Nikolae had waited a long time – too long, maybe – to step foot in the casino his sire had once proudly shown him. The place had certainly gone downhill, in the way all casinos tend to do, and his sensitive nose gave a twitch at the stench of cigarettes that all but permeated the walls and carpeted floor. He knew almost as soon as he stepped foot in the place that his sire, whom he suspected was haunting the city streets again, was not here. It rankled him to think that maybe the man was avoiding his progeny, and all the other poor souls he’d buried his fangs into all those years ago. Although, given there was now a brand spanking new member of the lineage, there was no doubt he was back. The woman in question, Eureka she went by, seemed just as lost as any of his former creations. He made a note to reach out to her, and then hesitated as soon as the thought crossed his mind.
Time was, Nikolae Dragomir – acting leader of the Worthington lineage – had reached out to all the fellow members of that lineage, or at least tried to. Sometimes it went well, or even ended in what he’d at the time believed might be a life-long friendship – his own disappearance from the city had all but destroyed those tenuous relationships. Sometimes it went terrible, and ended in people he might even consider enemies. The sort he kept his own blood away from.
He was ready to leave now, rather than dwell on the past or think of a thousand things he should have or would have done better if only – if only. He’d made a pact with himself to move on, although it was still contingent on a long overdue reckoning with his maker. He was always about two steps behind Chad, who it seemed was an expert at remaining hidden when he chose. He didn’t want to kill the man, or even berate him. He wanted to put it out there, have words like two adults should, and maybe walk away feeling like he could finally start this new life. It was frustrating, and there was no way to reach out to the man that would guarantee a response. If this continued, he’d hire somebody much better at tracking to fix the problem.
Hands curled to useless fists at his side before he forcibly relaxed himself with an unnecessary deep breath. Slit-pupiled eyes caught something, and he paused halfway turned toward the door. There was a shadow moving along the outskirts of the room. A somewhat familiar shadow, traveling with the same lost purpose so many of Worthington blood moved with. He thought back on those mistakes and regrets, and moved himself smoothly into the path of the creature pacing quickly toward the entrance of the building. A smile tugged at his lips and he gave a playful half-bow as the woman before him was forced to stop or move around him.
“Hello, Licones. Long time no see.”
Overdue Meetings [Licones]
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Nikolae
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- CrowNet Handle: The Dragon
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Overdue Meetings [Licones]
Sire of the DRAGOMIR lineage - SPECTRE of the Shadow Caste - Nemesis of A.R.E.S.- Board of DRAGONAL
“They say dragons never truly die. No matter how many times you kill them.” - S.G. Rogers
Ϯ Ϯ Ϯ
“They say dragons never truly die. No matter how many times you kill them.” - S.G. Rogers
Ϯ Ϯ Ϯ
-
Licones
- Registered User
- Posts: 100
- Joined: 14 May 2011, 04:02
Re: Overdue Meetings [Licones]
"Those go over there." Standing in the doorway to the apartment, Licones directed the movers where to put all the boxes. It wasn't like she had much. Even once they'd moved all the boxes of loot that she'd obtained via questionable means, the apartment was pretty bare. Somehow living in a few rented rooms alone was not conducive to acquisition of what she referred to as "stuff".
It was a relief to have everything moved, and the movers gone. She'd debated for months about buying the place. After three years in Harpers Rock, she finally had admitted to herself that she would never go back to her previous life and she should settle somewhere. Texas just wasn't a good place for a vampire. Too much sunshine. Too many people that knew her and would know that she'd changed. It wasn't the life that Chad had promised her, but it was her reality.
Thinking of the man who'd convinced her that this side trip while on a business trip to Toronto was a good idea still pissed her off. He was a smooth one, that was for sure. Somehow that whole "great opportunity" thing he'd talked about left out a few details. Then again, how does one really get informed consent for becoming a vampire?
She'd adjusted to her new life, no thanks to Chad. At first it seemed that he was too busy with politics, and then he'd simply vanished. She figured it out on her own. More or less. She knew a few of the others that he'd brought to the city, but not well. Every few months, she'd stop by the Casino, just to see if she detected his presence, or saw anyone she knew. That list was pretty short. There were a few that she'd met via CrowNet but wouldn't know them if she saw them. Becoming a vampire had enhanced her natural introverted tendencies. As time went on, though, it was lonely but she wasn't sure how to go about meeting anyone. The Shadows Guild had given her a purpose, a sense of belonging but that was a long time ago.
The sharp pain in her belly reminded her that with the excitement of setting up her new apartment, she'd not fed today. Or yesterday. Damn. Feeding was an afterthought some nights. It was a bad habit, she knew. "Time to get moving," she said to herself getting up from the couch and crossing to the windows. She pulled the drapes aside and smiled to herself. Yes, this was the right decision. The lights of the city sparkled off the snow covered buildings visible from the 11th floor. The view is what sold her. She'd lived in a Dallas high rise years ago and always loved the lights of the city at night. This was just a bit colder, darker and snowy. That was okay. It was better than the damp darkness of the underground tunnels. Maybe a change of residence would help her with a change of attitude. She turned from the windows to survey the room.
The light of the moon reflected off the polished wood floor, illuminating the room enough for her sensitive eyes to clearly see the stack of boxes, a couch and a chair. She had few furnishings but that would come with time. The loot to be sold eventually could remain boxed up. Her personal items needed to be unpacked, well enough that she could find things. That could wait. For now, she needed to go out.
After a quick shower, she pawed through the boxes marked 'clothing' until she found what she wanted. Black jeans, royal blue sweater, polished cowboy boots. Her long dark brown hair in its usual French braid. She added the black denim fleece lined jacket and was ready to go. Maybe tonight was a good night to hit the casino. See if she could banish a few ghosts.
Her hunger satisfied, she continued on to the casino. It hadn't changed. Perhaps it was a bit more run down with that irritating haze from too many cigarettes and spilled beer. She looked around, not sure now why she'd come. She hated the noise from the gaming machines, the smoky air and most of all there were too many people.
She turned toward the main entrance and nearly ran into a man. It took her a moment to recognize who she practically plowed into... or had he tried to block her?
“Hello, Licones. Long time no see.”
"Nikolai?" She hesitated for a moment, not sure if her memory was playing tricks. She'd not seen him for a long time, but she'd not seen anyone really. "geez. It's been years. How've you been?"
It was a relief to have everything moved, and the movers gone. She'd debated for months about buying the place. After three years in Harpers Rock, she finally had admitted to herself that she would never go back to her previous life and she should settle somewhere. Texas just wasn't a good place for a vampire. Too much sunshine. Too many people that knew her and would know that she'd changed. It wasn't the life that Chad had promised her, but it was her reality.
Thinking of the man who'd convinced her that this side trip while on a business trip to Toronto was a good idea still pissed her off. He was a smooth one, that was for sure. Somehow that whole "great opportunity" thing he'd talked about left out a few details. Then again, how does one really get informed consent for becoming a vampire?
She'd adjusted to her new life, no thanks to Chad. At first it seemed that he was too busy with politics, and then he'd simply vanished. She figured it out on her own. More or less. She knew a few of the others that he'd brought to the city, but not well. Every few months, she'd stop by the Casino, just to see if she detected his presence, or saw anyone she knew. That list was pretty short. There were a few that she'd met via CrowNet but wouldn't know them if she saw them. Becoming a vampire had enhanced her natural introverted tendencies. As time went on, though, it was lonely but she wasn't sure how to go about meeting anyone. The Shadows Guild had given her a purpose, a sense of belonging but that was a long time ago.
The sharp pain in her belly reminded her that with the excitement of setting up her new apartment, she'd not fed today. Or yesterday. Damn. Feeding was an afterthought some nights. It was a bad habit, she knew. "Time to get moving," she said to herself getting up from the couch and crossing to the windows. She pulled the drapes aside and smiled to herself. Yes, this was the right decision. The lights of the city sparkled off the snow covered buildings visible from the 11th floor. The view is what sold her. She'd lived in a Dallas high rise years ago and always loved the lights of the city at night. This was just a bit colder, darker and snowy. That was okay. It was better than the damp darkness of the underground tunnels. Maybe a change of residence would help her with a change of attitude. She turned from the windows to survey the room.
The light of the moon reflected off the polished wood floor, illuminating the room enough for her sensitive eyes to clearly see the stack of boxes, a couch and a chair. She had few furnishings but that would come with time. The loot to be sold eventually could remain boxed up. Her personal items needed to be unpacked, well enough that she could find things. That could wait. For now, she needed to go out.
After a quick shower, she pawed through the boxes marked 'clothing' until she found what she wanted. Black jeans, royal blue sweater, polished cowboy boots. Her long dark brown hair in its usual French braid. She added the black denim fleece lined jacket and was ready to go. Maybe tonight was a good night to hit the casino. See if she could banish a few ghosts.
Her hunger satisfied, she continued on to the casino. It hadn't changed. Perhaps it was a bit more run down with that irritating haze from too many cigarettes and spilled beer. She looked around, not sure now why she'd come. She hated the noise from the gaming machines, the smoky air and most of all there were too many people.
She turned toward the main entrance and nearly ran into a man. It took her a moment to recognize who she practically plowed into... or had he tried to block her?
“Hello, Licones. Long time no see.”
"Nikolai?" She hesitated for a moment, not sure if her memory was playing tricks. She'd not seen him for a long time, but she'd not seen anyone really. "geez. It's been years. How've you been?"
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Nikolae
- Registered User
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- CrowNet Handle: The Dragon
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Re: Overdue Meetings [Licones]
Nik gave a mild grin at the words and dipped his head again, not exactly the same as the playful bow he’d moments before offered, and shifted the weight of his canvas backpack over his right shoulder as dark wavy hair fell over his brow. She wasn’t wrong – it had been literal years since he’d had more than passing words over Crownet with his sister-kin, but what was that to a vampire who had an eternity to waste playing video games? At least, that’s what he told himself to assuage the guilt of abandoning two bloodlines in an odd fit of what he’d termed melancholy. Antipathy, even. He’d gone one night from buried within the politics of the vampire world, to simply not caring anymore. And the worst of it was he still couldn’t pinpoint what had suddenly drawn him to that point. As though from one blink to the next his entire perspective had shifted violently. It had been freeing to leave the social circles and responsibilities behind for a time."Geez. It's been years. How've you been?"
And now he was back – with a vengeance of his own, he ruefully acknowledged. That vengeance would one day lead him to his maker, though more and more the word vengeance no longer applied. More a need of closure. Perhaps a need even to try and guide Chad in a way he’d never had guidance. Chad, he’d been forced to accept, hadn’t had any better idea of what to do as a vampire than any of his own childer had. He had an excuse – a damned good one, the Dragomir was coming to see. And, in many ways, Nikolae expected Chad still didn’t quite know what to do as a vampire, nor as a man in the twenty-first century. Maybe someday, soon, Nikolae could teach him these things he’d learned himself.
“I’ve been better, lately.” He stated to the woman and shook his head with a half-laugh. “Only just returned to the public eye, I guess. My Dragons didn’t need me, and they probably still don’t, but it’s good to be back.” He admitted with a little nod. He risked a glance around them, considering his options. The truth was he didn’t want to remain in this building any longer than he had to. But he did want to speak to Licones. He’d been meaning to since… forever, truly. It was almost a personal failure that he hadn’t reached out to this one, this familiar lost soul. She’d slipped through the proverbial cracks, and he was man enough to admit she probably wasn’t the only one. The Worthington lineage had been doomed from the start for a myriad of reasons, but Nikolae ashamedly shoulder at least some of the blame for its ultimate collapse.
“It’s a little loud in here. Wanna join me in the caverns?” He finally asked casually. He wasn’t sure precisely if she hunted there – he no longer really did – but it seemed like good, quiet, neutral territory. Only vampires seemed to be there, so the risks were only if one of the monsters attacked. The Jurogumos and Encantados only seemed to try to defend themselves, though, so he wasn’t all too concerned. Besides, he could easily take them down if need be.
Sire of the DRAGOMIR lineage - SPECTRE of the Shadow Caste - Nemesis of A.R.E.S.- Board of DRAGONAL
“They say dragons never truly die. No matter how many times you kill them.” - S.G. Rogers
Ϯ Ϯ Ϯ
“They say dragons never truly die. No matter how many times you kill them.” - S.G. Rogers
Ϯ Ϯ Ϯ
-
Licones
- Registered User
- Posts: 100
- Joined: 14 May 2011, 04:02
Re: Overdue Meetings [Licones]
Licones did a double take at the man bowing to her. Of all the vampires she’d met when she came to the city, this was the one that she’d had the most contact, both within the bloodline and working together at the Shadows Guild. She’d always wondered what happened to him. One day he had an entire active bloodline following him, and then next, he had disappeared. Along with Chad and everyone else she knew. Being a Worthington became something that you didn’t acknowledge.
Hiding in shadows came naturally to her, it always had. You never know what you’d learn if you listened from the other side of the door. Her years as a vampire only enhanced that secretive, quietness. She’d learned as much as she could, and continued to gain knowledge although some nights it was simply easier to sit in her room reading a book.
She shifted her tote bag on her shoulder. It was still fairly light but the night was young. Before daylight hit, she usually had filled it with the various things that she later would sell. It had been enough to pay her rent, and save for the apartment. Not the profession that she thought she’d have but it was something she knew how to do, and with practice was getting better. There were few options as far as she knew, and most were questionably legal.
“I’ve been better, lately.” He stated to the woman and shook his head with a half-laugh. “Only just returned to the public eye, I guess. My Dragons didn’t need me, and they probably still don’t, but it’s good to be back.”
She bit her tongue to not say something rude. That at least he had someone who had cared about him at one time. The longer that she walked the city alone, the more she was convinced that being a vampire was not a better life, merely a longer one. He probably was underestimating his own importance to those who carried his blood. Of course that was her perspective since her sire had been gone so long.
“It’s a little loud in here. Wanna join me in the caverns?”
"I never envied you that political crap but it always seemed like you and your Dragons were good together. You know, it looked fun" . She looked at him a bit confused. "Caverns? You’ll have to forgive me. I don’t know where or what that is. This damn city has no street signs so I used to get lost all the time and find myself in the wilderness. It’s not fun getting stuck somewhere after sunrise, so most of the time I stick to the area around the QZ. I’m better at finding things through the sewers than the streets but even then I don’t usually know where I’m going." She gave him an embarrassed smile. You'd think that after four years, she'd have explored a bit more of the city, but truth be told, she'd hidden in her room for close to two years. When she felt like she had no purpose, she was not motivated to go out and do anything. And then when she did rouse herself enough to go out, she had no idea what was going on, or who anyone was. Perhaps running into Nikolae was a good thing. "Lead the way, I’m happy to see what else there is .”
Hiding in shadows came naturally to her, it always had. You never know what you’d learn if you listened from the other side of the door. Her years as a vampire only enhanced that secretive, quietness. She’d learned as much as she could, and continued to gain knowledge although some nights it was simply easier to sit in her room reading a book.
She shifted her tote bag on her shoulder. It was still fairly light but the night was young. Before daylight hit, she usually had filled it with the various things that she later would sell. It had been enough to pay her rent, and save for the apartment. Not the profession that she thought she’d have but it was something she knew how to do, and with practice was getting better. There were few options as far as she knew, and most were questionably legal.
“I’ve been better, lately.” He stated to the woman and shook his head with a half-laugh. “Only just returned to the public eye, I guess. My Dragons didn’t need me, and they probably still don’t, but it’s good to be back.”
She bit her tongue to not say something rude. That at least he had someone who had cared about him at one time. The longer that she walked the city alone, the more she was convinced that being a vampire was not a better life, merely a longer one. He probably was underestimating his own importance to those who carried his blood. Of course that was her perspective since her sire had been gone so long.
“It’s a little loud in here. Wanna join me in the caverns?”
"I never envied you that political crap but it always seemed like you and your Dragons were good together. You know, it looked fun" . She looked at him a bit confused. "Caverns? You’ll have to forgive me. I don’t know where or what that is. This damn city has no street signs so I used to get lost all the time and find myself in the wilderness. It’s not fun getting stuck somewhere after sunrise, so most of the time I stick to the area around the QZ. I’m better at finding things through the sewers than the streets but even then I don’t usually know where I’m going." She gave him an embarrassed smile. You'd think that after four years, she'd have explored a bit more of the city, but truth be told, she'd hidden in her room for close to two years. When she felt like she had no purpose, she was not motivated to go out and do anything. And then when she did rouse herself enough to go out, she had no idea what was going on, or who anyone was. Perhaps running into Nikolae was a good thing. "Lead the way, I’m happy to see what else there is .”
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Nikolae
- Registered User
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- Joined: 14 May 2011, 03:32
- CrowNet Handle: The Dragon
- Location: Dragomir Temple
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Re: Overdue Meetings [Licones]
Nikolae was more than a little surprised by Licones reply to his offer to change venues. She hadn't gone outside the Quartantine Zone? Didn't know the other hunting grounds? He slanted that reptile gaze over her form skeptically and then with a little bit of disappointment more aimed at himself than her. There were a lot better places for a vampire to hone their skills, not to mention acquire special things to line their pockets. He dipped his head in acknowledgement and turned to pace to the door, pushing it open and then holding it for the woman to slip past him and out into the night.
He followed her, still mulling over his words. Finally, he settled on what came easiest and with the least amount of empty words - he never said anything not worth saying. "I never understood why people assumed the Dragomir was some sort of... secret club. We don't have a handshake, or anything." He paused with a half-smile. "The eyes, yeah, of course. But there are Dragons that aren't of my blood. Hell, we've had Dragons not even of Worthington blood." He shoved his hands into his pocket as the chill of the night air got to him, keeping an easy pace as he walked down the sidewalk on a familiar path. With a half-shrug he kept his gaze forward.
"I guess what I'm saying is, if you ever wanted to know more of us, maybe even take up the Dragon-mantle yourself.... well, you're always welcome." He smiled lightly and nodded as he guided them to a transit station and paid for both their fares before boarding. It would be a short ride so he didn't bother sitting.
"My Raeth - Azraeth - has been saying for years that we ought to sit down and create lessons for vampires, help and tips and maybe even required learning to improve everyone's skills and abilities." He rubbed the back of his neck and aimed a playful smirk his sister-kins way. "Seems like so many don't have any direction at all. Raeth is a ritualist, I'm a hacker and... slasher." He grinned proudly. "What about you? What's your favorite not-quite-alive ability?" He chuckled as the vehicle came to a stop and moved for the door to get off.
He followed her, still mulling over his words. Finally, he settled on what came easiest and with the least amount of empty words - he never said anything not worth saying. "I never understood why people assumed the Dragomir was some sort of... secret club. We don't have a handshake, or anything." He paused with a half-smile. "The eyes, yeah, of course. But there are Dragons that aren't of my blood. Hell, we've had Dragons not even of Worthington blood." He shoved his hands into his pocket as the chill of the night air got to him, keeping an easy pace as he walked down the sidewalk on a familiar path. With a half-shrug he kept his gaze forward.
"I guess what I'm saying is, if you ever wanted to know more of us, maybe even take up the Dragon-mantle yourself.... well, you're always welcome." He smiled lightly and nodded as he guided them to a transit station and paid for both their fares before boarding. It would be a short ride so he didn't bother sitting.
"My Raeth - Azraeth - has been saying for years that we ought to sit down and create lessons for vampires, help and tips and maybe even required learning to improve everyone's skills and abilities." He rubbed the back of his neck and aimed a playful smirk his sister-kins way. "Seems like so many don't have any direction at all. Raeth is a ritualist, I'm a hacker and... slasher." He grinned proudly. "What about you? What's your favorite not-quite-alive ability?" He chuckled as the vehicle came to a stop and moved for the door to get off.
Sire of the DRAGOMIR lineage - SPECTRE of the Shadow Caste - Nemesis of A.R.E.S.- Board of DRAGONAL
“They say dragons never truly die. No matter how many times you kill them.” - S.G. Rogers
Ϯ Ϯ Ϯ
“They say dragons never truly die. No matter how many times you kill them.” - S.G. Rogers
Ϯ Ϯ Ϯ
-
Licones
- Registered User
- Posts: 100
- Joined: 14 May 2011, 04:02
Re: Overdue Meetings [Licones]
The look on his face told her volumes. He would never know how much that confession took. Licones knew that there was so much more that she could learn, but there was a limit to what could be self taught. Sure, she’d seen announcements on CrowNet offering tutorials or classes for the newly turned. Well, she wasn't newly turned and really didn't want to be lumped with fledgling vampires. And people saying blithely, "if you need help, just ask" wasn't really helpful. If you didn't know what you didn't know, how could you ask?
She followed Nikolae out of the casino, taking a deep breath as soon as they were outside. Every time she went in there she swore she wouldn’t go again. The acrid smells and loud noise were an irritant on the best of days. The place now was over populated with humans, and the beating hearts were like drumbeats in her brain. She tried to keep an eye out for landmarks as they walked toward the transit. She’d yet to find a map that didn't rely on an old fashioned grid, sort of like the paper bound maps she’d used before she came to Harpers Rock.
It had been a long time since she'd spoken to her brother. In truth she could not remember ever having a casual conversation with him. It was a long time ago, but her primary memory of being around the Worthingtons was conflict. She just wanted to work and contribute but had never found a good way to do so. She listened intently to his comments about family and considered his words carefully. Was that the answer to her lack of focus?
"What about you? What's your favorite not-quite-alive ability?"
"Im a thief" she stated, low enough that any cop wouldn't hear her. It was a simplistic explanation but the best description for what she did. "I sneak into businesses, warehouses, whatever and grab things. Often I don’t know what I have until I get home and open the boxes. I either sell things or take them apart to make other things. I've gotten pretty good at picking locks and not getting caught." She gave him a small grin thinking of the warehouse where she’d evaded three guards undetected . "I know, that isn't totally a not-quite-alive talent but it is when I fade into shadows and go undetected. Now, if you’re talking basic knowledge… that walking on water thing is nice.” She let out a chuckle. This time of the year, the river was mostly frozen but she wasn’t sure she’d attempt it if not for her special ability. “Great for getting in and out of the QZ." she looked over to him "So you’re a hacker and a… slasher?” She paused for a moment, zipping her jacket back up as they approached the entrance to the station. “Hacking I know. I have the basic software. I suck at it. It’s kinda like the old DOS- based computers. You had to know all sorts of code to get it to do anything. I don’t have that secret decoder ring . Slasher, I don’t know. What is that?”
A cold wind blew across her face, taking her breath away as soon as they exited the transit station. Licones wasn’t quite sure which way to go so she waited for Nikolai to catch up. She buried her hands in the pockets of her leather jacket. She wasn’t sure how any of the humans in the city tolerated the intense cold. She’d learned to wrap a scarf around her neck and face to hide the fact that she didn't have to breathe.
"I know there is a lot I don’t know," she began. It wasn't easy to discuss it with someone who was far more accomplished, and yet, had come to the city basically at the same time that she had. “I became a total hermit when Chad left. When you believe no one cares about you, you stop trying. At first, I didn’t care either. I slept a long time. I think it was like two years . I would wake, briefly, feed a little , go find a newspaper or read Crownet. The longer this continued , the less I knew anyone or anything. I’d check the Worthington intranet and see more drama…. So I’d run away again. It’s only been in the last six months or so that I’ve really worked on staying awake and trying to figure out what the heck is going on.” There, she’d said it. She’d never told anyone how much it affected her to have her sire gone.
“And regarding your Dragons. There might not have been a secret decoder ring but a proper lady does not show up to private events uninvited. I never got the impression that your parties and other things were open to all. If that was a mistaken impression, it was my error,” she smiled cautiously. “Some lessons cannot be unlearned. Even if the memories of a human childhood fade, the things we learned, won’t. “I would like to feel a part of something, have a reason to get up in the evening. I”ve been along long enough”.
She followed Nikolae out of the casino, taking a deep breath as soon as they were outside. Every time she went in there she swore she wouldn’t go again. The acrid smells and loud noise were an irritant on the best of days. The place now was over populated with humans, and the beating hearts were like drumbeats in her brain. She tried to keep an eye out for landmarks as they walked toward the transit. She’d yet to find a map that didn't rely on an old fashioned grid, sort of like the paper bound maps she’d used before she came to Harpers Rock.
It had been a long time since she'd spoken to her brother. In truth she could not remember ever having a casual conversation with him. It was a long time ago, but her primary memory of being around the Worthingtons was conflict. She just wanted to work and contribute but had never found a good way to do so. She listened intently to his comments about family and considered his words carefully. Was that the answer to her lack of focus?
"What about you? What's your favorite not-quite-alive ability?"
"Im a thief" she stated, low enough that any cop wouldn't hear her. It was a simplistic explanation but the best description for what she did. "I sneak into businesses, warehouses, whatever and grab things. Often I don’t know what I have until I get home and open the boxes. I either sell things or take them apart to make other things. I've gotten pretty good at picking locks and not getting caught." She gave him a small grin thinking of the warehouse where she’d evaded three guards undetected . "I know, that isn't totally a not-quite-alive talent but it is when I fade into shadows and go undetected. Now, if you’re talking basic knowledge… that walking on water thing is nice.” She let out a chuckle. This time of the year, the river was mostly frozen but she wasn’t sure she’d attempt it if not for her special ability. “Great for getting in and out of the QZ." she looked over to him "So you’re a hacker and a… slasher?” She paused for a moment, zipping her jacket back up as they approached the entrance to the station. “Hacking I know. I have the basic software. I suck at it. It’s kinda like the old DOS- based computers. You had to know all sorts of code to get it to do anything. I don’t have that secret decoder ring . Slasher, I don’t know. What is that?”
A cold wind blew across her face, taking her breath away as soon as they exited the transit station. Licones wasn’t quite sure which way to go so she waited for Nikolai to catch up. She buried her hands in the pockets of her leather jacket. She wasn’t sure how any of the humans in the city tolerated the intense cold. She’d learned to wrap a scarf around her neck and face to hide the fact that she didn't have to breathe.
"I know there is a lot I don’t know," she began. It wasn't easy to discuss it with someone who was far more accomplished, and yet, had come to the city basically at the same time that she had. “I became a total hermit when Chad left. When you believe no one cares about you, you stop trying. At first, I didn’t care either. I slept a long time. I think it was like two years . I would wake, briefly, feed a little , go find a newspaper or read Crownet. The longer this continued , the less I knew anyone or anything. I’d check the Worthington intranet and see more drama…. So I’d run away again. It’s only been in the last six months or so that I’ve really worked on staying awake and trying to figure out what the heck is going on.” There, she’d said it. She’d never told anyone how much it affected her to have her sire gone.
“And regarding your Dragons. There might not have been a secret decoder ring but a proper lady does not show up to private events uninvited. I never got the impression that your parties and other things were open to all. If that was a mistaken impression, it was my error,” she smiled cautiously. “Some lessons cannot be unlearned. Even if the memories of a human childhood fade, the things we learned, won’t. “I would like to feel a part of something, have a reason to get up in the evening. I”ve been along long enough”.
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Nikolae
- Registered User
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- CrowNet Handle: The Dragon
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Re: Overdue Meetings [Licones]
Nikolae smiled warmly as she spoke, happy at least to hear she had something she enjoyed doing in this miserable little spot of land. He kept his pace slower than normal, but only because he was usually moving quickly from place to place with no desire to stay in the open for long. Probably a latent Shadow-related paranoia. "Hacking's pretty easy if you have the right tools to do it. Then again, that's the same thing my Raeth says about Rituals... but when it comes to that talent I'm a fish out of water. Or a dragon In the water, I suppose." He flashed a playful grin and shook his head. "Slashing... just meant I can take down a lot of the monsters that inhabit this town. Or seemed to have begun inhabiting it, probably once the vampires showed up. Like the zombies in the Quartine Zone, only there's a lot bigger and badder things to be found these days. It keeps my skills sharp, so I'm always ready for a fight. Guess these days I don't really need to be, thankfully. But one never knows in a town like this." He added with a grimace. He truly did hate most of his kind.
It was a relatively quick trip to the caverns once they left the station, and he pointed out the hidden entrance with a tilt of his head before stepping foot inside. He hadn't been here too much recently, but plenty of vampires made it part of their nightly journey. "You have good timing, then. Six months ago was about the time I returned to the public eye, as it were. For the last two years, about, me and the Dragons have stayed out of the public. It was easier than I thought it would be. Still seems like a better option. But... something tells me this town might be better off if we stuck around." He idly took a turn in the darkened caves they were traveling and stooped to pluck up a ruby, tossing it to her with a warm smile as he heard the distant sound of a fight going on in the next cave over.
"I'm sorry that nobody reached out to you. I should've, and for that I apologize." He grimaced at her words of their sire. "Chad will never be... what either of us, or any of us really, want him to be. He's just a kid, when it comes down to it." He tapped his own temple with a playful smile and shake of his head. "Quicker we accept that, the faster we can move on with our own lives. It didn't do me any good to harbor hatred for him the last few years... did me bad, really. But then I really thought about it, and I just can't hold his failures against him. We're all struggling to find our place here, not just in this town or community, but in the world. Even Chad. Maybe someday he'll find his, but in the meantime I've decided to give making my own a try again. I do hope you'll join me in that endeavor." He nudged her shoulder with his own and chuckled. "We haven't got any dragons honing their skills in breaking and entering, actually. My girl Deirdre might be trying her hand at it, though. Or my youngest Lukken. If they are, or if any do in the future, I'd wager you'd make a great teacher. And maybe we can teach you some new tricks, too."
It was a relatively quick trip to the caverns once they left the station, and he pointed out the hidden entrance with a tilt of his head before stepping foot inside. He hadn't been here too much recently, but plenty of vampires made it part of their nightly journey. "You have good timing, then. Six months ago was about the time I returned to the public eye, as it were. For the last two years, about, me and the Dragons have stayed out of the public. It was easier than I thought it would be. Still seems like a better option. But... something tells me this town might be better off if we stuck around." He idly took a turn in the darkened caves they were traveling and stooped to pluck up a ruby, tossing it to her with a warm smile as he heard the distant sound of a fight going on in the next cave over.
"I'm sorry that nobody reached out to you. I should've, and for that I apologize." He grimaced at her words of their sire. "Chad will never be... what either of us, or any of us really, want him to be. He's just a kid, when it comes down to it." He tapped his own temple with a playful smile and shake of his head. "Quicker we accept that, the faster we can move on with our own lives. It didn't do me any good to harbor hatred for him the last few years... did me bad, really. But then I really thought about it, and I just can't hold his failures against him. We're all struggling to find our place here, not just in this town or community, but in the world. Even Chad. Maybe someday he'll find his, but in the meantime I've decided to give making my own a try again. I do hope you'll join me in that endeavor." He nudged her shoulder with his own and chuckled. "We haven't got any dragons honing their skills in breaking and entering, actually. My girl Deirdre might be trying her hand at it, though. Or my youngest Lukken. If they are, or if any do in the future, I'd wager you'd make a great teacher. And maybe we can teach you some new tricks, too."
Sire of the DRAGOMIR lineage - SPECTRE of the Shadow Caste - Nemesis of A.R.E.S.- Board of DRAGONAL
“They say dragons never truly die. No matter how many times you kill them.” - S.G. Rogers
Ϯ Ϯ Ϯ
“They say dragons never truly die. No matter how many times you kill them.” - S.G. Rogers
Ϯ Ϯ Ϯ
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Licones
- Registered User
- Posts: 100
- Joined: 14 May 2011, 04:02
Re: Overdue Meetings [Licones]
Licones followed him down a well worn yet unfamiliar path. The lights of the city faded to darkness as they got farther from the transit. They had passed a few warehouses which she gave a quick appraisal. Never hurt to find new locations to visit. She had more DVD players than she ever thought to posses so a new warehouse might yield other fun things.
Stealing came more naturally to her than killing. Despite the fact that she carried several knives, and a gun, she had never really adjusted to the need for fighting. Killing the zombies that she found in the lobby of her building daily was okay but she'd steered away from violence against other vampires. She knew it happened, but it was not something she'd ever done, or really wanted to do. Being prepared for anything was always a good thing.
She made a mental note of the entrance to the cave, and followed Nikolae into the absolute darkness. "Thanks," she murmured as he handed her a brilliant red gemstone. This could be fun to vary her evening.
In a way, his comments about Chad surprised her. She had known Nikolae as Chad’s right hand man and probably a better leader than their sire. To know that he also had struggled make her feel less inadequate. "I guess I never thought of him being unprepared. He’s been a vampire for so long, at least that is what he told me. I can’t hate him any more. It just won’t help me be happy. I finally figured out that he is not the teacher I needed, or leader. He's not going to be able to help me find myself. Only I can do that. I think what I need now is a sense of purpose. A goal or something to do. I have to feel like I have a purpose," she turned to him with a hesitant smile. "Maybe that’s why we both started waking at the same time. Working with you seems like a good plan. It was good way back, so yeah, it would be good now."
She kept walking along the corridor, periodically touching the stone walls just to get her bearings. "No, apologies necessary, Nik. Its as much my fault for running away. I didn’t know anyone, but I didn’t really try to get to know them." She could hear the sounds of fighting in the distance and had sensed that he had as well. "Learning something new would be good. Don’t want to get stuck in a rut forever." She laughed, picking up a sapphire, admiring the brilliant blue sparkling in the darkness. "now, this would make a great necklace but I’m not sure it would go with denim or black leather." She made a quick gesture to her all black attire. It was well suited to her routine but it was not fancy.
"So how many have you sired?" She returned his nudge. "I don’t have any, but that shouldn't come as a surprise."
Stealing came more naturally to her than killing. Despite the fact that she carried several knives, and a gun, she had never really adjusted to the need for fighting. Killing the zombies that she found in the lobby of her building daily was okay but she'd steered away from violence against other vampires. She knew it happened, but it was not something she'd ever done, or really wanted to do. Being prepared for anything was always a good thing.
She made a mental note of the entrance to the cave, and followed Nikolae into the absolute darkness. "Thanks," she murmured as he handed her a brilliant red gemstone. This could be fun to vary her evening.
In a way, his comments about Chad surprised her. She had known Nikolae as Chad’s right hand man and probably a better leader than their sire. To know that he also had struggled make her feel less inadequate. "I guess I never thought of him being unprepared. He’s been a vampire for so long, at least that is what he told me. I can’t hate him any more. It just won’t help me be happy. I finally figured out that he is not the teacher I needed, or leader. He's not going to be able to help me find myself. Only I can do that. I think what I need now is a sense of purpose. A goal or something to do. I have to feel like I have a purpose," she turned to him with a hesitant smile. "Maybe that’s why we both started waking at the same time. Working with you seems like a good plan. It was good way back, so yeah, it would be good now."
She kept walking along the corridor, periodically touching the stone walls just to get her bearings. "No, apologies necessary, Nik. Its as much my fault for running away. I didn’t know anyone, but I didn’t really try to get to know them." She could hear the sounds of fighting in the distance and had sensed that he had as well. "Learning something new would be good. Don’t want to get stuck in a rut forever." She laughed, picking up a sapphire, admiring the brilliant blue sparkling in the darkness. "now, this would make a great necklace but I’m not sure it would go with denim or black leather." She made a quick gesture to her all black attire. It was well suited to her routine but it was not fancy.
"So how many have you sired?" She returned his nudge. "I don’t have any, but that shouldn't come as a surprise."
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Nikolae
- Registered User
- Posts: 682
- Joined: 14 May 2011, 03:32
- CrowNet Handle: The Dragon
- Location: Dragomir Temple
- Contact:
Re: Overdue Meetings [Licones]
"I've sired... fifteen. Not all have survived for long, though. I think there are only six now awake in the city. And one I only turned.... a few days ago." He admitted with a wince. Sometimes he didn't know exactly what it was that drove him to turn a mortal, except an odd sense that they were somehow meant to be a Dragon. He toyed with one of the weapons holstered under his jacket as he walked, then nodded as Licones spoke, words he'd himself thought many times in years past. "Did you know he was turned just a few minutes before the Holocaust?" He asked quietly, but his voice still carried fairly well in the empty caverns. "I don't think he even got a chance to feed on anyone but his own brother." He chuckled and shook his head. "There's something profoundly creepy about those two." He winked and ducked under a low ceiling as he spotted some bit of light up ahead of them.
"He's a little... paranoid, too." He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck with a palm. He hadn't shared much of what he'd learned of his sire with many people, and that was mostly to protect the mans privacy. But the reality was Chad should have shared these things with each of his childer himself - the only reason Nikolae knew much was that he'd sought out and demanded answers from Chad on more than one occassion. "Thinks another Holocaust could happen at any moment. Part of why as soon as he left the Realm he started biting anyone and everyone he came in contact with. It's a wonder more of us aren't insane." He paused, plucking up an emerald and shining it on his sleeve. "Though, I suppose in truth most of us are a bit... on the scale of not quite sane." He flashed a small smile to the woman and shrugged.
He brought a finger up to his lips as they neared the source of the light; a flash-light that had been discarded and now drew the attention of a few Lesser Jurogumo, a type of demi-fae. Giant spiders that weren't exactly the coziest thing to get near. Still, they were good for fighting for some. Not Nikolae, not in a while now. He could dismember the things without even tiring himself. He slid a look toward Licones, and the cogs began turning in his mind. Many had accused him of thinking like a Mafia Don, and he couldn't argue with the comparison - in truth he was rather proud of it. Licones, though new to the Dragon lineage - and he'd already decided it was exactly where she belonged - was a proverbial elder among vampires. He wanted to see how well she could defend herself, and he was certain it would be well. "They're a little clunky, but far more deadly than zombies or Mooncalfs. They can distract you and attack where you least expect it." He tilted his head in a gesture that she should try for it.
"If you need a gun or a sword, I've got a spare on me." He added with an encouraging smile as one of the creatures shuffled the flashlight, and it sent an arc of light in a circle around the cavern, shining off the various gemstones buried in the walls. Raeth - my sisterkin, Licones, has come back to town. Give her access to the Dragomir crownet, she's going to make a fine Dragon. He sent the thought to his eldest-borne without a blink of his reptile eyes to give himself away.
"He's a little... paranoid, too." He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck with a palm. He hadn't shared much of what he'd learned of his sire with many people, and that was mostly to protect the mans privacy. But the reality was Chad should have shared these things with each of his childer himself - the only reason Nikolae knew much was that he'd sought out and demanded answers from Chad on more than one occassion. "Thinks another Holocaust could happen at any moment. Part of why as soon as he left the Realm he started biting anyone and everyone he came in contact with. It's a wonder more of us aren't insane." He paused, plucking up an emerald and shining it on his sleeve. "Though, I suppose in truth most of us are a bit... on the scale of not quite sane." He flashed a small smile to the woman and shrugged.
He brought a finger up to his lips as they neared the source of the light; a flash-light that had been discarded and now drew the attention of a few Lesser Jurogumo, a type of demi-fae. Giant spiders that weren't exactly the coziest thing to get near. Still, they were good for fighting for some. Not Nikolae, not in a while now. He could dismember the things without even tiring himself. He slid a look toward Licones, and the cogs began turning in his mind. Many had accused him of thinking like a Mafia Don, and he couldn't argue with the comparison - in truth he was rather proud of it. Licones, though new to the Dragon lineage - and he'd already decided it was exactly where she belonged - was a proverbial elder among vampires. He wanted to see how well she could defend herself, and he was certain it would be well. "They're a little clunky, but far more deadly than zombies or Mooncalfs. They can distract you and attack where you least expect it." He tilted his head in a gesture that she should try for it.
"If you need a gun or a sword, I've got a spare on me." He added with an encouraging smile as one of the creatures shuffled the flashlight, and it sent an arc of light in a circle around the cavern, shining off the various gemstones buried in the walls. Raeth - my sisterkin, Licones, has come back to town. Give her access to the Dragomir crownet, she's going to make a fine Dragon. He sent the thought to his eldest-borne without a blink of his reptile eyes to give himself away.
Sire of the DRAGOMIR lineage - SPECTRE of the Shadow Caste - Nemesis of A.R.E.S.- Board of DRAGONAL
“They say dragons never truly die. No matter how many times you kill them.” - S.G. Rogers
Ϯ Ϯ Ϯ
“They say dragons never truly die. No matter how many times you kill them.” - S.G. Rogers
Ϯ Ϯ Ϯ
-
Licones
- Registered User
- Posts: 100
- Joined: 14 May 2011, 04:02
Re: Overdue Meetings [Licones]
Continuing along the dark cavern, Licones listened to Nikolae's comments about their sire. She had only known him as the charming man who'd talked her into becoming a vampire, promising her a better life. Not that her human existence had been a barrel of laughs, so in a way, he hadn't deceived her. She didn't know that much about him, but hadn't pushed for the knowledge. After having her life ruled, first by her father and then by her husband, she was grateful to not have someone watching her every move.
"I did not know that, but to be honest, I didn't ask him." She wasn't sure what to think about the possibility of another Holocaust. She didn't pay attention to city politics, or the human or the vampire variety. Reading crownet on an irregular basis was as far as she went. "Sanity is overrated, in my opinion. One has to be a bit, umm, insane for a better term, to sign up for eternity." She laughed softly "Yes, I know. We have not lived long enough for the implications of the decision to really be seen but eventually, we will." She followed his nonverbal cues to a light source. That struck her as odd. Other than the faint glow from the gems, there should be no light in this cavern. Other than something that was brought in by someone who actually needed a light.
She followed Nikolae's lead as they approached an abandoned flashlight that seemed to have drawn some giant spider creatures. She’d never seen them before but she was used to killing zombies and Mooncalves and whatever animals she found. Spiders grossed her out but she didn’t think her usual tactic of squashing them under the heel of her boot would work. These were a bit too big for that.
"They're a little clunky, but far more deadly than zombies or Mooncalfs. They can distract you and attack where you least expect it."He tilted his head in a gesture that she should try for it. If you need a gun or a sword, I've got a spare on me."
"I've never seen these things before," she commented, pulling her katana out of the protective sheath that she wore on her back, hidden by her leather jacket. "Thank you for the offer but despite the appearance of a shy, retiring female, I like to be well armed," she winked at him. "I might not know how to best kill all the beasties in this city, but doesn't mean I can’t learn."
She slowly approached the spider, her footsteps silent, ever aware of the arc of light. She slowed her breathing to blend into the darkness before she struck. With several quick slashes, she cut the legs off, before slicing it cleanly in half. Only then did she allow herself to exhale completely. She took a step back, watching for other spidery things. "They are gross. I take it that they like light. Since I like darkness, that works fine with me." She sheathed the blade and opened her jacket just enough to show the holstered gun. "I kill a lot of zombies, but they are too easy. I hardly break a sweat with them. I’ll have to get over my squeamishness with spiders and play with these things, whatever you call them. "
She found another emerald embedded in the stone wall. Taking a knife from her arm sheath, she pried it from the wall and slowly rubbed it between two hands. "So, what now? I may not be a dragon, but I think I'd go for being an honorary, or whatever you want to call it.” She gave him a shy smile. "I'm not sure what I have to do for the secret decoder ring."
"I did not know that, but to be honest, I didn't ask him." She wasn't sure what to think about the possibility of another Holocaust. She didn't pay attention to city politics, or the human or the vampire variety. Reading crownet on an irregular basis was as far as she went. "Sanity is overrated, in my opinion. One has to be a bit, umm, insane for a better term, to sign up for eternity." She laughed softly "Yes, I know. We have not lived long enough for the implications of the decision to really be seen but eventually, we will." She followed his nonverbal cues to a light source. That struck her as odd. Other than the faint glow from the gems, there should be no light in this cavern. Other than something that was brought in by someone who actually needed a light.
She followed Nikolae's lead as they approached an abandoned flashlight that seemed to have drawn some giant spider creatures. She’d never seen them before but she was used to killing zombies and Mooncalves and whatever animals she found. Spiders grossed her out but she didn’t think her usual tactic of squashing them under the heel of her boot would work. These were a bit too big for that.
"They're a little clunky, but far more deadly than zombies or Mooncalfs. They can distract you and attack where you least expect it."He tilted his head in a gesture that she should try for it. If you need a gun or a sword, I've got a spare on me."
"I've never seen these things before," she commented, pulling her katana out of the protective sheath that she wore on her back, hidden by her leather jacket. "Thank you for the offer but despite the appearance of a shy, retiring female, I like to be well armed," she winked at him. "I might not know how to best kill all the beasties in this city, but doesn't mean I can’t learn."
She slowly approached the spider, her footsteps silent, ever aware of the arc of light. She slowed her breathing to blend into the darkness before she struck. With several quick slashes, she cut the legs off, before slicing it cleanly in half. Only then did she allow herself to exhale completely. She took a step back, watching for other spidery things. "They are gross. I take it that they like light. Since I like darkness, that works fine with me." She sheathed the blade and opened her jacket just enough to show the holstered gun. "I kill a lot of zombies, but they are too easy. I hardly break a sweat with them. I’ll have to get over my squeamishness with spiders and play with these things, whatever you call them. "
She found another emerald embedded in the stone wall. Taking a knife from her arm sheath, she pried it from the wall and slowly rubbed it between two hands. "So, what now? I may not be a dragon, but I think I'd go for being an honorary, or whatever you want to call it.” She gave him a shy smile. "I'm not sure what I have to do for the secret decoder ring."