded and smiled at her brother. "Yes, we should." Shifting closer to him, she pulled him into a hug, holding him tightly for a few moments. "Thank you for the lovely evening, Donovan." She smiled at him encouragingly before releasing him and moving to stand and return to their horses.<br><br>It would be a few long nights afterwards - of that, Fiona was certain.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-06-2009, 21:37:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan drew his arms around her and returned the embrace, squeezing her gently in a tight hug. He closed his eyes briefly, thoughts trained on nothing but the feel of having her in his arms. At her words, he nodded, “Of course. I’m glad you enjoyed it,” he murmured before she moved away and he reluctantly pushed himself off the ground, wondering if he had gotten any closer or further to winning her over.<br><br>Swinging up onto the saddle, Donovan turned his horse back towards the path down, leaning back to counterbalance the weight as they descended. The ride back was an easy one and, with his eyes inattentively on the path before them, Donovan found himself again lost in thought. If she decided against him at the end of all this, would they ever be able to return entirely to normal? Tonight gave him a little hope for it, at least.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 02:11:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona was silent through the journey home, not venturing more conversation of her own. While the experience had not been traumatic, her heart had been shaken more than she could remember it ever being so; though Donovan's violent outburst had been somewhat terrifying because of her trust in him, his passions confessed were another matter entirely.<br><br>Throughout this new path they had started going down once Donovan's feelings matured, Fiona did not know what to think. Feelings of the relationship's forbidden nature came and went, and her regard for her brother as being a brilliant and magnificent person in his own right had not been ruffled. As events continued, the matter seemed to center closer and closer around Fiona's feelings regarding relationships and sex as a whole. Her history of disinterest and denial were now under scrutiny, and under the onslaught of her brother's emotions, her long-held grip of certainty had loosened and her feelings began shifting underneath her.<br><br>It was as unsettling as it was intriguing, to her.<br><br>Arriving back home, Fiona stopped at the stairs after they entered their estate, turning to look at her brother. "I'd be happy to have another outing with you some time." She smiled at him genuinely. After this night, she looked forward to more with Donovan, for a variety of reasons.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 02:58:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By the time they had arrived at the estate, Donovan felt a little more heartened by their current situation. At least the night had gone well—no general disasters and Fiona had seemed to enjoy it. And, better yet, she was willing to discuss it, at least briefly. <br><br>“Good,” he returned her smile, “I’m happy to hear it.” Though he could not begin to unravel all the thoughts and emotions that she must have been experiencing, at least they seemed to be positive. For a moment, he paused in uncertainty. Had she been any other girl, he would have known what to do—and, in most circumstances, it would have ended with her waking between his sheets. But this was Fiona, so he simply leaned forward and kissed her cheek before opening the door.<br><br>“Goodnight then,” he said and ventured up towards his room.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 03:27:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her smile continued even after he kissed her and she bid him a good night before closing the door.<br><br>Laying in her bed for awhile in her nightgown, Fiona thought of what had transpired, her hand often resting on her chest.<br><br><em>What comes next?</em><br><br><hr><br>Celoine watched the hall with ready eyes, waiting for the Vorum twin to emerge from it. Many days had passed since the gossip of Donovan's refusal of his many admirers had spread throughout the campus, and Celoine's curiosity and ambition on the matter had come to readiness. Long had she watched after his behavior, since two years past in their former school, but rather than the faceless groups who pursued him so readily, she had waited. Nothing suited Celoine more than elegant, slow, intricate plans that led only to her obtaining what she desired.<br><br>Both the Vorum legacy and Donovan's persona were things she wished to acquire. Now that his behavior had suffered a dramatic change, and with no clear reason as to why, Celoine had determined to initiate her plot to ensnare his heart. With her years of practice at it, and her masterful use of spells designed to enhance her appearance and the sway of her words, she felt ready to conquer the male heir of the family.<br><br>Before his imminent appearance, her beauty and charm intensified in subtle manner, invisible to most divination spells and observances. Counting the sound of his steps as he came down the hall, she began walking slowly forward, timed to meet him just as he turned the corner and catch him by ready surprise.<br><br><em>You will be mine, Donovan Vorum.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 04:12:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan was enjoying his day. He had taken a long lunch with friends, and had just aced a practical examination in his last class. As he turned the corner, he was checking his textbook to ensure that he had followed all the damned safety procedures before his spellcasting—silly formalities that he had never found necessary, but that professors loved to nitpick for the odd deduction or two.<br><br>Paging to the correct chapter as he pivoted around the corner, Donovan nearly collided with the waiting Celoine. <br><br>“Woa—”Donovan slammed the book shut in one hand and readjusted himself so that he wouldn’t fall, stepping back with one leg to regain his balance. Collecting himself quickly, he paused and studied Celoine. She looked vaguely familiar—someone who had existed on the periphery of his life for a while but with whom he had never carried a long conversation. She was… clearly stunning, something that would have earned her more of his attention had he not already disavowed his notorious relationship with women. Instead, after giving her a mildly appreciative once-over, Donovan simply flashed an apologetic smile.<br><br>He gave a shallow bow, “My apologies,” and turned to continue on his way. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 04:24:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Acting unaware of his sudden appearance, Celoine fell back a bit, giving him a nice view of physical assets. She appeared somewhat surprised, but managed not to drop the books in her arm. Settling, she gave him a polite smile.<br><br>"Excuse me... Donovan, is it?" Tilting her head slightly, she blinked her eyes slowly at him, possessing at once a solidity of stature and an elegant grace, a proud and commanding bearing while simultaneously appearing vulnerable and inviting.<br><br>The power of her magic wove into her words as well, making them more insinuating, enchanting, and arresting.<br><br>"Do you have a moment?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 04:35:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Had Donovan been on his guard for magical seduction, he might have noticed the faintest trace of magic threaded through her appearance and her words. But as it was uncommon and he had utterly no reason to be suspicious towards this random stranger, he fell prey to the sudden magnetic draw he felt towards Celoine.<br><br>Donovan nearly started to utter a refusal; he was on his way to check if Fiona had finished for the day and to see whether or not she was ready to return to the estate. But instead, he felt the sudden urge to remain. After all, Fiona might not actually be done and, moreover, it wasn’t as if she needed him to escort her home.<br><br>“Y… Yeah, I guess I do,” Donovan nodded, stopping and moving to the side of the corridor so that they would not impede the flow of traffic, “I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage,” he said, unconsciously flashing the charming smile with which he had beguiled so many other girls, “—as I do not know your name.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 04:42:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh?" Celoine's smile was very subtle; despite knowing for so long, she had easily kept out of his view of notice. Likely because she wasn't busy drawing attention to herself or throwing herself upon him.<br><br>"My name is Celoine Tirisfell." She curtsied elegantly, lifting the ends of her dress. The Tirisfell family wasn't quite as prominent as the Vorums, but it was of middling renown and wealth. She was by no means minor, though her family did not make itself often very known; it was in many ways the power behind a power.<br><br>"I was wondering, actually," and for a moment, Celoine expressed a faint bit of bashfulness, "if you could discuss a few things regarding magic..." she placed emphasis on that word, before saying the next with no particular deference, "in private."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 04:54:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan checked his mental catalogue of family names for her surname; he had been maneuvering his way through court long enough to recognize most relatively significant lineages. Tirisfell. He had heard it before—not with any sort of importance, but he recalled that it bore a moderate amount of influence, but certainly nothing to write home about, especially not to <em>their</em> home. <br><br>He raised a brow at her request. Why was it that all of a sudden that strange people seemed interested in consulting him and/or Fiona about matters regarding magic? He smiled reassuringly at her apparent bashfulness and nodded, “Of course… I have time now, if you would like to do it now...”<br><br>Glancing around them, he checked for anyplace where they might speak unheard. Honestly, he wasn’t thinking about this situation as much as he should have, overwhelmed with the sudden need to stay around Celoine—to know more about her. Besides, there was no harm in talking, right?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 10:29:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smiling brightly, she led him toward an alcove near the library - out of sight, out of general hearing. She let him watch her assets move enticingly as she walked without being particularly obvious about it - she was good at being subtle and brazen, simultaneously.<br><br>Being equally sure as he that no others were looking in on them, she drew close to him and spoke softly, clandestinely. "I was wondering... what you could teach me of the forbidden arts." Despite any suggestiveness, she was not using innuendo.<br><br>Her eyes looked into his, asking for his attention. Celoine had heard many rumors, but in order to find the truth, she would manipulate Donovan into willingly exposing it - and then, well, he would do anything to please her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 19:00:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan followed willingly, eyeing appreciatively the way her body moved beneath the seemingly perfect drape of her clothes. He stopped with her in the alcove, leaning down a bit to hear her better. But the moment she made her request, a switch went off in his head. No one was meant to connect them to forbidden magic. Certainly, there were always a few rumors floating about every important name in the city, but no one had ever grown close to tying the Vorums with any of the necromantic arts.<br><br>“I…” he paused. Had it been anyone else, he would have been quickly suspicious, but the spells with which she had enveloped herself held. Surely, she was just an innocent girl with a perfectly understandable curiosity. But even for a girl as attractive as she, Donovan would not risk exposing his family, “I’m afraid I don’t know much, darling,” he told her with a gentle smile, “I’ve never looked into it. What is a girl like you doing probing around forbidden magic anyway?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 19:11:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She looked a little ashamed and then looked down at the ground, beginning to feign tears. "Oh, I thought you might know... something." She sniffed, turning a bit away from him. "My grandfather died, and..."<br><br>At this she shakes her head, wipes at her face and gives him a slightly broken smile. "I'm sorry for wasting your time." And with that, she turned away to go.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 20:51:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				How did she know just which chords to strike? Of course, the Vorum siblings had their own familial ties to necromancy. Perhaps what had proven to Donovan the sheer power and necessity of dark magic was the resurrection of their mother. But did he share in her pain enough to jeopardize everything they had worked so hard to conceal?<br><br>His gaze filled with sympathy. With a nervousness rising in his throat, he reached out and gently took her arm as she turned, pulling her closer to him than necessary, “Wait, Celoine,” the name was music on his tongue, “I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather…” He paused, staring furtively into nothing as he considered his options. How could he help her without giving himself away?<br><br>He had always wondered how many other individuals had torn through the veil to forbidden magic and plundered its depths. It seemed unfair to stop her when he had the means to help. Of course, generosity was never among Donovan’s finer traits, but something in him wanted to keep her around—at least long enough to know more. Ignoring the foreboding twinge that this was not quite right, Donovan turned and met her eyes with his.<br><br>“I cannot promise that I can help you. But… perhaps if you stopped by at my family estate sometime… we could discuss things… further,” he said, each word heavy as it fell from his lips. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 22:55:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celoine stopped at his insistence for her to wait, not moving after he took hold of her arm, a few tears spilling to the floor. Though her look toward the ground was one of embarrassed shame and sorrow, inside, her inner face gloated with her easy victory. With the right feint, parry, strike, any man easily fell to the twists of social manipulation.<br><br>She sniffed rather than answer his initial words with words of her own. He had been baited easily into offering help. The depths to which Celoine had already dug into forbidden magic were shallow, and centered largely around the usurpation of others' wills and minds. Current magical practice and theory invoked only very obvious control of others, when applied to that fashion. While one could be subtle about enhancing themselves, outright domination of others was a very visible magic. Any control of others' wills was a crime (unless used to enforce punishment) and a direly punishable at that.<br><br>More than any other range of 'forbidden magic', Celoine desired the ability to covertly subvert the wills of others with magic, rather than wait for the time it took to develop long-term relationships and the subversion involved.<br><br>Sniffing more, she turned to him with tear-touched eyes, looking with some hopefulness. "I've heard that... you're a very powerful sorceror..." She wiped her face again, working to compose herself. "When... could you help me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 23:20:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan frowned, deep in thought, still somewhat reluctant to dive headfirst into this. Perhaps he could consult Fiona? He wasn’t sure how well she would take to him offering help to a strange girl, but this was supposedly innocent anyway. Besides, Fiona was still taking on those silly suitors; she had no right to chastise him even if he did take interest in Celoine.<br><br>He was mildly surprised by Celoine’s absolute eagerness, though he supposed she must have been excited for the prospect of discovering new magic, of possibly getting her grandfather back. Honestly, it was magic that Donovan knew well by now—something he could have repeated to and taught Celoine fairly quickly if she had a half-decent hand at sorcery. But he couldn’t; that would be too blatant a confession.<br><br>“Well,” he said slowly, “You could come by later this evening, if you’d like…” It would give Donovan a few hours to find what he could about Celoine, and perhaps find his sister—that is, if he decided to tell her of this encounter after all.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 23:31:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Clearing her face more completely, she smiled at him enthusiastically and dove forward, embracing him. "Oh, thank you." She sniffed against his chest, her face pressing into him for a moment before she looked up at him. "I didn't want to... lose him." She held him for a few more moments before pulling back and standing straight, trying to put herself back into a more separate aspect.<br><br>"I'll come tonight, then!" Looking excited and pleased and relieved, she turned and took off toward the stairs without another moment's delay.<br><br>Grinning to herself, Celoine chuckled over her triumph. <em>All too easy.</em><br><br>--<br><br>After turning around the next hall, Donovan saw at the other end of it Fiona and Alex speaking with each other. Fiona laughed, and the conversation seemed engaging. Neither of the two noticed Donovan.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 23:47:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Yeah... all right. See you later then,” Donovan waved in farewell and watched as Celoine turned the corner. With a deep sigh, he leaned back against the wall—what was he doing? He wasn’t even certain what he would do tonight; he could actually help this girl, or he could send her away claiming that he could find nothing of use. <br><br>Turning back towards his exit route, he started towards home. His gaze picked Fiona from the crowd easily, noting her well before he noticed Alex. For a second, Donovan began to walk towards her, the questions Celoine had kicked up burning in his mind. But, she seemed otherwise engaged. Slowing partway down the hall, he watched as the crowd between them cleared and Alex came into view.<br><br>With a low grow in his&nbsp; throat, he swiveled back around. So much for the progress he had thought he made the other night.<br><br>----------<br><br>Donovan had paced the manor waiting for Fiona to return, but had found no sign of her. Now, later into the evening, he sat in the front parlor, paging through a dusty tome that illustrated the basics of necromancy. He hadn’t yet decided whether to go through with this; perhaps he would simply stall some more and wait until he got a better feel for Celoine.<br><br>After some light investigation, he had found nothing suspicious about her. For all rights and purposes, she seemed just another girl from a moderately wealthy family. But of course, everyday people could go to extreme lengths for some worthwhile dirt on the Vorum name.<br><br>Seated in an overstuffed armchair, he raked his hands through his hair, anxiously watching the front door.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 02:30:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A knocking came unto the front door and a servant appeared to answer it. Opening it, he greeted the miss who walked through - Celoine.<br><br>Garbed in more elaborate attire than her school uniform, Celoine looked as beautiful as ever in her evening dress. Her features and elegance were even more present and exuded from a stately source, not subdued under the demure trappings of order. Celoine's hair was formed into cascades of blonde curls, framing her blushing face. Smiling modestly at Donovan, she curtsied and approached.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 03:53:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan started when he heard the door, shoving the book onto a low shelf before Celoine stepped in. He stood from his seat, eyes tracing the lines of Celione’s body appreciatively as he approached, “Welcome,” he said, giving a short bow and lifting her hand to his lips, kissing it lightly.<br><br>“Please, have a seat,” he gestured towards the cluster of couches and armchairs with a sweep of his arm. With a short, unspoken spell, he lit the lamps around the room to give them more light and sank back down into his armchair, “So… tell me about your grandfather.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 04:40:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celoine's cheeks reddened appreciatively at his kiss and she smiled at him bashfully.&nbsp; Following him, she sat down where he indicated, looking only briefly at the understated opulence of the Vorum estate. Appearing to be somewhat overwhelmed, she looked to him again and swallowed a bit of sadness.<br><br>"He... took care of most of the family matters." She frowned, her eyes sinking away from his. "He managed our family's finances, so with him gone... I.. I don't know what we'll do." Celoine let out a sigh before looking up at Donovan, her brow knit in sorrow and hope. "I didn't know what else to do."<br><br>As long as Donovan would listen, Celoine painted a picture of a man, brilliant, magnanimous, industrial; a perfect model of the wealthy man. Courteous, giving, skilled. She wove words and magic together, forming snares as she told of his boldness, his desire to give, his willingness to risk and profit from it all. In short, she spun a trap within her legend of him, playing out her part perfectly.<br><br><em>And what man can resist such things?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 11:01:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan listened, enraptured as she wove the story of her grandfather’s life. It seemed a tragedy that she had to lose him, and moving that she was willing to go to such lengths to get him back. Celoine was asking much of Donovan, but surely, out of anyone, he must understand the need to bring back a loved one, and the desire to explore all branches of magic to do so.<br><br>But it would be difficult for even her magically enhanced beauty and powers of persuasion to strip Donovan of a lifetime of caution. He had never intended to help her fully—perhaps point her in the right direction, perhaps less, but he had not yet made up his mind.<br><br>Leaning forward to move closer to her, Donovan spoke in a low voice, brow furrowed and expression filled with regret. “Look, you seem like… a lovely girl, really. And I’m sorry to hear about your loss. But—from what I understand of necromancy—it requires you to venture down unimaginably dark paths and to commit acts for which there is no redemption,” as he spoke, Donovan was careful not to let his own love for the art filter through, “The loss of your grandfather is a terrible thing to endure, but perhaps you’re grasping for the wrong solution. You seem much too sweet to be attempting such deeds.” The last part was certainly true; he couldn’t imagine someone of her naiveté and innocence committing to the demands of necromancy. And it was unspeakably dangerous for someone to attempt such magic unprepared.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 11:23:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At his words, Celoine stared at him with such sorrowful eyes, her entranced look fading to being crestfallen, dispirited, and broken. "Perhaps... you are right." She covered her face with her hands, hiding an appearance of sorrow and misery. "My family... I don't know... how else to make this right..." Sobbing softly, she pressed herself into Donovan's arms, seeking comfort in his gentle guidance and counsel, wearing her true face deep inside herself, giggling in mirth at the ploys and games she played.<br><br>Subversion was, so certainly, a matter of time. Subtlety could not be achieved otherwise; direct hands required direct shows of force, and such would certainly not do here.<br><br>Her fingers grasped at him gently, insistent for his comfort. By the time she had finished her stories, it was already leading into the late evening hours.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 18:46:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan could feel a dull, undercurrent of guilt. He could help her, could save her from a great deal of this grief, yet here he was trying to tell her to live with it. It seemed to him a great act of hypocrisy with their own mother somewhere in these very halls. But there were plenty of people that Donovan <em>could</em> help, but never did. This unfortunate girl should be no different—at least, so he told himself to maintain his resolve.<br><br>As she cried into him, he shifted lightly onto the couch beside her, gently gathering her in his arms and periodically wiping her tears with the edge of his sleeve. Because he could offer no other solution, he simply listened to her broken murmurings.<br><br>“I am… truly sorry,” Donovan muttered, holding her close as he swallowed against the knot in his throat. <em>You can’t help her. It’s not worth it. You don’t know her,</em> he repeated in loop in his thoughts.<br><br>Over her shoulder, he caught a glance of the partially curtained window, surprised to find that the sun had long set. Two questions lingered in his mind—firstly, should he let Celoine venture home alone now that the hour had grown so late, and… more importantly, where was Fiona?&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 19:49:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After several more moments of tears, she finally pulled herself away a bit, wiping away at her face. "I.. I guess I should go, then." Giving him a weak smile, she pulled herself up and visibly tried to maintain composure while looking at him. Her smile faltering, she curtsied again, and started for the door, not very hastily this time.<br><br>"Maybe I'll find out what to do," she said to herself in a soft murmur, her form moving in tortured fashion.<br><br>Close to the door, she stops for a bit before turning to look at Donovan and add, "Thank you..." After another struggling smile, she turns back around.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 20:49:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan frowned to himself at her muttered remark. It worried him that she might attempt this alone. While he was perfectly familiar with the magic required, it was still an incredibly difficult, complex, dangerous undertaking for one utterly unfamiliar with the necromantic arts. If she tried such a thing, she would no doubt injure herself—at best, though more dire consequences were far more likely.<br><br>Pushing himself up off the chair, Donovan started after her. He grabbed her arm again as she turned to leave, just as he did before, standing close enough that he could catch the scent of her hair. His breath drew shallow for a moment, “Wait, Celoine…”<br><br>He sighed, “It’s late… you shouldn’t go alone. I could escort you home—or… you could stay the night here…"<br><br><em>What am I doing</em>…<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 21:08:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celoine stopped and only slowly turned toward Donovan. "I ought to get home; it's already very late." She smiled at him, still somewhat distraught and fell into him again, hugging him gently. "You could... escort me home, if you wish."<br><br>She peered up at him, not seeming to sway him either way, but looking like she wanted comfort, sorrow stilling clinging to the edges of her eyes and mouth. <em>The snare draws tighter as you push your head in.</em><br><br>A moment later, the door opened.<br><br>Fiona started to step forward when she stopped, seeing Donovan and Celoine embraced as they were, looking so intently upon each other's eyes. Fiona felt a raising of the hairs on her neck, surprise registering through her before she set her face against it; after being gone for so long, she had not anticipated running into this at all, but then here she was.<br><br>Offering a polite smile, she simply inclined her head. "Brother..." her eyes shifted, then, lighting on the face of Celoine's turned head, ".. Celoine." After paying them notice she proceeded to walk past them, her arms holding several books, and took toward the stairs without hesitation or expediency, acting as if it was the most normal sight in the world.<br><br>Celoine, for her part, blushed, and appeared somewhat embarrassed, but not truly so - after all, they weren't doing anything wrong, were they?<br><br>As she reached the stairs, Fiona closed her eyes, knowing the steps in the darkness of her mind, her teeth finding a slight clench.<br><br><em>Why... do I feel such pangs...</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 21:18:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan nodded with understanding, “Of course, I would be more than happy to—” The door opened and he froze, looking almost fleetingly guilty before he steeled himself against it. After all, she had most likely been with Alex until this time doing god knows what, and while he had stopped his pursuit of other women as a courtesy to Fiona, and… frankly, because he’d stopped being interested, he made no such promise. Besides, even if he were interested in Celoine—and he still wasn’t certain that he was— shouldn’t Fiona be happy? It would relieve her of this burden.<br><br>He met Fiona’s eyes with a hardened, emotionless gaze, “Fiona,” he answered with a slight nod of his head, though his expression softened and he stared after her for a short while before he snapped his attention back to Celoine.<br><br>“Well,” he nodded, “we best be going.” He stepped through the open door and gestured for her to lead the way.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 21:34:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celoine nodded lightly and went through as he gestured, turning and waiting for him. Her eyes regarded him carefully, probing for secret and weakness, even as they invited his attention.<br><br>"That was your... sister?" She looked at him, curious and soft, expressing concern. Donovan's reaction had been polite enough, but there was an undercurrent of... something. Did they fight? What was between them? Having caught only the briefest of glances, she could no more tell what it was than she could bring back her grandfather, but the presence of an unknown drew her interest like a moth to the flame.<br><br>"Do you get along with her?" she asked as a carriage was fetched for them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 21:42:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan simply nodded at the first question, too far immersed in his own thoughts. What did Fiona make of the two of them? Did she mind? He didn’t like either possible answer to the latter. If she cared, then he would have even more strikes against him in his quest to win her over. But if she didn’t, then—well, then she didn’t.<br><br>Stepping out into the night air, he took a deep breath to clear his head, shaking it lightly. Turning to Celoine as she asked her second question, he gave a humorless laugh, “We… yes,” He shrugged, “We’ve always been close. Lately… not as much, but… yes, we get along.”<br><br>He moved towards the carriage as it approached, as if eager to abandon this topic. Wordlessly, he opened the door for her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 21:46:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His response seemed to hold more secrets underneath it, pertaining to certain difficulties - which ones, she would find out in time. The was just the first of a much longer relationship, after all.<br><br>"Oh... I hope your life here is not difficult." Expressing seemingly genuine concern for his welfare, she then took his leave and entered the carriage, looking after him. Her eyes always seemed to be drawn to his face when they were not looking away, presenting a persistent attention for him without appearing to crave it brazenly, deigning to invite him more and more to look at her and consider her feelings.<br><br>"Family is important... after all," she added, with hints of sadness to it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 21:57:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan shook his head, a small smile of gratitude at his lips. Her concern was strangely touching, “Oh no, of course not. I am thankful everyday for my life here.” That much was true, as frustrating as current matters with Fiona were, and as much as he enjoyed the occasional escape, he knew he had a fortuitous life.<br><br>While Donovan had originally intended to see Celoine all the way home, he changed his mind the moment he watched her step into the carriage. There were forces stronger than magic, he had told Fiona, and this time that held true. For all of Celoine’s magically enhanced beauty, and for all the persuasion laced into her words, he felt the sudden desire to see to his sister—to discover, for better or worse where she had been, to see whether this encounter with Celoine had worsened matters between them, and… if he got to it, to discuss with her Celoine’s request.<br><br>Family <em>was</em> important, and, though Celoine probably didn’t intend it, her statement reminded him exactly <em>how</em> much Fiona mattered and he felt foolish for ever indulging the slightest attraction towards Celoine. Leaning into the carriage, he lightly kissed her cheek and gave her an apologetic smile, “The driver should see you home safely. I apologize for not being of any more help.” And, with that, he turned back towards the manor. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 22:43:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celoine's concern and smile shifted into a taken aback sadness at his decline to come with her. She nodded quietly at him, showing a slight blush at his kiss. Before he took off, she looked at him directly, though with a bit of shyness. "Thank you for everything, Donovan."<br><br>And then she was off, frowning inside the carriage by herself. She had accomplished much this night, but it would take many more days to try and work down Donovan. Celoine was persistent and patient, and she would not relent easily from her target. Nothing Donovan had done had marked as intractable, and even that could be influenced with the proper... motivation.<br><br>Smirking to herself, Celoine sorted through her plans on the ride home, drawing upon what she learned this day.<br><br><hr><br>Fiona had at first gone straight to her room, setting her books down and sitting. She was much too flustered to be simply at ease and go straight to studying, and the more she thought about the situation, the more anxious she became. Before the front door opened again, she left her room and went upstairs, desiring the comfort of her 'brooding chair'.<br><br>Despite everything, Fiona had not expected to feel jealous of her brother. She had looked past his cavorting for all the months and years he had been engaged in it, and the feeling of jealousy was not one that had entered into her heart before regarding it all. The look on her brother's face as he stared down into Celoine's eyes, though, however briefly seen - it hung in her mind.<br><br>How did it resemble how he looked at other women? How was it similar to how he looked at her? What did it mean, of his heart? Fiona had earnestly believed him when he confessed his passions for her, and his abstaining from his usual dalliances had made his words all the more staunch and impressive; he was the consummate seducer, after all, and she had not even asked him to stop engaging himself thusly.<br><br>But he had made that choice, to prove to her his emotions even as she tried to find her own. While part of giving hand to suitors was designed to push Donovan forward and keep him engaged without pushing him away, a lot of it was also to find and explore her feelings about relationships, desire, and matters of the heart.<br><br>To this end, Fiona needed to know what she wanted and how she felt. Her brother had pushed heavily enough on the gates that she opened them to see what might lay beyond them - a place she had never ventured before. As it lay open, as she pushed further, she found things both delightful and frightening and proceeded largely with apprehension.<br><br>Here, now, she thought of everything her brother did and felt, and, more importantly how his actions affected her.<br><br>When Donovan found her, she was curled up in her chair, tears on her face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 22:59:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan left without any further regard for Celoine. She seemed a sweet, unfortunate girl, but he knew he would never be able to deliver to her what she wanted—or at least, what he thought she wanted. He wouldn’t risk his family to save her grandfather, and he could not further indulge his silly, fleeting attraction for her. He quickened his gait as he got further from the carriage, jogging his way back through the doors of the manor and up the stairs.<br><br>Naturally, he first checked Fiona’s room. Knocking lightly on the door, he opened it without waiting for a reply and frowned when he found it empty. Quickly, he swiveled on his heel and retreated back through the doorway. If she was in an irreconcilable mood, there was one other easy conclusion. Donovan slowed as he neared the room, a slight trembling pervaded through his body though he could not explain why.<br><br>Inhaling deeply in preparation, he turned the corner and stepped through the door, stopping as he found Fiona in the chair. It had been a significantly long time since he’d last seen Fiona cry—for many reasons: her emotional fortitude, and the lack of a recent tragedy among them. He had forgotten how it broke his heart, worse now than ever to know he might have caused it. <br><br>Mouth dry, he approached her slowly, fighting the endless sinking feeling in his chest. Kneeling down in front of her, before her chair, eyes wide with concern, Donovan forgot all the frustration and annoyance he had felt at her continued absence this afternoon. He even managed to shove aside his anger for her moment with Alex.<br><br>Was it true? Could he really cause her such grief? It occurred to him for the first time that, not only might she care, but she might care enough for him to be capable of <em>hurting</em> her.<br><br>“Fiona…” he said softly, voice a low whisper as he leaned up to kiss a tear from her cheek, “What troubles you so?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-06-2009, 23:35:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Delving into uncomfortable and unfamiliar emotions was a dangerous venture; Fiona was not used to being vulnerable to anything or anyone, and her brother's insistence had led to her opening herself up. While he had no intention of hurting her, of this she was exceedingly clear on, the situation made it very possible for her to be hurt.<br><br>The nature of jealousy was often something dark and vicious, but as she took hold of her feelings and dredged them up, Fiona startled herself with more fear than she had ever expected out of herself. Growing up so intensely close with her brother, being so connected with him and spending so much time with him had created a worm in her heart. While she would never had denied loving her brother, and was intensely fond of him, how deeply entrenched in her heart was a matter she had never truly explored.<br><br>Exposed to this, and reflecting on the possibility of losing him, Fiona felt the jolt in her chest, tightening it and restricting her breathing. She was at a loss for words every time it raised its head, stunned and clinched by the potent <em>force</em> of these feelings in her heart. The intensity of her emotions struck out at her and left an indelible imprint on her thoughts - this mattered to her.<br><br>Faced with the ferocity of how dearly she wanted to have her brother in her life, to hold onto him and their connection, Fiona drifted further afield, wondering how she had hurt him by her indecision and ignorance, wondering what she had done to her own life through such ignorance, and fighting ceaselessly against the nagging thoughts that she may very well be making fatal mistakes, that she should leave well enough alone, and that she was better off before considering any of this and what was going on.<br><br>But, there her brother was, and no matter how much part of her fought it, she <em>wanted</em> him to be happy, she <em>wanted</em> to be close to him, and she could not <em>bear</em> the thought of him being inextricably gone from her life.<br><br>Facing Donovan, her naked composure crumpled somewhat, and she found herself reaching out to him to hold him and be close to him and weather the strain of her emotions.<br><br><em>No matter how strong I am... he's everywhere in my heart.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 01:09:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan considered her silently for a moment, studying the open sorrow in her features with a horrible guilt in his gut. After a long, speechless pause, he pushed himself resolutely up off the ground. Easing closer to Fiona, he gently lifted her up off the chair, sinking down into it himself with her in his arms. Holding her tightly in his lap, he absentmindedly stroked the small of her back, blindly trying to divine why she was so shaken.<br><br>This must have been a difficult situation for her, he knew, trying to balance her own difficulties and emotions with her brother’s godforsaken desires. He didn’t realize the toll that it had all taken on her. And suddenly he had more reason to regret the monstrous, inappropriate love that had grown in him, despite all efforts.<br><br>“I’m sorry…” he murmured, not sure what he was apologizing for—Celoine, Fiona’s pain, or the entire overarching situation. Perhaps, he considered, they should call this entire game off. He could return to pretending that he felt nothing. She could return to pretending that she didn’t know, and they could hope to move beyond his pathetic mistake. But he wasn’t even sure that that would be possible.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 01:21:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Letting him move her, her dress twisting and shifting in the change, she held onto him for a time, soothing her thoughts with the comfort of their closeness. Just as they could see into each other, amplify and bounce each other's glories higher and higher, so too could they provide solace where no one else could. Their bond, seemingly natural and inviolable, was called into question, and Fiona appreciated it now more than ever.<br><br>Resting her cheek against his, her hair pressing against him, she spoke softly to his ear, finding it easier to unburden hidden thoughts and feelings with the closeness and subtle volume of her words. "I don't want to lose you, Donovan." There was a vulnerability in the statement, an admittance of weakness where Fiona had given scant few in the entirety of her existence, and a certain finality to it. Where the words were at once related to fear and want, what she said next held more of her characteristic determination and decisiveness. "I don't want to be without you and what we have."<br><br>Sharing herself so, she squeezed her arms around him, pressing the force of her words further. Her heart spun itself erratically, dancing between anxiety, pain, knowledge, and decisions, even as she pushed forward with an even and purposeful tone.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 01:37:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan drew back just enough to see her as she spoke, surprised by the words. They had always been close, but it was oftentimes and unarticulated bond—something understood silently between them. Neither of them cared to admit weakness often; he was touched that Fiona could do so now, of all times. As his expression softened, he smiled sadly at her.<br><br>“Of course not…” he shook his head, “You could never lose me.” He met her eyes, his expression entirely sincere. Though he did worried that this entire episode might weaken their connection, it was still difficult to imagine that anything could break their bond, “No matter… what happens…” he said slowly, exerting every effort so that he wouldn’t picture her with Alex, “I’ll be here. I’ll always be your brother, Fiona.”<br><br>&nbsp;“I don’t… want to force your hand,” he said slowly, “You shouldn’t have to indulge my attentions if they’re not what you want. It was wrong of me to try to force them upon you…” Now that he saw how difficult this all was for her, he realized that it wasn’t worth this. He could live with his goddamned tortured soul if it meant peace for her-- or at least, he thought he could.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 01:49:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She knew he meant what he was saying, she knew that's what he wanted as well, but she did not know how things would change if they went in different directions. Depending on the circumstances, it was likely that, in time, if either or both of them married, they would drift apart and be in different manses. While Fiona knew she was capable of handling that, or so she had instinctively thought up till now, she didn't know if she wanted it to be any other way than how it was, now.<br><br>Fiona had already been pushed from outright having no interest in love, and now she was... trying to know. Romance was not something that came effortlessly to her because of her lack of interest and a breaking of seals to bring out any sincerity in it. It was no difficult task to feign interest, but she had only so much taste for it, and court politics involving romance taxed her beyond caring. But, now, she felt something in her heart, an acknowledgment of another person being so intimately intertwined with her - and, despite social conventions, it was her brother.<br><br>At first, she had out-of-hand dismissed his affections as being inappropriate - society had certainly said so - but, reflecting upon it, investigating it, was that true? Society disapproved of many of their private ventures, so why should she care about this one?<br><br>But it all led back to what she wanted from her brother, and there was something he provoked in her that she could not deny, that made it no longer easy to brush off such advances as points of non-interest, as matters of inconsequence. She would have to decide, for their shared sanity, and it was, without a doubt, her apprehension and ignorance holding her back. Fiona had no desire to drag her brother on forever, but she wanted to know what these feelings meant and discover if that's what she would... well, want from her brother.<br><br><em>And is he not so much more appreciable than any other I've known?</em><br><br>Her smile shifting subtly, the threads of emotion in her tangling and crossing over and over, she shook her head at her brother's offer to desist and to excuse what he seemed to be ashamed for.<br><br>"Donovan... I want to indulge your attentions." The words were hard to say, coming out of the tangled space inside her heart, but they rang true. Her fingers twisted tightly into his clothes. "I want... to know what I want from you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 02:05:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He had expected her to accept his offer; it would simplify their lives greatly and save them from further difficulties. His eyes widened at her response, an involuntary grin spreading across his lips. Though he still lacked a direct yes or no answer from her, this meant that there was a solid possibility that she could be… interested. Donovan filled with such hope that he fought the urge to laugh.<br><br>Quickly, he composed himself, “Well… good.” He actually did laugh now, “But you know, it would be quicker if I simply <em>showed</em> you what you want from me,” he added, entirely teasing, though with such a self-indulgent grin that indicated his far from innocent thoughts.<br><br>It felt as if he were slowly shedding the burden of this attraction layer by layer—first in his initial confession, then more when she actually opened herself to the idea of discussing it, and now again when she took an active interest in discovering how she felt in return. For as much as he regretted ever complicating their situation, and for all the guilt he still harbored, he did believe they would be brilliant together. They were better matched together than with anyone either of them could ever hope to find.<br><br>And it was never about romance. Sure, romance would be nice, perhaps, at some point, but… theirs would be more of a union of thoughts, of passions, of desire, of their shared strengths and weaknesses. It would be them, bound tighter, more powerful and more vulnerable. Romance didn’t begin to describe it.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 02:26:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona gave him a soft smile in response to his laughter and joy, closing her eyes in amusement and resting against him again, sighing in the expenditure. It had been tiring, to delve so deeply and pull out such answers - but it felt like she had breathed out tension and took in comfort.<br><br>It was a step forward, where before there was a trembling look. She did want to know, truly, regardless of the answer. But, the more she though of it...<br><br>She breathed out, bemused by his offer. No, she wasn't so taken by physical delights as the many Donovan had already been with, but she knew that he wanted something... more, with her. There was attachment and desire that shook him, and she could tell, even if the specifics were yet beyond her.<br><br>"Not tonight, brother..." Even now, as part of her grated, she <em>was</em> curious, and she suspected it only a matter of time before she would... acquiesce. <em>Some night... yes.</em><br><br>Sighing once more, she just held him, contented to feel relaxed and better about the situation and everything between them. It did feel nice to be close to him, and she was tired from everything that day, emotional and otherwise. Her thoughts were already beyond the others both had been involved with, and her consciousness was nagging her for the dissolution of sleep. For the moment, though, she held onto her twin and closed her eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 02:37:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan gave a low chuckle at her answer, having expected nothing else, “Of course.” He squeezed her gently in his arms, leaning his head down onto her shoulder and taking comfort in the warmth of her body, the very feel of her closeness. It had been a while since he had been able to hold her—to touch her even—without a pang of guilt. But she had soothed his own misgivings and he luxuriated in the feel of her body against his. <br><br>Leaning back into the chair, Donovan was made suddenly aware of his own exhaustion. It had been a long day for him as well—starting with him cramming for the exam for which he had not studied, then actually taking the exam, then the encounter with Celoine—shit. Celoine.<br><br>He sat for a prolonged silence, considering whether to break this moment with such a discussion. He felt more than reluctant to interrupt this, when she they had finally settled together, when she seemed so peaceful after a taxing day. <em>Not tonight, then…</em> he thought, and resolved to consult her tomorrow. It wasn’t as if anything would happen between now and then.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 02:48:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After awhile of their embrace, as Fiona began to drift toward sleep, she shook her head and moved to disengage a bit. She smiled and yawned, feeling very tired now that she had been so comfortable.<br><br>"Mmm... we should go to bed." Squeezing his arm, she moved to stand on her own feet, sighing gently. Taking his arm, she walked down with him to the lower level where their rooms were, her hold on him for mixed reasons.<br><br>Near her door, she looked up at him with a tired smile, but a sincere one. "Good night, Donovan."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 02:58:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Ahhh I was afraid you’d say that,” Donovan groaned softly at her suggestion, though he added a chuckle for good humor. He felt immediately emptier the moment she moved away, as if without her he was only part of a whole. Reluctantly, he rose to follow her back downstairs, tracing the familiar steps through the darkness of their home.<br><br>Before her door, he smiled affectionately at her. Sliding one arm around her waist, he pulled her gently, but firmly to him. He was acting without thought, riding on the sheer happiness of this moment. Before she could have had the time to react, and before he had time to think it over, Donovan leaned down and pressed a light kiss to her lips, pulse leaping to his throat at the very impulse.<br><br>There were uncountable reasons for why he shouldn’t have done it. For one, she was only beginning to see how she felt about him, what she wanted. For two, it was the end of an atrocious day and not at all great timing. But that didn’t matter. He had yielded to a baser instinct, and his mind spun with nothing but the need to kiss her.<br><br>It required a great deal of self-control not to take it further. Instead, he drew back, dropping his arms from around her, “Goodnight.”&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 03:05:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((argh, g2g for a little bit. I'll reply in an hour or two))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 03:08:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Okay.))<br><br>Fiona was taken completely by surprise, especially in her tired state, and did nothing to resist him as he kissed her. A faint fluttering rose in her chest, and she did not know what to do in the moment, however brief it was. Her eyes blinked in half-astonishment, relieving a slight amount of fatigue by the jolt.<br><br>Stunned, she stared at him uncertainly, feeling very surreal with what had happened and how she felt. Her eyes looked at his, not knowing how to react or if she wanted more. Did she want more? It had felt... shocking. But there was a pleasure to the shock, and the electricity that she had not expected.<br><br>Swallowing, she moved backwards slowly, in a mix of awe and overwhelming stimulation - but not necessarily <em>bad</em> over-stimulation - and opened her door. Finding herself at a loss for words, she simply smiled with a hint of embarrassment, and slipped into her bedroom.<br><br>In the short time before she fell asleep, her heart trembled.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 04:43:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan hadn’t expected any more of a response; he was simply pleased that she hadn’t slapped him. He had no intention of pushing his luck; this was him nudging open a doorway to the endless potential before them. It was her decision if she wanted to step through. <br><br>Quite pleased with himself, he turned back down the hall towards his own room, shutting the door behind him. Suddenly, his fatigue was entirely absent, replaced by a constant, unremitting excitement the beat heavily in his chest. Though he stripped quickly and slid into bed, he could find little rest for the night, fumbling over the day’s events in his head.<br><br>------- <br><br>After he finally sank into a light sleep, Donovan woke early the next morning. He spent a few minutes grinning at his ceiling like a fool as he recalled the events from the night before. Whistling to himself, he ambled to the restroom where he bathed and shaved before dressing himself in simple, comfortable attire.<br><br>He felt like a man who had suddenly regained his freedom—though he had not been aware of his imprisonment. But he hadn’t forgotten the topic he had wished to discuss with Fiona. Making his way to her room, he leaned onto the doorframe and rapped his knuckles against the wood. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 05:28:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Feel free to use any NPC, btw))<br><br>Fiona, in contrast, woke up later. She spent a good waking while looking at the ceiling, at her walls, and decorations within her room, going over what had happened between them.<br><br>After so much time of nothing, Fiona felt the pulse of her heart's interests, interests she had not felt before,&nbsp; interests she had not yet touched. She slipped out of bed, a hand on her stomach, walking over to her wardrobe mirror.<br><br><em>What does he do with his interests, anyway?</em> Fiona pulled her nightgown up and off of herself, untying and slipping off her undergarments and letting them all pool on the floor before her. Standing before her mirror, she examined her naked body, looking at herself in the early morning sunlight, filtered weakly into her room. <em>Why are men so desirous of this?</em> She smiled softly, amused at how simple-minded a desire was, how proprietarily inconvenient it was to so wantonly indulge, but so many did anyhow.<br><br>And, here she was, with the first stirrings of any lusty feelings she could recognize oriented toward her brother.<br><br>Fiona blinked and looked toward the door with a bit of surprise. She recognized the rapping to be Donovan's, and mentally exclaimed her anxiety as she grabbed her nightgown from the floor, scampered to her bed, and dove under the covers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 05:44:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Awesome, I was wondering about that. Do you have specific plans with Alex that I shouldn’t disturb?))<br><br>At the noise within, Donovan recognized that Fiona must be awake. Slowly, he turned the doorknob and opened it just a crack. When no objection from her came, he stepped inside. His gaze swept the room, finding his sister beneath the covers. With an amused chuckle—rich with his recent happiness—he made his way near the bed, leaning against the wall as he looked down at Fiona, “Morning.”<br><br>He noticed none of her surprise, unaware of her state of undress beneath the covers. It was common for him to venture into her room in the mornings—to see if she was ready to leave for the campus, or just because he was trying to procrastinate against starting his work.<br><br>But this morning, he leapt straight to his point, “Do you have a moment? I had something I wanted to discuss with you…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 05:56:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Plans for Alex are less fleshed out than Celoine, actually. Feel free to use either of them or make new ones, though. Part of how much I'm enjoying this is how you take things in directions I wouldn't have laid out myself. ^_^))<br><br>Expecting him to come in of his own accord, Fiona was somewhat relieved that he had been as slow as he had, as his earlier speed would have had him come in and see her scampering, naked fleeing toward her bed.<br><br>Fiona wore an expression of suppression, trying to smile away her embarrassment at being in such a state of undress, since she didn't have time to put anything back on. Holding the covers up around her tightly, she nodded with a slightly different tone. "Ah, morning, brother."<br><br>As she tried to maintain composure, she found her cheeks reddening a bit. "Oh, uh, what did you want to discuss?" Swallowing subtlely, she kept as hidden as she could, and tried to not be too obvious about her discomfort - but, considering her experiences, found it exceptionally difficult.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 06:03:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Great. I have one that should be making an appearance sometime. And… I’ve been contemplating the Alex thing. We’ll see. :p))<br><br>If only Donovan had known—then he might have stepped through faster. As it was though, he finally began to notice that something was not quite normal. Fiona’s awkward embarrassment eventually broke into his happy delirium and he noted the way she clung to the covers with an unwonted modesty.<br><br>For his own amusement though, Donovan decided to pretend as if he still hadn’t caught on. He sat down at the edge of Fiona’s bed, moving slightly closer to her, but not disturbing her carefully arranged sheets.<br><br>“Well, you saw me with Celoine yesterday,” he said, taking a slightly more serious tone, “She was here because she came to me with an unusual request… Her grandfather died recently and she seems to have an interest in necromancy. I didn’t tell her anything, of course,” he added the last part hastily, “But… she seems fairly desperate and we do have the means to help her…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 06:09:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((I look forward to it. :D We might eventually start using the parents, too. XD))<br><br>Since Donovan didn't make visible note of her state, she couldn't know that he had caught on, and so she kept it up, trying as hard as she could to appear unmoved by it all.<br><br>"Ah, uh, yes, I did." She blinks, wondering where his words are going to go, and then listened to what he said of her. "Is that so..." Fiona pondered what she knew of Celoine, thinking back. It was pretty clear to her that Celoine was trying to get Donovan's affections, and their embrace spoke of that, twinging a bit of sorrow-jealousy in her, but she thought more about her request, her eyes becoming guarded. "I don't think our secret is out, but she may have had a lucky guess." She shrugs slightly, trying not to make it so apparent that her shoulder was completely bare. "Be careful with her, brother. She may be trying to manipulate you." Her eyes watched his carefully, wanting him to know the seriousness with which she took it.<br><br>"I don't trust her."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 06:20:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Yeah I keep wondering when we’ll do that))<br><br>Donovan managed to retain his composure as she continued her act, managing to pay attention to her words as he repressed the urge to laugh. He frowned at her mild accusation towards Celoine. Why? She seemed too ingenuous to be manipulative. She was just… misguided, perhaps.<br><br>“Manipulate? I doubt it…” Donovan shook his head, “The girl seems completely naïve.” He frowned thoughtfully, “But I’ll remember your counsel.” This complicated matters. Somehow, Donovan was hoping that Fiona would simply encourage him to help Celoine, thereby solving his dilemma. But of course, being female, Fiona was unlikely to be under the spells to which Donovan had fallen easy prey.<br><br>“Thank you, sister, for your advice.” He playfully dove forward into her, nearly tackling her back down onto the bed, but careful not to move the sheet. Planting a kiss on her forehead, he grinned and said, “I suppose I should let you get dressed then, tempting as it is to tear the covers from you.”<br><br>With that, Donovan pushed himself back off the bed and headed for the door.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 06:26:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona frowned, shaking her head a bit, thinking back to it. "If anyone came to us regarding necromancy... it's too risky to let them on to anything we know. The backlash we could suffer is immense." While Fiona hadn't time to see through Celoine, something about her - perhaps simply how she had seen her with her brother, though she would have denied it - made her not so trustful of her.<br><br>She nodded a bit, smiling awkwardly and then making a surprised sound as he dove onto her, her hands tightening around the sheets with a swallow. Eying him with embarrassment, she then felt the heat rise into her cheeks as he spoke of her state under the covers, unable to do much but blush. She was thankful he wasn't so forward as to drag her out or pull them off, as much as she felt... a pull, toward him.<br><br>Fear still came over her, when it came to such things.<br><br>Watching him go, she sighed a breath of relief after he left, and only slowly got out of bed to get dressed. <em>That was close...</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 06:40:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan left, turning Fiona’s words in his mind. It was too risky, she was right, but something in him yearned to help this girl. Perhaps, he told himself, it was simply that he understood what she felt. He and Fiona were lucky in that they learned much of their art from their parents—at least the beginnings before they became old enough to discover things for themselves. Where would people such as Celoine ever find the resources to learn what she must?<br><br>Perhaps that shouldn’t be his concern.<br><br><br>Charles Dubois III was the oldest son of the Dubois family. His was one of the few estates with reputedly more wealth than the Vorum family, though less magical prestige. They had made most of their fortune on good investments, good land, and a wealth of slave labor. But they were nevertheless highly influential, serving as key investors for many of the big businesses in town.<br><br>He was just a semester shy of graduating from the university, though the rumor stood that he had less than acceptable grades and his father had to bribe the university dean to allow him his diploma. He was a pompous ass, but he had inherited stunning good looks and an unimaginable amount of money, so he had his share of popularity on campus.<br><br>Lately, he had taken an interest in Fiona Vorum. Rumor was, she had been indulging the interests of less-than-worthy suitors—peasants, really, by his standards. The girl was beautiful, intelligent, successful and with a name worthy of becoming a Dubois. Today, Charles waited in the rarely visited corner of the library with soft, aged armchairs where he had often seen Fiona study when she wanted a quiet moment for concentration.<br><br>He sat with his expensive, polished boots on the low, wooden table, pillowing his perfectly-groomed blonde hair on one arm as he waited for her to arrive.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 06:50:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The flustered morning gave to school, as it did always, where Fiona again demonstrated effortless prowess in her classes. Though classes were on matters beyond the rudimentary and more into specialized theory and application, the pace was always far too slow for Fiona. She would often finish entire series of tomes for <em>all</em> of her classes within the first month and be ahead for the rest of the semester. Her private learning in the Vorum estate trumped most of what she would learn in classes, so she was utterly bored when put to demonstrating mastery over aged skills and projects. Consequently, she frustrated professors by working on other theories and applications while in their classes, and bringing up questions that were beyond many of the other students.<br><br>After another day of this, and the other matters that had been occupying her, Fiona had resolved to go to the library and read up some more on teleportation while letting her heart and mind smooth out. Donovan had ruffled her, and she was still trying to put it together and get the slightest peep into her desires; he was far more experienced than her in this area, and she was trying to get over her anxiety over it.<br><br>As she came to her usual reading spot, she saw the heir to the Dubois family and stopped where she was. She blinked slowly, looking at his boots and then toward his blond hair. His particular set of aesthetics was not particularly attractive to Fiona, as much as she could be attracted to anyone, but she kept her interactions with others cordial; the Dubois family was important, if not truly inferior when it came to true power, and it would be unbecoming to her breeding and station to not be polite despite his pompousness (unjustified in her eyes, considering his skill at magic).<br><br>Walking up to the chair, she smiled politely at Charles. "I don't see you in here very often, Charles."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 07:08:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Charles’s gaze switched to the door the moment that he heard footsteps, studying her approvingly from head-to-toe and making no secret of it. Up until recently, he had dismissed Fiona for his dislike of her brother. He and Donovan had an unfortunate run-in in Donovan’s first year that somehow ended with the seat of Charles’s trousers aflame. Few people knew of it; Charles had chose to keep it quiet rather than seek persecution for his own fear of embarrassment. Donovan insisted that it was an accident of a spell gone awry, but Fiona would knew that Donovan’s spells rarely went awry—especially ones as simple as those taught in university intro courses.<br><br>But, after careful consideration, Charles had decided that he could tolerate Fiona’s unfortunate prat of a brother if it meant getting his suitable bride. Besides, what better revenge than to claim Donovan’s sister.<br><br>Charles removed his feet from the table and stood as Fiona approached, “The library doesn’t usually appeal to me,” he answered in his lofty, resounding voice. If he had the brains for it, he could have been a commanding orator or politician, “I hadn’t much reason to visit until I discovered that you frequented it.”<br><br>“I must be fully honest with you, Fiona,” he said, “I did not come for the books.” He said these words as if he were bestowing a great favor upon her, “The good news has reached me that you have been receiving suitors and I am pleased to tell you that I would like to court your favor.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 07:16:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hundreds of acidic remarks came to mind in response to his remarks, which belittled him all the more in Fiona's eyes. As her brother had come to experience, there was nothing that Fiona exalted more than magic, and its mastery required a honed will and its highest depths demanded brilliance from its users. This was an integral part of why she had found her suitors so loathsome in the past, so beneath her and therefore beneath her attention, but she had relaxed that temporarily in order to learn more about courting and find out the techniques and secrets of those who engaged in it more regularly than her.<br><br>"Oh? You came for me?" Fiona feigned a demure exterior, particularly around those she viewed with condescension, though few outside her brother and the more astute of the students here could tell. She curtsied gently, giving him an immaculately polite smile. "Your news is indeed accurate, though perhaps it overstates your good fortune." She blinked her eyes, studying the shifts of his body and voice; when she put effort into it, she was a skilled reader of others, but the more odious of males gave her little reason to pay attention to them. At least she had something to draw upon to interest her, when interacting with them more.<br><br>"I am particularly busy with the sudden surge of suitors, but I can likely fit some time in for you at the end of this week or next. What did you have in mind, Charles?" Any words of flattery from her would be hollow, and given the circumstance, she nearly turned him down; but, considering his standing, it would be easy enough to see what he had to offer and then defer her interest and timetable. If nothing else, she would gain a greater hold on his family, or piss Charles off - and either result suited her just fine, as long as she did it in a polite and upstanding manner.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 07:29:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She accepted. Of course she accepted. No girl had ever turned down Charles Dubois; though a great lot of them could not have afforded it. A marriage with the heir to the Dubois fortune would guarantee anyone a lifetime of prestige and security—though Donovan frequently muttered behind their backs that the entire family fortune would crash once Charles took the helm.<br><br>Simply too full of himself to notice Fiona’s act, Charles bought it entirely, though he seemed perturbed that she did not abandon her entire schedule to fit him in. In any normal circumstance, he would have chosen to take offense to such effrontery, but his interest in Fiona was serious and he decided that he could be patient if only this once. Masking his displeasure moderately well with a smile, Charles nodded.<br><br>“The end of this week it is then. I shall be by at six o’clock Saturday” He was surprised that she asked him what he had in mind. Most girls were satisfied enough with the mere invitation that they simply said yes and waited. Perhaps there was a problem in courting women that thought for themselves, but he would consider that later, “Don’t you worry about the plans, my sweet. On my honor, it will be the best evening of your life.”<br><br>He gave a short bow at the waist and turned to go, “I shall see you Saturday.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 07:37:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was a combination of sheer sadistic tendency, rigid self-discipline, and years of etiquette that kept Fiona from bursting out laughing at Charles' words. "Very well; I will see you Saturday, then." <em>The best evening of my life?</em> Fiona swallowed the laugh that accompanied the smile on her face that cropped up as soon as Charles was walking away, threatening to split into full bellied-laughter.<br><br><em>His arrogance knows no bounds, now does it?</em> While Fiona had anticipated meeting with a number of misogynistic, naive, self-righteous men, Charles really did take the crowning honor of holding himself in such oblivious self-regard. Her contempt deepened for him, but it would be far too <em>easy</em> to let him see it. After all, she would simply have to express disinterest and boredom to lose herself of him - he would hardly be able to stand being treated as something so beneath what he saw of himself.<br><br>Covering her mouth once no one was in sight, Fiona let out several giggles, eminently amused by what had transpired. Sitting down to read for the next hour or so, she let out quiet laughter at erratic intervals, her mind playing over the possibilities of upstaging and humiliating Charles while still appearing to be the delicately stern flower of the Vorum family.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 07:52:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan had just finished his first and only class of the day. He had passed most of the morning at home, hoping to avoid Celoine while he decided what to make of her request. Feeling foolish for hiding from a seemingly harmless girl, he finally dragged himself to school, dozed through a painfully elementary lesson, and stood around to chat with a few friends before he started on a path towards home.<br><br>Fiona should have already been done for the day, so he expected that she might have already returned home. Still, to be safe, he loitered by the front gates, seated in the shade of an oversized tree, searching the crowds of students that ambled this way or that out of campus. In these moments of silence, he happily rewound through yesterday’s events in his head.<br>&nbsp;<br>Briefly his gaze caught on Alex, standing towards the edge of campus exchanging quiet words with an unfamiliar man dressed in business attire. Donovan frowned, pushing himself up off the ground to investigate, but before he could get near enough, the two broke off and Alex disappeared back through the crowd. Forget Celoine, there was something damned suspicious about that boy, if you asked him.<br><br>With the mild disappointment of being thwarted, Donovan turned towards the carriages to leave for home.<br><br>((I think I have a plan for Alex. But it will unwind itself slowly over time.))<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 07:59:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((I'm wondering what you had planned with Charles.))<br><br>Finally done with her reading, Fiona closed her book and headed out of the library, toward the carriages. Much more kept her occupied these days, so she didn't expect to see Donovan as often as she had before when she left for home. Winding through the school's corridors, she caught a brief glimpse of Celoine staring out a window, her mouth intent on something. Frowning only slightly, Fiona continued and went down the main stairs of the school.<br><br>Walking down the steps, she saw her brother heading toward the carriages. Bringing a hand to her mouth, she whispered a few words softly, invoking a minor cantrip, and smiled as she continued down them, the words wisped to Donovan's ear moments later. "Why in such a hurry?"<br><br>Amused still from earlier, she was eager to regale Donovan with the information and her plans to continue his embarrassment at the hands of the Vorum family. She put no thought to him being jealous about the encounter, as her distaste for him was as strong as Donovan's, and no worries other than Celoine's agendas occupied her mind at the moment. Walking toward him, she waved lightly, approaching him.<br><br>"Good afternoon, brother."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 08:09:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Not to worry, it’s coming soon.))<br><br>Donovan smiled as he heard Fiona’s voice magically wafted to his ear. He slowed his footsteps, gaze probing the crowd for any sight of his sister. He caught her just as she approached, most of his continued animosity towards Alex temporarily alleviated as he waved back in greeting.<br><br>“Good afternoon.” For a moment, he searched over her shoulder for any sight of Alex, but he was still nowhere to be found. Relinquishing his curiosity for the moment, Donovan shrugged, “I thought I saw our… study-buddy, but it seems he’s evaded me…” His suspicions were still tenuous for him to voice them. Any accusatory remark he made would seem to be purely born of jealousy. And maybe, he considered, it was.<br><br>He shook the thought from his mind and turned his attention towards Fiona. She seemed to be in particularly good spirits this afternoon. With a look of amused perplexity, he turned with her towards the carriages, and asked, “What has you in such a fine mood?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 08:15:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Mmm? He seems to be evasive in his schedule." She regarded him curiously, wondering what he harbored in his mind. She knew, still, that he had jealousy toward Alex, who she had initially showed interest in, but she wondered why Donovan would want to go up to him about that. Letting it slide off, her eagerness to share came to the forefront, after she assumed a level of volume that would keep others from overhearing.<br><br>"Charles Dubois approached me today and honored me with a courtship request." She looked at him sidelongly, holding in her amusement for only a moment before grinning with malice and amusement. "You ought to have heard him!" She shifted her voice to mock him, "'Don’t you worry about the plans, my sweet. On my honor, it will be the best evening of your life.'" Snickering afterward, she broke into laughter as they got to the carriage, intensely amused.<br><br>"How best do you think I should contribute to your little fire incident, brother?" Her eyes grinned with intrigue, allowing her to relish and share her more twisted aspects. It was a very Vorum trait, after all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 08:24:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan nodded to her initial comment about Alex, wondering when else the boy would show up at their doorstep, and wondering how many times he had seen Fiona since then. Again, he allowed the topic to slip away, sinking into a distant corner of his mind for further investigation later. He would not let such thoughts ruin Fiona’s perfectly good mood.<br><br>His eyes widened at her announcement. She was right; Donovan harbored no jealous feelings for this one incident. He had more faith in Fiona’s good judgment than to think she would ever honestly consider Charles as an option. With a loud laugh as the carriage started down the road, he shook his head, “That arrogant ass… I’m surprised you even agreed to an evening with him.” <br><br>His expression turned to mild pity, “The poor bastard. I’ll be impressed if you don’t kill him before the night is through,” he smiled, “I’m sure you won’t need my advice as to how to further humiliate him. He makes himself far too easy a target.” He placed a hand over hers and gave look of mock concern, “Do be gentle with him, sister.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 08:36:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona laughed out loud, a hearty, but rare thing these days, terribly amused by what the lout had gotten himself into. There were any number of things she could do, but several prominent ones came to mind... despite his warning, she felt that it would be near effortless to direct and control him. He had little in the way of perception, and she would just be getting too much delight out of making a fool of him. The hard part, in her mind, would be not laughing.<br><br>"Whatever do you mean, brother? I am a perfectly delightful young lady, proper scion to the Vorum family and of now manners that could shame our great name." Her mock seriousness faded into another outburst of laughter. It was a much-needed reprise from the seriousness that had been going on between.<br><br>Her conversation followed that for a time, as well as the fretful professors, before snaking toward thoughts on Teleportation. "I did more research on the matter, and I think we can finish a formula for binding the body and soul through the magic by the end of the week." She smiled brightly at Donovan as they arrived back at their estate. "That is, if you're not too busy." She winked teasingly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 08:45:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Delightful young lady, my ass,” Donovan rolled his eyes, elbowing her lightly, “Why is it that I never get to enjoy any of this delightfulness?” he teased. Of course, he knew his sister was perfectly well-behaved outside their manor walls, but personally, he preferred the Fiona without proper decorum.<br><br>Listening intently to her thoughts on teleportation, he nodded as he processed her progress, adding his input where necessary. In all the excitement, he hadn’t had much chance to continue their research, but he had put in the few odd hours here and there to expand upon Drake’s work. He wondered how much of this they would share with Alex. How would they explain from whence their newfound information came?<br><br>“<em>Me</em> too busy?” he laughed as the carriage rolled to a stop near the entrance to the manor. Walking to the front door, Donovan continued, “<em>I</em> am not the one with suitors banging down the door. And, besides. You’ll be much too busy preparing for your big night with Charles dearest to spend time working with your brother.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 09:02:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You're always free to visit me on the estate." Fiona regarded her brother playfully, amused by his jibes. She did rather delight at seeing him, even amidst her other activities, and almost always welcomed his interruptions. When they were just him, anyway.<br><br>Donovan's remarks made her snicker. There was not much preparation to do, in earnest, despite what she would want to do to him. In truth, it would be more of a diversion than anything - though a well crafted one.<br><br>"I'm happy to make time for you, though, Donovan." While it was the amusements of Charles that had lifted her into a more mirthful mood, Donovan made her feel at ease. Without him to speak of her delights to, they would be less entertaining and less distracting; triumphs were often greater shared, and there was little she would not tell her brother.<br><br>"I'll be looking forward to my next outing," she added as she headed to the study, grinning softly. She was, of that there was no doubt; what Donovan had planned for her was going to be a lovely surprise for her, as always.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 09:14:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan’s teasing grin slid into a softer smile at her remarks, “Well good. You can always rely on me to distract you from your studies then,” he responded. That much had always been true. She was still the more diligent student, despite his capabilities, and he frequently showed up to interrupt her work.<br><br>When she commented on her next outing, his expression grew even more enthusiastic, “Of course! Perhaps… after this week? After Charles and possibly our teleportation experiment…” he nodded. He also eagerly anticipated the next evening they would have to themselves. Donovan enjoyed all the time they spent together, but there was something to be said for sharing a moment entirely without distraction—without work or school or other people around. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 09:27:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She regarded him fondly as he left her sight. Part of their interactions seemed much like how they were before, with their affection toward each other and easy-going natures. They were so comfortable with each other - it was almost surreal to think of them being so tense with one another, so distant. Almost.<br><br>Fiona spent much of her free time that night before a trip over the lake with another of her suitors, who she dismissed afterward for a lack of good conversation. Though the lad was nice, such distractions were of little use to her, and their appeal faded quickly. Without a mix of certain qualities that, unsurprisingly, she found in her brother, many of them fell short of capturing her interest.<br><br>On her way back to the estate, Fiona thought curiously of what Alex had been involved in. The last time she had seen him, they had discussed what he had unearthed regarding teleportation. Fiona had ventured little, not wanting to give away what they had learned from Finnegan Drake, and not wanting to share any of their family secrets, either. Still, Alex had provided a few ideas regarding the shifting of patterns and energy over distances that she had gleaned some ideas from. Fiona held a bit of a soft spot for Alex, which stemmed from a mix of determination and apparent shyness, an earnest interest in magic, and a face and body that appealed to her, unlike so many others. Though Alex ventured little in the way of showing courting interest, beyond his treatment of her, he likely would have been the suitor she would have enjoyed most, outside of her brother.<br><br>Returning home, she stood outside of their manse for several long minutes, looking at the impressive structure and thinking of what was contained in her bowels, where her mother had been resurrected from her death. How so was their art so terrible? Well, then, she conceded that it was - she happily inflicted misery and undeath upon the living, so it was really no matter for her. But Donovan had spoke of Celoine wanting to bring her Grandfather's spirit back... such a matter was perhaps more benign, but nothing good could come from them sharing secrets with outsiders.<br><br>Sighing, she entered the estate, looking to say good night to Donovan.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 09:41:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan had spent most of the evening pouring over the few books he had unearthed with relevant theories to their teleportation study. He had greeted her nameless and unremarkable suitor briefly before they left for their outing. While he wasn’t thrilled that she continued with her current suitors, he decided to accept it for the time being, repressing his more possessive urges as he watched them leave.<br><br>He had unconsciously dragged his studying out in order to wait for Fiona’s return. What consoled him in all of this was that, no matter who took him out, she still technically came home to him—even if it was by default. However, his last sleepless night had weighed on him and he grew increasingly exhausted as the night dragged on.<br><br>By the time Fiona arrived, Donovan had fallen asleep in his desk, bent over it with his face pressed into the pages of a book, dressed only in a thin undershirt and undershorts. The lamp on his desk burned low at a dim glow, but he had left his door open so that he could see if Fiona arrived at some late hour.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 09:52:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona stopped at Donovan's door, still dressed up, after returning from her outing. She rapped softly on his door, not wanting to disturb anyone else in the household. She entered in the small opening he had left, looking about in his room.<br><br>"Studying? How very uncharacteristic of you, brother." As she moved toward him, she gave a soft chuckle, jibing him. He was as brilliant as she was, though she may have held more knowledge on arcane matters.<br><br>Fiona raised a brow at his attire, standing behind him. "What are you reading?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 10:01:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan woke with a start as she stepped in, blinking at her several times before he straightened up and rubbed his eyes. With a yawn and a long stretch, he leaned back and reached behind himself to wrap his arms around her in a light hug. With his head on her chest, he shrugged, having to glance down at the book to remind himself of what he was studying.<br><br>“Something about the magical properties of the soul. Not very useful though.” Releasing her from his embrace, he turned in his chair so he could see her in the dim glow of the single, dwindling flame, “It doesn’t venture anywhere near manipulating souls. Most wielders of dark magic were still too cowardly to risk putting their discoveries into print.” It was a complaint he had often. Imagine by what leaps and bounds necromancy would progress if practitioners didn’t have to begin with the basics every single time.<br><br>Standing, he ambled over to his bed and flopped down onto it, propping himself onto one elbow so he could still see her, “So, how was the outing?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 10:08:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With him moving from the chair to the bed, he took his former place, sitting down and looking toward him. "Much of the formulaic work I do is derivative," she replied, finding many of her discoveries by applying what other sorcerors knew in other fields to that of her experiments and necromancy. "But yes... this world is full of many cowards." She chuckled softly.<br><br>"As for the outing.." Fiona shrugged noncommittally. "There don't seem to be any that are very appealing or interesting." She rolled her eyes to the side, making a gesture indicating her total lack of surprise. "It's been an experiment of sorts... but interesting ploys have become fewer in number." A frown struck her features only briefly.<br><br>"Though, I wonder..." her eyes moved to his, looking at him intently. "What would we do in the world of court romance if we only saw each other?" The thought had been nagging at her, and for all of her flaunting of society's rules in private, it would seem odd if both declined all advances for the rest of their years (Donovan, in particular). While political marriages were no uncommon matter, they were still more often than not expected to bear children... and these thoughts concerned her somewhat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 10:17:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan already knew; he had watched her work for all these years, after all, and he had no choice but to work in the same way. It simply frustrated him that everything had to move so slowly. He was an impatient man at heart—perhaps why he found it more difficult to be as diligent as she was. Results came simply too slowly for his tastes when they worked at more complex magic. <br><br>He raised a brow at her question, surprised that she had even considered it by now. Of course, the thought had struck him, but he had not expected her to think of it for as long as she was undecided. With a small laugh, Donovan answered, “We would be two perfectly happy people enjoying our lives together.” <br><br>Then he considered it seriously, “There are individuals who pass their lives without taking a consort—none of whom really suffer terrible amounts of social repercussions. There would be some suspicions…” he shrugged, “There are many marriages for the purpose of social or economic advancement, which we don’t require. I’m sure the gossips in the aristocracy would snidely remark that we think too highly of ourselves to marry,” he grinned, “Or that I’m a eunuch or that you’re barren or some other ridiculous thing… but… like most court gossip, it would pass.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 10:25:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona thought of his words and nodded softly. "Mm...&nbsp; just like the Sarin heir, the Toin scion, and the Rydell matron." She tilted her head a bit, pondering, before an amused smile came to her lips. "And how do you think father and mother would react?" That was a conversation that could potentially amuse and embarrass her, but Fiona did not expect their parents to not notice; they were involved in their lives often enough, and had learned quite a bit from them. Elaine, their mother, had taught Fiona well how to perceive the thoughts of others through their bodies - she had little thought of trying to deceive her.<br><br>Watching her brother, Fiona wondered how much of this Donovan had already thought out. Though she was quite the plotter herself, and Donovan was full of impatience, she knew he still considered matters intelligently and had likely come up with any answers to obstacles that might lie in his path, regardless of whether or not he previously pursued it. Her twin could anticipate as well as she should, and there was no lack of interest in this matter from his side. He would likely inform her of everything, if the time came...<br><br>Fiona yawned softly as she looked at him, smiling.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 10:34:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Exactly,” Donovan nodded. It wouldn’t be an absolutely pleasant thing with which to cope, but their family had harbored unspeakable secrets for generations; deceiving the probing gossips of the court seemed hardly a proper challenge. At the mention of their parents, Donovan chuckled. While he by no means had a hostile relationship with their parents, he was less close to their mother than Fiona was, lacking the feminine bond, and as he grew older, he grew more distant from their father—the whole clashing alpha males syndrome.<br><br>“Honestly? I haven’t the slightest idea. But… Our I do know that they would be far more proud of us for advancing in the field of magic than any potential marriage we might have. I doubt they would suspect—well, at least, father would certainly never notice he’s so occupied with his work all the time…”<br><br>Considering that it was their parents who had raised them to know that rules could be bent and broken, it would be rather hypocritical for them to obey this one arbitrary social mandate. But, on the other hand, it wasn’t exactly a matter to which most people reacted well…<br><br>((Sleep for me. Night.))<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 10:42:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Though her mind picked on such things easily, thinking through such thoughts made a slight twinge of red come to her cheeks. More and more, Fiona wondered what, exactly, Donovan had in mind. While she wasn't completely ignorant about it, there was much she did not know, and his urgency was, if nothing else, interesting. But that was how he acted in such matters, was it not?<br><br>Fiona gave a shrug, moving to stand up from the chair. "Considering everything, no, I do not suppose they would oppose it, even if they did know." Her mother would likely just tell them to be happy with whatever they did, and hold that secret knowing smile for what was done of the 'forbidden'. Father had always pushed them to excel, regardless of rules and restrictions, but Fiona had found that it was Elaine's tastes that brought her to darker and darker things within the bounds of what Necromancy could do.<br><br>"Well." Bringing up her hand, Fiona covered another yawn. "We ought to get off to sleep." She smiled at him, extinguishing his lamp with a wave of her hand. "Do get some rest this night, brother."<br><br>Leaving the room, she went to get some of her own. All of this business with suitors did often tire her out, and there was always more studying to do...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 18:50:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Even in the fading lamplight, Donovan made out the slight blush that colored Fiona’s cheeks. Though he said nothing of it, it made him smile—he found her uncertainty about these matters endearing, though it made him wonder exactly how innocent she was.<br><br>Donovan nodded as Fiona stood to leave, calling after her, “Goodnight,” as she left the room. Too exhausted to do otherwise, he simply crawled under the sheets and slept deeply for the night. <br><br><div align="center">----------</div><br>The end of the week advanced quickly. Donovan passed most of it either studying or distracting Fiona from studying. Alex stopped by and left a note with a servant that he would come by in a few days to share progress with them on their research, but otherwise could not be found. On Saturday, Donovan woke with the amused recollection that Fiona’s date with Charles had been scheduled for today—though he really couldn’t decide for whom to feel more sorry.<br><br>After a little work, a little play, and an afternoon spent cantering his prized quarterhorse through the estate grounds, Donovan went searching for Fiona. He wandered up through the halls of their home, deciding that she would most likely be in her room preparing for the evening from hell. Stopping before the door, he tapped on the wood. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 19:08:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona was standing in the middle of her room, holding a wooden bauble, with a eldritch circle inscribed around her in faintly glowing runes. Fiona's eyes were closed as she whispered the final portions of the ritual, a faint glow erupting upwards from the runes and flitting to the wooden bauble in her hands, where they faded afterward and all traces of the ritual disappeared from the ground.<br><br>Smiling deeply, Fiona called out to her brother. "Come in."<br><br>For the occasion, Fiona was in a rather elegant violet dress, with accompanying dark reds and dark red ribbons in her hair. Dressing well was something Fiona enjoyed when occasions presented themselves for it, and her outfits could get fairly elaborate when it came to large parties. Though inwardly she did not find herself strikingly feminine, this was an activity she did derive some joy from. While it did not consume her as it did Charles, Fiona was no stranger to bouts of vanity.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 20:46:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan turned the handle and opened, stepping into her room. Just before the ritual faded entirely, he felt the faint but familiar traces of his sister’s magic dissipate through the air into nothing. Everyone’s hand had a signature, and Fiona’s sorcery had always felt reassuring to him, like a homecoming of sorts. With a question at his lips, the words dropped instantly away, forgotten as he saw Fiona’s choice of attire.<br><br>He coughed to mask his moment of shock, though not particularly well, eyes still lingering on the way the dress framed her body, “Well <em>I</em> could have taken you somewhere fancy if it meant you would dress like that…” he remarked, half-joking.<br><br>Intentionally redirecting his gaze so that he would stop staring like an idiot, he studied her window as he asked, in a tone of amused suspicion, “So what were you doing before I entered, exactly?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 20:57:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Turning toward her brother, Fiona walked with a regal and stately bearing, as if approaching a vassal whom she honored by her presence. Eying him with the airs of the facade, a slight smirk came to her lips as she slipped the wooden bauble into one of the secret folds of her dress; as much as he enjoyed dressing up, Fiona never forgot the utility of secrets held close.<br><br>"You are always welcome to invite me to any grand parties," she murmured lightly, amused. Her fingers folded into each other, another set of ribbons wrapped around her arms up to where the dress began. Though they had servants of all sorts, Fiona preferred to use the hands of commanded force to dress herself, making fit and alteration as easily as directing her mind. It was particularly easier than dealing with mindless servants and without the tedium of directing a mindful servant to perfection.<br><br>She laughed in a haunting, melodic way, the sparkle in her eyes an indication of sadistic mischief. "I was preparing a gift for the eldest of the dear Dubois family, brother." Her smirk deepened into a grin. "I would not want him to depart without a sense of his value to me, now I would I?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 23:11:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan laughed, “Yes but I doubt the snobbish attendees of said parties would take well to me showing up with my sister on my arm…” He returned his attention to Fiona, standing behind her and affectionately studying her reflection in the mirror. Watching as she manipulated the ribbons about her arms, he grinned, intentionally shifting one out of place to kiss the back of her shoulder, “as much as I would love to do so.”<br><br>He matched his sister’s mischievous grin, twin smiles reflected in the flat plane of the mirror, “Of course not. I expect you to let him know exactly how you feel towards him.” The smile faltered for a moment, “Though you should be careful, Fiona. Charles is a fool, but he holds an unfortunate amount of influence and does not take well to being mistreated.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-06-2009, 23:39:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Likely not." Fiona grinned lightly, amused; it would be an interesting sight to have them dancing arm in arm at such an event throughout the evening. The touch of his lips made Fiona's skin tingle, though she did not show much.<br><br>"Of course, Donovan; it wouldn't do to make their family one of our enemies. I know the art of discretion." She resumed her regal smile and brought a hand to his cheek, holding it gently. "Accidents are accidents, after all." Bemusement on her lips, she released her hand and started moving for the door.<br><br>With Charles' aptitude, she would be surprised if he could see through any veil she put up with invested effort. It was not at all a difficult matter to trick the weak, though she would retain her skill and care in doing so. Charles ought to think of her as being the noble maiden, despite her lack of interest in him. It was a careful art balancing so many things, but with such stakes involved, it would be a delicious evening.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>28-06-2009, 00:41:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan smiled, enjoying the touch of her hand at his cheek, “Well have fun with it then.” He turned after her to leave, gaze following her as she moved. The moment the door opened, they saw a servant prepared to knock. Immediately, she bowed, “Miss, there is a Master Dubois here for you.” <br><br>Donovan snickered behind her. He caught his arm around her waist as he slid past her, “Good luck, sister.” Lightly kissing her cheek, he turned towards his own room, having little desire to meet and greet Charles himself. Besides, it would only put Charles in a foul mood, which would probably not improve Fiona’s evening.<br><br>-----<br><br>Charles waited downstairs, pressed and dressed for the evening. For anyone who didn’t know him, with more typical tastes, he would have been an impressive sight. He stood in white double-breasted coat with gold trim and tailored black slacks. With his hair slicked into place and vividly blue eyes, he looked for the world as if he had stepped out of a fairy tale.<br><br>He stood in the marbled foyer, hands clasped behind his back, waiting for Fiona to arrive.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>28-06-2009, 04:42:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smiling at her brother, she watched him go before leaving her room to descend. Donovan was a much better companion, alas.<br><br>Continuing with her manner, Fiona walked to the top of the stairs of the foyer and smiled politely at Charles. She took her time walking down, having already decided that she would act with great patience, and as such, a very slow and casual pace. Her appearance and behavior immaculate, she would leave the indelible impression upon Charles that the only thing lacking in her as a candidate for a bride was the fact that she declined his interest.<br><br>Such were the delights of this game.<br><br>"Good evening, Charles." She curtsied at the bottom of the stairs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>28-06-2009, 09:37:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Charles looked towards the stairwell as Fiona appeared, watching her descent with a ravenous gaze. He gave her a long, surveying look and nodded as if to say <em>that will do</em>. Matching her curtsy with low bow, he took her hand, and kissed the top of it, “Good evening, Fiona, my sweet.” With a smile, he offered her his arm to escort her.<br><br>Behind, one of his servants stood waiting, dressed in the livery of the house Dubois. The man—a towering figure with a severe expression—bowed and opened the door for their departure. Outside, Charles had his coach waiting, also emblazoned with the Dubois crest. Its exterior walls were painted white, making it stand out starkly against usual, darker vehicles.<br><br>Another servant, a smaller man more likely to be the driver, held open the door for Charles and Fiona as they approached.<br><br>“Tonight,” Charles announced as he waited for Fiona to board the coach, “We shall be the guest of none other but the duke himself. He is hosting an exclusive fete. It’s an important affair—by special invitation only, you see.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>28-06-2009, 17:38:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona wondered, truly, how many times he would address her as his <em>sweet</em>. Ignoring his impolite gaze, she returned his smile with one of politeness and mild deference, and let him escort her outside.<br><br>Looking at the details of their carriage and his servants, Fiona committed them to her mind. The servants may unwittingly come to be of handy, and she didn't want to mess up any details.<br><br>Appearing pleasantly surprised, in a mild manner, at his declaration, she boarded the coach. "The duke? That is quite a feat. Who else will be in attendance?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>28-06-2009, 19:09:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The door was shut behind them as they boarded the coach and it started down the road. Pleased that she seemed pleased, Charles answered, “Several more members of the royal family, I’m sure—though I am uncertain as to which ones. Prince Ewan is a close friend of mine, and he should be there, along with the Orfin brothers, Celeste Durante—who is, as you should know, the Queen’s niece, Jasper and Wren—the Kestler siblings…” he continued for a little bit longer, counting off the guest list on his fingers.<br><br>Most of the names he had listed belonged to individuals around their age and, much like him, were heirs to immense fortunes made on business and politics. And, again like Charles, a lot of them were the unpromising children of wealthy parents. The Orfin brothers—despite their parents’ brilliance and industry—were in their sixth year of university, still unable to graduate. Celeste Durante was so notoriously airheaded that the royal family prevented her from many public appearances. And, even Prince Ewan, the youngest son of the King and Queen was known as the rogue child who, though perfectly bright, spent his nights drinking and brawling and seducing young women.<br><br>Charles continued by regaling Fiona with extensive stories of how he came to know the Duke’s son and how highly regarded he was in the eyes of the royal family. After the coach rolled to a stop, the driver returned to open the door for them. Charles continued to babble endlessly as they went up the long front walk to a sprawling estate that was embarrassingly extravagant even from the outside. When they reached the entrance, his two attendants broke off towards the servants’ wing for the evening.<br><br>The doors were opened for them and, upon being guided into the ballroom, they were greeted by the sounds of a party already in swing. It was clear that, though this was the Duke’s home, the duke was nowhere to be seen. His son, the painfully pompous Ferdinand sat in the corner with two girls on his arm, speaking extensively of his plans to enhance his family fortune. <br><br>The beautifully tiled floor was filled with men and women speaking or dancing to the lively tune provided by a small band. All around, there were servants carrying trays with hors d'oeuvres or glasses of champagne. Several guests were already suffering from the effects of overindulgence, stumbling about and breaking into loud fits of laughter.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>28-06-2009, 19:30:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona listened with sincere interest to the guest list. Despite her disinterest in Charles, every public outing was an opportunity to maneuver within court politics, and Fiona would never willingly do a disservice to her family's name. Though public appearances weren't her favorite way of spending evenings, there was a certain amount of maintenance that came with cultivating one's standing and reputation, and Fiona earnestly pursued the Vorum family's destiny.<br><br>Of course, the many families around theirs that showed so little brilliance and aptitude toward magic made Fiona want to burn them all. She wouldn't (at least for now), but she saw her family as being clearly superior to all of these others, seeing how their scions fared. Playing upon these relationships told her more and more of their weaknesses and strengths, kept her appraised of shifting alliances and deals, and let her be more accessible to the politics of the court. Not that they were especially enjoyable, but it was to her interest to move the Vorum family forward where she could.<br><br>Up until now, that hadn't included courtship.<br><br>Paying an appropriate amount of feigned attention to Charles, dropping a nod, a yes, an is that so, just often enough that he wouldn't suspect her of not paying attention, she thought of the various players involved and picked out any key bits of information Charles gave out. Fiona was above whoring herself for favors and intelligence, but she would capitalize on every opportunity available.<br><br>Smiling brilliantly, she entered into the ballroom with her erstwhile suitor, ready to begin socializing. "This is such a grand event, Charles. I ought to get out to them more often." Her face and tone were the picture of perfect etiquette.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>28-06-2009, 21:47:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Charles guided her through the gathering, pausing to introduce her to the odd guest or two. It was as if he were parading her about—showing off an acquisition he had made. Eyes turned towards her with curiosity. Though both Fiona and Donovan paid their social dues and made public appearances (perhaps Donovan more so than Fiona), this wasn’t their usual crowd. Their family ran within circles where magic was important—among people who shared their passion and interest if not their natural genius for it. These were not those people.<br><br>Smiling at her approval, Charles nodded as if there were no other conclusion she could have reached, “You ought to indeed.” He stopped a passing servant and lifted two glasses of champagne of the tray, handing one to Fiona, “Honestly, Fiona, I’ve seen the other suitors whose interests you have countenanced and they’re beneath you. You belong here—surrounded by the upper echelon of our society.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>28-06-2009, 21:59:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she was introduced, Fiona made gracious acquaintances, drawing upon her experience and grace to present a beauteous front. Though she doubted any would have truly delightful conversation, Fiona learned all of their names and of their families and stations, and made note of who they were with and how they treated everyone else. Fiona was wonderfully charming, of course. Though internally reluctant to step into such matters, once she set her mind to it, it was a whirlwind of action - much like magic. Just far less intoxicating.<br><br>Fiona accepted the champagne with a smile, though she deigned to drink slowly and little. Alcohol was the poison of the mind, after all, and there were as many vipers here as she had poison for them. Regarding Charles with a bemused smile, she acted demure, responding in deference, "I thought it best to sharpen my tastes before coming to the grand feast." It was easier to speak in analogy than directly, sometimes, though she hoped her pompous escort would comprehend what she was getting at. It would be a disappointment to dumb herself down further.<br><br>Directing him subtly, she sought to spend as little one-on-one time with Charles as possible and instead get him to engage in conversation with other guests there. She was particularly interested in Ferdinand's plans, Celeste's doings, the Kestler siblings, Prince Ewan's tastes, and every other bit of planning and weakness she could draw from them. Maintaining her grace and innocence, it was easy to shift suspicion away from her inquiries and to appear 'genuinely' concerned and interested.<br><br>Of course, she was also a smart speaker, and if her company acted in the capacity to understand speech at a higher level, she would employ tricks of words to befuddle her partner while gaining the appreciation of others.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 00:38:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Charles seemed pleased that Fiona comported herself well in this company. He listened halfheartedly to her conversations and jumped in with his own, scarcely relevant tidbits intended either to impress her or their conversational companion. Fortunately for him, a lot of the guests here still bought into his stories, even if Fiona didn’t. As the night wore on, he drained one glass of champagne after another, growing careless in the company of friends.<br><br>Fiona had managed to escape him at one point, and he was in the process of sharing the tale of his latest, wildly successful hunt with Jonathan, the older Orfin brother, when he caught sight of her again. Stopping partway through his story, though possibly drunk enough to not realize that he had even been telling a story, Charles heartily slapped Jonathan’s shoulder and said, “Excuse me, I think I’ll go reclaim my date.”<br><br>Catching Fiona at the tail end of one of her conversations, he took her by the elbow, “There you are darling, are you enjoying yourself?” He snatched another glass of champagne off a passing tray and directed her towards the back door that led into a secluded garden, packed dense with trees and exotic flowers.<br><br>“I’ve been meaning to have a word with you alone, but you’ve been so evasive throughout this evening my dear, but I suppose it’s worth it if you’re having fun.” he said, voice melodic with too much drink. <br><br>The noise of the party stopped almost instantly after the door closed behind them, leaving them alone as Charles meandered happily down the empty path.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 01:15:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Unlike her companion, Fiona had hardly touched on the champagne, and had been handling a minor cantrip to make it appear like she was drinking much more than she was. Without Charles, she was starting to even enjoy herself, and made efforts to ingratiate others to her so that they may provide their own invitations - as she was scant likely to accept another from Charles.<br><br>More than once, she had used a slight shift of force to make Charles act more clumsy than usual, making him spill bits of drink or have a button loose where it wouldn't be obvious - but those of fine perception would tell.<br><br>Making a smile at her companion, she turned to Charles at his touch. "Why, yes - quite a bit." At his next words and direction, which Fiona had fully anticipated, she whispered quiet words under her breath, drawing Necromantic magics that she had earlier placed temporarily into the ribbons adorning her. At her command, she could release through any part of her body, as long as she touched her target - and woe be to the one who suffered.<br><br>But, this was just a safe-measure in case her other tricks did not suffice.<br><br>"The conversation has been very pleasant." She offered him a courteous smile. "What did you want to speak about, Charles?" Fiona's pace was slow and measured, so if he tried to pull her too fast, she would offer a bit of resistance, as subtly as she could.<br><br>One of her hands went to where she had hidden the wooden bauble, a sphere with parts of it carved out, smoothly, resembling a warped egg. Her fingers brushed across it, enjoying the tingle and sizzle of the magic within it, ready to bring it out for him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 01:45:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Charles had been too intoxicated to really notice that he was strangely clumsier than usual. And he was, of course, having the time of his life. He nodded expectantly as she answered his question, “Good, good. See? I knew you would enjoy yourself here. These are the people in whose company you belong—whoops.” He stumbled over a pebble in the path, lurching forward a few steps and spilling half his glass of champagne into the dirt.<br><br>He frowned at the wasted drink and then shrugged before quaffing the rest. Setting it aside on a bench as they passed, Charles continued along the path until the made it to a small clearing. There was a small, sculpted fountain, several marble statues and a few cushioned benches surrounded by fields of soft grass. The area was blanketed with such a pervading, tranquil silence that it seemed difficult to believe that they had been at a party at all.<br><br>“Well,” Charles sighed the word as if preparing to make a very important declaration, “As you know, I am to graduate quite soon whereupon I will begin taking over the family business. And everyone has been waiting with baited breath for me to choose a bride.” Charles didn’t much believe in love. He believed in advantageous social unions, and Fiona would be that.<br><br>“Annnnd I have decided to enter into negotiations with your father regarding your hand in marriage.” At these words, Charles pressed closer to Fiona, breath thick with alcohol.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 01:56:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smirking at his clumsiness, Fiona followed him willingly, looking about at the area that had been sculpted with beauty; she did admire the work of skilled craftsmen, and the sight was enjoyable, even as her companion was not. Were she alone here, it would be a wonderful place to read.<br><br>Watching him carefully, she nodded in tune to his declaration that he was looking for a bride. It was expected, considering his circumstances, and she had not thought him to pursue her for any other reason, given their previous relationship with one another - that is to say, that there was none at all. He hadn't tried to pursue her before.<br><br>At his next words, though, her eyes widened in a bit of genuine surprise. He hadn't expected him to be so direct already, even with her lack of interest in him this night. With how pompous he was, he may not have noticed at all, but it was entirely possible that he was just determined and forward. Smoothing her lips into a smile, she appeared gracious about it. "Oh? I did not know you were so intent of marrying me." She let out a soft laugh. "I will have to speak with my father about the matter; I am sure he be excited to hear your proposal." In truth, this made it even easier to turn him down. She could easily persuade her father to tell Charles that, no, she was not going to be married to the Dubois - that she had an even higher appointment.<br><br>Chuckling inside, she relished the moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 02:15:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Charles beamed as if he had just bestowed upon her a great gift. He nodded at her response, “Oh of course, I just thought it only fair to inform you first. Though I’m sure the process will be swift.” Though Fiona considered him an absolute idiot, Charles’s choice of a bride was actually a highly-anticipated event. It would most likely allow one fortunate a girl a significant rise in the social caste—though in Fiona’s case it would have been a more lateral movement into a different sphere of influence. Charles was at least intelligent enough to recognize his own deficiencies in magic (though he would never admit it), and knew Fiona was the perfect option with which to counterbalance it.<br><br>“It will be the perfect match, Fiona,” he said triumphantly, “with a union between your family and mine, we could conquer anything to which we set our minds.” As he spoke, Charles’s voice dropped lower, he pulled Fiona yet closer, binding one arm around her waist as his other hand roamed over her body, feeling her skin beneath the soft fabric of her dress, tracing over her hip and side and up over her breasts. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 02:20:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Thank you for that." She smiled at him lightly. She knew of the benefits of such a political alliance, but she would not make such a compromise and sacrifice, even for political gain; at worse, she would rather suffer under hardship and challenge than whore herself for money and influence. Fiona had standards, after all.<br><br>As she articulated a response, she felt Charles coming closer and act upon his drunken influence. Feeling a raising of her hair at disgust and revulsion, she brought an arm up to deflect his overly-eager one, making a startled expression. "You're being a bit hasty, Charles - here, I have something for you." While holding him at bay, she produced the wooden egg, her eyes sliding to his with an enigmatic look.<br><br>"I thought it befitting to give a gentleman such as yourself an item of magical power." She offered it to him as she pushed away from him a bit. "Take it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 02:29:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Hasty? Not at all. I can see the way you’ve been looking at me all night,” he said, holding tight to her waist. But he paused as she presented the wooden egg. His expression sobered for a moment in a look of mild surprise. Slowly, he loosed his arm from around her and took the offering, studying it as he held it in his hand. He frowned, as if somewhat annoyed that she interrupted his advances for this.<br><br>“How… thoughtful of you,” he said in a dismissive tone, turning it over between his fingers. Then, giving up, he turned to her, “I’m not sure I understand what it is.” He could sense the magic concentrated in it—many years of forceful education had managed to at least teach him that, but he hadn’t the slightest clue what it was.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 02:35:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As he turned it between his fingers, he felt a tingling sensation spread through his skin and creep further over his body. It was surprising at first, but the film of magic enveloping him at once felt pleasurable, the amount of sensation it gave him increasing at an ever-increasing pace.<br><br>"It's a pleasure-stone." She smiled at him rather brilliantly, as if she had just given him a mountain of gold. Fiona ignored his comment about how 'she had been looking at him', watching the magic do its work. "Since you're the first to taste its magic, it will now serve you whenever you hold it."<br><br>The pleasure built up in him quickly, and it would make him orgasm in a matter of moments, the magic within the wood accelerated by Fiona's manipulation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 02:48:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Charles had been prepared to tuck the stone away somewhere when he felt its magic slowly seep into him, sprawling outwards from his hand and pouring through his body. It was… pleasant, so he kept it, staring confusedly at the wooden trinket until he felt the sensation center on his groin. His cock hardened beneath his pants, stiffening against the fabric and his eyes fell shut momentarily as he battled between the urge to succumb to the feeling and the need to retain propriety.<br><br>But its work was quick. He felt the pressure gather, despite his vehement resistance and he came, spilling his seed against the inside of his pants as he uttered a strange, strangled sound of surprise. For a moment, Charles simply stood rigid, expression blank with absolute shock, knees weak beneath him.<br><br>Then he cleared his throat, flushing momentarily red in the colorless light of the moon. There were really only two conclusions he could have reached at this point—the truth, that Fiona intended for this to humiliate him, or… that she was intensely interested in him and this was her misguided way of expressing it. For his sense of self-importance, Charles leapt immediately to the latter.<br><br>He spoke a clumsy, roundabout spell that cleaned himself up—as he had never mastered the art of unvoiced magic. And he turned towards Fiona, his embarrassment already fading and a wicked grin at his lips. Surely she had already known what would happen. Surely she had wanted it to happen. Surely that meant that she wanted him.<br><br>Slipping the egg into his pocket so that he no longer touched it, “Brilliant,” he smirked, catching his breath, “You wonderfully dirty girl…” He reached for her again, most of his drunken haze fading as he forcefully grabbed her, lifting up the hem of her dress so he could run his hand along her bare thigh. <br><br>“But, if it was pleasure you wished to give me, there are far more… satisfying ways of going about that…” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 02:53:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona tried not to laugh at his inability to resist the magic, though her eyes showed some amusement - it was, after all, a pleasure to embarrass himself so. But she hadn't expected him to recover his lust so quickly, and frowned inside at the failure of the trick. <em>Bah!</em><br><br>Moving to stand, Fiona caught his hand as it went to her thigh, her mind moving swiftly. "It is a pleasure I can only give by magic, unfortunately; my father has made it expressly clear that I cannot indulge any man before my wedding night." She smiled politely as she held his hand up, away from her dress, and showed him a frown of sadness.<br><br>"Were any man to be so forward, the spell he has placed on me would slay them for their... impetuousness." Twisting her mouth, she seemed to be a bit pouty at the revelation, but held her regal bearing and grace. She would not show more to this lout, and had to keep him dissuaded but ignorant.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 03:08:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Charles frowned as she impeded him again, growing increasingly sober with his displeasure, though the alcohol had stripped him of most inhibitions. Who was she to be such a tease? To tempt him and then deny him? Surely she was just playing a game, testing the sincerity of his desire. No matter; no woman has ever resisted Charles Dubois and she would certainly not be the first among them.<br><br>“Well then surely you, who have such aptitude for magic, can reverse the spell,” he said, choosing to doubt that such a spell even existed. She was simply being coy. While his magical abilities might be laughably pathetic, she could not defeat him on pure force. Charles pulled his hand out of her grasp, instead pushing her so that he pressed her back to the base of one of the larger sculptures. Fingers digging hard into her shoulder, he pressed her roughly against the stone.<br><br>“I know you wouldn’t be so discourteous as to arouse my desires and then spurn them,” he said, his voice now a menacing growl. He reached for her dress again, this time tearing the strap on one side so that the fabric flapped down and exposed her further. Dipping his head, he forcefully sucked on the newly revealed skin.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 03:13:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She swallowed. "Despite my skill, my father has greater knowledge, and I had to willingly accept the spell." The circumstances weren't going in Fiona's favor at all, and she made a pained gasp as he moved her and dug her into the stone. She had meant to end his desires, not inflame them. <em>Damn it,</em> she cursed to herself.<br><br>"No - it was meant as a substitute." Fiona made a quiet cry as he forced himself upon her, his tongue on her flesh. "I can't stop the spell from harming you if you continue!" Her voice rose to insistence, trying to appear as vulnerable and unwitting as she could, but a bit of fear creeping into it as well. She did not want this, especially not from him, and she would not hesitate to unleash her spell on him if he continued.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 03:26:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Charles grinned, “Oh but, my little nymph, there can be no substitute for you. The trinket is cute, but it cannot replace your flesh, your body.” One of his hands moved shamelessly over her figure, beneath the fabric of her dress. His other moved over her throat—not quite choking her, but applying slight pressure to it, “Come, my darling, you must want it. And here I am willing to give it to you…”<br><br>“I haven’t had a virgin in a long while…” he contemplated aloud, smile spreading, “too many of these harlots will spread their legs for just about anyone. But not you, my sweet.” His pulse thrummed with excitement, and he could feel his dick stiffening again. She had only encouraged his lust, and she would satisfy it. <br><br>As he leaned in for a hard kiss, Charles’s hand ventured between her legs, fingers probing between the soft folds of her nether lips. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 03:30:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona's eyes turned to fear and, barely, did she restrain her hatred of the ass. "No," she coughed, trying to speak past his pressure on her throat. "Don't!"<br><br>As his hand went to touch her between her legs, the entirety of the spell unloaded into him, rolling Necromantic energies throughout his entire body, spasming him with a shock of undeath. The magic knit death into life, and filled him with massive fatigue as cells nowhere near the end of their lifespan died. Though he was not slain or openly wounded by the magic, his insides were roiling in pain and his blood was as thick sludge through his veins; breathing came only in gasps, and he could muster only a scant fraction of his strength or will.<br><br>Not becoming unconscious outright would be a feat of willpower itself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 03:42:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Charles failed to heed her warnings, his smile dropping instantly as he felt the magic surge from her body. For a moment, he thought that perhaps her warning had been real after all—that she hadn’t been playing games and that a father’s wrath now descended upon him with a vengeance. His fingers squeezed her skin, hard enough to bruise badly, grasping at the fabric of her dress, now fueled by agony rather than lust. He clawed futilely at her, throat choking over incomprehensible gurgles until he collapsed, convulsing against the ground.<br><br>He had only a fleeting thought that he would seek revenge. That no one could get away with assaulting the scion of the Dubois family. But all thought disappeared as the pain seared through him, his thickened blood feeling like shrapnel squeezed through his veins. He would have howled with agony if his lungs didn’t feel so constricted. It seemed utterly unbearable, as if his body had been bound in a vice, squeezing until his bones threatened to burst through his skin. Mercifully, he lost consciousness, body stilling against the pavement.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 03:47:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Breathing somewhat heavily, Fiona's masked face turned into a snarl of hatred and she kicked Charles in the ribs, venting her anger at him. <em>Violator.</em> Her eyes narrowed bitterly, she moved her hand over her dress where he had torn it, and the cloth came back together and knitted its stitching into one unified whole once more.<br><br>Spitting on the bastard, she set herself to look more elegant and graceful, and started back for the party. Once returned, she alerted the servants, informing them that Charles had stumbled upon a magical hex and promptly passed out.<br><br>If no one else sought her attention, she decided to move for the door and leave. Her nerves were on edge; she hadn't expected him to move so quickly and escalate things. Going over her previous thoughts, she decided on different plans for the future, when such situations came up. It would be easier to persuade her father, though, and have a better reason for refusing Charles' advances.<br><br>Of course, she would have to punish him even further. Feeling displeased, she took her carriage home.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 03:58:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The servants rushed towards the courtyard, causing enough of a scene that few people noticed Fiona leaving at all—though, those that did later remarked on it being suspicious. Soon after Fiona’s departure, Charles was hoisted into a carriage and returned to his own estate, where a skilled magical physician awaited to examine and repair the damage.<br><br><div align="center">-----</div><br>Again, Donovan awaited Fiona’s return—this time expecting to hear the tale of a successful evening humiliating her date. After spending a few hours studying, he moved out onto the third floor balcony, one of his favorite haunts in the manor. The fresh air alleviated his overcrowded mind, easing away the complicated lines of text that lingered in his thoughts. <br><br>Couched comfortably in his chair, he propped his feet up onto the railing, gaze tracing the constellations he had been forced to memorize as a child. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 04:05:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona did not want to deal with any spectacles; she would later spread rumors of Charles' impatience, and previous excitement, and remark on her father's supposed spell on her. It would not be harmful to her for it to be known that such an enchantment was on her. Luckily, the energies she used for the spell would mirror certain other spells that did damage to the body and overwhelmed a person that she would not have to worry for the traces to be detected as being of the forbidden arts. Any wealthy enough person with treasures to be safeguarded could have a similar trap upon a door or a chest.<br><br>Holding an air of disgruntlement, displeasure, and feeling dirty, Fiona re-entered the estate with a grand sigh. The first thing she wanted to do was take a bath; the feeling of Charles against her skin was downright stomach-churning. Her ability to handle the social incompetence of others was far superior to her capacity for their physical indulgences, and she wanted to scrub the memory clean from her mind - if only there were magic so easily powerful.<br><br>Fiona headed for the bathing room, alerting some of the mindless servants to prepare it for her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 04:25:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				From his seat in the balcony, Donovan saw the carriage arrive. It was earlier than expected, but perhaps she had simply tired of Charles—or had otherwise unleashed a spell that required him to be sent home (which wasn’t far from the truth). He raised a hand to wave, but knew that Fiona probably couldn’t see him against the dark silhouette of the building. <br><br>However, he quickly saw that something was wrong, noting the stiffness to her stride as she stormed across the grounds and through the front door. Donovan frowned to himself, expecting Fiona to venture up and find him. Minutes passed and he heard no sign of her, constantly twisting around to look into the house to see if she was approaching. Impatient, he stood and paced back through the halls, inquiring the servants until he found one that knew where she had gone.<br><br>The baths? He wondered what was so urgent that she desperately needed to be cleansed before anything else. With a dreadful, unsettling feeling knotted in his stomach, he jogged towards the bathing room. Stopping before the closed door, he knocked.<br><br>“Fiona? Are you all right?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 04:44:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Using her magic, Fiona was undressed far faster than she could be otherwise, the clothes all moving to settle onto a rack for the purpose before she eased herself into the hot water. A hardened look wore upon her eyes as she gathered herself up, her arms curling around her, sitting in the water.<br><br>While no lasting trauma had been imposed upon her, Fiona's disgust and sense of inviolability had turned into rage. Charles' sins had before been more immaterial and blunt; now she had clear reason to scorn him and turn his success into blackened ruin. She would have to move with discretion and care, of course, but for now she seethed.<br><br>Hearing the knock and voice of her brother, Fiona tightened her arms and gritted her teeth. Issuing a sigh, she gestured a hand outside of the water and the door opened. Her back was initially turned towards the door, but she shifted her head to look at him.<br><br>"I'm all right, Donovan."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 04:55:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan entered tentatively, pushing the door shut behind him. In other circumstances, he might have responded differently to this situation—with Fiona entirely exposed so close to him. But it was a fact he completely dismissed from his mind as he walked inside. He could feel the tension gathered in the air, the uneasy feeling of anger even if it wasn’t directed at him or anyone nearby.<br><br>Charles was an incredibly unpleasant, pompous ass, but Donovan didn’t think he merited such thorough, pervasive disgust—especially when Fiona had been so amused by the prospect of this outing earlier.<br><br>Leaning against the wall, he considered whether or not he should even ask. Clearly, she hadn’t been overeager to talk about it as she had rushed off without even approaching him first. But curiosity got the best of him. Gaze filled with tender concern, eyes level with hers, he asked, “What happened? I expected to be regaled with victorious tales of you trouncing the bastard.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 05:00:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona stared for awhile at the wall, at nothing in particular, feeling the water and steam around her. They were soothing, to a degree. The stinging heat was also pleasant, in its way. Her eyes were like dull knives, though, ready to slice and flay flesh apart.<br><br>She sat in silence until he brought up the question. Swallowing, she considered her words carefully before speaking. "My attempts to embarrass him were too generous. He... chose to be overly forward. I struck him with negative energy."<br><br>Her words were even. Calm. Though more like steel across ice than clouds over the sky.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 05:09:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan’s concerned deepened as he watched her. He hadn’t seen her so disturbed for quite so time, and never quite like this. Somewhat surprised that she had even answered the question, his eyes widened at her explanation. He wondered fleetingly what attempts she had made to embarrass him, but decided that now was not the time for that question. If she wanted to elaborate later, then she would, but it probably wasn’t what she needed now.<br><br>The thought of that pompous ass growing too bold with his sister… Donovan’s gaze hardened, knuckles whitening as his hands balled to fists at his side. He shook with silent anger as he turned the nearly disgustingly unthinkable idea over in his head. Swallowing against the sudden dryness in his throat, he spat words like venom, “Fucking bastard… Wait til I…”<br><br>He shook the thoughts of vengeance from his mind, “You’re sure you’re all right?” he asked, the edge not quite gone from his voice. He approached her slowly trying to decide if she would rather be touched or not. In the end, he knelt down beside her, outside the water, speaking with a voice strained by anger, “I’m so sorry, Fiona. I’ve always known he was—but I didn’t think he would… Fuck…” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 05:16:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Befitting Donovan, she knew he would be incredibly angry; his jealousy would only play to that regard and make him want dire vengeance. Fiona had long since predicted this on the ride back.<br><br>A small smirk came to Fiona's lips. She turned her head to face him at an angle, not quite head on. "You will help me orchestrate his downfall." In her eyes lay endless malice, her pupils a mirror of horror and merciless nothing. Fiona was in no fraction benevolent or giving when it came to most. To experiments, living or dead, she performed unspeakable things, committed atrocities and violence that would get her sentenced to the worst possible death many times over. And those were things she cared nothing for.<br><br>Her enemies would suffer dearly. If they were lucky, they would get the chance to expire. Such was the iron darkness in her heart.<br><br>"We will begin with his reputation. I already have the seeds for that." She had already begun making plans to spread them as far as possible. While she did not have the direct resources to do so, she knew a certain family that did, unbeknownst to many (though she did not carry this knowledge out to its fullest degree).<br><br>Fiona turned to face her brother more evenly. "I would think to damage the Dubois holdings next, but I am open to your suggestions."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 05:28:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Though it did little to diffuse his anger, Donovan couldn’t help a smile of equal malice. Among the many reasons he loved his sister—the hardened cruelty that they shared, if ever the world came to it. Nodding along to her plot, he couldn’t help but admire her determination. Even just after suffering such an injustice, she was already onto plotting her retribution.<br><br>With a chuckle, filled with a strange pride for the strength and will of his sister, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek, “I love the way you think—though I’m afraid you have more finesse than I. My first thought was to march over to the Dubois estate and skin him alive—though I suppose that could earn me a good deal of legal complications.”<br><br>While he was a perfectly capable strategist, Donovan’s mind whirled with such consuming anger he could think of little other than the satisfaction of feeling Charles’s blood against his knuckles. Magic be damned, he would kill the man with his bare hands. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 05:35:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona's eyes surveyed her brothers, watching the play of emotions within him, and the anger that filled him as hers had turned to searing spite. "Do not act out of violence yet, brother." Her expression softened for a moment. "It would make all the work of subtlety and manipulation useless if you went and got yourself jailed."<br><br>While it would be possible, though only possible, to get him acquitted, it would not bode well for the reputation of the Vorum family, and they would always have much to hide as it was.<br><br>Shaking her head a bit, she looked down into the water, staring at her reflection. "Death should be a mercy compared to what will be given him. Humiliation is stronger than the knife."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 05:48:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Of course, Donovan knew the wisdom in her words, nodding in a vague, dissatisfied acknowledgement, “Humiliation may be stronger, but it’s blood I want now…” Every word sounded like a curse, bitterness darkening his expression. His jaw clenched tight as he forcibly contained the rage he knew he could not act upon. Again, he found himself scrabbling for patience he did not have. <br><br>As he turned to look at Fiona, his features softened a bit. He gave her a sad smile, as if to apologize for his violent mood, “As always, your judgment is sound,” he laughed, “But it better be damn good humiliation…”<br><br>“I made arrangements,” he said, tracing a finger through the water and eyeing the ripples in its wake, “to take you somewhere tomorrow, but… I would understand if you’d like to abstain,” he hesitated, “But… I think it might be a good idea—getting away.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 05:53:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan's violent rage was appreciated by Fiona in that it showed how much he cared for her and to what extents he would go for her. His love was very strong, and she could commend for that, even as she would restrain his rage. She cared for him, too, and would not want him to suffer the consequences.<br><br>"The diminishing of the Dubois' fortunes and Charles' capacity to be an eligible bachelor would do well for my pleasure." She grinned darkly. "Turning his great reputation into a sniveling dog's worth would befit his high esteem for himself."<br><br>Fiona's eyes watched his finger trace through the water, aware of how exposed she was to him. A simple move of her arms or legs, and he could easily see her naked body as her clothes kept hidden; she respected his ability to respect her, given the circumstances, despite his great desire for her. It endeared him to her heart more, especially in comparison to Charles' disgusting appetites.<br><br>Looking to her twin's eyes, she nodded softly. "I would like that." She gave him a small smile, shifting away some of the darkness in her heart.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 06:06:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan grinned, heartened by her agreement, “Good.” A bit of the tension relaxed form his shoulders—though he hadn’t even realized that he had been drawn so taut, “Then we’ll go. And then we can seek your revenge.” He dipped his hand into the water, reaching for her hand and giving it a light squeeze, “Charles will remember this day as his greatest mistake. The day that brought him to his ruin.”<br><br>Then he pushed himself up to standing, “I should let you bathe.” But he could not resist—Donovan walked around so that he stood behind her, leaning down and embracing her, feeling the water from her skin seep through the fabric of his sleeves. For a moment, he simply squeezed her tight, the sheer force of his love overwhelming his anger.<br><br>“I’m glad you’re safe…” he said softly, before he released her and turned towards the door. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 06:10:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>And he will rue the day.</em> Fiona tasted delicious vengeance on her tongue with a smile before squeezing her twin's hand back. "It will be a delightful pursuit."<br><br>After Donovan moved, she was somewhat surprised that he reached down to embrace her. She did not jolt, but she tensed for a moment; then, she sighed, releasing some of her emotions and reaching up her arms to hold his. Being embraced so, by her brother, was nice. He could comfort her when little else did, and she needn't react to him with anger.<br><br>Smiling softly, she felt warmer toward him. After she left, she sat for awhile before finally getting out of the basin and drying herself off.<br><br>Sighing, she redressed and went to her room to sleep the rest of the night.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 06:21:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				No matter how he tried, Donovan could not sleep. For most of the night, he paced his room, fully dressed—moments away from bursting back through the door and hunting down Charles. The consequences did not seem nearly important enough to deter him. But, by a miracle of self control, he stayed his hand.<br><br>Somewhere in the dark hours before dawn, he wandered towards Fiona’s room, moving quietly so as not to disturb her sleep. For reasons unexplained, he needed to see her—to reassure himself that she had survived unscathed. Looking down at her sleeping form, he sighed softly, leaning down and kissing the top of her head. Every part of him yearned to slide onto the bed beside her and hold her until morning, but he doubted she would take well to that—especially when she had just been so violated by another man.<br><br>Instead, he contented himself with the one kiss and left, shutting the door quietly behind him. Lying restlessly in bed until a reasonable hour, he summoned one of the servants, whereupon he enchanted a rose just as before and tied to it a note to be delivered. It was a facetious gesture, as he was only down the hall, but he enjoyed it nevertheless.<br><br><em>Be dressed by 11:00</em> it said, <em>Pack for a night’s stay. We will return tomorrow.</em>&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 06:26:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona was thoroughly exhausted from the day's activities. She slept rather soundly, and she had little reason to worry as of yet; Donovan entered the room without trouble. She dreamt restlessly, though, and stirred in her slumber.<br><br>When she finally awoke, she was feeling refreshed, though of a less than optimal mood. Trying to shrug it off, she found the rose and note. Eying it for several moments, twirling it slowly in her hand, she smiled. Her brother was thoughtful, at the least, and kind to her. It was a pleasant offset from the rest of the world.<br><br>Wondering what he had planned for the trip, and expecting it to be a less than a regal night's out, Fiona packed simpler clothing for the occasion; it took up less room and could be adapted to more events. Just in case, though, she made up another bag with a prettier, more elegant dress.<br><br>Thusly prepared, she came down to breakfast, looking for her brother.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 06:34:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan was already at the table, halfway through his meal, dressed comfortably for a day’s worth of trouble. He had a textbook splayed before him and a clean sheet of parchment on his right, scribbling scarcely legible notes as he read and occasionally shoving bites of food into his mouth.&nbsp; <br><br>When Fiona entered, he looked up with a bright smile, despite his lack of sleep. Sandwiching the parchment into the book to mark his place, he stood and pulled out a chair for her, sending off one of the servants to retrieve another plate of food.<br><br>“Morning,” he said, “How did you sleep?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 06:40:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Coming into the room, Fiona was slightly surprised at the tome, and then curious about it. He was rather hard at work at it, so it must have consumed his interest.<br><br>"Well, thank you." She was a little surprised that she did, but was refreshed at the peace slumber brought, though she was a bit sore in the shoulders. "You look tired though, brother." Fiona eyed him with some concern, knowing what would keep him up.<br><br>"What are you working on?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 06:46:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shrugging off her concern, Donovan waved a hand in dismissal as he retook his seat the table, “A bit of a restless night, but nothing a beautiful day with my sister won’t cure.” He glanced down at the book as he took another generous bite of his breakfast, “Oh this…” he chewed and swallowed before giving her a thoroughly mischievous smile.<br><br>“I was… curious about the mechanics of telepathy. Hypnosis… or… mind control to be specific.” Then he lifted and dropped his shoulders again in a second shrug, “Just a thought.”<br><br>A servant returned from the kitchen with a tray for Fiona, arranged neatly with food and drink. She bowed low and set it before Fiona before leaving the two siblings to their conversation. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 06:52:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona took to eating quickly, hungry from her exertions; she hadn't eaten much at the party. In between eating, she continued talking with him. Telepathy was an interesting choice, as Donovan was not the subtle type, but she surmised he would use it to dominate Charles into making him act inappropriately. Such would be difficult, though, as direct compulsion was always obvious to a high degree that the person was not acting as themselves.<br><br>"Why mind control, brother?" She knew his desire for vengeance would continue to burn hot, so she needed to temper it as much as possible. After seeing the grip of rage he had shown her in the carriage, she was uncertain how far he would go against another. And, of course, she did not want anything bad to happen to him in the process.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 07:03:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan’s expression turned a little more grave, “Because I sincerely doubt that we are the only two plotting revenge.” Though Fiona had not mentioned it, Donovan knew his sister well enough to be certain that she had not left Charles in any favorable state. There was little chance that she left the estate with her assailant in perfect shape.<br><br>“I assume you gave Charles a taste of what he deserved last night. Whatever it was, I do not doubt that he will seek retribution. If he can build anything near a case against you, if there were witnesses… I just—I thought we might need it, as a tool.” The night, long and torturous as it was, had given Donovan excessive time to think. He had managed to compartmentalize his anger and think both defensively and offensively.<br><br>“But,” Donovan shook his head, “those are thoughts for later.” He did not intend to burden their outing with thoughts of revenge.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 07:14:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At Donovan's raising of concerns, Fiona's brow raised and she broke into a soft chuckle. "Revenge? He will have to sacrifice <em>everything</em> to come at me." Fiona's words had quickly turned into a sword, driving with the force of her hatred and fury. Come tomorrow, word of Charles' misstep would make its first wave throughout the political circles of the nobility. And then with careful plying, more would follow.<br><br>She was not the least concerned about his ability to retaliate.<br><br>"There were no witnesses, brother." Her smile resumed an easier pace, though it still held hints of deranged rage.<br><br>Finishing her words with bites of her meal, she softened once more. "Quite."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 07:24:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan’s gaze searched hers quietly for a moment, and then he nodded, “Well, if you’re certain…” he scraped the remaining food from his plate and into his mouth. After washing it down with a few gulps of water, he pushed the dishware aside, “Less for me to study then.”<br><br>“Oh, speaking of which, our friend Alex made one of his rare appearances last night while you were still out.” Donovan had nearly forgotten about it with all the “excitement” of the previous night, “He seemed… disappointed to find that you were absent.” He made no secret of the fact that the thought didn’t please him. Though it seemed that neither Alex nor Fiona had outwardly expressed interest towards one another, Donovan still distrusted the relationship between them.<br><br>“He had a few discoveries of his own to discuss, but nothing we didn’t already know thanks to Drake. But I told him that we might meet for an official trial run after you and I return tomorrow. I think we have enough to start hands-on experimentation.”<br><br>Donovan was always impatient with the theory part. He enjoyed the <em>doing</em>. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 07:30:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A look of curiosity crossed Fiona's face. It was true that her expression changed subtly regarding Alex, owing to her indescribable fondness for him, but she said or thought nothing beyond that. "I would like to experiment, as well; I am eager to master this and present it." A rather deep grin came to her lips. Donovan had been the first to suggest using Teleportation offensively, which Fiona had not initially thought of. Now, however, she had quite a few reasons to begin using it thusly.<br><br>"Very well. We'll meet him and move forward." At this, Fiona rang for a servant and requested an ink quill and parchment. After it was brought to her, she set her breakfast aside and began writing a letter. Once finished, she sealed it and on the envelope wrote the name "Celoine."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 07:37:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan observed her carefully as he delivered the news about Alex, noting keenly the change in Fiona’s expression. Disgruntled, but not willing to argue about it, he sat back and watched with curiosity as Fiona summoned the servant. He assumed, perhaps, that Fiona was composing a letter to Alex, perhaps scheduling a time for their experimentation or advising him on their research. Clearly, he was wrong. Though he had not seen any of what she wrote, he leaned over the table to study the name on the envelope. Donovan lifted a brow in surprised.<br><br>“Celoine?” he asked, “What for?” He hadn’t heard from the girl for a few days now, which was partially relieving for him. He could not stand the awful sensation of guilt he felt anytime she was near, of knowing that the poor girl wanted something he could give but would not for a possibly unfounded fear. Though he had taken Fiona’s advice and not sought out Celoine to help her, he still doubted his sister’s suspicions.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 07:42:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Setting plans in motion." Fiona gave Donovan a delightful smile as the servant returned to deliver the letter. "Regardless of my distrust for Celoine's... attempts at prying secrets from you, there is a matter her family has certain hands in that I wish to make use of." Fiona then gave her twin a knowing look, as if saying, 'I know something that you don't and it's going to be a surprise.'<br><br>Making a direct shift in topic after finishing her drink, she looked at Donovan eagerly. "Where are we going today?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 07:49:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan furrowed his brow in confusion. He wasn’t aware that her family had their hands in any particularly useful matters, but he supposed it would unfurl in time, “Ever-so-cryptic, Fiona,” he remarked affectionately, and rolled his eyes. Whatever it was, didn’t seem as if she was keeping a particularly horrible secret from him, so he let the matter rest.<br><br>As she asked where they were going, Donovan smirked, mirroring her ‘I know something that you don’t’ look, “You will find out in good time. Wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise, would you?” He contentedly rose from the table, “Actually, I should go finish packing for our trip. I will meet you downstairs in a little bit.”<br><br>With that, he departed.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 07:55:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((I'm totally baking cookies right now. XD))<br><br>Grinning at her brother, Fiona made a face and stuck her tongue out at him playfully. "Oh, how <em>dreadful</em>." She chuckled softly. "I suppose I will wait, then."<br><br>Done with her breakfast, and having directed a servant to bring down her bags to the front, Fiona went out of the manse and stood outside, looking at the sky. It was a pretty day - there were plenty of clouds around. Fiona loved the lighting caused by an overcast sky and the sense of weight it put into everything. Unlike many, she was not a fan of sunny days - in many ways, she fit the archetype of an evil, scheming wizardess with a blackened heart.<br><br>Enjoying the view, Fiona's thoughts returned to her brother. Part of her felt more repulsed by romantic encounters because of the previous night, but part of her felt equally propelled toward her brother, who displayed so many lovely qualities and cared for her so. It was grating to feel such things, and difficult to choose; so, for the moment, she simply set them aside.<br><br>((It's hard feeling one way in person while your character is feeling so totally different. Ahhhhh well.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 08:08:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Cookies! I want some. Also, tell me about it. I wrote most of the attempted-rape scene while watching some happy, cheesy movie on tv. Maybe I’m just special like that.))<br><br>In a little bit, Donovan returned downstairs with a bag over his shoulder. He had sent a servant out to summon the carriage and it rolled up as he descended the front steps. Like Fiona, he appreciated the thickening clouds overhead, enjoying the grayish cast that always fell before a storm. <br><br>He had wondered how the previous night might impact Fiona’s regard for his advances. He knew it would be safer to err on the side of caution, to give her space and time and comfort—which was what he intended for the next two days—but waiting was not among Donovan’s talents. His own frustration, held constantly at bay, was building—though it would never manifest itself as it had with Charles.<br><br>Scooping Fiona’s bags from the porch as he walked out towards the carriage, Donovan dropped the luggage onto the empty seat and glanced again at the sky. Unfortunately, their father had taken the fully enclosed coach to town for the day, and Donovan wondered how the thin tarp that covered this carriage would hold if it really began to storm.<br><br>Turning towards Fiona, Donovan smiled and offered a hand to help her onto the carriage, “Your ride awaits, m’lady.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 08:18:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Interrupted from her gazing, Fiona turned to her twin with a more relaxed bearing. Having time to stare and sooth her mind in directions that didn't involve hatred had a pleasant effect on her. Taking the offered hand, she joined the carriage and looked to him. She was curious about what the meaning of coming back the next day was, but as he had declined to tell her, she wouldn't press him for the information.<br><br>Instead, it was best to move on to other topics. Clearing her mind, she talked some about Teleportation, refining a few thoughts and problems regarding the streaming of the patterns from one location to another. The most efficient streaming wouldn't be the healthiest streaming to the things being moved, so a compromise had to be made.<br><br>After that, and some rubbing of her shoulders, she returned her gaze to Donovan. It was interesting, turning over thoughts about the differences between them. For as many similarities as they shared, there were some key shifts.<br><br>Out of the blue, she asked, "How many women have you slept with?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 08:29:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan slid into the seat beside Fiona and signaled for the driver to go. Turning contentedly to her as he settled in, he froze entirely at her question, caught completely off guard. Laughing out of surprise, Donovan shifted his gaze towards the road and then awkwardly back to Fiona, realizing that he probably couldn’t number the women in his head. Rolling his eyes skyward as he tried to count them--- from his first, nervous encounter with an older woman and onward—he tried to decide whether oral sex counted as “sleeping with.”<br><br>He had been sexually active since he was sixteen—with rare dry spells few and far between. In fact, the long abstention he was taking now on behalf of his courting Fiona was also getting to him, adding to an already strained frustration.<br><br>“Oh… I don’t know…” Donovan finally said offhandedly, “I… maybe, more than fifty?” His eyes fell to where she was rubbing her shoulder, realizing that he had seen her do it multiple times today, “—What’s wrong with your shoulder?” he asked in a pathetic attempt to change the subject, though he did now regard it with fresh concern.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 08:35:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan's embarrassment made Fiona laugh, amused by his awkwardness on the topic. Fiona wasn't exactly jealous, definitely wasn't envious, was somewhat curious, but was most of all interested in what Donovan already knew on the topic. It was still something that, though she had heard about, was a matter that one couldn't truly understand without being engaged in the mechanics of it personally.<br><br>Tilting her head, she grinned at his attempt to change the subject. "Over fifty as in, seventy-five? One hundred?" She snickered at him, sideswiping his question as irrelevant for the moment. "How does that compare with most men your age?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 08:42:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan made a face as she ignored his question; his efforts were useless, “Over fifty as in… over fifty…” he answered ambiguously, trying to separate the blurred memories of tangled limbs and ¬¬soft skin. It really didn’t speak well of his relations with women that many of them appeared in his mind nameless or indistinguishable from the ones that came before or after, “Maybe seventy-five. Maybe a little less.”<br><br>He laughed at the second question, “I don’t know, why don’t you ask them?” He considered most other men his age—many of whom bragged more openly about their sexual conquests, “It’s… more… than most men my age,” he answered, also ambiguously. But most individuals didn’t undergo the sexual exploration that Donovan had done. He needed to first grow comfortable with the act in and of itself and then discover his love of ropes, of restraint, of violence or domination, or the thrilling give-and-take of matched wills.<br><br>“Why do you ask?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 08:46:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Such ambiguity." She clucked her tongue at her brother's evasive, still amused by his attempts to save face. <em>You might as well admit the depths of it.</em> Still giggling quietly to herself, in a jibing, almost maniacal way, she relaxed and laid back in her seat.<br><br>"Mmm. You obviously know far more than I do on the matter... but now I know how clearly extensive your experience is." She gave him a mocking wink before laughing, her amusement high and clear in her voice. If nothing else, it marked her as being more comfortable, more at ease.<br><br>Fiona gave Donovan a sidelong look, teasing on a thin edge with her next statement, though with not much seriousness in it. "How do you treat inexperienced women?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 08:59:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan stuck his tongue out at her in imitation of her earlier gesture as she complained of his ambiguity. It wasn’t something of which he was enormously proud; it had simply… happened. While Fiona sank diligently into her studies, Donovan had spent many of his developmental years coming to understand the beauty and depth of sexuality.<br><br>Despite his slight embarrassment though, Donovan was happy to see that she was comfortable speaking of it. He was even more surprised that this topic came now, after her experience with Charles, though he supposed it must have brought the matter to her attention.<br><br>At her next question, Donovan looked momentarily even more awkward. Though she had obviously not specified herself as the hypothetical ‘inexperienced woman,’ it was clearly her he had in mind. He yanked at the collar of his shirt as if feeling suddenly warm, dropping his gaze away for a second as if it would keep her from seeing his thoughts.<br><br>“Depends… on the woman,” he answered finally as he managed to look at her again. He smirked, “As you say, I am extensively experienced.” He slid his arm about her shoulders, leaning in so that his words were spoken so close that his lips brushed against her ear, “I can be gentle if that is what she requires. Or rough, if that is what she enjoys.” Donovan grinned, willing to play along this thin edge as long as she was, “I simply guide her as she discovers the pleasures of her own body—well, and of mine.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 09:06:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Though the matter with Charles had been rather... disturbing, those feelings had resolved and solidified into a very specific hatred and disgust. It did not reflect upon men or her body, so it did not have that kind of effect. Instead, it brought her to ask more of her brother and see how he compared to the lout - not that she would expect him to, but... it was nice to know and hear it for herself.<br><br>Fiona was quite amused at his tugging of his shirt collar, and found it difficult not to burst out laughing as he came close to her - not that he was himself pathetic, but the situation was... so endearingly funny to put him on the spot, when it so easy to reverse that because of her inexperience.<br><br>In many ways, it was a pull and push game between them regarding the matter.<br><br>Her ear did tingle at the touch of his lips, though, and she shivered involuntarily. "That's very patient of you, brother; I didn't know you could restrain yourself so thoroughly." Eying him, her smile turned into a smirking grin, as amusement eclipsed embarrassment from his touch.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 09:19:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				To be fair, Donovan was also trying to refrain from laughing for most of his charade, though he was quite pleased that Fiona seemed none-too-traumatized by Charles. But it was difficult for him to withdraw now that he was so close, every part of him yearning to touch her. And the topic did nothing for his frustrated libido.<br><br>His chest tightened and he desperately wanted to draw his other arm around her, to pull her to him and kiss her lips, her throat, to pry up the edge of her shirt and—<br><br>“Yes…” Donovan cleared his throat and shifted back, eyes set on the road, “I am… the master of self-restraint, really.” He wrestled the thoughts back into the forbidden corners of his mind, “Why, sister? Are you growing curious about everything you have been missing all these long years?” he asked, turning the topic back on her.<br><br>At his words, a streak of lightning bit across the sky, followed by a loud beat of thunder, and his smile broadened. The day seemed promising.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 09:27:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona eye's looked into Donovan's with extreme perception, not used to seeing yearning in others, and especially not directed toward her, but seeing the desire and restraint in his face. She watched it calmly, without distance or disapproval, but showing little emotion beyond that. Part of her brother was a mystery to her, and more than ever she wanted to know more about it.<br><br>"I'll try to keep that in mind." Her amusement settled again, and she looked at him with an interesting and interested expression. As she opened her mouth, her attention diverted to the thunder and lightning that painted the sky. Smiling at it, she let out a pleased sigh, and continued.<br><br>"Considering my lack of desire, I don't think I've missed out on anything." Fiona grinned at her twin lightly. "And I'm still not convinced that it's all you make it out to be. But, my curiosity is increasing." She shrugged noncommittally. Her interest had grown greater than she would admit, perhaps even to herself, but she wasn't about to let that on yet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 09:39:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan sighed at her noncommittal response. A man really could die waiting for her to make up her mind, “For someone who understands little of it, Fiona, you’re quite talented at torturing a man with anticipation.” He watched as another bolt of lightening pulsed across the sky. Followed by another, the pace gathering quickly, accompanied by a near-constant, low growl of thunder.<br><br>The first few raindrops fell gently—hitting the awning above the carriage with soft taps. But then the water came in great cascades, heavy drops splashing against the canopy in resounding chaos. The road turned to mud beneath the wheels, and Donovan wove a quick, neat spell to carry them smoothly across the mire.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 09:45:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Listening to his words, Fiona waited and thought, considering how he must feel, with such desire brimming under the surface. <em>But is it not best when it's mutual, brother?</em> She smiled softly, watching as Donovan cast his spell and protected them from the rain. It was a beautiful event; the smell, the sound, the sight. Everything about rain falling about one was wonderful - except the being soaked part.<br><br>Resting forward, with a hand holding up her cheek, she added softly. "I suppose the best things come to those who wait?" She regarded him fondly. His willingness to wait was greatly appreciated by her, even though it taxed him so. It did urge her to hurry up, though. She sighed to herself. <em>And if it's not everything you think it to be, brother? What then?</em><br><br>Fiona suspected she would eventually succumb to curiosity, but at this rate, it would likely be her brother's insistence that pushed her. It would be nice to settle things, one way or the other.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 10:06:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan rolled his eyes at her platitude, “And I suppose you are worth the wait,” he said with a resigned sigh. There wasn’t much left to their ride, so Donovan relaxed into the seat and contentedly watched the storm for the remainder of the trip, redirecting his thoughts away from the topic at hand. If it weren’t for the incident with Charles, he might have been more inclined to push the matter sooner, but for now—at least at this exact moment—he decided to try his patience.<br><br>Soon, their destination came into view. The journey should have been vaguely familiar to her, though the surrounding forests had been logged and harvested and landscaped so thoroughly since they had last seen it that even Donovan didn’t recognize most of it. It was a decently sized summer cottage—one lavishly equipped—that their family had once owned in the last days of their mother’s failing health.<br><br>In many ways, it was one of Donovan’s last memories of their family spending genuine time together as a whole. It was wonderfully secluded, without another soul for miles, with a sizeable pond just off the back porch and comfortably sized rooms. Donovan and Fiona had been children the last time they were here, though he regarded it as one of the happiest moments of his life.<br><br>They had spent two weeks here—two entire weeks that their father had taken from his crowded work schedule and when Fiona and Donovan were free of school. For a time, in the fresh air, their mother had almost seemed well again, able to spend days out of bed playing with the twins or enjoying long walks with their father. Once they returned to the city, Elaine’s body began its long and agonizing final decline, resulting in perhaps the darkest and most miserable month in the Vorum household.<br><br>Afterwards, their father’s work and their mother’s need for continual regeneration made travel to the cottage difficult and impractical, so it was sold. But recently, Donovan contacted the new owners and made arrangements to borrow it and its small staff for the next two days. It wasn’t much, but Donovan had wished for someplace to spend quiet, undisturbed time with Fiona without worrying about the outside world. <br><br>((Sleep now. Figured I'd let you in on the secret destination before I left for the night. :) Good Night.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 10:18:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For the rest of journey, Fiona shared company with her thoughts as well, taking time only to take in the surroundings. After a good distance of them, she realized where they were going and shot Donovan a surprised look. He was demonstrating more and more how diligently thoughtful he was, and his memory was keen; they had both spent a delightful time at the cottage, though it was now bittersweet, looking back on the memory of what came afterward.<br><br>She wondered what, specifically, spurred him to bring them here. It had various aspects that he picked out for his reasons, obviously, but the spark that led him to it - that interested her. Smiling at her brother, she shifted to lean against him and rest there against his weight. Donovan was a very comforting influence to her; she may very well have been a more crazed and sadistic wizard if not for his soothing effect on her. Rolling the thought in her mind, she looked up at him for several moments before looking back at the road. It would be an interesting two days, of that she was sure.<br><br>((Not going to be on much, if at all, tomorrow. Fyi!))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-06-2009, 22:24:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Cool, thanks for letting me know))<br><br>Donovan grinned in response to Fiona’s surprise. He had multiple reasons to choose this location—partially for its isolation, but also for its shared association between them. There were advantages to bringing her somewhere that already had positive memories, but also, the summer home was just a pleasant place. It was situated just beside the hot springs—perfect for bathing or relaxation, and its garden boasted an elaborate hedge maze whose long, convoluted paths Donovan had once memorized as a child but had long forgotten. The house itself was built of solid stone walls that gave it a sense of gravity, and contained lush, lavish furniture. Donovan wondered if the bookcase in the den still bore the scar of his child’s spell gone awry.<br><br>Still, nervous about the need to defend his decision, he added, “It’s not… the most extravagant outing, but I thought it would be an enjoyable reprieve.” <br><br>As the carriage came to a halt, Donovan hopped out of the carriage, invoking a small charm that would keep them dry in the rain. Though he could feel the pleasant touch of the water hit and slip off his skin, he stayed perfectly dry. After offering a hand to help Fiona down, he signaled for the driver to collect and carry their bags, <br><br>The house was nearly exactly as he remembered it—almost all the original furnishings and décor remained, and the household staff had thought to ignite the main fireplace for their arrival. The sound of wood cracking from the flames made Donovan smile.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>30-06-2009, 09:16:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It was a wonderful choice, brother." Fiona gave him a very bright smile. It would be easy to find some peace here, away from everything, and enjoy their time together. As always, she wondered what more her brother had in mind, but she expected it to be delightful all the same.<br><br>Accepting his hand, she thanked him quietly for the spell and followed him to the house. The sights of it all brought back dear memories of exploits in the area and the lack of overriding civilization on top of everything. That was one advantage of being away from it all - one could be very honest and at rest. Of course, with this, came the possibility of troubles once one returned from where they were.<br><br>Muddling about the differences between the two modes of life, Fiona went toward the fire, though not truly cold, and stared into it with interest. "How much did this cost you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>30-06-2009, 10:19:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan raised a brow in surprise at the question. The price he had paid had been less than reasonable—partially because he had little time to barter before bringing Fiona here. But he was fortunate enough to have money to spare, “A bit,” he answered, continuing his strain of ambiguous answers, “but what would be the point in having wealth if it were not to be spent on the things most important to us…” His gaze lighted on her with his last words. Even before this terrible mess of emotions, she had been the stabilizing force in his life. <br><br>Studying her quietly, Donovan guessed at the thoughts that milled through Fiona’s mind. He had considered the dangers of leaving everything behind at such a questionable time, but he had weighed the advantages and disadvantages and decided that they had earned the vacation. After a lifetime of practicing brilliant but covert magic, Donovan had grown sick of hiding, of worrying that some terrible secret might be discovered. He wished for a destination in which he could spend his time freely with Fiona without troubling over social repercussions.<br><br>Shifting closer to her, he drew her into his arms, looping them about her waist as he met her eyes with his, “We will deal with everything that awaits at home when we return. We are more than capable of handling it after a day’s delay.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>30-06-2009, 10:26:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona had smiled absently at her brother, looking at everything, when he pulled her into an embrace. Blinking up at him, her smile took in more countenance. "Of course; that is for later, though." Touching his cheek gently, she stroked it a bit before looking back at the fire. "We might as well use the time we have here."<br><br>She was amused at how well preserved it still was, but excited to be enjoying it all the same.&nbsp; "What did you have in mind?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>30-06-2009, 10:39:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Mmm… other than raucous, delightful sex?” he answered teasingly. Then with a shrug of dismissal at his own joke, he glanced about them, “Oh just… enjoying the environment.” With his gaze directed out the window, he added, “Perhaps a walk through the storm would be nice—if you would care to join me. And we could see how the landscape has changed since we’ve last been here.”<br><br>He had looked forward to the opportunity to follow such whims—for these couple of days on the countryside where he wouldn’t worry about academic or social obligations. It wasn’t that he disliked them; in fact, he enjoyed both the studying and the socialization most of the time (the latter frequently more than the former), but who could deny a few days without such concerns?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>30-06-2009, 23:18:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Looking back to her brother, she pinched his cheek, grinning lightly. "Yes, other than that." Watching him with a bemused smirk, she thought back to the adventures they had in the maze and in the surrounding countryside. Because it was so devoid of civilization, there were many more opportunities for fun to be had and enjoyed in the midst of so much loneliness. Keeping in mind how much Fiona enjoyed solitude, experimentation, and torture, there were many advantages to being so far out.<br><br>As she recalled, the natural wonders of the area were also extensive; there were quite a few places they could explore while they were there.<br><br>Releasing his cheek, she nodded at his suggestion. "I'd love to." Taking his hand in hers, she followed him out into the rain.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 05:15:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan glanced down as he felt her touch, smiling clandestinely to himself as he gently squeezed her hand. Pushing back through the door, he glanced skyward at the storm that continued to rage above. Lightning creased the dark cover of clouds and water fell in thick, unremitting sheets. It was the best sort of time to be outdoors. <br><br>They passed the pond whose typically still waters roiled angrily with the wind. In the distance, the trees that dotted the hillside bowed beneath the pressure, branches scraped against one another and sent displaced leaves swirling into the air.<br><br>When Donovan spoke, he employed magic to carry his words, penetrating the noise to reach her ear, “So now that we have thoroughly unveiled my sexual history, what about yours? Is my dear sister truly entirely innocent?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 05:49:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grinning in a manner closer to that of an eager child, she went out into the rain with a gleeful sound and a little twirl. It had been a long time since she had been free to act as she pleased, in the wide open. Though she could be mostly as she wished to in the estate, it was not the same as having no one else around, nothing expected of her, no limits to hold her back.<br><br>True freedom was as much a blessing as it was a burden, for one such as her.<br><br>Delighting in the atmosphere, Fiona gave her twin brother a wry smile, the rain hiding any trace of embarrassment fairly well. "I've seen enough corpses to know what things look like... but that's the extent of it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 06:02:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan grimaced at Fiona’s reply. No wonder she found sex so unappealing. If her first answer to such a question required the word “corpse,” then she was clearly still rather innocent in these matters. It wasn’t that he was revolted by corpses, or even minded them, but there was hardly anything attractive about a limp, cold, lifeless body. Something about Fiona’s innocence stirred his implacable desires, and—despite himself—he lingered on the idea.<br><br>“Well…” he said, drawing an arm around her waist and squeezing her in a half-hug, “Then the first thing we need to do is disassociate corpses and sexuality in your mind,” Donovan laughed, “I can promise I’m more appealing than anything already deceased—unless your tastes are more morbid than I anticipated.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 06:13:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At his embrace, her eyes went to his, looking up into his face with a curiosity and calm, peacefulness. Though smiles tugged at the corners, the topic tended to make Fiona sober and inquisitive. She was quite ignorant about it, after all, and there was nothing especially exciting about it thus far... though the stirrings of Donovan's touches had make her quite curious.<br><br>"Why would I associate corpses and sex?" Her lips twisted with some bemusement. "Or are you trying to covertly suggest something?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 06:57:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Oh I’m much too innocent to covertly suggest anything,” Donovan answered with his best attempt at a naïve expression. It didn’t work particularly well; Donovan couldn’t have been described as “innocent” for years now.<br><br>As they continued their small hike, the surrounding trees began to thin and the path on which they were travelling dissipated into thick grass. Donovan had not given much thought as to where they were walking, and now they reached a small precipice, where the land opened up to a view of rolling hills and wide rivers being assaulted by the storm. Directly below them, on a mountain shelf roughly fifty feet down, were the hot springs—several deep pools framed by slabs of black rock. The heat of the water clashed with the coolness of the air, creating waves of steam that billowed in low clouds over the ground. The resultant mist lent everything an ethereal feel.<br><br>“Oh look,” Donovan said, a coy smile at his lips. He stepped near the edge, and pulled Fiona to him, arms bound firmly around her waist as he pulled her body to his. The rainwater struck and rolled ineffectively off their skin, “A perfect place to kiss your brother.” And he kissed her—longer this time, gentle yet unyielding, soft but with a force that belied the vast, unfulfilled lust behind it. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 07:36:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona rolled her eyes. Her brother was hardly a case of innocence, but it was amusing to poke him in his stomach all the same. "You do tend to be rather obvious, brother." She sniggered a bit and went back to enjoying the rain. The sound and feel of it all around, without being wet, was wondrous - what magic could do was truly limitless. Being lost in it seemed like the highest state of being achievable, that Fiona was aware of.<br><br>The weather conspired to make everything beautiful around them, and even though they couldn't enjoy it in full clarity, it was still gorgeous. The momentous grace of it all struck her, and she was enthralled to it as Donovan pulled her along. It was a beauty that could not be reproduced by civilization.<br><br>Caught by surprise by Donovan, Fiona was swept into his arms with a quiet gasp. Staring at him and his coyness, her mouth was caught by his. Her frame trembled softly under the force of his desire and she closed her eyes, letting him kiss her as he wished, tingles of sensation jolting up and down her body.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 08:03:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((argh, I'm sorry I'm having a horrible night. I'll have to post back tomorrow.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 18:07:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Sorry you had a horrible night. :( ))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 19:20:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Thanks. It's better now :) ))<br><br>Donovan parted her lips with his tongue, slowly discovering the taste of her kiss. He held her tight against his body, one hand lifting to brace the base of her neck, holding her there. He could feel her trembling through every point of contact they shared, but he managed to hold himself in a stillness that contained all the terrible strength of his desires. The urge to touch her became nearly unbearable, the need to lay her down in the grass and take her in the middle of the storm with the thunder roaring about them and the rain slipping off their joined bodies.<br><br>But the time wasn’t right, not so soon after the incident with Charles. When he finally withdrew, Donovan gave her a small smile, kissing her lightly again for good measure. For a long moment, he simply held her gaze with his. He felt as if his love for her could move the earth; and for now, it achieved the impossible in allowing him patience.<br><br>At last, he inclined his head in a gesture that indicated <em>let’s go</em>. Without dropping his arms from around her, he employed yet another spell. Exploiting the static energy of the storm that pervaded the air, he braided and funneled it until it lifted them off the ground and carried them down onto the platform below, two bodies adrift in the tumultuous air, enveloped in his magic.<br><br>He could feel immediately the steam that radiated from the hot springs when they landed, and it felt soothing after a week of work. Stripping off his shirt, but only that for decency’s sake, he broke the enchantment that kept him dry. Immediately, he was pummeled by rain, water streaming along the contours of his body and flattening his hair against his head. Looking skyward, he opened his arms and enjoyed the feeling for a moment before he dropped down into the largest of the pools, its waters frothing from the rain. Donovan sighed at the hot, nearly burning sensation of the heat against his skin. <br><br>Looking back at Fiona, who was still protected by his earlier spell, he grinned and gestured for her to join him. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>02-07-2009, 00:48:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Yay. :D What happened? :x))<br><br>Instinctively, Fiona's fingers tightened lightly against Donovan as he kissed her. She didn't offer any resistance, relaxed in part against him. Drawing in breath, her tongue brushed his faintly; an intense rising feeling came through her chest, making it harder to breathe.<br><br>Looking at him after he withdrew, her eyes shook a little, showing surprise and uncertainty, though not born of unwillingness. Everything was still so new and sudden, she didn't know how to react. It was all a great much for her, but Fiona trusted her brother.<br><br>Inclining her head back, she looked toward the ground and a smile returned to her face, enjoying the thrill of the movement. Most things did not frighten her, after all.<br><br>After landing and disengaging, she stood amidst the pounding rain, watching her brother and the springs and the nature all around them. It was something quite taken from a fairy tale, and it was immensely delightful and enchanting. Offering him a light smile, she took hold of her dress and undid its laces, sliding it down off of her and revealing a less-than-modest set of under garments. Spinning her fingers over her form, she exorcised a light Transmutation spell, changing them into a light bathing dress.<br><br>Looking more entertained and ripping the pattern of Donovan's spell apart, she leaped into the hot spring with a laugh.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>02-07-2009, 02:59:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Nothing huge, just a fight with the girlfriend.))<br><br>Donovan smiled faintly to himself as he watched her undo the laces. With the slightest gesture of his fingers, the steam between them shifted, allowing him a momentarily generous view of Fiona before she transfigured the undergarments. Shifting his gaze the moment she turned, he tilted his head skyward, settling onto a small shelf of rock that formed a natural bench beneath the water, relaxing against the wall behind him.<br><br>As she leapt down, he was splashed by the resultant wave, raising an arm in a futile attempt to shield himself. Laughing, Donovan swiped his hand through the water, splashing her in return. When the burst of water subsided, his gaze caught the bruises that darkened her shoulder, pattered like the fingers of a man’s hand. His expression sobered. With a frown, he moved towards her. The water was about chest-height if he stood, and he waded through it towards where she had landed.<br><br>Reaching for her, he spun her so that he could see her back, gently touching the bruised skin. There was no point in asking; it must have been Charles’s handiwork, though he did wonder what specifically happened last night, as she still hadn’t explained.<br><br>The anger he had quelled before started afresh, and he drew rigid with the effort of containing it.<br><br>“That bastard…” <br><br>((I think I took the liberty of assuming that she was still injured b/c she's been rubbing her shoulder...))<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>04-07-2009, 22:05:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Fair enough. Been busy in San Diego, fyi, but am back now.))<br><br>Amused and pleased, Fiona looked at her brother with startled concern after he frowned at her and then grabbed her, moving her in such a quick motion. Grimacing a bit, she felt him touch her sensitive shoulders with a displeased look on her face.<br><br>Sighing heavily, she turned toward him and put a hand his mouth, quashing his words. "Hold your anger and stay yourself, Donovan. This isn't the time or place..." Her eyes watched his, sober once more, the happiness fleeing out of them.<br><br>"Revenge will come once we return. Unless you intend this 'retreat' as a strategy session, it will do you no pleasure to keep your mind there." She removed her hand, staring at him seriously, her eyes regarding him with a very stern look.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>05-07-2009, 09:38:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Ah, welcome back  ))<br><br>Donovan opened his mouth to protest, but found himself quelled by her harsh look. With a frown that indicated he would have only stemmed his anger for her, he nodded slowly. Resignedly dropping his shoulders, he frowned, glaring over Fiona’s shoulder into nothingness. He would drop it now, but only if the future promised certain revenge. But, while Fiona intended to bring about Charles’s social and economic demise, Donovan desperately wanted to exact justice with his bare hands. With blood on his knuckles.<br><br>Turning to Fiona with a long sigh, he gave her a defeated look, “You said that you were all right—I just, assumed he hadn’t--…” hadn’t what? Laid a hand on her? Though she had said that Charles had been too bold, Donovan hadn’t known the extent of it. And, though Donovan was far from that naïve, part of him would have liked to believe that Charles hadn’t managed to venture too far with his sister before she stopped him.<br><br>“At least... allow me to heal you? I am not overeager to have you bear the mark of his hand for the rest of our ‘retreat.’”&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>05-07-2009, 19:55:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I am all right," she snapped at him, the force of her voice abrupt. While part of not talking about it much to Donovan was to prevent him from becoming a raging brother, part of it was also her pride and inner calm. It was a sore spot; plans had gone wrong, Charles had been too eager. He had touched her. She would never forgive him.<br><br>Though her brother was kind in being so concerned, she no more wanted to think about it than he liked doing so. "Please do." Fiona had been too preoccupied with other matters to notice the bruises and had no desire to hold onto them.<br><br>"Thank you," she murmured as he eased the marks away, sighing and closing her eyes. She really didn't want to think about it now. At all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>06-07-2009, 01:41:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan was taken aback by the vehemence of her reply, lashing out—if only briefly—at him. Charles had left his mark in more ways than Donovan could heal. He was beginning to understand that Fiona’s declaration that she was unharmed was but a cursory dismissal of what had happened. Quietly, he nodded, allowing himself to be overridden by her anger. However he hungered for vengeance, she was the victim of this crime. <br><br>Gently setting his hand against her shoulder, Donovan began drawing the necessary energy from about them. He had limited knowledge of healing—only what was necessary to repair the damage done by experiments gone awry. But her wounds weren’t terrible—at least not those that showed. Drawing from the wealth of raw resources, of untouched nature around them, he repaired the damaged muscle, knitting ruptured tissue back together until the bruises faded to untouched skin. <br><br>When he was finished, he lifted his hand and smiled faintly at his work, “You’re welcome,” he said softly in return.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>07-07-2009, 02:35:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After he completed his spell, his hands resting on her back, she turned around and pulled Donovan into her arms. She held him there, pressing her cheek against his. Fiona wanted Donovan to relax his hatred for now, to not hold onto it for these hours which were already few. It would be a waste of them if her were to be like this now.<br><br>And, despite it all, this was her fight. Charles was her opponent to defame and bring to misery; Donovan could help her, but he would be no more than Bishop to Queen. This game was hers to make even and hers alone. She had been wronged. As much as she could empathize with her brother's feelings, she would defer to him if he had been wronged in how he sought vengeance.<br><br>Fiona was afraid Donovan's emotions were too out of control sometimes, but then she was the matter he had the faintest grasp on. What restraint he exercised was from remarkable self-control, as he obviously wanted to do so much more.<br><br>"Everything will fall into place, brother. I don't want you ruining your life to get petty vengeance when we can accomplish so much more." Her eyes opened and she shifted to look at him in earnest. She meant the words with the utmost sincerity. They had the conviction and talent to go far; falling into catastrophe was inexcusable. Impermissible. She wouldn't allow it.<br><br>Not now, not ever.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>07-07-2009, 02:55:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan’s thoughts trailed down a similar path—he had strangely lost his grip on his emotions when it came to Fiona. Despite Donovan’s usual detachment, his sister had inspired in him a series of forceful, overwhelming reactions that always seemed to burst past his guard. What’s worse—he was reluctant to even try to rein them in. He almost <em>wanted</em> to lose it, to surrender to the tide of desire and finally release the stranglehold in which he held his every impulse.<br><br>His gaze matched hers for a long while, torn between his own rage and the reluctant understanding that he couldn’t fight her battle for her—in fact, she would most likely be rather displeased if he tried. Mouth set into a faint grimace, he sighed, “You realize, Fiona, only you could stay my hand.”<br><br>But, unable to satiate the unsettling anger that trembled within his chest, Donovan no longer found pleasure in their surroundings. With a shake of his head, he pushed himself up from the side of the pool, water cascading in thin streams off his body and onto the ground, “Let’s return…” he said simply, without looking back at Fiona.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>07-07-2009, 16:43:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Then I will keep it so." She stared at him hard, her gaze intense. <em>I will not lose you.</em> Fiona could not afford to have him do himself in that way. She did not want to think of what it would do to her if he did.<br><br>Sighing at his departure, she went to the pool and pulled herself out as well, feeling similarly spent and drained. Now her mind was drifting back toward how Charles would be dealt with, how his family would be brought to crawl on all fours, and her attention was leaving the moment.<br><br>It was almost pitiable, what would happen. But then the Dubois family certainly earned it with such conduct.<br><br>The only variable she worried about now was Celoine; some price would have to be met for what she would ask of her.<br><br>Settling in her thoughts and watching her brother sadly, Fiona followed him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>07-07-2009, 20:34:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In the rain, he donned his shirt, the warmth of the spring quickly washed away by the sharp bite of the cold rain. Donovan didn’t bother to recast his spell; the water quickly plastered the cloth to his skin as he did the buttons with a minute gesture of his hand. With a look back at Fiona, he gave her a quick nod to say ‘let’s go,’ and stalked off towards the direction from whence they came.<br><br>He didn’t speak during the return journey, mood worsening as he trudged back through the woods. Perhaps this entire trip was a mistake after all. His mind flickered between anger at Charles’s violation of his sister and frustration with Fiona’s still entirely opaque reservedness. Even when he had kissed her, she just… let him. It was so… passive. It was the passion in his sister that he loved; and it felt as if he were the only subject on earth for which she felt none.<br><br>When they returned to cottage, he pushed through the doors. He turned hesitantly at Fiona, knowing that he had little right to be in such a foul mood at the moment, but unable to rise above it, “I …” he glanced down at his clothes, dripping rainwater onto the carpet, “am going to find something dry to wear,” he said curtly and turned off towards his room. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>08-07-2009, 00:23:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Picking up her dress along the way, Fiona stared at his back as he moved, his emotions almost an aura about him. She could sense and read much of him through how he moved, what he did and did not show or emote, and despite everything, he was tumbling himself into the ground.<br><br>Fiona's eyes and thoughts searched it all, through the rain and darkness, the open weft of the world. It was damnably frustrating. Though Donovan's desires were different than hers regarding the trip, she hated that he was like this, she hated being out 'on retreat' and having it all spoiled, and most of all, she hated Charles.<br><br>A dark storm was brewing around Fiona when they made it back. Unlike her brother, she wasn't going to suffer through the indignities of rain when a simple flex of magical muscle would dismiss it. They were not slaves to the elements, they were not slaves to their hearts, and they were not slaves to anyone else. They were above such things. They were the Vorum scions, twins of immense magical aptitude. Young as they were, there was little they could not accomplish when they through their drive into it.<br><br>Fiona was sick of it all. Frustration burned straight up into fury and hate, and she wasn't going to stand by her brother's sulking. Raising her arm, she spat out the words as she gesticulated, a carefully controlled conflagration erupting around him and searing him as it evaporated all moisture and left his clothing fully intact.<br><br>"Don't <em>bother</em>."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>08-07-2009, 04:56:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan drew a sharp breath through his teeth as the flames burst from around him. He had already turned away from Fiona, freezing mid-step when the fire sprang from his clothing. He felt the heat scorch his skin, leaving light burns in its wake. The fabric was stiff and bone-dry, scraping against the newly sensitive flesh. In the silence that followed, Donovan considered his options. He could storm off now with no reason other than pure, unadulterated fury, or he could turn and face her.<br><br>Something snapped—something tenuous and strained across his emotions for too long. Donovan whirled back around. He stormed towards Fiona, eyes ablaze with long-contained rage, “Is that what it takes to get a reaction from you, Fiona?” His voice was a low growl, every word carried with it the tone of a threat, though none was voiced.<br><br>“Is that what it takes to get some <em>emotion</em> from you?” His hand clasped around her arms, shaking her in his grasp, “Why is it that the only feeling you seem capable of expressing is <em>anger</em>?” His face was inches from her, heart pounding as if it were going to erupt from his chest. Everything that he had kept himself from feeling surged through his veins, “Where is that ardor, that passion when it comes to me? Why do you respond to me like a limp rag? I’ve laid my heart bare to you, Fiona. And I’m beginning to doubt that you even have one.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>08-07-2009, 05:21:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona's eyes met Donovan's as he turned around, flashing challenge back at his rage. She had no intention of idly taking his anger, but it was much better seeing it than him brooding. It was completely against what he was to be in such a state, as much as Fiona hated to admit some of the points involved.<br><br>As he took her arms, she took his, and she dug her nails into his skin to hold on. He was stronger than her physically and could do a lot of damage if he so desired, but she wasn't going to be afraid of him this time, even as he struck nerves and pounded on her for different reasons - even though they were both upset from what they wanted from the other.<br><br>"You push and push and <em>push</em> me, Donovan." Fiona gritted her teeth, tears appearing in her eyes even as she yelled back at him. He refused to leave well enough alone and ripped her heart out along with his. "But you can't see how <em>afraid</em> I am."<br><br>She swallowed, her breath coming harder, fighting the losing battle against the sorrow of weakness exposed. "This is all so damn <em>easy</em> for you and you expect me to know left from right with these things." Fiona was nearly screaming at him, venting the surges of emotion that flew through her.<br><br>Despite her frustration about how far 'superior' he was in this regard, her real fear centered around how much would change by giving in and what she might lose in the process. She couldn't stand to disappointment him or lose him, and if all his striving desires came through to mild shambles of what he thought he would get, what he could not stand but want...<br><br>... if could not want it like him, if he could not want her like he thought he did...<br><br>... if their relationship changed in all the <em>wrong</em> ways by pursuing these desires...<br><br>... she could not bear to lose what was, and the worry was caving in all around her, her eyes exposing likely the most ardent fear her brother had ever seen in her.<br><br>"I can't lose you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>08-07-2009, 07:15:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The bite of her nails into his skin felt amazing—relieving even. He was getting <em>something</em> out of her rather than mere compliance. He wanted action, not endless debate on their feelings. He was a man who <em>did</em>, rather than sitting around thinking about how he felt or to best contain it. If anyone in the household heard their screaming, they tactfully avoided the room. In the silence that followed Fiona’s voice, his ears thrummed with the sound of his own harsh breaths, feeling as if his chest would burst with all that he had released.<br><br>His anger waned—just barely at the sight of her tears, in his mind’s vague comprehension of her fear. But he had undammed something he could not control. His frustration would not lessen, “Lose me?!” he repeated, his voice intoning exactly how ridiculous he found that notion, “You can’t lose me. Though <em>this</em> might be the way to go about it. I’m not made to… <em>pine</em>, Fiona. I’m sick of sitting around and waiting for you to find an answer.” <br><br>With his fingers still clenched firmly around her arms, he pulled her roughly to him, “What are you so afraid of? I will not resent you if you decide against me. But I can make no promises if you continue to toy with me. I can’t stand your lack of response. Do you really feel so little for me that you can offer nothing but… mere passivity?”<br><br>Releasing his hold on her, he pried her hand loose from his arm, pressing her palm to his chest, above the fierce pounding of his heart, “Give <em>in</em>, Fiona.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>08-07-2009, 17:30:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona was looking down after releasing such things, a few clutches of tears falling to the floor. His responses felt strange to her, like he was listening and speaking with someone else; what she tried to get through to his heart and mind slipped past. "You just don't understand," she whispered. Perhaps he was beyond understanding with these things. All he seemed to know now was desire.<br><br>After he pulled her to him, she looked up at him, searching his eyes. He did not understand her actions, their intended effect. He did not understand that she was stepping so blindly into something he knew so surely. It was so much more the gamble for her.<br><br>Donovan didn't really offer any other choice. There were other choices, but they were worse to take - she didn't believe all of his words on the matter. She couldn't trust them with what appeared in his eyes. Curiosity and interest welled up, too, feeling the motions of his heart. It was still frightening, but the decision was already made. Her eyes looked away as she swallowed.<br><br>"Okay, brother."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>08-07-2009, 19:50:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Apparently, misunderstanding was the theme of the evening. Donovan’s shoulders dropped when she spoke. Perhaps he didn’t comprehend her actions or her emotions, but she had also missed his point entirely. Her concession was exactly the thing he was trying to avoid; he didn’t want her reluctant agreement. He wanted passion, not uncertain yielding.<br><br>With a look of disgust, he released her. He laughed—a harsh, humorless sound, “No, Fiona, not ‘okay.’” Donovan paced a few steps away, viciously kicking at one of the decorative side tables. The leg crumpled and the wooden structure collapsed against the couch with a shower of splinters. There was a long pause in which Donovan simply stared and the wreckage, hands balled to fists at his side. <br><br>“I don’t want your mere compliance, Fiona. I want… <em>passion</em>. I want you to want me. I want you to feel as strongly for me as I do for you, and I won’t… settle for your reluctant acceptance of my advances,” he gestured angrily with every word, “Why is it that you dedicate such… fervor to everything in your life but me?” <br><br>He stood several feet from Fiona, eyes steeled into a glare, having half a mind to call an end to his whole pursuit. Perhaps romantic passion was simply beyond her. Perhaps her love would never know any touch of physical intimacy. Perhaps he would have better luck returning to his world of blind, emotionless sex.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>08-07-2009, 20:43:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His release left her where she was, standing straight, though her eyes remained on the ground. She glanced only mildly at the mess Donovan left with his rage, her gaze counting over the splinters on the ground. Of course, he was disappointed. This was not what he wanted, of all the great things he wanted from her.<br><br>Donovan's words were almost amusing. Feeling strongly, he spoke of, with such frustrated, wretched desire. Even as she yelled at him how much she cared for him and wanted him in her life, he saw it as nothing of importance, nothing of matter, nothing that wasn't so worthless to not tread over like an already decaying corpse.<br><br>What did her heart matter to him right now if she didn't express it as he did?<br><br>And then the irony was too much, and Fiona was laughing, bringing her hands to her face to hold herself as she laughed and cried at the same time. How mismatched, the two natural impulses. Such a sick joke. She looked only toward him, not at him.<br><br>"And you are so blind to how I feel about you because I don't know how to consummate it with throwing my clothes off and leaping upon you?" She laughed, the sound a distraught, wretched cry that held truly bitter amusement.<br><br>"You are so eager to have everything be your way that you can't stand to wait for me to dip my feet into the water and get used to the cold." And she had kept trying, and it was just too much to wait for. Maybe it was not worth it, then. Maybe this was how these feelings revolved anyway, dying before truly living. Was this what he was trying to show her?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>08-07-2009, 21:24:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan dug his knuckles against his eyes. His head spun with frustration and her laughter did nothing but aggravate him further. When he spoke, the words burst forth as if every one had exploded from his chest, “You haven’t dipped your feet in the water. I’ve <em>dragged</em> you to the water. Surely, if this whole idea is so unpleasant to you that you must ‘get used to the cold,’ it must not be the best decision. I didn’t expect you to… leap upon me, but you’ve made it seem as if I’ve <em>inflicted</em> my affections upon you. As if they are something you must endure.” <br><br>He looked down at the splintered wood, picking up with of the displaced chunks before flinging it across the room, where it struck the wall with a clatter, snapping in two against the stone. When he finally returned his gaze to Fiona, his voice dropped lower, soft again as he wrestled down his surging, incomprehensible anger and disappointment, “Just… forget it Fiona. We will return home, and I will be nothing more than your brother again. It seems that I was wrong; this entire pursuit was a mistake.”<br><br>With a violent wave of his hand, the table reassembled itself, the wood piecing seamlessly together. Alas that the matters between them could not be so easily repaired, “Collect your things,” he spat as he turned his back towards her, moving in the direction of his room, “We will depart for home.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>08-07-2009, 21:34:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona's eyes shuddered with the grasping of it all. Terrible actions led to terrible consequences, and now the house of cards had just collapsed. Donovan moved too fast and too far without even... understanding. Her smile slowly ebbed out of her, a great feeling of hollow, cold void seeping in where it had once lied. "My feelings in this are so foreign to you that you cannot understand my progress... or yours."<br><br>Shifting her shoulders, Fiona wiped the moisture from her face and straightened herself further, righting her posture. Swallowing, she removed most of the traces of her grief and frustration, mirroring Donovan's though it was so dissimilar. Folding her hands before her for a moment, she resumed a more proper stance and manner.<br><br>"No, Donovan." Fiona moved softly for the door, her will opening it for her as she approached and halted, momentarily. "You still do not understand." Her lips wavered lightly, her spirit feeling the farthest it had ever felt since she had been born alongside her brother. "I will return home on the morrow."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>09-07-2009, 02:02:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan didn’t turn back towards her when she spoke again, pausing with one foot already in the hallway. With his gaze boring into the carpet, he listened to her speak, but everything sounded utterly pointless. Of course he didn’t understand. This entire problem emerged from the fact that he didn’t understand, and she didn’t understand, and for the first time in their lives, they were each incapable of comprehending the other’s suffering.<br><br>“Then I will send the carriage back for you,” he answered, voice flat. With that, he turned and darted up the stairs. He hadn’t even unpacked yet; the leather satchel sat at the foot of the bed, where the servant must have delivered it upon their arrival. Donovan ignored the dull ache that had settled within him—like a muffled scream had been caged between his ribs. <br><br>Shouldering his belongings, Donovan made his way to the servant’s quarters and beat his fist against the door until someone answered. When he found the driver, Donovan demanded that he be driven back to the estate—the storm be damned. And, with that, he left. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>09-07-2009, 04:17:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The door closed behind her as she walked into the storm, the rain still falling away from her as she slipped into her dress once more and walked out into the darkness. Donovan had brought them here to enjoy themselves, but with what lay between them and Charles' untimely steps, that was impossible between them now.<br><br>Without the comfort of closeness and understanding with her twin, Fiona could not stand the silence and grating emotions in his presence right now. She desired understanding, but settled for peace; for now there would be no more revelation and agreement. Part of her wondered idly what would come of all this, now, and felt like she was holding onto cracked glass readying itself to shatter.<br><br>Fiona wandered the dark until she found a suitable tree to rest against and wearily find sleep under, her mind replaying over everything in a dull haze of sorrow. <em>Why did everything have to happen this way.</em> She looked upon her hand and clenched it before releasing the question. It was up to her again to make things right, she supposed. Faintly amused and somewhat desolate, slumber eventually found her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>09-07-2009, 09:28:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((So, I'm introducing one of the parents. Hope that's okay.))<br><br>Donovan boarded the carriage and road through the pouring rain. When he returned home, he found a fresh set of clothing and, after assessing the damage done by Fiona’s flames, healed the light burns. It was a long night, one fraught with the reckless instinct to do something drastic. He wanted to storm to the Dubois estate and rend Charles limb from limb. For some immature, unarticulated reason, he decided to blame Charles for the whole disaster of this weekend. Alternatively, somewhere in the back of his mind, Donovan had the self-destructive impulse to seek out Celoine and court a woman who <em>would</em> respond to his advances.<br><br>Instead, though, Donovan passed the night in his room, a lamp burning low as watched the shadows play across his ceiling.<br><br>---------<br><br>The next morning marked their father, Edward Vorum’s return from his business-related travels. Edward was a dignified man with a severe look about him. His hair had begun graying at the temples, and his features were now creased with subtle lines, but they only added to his aged elegance. He made a daunting figure, tall and lean with a long, smooth stride. He entered his home with a dramatic, sweeping black coat and leather riding gloves. But before he managed to get anywhere, a servant came bearing a note—one sealed with the Dubois family crest.<br><br>Edward read the missive slowly, expression twisted with shock and anger. Afterwards, he nodded a calm dismissal to the servant. He walked to Fiona’s room and knocked, but, as she had not yet returned, he found no answer. He then summoned his son and questioned him at length. When he could get no satisfactory answer to his inquiries, he sent Donovan away.<br><br>Unsettled, Edward returned to foyer, seating himself in one of the ornate chairs and waiting for his daughter’s return.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>09-07-2009, 09:55:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Of course!))<br><br>Fiona spent much of the next day involved in magical discovery that involved something both momentous and frightening, even to one of her knowledge and experience - but such was the product of her circumstances and recent discoveries.<br><br>It was late afternoon when she finally returned from the retreat, dressed in the elegant dress she had brought with her 'just in case'. It was still early from what was expected, but there was work to do, and she was done being out there; the peace it held had been shattered by what had transpired.<br><br>And so she was mildly surprised to find her father waiting in the foyer for her. Reading his contemplative face in a moment's glance, she curtsied to him elegantly, thoughts racing through her own head - she knew what the conversation would likely hold, and she had many pieces ready to move into place. But the landscape was still incomplete, and she felt that it was about to become a lot more visible to her.<br><br>She did not even bother mustering a polite smile and went straight to the point. "What troubles you, father?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>09-07-2009, 10:19:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When the door opened, Edward gave his daughter a terse smile. Without a gesture, without even the slightest indication that his attentions had shifted, Edward wove material from thin air and a chair materialized behind Fiona.<br><br>“Sit,” he said. It wasn’t a request, and it wasn’t a demand. It was a simple truth; she would sit. Edward was man in the habit of being listened to, and he expected no less of his children. Between his hands, he held the letter, the Dubois house crest a neat wax circle on the edge of the refolded paper. He gestured lightly with it as he began to speak.<br><br>“You and your brother are adults now, Fiona. I have trusted you to handle your affairs without my guidance and thus far you have done no harm. But…” He tapped the letter once against his knee, “Today a missive arrived from the Dubois household.” He frowned as he considered the sensitive nature of what was to come. The Vorum family was unusual in many ways, but he was still a father speaking to his daughter, and sexuality was not among the many things he had ever comfortably discussed with her.<br><br>With a wearied sigh, Edward plunged into it, voice level, “Charles Dubois is charging you for magical assault. He claims that you… seduced him and then attacked him in the courtyard of the Duke’s estate. There are witnesses that say they saw you leave just before they found him collapsed in the garden. And he has submitted a… wooden egg with… unusual magical properties as evidence of your foul play. Investigations are underway, and you have been instructed not to leave the estate on threat of being detained.”<br><br>Edward shifted forward in his chair, expression stern, “I spoke with Donovan and asked him what he knew about this. He said you had been most vague on the matter.” Donovan had still been in a foul mood when Edward approached him, and he was still feeling unkind towards Fiona. He had been in no mood to discuss her or the night with Charles—what little he knew. But that was a different and, presently, less important matter.<br><br>“I need you to tell me what happened, Fiona.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>09-07-2009, 10:39:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona did as her father instructed; there was no point and no will to do otherwise. In all matters, she respected him, trusted him, and relied upon what he gave to them. Though not all would agree, she was of the certain opinion that she did indeed have a wonderful man for a father.<br><br>The words that followed were not easy words to hear, though that arrived mostly from their source. Fiona was not in the habit of disappointing her father or causing him concern. She held herself above that, or any other potential disgrace to the family, in every situation and circumstance - but recent events had caused a certain wrinkle in such matters.<br><br>However, as her father went on about the matters involved, Fiona could not help but develop a small smile. Though not all of her elements had been pre-planned and prepared, they were all falling into place, and more were already being moved into position. <em>This is almost too perfect.</em> She held her grin from becoming overly eager, however, as the situation was still very serious and the matter very stern in her father's countenance and mind.<br><br>Fiona bowed her head lightly in deference to her father. There was much to say.<br><br>"I am sorry, father, to cause you this hardship and alarm. I may have overstepped myself in this matter, and am prepared to accept any and all responsibility and burden that comes from the events that follow." She drew in a deep breath, her eyes locking with Edward's to demonstrate her sincerity and seriousness. No word was left with chance for mis-meaning. She would preserve their family name, if nothing else.<br><br>"Charles dissents as to the truth of what happened. He told me of his intentions to propose to me and secure my hand in marriage." At this, she could not help but smirk derisively. "I offered him the 'egg' as a gift for his invitation. In truth, it was a trick on my part that backfired and spurred him to make... indecent advances upon me." The smirk, of course, had faded as soon as it came up. "I warned him that a magical geas had been placed on me - by your hand - that would discharge if he continued with his actions. He did not heed the warning and found himself... disabled afterward."<br><br>Before her father could interrupt, she then continued. "The magical signature of the energy I inflicted upon him was a tangled mix of schools of my devising; it will look similar to a half-dozen spells even under close scrutiny, and the energies were designed to look like yours." She did not give herself a self-congratulatory smile this time. "The 'egg' itself will be rendered inert in a manner of hours, if it hasn't already, as the endowment I placed upon it was a weak and self-unraveling enchantment, though that fact is also disguised by my hand."<br><br>Raising her hand, magical patterns of spells appeared in the air before her, though not obstructing her from view, and hovered in clear vision where her father could see them. "These are the patterns I created and used." Without even looking at them, she already knew they were works of art, even though they were hardly the greatest ones she had wrought in her time.<br><br>But, it all came down to how her father reacted. She looked at him, growing quiet. "I have other plans ready to move forward... but I will submit to your wisdom and judgment in this matter."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>10-07-2009, 08:12:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Meanwhile, Donovan sat in his room, engaging in a means of magical eavesdropping. Though he had given his father little information—as he honestly had little to give—he still felt strangely invested in the matter. Seated in his room, he threaded a cautious, subtle spell that allowed him to hear the conversation below. However, partway through Fiona’s explanation, the connection severed. His room fell silent, and Donovan heard his father’s voice resounding in his head. <br><br><em>Nice try.</em><br><br>“Damn…” Donovan threw himself back onto his bed. Had it been anyone else, he was certain, his magic would have gone unnoticed. But he would simply have to wait and to find out in time, whenever he or Fiona felt like dealing with the other.<br><br>----<br><br>Edward sensed and dispelled his son’s enchantment without withdrawing the least bit of attention from Fiona. He listened carefully, nodding on occasion as he processed all the information, mildly perturbed that he had not heard of any of this before. The only moment in which he demonstrated any emotion was upon the mention of Charles’s advances, a father’s rightful anger flaring behind his otherwise stolid gaze. But he did not interrupt.<br><br>He watched as Fiona charted the magic she had used, a faint smile curving across his features. Perhaps, in all the achievements Edward had to his name, his children’s natural affinity for magic was his proudest. Quietly, he assessed the situation. His voice, when he spoke again, was even, bearing no hint of the anger that had shown in his eyes.<br><br>“Charles Dubois is a pathetic buffoon. His simplicity, however, is not a family trait. The Dubois name did not rise to where it is today without a measure of cleverness, of underhanded techniques, and a good deal of influence. The evidence against you, it seems, will appear mostly circumstantial. But I will bet than each and every of the investigators they have dispatched to bring a case against you is on their payroll.” <br><br>Edward paused, about to suggest that she tell him what she had planned. But he stopped, closing his mouth again as he studied Fiona, a parent’s affection settled strangely into his rigid features. It was easier for him to accept that his son had grown, but though he loved his children equally, his love for his daughter always bore a tenderness that he had known nowhere else.<br><br>“If you find yourself out of your depth, Fiona, your mother and I will always be there to help you. But it seems that Charles’s violation was of a personal nature, and it is your revenge to seek—as happy as I would be to let him feel the force of my wrath in earnest.” He leaned forward, brow drawn together and eyes intent, “But do… please tread carefully.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>10-07-2009, 10:09:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona had laid out her first hand before her, showing her father some of her cards. They were the first of many in what would be a <em>devastating</em> campaign to the Dubois family for the ill-mannered conduct of her son. She had many resources to draw upon from herself and those within their social circle that she would wield like the dozens of knives they kept within their basement for the experimentation and dissection of their fare.<br><br>Her eyes lit to her father's affection and approval. Though her plans had by no means run flawlessly, she had already prepared contingencies and begun mapping out further directions in literally no time at all. The fall of Charles Dubois would be swift, if not unexpected, and come at him from many directions. But that was a pleasure she would have the grace to savor.<br><br>Luckily for her, her enemies would likely move much slower than she would. Her lips turned into a rather gracious and sincere smile for her father. "I would like to involve you as little as possible, father, to keep possible entanglements to a minimum... but I do have a question and a request." Fiona could not help but show pride at her father.<br><br>"The first... is to actually place such a geas upon me. That will make my explanation and defense that much easier to reinforce." Her grinned rather shamelessly. "And second... I would like to know the names of the inspectors investigating the case, if you know them." Fiona's eyes flashed with determination and cunning - she would be meeting each and every one of them in short order...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>10-07-2009, 22:00:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edward looked momentarily surprised at her request. She was correct; it would further justify her claims, but it was also a burden to bear—to willingly go about with his restrictive magic bound about her, not that he minded the thought of her being inviolable, “If you’re certain…” Edward nodded, pushing up the sleeves of his coat.<br><br>Standing, he positioned himself behind Fiona, flattening both hands in the air two inches above her shoulders. Slowly, his eyes fell shut and the surrounding air quivered with the power that coursed through it. Normally, Edward would not have taken such care in crafting such a geas, but it would be guarding his daughter. The enchantment emerged already an interwoven construct, draping about her with the grace of falling silk.<br><br>Though the minute threads were too fine and complex to unravel, he ensured that the spell could be seen by those who looked. It would, after all, be used as proof of her innocence. He mimicked the same patterns she had used for her own spell, adding his own subtle reductions or enhancements where he saw fit. When he finished, the air settled with one soft gust of wind.<br><br>“It will lift on the day you are wed,” Edward explained afterwards, stepping out from behind her, finding it strange that his daughter had just essentially asked him to ensure her chastity. But, take your blessings as they come, “Nothing else can undo it, save my own hand.”<br><br>“Charles was kind enough to include in his letter the list of inspectors—I believe he thought we might be intimidated by such prodigious names.” At that statement, the folded parchment rose from Edward’s chair and flitted to his hand. He held it out for Fiona, “Do be careful—you are my only daughter you know.” Edward leaned down and kissed the crown of her head, “And remember, do not be afraid to ask for my assistance.”<br><br>With that, he turned to leave, pausing at the doorway, “Oh yes, and there has been a young man waiting outside the door for a short while now. I had one of the servants detain him for the duration of our talk.”<br><br>---- <br><br>Alex paced the stretch of lawn. He had arrived twenty minutes ago—at the time he had arranged before with Donovan for their group experimentation—making his way down the long walk to the manor when a servant rushed out with instructions not to enter. The young mistress was busy, he was told, and Alex was to wait outside until she came to greet him.<br><br>----<br><br>In all the excitement, Donovan had forgotten about the appointment, still mulling over the recent events. He had plucked a worn novel off his shelf, hoping to divert his thoughts until he felt prepared to deal with it all. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>10-07-2009, 22:25:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona nodded to her father. "Of course I'm certain. I hadn't intended to let anyone seduce me, anyway," she added with a forthright grin. Well, that wasn't entirely true... <em>but Donovan made his choice.</em> She stood resolutely, closing her eyes and looking instead with her mind and its eye, sensing the magic her father wove around her, watching the alterations he did to it. Edward was such a master at magic that she always marveled at her father's grace. Her brilliance did come in good part from him, though her mother was no minute addition to it as well.<br><br>At her father's warning, she simply smiled. "Thank you, father." She curtsied to him graciously, sincerity always in her words when she spoke with him. "I would not seek to cause you any worry." Her smile was soft, toward him; she shared a similar affection for her father, of whom there would only ever be one. "Pride will not come before any of my falls." <em>If I ever could fall so utterly.</em><br><br>She blinked at the mention of the young man, interrupting her flow of planning for what she would be doing with the inspectors assigned to the case. Giving a nod of understanding and smiling again, distractedly, she went to the door and opened it, going outside.<br><br>Seeing Alex, she looked somewhat perplexed, but quickly offered him a smile. "Alex! A pleasure to see you again." She curtsied lightly. "What brings you here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>10-07-2009, 23:51:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“I should hope not,” Edward answered with a small smile before he turned the corner, ascending the stairs and marveling at the growth of his daughter. Though he had always supported the twins’ independence, like any parent, he had always worried over the day when his children would no longer need him. He sincerely hoped that Fiona was as capable as she believed she was—though, he could not expect any less of her. Turning towards his chambers, he went to find his wife, to share with her all that had transpired.<br><br>---- <br><br>Alex stopped midway through his pacing when the door opened, straightening his posture and stepping towards Fiona. He gave a quick bow to her curtsy, balancing the books he held beneath his arm. He raised a brow at her surprise.<br><br>“As always, Fiona, the pleasure is mine. I believe we… had an engagement?” He straightened the hard-bound volumes and balanced them against his side, “I spoke with Donovan a few days ago. We arranged to meet today. For the experiment, regarding teleportation?”<br><br>The rumors regarding odd happenings between Fiona Vorum and Charles Dubois had reached his ears. The town had already divided into several schools of thought—there was a foolish, but significant contingent that claimed that they had always known that the Vorums dabbled in harmful magic and that now they were out for blood, starting with the wealthiest and most influential families. There were others that had already begun whispering of Charles’s licentiousness and remarked quietly that he had it coming. And, there were those that believed all this was another silly fabrication of the aristocracy to entertain themselves. Nothing more than baseless drama. Alex had yet to draw his own conclusion.<br><br>“Of course… I understand if now is an inconvenient time,” Alex flushed a little, though he made no direct mention of Charles or the case against Fiona, “I simply received no notice of a cancellation, so I thought it best to come.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>11-07-2009, 01:21:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh?" Fiona's surprise gave way to some muddled understanding as he explained further. "Ah, I see; Donovan had not yet informed me of that matter." Her gracious smile returned and she stood out of the doorway, gesturing for Alex to come inside. It was somewhat strange that her brother had not mentioned it, but then topics had gone by very swiftly in the past few days, and heady emotions had tumbled all about them in the course of it. The omission was not something to be hard about, though. Alex's presence did have a certain effect upon Fiona, and she did enjoy seeing him and his smile, but thoughts of other matters preoccupied her enough to keep her attention in the moment focused.<br><br>"No, no, come in; I apologize for the delay. My father requested my presence, and his time is very valuable." There was clear deference to her father, and not at all faked, but it was not sycophantic, either. After he came in, she closed the door and began for the stairs, indicating for him to follow.<br><br>"After we draw on my brother, we will venture to the upstairs study to begin. There are many developments to discuss between us." Fiona gave Alex a very broad smile, wondering in earnest what all he had unearthed and discovered, and thinking of how much to discuss with him.<br><br>Upon reaching Donovan's door, she turned briefly to Alex. "I'll get him; do wait a moment." With that, she knocked upon his door and opened it, closing it behind her and instantly moving up a hand to shroud the room from magical or conventional listening techniques - she didn't want Alex to hear what she discussed with her brother next.<br><br>"Alex is here for studying, brother." She gave him a perked smile, not showing any animosity or feeling otherwise. "What did you intend to share with him regarding Teleportation?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>11-07-2009, 08:18:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan, slouched into the armchair placed beside his window, had dozed with the book on his chest, its tattered pages loosely gripped between his fingers. The knock startled him to sitting, clearing his throat and raking his hand through his hair absentmindedly as Fiona stepped into the room. He regarded her with a wary look, reserved but demonstrating no outright enmity. He raised both brows at her announcement.<br><br>“Oh… yes.” He frowned, having forgotten to cancel with Alex in everything that had happened. Clearly, it wasn’t the best time for him and Fiona to be working together. He shook his head, “I mentioned it briefly, the morning before we left—at breakfast. Alex stopped by while you were out with Charles… We were supposed to attempt a practical test of everything we have compiled. I believed that we could achieve something tangible with all the information that we have gathered.”<br><br>He regarded Fiona with a long, contemplative look. Exhausted, conflicted, and drained, he was far from his best and even his interest in this new magic dwindled in the face of their current problems. But, his thoughts were momentarily diverted as he sensed the new magic settled about her. It was faint, but it was also made to be seen—at least by the discerning eye. But even he couldn’t follow all the elegantly woven threads of Edward’s magic at a quick glance.<br><br>“A protective charm, Fiona?” he asked, brows furrowed, “It bears our father’s touch.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>11-07-2009, 09:10:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At his reluctance, Fiona brightened her smile further and walked over to her brother, taking his face in her hands. "Well? Do you want to go through with it, then, or shall I attempt it alone with Alex?" She gave him a raised brow, which was more of a challenge and spur than anything else, and brought her face exceedingly close to his. "It's up to you, brother."<br><br>It was still true that Fiona was conflicted, but it was just as much true that she could not stand her brother being mopey; she was determined to pull him out of it, even as she focused on clearing her name and dashing down that of the Dubois. Fiona had been more swayed than Donovan had realized, though, and her burgeoning feelings were still... present. Even after Donovan's declaration that he would no longer pursue her and they would return to how they had been. Another matter for Fiona to consider in depth.<br><br>Letting her features smooth into a lighter smile, she withdrew to a more "comfortable" distance and eyed him, her expression soft for a moment. "Father has given me an... alibi, of sorts." She gave a faint, thoughtful smirk, considering all of the consequences that would follow the decision. At this rate, she doubted that she would desire an opportunity to test her father's geas any time soon - but, then, stranger things had happened in the recent weeks.<br><br>"Well? Shall we? Or are you going to stay cooped up in here?" She <em>was</em> trying to be encouraging, after all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>11-07-2009, 09:21:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan’s expression didn’t brighten when she moved to him, mouth set in a firm line. At the mention of Alex, he scowled. As reluctant as he was to go about working now, he despised even more the idea of leaving the two to work together—or worse, leaving them to make the momentous discovery without him. He knew she was consciously provoking him, and he hated to admit that it worked, but it was better than the alternative.<br><br>“Fine…” he said finally, pushing himself up from the chair once she had moved a more comfortable distance away. He straightened his rumpled clothes, drawing a long breath to clear his head. It didn’t work. All their unresolved problems buzzed uncomfortably though his thoughts, interrupting any amount of concentration he could hope to gain.<br><br>Once Fiona explained, Donovan studied her more carefully, mentally tracing the magical energies draped about her. When he realized its purpose, he rolled his eyes, “A geas guarding your chastity…” he laughed, harsh and devoid of humor, “How appropriate. And how fortunate for Charles that he will have been the only man who has ever come close to touching you.”<br><br>With that, he pushed past her to the door, yanking it open with excessive force. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>11-07-2009, 09:26:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Despite Donovan's dour spirits, Fiona would just have to brush over them and persevere; it would work better than being equally ill-feeling. In the face of so much adversity, she enjoyed a rather perverse pleasure in overcoming and stepping up to the challenges facing her. Fiona always readily took to grinding other people's faces under her boots (graciously, of course) as she stepped into the light of accomplishment. She was born to overcome and be great - everything she did should show that, should it not?<br><br>Slightly perturbed at his laugh, her eyes lowered for only a moment after he passed by, muttering as he opened the door, "You never knew how close you were."<br><br>Shaking her head, Fiona went outside and then directed the three of them toward the stairs to use the third-floor study. As they neared them, Fiona gave them both a glance and then said, "Go on ahead. I'll bring up a few books from the library." Offering a gracious smile, she then headed to do just that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>11-07-2009, 10:02:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan gave a curt nod in greeting when they rejoined Alex, ignoring the hand the other had stuck out in offering. He said nothing in response to Fiona when she disappeared off, even more displeased to be left, however momentarily, alone with their “guest.”<br><br>----<br><br>When Alex was first delayed by the servant at the door, he had known that this was a bad time to be visiting. That thought pervaded even more now as he watched the siblings reemerge. Taking note of Donovan’s discontented expression, he considered briefly what could be troubling the two of them. Donovan and Fiona had always been notoriously close; he wondered why now, of all times, they seemed more distant.<br><br>Tucking the observation away, Alex twisted his head around to watch as Fiona disappeared. Like her, he felt a yet unexplored affinity towards her, and he found himself feeling unexpectedly and foolishly empty as he watched her turn the corner. But he snapped quickly out of it when he felt Donovan’s shoulder slam into his.<br><br>“This way,” Donovan said simply, walking ahead.<br><br>Alex frowned and followed Donovan into one of the larger studies, where the walls and floor were paved in plain, unadorned stone. Appropriate, he assumed, in order to minimize the destruction of experiments gone wrong.<br><br>“So I have some rudimentary ideas of—” Alex began.<br><br>“I know. We have better ones.” Donovan cut him off.<br><br>Alex raised a brow in questioning, waiting for the explanation that never came. He had actually achieved rather impressive advancements considering that he had not heard any of Drake’s advice. But Donovan would ultimately be right; the Vorum siblings had gone leaps and bounds beyond what Alex had found. <br><br>As Donovan silently began rummaging for all they would need, plucking objects from the shelves, Alex set his books down on a metal table in the far corner, waiting for Fiona’s return. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>11-07-2009, 10:32:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Separated from the two, Fiona wondered how Donovan would treat Alex in her absence. He had been a sore spot for him in the beginning, and while he was no villain like Charles, she wasn't sure she could trust him to be alone with him for too long. Nonetheless, there were books to be fetched from the library, and she was curious how it would go.<br><br>Once she had collected the requisite tomes, Fiona hurried back to where they would be. The prospect of anything interesting from Alex's end was mildly exciting, and she would at least listen to any input he would have in conducting the experiments. With what Donovan had discussed before, she wasn't quite sure why he agreed to go forward with him, but it could be a fruitful exercise all the same. She'd just have to see.<br><br>Walking into the study, Fiona took a piercing glance between the two of them and mustered another smile. She would have to play diplomat, then, with her brother's mood. Examining the area and her brother's preparations, she fell into work with him, able to easily integrate into his motions, even despite the difficulty between them. She gave him a pointed look - <em>we do have company, Donovan</em> - as she did so.<br><br>"What significant points have you uncovered, Alex?" she asked as they went about their preparations.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>12-07-2009, 05:37:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan didn’t glance up from his work as Fiona joined him, conducting the arrangements with muted gestures, shifting things back and forth as he recalled Drake’s specifications. Wordlessly, he moved to allow Fiona room, synchronizing perfectly with her actions. He managed to catch the look she gave him, simply shrugging his shoulders in response. The company was hers. She let him in, she introduced him to their lives; Alex would be hers to deal with. Donovan was here for what discoveries may be made, nothing else.<br><br>----<br><br>Alex smiled at Fiona when she returned, watching as she joined her brother, trying but failing to follow what they were doing.<br><br>“Huh? Oh…” Alex started at Fiona’s question, feeling ineptly prepared for this moment, “I…” he reached back for his books, lifting loose sheets from between the pages, on which he had scrawled neat, clustered notes, “I started with the basics of simple magical kenesis and then attempted to find a method to transport the subject without having to follow the natural trajectory—the patterns here account for something small but can be adjusted—but I never got around to figure how to specify its destination. And of course… none of this could be applied to a live subject…”<br><br>Alex shifted closer to Fiona as he spoke, holding his notes between the both of them and gesturing as he spoke, “—but, of course, it appears that you two have surpassed my research by far…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>12-07-2009, 06:21:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Without anything more to say on the matter, Fiona let Donovan be for now. Ideally, he wouldn't be so overcome by his emotions, but then he was more... passionate than she was in most ways. She had been the more reserved and formal creature, and even now, on the cusp of so much sorrow, anger, bitterness, and triumph, she composed herself rather well. It was only with her twin that Fiona truly 'let go', free to move and act however she pleased without having to comport herself to some standard or scrutiny. That was the level of acceptance and connection she had with him.<br><br>Looking to Alex's notes briefly and skimming over them, she listened with half an ear that pretended to be a pair of them as he explained what he had uncovered. "So it seems." She gave him an eager and proud smile. "I have the fortune to possess such a skilled and artful investigator." At this, Fiona glanced over at her brother. "His research brought many discoveries to light that made it so easy to come as far as we have." Her expression demonstrated some of the pride she felt for Donovan, sincerely.<br><br>Fiona was quite persistent at this game.<br><br>As she ended her statements, the preparations for the setup were finished, and she looked to Donovan, who was already starting in this direction, to progress it further.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>12-07-2009, 07:06:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex nodded at Fiona’s explanation, gaze following hers to where Donovan stood, “I see.” <br><br>For the second time that evening, he attempted to acknowledge Donovan, “Where did you encounter such useful information? I looked everywhere and couldn’t find anything useful…All this—” he gestured towards the collection of books on the table, “is barely worth reading.” <br><br>----<br><br>Unlike Fiona, Donovan hardly regarded Alex as company. For all he was concerned, the random, still suspicious boy that had popped into their lives did not merit excessive courtesy, or the effort that it would take for Donovan to contain his mood at the moment. This time, however, he had nothing with which to distract himself when Alex addressed him. <br><br>He raised a brow at the question, “I’m… persistent when it comes to my studies. I encountered the obscure work of a long-forgotten researcher.”<br><br>“Impressive. What was his name?” Alex asked with interest.<br><br>Donovan frowned as Alex pressed on, “Actually, the documents didn’t say. He wasn’t in the habit of signing his notes.” If anyone actually looked into Finnegan Drake, the first thing he’d find would be Drake’s rumored connections with early necromancy, something Donovan and Fiona could not risk.<br><br>“Fiona,” Donovan turned towards his sister pointedly to change the subject, “Have you given thought as to what we should use as the subject of our first teleportation? Obviously we cannot experiment with human transport yet…” Though something in Donovan’s tone suggested that he would love to just shove Alex in and see what aftereffects might happen in a failed attempt.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>12-07-2009, 20:31:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Though she threw around praise to affect Donovan, she was certainly sincere about it - Fiona did have a great deal of respect and appreciation for her brother's talents and aptitude. As he talked with Alex, he also demonstrated how he could act and think quickly without prompting. He was rather incredible.<br><br>At her brother's prompting, Fiona produced a small stone from the grounds of their estate. "This ought to do for a first try." Smiling at the two of them, she set it down in the first area they prepared for the Teleportation attempt, set across the room from the second area. Moving back to where Donovan was, she looked to him with clear eyes.<br><br>"Would you like to try together, brother?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 05:06:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For the first time, Donovan couldn’t resist a small smile, unable to suppress the onrush of adrenaline that came with each new discovery. They were on the edge of something revolutionary; he wasn’t certain of it before, but now, with the anticipation lingering thick in the air, he knew. He recited through his mind all of Drake’s steps, accounting for the adjustments that he and Fiona had made.<br><br>“Of course,” he answered Fiona’s question, eyes following the stone as she set it down. He moved towards the edge of the room, mind centered on the stone and its destination, weaving slowly the magical trajectories that would allow it to bypass any ostensible physical course of movement. With his eyes trained on the stone’s final destination, he sensed what Fiona was doing without looking, enmeshing his magic with hers. The room itself grew tense with the tangled energies coursing through it. The air drew taut.<br><br>And suddenly, without sound, the rock reemerged on the other side of the room. It appeared perfectly at its target location, materializing as if from nothing. For a second, it seemed whole except for thin veins etched into its surface. Then the veins widened, cracks split through the rock, and pieces crumbled to the floor, leaving one large core and many minute fragments.<br><br>There was a silent pause.<br><br>“Well…” Donovan walked over to the shattered stone, footsteps echoing against the walls, “… not bad.”<br><br>-----<br><br>Alex had little to do but watch as the two proceeded with the experiment, trying to stay as out of the way as possible. He could see nothing but the siblings standing still, manipulating threads too complex to follow. When the stone reemerged, he also moved tentatively towards it, a broad smile spreading across his face.<br><br>“My god,” he laughed, “You nearly did it!” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 05:40:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Standing beside Donovan, Fiona closed her eyes and focused the energy around them, shaping the spell alongside her brother. It was equally exhilarating for her, practicing new magic and being on the frontier of invention and discovery. They made the opportunity for themselves to be great. They made the unlikely possible.<br><br>Fiona opened her eyes and looked upon the finished results with a light grin, examining the after-effects of their magic usage. She hadn't tried her hardest to make the pattern secure and aligned, but it did well. Perhaps beyond expectation. They would have to try harder in private, without Alex, but she would be curious as to what developments he would come away with after this demonstration.<br><br>"Well done, brother." She eyed him with a genuine affection in her eyes. "Shall we try again?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 06:35:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan grinned at Fiona’s enthusiasm, his earlier animosity forgotten with the affection he found in her gaze. Nodding, he shrugged his shoulders, “Of course.” With a glance down at the shattered stone, he waved his hand and the pieces stitched themselves back together before flitting back to the other side of the room. He doubted that they would be able to get it perfect tonight, but he was certain that he could do better. Now what they knew it was possible, after all, he could focus on the more minute details as they worked.<br><br>----<br><br>Alex shifted back again, feeling awkwardly useless. He leaned back against the wall, sifting through his notes until he found blank parchment, scribbling down notes of everything he could see and comprehend. He was no simpleton when it came to magic, but he was beginning to feel as if he had stepped beyond his depth.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 06:47:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As they tried again, and again, and a fourth time afterward, Fiona tightened the threads and changed the pattern as she worked, directing her brother with subtle nudges as she changed the patterns and forms that made up the spell. She tried two different configurations, with differing tweaks, that she had devised earlier. Along with Donovan's refinements, the next two results were similar, but more complete; the stone only cracked in two the next time, and held its shape the third, having only fine veins of faults across its surface.<br><br>On the fourth attempt, though, Fiona changed the matrix holding the stone's pattern entirely. Shoving a lot more of her own energy into the attempt, the threads that grasped and bound the pattern to be transported were much stronger and intense and took it at different points and stretched through it. Leading her brother this time in weaving the magic, the currents of energy she forged into it held it together much more tightly - and when it emerged the last time, it was still whole.<br><br>Drawing so much magic from herself drained Fiona more than the other attempts, and she felt a little dizzy, but her theory worked - it was a success.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 07:20:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The next attempts were both exhausting and exhilarating, as they inched closer and closer to their ultimate goal. As they had not yet streamlined all the magic, the efforts were taking their toll and Donovan had to devote escalating amounts of energy into each try. But they got there. On the fourth try, as Fiona began to alter the matrix, he quickly followed her lead, excitement building as comprehension dawned upon him. It hadn’t occurred to him that that would be the weak point in their progression. Allowing her to reorganize the structure, he trailed closely behind, helping where he could.<br><br>He knew how taxing it must have been to Fiona, and he moved towards her, but—as he was both further away and significantly drained from their efforts—Alex beat him to it.<br><br>----<br><br>Alex watched intently on the last go, having never lost interest throughout this process. As they went along, he slowly collected fragments of what they were doing. Towards the end, he had almost pieced together the entire process before Fiona changed it entirely. When he noted her weakened state, he walked quickly to her side, touching his hand to the small of her back to steady her.<br><br>“Are you all right?” he asked, then embarrassedly withdrew his arm, uncertain of where their physical boundaries lay, “That was—amazing,” he added lamely.<br><br>----<br><br>Donovan’s gaze flickered briefly to Alex’s hand, and then he turned away, moving decidedly to the stone. He picked it up from the ground, testing its weight in his hand—solid, seemingly unchanged. Even Alex couldn’t deter his enthusiasm at their achievement. <br><br>“Genius, Fiona. I can’t believe it. I mean I knew there must have been something wrong with the fundamental structure, but you…” he beamed proudly, walking back towards her and lifting her up off the ground in an emphatic hug before setting her back down, “You’re brilliant.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 07:35:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The smile that touched Fiona's lips was one of blissful triumph, exulting in the masterful practice of magic. Though Donovan was mostly incorrect when he said that she was passionate for everything but him, it was no secret that magic held her rapt attention and felt unbelievably good in her hands. How it wound itself through her mental fingers, her will pulling, threading, directing, was unlike anything else - and seeing successful results was like reaching new heights of intensity.<br><br>Only faltering slightly, Fiona quickly righted herself and shook her head gently at Alex. "Yes, I'm quite all right." Moving to look toward her brother, she grinned at his embrace and grasped him eagerly, laughing as he hugged her with so much energy. Once on the ground, her face was bright and she turned head slightly, beaming at Donovan.<br><br>"Everything was possible because of your work." It was inescapable that, together, the twins could work literal wonders. Given time and practice, Fiona wondered, truly, if there were actual limits to how what they could reach and accomplish. But, such was for the future.<br><br>After holding his gaze for a few significant moments, she shared her attention between the two of them again. "Success leaves me tired, though." She gave a gracious smile. "We should give time to looking over our results and commence new experiments in the future." Though her combined expertise with her brother was indeed mighty, she was still curious what Alex would come up - but for now, she wanted to rest a bit and enjoy the flush of their venture.<br><br>There was much to be done afterward, after all, and the day was short.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 07:56:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex smiled to himself at the success, though he had had virtually no hand in it. While discovering the secret to teleportation was hardly his initial intention when he first approached Fiona, he was more than happy to be here at this discovery. Next time, he promised himself, he would have more to contribute. He worried that Fiona might think him incapable or, really, useless after this encounter. But he could do better.<br><br>He nodded quickly at her last remark, “Oh of course. I should leave you to your rest.” He smiled and he took Fiona’s hand in his briefly in a simple gesture of respectful admiration, “Congratulations on your discovery. I will look over it all and try to have something more valuable next time.” <br><br>Releasing Fiona’s hand, he turned towards Donovan, “Perhaps if I could have the opportunity to look over the notes from your nameless researcher—”<br><br>“That shouldn’t be necessary,” Donovan cut Alex off, “Those will be outdated now, let me just show you what we did…” He shuffled through Alex’s notes until he found blank sheets, invoking a simple spell that inked on them the latest variation of the complex magical process, “This should do it.”<br><br>Alex gave Donovan a long look, which the other returned. For a moment, it seemed as if he would press further for Drake’s information, but he didn’t. Instead he turned again to Fiona, giving her a short bow.<br><br>“Well, thank you again for allowing me to participate in these studies. We will meet again soon, I hope. I can find my own way out.” With that, he moved towards the door, remembering his way back through the manor. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 08:12:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona watched what transpired between them, eying the pair carefully. There was obvious tension between the two, mostly on Donovan's side, she thought, but Alex seemed to handle it well. All the better, really, for what her brother was in the mood for and capable of. Still, though, she hoped matters would come to be amiable later.<br><br>"Better to work off what we have." She gave a light smile to Alex. "I'll look forward to what you have to contribute." She looked after him as he left for a moment before turning to Donovan with a look of absolute pleasure at what had transpired. They had accomplished something rather magnificent, after all - she would indulge heartily.<br><br>As time went on, it had become more and more clear to her that what she did with her brother would eclipse perhaps any other arcanists in modern history. Though Donovan's find as far as research went was prodigious, it was still nevertheless true that their combined brilliance was powerful. Possibly without any true rival. It dimmed her views of other sorcerors as it increased them of what she and her twin could do. How much more powerful were they, truly?<br><br>Her look was musing as she stared at Donovan with Alex's absence. "What are your thoughts, brother?" Her voice was soft as she regarded him. He had brightened some from his earlier, dour feelings, but they were likely to return, she surmised.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 08:29:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan only glanced up briefly as Alex departed, still happy to see the boy leave, despite his improved mood. Turning back towards Fiona, he matched her grin, the same thoughts spinning through his mind. He and Fiona really did have a limitless future sprawled before them; if they were capable of this now, while still students, their lives promised endless potential.<br><br>At Fiona’s question, his expression softened. His anger had at least momentarily lost its edge, “Well firstly, I think we should attempt it with something larger next time. Or a greater distance. I would suggest using a live subject, but we would have to do that without Alex…” Not that Donovan would mind doing anything without Alex. Though there was nothing immediately negative about what they would need to do to force the soul to travel with its host, no law abiding sorcerer would ever work with the manipulation of souls. And Alex was already sniffing uncomfortably close. <br><br>Donovan shrugged his shoulders uncomfortably, “… Do we need to talk?” he asked, not certain what to say about everything that had transpired earlier. He still had no more faith that Fiona would ever yield to him, and was loath to try again. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 09:30:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan's words brought a nod from Fiona. "Of course... I'm eager to try it out on live subjects, as well." Her expression was eager. "With the full spell-pattern, I think we can refine it a great deal after a few trials." Practice made perfect, certainly, and the experiments they needed to conduct would have to be done beyond prying eyes. If Alex wanted to venture attempts at living Teleportation, he would have to bring the ideas up first - they could not risk exposing their expertise in the forbidden arts.<br><br>Fiona blinked at her brother's continuance. "Not yet, no. I will be very busy setting my case, so I'm not going to have much free time..." She shrugged lightly. "If you can, I would love to see you develop what we've worked on here. I'll pursue it when I can, too, but I think you can do something brilliant with it."<br><br>She gave him another large smile, letting her pride for him surface. For now, she would enjoy what she could with him and let him... cool down. There were so many things for her attend to, the least of which not being her feelings toward Donovan. Those would have to be explored as well, in between everything that was exploding around her. An undeniable nervousness was involved, but she kept it hidden under poise and grace, finding it easier to hold back a little now that Donovan was holding back even more.<br><br>Part of her hated having to investigate this in secret, but she didn't want to test her brother's emotions further. He had already gone through enough for her, and she wanted to be absolutely sure of where her next step would go before she made it visible.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 09:45:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan exhaled with muted relief at her answer. It seemed that neither of them were prepared to deal with everything yet. For now, his heated declaration would stand—they could return to who they were before all this foolishness. Perhaps, he hoped, he would be able to tolerate it better. It was possible that, if he explored his options with other girls, he could find someone worthy of diverting his attention and save them both the trouble.<br><br>Until other opportunities surfaced, he could redirect his energies towards their research. She was right; he could already see the beginnings of the next progression formulating in his mind. He could make this bigger, better, faster, and hopefully the invigoration of new discovery would quell his frustrations when it came to Fiona.<br><br>Donovan raised a brow as she mentioned her case, a rueful smile twitching at his lips, “Ah yes, that… I only managed to catch the beginning of that conversation before father caught me, “What did you two discuss?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 09:56:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her eyebrows lifted slightly, though she wasn't truly surprised that he would try to listen in on their conversation. He hadn't heard what had happened, and what continued on was much of a mystery, still. Fiona wanted to control what she could and lead it all into the directions she saw as fruitful. Donovan's aid could be fruitful, but he had already shown how furious he could be. She didn't want to test his restraint too far on the matter.<br><br>"I told father what had truly happened on the night and how I had intended to handle the matter." She gave him only a light smile, more polite than otherwise. "He seemed comforted by what I had to say."<br><br>Letting the words settle, Fiona eyed Donovan curiously. "You're free to ask me questions too, if you so desire."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 10:10:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“That’s good, because he certainly didn’t seem comforted by what I had to say on the matter,” Donovan responded with a laugh. But, to be fair, he had been in an unresponsive mood when his father questioned him, giving little but one-word answers. In fact, he had responded with a rudeness for which he was certain to suffer later when Edward had the mind to punish him.<br><br>“Well…” Donovan pushed himself up to sit on one of the tables, folding his arms across his chest, “I didn’t think it prudent to ask on the night we discussed this, but—what <em>did</em> happen on that night? And, how <em>do</em> you intend to handle the matter?” Though he was certain the answer—at least to the first question—wouldn’t do much to improve his mood, he wanted to know. It bothered him that their father may actually know more about the matter than he did. <br><br>As for the matter of revenge, Donovan was more than willing to help in Fiona’s plans. Her methods required far more finesse and patience than he would prefer, but it was better than sitting idly by. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 10:24:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona shrugged a little at his question. She knew it would upset him, but he asked it anyway - unfortunate, that. "He announced his intentions to marry me." Her eyes swept to his, watching his reactions. "I gave him an item I ensorcelled to embarrass him..." at this, she gave a light sigh, regretting her miscalculation, "... but it only spurred him to try and ravish me." Her gaze re-centered on his, trying to remain fairly impassive. She didn't want to appear too much the victim, or be too consumed by rage.<br><br>In fact, she really didn't want to think of it at all. All that was necessary was that Charles deserved a social death and a slow decline thereafter. He ought to suffer dearly. This she would have.<br><br>"As to your second question, there are many details. First I must present a counter-case. I will make it public that he attempted to rape me." She gave Donovan a thin smile. "Father's magical geas protected me, of course; I will keep it obscured with a thin cloak of magic, but let it drop when advantageous." The ruse wasn't perfect, but it was very good. "He was hurt for his imprudent advances by it, of course, so I must now use the opportunity to bring to light every other time he has attempted to rape any other women... factually or otherwise." Fiona gave a slight wink.<br><br>"Once the rumor-mill is started, I will direct an investigator of my own to put together the case against his transgressions. Meanwhile, I'll look into the affairs of the Dubois family and work to undermine them where they are most weak." She grew still again, her thoughts turning over her possible actions from there. There were still details to sort out and events to plan.<br><br>"There is still much to be thought out, of course."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 19:21:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan’s grip tightened on the edge of the table as she recounted the night with Charles, but otherwise he showed no outwards sign of anger, expression evenly matching hers. He felt a warm sympathy swell within him; she was clearly putting effort into maintaining her composure. It was still admirable, really, the way she had handled it all. Fiona was stronger than most women—especially most women raised with the comfort and protection afforded of the aristocracy.<br><br>Nodding along as she described the beginnings of her plan, Donovan shrugged, “I suppose that should work,” he smiled weakly, “though you know that would not be my preferred approach. But… of course, you should let me know if I can be of help.” He pushed off the wall and slid back off the table, feet striking the ground with a dull thunk.<br><br>He inclined his head towards the doorway, “You should get some rest.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 20:51:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her eyes searched over Donovan as she gave some thought to the matter. There were many things he could potentially do, but his emotions were a certain restrictor; he couldn't do very sensitive actions with subtlety that could threaten to overwhelm them. But other matters...<br><br>"If you could look into the Dubois family's business matters in a discreet way, we could begin to make plots against them." She gave him a grin whose lightness betrayed a certain malice in it.<br><br>"As should you, brother. But there are many more things I must attend to today." She gave a soft sigh, drawing in breath.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 21:33:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan nodded, “I will look into it.” As he had already proven, Donovan had connections within the shadier segments of town; unfortunately, he had never heard anything of the Dubois family in the gutters of their society. It was quite possible that a family with such a long legacy had made and maintained its fortune with perfectly legitimate dealings. Nevertheless, he knew a few talented boys who would be more than obliging to rummage for information for the right amount of coin. And Donovan had a few ideas as to where he himself could search.<br><br>Having exhausted himself throughout the long day, he was prepared to turn in, but she piqued his interest again with the mention of more to do, “Oh?” He tilted his head, “I was not aware that you had more planned for today. Surely you are too wearied to be plotting your revenge at this hour?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 21:52:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona was glad that, at the least, she could depend upon Donovan. His devotion, dependence, and credibility was a source of pleasure and stability for her that she had no desire to lose or let go of.<br><br>Stifling a yawn with her hand, she nodded to him. "The evening is just beginning and I must take the initiative before the investigators hired by the Dubois make too much headway without me." She gave a thin smile. "Revenge cannot wait on such trifling matters as fatigue and sleep."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 22:00:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan shook his head in mild disapproval of her diligence. Of course, her eagerness was understandable, but he didn’t want her wearing herself too thin on the matter. With a fond smile, he gently touched his hand to her cheek, “Revenge may not wait, but you will eventually need to succumb to fatigue and sleep.”<br><br>Letting his hand drop, he shrugged, “Is this anything with which I can help you?” It was strange to him, having to defer to her entirely on this matter—but he had agreed that he would let her handle this how she saw fit. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>13-07-2009, 22:06:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan's concern was welcome, and she enjoyed the touch on her cheek perhaps somewhat more than she was used to or would admit. His ability to affect her shone through most everything to some degree, particularly when they were alone.<br><br>"The will is strongest in all matters." It was something that had been taught to the burgeoning magicians long ago, but remained true. Magic was made by will foremost, and will succeeded where everything else failed. Her smile was resolute.<br><br>"I will be filing my case with the Adjudicator's Office and making appointments to meet each of the inspectors the Dubois have hired." Her smile shifted into a smirk. "You may accompany me if you so desire."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>14-07-2009, 09:23:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan heaved a long sigh at his sister’s persistence, though he expected little else of Fiona, “Very well then, if it is your will, then I will accompany you.” With a teasing smirk, he added, “Besides, it would probably be best if I were there to keep you out of trouble.” An ironic statement, as—up until now—he had the greater penchant for mischief.<br><br>With a look back at the room, Donovan swept everything back in its place with a quick spell, replacing anything reusable back on the shelves and tossing out all the materials that could only withstand one use. With a nod, he looked back at Fiona, filled with a strange mix of amusement and trepidation, “Well… I’m ready if you are…” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>15-07-2009, 06:49:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona wasn't particularly surprised that Donovan declared an interest in accompanying her, considering the circumstances and his desire to protect her. It was touching that she could think of depending on him, when so much of the world was undependable, insipid, detestable or weak.<br><br>"Alright." Watching his spell return order to the room, she gave him a light smile. Such attention to detail. "Let's be off, then."<br><br>Going downstairs, Fiona stopped briefly at her room to pick up a coat to wear on her outing. It would not do to be less than properly dressed, after all, and it could get quite cold in the evenings. Directing a servant to procure for her a roll of parchment and ink, she took those outside with her and summoned a driver.<br><br>Telling him the destination, she got into the carriage with Donovan, looking only slightly tired at everything. Always, always, much to do...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>15-07-2009, 08:44:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan followed Fiona downstairs, splitting off into his own room to pick up a coat of his own. He actually hadn’t left the manor since his return from their failed retreat; a breath of fresh air would be welcome, however much he ached for rest. Shrugging his arms through the sleeves as she turned back through his door, he joined up with Fiona and stepped up into the carriage.<br><br>With a wide yawn, he stretched his arms out behind him, sinking low into the seat, “See, if we mastered teleportation, we wouldn’t have to fuss with these silly carriages all day… in and out, in and out,” he muttered sleepily, head lolling down towards his chest.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>16-07-2009, 02:15:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Watching Donovan appear so tired, she eyed him with mild concern and mirth. "If you were so tired, dear, you ought to have stayed home." Her lips showed her amusement. "Teleportation would be a <em>swift</em> way to move around, certainly, but not necessarily the most efficient." Her eyes lighted slightly as magical patterns zoomed around in her head. "We still have yet to master the magic and make it efficient - if it can ever be very efficient."<br><br>Donovan was quite correct, though. If they could arrange the spell to be very efficient, even across long distances, then the ability to Teleport would be a rather... invaluable thing. At this point, actually, came another point of interest - that being how they would present their discovery to the magical community. With Alex involved, it would be a bit more complicated, but she thought it likely that they could come to a mutually beneficial arrangement.<br><br>"You know we're going to be rather famous once we publish this, brother."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>16-07-2009, 08:48:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan rolled his eyes as she mentioned that he should have stayed home, “Well since you have developed a penchant for attracting trouble, I thought it better that I accompany you. Just one of my many chivalric charms,” he said with a grin, voice droning even softer as he was lulled by the steady movement of the carriage. Though he had made the remark jokingly, it wasn’t entirely untrue. If it weren’t for his affection for Fiona, he most likely would be fast asleep already. After all, everything had left him rather restless in the past few days.<br><br>“Famous…” he repeated her word with a small chuckle, “I suppose so. And what do you attempt to do with your newfound prestige, Fiona?” The gravity of their discovery had not quite reached Donovan yet. It was a great triumph, yes, but he had yet to think of it in the grander scheme of things. If indeed they discovered an economical way to achieve teleportation, it would be a revelation worth embedding their names in history. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>16-07-2009, 18:21:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona gave a mild shrug to the question. "Fame is something we're already mildly used to, but I suppose it will get us invited into all sorts of parties and the like." She shook her head, chuckling softly at the thought of them 'showing off parlor tricks' by using Teleportation magic.<br><br>"It would certainly increase our influence in the world... and make more people envious of us." She gave a soft smile. "But then I would enjoy keeping this knowledge secret to just us... but that wouldn't stay very feasible for long."<br><br>The applications for Teleportation were nigh innumerable, after all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>16-07-2009, 20:04:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan smiled at the prospect of keeping this to themselves. She was right, it wouldn’t be feasible, and it was the sort of discovery that should be shared with the community of magical scholars. But it would keep things far simpler. With a newly ponderous look, he tipped his head so that he could look at Fiona, still slumped back into his seat, “Have you considered all the implications of introducing teleportation to this world? Assuming that we achieve human teleportation, and—even if it is a stretch—assuming that we find a way to make it economical, there would be all sorts of potential for abuse. For thieves and spies, blackmailers…” <br><br>It wasn’t often that Donovan worried over the moral implications of his actions, but the idea of their hard-earned discovery misused in the hands of petty lowlifes seemed objectionable. Of course, for now, the magic required was so complicated and strenuous, he couldn’t quite imagine how anyone other than him and Fiona, with their shared bond and long history of joint efforts, would ever manage it. But, he assumed the process would get easier with time—and, what then? Did they just throw it to the world and wash their hands of any responsibility?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>16-07-2009, 20:27:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A slight smirk came to Fiona's lips. "Few would be able to make the spell easily abusable. Even after we hone and perfect Teleportation, the expertise and inner fortitude involved would prohibit all but the most capable of sorcerors from using it lightly. Others, even if they could use it, would find themselves far too exhausted to make much use out of it."<br><br>While many magics had seem wide dissemination between those who could manage to wield it, certain magics were still too complex and taxing for even graduated magicians from practicing. Even with perfection, she didn't see it as being a real possibility that most would gain access to it as far as its use as a spell - though enchanting into items was a different matter.<br><br>"It will be only somewhat more abusable than Invisibility magic, and that is an easier feat to accomplish." Though, there were detection spells that could reveal Invisibility just as simply... but as long as one was expecting it, it could be prevented. Similarly, it would be feasible to set up magical barriers against Teleportation magic. At that point, it was all a scale of power.<br><br>"Still, I wonder how quickly we should introduce this... it could be quite useful."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>17-07-2009, 18:51:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan nodded. She had a point; his was merely a fleeting concern. With a smile, he shrugged at her last few words, “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, sister. First, we need to perfect the magic. Then we can worry about how to unveil it to the world.” It would no doubt be a huge landmark in their lives—their real introduction into the world of professionals. Thus far they had been brilliant <em>students</em>, but this pushed them far beyond mere pupils at a university.<br><br>He gave her a faintly affectionate smile, “This topic of study was a brilliant suggestion on your part.” It was more difficult now than ever to imagine the future of his career without Fiona. The things they could accomplish together, and the ease with which they worked together already appeared to dictate that they would—and should—continue their shared work. But, to spend a lifetime with Fiona denying his affections. The thought made him feel slightly ill, and he tipped his head back onto the seat, closing his eyes. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>19-07-2009, 18:32:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona chuckled softly. "Perfecting the magic will hardly be difficult. We held back to some extent in front of Alex... on our own, I have no doubt that we can make it work and work wonderfully." She gave him a broad grin. It really was spectacular how well they could work together, once they put forth into it. Moving in synch with him really did come so effortlessly - almost as if they could read each other's minds.<br><br>"Of the interesting topics not in our primary discipline, this one was most intriguing - plus it makes us fabulously famous for decoding it." Her grin went triumphant at the thoughts of them succeeding where so many others had failed and failed to even try. Of course, they were not inclusive in their studies of magic and left out Necromancy - so much the pity for them for being so shortsighted. Though the end result of Teleportation would not have to bear any trace of Necromantic magic, the techniques involved in the study of it were not in the realm of easy or low magic. Manipulating patterns to such a fine degree, including one's body and soul, was not for the squeamish. Or the weak.<br><br>Glancing over at Donovan, she gave a slight tilt to her head. "We should make a session out of furthering the spell. In two evenings time?" She blinked at him softly, curious if he was more tired than he made himself out to be.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>21-07-2009, 09:53:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Gah, I’m so sorry for the delay. I managed to get yanked into an impromptu trip in the past few days))<br><br>Donovan nodded in agreement. In some ways, Alex’s mere presence had thrown him off. They weren’t in the habit of working around other people, and he felt the need to be more cautious around their unexpected study companion. Despite Fiona’s damned affinity for the boy, he couldn’t settle his own suspicions. Besides, his very annoyance at Alex’s presence probably diminished his performance somewhat. He was eager to see what would occur with only him and Fiona working in tandem.<br><br>“Of course. Two evening’s time,” he repeated, making a mental note of the day. Honestly, as eager as he was to return to the study, he earnestly doubted that he would have the energy to attempt anything any sooner. In general, he had been missing sleep since he consciously realized this whole pathetic attraction to Fiona. He hoped (though probably erroneously) that now that he had declared his surrender of the whole pursuit, he might be able to get some rest. The sooner they finished whatever business she was about, the better.<br><br>Stifling a yawn, he tipped is head to the side so that it rested against her shoulder, having to slouch lower in the seat to do so. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>21-07-2009, 18:00:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Not a problem. I was off for a few days due to living complications, fostering dogs, and a birthday.))<br><br>Nodding to her brother's repetition, words and plans of what would come next flew through her mind. Her body complained some of being tired, but that was something she had long learned how to master - it was just flesh, after all. What they had was so much stronger.<br><br>Of course, Fiona also had a purpose in mind, where as her brother was not fired up for this particular step of many in her plans. It was just going to be a little chat, anyway. Fiona was still excited, though, despite its relative simplicity.<br><br>Looking down at her brother, Fiona's hand sifted through his hair gently, her lips smiling down at him. Donovan could be rather endearing at times. She was pleased that, despite everything, they could still be close and interact closely with each other. She would miss him terribly otherwise.<br><br>In short order, they had arrived at the Adjudicators' Headquarters, the premier center of law enforcement in their city. It was three stories high to accommodate all of the men and women who served in the upholding and defense of the law. Here, Fiona intended to make her counter-claim against Charles Dubois for his open hubris at accusing her. Here, she would turn the tables.<br><br>Leaving the carriage, Fiona waited for her brother at the front doors, if he was still awake and able.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>21-07-2009, 21:45:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan smiled, soothed by her touch as his eyes fell shut. He found himself rather disappointed when the carriage stopped; in another few moments, he would have been asleep. With a forceful shake of his head to wake himself, he slid off the bench and dropped from the carriage to the ground, rubbing at his eyes and stretching as he looked up at the sizeable building. For all this questionable activities, Donovan had never had a need to visit this place.<br><br>His legs felt like lead and he had to force them along to catch up with Fiona. Though he understood her approach to the matter, this all seemed like a lot of fuss over Charles. He would have much preferred a direct assault on the pathetic man to end the matter once and for all. But alas they existed in a world of bureaucracy, where they probably shouldn’t risk breaking the laws they were trying to invoke.<br><br>“Well, let’s get this over with,” Donovan, reached for the door and pulled on the heavy brass handle. Holding it open, he inclined his head in a gesture for Fiona to enter.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>21-07-2009, 23:35:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Giving Donovan a light smile, she entered and approached the front desk, where most matters were handled. Her posture was elegant, her appearance immaculate, and her bearing regal. Fiona's eyes, however, were steely, looking ready to inflict harm. Appearance was all part of the effect, of course.<br><br>Stepping up to the desk, she eyed the attendant there. "I need to report an attempted crime perpetrated by Charles Dubois." Her hands met each other and intertwined fingers as her gaze filled with malice.<br><br>The attendant set about getting an adjudicator, visibly affected by her countenance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>22-07-2009, 04:16:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((so... I thought I'd play the adjudicator just so you don't have to talk to yourself. But let me know if you had plans for him and I can edit/delete whatever)) <br><br>Despite his exhaustion, Donovan snapped to attention the moment they walked in. He had spent his lifetime mastering the art of public appearances, and he wouldn’t fail Fiona now. Drawing himself to his full height, he straightened the collar of his coat and followed in after her, standing just a bit behind Fiona. With a penetrating gaze, he studied the room about them, having always been curious about all the intricacies of the law.<br><br>----<br><br>Adjudicator Jonathan Quinn had been at this job for a long time. He was a small man with a thin frame and austere features. He was nearly entirely bald but for the two thin rails of grey hair that remained at either temple. Throughout his many years, he’d had a fairly admirable career, but had become irascible in his old age. <br><br>When the attendant knocked on his office door, Jonathan heaved a long, raspy sigh. The hem of his formal office robes dragged on the carpet as he walked, shoulders hunched, to answer it. He hated working the late shifts; half the times, he fell asleep beside the fireplace in his office. Walking slowly, he made his way to the front, assessing Fiona with a long, cold look before he offered a short bow.<br><br>“Good evening, miss. How may I be of service?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>22-07-2009, 06:49:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Yay, thank you. No plans in particular, and am happy for what you introduce into the story.))<br><br>Fiona gave the adjudicator an equally long stare, measuring his steel by the look in his eyes. Smiling curtly, she returned a polite curtsy, showing the proper deference for one of his station.<br><br>"Good evening, adjudicator." Her eyes retained their cold malice. "I am here to report an attempted crime perpetrated by Charles Dubois... which he intends to hide by trying to frame me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>22-07-2009, 07:23:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jonathan responded with an equally empty smile, listening carefully to her words. He demonstrated no surprise at her accusation, nodding slowly. His beady eyes darted in either direction and he gestured with a small wave of his hand, “We shouldn’t speak of these matters in the open. Follow me.”<br><br>Turning back around, Jonathan walked towards his office once again, opening the oaken door. Sinking comfortably into his leather chair, he gestured for Fiona and Donovan to sit. He rummaged across his desk for his spectacles, arranging them neatly on his nose before retrieving a stiff sheet of clean parchment and an ink pen.<br><br>“Now,” he nodded towards Fiona, lifting his arm so that the wide sleeve of his robes fell back and allowed him freedom to write, “What are the details of this crime and what evidence have you for it?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>22-07-2009, 08:14:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona nodded to Jonathan and followed him to his office, walking through the doorway at his indication. Taking a cursory glance of the office and noting the tendencies of its owner by its arrangement, Fiona sat down across from the adjudicator.<br><br>"Charles made indecent advances upon me with the intent to... by the nature of his touches... rape me, I believe." Her eyes grew darker. "He invited me to the duke's house for a party several days ago, on the sixth of this month. About two hours into the party, he led me to the garden in the back, where he announced his intentions to marry me."<br><br>Fiona paused, letting it set in before continuing. "After giving him a small gift of appreciation, he began to make his advances. I refused them, adamantly, and informed him of the <em>geas</em> my father placed upon me to protect my chastity. He... did not respect that. The spell discharged upon him and left him unconscious."<br><br>Letting her eyes refocus, she stared with an intensity at the old man. "The discharge is evident in the pattern of the spell on me, if you know how to look at it." At her words, she withdrew the magical cloak she placed over it to obscure it from sight to let it be seen fully.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>22-07-2009, 09:08:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan frowned, listening to this story again. The thought of Charles’s undeserving touch on his sister was no more pleasant this time around, though he maintained a peaceable expression throughout. Like Fiona, he studied Jonathan’s office space, trying to discern what he could about this man and whether or not he would truly be of help.<br><br>----<br><br>Jonathan remained unmoved by Fiona’s story, simply scribbling quick notes to himself as she spoke. He waved the parchment lightly through the air to let the ink dry before setting it aside on his desk, studying Fiona. Though well past his prime, Jonathan had never been an incompetent man. He quickly made sense of the spell crafted expertly around her, knowing enough to temporarily admire its brilliant design.<br><br>“You realize, of course, Miss Vorum,” he used her name pointedly, having known who she was the moment he set eyes on her, “Master Dubois has already pressed charges against you. He claims that there was indeed such a… geas and that you seduced him, tempting him to… make his advances so that you could use the spell as a trap. Do you have any further evidence of his alleged assault?” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>22-07-2009, 11:12:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I do." She nodded softly, moving to stand from her seat. "Charles Dubois attempts to exonerate himself, though he was responsible for his actions." Like pulling a loose thread, Fiona's mind undid the faint, underlying traces of Donovan's restoration to her shoulder, bringing the bruise back and making it just as vivid as it was when he first discovered it.<br><br><em>Were I a lesser woman, he would try and use my modesty against me.</em> Her mouth set with cold determination, Fiona drew a hand to where the dress covered her shoulder. "I will suffer one more indignity to prove his wrongdoing." Gripping the fabric with hard-set knuckles, she pulled it to the side, revealing the damaged flesh. She waited a moment, breathing quietly, letting it be easily visible.<br><br>"Excuse me if I do not offer to show you the others he left on me so readily."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>22-07-2009, 18:47:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For the first time, she did manage to surprise Jonathan. Both of his tiny, inset eyes bulged at the sight of the bruise. There was little better than the visceral sight of a fresh injury to corroborate one’s story. With a small sigh, he nodded, “I see.” Brows furrowed, he reached for yet another sheet of parchment and began scribbling again.<br><br>“I will initiate an investigation to determine the veracity of your accusation. Master Dubois will be detained and questioned thoroughly and we will examine any of the Duke’s guests that might have witnessed anything of use.” He seemed somewhat reluctant to say each word. Setting his pen back down, Jonathan swiveled around again to look at Fiona, “That is all I can do for now.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>22-07-2009, 20:22:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona shook her head at his words. "Charles Dubois is already lying to place the blame for his... recklessness... on me. I expect him to continue doing so. As we were alone in the garden, so that he could do as he pleased, there will be no direct witnesses. Though..." Her lips formed a faint smile, though it had no happiness in it. "... some may be able to verify that he was the one leading me to the garden."<br><br>Pulling her dress back up over her shoulder, she shrugged softly. "The only circumstantial evidence I can add is that this is likely not the first of his... indiscretions." Her eyes held Jonathan's for a moment before continuing. "If I happen to hear anything further, I will bring further evidence to you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>23-07-2009, 06:44:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jonathan’s gaze met hers, impassive and unreadable, and he nodded, “I will see what I can find, though I doubt that anyone will step forth to make claims against him for prior… indiscretions if no one has thus far. I will let you know what information my investigations yield. Do notify me if you find anything of use.” <br><br>Then he stood, making a clear statement that he had nothing further to discuss with them until more constructive evidence presented itself. With a tired gesture of his hand, the door opened.<br><br>“The clerk will show you out.” <br><br>---- <br><br>Donovan rose at the same moment, eyes intent on the old adjudicator, “We’ll be needing your name, of course.” His voice was stiff, not exactly impressed with the way Fiona’s case was being handled.<br><br>“Quinn. Jonathan Quinn.”<br><br>Donovan nodded, “We will be in touch. Master Quinn.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>23-07-2009, 06:54:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona simply nodded to Jonathan. She had nothing more to say to him, and turned to take her leave, pausing only for him to give his name in response to Donovan. Waiting for him to catch up to her, she left with her brother, walking away from his office toward where they came in.<br><br>As they left the building, Fiona said nothing, waiting until they were outside where she signaled their driver before looking to her brother. "That went well enough." She gave a tiny smile afterward, filled with quiet malice and a hint of darkness before smoothing it back into her polite facade.<br><br>"Let us return home to get some sleep, shall we?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>23-07-2009, 11:25:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan glanced at Fiona, contented for now with the fact that she seemed momentarily satisfied. He gave her a relieved grin, “Why Fiona, I believe that’s the best suggestion you’ve made all day.” Hopping up into the carriage, eager to return home, Donovan resumed his slumped position on the cushioned bench, feet propped up on the opposite seat.<br><br>With a wide yawn, he stretched his arm out along the seat back, regarding Fiona with a tired smile, “Well,” he said, voice low, “I have to assume that you’re not leaving things to chance. Perhaps we could… create some evidence that would point the investigators in the right direction?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>23-07-2009, 18:13:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Settling into the carriage opposite of Donovan, Fiona relaxed into it a bit, fatigue pulling at her body though her mind stayed very active. It would be good to get home, though.<br><br>Fiona nodded lightly to Donovan, seemingly unphased by his suggestion. "Of course. I've already made some arrangements and will be making more as better ideas come to me." She grins momentarily, thinking of the fruits of her eventual revenge, imagining Charles' outrage and misery.<br><br>"I'm going to try and urge Charles' other victims to come out against him as well, for now. Did you have anything else in mind, brother?" Her eyes flitted to his, eying him curiously.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>24-07-2009, 08:19:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a chuckle, Donovan resumed his previous position, head dropped down against Fiona’s shoulder, “I think it may be better to ask me for ideas when I’m rested. At any rate, if you found other women to speak out against Charles, the case should go smoothly.” He frowned, not the biggest fan of bureaucracy and formal measures that it required.<br><br>The words were barely out of his mouth when he slipped into a light slumber, soothed by the rhythmic sound of hoofbeats and the steady movement of the carriage. Though nothing between him and Fiona had been resolved, he was at least momentarily reassured that they were all right. It felt as if, from the moment that he had stormed away from their outing, he had just been waiting for her return home. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>24-07-2009, 20:16:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smiling softly at her brother, Fiona kept awake as they returned, idly thinking over events and plans that would have to wait to be implemented. Sighing quietly, she stroked his head, looking over him and wondering where things would lie.<br><br>After they arrived, Fiona nudged Donovan gently, pushing him to awaken. "Come, brother. Let's get you to bed."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>25-07-2009, 05:08:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan woke slowly, sifting through the fog of sleep as he remembered where he was and why. Clearing his throat, he sat up slowly, smiling dazedly at Fiona, “I thought I <em>was</em> in bed...” he murmured. Raking his fingers through his hair, he slid out of the carriage, trundling to the door.<br><br>Once inside, he turned once more to Fiona. For a moment, he almost brought up everything that had happened in their failed getaway, but he thought better of it at the last minute. Shutting his mouth, he gave her a light hug and kissed her cheek, “Goodnight, Fiona.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>25-07-2009, 05:17:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Patting her brother gently, she helped pull him a bit before getting out before him. She eyed him with a slightly mischievous grin and ruffled up his hair after was out, looking over him. "You're quite a sight."<br><br>At the stairs inside, she returned his hug and kissed his cheek as well. "Do try and sleep well for me, brother. I want you to take care of yourself." She gave him a stern look before letting him out of her sight.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>25-07-2009, 07:21:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan chuckled at her comment, simply shrugging as he turned off towards his room. It seemed that he had finally worn his body to its limits. Despite everything, he should sleep quite well tonight. He stepped into his room, navigating it in the dark and shedding his clothes before tumbling into his bed. He had hardly enough time to utter a deep sigh of relief before sleep claimed him.<br><br>----<br><br>The next day, Alex returned unexpectedly and uninvited. He raised one loosely formed fist and knocked several times before a servant answered the door. Asking for Fiona, he waited quietly where he was told, rocking back and forth on his heels as he surveyed the house that had grown increasingly familiar. Holding in his hands the notes that Donovan had given him following their last experiment, he gave them a cursory look.<br><br>Alex looked a bit thinner than he had when he and Fiona first exchanged looks across campus, and he constantly held himself as if he shouldered a great burden. He had noticed it this morning, staring at his sunken eyes in the mirror. He tried to rid himself of that now, relaxing his posture, and rehearsing his smile.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>25-07-2009, 08:01:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona herself had quite a sound sleep. She had fatigued her body greatly, used many resources, and deserved the rest she got. Muddled dreams passed through her mind to no consequence. When morning came, she was ready to get up and make the most of it. Much was to be accomplished, after all.<br><br>It came as a surprise to her, in the middle of getting dressed for breakfast, that she was summoned to meet the visitor - Alex, as it turned out. Slightly perplexed at his early hour of visit, Fiona told the servant that she would be out once she was ready. Wearing a curious look, she shrugged and decided that she would find out his meaning in the meantime.<br><br>After dressing, she exited her room and briefly looked toward Donovan's door to see if he was yet awake. Sensing his aura as being still quiescent, she decided no, and went down to see Alex, having him brought into the foyer by a servant.<br><br>"Good morning, Alex." She gave him a kind smile. "What brings you here so early?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>25-07-2009, 08:37:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex’s expression softened the moment Fiona came into view. The smile was no longer rehearsed, but genuine. He bowed awkwardly, “Yes I do… apologize for the inconvenient hour. It’s just that I have other engagements later today and, I—well I had a few questions… Er—May I?” He gestured to the nearest table and sat down, spreading the papers across the polished wooden surface until he found the right page.<br><br>“I was looking over Donovan’s notes—the explanation of what you two did, and, I was wondering if you could explain to me what this is…” his finger landed on the page beneath one of the more convoluted configurations, “I’m not sure I understand the patterns used here…”<br><br>His eyes, emerald green, rose from the page and landed on Fiona with a look of apologetic confusion. Though this wasn’t his main purpose in coming this morning, it was a genuine question, and he had not yet devised the method with which he would approach the far more pressing topic.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>25-07-2009, 08:48:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blinking lightly, she observed his anxiety and nervousness with curiosity and engaged interest. She was polite to him, even as she observed his interactions, and was interested in what he had to say. Something about him was charming to her, even if she couldn't put her finger on it.<br><br>Looking at the papers, she listened to his points of confusion and looked over the patterns, forming them in her head. It was all easy for her to understand and grasp, as she had worked on it with her brother, but they also had the underpinnings of necromancy in their minds. Being careful not to mention anything related to necromancy, she began to slowly unveil the problem to him and work him through it.<br><br>Alex was intelligent, she noted, which made him far more interesting to engage with. Watching him react to the information, and shifting her explanations with his understanding, she continued until it was all clear to him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>25-07-2009, 11:42:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex followed along quickly, gathering step by step the procedure through which they had gone to achieve their results. It was unfamiliar magic. Donovan and Fiona had worked together for so long that their methods were second nature between the both of them, but it was entirely foreign to Alex. Even if the spell itself contained no direct form of necromancy, their magical education had been largely built off of the powerful, forbidden magic, making it harder for non-practitioners to comprehend.<br><br>When he pieced everything together, Alex breathed a relieved sigh, “Thank you,” he said earnestly, eyes meeting hers, “I’m afraid it all has me a little overwhelmed. You really are quite brilliant, the both of you. I wasn’t sure whether to believe the reputation that preceded you, but… after seeing you at work, I’d have to say that all the rumors were understatements.” <br><br>His gaze lingered on Fiona in a moment of silence, and then, embarrassed, he turned away, “I don’t think I ever thanked you properly—for agreeing to this. I think that I am learning more with this study than I am in half my classes…” Again, what he was saying was honest, but he was still stalling, turning the confession over again and again in his head. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-07-2009, 02:01:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex's compliment made Fiona smile. While she considered herself brilliant, clearly one of the best of the best, <em>and wasn't it clear?</em>, she did not flaunt it around. Fiona kept up largely humble appearances and only regarded her works with visible pride. She did not stoop to elbowing others and telling them how much better she was at everything. It was more interesting to revel in what she enjoyed.<br><br>Few were genuinely pleasant to the Vorum family, though, so the earnestness touched her a bit. "Thank you. I appreciate the kindness of your compliment." She wouldn't gloat, of course, but the sentiment didn't trigger that anyway. He phrased it very nicely.<br><br>Observing his embarrassment, a slight edge came to Fiona's lips, somewhat curious, somewhat amused, and almost blushing. Something about Alex, <em>what was it?</em>, intrigued her and drew her in. "Your prompting led me to explore the subject, which I may have let lie for years before investigating." She gave a brilliant smile. "I've found that my personal studies have been much more illuminating than classes, sadly. I think I will try to apply for study projects instead of classes next semester, at this rate..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>26-07-2009, 03:37:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex colored slightly at her expression of thanks. He wasn’t trying to flatter her; it was merely truth. The Vorum siblings demonstrated more talent with magic than he had ever witnessed in anyone—the fact was actually a bit terrifying, if he thought about it enough. While he didn’t quite agree with the general attitude most people had adopted with regards to this family, he had also begun to understand the pervasive sense of fear that surrounded the mention of their name.<br><br>He nodded as she talked about her intentions for the next semester, “—at this rate, it seems as if you should be well beyond what the classes have to teach you,” he added to her sentence with a shrug, “I mean, sometimes I feel as if I’m barely learning in them… and I…” he gestured towards the notes on the table, “am clearly not at your level.”<br><br>Alex paused for a moment and his smiled faded, “How have you been? We rarely get a chance to speak of matters that aren’t academic.” Though he didn’t mention the incident with Charles directly, it was clear that that was on his mind. For reasons unknown even to him, he had worried for her the moment the news reached him—though, honestly, he didn’t imagine that she’d had a hard time handling herself.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-07-2009, 03:57:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona's eyes scanned Alex's as he spoke, searching for meaning and undercurrents and subtleties. He wasn't sharply full of hidden sentiments, but there were hidden pieces to everyone that didn't come to light. She wondered what he was hiding with his glances and thoughts, hidden under the surface.<br><br>Hearing his words of praise, she laughed gently, her eyes shining. "You do yourself an injustice." Fiona regarded him kindly. "We have been raised on magical theory since a very young age, so it comes to us quickly. The more you study, the more you know..." The adage was tired, but true, particularly in their case. Of course, they were naturals, but Fiona would try to be encouraging - Alex seemed to be nice, after all.<br><br>At his continuation, Fiona frowned softly. "True, we haven't discussed much. As of late, well..." She shrugged a bit, her eyes looking askance. "You've surely heard by now, and it will soon become clear how indecently forward Charles is with his... advances." Fiona's hands tensed subtly, gripping into themselves a hidden ferocity. "But that is an unpleasant matter, no? Unless you mean to discuss it..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>26-07-2009, 04:24:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex shrugged. He had always been a decent hand a knowledge—but that was more through tenacity, determination, and relative intelligence than actual talent. And, to be entirely fair, his focus hadn’t even been on studies or magical aptitude as of late, though his contact with Fiona did encourage the thought that he should be studying harder. Or that he should be taking advantage of this education while he had it.<br><br>He regretted his faint reference to Charles the moment she reacted. Surely, it was an unpleasant topic and there were probably still more delicate ways he could have approached it. But it was his one window of opportunity—to unveil the reason he was here in the first place. His heart pounded faster, throat constricting with anxiety.<br><br>“I… should be honest with you, Fiona. I didn’t come here entirely for the sake of research.” He frowned, “I apologize for bringing up the incident with Charles—I can’t imagine that you enjoy speaking of it, but I do have a word of caution for you.” he sighed, frustrated with his own situation, “I have information that might be of importance to you, but… only if you do not ask how I came by it.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-07-2009, 05:43:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex's reaction and subsequent offer troubled Fiona somewhat. Her knowledge of the field, while not complete, did not include Alex in the future equations at all. He was entirely absent from any of her theories, ideas, and plans - his appearance now was unsettling, and troublesome by the qualifier for his offer for information. What he could know and how he could know it was a matter that could have so many ramifications. She had to ask, though.<br><br>The frown remained on her face, but she kept her expression from changing much, other than showing guarded curiosity. Her eyes held his with a partially exposed intensity, holding his gaze. "I appreciate information that is of use to me, of course. If you cannot share its origin, then you declare a complication in the matter... and I do not like complications that hamper me." Her frown turned into a more neutral expression, though it held a certain coldness. "... or threaten me. Perhaps then, Alex, you could explain me to why you cannot share the origin with me, in innocent terms."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>26-07-2009, 06:54:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex was taken aback by Fiona’s response. It was his first encounter with how calculated she could be and the coldness stung. Of course, she had every reason to mistrust any secrecy, but he had come forth with the information with nothing but goodwill. But it wouldn’t be worth it if it exposed everything in his life he had worked to keep hidden. <br><br>Perhaps he had also made the mistake of underestimating Fiona. Already, he regretted having come here this morning. Rubbing his temples, he sighed and his gaze fell to the ground, unable to meet the raw intensity in Fiona’s eyes, “I--… I never intended to threaten you. It’s not… it’s not a threat,” his shoulders rose and dropped in a heavy sigh, “I’m just… protecting aspects of my own life—surely you understand that. Fiona, I came to you with significant information out of concern for you. I did not come here to incur your wrath.” <br><br>He looked tentatively back up at her, filled with an overwhelming sense of remorse, “I am sorry, Fiona. I just… need you to trust me, though I’ve given you no reason to do so.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>26-07-2009, 20:15:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No wrath has been incurred." Her neutral expression shifted back into a smile with ease, her eyes resuming a warmer tone. "You understand my care with matters at this time." She tilted her head slightly, holding his gaze with less severity and more curiosity.<br><br>"Continue to protect aspects of your life, then. What do you have to tell me, Alex?" Her voice was soft and quiet, her countenance shaped, controlled. Ready.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-07-2009, 09:03:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex shifted uncomfortably in his seat, rocking forward and resting his elbows against his knees. He felt even worse for bringing it up, though now he couldn’t back gracefully out of his situation. Perhaps this was all a mistake; perhaps Fiona wasn’t as innocent and helpless as he deemed her to be. Hell, he’d only assumed that she was innocent, for all he knew, Charles’s claims could have been correct. The thoughts scrolled rapidly through his mind as he considered his options. But considering brief flash of hidden force he’d witnessed in Fiona moments ago, he doubted that she would take kindly to his dropping the subject.<br><br>Throwing caution—and god knows what else—to the wind, Alex nodded repeatedly as if to ready himself, “Okay… okay.” He sighed, “I know that you went to see Jonathan Quinn yesterday. I came to warn you that the Dubois family already got to him when the case started. They’ve paid Quinn off to deny any evidence you present him. He’s already filed a report that you approached him with an ill-conceived claim against Charles Dubois. He was going to occupy you, make you think that your own plans were working, while Charles built his case against you.”<br><br>He met Fiona’s gaze, shaken but honest, “I can’t tell you why I know, but you… simply must trust me on this.”&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-07-2009, 17:37:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona stared at Alex for a few moments before raising an eyebrow slightly. "Adjudicator Quinn has made an unfortunate choice, then." A seemingly sad smile came to her face as she looked down for a moment and then up. "It is regrettable that he has chosen to make himself an enemy, but such was his choice to make." Sighing softly, Fiona shook her head.<br><br>"Thank you, Alex." She gave him an earnest smile. "This information is very valuable, so soon. It makes the field far more clear." She grinned a little, thoughts churning about, plans shifting and forming.<br><br>"I will not pry into how you know this for now." Her gaze shifted back to him, softer. "But why have you chosen to help me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-07-2009, 19:11:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex released the breath he wasn’t aware he was holding, glad that Fiona believed him and agreed now to pry… for now. Perhaps he would have to take further measures to ensure the hidden aspects of his life. But, though he fell short of the Vorum siblings in magical talent, he was formidably skilled in maintaining his secrets.<br><br>He looked even more awkward at Fiona’s question, particularly because he had been afraid to ask himself that. Up until now, he and Fiona, despite their exchanged looks, were nothing but study partners. And he never intended for it to go beyond that, but his growing attraction was getting more difficult to deny. Especially now that it had driven him to lay this information before her. To make himself vulnerable to her scrutiny.<br><br>“I…” The answer should have been <em>because I care about you</em>, but Alex bit back the words. He shook his head, “I saw an injustice and sought to correct it.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-07-2009, 19:23:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I see." Fiona's eyes scrutinized Alex's carefully, investigating, studying, examining. His emotions were a curious thing to her, as was his inclination toward secrets. For the time being, she was not particularly interested in knowing exactly why or what he knew, but that he was willing to help her was enough.<br><br>Catching a servant with her mind, she gave a whispered missive that floated to its ears to prepare the carriage and a travel breakfast for her. She would need to leave at once.<br><br>"Well. Again, I thank you for your aid. It may prove instrumental in establishing my innocence... and Charles' guilt." She smiled delicately. "I have matters to attend to, then -" Fiona rose to her feet, looking him over, "unless you wish to help further."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-07-2009, 20:03:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alex stood as Fiona did, nodding stiffly, “Yes, of course. I apologize for taking up your time.” He collected his papers from the table, stacking them neatly and tucking them under his arm. Though it was merely his cover for coming here today, the notes would be useful later. He had more than his share of studying to do to catch up with the Vorum siblings.<br><br>“I… would like to help you further, but I’m afraid I also have things to which to attend.” <em>And I fear I may have helped too much already.</em> Alex gave her a low bow, and when he stood again, his eyes settled on her with a deep, unwavering concern, “I would wish you luck, but my experience with you tells me that you are capable beyond the reach of mere fortune.”<br><br>He glanced down, at the papers in his hand again, “I suppose I will see you again when next we meet to discuss our experiment.” His voice intoned that he regretted the time he must wait to be in her presence once more, but he said nothing of the sort, making his way quietly to the door to leave.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>27-07-2009, 20:26:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona shook her head at Alex's words. "No, Alex. Thank you for bringing this up to me. I would be in for a rather rude surprise had you not." She gave him a smile with genuine gratitude wrapped in it, for his help was rather valuable. Nowhere had she expected him to be so helpful to her in such a manner, so the surprise was welcome.<br><br>She curtsied at his bow, her eyes eager and brimming with thought and energy. "I am happy that you given me as much as you have, then. I look forward to seeing what other matters you bring, next time we meet." Her eyes followed him as he left, waiting for him to exit before moving otherwise. His expressions were guarded and somewhat awkward, but she would have to dwell on them later. Now was the time to move.<br><br>Procuring her outing coat, she wrote a quick message telling Donovan that she had already gone out for the day and made haste to the carriage area after Alex left. Nodding to the driver, she told him their destination as she got in. "Take me to Grand Ajudicator Fortwith's office."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>27-07-2009, 21:23:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan awoke soon after Fiona’s departure, meandering out of his room to find breakfast. He found Fiona’s note on the table, reading it with a long sigh. What could have her out and about so early in the morning? She had apparently plotted a more elaborate revenge than he had anticipated. After a lengthy meal, he inquired about the household to see if anything had inspired Fiona’s sudden absence. The most he could gather was that Alex had been by, which inspired the low murmur of jealousy that he could not fully suppress.<br><br>In an attempt to distract his thoughts, he returned to work. He set up in the room where they had last conducted their experiment, determined to draw his mind away from the whole matter with Fiona, Charles, Alex, and whoever else might have entered the convoluted mess of things.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>28-07-2009, 02:14:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Unlike most of the other city-appointed adjudicators, the Grand Adjudicator often conducted business in the grand City's Hall, where all important and large public proceedings and recordings took place. It was one of the most stately buildings of the government's here, and those who made business within it often took pride and pleasure at their importance.<br><br>Fiona knew little of Fortwith's character other than that he was a dutiful enforcer of the law. His public motions gave evidence of his respect and ardor for carrying out the law and meting out just punishment - surely he would be a man who would be more ruled by justice than greed? Fiona could not be certain, but the abrasiveness of his character might indicate that he rule justly.<br><br>Now, Fiona just had to go through with... convincing him. She hoped the message she sent ahead had granted an audience with him.<br><br>Entering the building, she made her way to his office, greeting the clerk inside. "My name is Fiona Vorum - I requested an appointment with the Grand Adjudicator."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>28-07-2009, 07:24:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona had hit her mark on this one. Grand Adjudicator William Fortwith had been a rigid upholder of the law since his recent appointment. He had taken it upon himself to clean up the rampant corruption throughout the city’s officials, but it was a difficult task he had before him and there seemed to be burgeoning issues everywhere he turned. He was a tall man, dynamic and robust though he was well into his fifties. However, the strain of his job had been wearing him down since his promotion three months ago, and it seemed now that his days never allowed him a moment of peace.<br><br>When Fiona’s request for an appointment came in, he took it upon himself to briefly research Charles’s case against Fiona—though obviously there was no information on her claims against Charles, as Jonathan Quinn had never had any intention to file it. He had hardly enough time to give it all a cursory glance before the clerk announced her arrival. William stood from his desk, stepping outside the door to greet Fiona with a genial smile.<br><br>“Miss Vorum. Your missive arrived only moments ago. I wish you had given me further notice, but, of course, I understand that your situation must be urgent. Please, come in.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>28-07-2009, 07:55:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona's eyes met with Fortwith's and she smiled at him graciously, though with some reserve after what had happened with Quinn. Her trust of Fortwith was higher, but hardly absolute.<br><br>"Thank you, Grand Adjudicator." Giving a curtsy in greeting, she came in at his invitation. Once the door had been closed, she eased slightly, and gave him a direct and formal look.<br><br>"I apologize that I bring you no good news, but as my case has apparently been compromised at a lower level, I had no choice but to bring it to the utmost authority." Letting the words settle a bit, Fiona pulled off the magical cloak she placed over her geas.<br><br>"If you have the time, I would have you hear my case yourself so that it may be penned under your guidance and authority. If you must decline, then I would ask you to at least verify the facts so that they are recorded - I have little chance of making a case if falsehoods are put to record here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>29-07-2009, 04:13:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				William studied Fiona as she spoke. He had the sort of unwavering gaze that unsettled all but the most stalwart of individuals. The whole situation between her and Charles had been minor enough to remain beneath his radar. The only reason he had even known anything of it was that the two families involved were influential enough to cause a stir in the ever-churning rumor mill. With the slightest gesture, one of the chairs across from his desk pulled out for Fiona, and he reclined back into his own chair.<br><br>Folding his hands across the edge of his desk, he listened, studying the geas as she unveiled it. He made quick sense of its nature, though was uncertain as to how it was relevant at the moment. He had heard nothing of her case; this was his first introduction to the fact that she was pressing charges against Charles at all.<br><br>After a quick glance at the brass arms of the clock on his wall, William nodded, “I assume you are here to make a counterclaim to that of Charles Dubois. I will hear your case, though I will obviously reserve judgment until further investigation.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>29-07-2009, 05:45:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona nodded to Fortwith, remaining gracious. "Of course." She gave a slight smile. "Charles Dubois invited me to the Duke's estate for a party. That evening, hours into the party, Charles guided me toward the garden to speak upon matters; there, he announced his intention to marry me." Fiona's eyes watched the Grand Adjudicator's, perusing their reaction as she spoke.<br><br>"I told him that it would require my father's approval. At his demonstration of interest, I gave him a gift, which he happily received. Afterward, however..." Fiona's eyes tightened a bit, reflexively, "... he made indecent advances upon me. I warned him that my father's geas upon me prevented me from engaging in... any such activity. He refused to listen and applied force."<br><br>Swallowing, Fiona continued after a few breaths. "Thankfully, my father's magic makes it nigh impossible for any man to rape me." Her eye twitched, slightly, at the word. "It left Charles unconscious, but not before he left evidence of his wishes..." Drawing her eyes downward, she pulled the top of her dress aside to reveal the healing bruise there, as she did for Quinn. After a few moments, she pulled it back.<br><br>"I'm explaining this all to you because I have reason to doubt that the adjudicator I put my case to has not filed it - or, has filed something quite different than what I am telling you right now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>30-07-2009, 09:21:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				William listened impassively as Fiona explained her story. Instead of taking notes, he employed a sort of magical recording, invisible, neat, and efficient. He took careful observation of the artfully woven enchantment and the mark on her shoulder, not particularly impressed by either, but they did seemingly support her point. Trying to recall what he could of Charles’s file, he matched that one against Fiona’s, finding the points where the two met. Certainly something happened between the both of them, the question now was what.<br><br>But of course, since William was truthfully investigating the matter—unlike Quinn—he had questions. With another glance at his clock, he then leaned forward, settling his gaze intently on Fiona, “And what was the nature of the gift that you gave him? Because our records indicate that Charles submitted an interesting magical item, whose nature we were able to divine before the enchantment faded entirely. I do not accuse you of guilt quite yet, Miss Vorum, but I would hardly call that an innocent offering.” <br><br>He paused, taking everything she had said into consideration, “And with whom did you file your case already? I wasn’t aware anything any such thing had happened.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>30-07-2009, 17:52:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At William's question, Fiona nodded dutifully. "The gift was hardly innocent - its magics were of a recreational nature. They were not coercive or compulsive, though; if I gave you a magically delicious candy, would you be pardoned for robbing me for more?" She gave a thin smile. "The effect was natural, even if it was arrived at magically. If you examined it, you would know there were no behavior-controlling elements."<br><br>Though the gift was hardly suppportive, it couldn't be used as an effective case against her, Fiona reasoned. The logic would not follow - the warning was still there.<br><br>Fiona went silent for a moment before answering. "Adjudicator Jonathan Quinn. I was informed mysteriously that he would not file or incorrectly file my case - whether I can trust that or not, I cannot take the chance that Charles will persecute me on a foundation of lies and deceit."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>30-07-2009, 19:53:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				William smiled at her admission, glad that she wasn’t going to try to wriggle her way around the object. He liked her; he liked her significantly more than the indignant Charles that had contacted his office more than once expecting an audience, and it would be a terrible disappointment to see that she was guilty after all. Chuckling lightly at her explanation, he seemed to relax a little for the first time in this conversation, “Indeed, an appropriate argument.” <br><br>At the mention of Quinn though, William drew his brow together. While he was going to invest some time in Fiona’s case, the whole quarrel between her and Charles was slightly less important to him than corruption in his own office. A deep frown settled on his features and he nodded slowly.<br><br>“Informed mysteriously?” he repeated, eyeing her with again a mildly reproachful look, “It’s dangerous to trust slander in this town. But, you did file a case with Adjudicator Quinn?” He did not enjoy the idea of having to investigate someone from his own department.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>30-07-2009, 20:53:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Grand Adjudicator smiling at her was a good sign, but Fiona did not shift her demeanor for it. Retaining a gracious and dignified manner would do her best, particularly in such circumstances. She noted that he might make a pleasant acquaintance in the future, though.<br><br>Noticing his displeasure at her mention of Quinn, she proceeded carefully. Missteps here would be grander, perhaps, than those regarding her own case. If she guessed right, his indignation would be at Quinn's supposed corruption, but she could not yet be sure.<br><br>Fiona nodded lightly at his question. "I presented my case to Adjudicator Quinn yesterday. This morning, a friend of mine told me that Quinn was being paid by the Dubois family. As the friend refused to name a source, and I do not trust the words utterly, I will not lay blame at Adjudicator Quinn's feet." She paused a moment, watching him. "However, I cannot sit by idly and let events trap me if such is the case; thus, I am trusting you with it rather than him."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>31-07-2009, 03:54:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was reserved, well-mannered, cautious—all of which were respectable traits at this moment, though William still could not decide whether or not to believe her claim. With a nod, he mentally adjusted his schedule so that he could check in on Quinn and see what the old man was up to. Though Quinn had outranked William in experience when it came time to appoint the new Grand Adjudicator, the vote for William was unanimous. For that, Quinn had never seemed to forgive him. Ah well.<br><br>“I will speak with Quinn regarding your case and see what he has to say of it. And I will personally appoint investigators to see what evidence they may turn up for your claim. But I’m afraid, Miss Vorum, your word, your father’s spell, and a bruise on your shoulder are not evidence enough for me to detain Charles Dubois. Though it is sufficient to delay his case against you. Of course, I am legally bound to send notification to Charles that he is being investigated.”<br><br>Unfortunately for both Charles and Fiona, no one had witnessed the actual event. The two counterclaims exacerbated this investigation, but neither of them had substantial proof to fully incriminate the other.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>31-07-2009, 05:33:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona's lips gave a small smile of relief at his willingness to hear her and remain honest and upfront. It was a spell of good news amidst a sea of bad, and she was thankful for it.<br><br>"I doubt that Quinn will reveal any duplicity, but it will at least ensure the veracity of my case." Her smile broadened into a polite one. "I do not expect these matters to condemn Charles Dubois, but they will at least make my case clear instead of dirty. It is of no ill consequence to me that he know of my actions." She gave a grateful curtsy. "I must thank you for your willingness to grant me an audience and hear my case. I suspect I may have fallen victim to foul play without your aid."<br><br>Coming back to full attention, she stood with her hands folded together. "I have nothing more to add at this time, but will answer any further inquiries and cooperate with whatever actions you deem necessary. Is there anything else to go over?" Her eyes waited on his, blinking calmly, her mood far more relaxed and ready for the trials ahead. This obstacle was over, at least.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>31-07-2009, 05:44:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				William nodded, “I will discover Quinn’s duplicity if it exists to be found. I do not tolerate corruption within my organization.” Besides, even with all his righteousness, William could not deny that he would be perfectly content to see Quinn leave. Honestly, the old man was just biding his damn time until retirement anyway; he supposed any bribes from the Dubois family were to hasten that along.<br><br>When Fiona asked if there was anything else to go over, William thoroughly reviewed the details in his mind, “No. I will send word of what the investigations yield. If you have any further information that might be of use, let me know. You can schedule an appointment with the clerk if ever you need to see me again.” <br><br>His gaze flickered again to the clock and now William stood, “I’m afraid that I have other obligations to which I need attend, Miss Vorum. Thank you for bringing these matters to my attention.”&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>31-07-2009, 06:10:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona curtsied again, lightly, and nodded. "Of course, Grand Adjudicator. I will send word when I learn more." Watching his eyes, she then left the room and Fortwith's office. Once outside and in the halls, she gave a quiet sigh as she made her way toward the exit. All seemed to had gone well, and with luck, William would prove to be a powerful ally. Even if she couldn't draw upon his resources, he could serve very well in her favor.<br><br>Giving a signal to her driver, she waited for the carriage to come around. Though she could content herself with destroying the Dubois from underneath, it had become more of a desire in her to defame Charles for his duplicity and obstinance. He was such a dunce, after all, that he deserved it - but Fiona wanted to know more before continuing.<br><br>Getting into the carriage, she signaled the driver to take her to her next location - their college. Fiona's fingers played absently in her lap as she went over the words she would share with Celoine.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>02-08-2009, 07:01:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Impatient with waiting for Fiona’s return home, Donovan had finally decided to make his way to campus—despite the fact that he actually had no classroom obligations for the day. However, he came not looking for his sister, but for Celoine. Still resolved to divert his attentions away from Fiona, perhaps still even a little resentful that she had been so impassive (seemingly so) at his advance, he decided to pursue much more attainable goals. Dressed and pressed neatly for the occasion, he strode swiftly across the wide lawn and through the crowded halls, inquiring casually as to her whereabouts.<br><br>He was redirected by a mutual friend who happened to see Celoine moments before Fiona caught her. Unknowingly, Donovan walked in towards the tail end of their conversation, whatever that may have been. Looking confusedly from Fiona to Celoine, he paused with his original intent nearly forgotten. Something about seeing Fiona here threw him off his goal.<br><br>Recovering quickly, Donovan gave a short bow, “My apologies, I was told that this was where I would find Celoine.” Turning towards her, he smiled, “I was hoping I might have a word with you—when you have a moment, of course. But as you both seem occupied at the moment, I should leave you to your conversation.”<br><br>His gaze returned to Fiona briefly, giving her a questioning look before he turned to depart. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>02-08-2009, 08:13:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fiona's eyes flickered from Celoine's to Donovan's. The elegant look on her face turned into a light smile as she turned to face him. "Oh, do stay, brother."<br><br>Celoine looked demurely at Donovan, her expression mildly embarrassed an demure.<br><br>"We just finished her conversation." Fiona leaned in to Celoine, whispering something into her ear and slips a small envelope into her hand. Giving Donovan a look whilst Celoine couldn't see it, she expressed a sense of sadness and trouble briefly at her brother.<br><br>Then it was gone, as she walked away, speaking softly. "I look forward to seeing you next, Celoine." Fiona walked away and down the hall leading out of the upper study.<br><br>After she left, Celoine returned her attention to Donovan. "You were looking for me?" She gave him a soft smile, a trace of blush coming to her cheeks.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>02-08-2009, 20:15:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan stopped at the doorway, standing quietly by while Fiona and Celoine finished. His frown deepened at the mysterious exchange, eyeing the envelope with growing curiosity. Strange that Fiona wouldn’t explain these plans to him. He could not fully meet her eyes when his sister departed, simply shifting out of the way to let her pass.<br><br>But when only he and Celoine remained, Donovan was made sharply aware of how his heart wasn’t in it anymore. With his most charming smile, he walked to Celoine and sank down into a chair across her, “I—” he shrugged, “I haven’t seen you in a bit and I was wondering how you were.” His words were sincere. Though he had been otherwise occupied for quite some time now, his thoughts had drifted to Celoine on occasion, curious as to how her tentative foray into necromancy came about, or whether she had simply decided to cope with her grandfather’s death.<br><br>“You intimated that life would be difficult after your grandfather’s passing, and I wanted to make sure that you were all right.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>02-08-2009, 21:16:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celoine appeared a bit embarrassed that Donovan was speaking to her so readily and intently. Her eyes cast themselves downward, looking away from him for a moment before seating down across from him.<br><br>"I tried to come by, but you were - out of town." She smiled gently, her eyes eventually seeking his once more. "Matters are... hard." She let out a quiet sigh, looking distressed. "His presence and guidance are missing..." Her chest heaved, letting out a deep breath.<br><br>"I... maybe we'll be okay. I don't know..." She looked away again, the words coming out with difficulty.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>04-08-2009, 08:37:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan’s brow knit together in an expression of conflicted compassion. His unease churned unpleasantly beneath his chest; he could have helped her, he could help her still, but for his inability to trust her entirely. It was even more dangerous to risk anything now, with Fiona already under close inspection. Besides, Celoine had given him no real reason to trust her, he reasoned. He didn’t know her well enough to want to risk unveiling the slick, dark underbelly of his family’s pursuits.<br><br>“I am sorry, truly…” Donovan’s voice was soft, devoid of his habitual, caustic bite. Leaning forward in his seat, his hand lighted gently on hers, “Is there anything I can do to help? – short of… what you’ve already asked me before…” He asked, treading cautiously.<br><br>It wasn’t that he was unwilling to help her. It was simply that he could not in the manner of her current choosing. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>06-08-2009, 03:15:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				While looking away, Celoine's internal mood had improved. Donovan was already involved and influenced - and they had only had one brief meeting. She grinned inwardly. He was certainly more easily moved than his sister.<br><br>Her hand took to his, its fingers almost pulling at his hand's touch. "I - don't know if there's anything... you can do." Her head rose, looking to him with sad and tired eyes. "My family must... find its own guidance... in these troubled times." She sighed, softly.<br><br>"If we can't for ourselves, we won't last very long..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChasingInfinity</strong> on <strong>06-08-2009, 23:21:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Donovan regarded Celoine with a look of troubled sympathy. He wished that she would give him some method of helping her that didn’t involve a blatant admission of guilt in breaking the most rigid laws of magical ethics. But, as she didn’t, he simply nodded. His fingers closed against her palm and he squeezed her hand lightly, “I am truly sorry to hear that. Please let me know if you think of anything that I could do to help you…”<br><br>With a sigh, he glanced back towards the door, still very aware of Fiona’s displeasure when he stepped in the door. The more they dealt—or didn’t deal—with this confusion between them, the harder it was to understand her. She should have been perfectly happy that he was pursuing alternative routes.<br><br>“I--…” He frowned, “I should go.” He said cryptically, rising quickly from his seat. He gave Celoine a quick bow, pausing only to give her one last, long look, “I do apologize that I have not been of further use to you.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: A Thrice-Damned Love</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>resonanteve</strong> on <strong>08-08-2009, 19:32:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celoine stared at him sadly for a few moments and began to open her mouth when he frowned and spoke. Furrowing her brow a little, she nodded to him. "O-okay... I'll let you know..." She swallowed and looked down.<br><br>"Maybe... there's something else you could do..." She slowly looked back up at him, her eyes still bearing poignant sorrow at the topic, pleading at him.<br><br><em>What is she up to?</em>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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