A Liberal Step Forward [Open]

[Sia (DELETED 7173)]

<Sia>
Sia’s fingers laced behind her back nervously. She hated feeling this way as it was unusual that she was even in the presence of so many men at the same time. Just the two of them was overwhelming, making her feel a bit clostrophobic, or perhaps it was just anxiousness. Most of her experiences in school and elsewhere involved either working on her own or working in diverse groups. Perhaps she was a bit sheltered in those regards, but she never gave mind to it.

Stuart. Well that was a nice name she decided and offered a sweet smile, trying not to show too much teeth as it was always a insecurity of hers. Silly Lancaster springing on conversation between the two, if she was only a few shades lighter she would have blushed, but alas her ebony complex had a beautiful glow just like her personality.

“It is very nice to know there is another learning as well,” she stepped away from Lancaster’s area so he could hear on the phone better and joined closer to Stuart. He smelled lovely and it tickled her nose, causing another tiny smile.

“Lancaster was in my theology class one evening and the strangest thing happened,” she explained using her common hand motions. “I thought I was going insane, but I heard him speak to my mind,” she laughed from her belly this time as it all seemed like a fairy tale speaking of it now. “Needless to say i wasnt as startled as he may have thought I would be and we engaged in talking more,” she paused in thought. She wasn’t sure she was comfortable sharing what happened next, as the scene did turn a bit gruesome.

“I do believe I may have been a blessing in disguise for him and hopefully for this community as well,” and maybe for Stuart as well if he indeed was going through anything in his life that needed a bit of a positive uplift.

<Stryge>
He enjoyed listening to her speak. Her accent had a pleasant, musical quality to it. He actually had to concentrate on the words she was saying, as if she was singing a song whose notes were so harmonious that one forget to pay attention to the lyrics. Theology class? She was some sort of student. She appeared to be younger than Stryge had been at the time of his turning, though not by so much. And time and age were really irrelevant now, weren’t they? They would live for an eternity, barring unforeseen circumstances, and in a hundred years, how old each was when they were sired would be slightest of inconsequentialities.

Needless to say i wasnt as startled as he may have thought I would be

Needless to say? “Well Miss Sia, you are certainly a more open minded creature than I was before I was turned. I figure I would have just about blown a gasket if someone shot their thoughts directly into my head. That is, before I learned about all this vampire stuff. So am I to take it, from what you said, that you, uh, volunteered to become one of us?”

Stryge had not spent as much time as he might have evaluating the origins of his fellow wanderers in darkness. Perhaps narrow-mindedly, he had assumed many were simply...taken, as he was. But who knew how many out there, having discovered the existence of vampires, wanted nothing more than to be one themselves? He supposed it did have a certain appeal. It had been hard work for Pi, with some help from others like Xian, to get him to come around to seeing the sunny side of being a vamp. It couldn’t always turn out so well if a person was thrust into undeath against their own volition. Perhaps Sia was the norm, and he was the oddity. It wouldn’t surprise him.

<Sia>
Sia never gave too much thought to how others were taken. She didn’t like thinking that others were forced into doing something against their will. She had seen plenty of that while she lived back home. It hurt her soul. Things should always be an option, but here Stuart seemed it almost unbelievable that someone would want to become one.

“When one studies religions, you begin to understand that there are so many possibilities of right and wrong out in the world. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs,” she explained while searching his face. “How many vampires are there in the world? Far less than any religious group I am betting on, and how exciting is it to be able to take part in something so rare, that isn’t necessarily a religion, but instead a new way of life?” she felt herself beginning to ramble as she had done at some of her rallies. She settled down with a smile in her eyes.

“I wanted to become a new light to a culture of darkness and allow those that might feel trapped in an eternal damnation, that all is not lost, much can be found,” she spoke softly and bit her bottom lip to keep from saying much else. She could go on for hours talking about cultures and religions, but knew that not everyone was on the same page with her passion.

“How did you meet Lancaster?” looking around quickly she seen the two office chairs and motioned her hand for him to join her as they spoke.

<Stryge>
He suddenly felt sad for this girl, as if she were a rare bird being hunted to extinction. Though his belief in his new family had inspired what had previously been a nonexistent will to live, the kind of idealism she was demonstrating here was hard for him to comprehend. His cynicism had become deeply ingrained. Just the mention of religions set him a little on edge, having cursed god himself and forsworn any kind of religious belief years ago. As he listened to her speak of bringing light to others, he found himself reminded of Joan d’Arc. Hope it goes better for you than it did for her, darling, he thought.

“Well, I met Elliot at his bar, same time as I met Pi. I was traveling and looking for a room. I guess Lancaster was a bit of a nomad himself back in the day, though from what I understand he’s settled down a bit since then. Anyway, he and Pi gave me real warm welcome to Harper Rock. I guess it must’ve stuck, because I’m still here.” Stryge chuckled. There was more to the story, so much more, but he didn’t think he was ready to unload it on this pleasant young woman, vampire or no, on their first meeting. He also felt that as head of the family, Pi should have some say on which parts he told and to whom, as she was involved as well. He would have to discuss it with her, the next time they were together: how comfortable she was with him sharing the details of his turning.

For now, he simply said “I was in a pretty bad place when Pi turned me. I couldn’t ask for a better sire though. She’s helped me through the rough spots, and gotten me back on my feet. I respect what you’re saying about bringing a little light. It’s good to have a mission, something to stand for. Mine is this family now.”

Maybe they weren’t so different after all.

<Sia>
She did so like when he spoke, it took a lot for her not to giggle with some of his drawn out words. Most people here spoke french, which she ‘foreign to hearing as many people in Africa spoke french, depending on where they lived. Amharic was her language, but she had only heard one speak that since she had been to Canada, and that was another student from Ethiopia as well. She would never forget her native language but had become quite versed in english as well. French was her next goal to learn. Stuart spoke english obviously, but with this almost cute drawl .

“I haven’t been fortunate to meet with Pi yet, but you do make her sound to be wonderful,” she situated herself in her seat and folded her hands over her lap.

She was a very good judgement of character, it was probably what got her by being new to the country and new to a whole different type of people. So far so good with getting involved in the wrong crowds or being at the wrong place at the wrong time. When Stuart looked at her, there seemed to be a slight doubt in his face and she supposed it was because she was such a calm old sort of soul.

“When I came to Canada, my first year was rough,” a more serious look fell over her face and she diverted her eyes a little. “I was not sure where I fit in and if I would ever fit in. Classes were much harder than the ones at home...this was a real university,” she paused and smiled now. “I had my first protest of sorts within the first couple of months. There had been a string of murders on my campus for a few months, with little to know security, because they were scared themselves. So at night while it was the most frightening, myself and about thirty other females and males, we moved through the campus and demanded protection,” she smiled big now with satisfaction. “Now there are many security guards and even a club that is devoted to keeping the campus secure,” she didn’t want him to think she was always quiet and serene. She had a feisty side that she kept intact with humility and thoughtfulness.

“My family back home will always be the most important to me, but now that I have been adopted into this new, I will protect and love them as much as my own mortal,” she nodded and leaned over to waggle a finger playfully at him, just like she did with Lancaster. “I could never forget either,”

[Stryge (DELETED 7204)]

<Stryge>
Stryge couldn’t help but smile. This girl really was a crusader, with her Take Back the Night style marches. He wondered if she had probably come to the same conclusion by now that he came to as she was speaking; that more likely than not that string of murders had been caused by vampires, the same dark alliance that they were now both a part of. Unless it was something else? He had seen the zombies in the Quarantine Zone. Had in fact been practicing his aim with the Fareye by splattering their decaying brains all over the landscape. Pi had explained that the zombies were a result of the Fade, the same phenomenon that sent vampires such as himself to the Shadow Realm if they were to ever be killed. It seemed unlikely that zombies could have caused the murders she spoke of. Was it possible there were...other things out there? It was a brave new world, but it certainly was a more a dangerous one since he had been turned.

“You know,” he chuckled. “Pi is from France. Lancaster is Australian. You and I are both from other places. I wonder sometimes if this town draws people to it, maybe folks that need to be here for one reason or another. When I came to Harper Rock, it was very...intentional. Though I never understand why a little town in Canada I had never heard of before would have such a hold on me. But knowing what I do now, that this place is tied so deeply to the supernatural… it makes me wonder…” For a moment he was lost in his thoughts. It was too easy to see oneself as the center of the universe, the hero of your own story. Perhaps what he had been trying to do when he had attempted to remove himself permanently from life was to give the story back to everyone else, to those who, in his mind, deserved to be the hero more than he did. But here he was now, a vampire. And so was Sia. And maybe it wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility that they had been brought here and turned for a reason. That there was still a story to tell, and they were meant to be a part of it. All Stryge knew for sure was that it felt good to stand for something again.

<Sia>
They had spoken so much of serious things over the past couple of moments, she felt like a boring scholar, instead of a sociable young adult. Most girls her age were flirting and many were engaged, and the ones that weren’t were happily involved in boyfriends and such. Not Sia. Sure she found men attractive, but her parents had instilled in her brain before even leaving for Canada, that they were sending her to school to learn, not to become a social bunny. Still though she couldn’t help feeling feelings when they came about.

“Maybe you can sit in on one of my classes,” she suggested. “If you are into theology at all, or want to learn a little more about it?” wow she thought. What a flirtatious thing to say she mocked herself. What guy wanted to hear that? Most would be interested in perhaps going to the cafe and talking or even a movie, but that just wasn’t where Sia was in her life. She felt disappointed that she couldn’t be a bit more like other girls.

“Maybe after we could take a walk and talk some more? I get very tired of fighting the zombies and smelling disgusting by the end of the evening,” she laughed and sniffed the air to make sure she didn’t smell like one indeed right now. “Actually there is a poetry jam on campus this coming weekend, if you are interested?”

<Stryge>
Stuart Giger had been Pre-Law at the University of Texas. Daddy wouldn’t have it any other way. “The name on the office door says Giger and Associates,” he would say, “And I’ll be damned if it’s ever going to say anything else.” Despite the fact that he had been hounded into his field of study by his overbearing father, Stuart was still nostalgic for those days in college. So few real cares in the world. Parties, student pranks, hanging out with coeds. His life before he had made the mistake that would haunt him forever. Hearing Sia speak of Theology classes and poetry jams brought back some of that nostalgia. He couldn’t tell if the young vampire was just being cordial or was inviting him on some kind of date, but he decided not to be presumptuous and simply take it as a gesture of goodwill; the two newest members of the d’Artois family getting to know each other.

Stryge smiled warmly. “Miss Sia, I would be delighted. I think a poetry jam sounds like it would be a nice break from this crazy life we’ve gotten ourselves into.” He was decidedly less enthused about the idea of sitting in on a class on Theology. Though Stryge had not been quite the neanderthal that some of his Frat brothers had been, he had never had as much patience for sitting through his lectures as one who was attending university probably should have. As for the idea of Theology itself… well, he couldn’t see himself having much interest. But it seemed to be something Sia cared about, and strangely enough, he found himself wanting to show an interest in the things that interested her. He’d put that one in his back pocket, and maybe ask her if he could tag along to her class at some point in the future. But for now...

“I’ve been doing a fair bit of exploring since I got here, but I admit I haven’t made my way to the university campus yet. You may have to show me where it is. Maybe you can even show me around a little bit. By the way,” he hesitated, feeling like he was on the verge of asking a stupid question. “I, uh, assume all of this is happening at night, right?” He had heard a little about so-called daywalkers, and didn’t know if perhaps Sia was one herself. All he knew was that the shadows were where he lived now, and that was how he liked it. The sun could go **** itself. Mother Night gave him his comfort and joy.

Stryge suddenly became extremely self-conscious of the fact that anyone who cared to notice would see that the light in the office was causing no shadow to appear behind him, one more of the traits of his Path. He wondered what traits Sia might have, and if they were different than his own. Had she acquired Lancaster’s power, the one that allowed him to project his thoughts? He had met another vampire with this ability, and it was unnerving as hell. He thought for a second she might be a shadow like himself, but somehow it seemed unlikely. These Paths seemed to somehow key in on the vampire’s personality. As much as he was already starting to like Sia, just from their short conversation, he could tell they were very different people. It would be interesting to explore not just her personality but her powers. Stryge was like a sponge, hungry to soak up anything and everything he could about this new life. He was determined to be better at being a vampire than he had ever been at being a human. It was part of the reason why he had joined the Canidae, part of the reason why he was standing here in Sanctuary. This was his life now, and he was all in.

[Lancaster]

There was a small amount of paperwork that distracted Lancaster for half a minute, though truthfully he had noticed Stryge and Sia getting deep into conversation. He was happy to leave them to it for as long as possible, revelling in the sensation of watching a new friendship forming. A new bond. Within the family. Lancaster had long ago given up on d’Artois becoming much of a family, as far as families go. Not in the traditional way, anyway. They were a hub, there for the rest of those that shared their blood, but nothing more. Nothing less. There hadn’t been much of an atmosphere of actual family for quite some time, though, and after Doc’s exodus Lancaster wondered if they would ever succeed. Not that he was at all concerned about the man’s disappearance from their boards, but it might be a different story for Pi.

Watching Sia and Stryge, knowing that Othella was out there, too, and getting to know everyone… Charlie returning and Forsyth reaching out, checking in at the Den every so often? Something was happening. A movement that might fizzle and become nothing, but which, Elliot hoped, would do the opposite. Become something. Something meaningful. Something to be proud of. Something to very definitely call home. Home, he knew, had nothing to do with place, but everything to do with people.

It was as he heard the door open, as he felt the atmosphere shift, that he returned his attention to the two fledglings and then beyond. A young male, dark-haired and expectant. He didn’t look like someone who lived here, just passing through. He could of course be someone inquiring about rentals or looking for body corp representative – complaints about airconditioning, maybe? But Lancaster assumed otherwise, given his recent conversation. He stepped forward, pushing the sleeves of his denim shirt up past his elbows and waving the stranger forward with a welcoming smile and wave.

”Myk, I assume?” he asked with his deep tone, waiting for the guy to respond positively before continuing with the introductions.

”This is Stryge and Sia. Fairly new to… everything,” he said with a continued smile. Stryge. He knew about the other name that the man had adopted; one that Lancaster would give when introducing him to people outside of the family. Within, though, he didn’t see why they shouldn’t know his real name. He didn’t bother giving Myk’s name again – any further introduction he wanted to make in regards to himself, Lancaster assumed he had ability enough to do on his own.

[Myk]

The Telepath did not feel welcome here, even as he crept inside and waited to be acknowledged. There were voices echoing in the empty space, two voices so engrossed in one another that he felt like he could sneak through like a mouse and find some unguarded cheese beneath their very noses. Fortunately, there was no motive behind opportunity and the Telepath stood there awkwardly for a moment, thumbing the inside of his sleeve as his arms crossed tightly over his chest. He looked too casual – your average man in jeans, a t-shirt and combat books. He looked so very unlike himself. Maybe that was the point, however. Myk couldn’t remember why exactly he had cut off those brilliant platinum locks and drowned them in ink, but he supposed it was to inspire him. It might have been some cruel prank that the Telepath had suppressed, but, he wasn’t that crazy. Probably. Myk had his problems, but blacking out and forgetting things? Well… that could explain a lot actually.

Myk’s brooding was disrupted by an Australian accent hitting his ears, calling his name as it turned out. The Telepath lifted his head and nodded, encouraging the one he supposed was Lancaster, to make the introductions to the other people in the room. Myk didn’t exactly need an introduction to know who they were, but it was the polite thing to do, it was normal. Pewter eyes moved from Sia to Stryge, but he’d already Appraised them. That was probably rude, but he really couldn’t help it. Each Path had its problems, and for a Telepath, it seemed to be a lack of control. Myk had observed these traits in many Vampires of his Path and there was always one power that was the bugbear to each specific person. This knowledge was disconcerting to the control freak, but at least it gave him something more to work on just in case he somehow found himself bored between studying people, quarrelling with others, avoiding some, snuggling certain types, and making balloon animals for the closer ones. Those were just the people problems, however. To start listing off the rest of his problems would account for a novel large enough to rival War and Peace.

Pale lips forced a smile. Pewter eyes bowed a greeting at the Necromancer and then the Shadow, acknowledging that perhaps what the Allurist said was true. Vampire age was generally garnered by their experience and from what Myk could tell from a quick study, perhaps the Australian was correct. It was difficult to decide who to trust in this world, as it had been when Myk was very much a mortal, but perhaps his choices were more imperative now. Before, Myk was a nobody and capable of nothing – a small fish in an ocean of possibilities and competition. Now, however, he was a small fish in a small pond. Their underworld appeared to be about as stimulating as a coin – it had two sides and an edge: you either protected the Masquerade by slaughtering those who didn’t, or you were slaughtered. As for the edge, well, nobody ever really cared for the edge of a coin; use it to scratch a lottery ticket and think nothing more about it. However, the edge represented an opportunity not usually recognised, and Myk was hoping that he could find this edge in The Sanctuary’s company.

“Pleasure to meet you all,” Myk said; the deep, raspy tenor of his voice and the sudden boldness of a British accent coated his words in an oil-like slick. “Should I assume this was what was meant by ’us’? Or do you have more people here in hiding?”

So far, so terrible. Pewter eyes swished like the twitching tail of a feline – to each person once and to the many entrances and exits. He was suspicious and therefore acting suspiciously. What was next? Was Rutherford about to put his ethereal foot in it as well?