The Wicked Witch of HRC

[Roderic]

<Ric> Sister B had been on my mind a lot lately-ever since I sired that guy Ashby. I gave the two of them and Thing Two some money to let them know I think about them and want them to do well in the city and left it at that a couple weeks ago. I’m not sentimental. I don’t go around starting conversations because I’m bored or want to feel loved or why ever people go out of their way to bore others with pointless conversations.

Truth was, I noticed her lack of attention on the Hawthorne board. I had my suspicions why-Skylar. I know she was a little hesitant towards the woman since Skylar more or less started my experiment with Sister B a while back. I don’t think she likes Skylar, and I’m sure it’s fifty-fifty with me on a good day. Would I like being an experiment? Probably not. But that didn’t mean she was a failed experiment or not a person I wouldn’t stick up for and defend if some punk started stuff with Sister B.

I grab my phone and shoot Sister B a text. “Merry Hakkukkah, or whatever you Catholics celebrate. I got you a gift. Let’s meet up.”

<Bev>Beverly sat quietly in the apartment, legs folded up under her and dress arrayed to cover her legs. Once more she sat alone, She had spent weeks searching, but couldn't find her Pyps anywhere. Nerissa still came home most nights, and settled on the couch. She seldom came up to the bed they had shared with Pyps, if Beverly was there alone. More and more it seemed as though the buxom allurist was always alone. Everyone was gone. Everyone she had cared about since the night her sire had stolen her life, future, and soul from her. No more did the little ginger that was sire of her sire appear. Her own sire was always away, either hunting, or curled up with Skylar, is wife, in some dark corner of the sewers. They were always rutting it seemed, as every time she found them together, used condoms were scattered about the floor. Sometime she picked them up and handed them back, but the lesson never stuck, the next time there were more. Katerina…. she often disappeared as well, but then would appear from nowhere, and be around for a few days, then gone again. It was like her seventeenth birthday all over again. A moment of happiness, then all that she knew torn away from her.

A shiver coursed through her as she idly smoothed her dress across soft thighs. Her fingers had brushed against her cilices. She had stopped wearing them, when Pyper asked, but now, now she knew she must have once more failed, and was paying the price. The apartment had become her cell. A gilded cell to be sure, but the feeling was the same as when the nuns had taken her as a child, it was definitely her cell. She was alone, ever alone. The cilice let her know, let her feel. Penance, they were her penance. They were her freedom. The phone on the end table vibrated and shook , as she wiped a tear from her eye. She watched its dance as it rattle about til it slipped to the carpet floor. It wasn't Pyps tone. It wasn't worth answering.

Ten minutes passed, before she once more smoothed the dresses skirt. This time as her hand slid over it Beverly pressed down, forcing the sharpened teeth of the celice deep into the meat of her thigh. The fresh trickle of blood roused her, and she reached for the phone “New Text”. Pressing the button, she sighed as she read, another irreverent message from her sire. He wanted to meet. She would have to go out. Shaking her head she mustered as much enthusiasm as she could and answered…. *T* “Where”

<Ric> While I waited for Sister B to get back to me , I started wrapping her gift. Which consisted of tossing it in a red bag and tying the bag up with some hunting string that I may or may not have used to tie the legs of some big animal up at some point. I saw myself as being resourceful and if it wasn’t damaged or broken, I would keep it and use it again and again until whatever it was was beyond use.

“I’m going to meet Sister B.” I called out to Skylar who was in the crafting room making something. Probably a sword or jewelry. Without waiting for a reply, I grabbed the shiny red bag, my phone and left the apartment. I could have tomed to the Eyrie, but I was dealing with personal business, not faction business, so it was best to separate the two. Just in case. Plus, I didn’t want anyone asking who the gift was for and what was in it. It was just for Sister B.

I push the button for the elevator twice and stand four feet back from it. While the elevator makes its way to the upper floors, my phone goes off and I read the reply from Sister B. Where. ****. Where? I don’t like places with too many people, but I doubt she’ll want to go to an abandoned factory or warehouse, so I’ll suck it up and go somewhere public. Ish. The elevator door opens and I walk inside, turn and push the main button, giving the system its directions. “Dragon Gate Inn. In Rock River area. I’ll buy you some dinner.” I don’t know if she still eats food, but I know she can. This way she can eat, I can sit across from her and we can talk without people being in our business. I send the message just before the door opens and I’m on the main floor.

I don’t stop to see who is on the main floor of the flats. I move around the zombies without any problem and leave the building. Any other night I would have taken a couple of them out, but not tonight. I have to go in public and zombie guts on my clothes would raise some questions. I go north, to the river and walk it until two blocks from the Inn, where I find the city street again and head to the building. I decline being seated and just wait for Sister B to show up, present in hand.

<Bev> The buxom allurist kept the phone in her hand, she knew when her sire started something he had single- minded focus, and would answer immediately. A sigh escaped her as she read the message, Dragon’s Gate. They lived in the same damned building, and he was going to make her cross half the city for a present representative of a holiday he didn't even know, and she no longer believed it. If there was a God, he would never have allowed the things to happen in her life, that had. Now she would have to dress up, put on makeup, be in a crowd. The three things she either hated, or did not know how to do. Sitting down before her laptop, she activated the webcam. Dark circles wrapped her eyes, sunken cheeks and dry cracked lips completed the visage that stared back at her. She didn't have time for this ****. She had never worn make- up till she met Pyps. She had had to watch numerous videos on Youtube as she strove to learn how to make herself pretty for the one person that had accepted her for what she was, and welcomed her. Quickly Beverly patted on a base concealer, before lightly dusting a hint of blush. Pulling out a color palette, she realized her eyes were a lost cause, the darkness could not be overcome, she had no time. If she knew her sire he was already halfway there. Use the circles, accentuate them.. A black pencil quickly outlined what she had seen referred to as ‘Egyptian eyes’ then a few deft strokes of browns, violets and blues blended together as the shadows disappeared. Beverly had been graced with full lips, and as she gently rubbed a soothing balm across the cracks before outlining her cupid's bow with a dark carmine red pencil, then filling in the color with a lush red to offset the dark exotic eyes.

Face done she stood and turned, heading into the loft. “Dragon’s gate” she muttered “Why couldn't he just pick the lobby here, or an abandoned factory.” Shaking her head she stared at her section of the closet, all three dresses. Slipping from her robe she Looked down over her body smoothing her hands down her sides to her hips. Her skin was flawless, and if what she had heard was true, it would stay that way forever. Her hands slid up over her belly to cup the full firm 34E breasts that rode proudly on her chest. There was just a slight crease beneath them, enough to hold a pencil was perfect she had heard at school, before her father had ended that life for her. Well she could hold a pencil, she figured as she let a finger tuck into the crease, but not much more. An errant thought crossed her mind as she wondered if being a vampire meant that gravity was going to lose this battle. She glanced at the pebbled peaks, missing Pyper’s soft lips as she continued to prepare. She looked at the one faded white bra she owned, it was stretched and worn from fighting gravity the last eighteen years. She had had it on the night her father discarded her, and the nuns had never seen fit to replace anything for the “abomination” other than to get her sharper cilices. The hell with it, she didn't need it, they were full and firm, she was done with wire jabbing her when she moved, worn elastic always letting the straps slip and show, no more.

Cilices….She couldn't let them show, and the only dress she had that was pretty enough for Dragon’s Gate was too short to cover them where they were. Quickly she undid the locks, then the buckles, watching as the wounds healed before her eyes. slipping them higher, she nestled the chains deep into the juncture of her thighs before drawing them tight and resting the locks on the left. As she positioned the right a shudder ran through her as the cool chains dragged against moist folds, before nestling in the crease of her thigh. Yanking the chain tight a moan escaped her lips as the spikes drove deep and she set the lock. Reaching into the closet she slid out the beautiful black dress she had bought to wear for Ric’s wedding reception, and slipped into it before stepping up into the four inch pumps she had been forced to buy, as she had had no shoes to match the dress.

That was it, she was done. He was forcing her out of the apartment and this was all he was getting, Texting as she slipped from the door she muttered to herself as she typed “On my way”

<Ric> For whatever reason, Sister B was taking her sweet *** time tonight. That’s fine. She’s the only thing on my agenda for tonight anyways. I put the bag down by my feet, pull out my pack of Marlboro Reds, pull one out and stick it between my teeth. I grab a lighter from my pocket, light the thing and wait. I’m not sure how this conversation should start, which meant I’m not sure how it will end, but it’s been on my mind since I met with Velveteen last week.

First her, and then Maybe Thing Two. Altaire just wasn’t what it used to be and I doubt it ever would. Phoenix left town or whatever and hadn’t checked in with anyone that I knew of since the left. “******* women.” I mutter as she keeps me waiting. I only notice time has passed because half my cigarette is gone before Sister B replies saying she’s on her way. I look down at the bag and resist pulling it out to look at the gift. It has a purpose. I like my gifts to have purposes and not just be something that will be forgotten about in a couple weeks or months. What was the point then?

I lift my boot and stub out the cigarette on the bottom of it and put it in the large ashtray in the middle of a trash bin that circled around the bin part. Clever and purposeful. Whoever owned this place had at least half a brain. Space saving was what it was. If only I could find a way to save space with all the stuff Skylar brought to our place. I don’t answer Sister B, I just tuck the phone away after the cigarette has been discarded and lean against the wall, both feet around the bag.

<Bev>It was a path she had often followed, into the sewers by the river, a short jog, then up into River Rock. Not tonight, not in theses clothes, not in this makeup, not in these shoes. If he wanted fancy, fancy took time. Riding down the elevator Beverly wondered what was happening, her sire had not spoken to her in months, and now he wanted a meeting. Across the lobby Beverly slipped behind the piano and through the fade portal there. The allurist kept her car in the lot near wickbridge, and it was a short walk from the sanctuary . Plugging the address into her gps, she arrived quickly, and leaving the car to a valet, walked through the door. From the trickle of drool in the corner of the valet’s mouth, she didn't think she would need to offer a tip later. A smile crossed her face as she let a little spring into her step and headed in through the doors.

<Ric> The doors had opened five times before Sister B made her way in. I didn’t even look up all the way before I addressed her. “Sister B.” My eyes look at her and I nod my head in her direction as she comes my way. I don’t give out a lot of compliments-Skylar could even tell you this, but she took the time to look nice, so I should say something nice in return. I remember my mom told me that when I was a kid. If someone took some effort, you should acknowledge it. “I’m a little underdressed.” Might not be the best compliment, but it was true. I look down at my dark jeans, boots and a t-shirt that was white and had an apple on it. A chunk was missing from the apple and the saying ‘bite me,’ was written on it. “I like your…” I look at her face. What was that stuff called again on women? “War paint.” No, that wasn’t it. “Lips and stuff.” We’re off to a great start.

“I got you this.” I bend down to dissolve the awkwardness of the situation and grab the bad and hold it out to her. “Merry Christmas.” I let a very small smile place itself on my lips before I inch it closer to Sister B. Inside, she’ll find her gift of a leather bound journal. “I made it. The outside part.” https://theartfestival.files.wordpress. ... ture-2.png

<Bev> The bounce in her walk faded as she took in the crowd of people inside. People who belonged. Why was she here? What madness had drawn her into public. Eyes flickered to her, most lingering. She had noticed this more and more. She drew attention like a magnet. Something had happened when her Sire had killed her, something more than just becoming a soulless creature of the night. Men looked at her with lust filled eyes, while women;s stares were filled with sharp- eyed hatred. It was becoming harder and harder to feed, and with her Pyps gone, she could not even get the little nibbles that she had drawn from the woman she loved. The loneliness swept in, threatening to wash her away as she heard his voice, her sire’s voice.

A tear trickled from her eye as he spoke. Warpaint? Lips and stuff? She knew it had not been her best effort, how could it be. She had had no warning, no time, He had summoned, she had answered. A second tear followed the first as she turned towards him and stepped to his side.He had ignored her for months, and now when her world was falling apart, he felt he had throw stones, weigh her down and force her beneath the rising tides. She straightened her shoulders as the tears continued to slowly trickle from the corners of her eyes. Her hands stayed folded before her as she watched him pick up a red bag between his feet. She might not be able to stop the tears, but she would be damned again, if she would wipe them and draw even more attention to herself. Merry Christmas? Silently she lowered her head. Rodric had destroyed any hopes she had of heaven, any hopes of a happy ever after, and now he offered her a present, representing His holy birth. Slowly she slipped a hand inside and drew forth a leather bound tome. The leather was not commercially made, rather it was the hide of some animal, home cured by her sire, then turned into this, this journal. It was beautiful though, and he had made it. The Allurist wasn't sure what to do, any interaction with her sire was a mental challenge. Leaning forward she kissed his cheek, “Thank you” she whispered as even more tears began to flow.

<Ric> ****. Crying women. Somehow, something I did or said was making Sister B cry. This wasn't the first time this had happened. I can't think of what I said or did. I did what chicks liked. I acknowledged her appearance and got her a gift. Things chicks liked, or so I was led to believe.

I don't move. I just nod at her thank you. “Sister B.” Why was she always crying, I wanted to ask, but I don't. I can't go in a public place with tears pissing down her face. Everyone would be looking at us and we wouldn't be able to talk.

It wasn't the gift. She had started crying before she got it. She even gave me a kiss on the cheek which implied the gift was received and appreciated by her. She didn't say thank you. After I complimented her. All women did that. All of them liked to be told they were pretty. **** it. “You look pretty.” I look down at the gift in her hand as she steps back.

“You're welcome.” I acknowledge her appreciation and don't say anything else on it for now. Instead, I grab the bottom of my shirt and pat at her face. I don't give a **** if there's make up on my clothes. I can buy more clothes. “Come on.” I say after one last pat and go in the restaurant all the way finally.

A waitress seats us near some water thing. She takes our orders to drink and flits off after getting them. “I wrote something inside it.” I finally say about the journal. “Questions.” I admit. “I'm not good face to face. With anyone. Even with Skylar, or other people I'm close to.” I don't name Velveteen or Doc, but those were the top two that came to mind

“I'm trying to get better at it. In the journal we're going to share; we can write about our week, ask questions, whatever. Every week we'll switch it and the other person will answer questions or reply to what was written in some way, acknowledging what the other person wrote.” I look at her after I say this to see if she has any questions or was confused about the task of the journal.

<Bev> Fighting to control the tears, the raven haired alluring stood staring at her sire. He had left her to herself to once more face the dissolution of her family unit, then text her out of nowhere to meet him out. Insults her efforts to appear nice for him, then wipes her tears on his shirt and calls her pretty. Carefully she clung to the leather clad journal with one hand as the others thumb made slow careful sweeps beneath her eyes in a vain attempt to reblend her tear smeared makeup. Swallowing hard she raised her head determined not to draw any more attention, and followed Roderic into the restaurant proper. Carefully Beverly swept her skirt close to her thighs as she gracefully slipped into her seat, setting the journal on the table in front of her. Slipping the leather throng from the cover she opened the journal, and looked up into ‘Ric’s eyes.

<Ric> I had hoped she wouldn’t open it right here and right now. That she would wait until after our impromptu meeting I called. She was looking at me, and I was looking at her. Why was she looking at me and not reading what I wrote? Maybe it was my handwriting. Maybe Sister B couldn’t read it. Not many could, but I tried to write as legible as I could. I was never in a hurry when I was writing, but it still came across as nothing more than some chicken scratch more times than not. So, I stare at her and tell her what the first entry says. “It says, hey. My name is Roderic Hawthorne. But you already knew that. So let me tell you something you don’t know about me.” I pause and think about what I’m going to tell Sister B. Only a few people know anything legitimate about my past. I can count them on one singular hand. “I had a pretty good life until middle school. My dad was banging some other teacher he worked with and they procreated and made some other kid.” I don’t give Nathan’s name out, he’s still human and it’s risky since he lives here in the city because he goes to school here. “My parents got divorced and I went from a middle income family; upper that was, to a low-income, barely surviving family in the course of less than a year. I think that was the time I stopped believing in your god.” I stop and look away, watching how close anyone is near us, which there wasn’t. Still, I feel the need to protect my information. “I actually think the guy is a dick, but I can be too.” I turn back to face her. “Anyways, I’m sorry for what I did to you to try and piss on the guy you believe in. It wasn’t right, but I’m looking to, and hoping on moving forward.” And there it was-the most I’ve probably said to anyone in one single sitting at a time. I just look at Sister B and wait to see what she does and what she has to say.

<Bev> Softly her fingers stroke the pages of the journal as she listens to her sire’s quiet recitation. She had not often been in his company, but never remember him talking anywhere, to anyone like he was now with her. Slowly she closed the cover without looking inside. Running her hands over the leather, she carefully rewrapped the thong. Carefully she smiled to him, “Thank you, I will take good care of this.” Her eyelashes fluttered as they lowered, and once more her hand graced the cover, Softly she whispered, “I will try to share, I do not know if I can”

<Ric> I just nod my head. I wasn’t expecting Sister B to be an open book right away. She’s been one of my things for a while now and this is the first time I’ve shared anything significant with her other than be smart and careful. Don’t start **** and don’t die because lots of people will die after you die speech. “Do what you can, but I’ll be asking for it in one week from tonight.” If I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it. I don’t think Sister B has realized that yet, but she will.

“Do you want something to eat?” I ask her, aware that we have ordered our drinks, but not anything to eat. That might look a little out of place in a place like this, so I want to nip that in the bud before we get too far into our conversation.

<Bev> The allurist nodded, “It does nothing for me, but I will order to help us hide in plain sight.” Catching the waitress eye, Beverly ordered a small fruit platter, It wasn't much, but she could pick at it over time, and it would be considered normal. A wistfulness entered her voice as she queried “Have you seen Pyps? I cannot find her” A soft frown touched the scarlet lips.

<Ric> I want to tell her to forget about Pyper, but something tells me that would upset a fragile person like Sister B. So I shake my head. “Not in months. Sorry.” I don't know what it's like to be hung up on someone, but I've seen it a lot lately. Screws with people's minds. “That where you been? Looking for her?” I look at the platter that arrived and then at her. “I'll ask around for her next time I see some people.” Like Doc. “It's good you came out tonight. Healthy.” Women liked going out and doing things. Shopping, playing music. Movies. Stuff like that. “Just like meeting people and making friends. It's healthy too.”

<Bev> A sad smile crossed her face as she listened, her sire had a bluntness to him that reminded her of the plow on a bulldozer, A big ‘dozer… “I sometimes go out Ric, but it is for others, when they want to. I do not like crowds. They frighten me. You know a little of my story, maybe i will put some more of it in the journal. I am not like others.” She remembered to use his name, it would not do to be overheard calling her sire sire.

<Ric> I nod. I do know. “So you plan on being frightened for decades to come?” I don't like crowds either, but somehow I've managed to not only deal with a small sector of people for about a year now, but get close to a couple of them too.

“You don't ever post on Hawthorne forum. Can I ask why?” I don't care if it's because of me or who is because of. I want to know the stem of the problem.

[Busty StClaire]

<Bev> “ I do not know that fear is the problem, I just do not like crowds, people think I am an abomination, I prefer not to place myself in situations to be reviled” Beverly paused thinking over her words, “I have been in forced solitude for the last 3 decades, it is what I know.” The allurist sighed, “I just have not been on the net much since Pyp’s disappeared, I did not know you were a fan of computers” The woman cocked an eyebrow as she looked into her sire’s eyes.

<Ric> “I’m not.” I look back into her eyes and then shrug. “But it’s a place where IF something bad goes down and you can’t get me right away, that’s your next line of defense.” I don’t like phones, computers or even televisions, but every once in awhile computers prove to be a valuable resource of information. Very rare, but it does happen. I don’t comment about Pyper, because I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to do about it either. Pyper is nice, but she does the disappearing act more than I do, which should be a record or something. Should I pat her on the shoulder or hug her? No. I don’t do hugs. Ever. She’s not getting one.

“I only ask because I was wondering if you were uncomfortable with the Hawthorne Crownet. For whatever reason.” She’s not making this easy on me and I hate small talk. I like to get right to the point, but women. Women want to make a ten minute discussion, ten hours. “I want to know how life is treating you. All of it, from the everyday simple stuff we do, to any problems that you’ve run into. And if you need anything else than a journal, Sister B.” I lean back in the booth and get comfortable. Arms on the top of it as I look down at her fruit platter. “And…” I hesitate trying to make this sound as nice as I can without causing a big emotional uproar with her. “I want you to find a purpose past Pyper. I want to help you find that purpose.”

<Bev> “You want to know how my life is? It doesn’t sound like you have much time, I am sure it was hard to find an opening in your schedule, so I will try to make it fast for you. My father ruined the love I had as a child. You ruined the love I found as an adult, and now my love of the present is gone. I am doing quite well, can we go for ice cream for dessert? I am sure that is just the topping I need” Tears were gone, as the buxom allurist’s ire began to creep free. “You tear me from the life I know on a whim, too cure your crazed curiosity. then ignore me, then send me money, then ignore me, then send me money, now offer me a journal. It is no wonder so many women pine for your caress. Yes, I want ice cream. Ben and Jerry’s, NOW!”

<Ric> A flicker of a smirk appears on my face as she goes about breaking down her life for me. I might have misjudged Sister B a little bit, but only time will tell. “It’s not personal. The ignoring part. I don’t make small talk. I barely talk at all. Phoenix could have told you this. Or Pyper. Anyone I know can tell you this.” I shrug my shoulders and sit forward again. “I’m not ignoring you now. I apologized. I don’t have great people skills, alright?” I don’t know what the hell Ben and Jerrys is, but whatever. “Yeah. Whatever.” I stand up, toss a few bills on the table and nod towards the door. “You’re in charge of our next location.” Was it going to be a store? A stand? Where did someone find Ben and Jerrys? I head towards the doors of the diner, thinking about what she said about her old man. Sister B had a dick of a dad too, but she was lumping me in with that dick. Okay, so I was a dick, but I’m not a dick of a dad. That’s a whole nother ball park. “So where to, Sister B?” I ask once we’re outside and I have a cigarette lit.

<Bev> Beverly stared in amazement as Ric tossed money on the table. and left. Who the hell did he think he was. Standing quickly she grabbed her purse and the journal. Charging though the restaurant after him. Who did he think he was talking to? It was his damn idea to meet here, his idea to talk, and he was gonna walk out? The four inch heels did nothing to slow her, but they did but a delicious sway in her hips once more drawing the attention and ire of the humans as she left the building. Now, where did he go?

There he was, smoking another damn cigarette. Marching uo to him her purse slid from shoulder to hand. A snap of her wrist slung it into his shoulder, “First you do not walk out on me.” A second swing was on the way, “Second, who doesn’t know Ben and Jerry’s?” the heels brought the allurist closer to her sire’s height, and she stared into his eye’s, “I don't know what you are trying to pull off here, but i am not in the mood for your ********. I can’t ask Pyps, I can’t ask Phoenix. You act so worldly, haven’t you noticed? THEY ARE GONE’’ It was not a shout, just a nice forceful Blast of her anger.

<Ric> I just stand there and take the purse action. Are all women this emotional, save for Velveteen? “I didn't walk out on you. I was waiting for you so we could get your request.” my cigarette had fallen to the ground and my voice was as calm as ever. “I suspect people who don't eat whatever Ben and Jerry have made don't know what it is.” I cross my arms at my chest, making sure they still work right after the purse beat down. “I've noticed they are gone. For a while now. Disappointing on both fronts.” I cared for Phoenix in a different kind of way. And I like, liked Pyper too. “Can you desist with attacking me in public? Some of us don't bleed red.” I look down at the cigarette and put it out with my boot. “Where are you taking me for your ice cream?”

<Bev> “So much for Mr tough guy. Why did you drag me out here.” Turning she began to walk down the sidewalk.

<Ric> “Has nothing to do with that…” I chalk up her retort to being disappointed with not getting a rise from me. I walk after her before continuing. “It's about being safe and smart and not drawing attention to us. Like you've been doing most nights. You might think I've been ignoring your very existence but I have other ways of checking up on you without being obvious.” I was talking primarily about the offenders list, but my tracking has assisted me in keeping an eye on her too. “I want to help you find a place you could be happy. Grow even.” I think I've changed a little because of the people I've come to know over the last year or so. “Have you ever heard of Velveteen Andras?” I look at her, still walking until she's found this Ben and Jerry place.

<Bev> Beverly walked silently, listening as Ric talked. Her eyes roved, as she was always looking for sign of her Pyps, but she listened. She was on the verge of saying she did NOT attract attention to their kind every night. One hand absent mindedly slid along the edge of her firm breast, it wasn't her fault everyone stared at her. They were real, not manufactured, but it seemed humans were obsessed with breasts in general, and hers in particular. She couldn't stand the plastic taste of bagged blood, but it was almost impossible for her to hunt unnoticed. Beverly opened her mouth, then heard the name slip from her sires lips. Velveteen Andras. The allurist stopped so fast the four inch heels slid, and her ankles wobbled as she caught her balance. Her sire wasn't totally right, yes she stayed in the apartment, but she had become a decent hacker, and she was on the web for hours at a time…. Yes she knew that name, and she was not sure that it was good to have her sire mention getting caught and Velveteen Andras, in the same breath.

“Yes, I know the name, is she not the one that ran the auction last year, where I got this bracelet? You introduced us.”

<Ric> She stops and so do I. I listen to her and then nod. “That’s right.” This whole talking thing is harder than it looks. I don’t think people realize how difficult it is to not only strike up a conversation, but to keep it going. The replies, the idle comments, questions. Talking successfully is a lot of hard work for types like me. “Anyways, I’m sure it’s no surprise to you that I’ve been part of her faction for a while now. Just over a year now.” Had it been that long? It was winter and last year. It was around Halloween when I was on The Bridge and then before Christmas when I was a fully fledged member. Yeah, a year now.

I’m looking at Sister B and gauging her facial expressions as I talk about this. “Anyways, a couple weeks ago, her and I had a talk. With Nix gone for a while now, she’s sort of been the person I’ve gone to when I need some answers or help.” I start walking again, because I don’t like standing in one place, telling my business. “She’s invited me to be part of her family and by extension, has invited everyone that I’ve..created to her family as well. There’s more people there. A lot of different people. Doing different things. I want you to meet them and try to get to know them. Find something else than what you’re doing now.” There’s no way to sugar coat what I think, but this is the best I can do, I think. “Maybe they can offer you something Hawthorne can’t.” I shrug my shoulders and fish out my pack of cigarettes again. “Do you mind?” I look at her, waiting to see if she’s cool with me smoking before I waste another cigarette.

<Bev> Beverly stared at him for a moment, shrugging at the cigarette, it made no difference to her, but then she lowered her head, her voice coming out in a bare whisper. “I-I-I cannot sire. I cannot meet her alone.” Her voice got even quieter, “I cannot meet her alone, I ...well… I have never been with a man….” As soft as it was her voice trailed off even lower from the embarrassment of having to admit her inexperience to her sire.

<Ric> I start to pull out a cigarette and then stop and look at Sister B. I don’t know what she’s talking about with meeting anyone alone and something to do with her inexperience with guys. “That makes two of us.” I just stare at her and let the right side of my lip curl up into a small smirk. “Look. No need to be stressing yourself out. I wasn’t intending for you to meet her alone, or anyone alone for that matter.” I shake my head. “I’m not going to throw you to the wolves or anything.” A saying I heard, but inaccurate in this conversation. I know no one would go out of their way to be horrible at Sister B, so I rephrase. “It’s a suggestion. If you accept, I will set something up for the three of us. If you don’t, then I won’t.” It’s really that simple for me.


<Bev> “I have been learning the web sire, the more i have learned the farther I have gone into it. There is a thing called TOR or The onion router. It is anonymous. You see I have been hacking for the money to pay the rent with Pyps gone. There is a place called the ‘dark web’. Go0gle and other searches cannot find it. It is where the truly good hackers go. Mz Andras… Her name shows up a lot there. They call her the Wicked Witch of Harper Rock City. Whenever you see WWoHRC on the dark web, they are talking of her…. They say she has a flock of flying monkeys, that she leads into the city from a tree somewhere, and uses them to kill unsuspecting vampires in the city….I doubt she really has them, but with what I have seen lately in the city...There might be. But I found something the other day when I was searching out source codes. “ A small shudder shook the woman as if an arctic wind had blown up her dress. “You see Roderic… I like women, I have never been attracted to a man, even as a child.” Her eyes lowered once more “I am a virgin Sire. She kills virgins, she eats their flesh and bathes in their blood, like that Countess did long ago, Countess Bathory. That is why she is so beautiful. Didn't you see how smooth her complexion was at the auction? Makeup cannot do that, not even the expensive stuff I sometimes find when I searching for items to sell. Only the blood of virgins can do that. You have already killed me once, but you brought me back. If she kills me, there is no coming back. I found it all. It was all there on the web, hidden from those that regulate.” A small sob shook her, no tears fell, but she could not face death again.

<Ric> I light my cigarette and listen to her ramble on about the web and google and **** I don’t care about to be blunt. I’ve never heard of it, the internet is a place of ******** more times than not, except for family forums and the faction forum. I stand there and just stare at her and another cigarette is wasted as it falls out of my mouth. I don’t even try to reclaim it, I just stomp it out. I should have kept a closer eye on Sister B. This is partly my fault for her believing things she reads on the internet. “Okay.” I blink and take a deep breath in before breaking down her speech about Velveteen. “One. Get off the internet. You do realize that anyone, and I do mean, anyone...with an IQ of seven or higher can publish anything they want on there.” I shake my head and continue walking again. It’s a very slow, controlled walk, as Sister B has struck a small chord in me. Velveteen is someone I consider a friend and look up to. I don’t defend her, in the end, I know she can do that well. I just state simple facts.

“It is not flying monkeys. They, We are called Tytonidae. That is the faction I belong to that is ran by her.” First opinion debunked that some twit wrote about Velveteen and the faction I belong to. “She does not kill virgins. People don’t know people are virgins unless you’re telling your business. Too much information can be a bad thing, Sister B.” Sister B can’t separate fact from fiction. Great. Another Allurist who lets their mind explode with crazy stories that have no credible backing. I resist the urge to groan.

“The vampires are seldom unsuspecting. They know when we’re coming for them.” I state it as a matter of fact, because it is. “If you were to die again, you would come back. You go the the umbra and then you will get out. I would get you out if you died and went there.” I state it matter of factly, because it is a fact. “I have died since becoming a vampire. To go after Phoenix and get her from the Umbra and when I lost a battle with some woman who was near my place of residence at the time.” I don’t give any other details than that, because I don’t think any are needed. “I think, before you go around making assumptions, it’s best to meet the person first hand. Her and I are great friends. And she’s tried to kill me a couple times.” I just shrug my shoulders.

<Bev> “Roderic...some things are fact… not postings of a lunatic

her fame as a legendary vampire she is out rivalled only by Count Dracula. Born in 1560, she was endowed with looks, wealth, an excellent education and a stellar social position

That is a description of Countess Bathory...It is historical, it is true…. is not that also a valid description of Mz Andras? other than the date of birth…? And you admit she has tried to kill you, you are a fighter, next to you...next to you, I am nothing“

<Ric> “Yes. Some things are fact. Some are not.” I state after groaning. It’s like slamming my head into a wall some nights. If it’s not Skylar, then it’s Sister B. If it’s not Sister B, then it’s Katerina. Women.

“I don’t really give Velveteen a good looking over like that. I wouldn’t know.” It’s true. I size people up on their skill attributes. Mental too. Not too much on ‘prettiness.’ I just shrug my shoulders. “She has a lot of money, but so do a lot of other people like you and I.” Skylar had millions and I had a lot to before I gave it all to her. I hate bank accounts. Reminds me to clear it out again soon. “Whatever position she has-she’s earned it. Hard work and dedication.” I feel like I am defending Velveteen with those statements, but it’s also fact. Anyone can get whatever they want if they work at it. “She tried to kill me back in my early days. When I was a bit of a nuisance to her and hers.” Sister B knows of my blood thief days-she should. It was posted everywhere in Altaire at one point or another.

“I already said I would be there if you accept. She’s not going to do anything to you with me there.” I stop and look at her from the side. “You can’t live on the computer forever. It’s not healthy.” Some would say my habits weren’t all that healthy-but I don’t care what everyone else thinks. “I’m not going to stand on the streets talking about her anymore. Anyone could be hearing us.” I just shrug my shoulders and start walking again. “The choice is yours, Sister B. I hope you make the right one.”

<Bev>”What will she want with me then? I cannot fight like you.”

<Ric> Wall. Talking to a wall. “Not everything is about fighting.” Well, not for everyone, but for me it was most nights. “What she wants is to offer you the chance to meet other people. Build relationships. Stuff like that.” I say slowly as I head across the street. “She’s offering you another place that’s more solid than what I’ve got going. I only know so much, Sister B. I’m still learning like you.” Maybe not as much as she was, but I still was. “She’s been around, doing what we’re doing, this vampire thing.” I say the last bit a little more quieter than the other stuff I’m saying. “For a couple years from the looks of things. I know you used to go to Phoenix a lot to fill in the blanks that I couldn’t and didn’t provide. It’s sort of like that.”

<Bev> “Roderic... don't leave me here. I came because you called.” She wants to call him sire, but she knows the rules, he is too far away. She has forgiven him for her first death, but he makes it so hard. “Please.” She holds the journal to her chest as she stares after him. “I need to know where to pass this back to you.

<Ric> She is pleading at me and I stop in the middle of the road and look at her. I expected she would just follow me, but I guess I shouldn’t have. I wasn’t quite ready to end the conversation yet and so I tell her. “I was just going across the street. The numbers on the houses on this side are funny.” Their all the odd numbers. It’s just not right to have them all together like that. It bothers me for some reason I can’t make any logical sense of.

“You can give it to me any way you’d like. Knock on my door. Tell me where to meet you at. I’ll be there when you call on me.” I shrug and move closer to the even side of the street. Yeah. This side feels right. Feels normal. “I told Velveteen that I would talk to each of my Things to see what their stance was on being a member of Andras. You were first on my list. I think, and now know, it’s more imperative for you to meet others before anyone else.” I stand on the edge of the curb and look at her. “But, it’s your choice in the end. But, she’ll also be asking me if I’ve talked to any of you and who wants to be added and who doesn’t. So, I need to know. It doesn’t change anything. You post in Hawthorne and I’ll come help as best as I can. You email me, I’ll email back. You want to do the social thing, I’ll...try.” I grind my teeth at that because it’s painful thinking of sitting around talking for hours and hours.

<Bev>The allurist looks both ways, then starts across the street. She knows better than to try to figure out what is wrong with the house numbers. they are far from her car, and far from any Ben and Jerry’s by now. The heels she wears click against the macadam in a staccato rhythm as she crosses, the night is silent now, and still fresh. Humans are disappearing from the streets as the city becomes a hunting ground now. “It is early” she whispers as she catches up to him. “I will go with you. Meet her. I will do it for you, but please…. Please be with me when we meet”

>Ric> “I'll be with you. You'll survive this.” I assure her with a curt nod. “I will set up a time and place and we'll go together. You don't have anything to worry about.” It's true within reason. If Sister B tried to hurt Velveteen or kill her, we might have a problem but I don't foresee that happening. “Just don't forget about your journal.” I look around. Where the **** are we? “Where's this Ben and Jerry work at?” I've decided I'll teleport us near the building they work at and save us all some hassle.

<Bev> A soft smile graced her face, Roderic was so single minded when on a task, and couldn't eat the creamy concoctions anyways. ”I have no idea where you have lead us...and Ben and Jerry? Forget them sire, just forget them.”

<Ric> I look around and see the wharf and realize where we are. I just nod and then shrug. “Okay. If you’re sure.” I know how women can be. Say one thing and then a few days, weeks, or months later reminding us all how we screwed up. “Are you sure?” I grab out my cell and search for Velveteen, and start sending her a text asking where she was. After this, I plan on seeing her face to face to make the arrangements for the three, or maybe four, of us. The fourth being Micah. I have nothing against the guy, I’m just closer with Velveteen than I am with Micah. But it’s his family too, so I can’t go excluding him from things that are important to him. “Do you need a job? Want one? To get out of the house?” And off the internet reading fairy tales about various vampires and stuff. Only, I don’t say that. I just think it and stare at her, waiting for her response.

<Bev> “I do not need a job sire, I do well with hacking and some small time thievery. I am still not sure about this, but I am going to trust you. It just worries me because there is SO much about her, it cannot all be wrong” slowly she rubs one foot on the ground, if they were not two hundred dollar stilletos an observer would think she was embarrassingly scuffing her foot. Finally Beverly continued in a very low voice, “If I were to break my hymen...would that mean I was no longer a virgin? ‘’

<Ric> “It’s called jealousy and opinions. Everyone has them and states them, but truth is not many people care about opinions. Those that do, are mindless drones. They don’t do any fact checking.” I state before tackling the next question. If she’s trying to make me uncomfortable, I’m not. It’s science. I shake my head. “I think the rule is, whatever you were before you were created, you are forever.” I don’t know why a nun is so fixated on sexual stuff-isn’t that supposed to be illegal or something for them? “Sorry, Sister B” I’m only sorry if she wants to have sex, otherwise, who cared if someone was a virgin or not? I don’t. That’s their own business.

<Bev> “If you will be there, I will trust you in this.”

[Roderic]

<Ric> “Going for a ride.” I have a location in mind-something secure before I text the details to Velveteen after seeing if she was going to be around for the night. My place of business in the mall. The mall has security-even if it’s human and my shop is closed. So perfect. “Wait for me when you get there.” I look Sister B in the eyes, making sure she understands to not walk off because I’m not going to teleport her on the front entrance at the mall. That’s stupid. Instead, she’ll end up in the parking lot two blocks down from there. I put a light hand on her shoulder and focus on the location before she’s gone and I follow after her a few minutes later. After making sure my phone, cigarettes and lighter are secure in a pocket. When I arrive, the first thing I look for is her, then everything that’s supposed to be in my pockets.

<Bev> Beverly closed her eyes, unsure what to expect, the brunette had been summoned a few times, but never teleported, idly she wondered if it was the same feeling, before she felt a hollow in the pit of her stomach, and opened her eyes to an empty parking lot. She staggered a bit on the black stilletoes before glancing around and nervously smoothing her dress. If Ric was going to keep doing this the allurist was going to have to start wearing something underneath. A second glance assures her that no one saw her arrive, and a moment later the air shimmered as her sire appeared. “I don't see anyone…..”

<Ric> “Good.” I look around anyways, out of habit before nodding to a tall building a couple blocks down. “That’s the mall. Where we’re going. To my shop.” I say after my hands find all my everyday essentials. “Come on.” I walk, but walk so that I’m with her and not in front of her. I don’t want her calling out, asking me to wait for her again, thinking I wasn’t going somewhere with her. “The shop is closed. Good for private conversations.” I inform Sister B, and then look at her from the side. “Let’s try to keep the internet things to ourselves until you form your own opinions, yeah?” I don’t know what Velveteen would say or do if she heard half of what Sister B said she saw on the dark google, or whatever place that was. I don’t say much more than that as we enter the mall and head to the second floor. Once we’re there, I’ll head to my shop, unlock it and flick the light on. We’re greeted with dozens of eyes staring at us from all types of animals, all situated in different positions, for different purposes.

<Bev> Beverly settled in behind her sire, quietly following where he lead her. She had never been to his shop before. One hand caressed the leather of her..their.. journal, and she wondered if he had made it here. Curiosity began to slowly settle the jitters she was feeling.

<Velveteen> Roderic had asked Velveteen earlier if she was up for a meet and greet though she was slightly confused as to why the man would want her to meet a thing as that was usually something reserved for people. He was an oddball but it was one of the many reasons she found herself endeared to the man. If he wanted to introduce her to objects then who was she to deny him that. It was likely one of his beastly creations. She wondered if she should prepare the hole and give it a proper burial afterwards. Her phone vibrated and as usual the text was short and straight to the point. Ric giving her a location. She brushed a kiss to her husband’s cheek and used the gift of celerity to arrive within moments of receiving the information. Pushing the front door to the shop open she peeked in before stepping inside surprised to find a familiar face there also. Velveteen had seen the woman in passing only a few times before but for the life of her could not remember a name or if she even knew it. “Bloodthief.” She greeted with a genuine smile before offering the woman beside him a cordial dip of her head.

<Ric> While we wait, I move a couple tools off the main crafting table and watch Sister B. Her reaction to the things in my shop. I’m not sure how she feels about my hobby, Skylar stomachs it pretty good, most don’t though. I’ve just put away my case of grooming tools when Velveteen arrives and addresses me as she normally does. I close the drawer and give her a quick nod, before returning the greeting. “Velveteen.” I look over at Sister B, but don’t say anything about her quite yet, my eyes going back to Velveteen. “Thanks for meeting with me. Hope I didn’t drag you from anything too pressing.” I walk around the crafting table and hold out a hand in Sister B’s direction. “This is Sister B. Beverly.” I keep my focus on Velveteen as I introduce her to my Thing, before continuing. “My Thing.” I say, because that’s how I refer to them all. My Things. They are mine. I made them. It might be a primitive concept, but calling them childe seems to undermine the capabilities and mindset of those I’ve hand picked to bring into this life. “She is the first I have spoken to about you and your invitation.” I lean against the table, palms on it, holding my weight as I look at Sister B now.

<Bev> Brown eyes flicker around as the buxom young woman takes in her sire’s shop. Everywhere there are dead animals. Everywhere. She is silent as she watches him clean, but as he finishes, the door opening immediately draws her attention. A slim, raven haired woman enters quietly. It is her…. the Wicked Witch of Harper Rock City Stepping closer to her sire she watches carefully as the woman comes closer and greets her sire, carefully she acknowledges the greeting passed in her direction with a silent nod.

<Velveteen> A look of realisation registers on the Necromancer’s features as she bobs her head. “Ohhh. Your ‘Thing’. Gotcha.” She says with a playful grin though she was at the moment unsure as to which invitation he spoke of specifically though she didn’t express that. She turns her silver gaze to the woman and quietly appraises her for a moment. “Beverly. It is nice to finally meet you.” Velveteen extends her hand in greeting as she steps a little closer.

<Ric> I watch the interaction carefully, not because I think either woman will do anything to the other, but I’m hoping Sister B doesn’t say anything she’s told me tonight to Velveteen’s face. “I’ve talked to her about getting out of her apartment. About there being a bigger world out there than what’s online.” I’m looking at Beverly now, because I hope she’s perceptive and will bypass all that online garbage she’s read. “And talked about your invitation to me and mine. My Things. To your family. I believe it will do her a world of good to meet other people. Much like myself.” I return my gaze to Velveteen then, pressing my lower back to the table’s edge so I can cross my arms.

<Bev> Cautiously Beverly reaches out and takes the proffered hand. Careful not to squeeze hard, or shake too long, she lets out a smile and steps back. “We met a year ago at an auction.” Glance down for a moment she looked up from under lowered lashes, “I couldn't afford anything then, but you had many amazing things for sale. The rather large man that stood by you all night offered me this at a low price, after it ended. It was very nice of him. It is a pleasure to meet you again.” Realizing her nervousness is starting to get the better of her, and she is rampling on, the allurist snapped her mouth shut, and instead glanced cautiously at the other woman. Although she was pretty, her skin was not totally flawless, maybe she had run out of virgin blood.

<Velveteen> “Ahhh. Yes.” She nods at Ric, recalling the conversation now and returns her attention to the woman whose hand was wrapped within hers momentarily. She laughed lightly and nodded her head once more before following Roderic’s lead and finding an empty piece of bench to perch on. “Ahh yes. I remember now. That rather large man is my Husband, Micah. He can be quite a nice guy when he wants to be. He can also be a real dick too.” Her smirked turned sheepish. “But either way, he is pretty damned awesome.” Her head canted to the side a little and she clasped her hands in front of her letting them relax there. “So what are your thoughts then, Beverly? We did indeed extend the invitation to Ric’s brood but he preferred to let you all decide for yourself. You all of course are welcome. Perhaps you have some...questions?”

<Ric> ****. It’s the first thing that comes to mind. I resist groaning and go around the desk, take the stool off and sit on it. I wait for the questions about the flying Monkeys and Virgin’s to come spewing out of Sister B’s mouth, but interject before she can start asking any questions. “Sister B has had a pretty sheltered life style.” I try and make some very lame excuse for the questions that might proceed.

[Busty StClaire]

<Bev> “Well…” The allurist saw the expression on her sires face and stopped. Sighing she started again. “I do not know much about you, or your family other than some of the things I have read while perusing the web. As I am sure you have noticed, my sire is not all that talkative, and when it comes to anything outside of Skylar, he is very secretive.” A small shrug twitched one shoulder, “He invited me out tonight, this is the first I have heard, I do not know what is being offered, nor expected.” Once more she glanced down at her shoes, unsure of what to say or do, now that the woman was here in front of her. What did Ric want of her?

Velveteen - An amused glance was cast at Roderic, his need to interject arousing her curiosity. At this point Velveteen was unsure of what to expect but she wore that usual grin. The one that made it look like the woman had a secret. “Roderic? Secretive? You think so? I just got the impression he really didn’t say much, that was all. Maybe you are right though.” She chuckled softly and crossed her arms over her chest as she kicked one foot over the other and crossed her legs at the ankle. Everything about her demeanour was completely at ease and in perfect control. “As for what is on offer, it is simply an invitation to be a part of the family that your sire has become a part of. Nothing more, nothing less. It is of course completely your choice. Have you ever heard of Andras?”

Ric Secrets. Sure, I had them. Who didn’t? There are just some things people shouldn’t talk about and some things people don’t need to know if it doesn’t pertain to them. Simple logic in my mind. Some people knew more stuff about me than others. Just how it worked. I get out a whittling tool from one drawer and a bone from a wolf’s ribcage from the other. I keep working on the project I started two weeks ago, leaving the women alone to talk. I don’t like talking, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t listening.


<Bev> Left alone now that both had claimed spots on the workbench, Beverly felt more and more uncomfortable. Velveteen seemed totally content and relaxed, like a cat resting outside the cage of a canary, somehow knowing that soon the door would swing open, letting lunch out. Nervously she smoothed out her dress once more. “I have heard of them” Beverly nodded her head in time with her words, “ Ric explained that they were good friends of his once, and he told me….well…. he told me that other things i had heard were not true.” It felt almost like she was auditioning, or interviewing. Beverly wandered slightly as she continued, “I know very little of family, other than they disappear when you need them most. Though this time I think I know what happened. There was an old lecher following my Pyps around, Now she is gone. I think he took her.”

Velveteen - Velveteen had no idea what the woman was on about but she looked interested none the less and even nodded in the appropriate places. For a silent moment she even looked thoughtful. “Well, We have some who come and go like that but neither Micah or I have ever disappeared and we don’t plan on doing so either. Family in this….life,” She waved her hand through the air, unable to find a more fitting word, “Is for me, about helping each other. Offering a safe haven for ours. Protecting each other from the forces who would seek to destroy or tear us down. It’s nice not to have to be alone. To know you aren’t alone.” Her monochromatic gaze wandered towards where Roderic had started whittling. He looked distracted but she knew him well enough to know otherwise. She smiled and returned her attention to Beverly. “Though you have me completely curious now. “What sort of things had you heard?”

Ric I’ve known Pyper longer than Sister B has, and didn’t want to tell her that Pyper did that disappearing thing a couple times when we were good friends. She doesn’t take blunt truth as well as others do, so I decided against it. But when she starts on about a guy taking Pyper, the tool scrapes against the bone deeper than it should and ruins the entire project. I stare at the bone and ponder if I can salvage it or make it into a new shape. Won’t be a wolf now, but maybe a dog. An ugly dog. No. I hate dogs. I toss the bone in the drawer it came from and then put the tool away. I just wait to hear about what Velveteen supposedly does in her free time in her bathroom.

<Bev> Beverly glances back and forth between the two vampires facing her. More and more she is beginning to feel like a tasty tidbit tossed between two lions. Stepping back she bumps into another of her sire’s workbenches. The edge of it hits her just below the curve of her buttocks, and drives the teeth of her cilice sharply into her thighs. The sudden bite, and ensuing warmth of the blood trickling brings a calming wave flowing through her. She knows what she has read, what she has heard, but she promised Ric she wouldn't embarrass him. The familiar pain brings peace, “Oh, well I am sure most of it is not true, many of the things are really preposterous. Surely you must have read things online, not all agree with your….view of things, and I am sure some are just jealous. You have a very nice complexion, and one person well, they made, well they said, I am sure it is just jealousy. I mean no one has bathed in the blood of virgins in centuries. Vitamin E and cocoa butter work just as well, and are much easier to procure, right?” A small forced chuckle follows the query. Continuing as calmly as she can, “Ric thinks it would be good for me. Maybe if I met a few more?”

Velveteen - The dark haired, vampire’s head cants to the side a little and she sniffs lightly at the air, the scent of fresh blood capturing her attention, though it is decidedly vampire. At first she thinks that maybe Ric was careless but a quick inspection sates her curiousity. She continues to listen as Beverly imparts some of those things that she had heard or found out and muses. “Virgins ay? Do you know how hard it is to find them these days?” As if she had even looked. Her sterling gaze zeroes in on Ric’s childe. She had to be the source of the metallic scent that now tainted the air but she could detect no wounds. Interesting. “Though….if you happen to know any, I would looove to meet them.” She smiled most wickedly having no clue what was going on behind those brown eyes that she watched so closely, she was of course only teasing, surely no one would actually believe such a thing. “I can’t believe anyone actually found about that. I am always so careful.”

Ric my project is forgotten about when the scent of blood fills the air. My focus on the conversation lessens as I look at both women. It's a process of elimination for me. Velveteen hadn't moved much, and made no inclination she was bleeding. Neither had Sister B, but she had moved. Maybe she hit a nail from crappy craftsmanship, but since neither woman was making a deal about it and not appearing injured, I focus back on the conversation. Just in time to hear Velveteen ask about virgins. I just watch to see what sister B does and says. She can't really believe that. Right?

<Bev>Beverly had noticed both of her companions perking up. It had happened as her cilice had bit in. Obviously they had scented the blood, just as she could. Her eyes widened as she listened to Velveteen. Ric had lied. He had told her the stories were fake, false, lies. But it was him who had lied. He had to have brought her here on purpose. He knew she was a virgin, and Velveteen was having a hard time finding any. Now she had made it worse, Velveteen would smell it in her blood. She was trapped, Ric had done his job well. They were alone in a closed shop, and they were both fighters, much stronger than she was, between her and the door. It wasn't enough that Roderic had killed her for a bet with skylar, now he was going to bleed her for another woman in his life, so she could bathe in the allurist’s blood. Brown eyes flickered about quickly there was no escape. Another wave of pain bled through her as she stepped free of the bench. Her lover was gone, her sire had betrayed her, and the head of her lineage had left them all. Enough is enough. Stepping forward Beverly knelt between the two of them the shoes scraped across the floor, but she would need them no longer. Bowing her head forward she whispered quietly. “ He told you the truth, I am one. I do not have the fight in me to resist. “

[Velveteen]

Velveteen - The plan was to allow a small but ominous stretch of silence before bursting out laughing at the preposterous allegations. Though before that could even happen Beverly was on her knees and speaking of not being able to fight. Wait. What? “You are one what?” Velveteen blinked as she wondered what had just happened and then put two and two together. What was it Ric called her? Sister B? As in nun? Of course. Velveteen looked a deer in the headlights for the briefest of moments before she cracked the **** up. “Oh jesus.” She managed, almost doubling over. “You thought I was serious?” She near on slapped her thigh, so thoroughly amused by the situation. She looked over to Roderic, as if he could offer some sort of assistance right now, as she seemed unable to get herself together. “I am….oh god…..I am so sorry, Beverly.” She shook her head as she fought to get the laughter under control. She had been caught completely off guard. “Stand up. No one is going to be...fighting anything tonight. Oh wow...that is priceless.” She grinned cheekily and held a hand to help the woman up, the laughter finally in check. “I was just fuckin with ya.”

<Bev>As she had knelt her thigh muscles contracted, flexing so that the cilice bit into both thighs, all the way around. The allurist both felt and smelt the new wave of blood pouring forth from the hundreds of pin- pricks in her thighs. The reports were right, the cackling above her as she submitted was eerily similar to the sounds she had heard as a child when Dorothy had been caught in that old movie. Velveteen was indeed the Wicked Witch of Harper Rock. She did not need flying monkeys when she had Ric. As she waited for the final blow to come, Beverly wondered how long it would be until Ric offered up ‘Trina as a sacrifice. A hand appeared before her face, and as she looked up some of the witch’s words filtered through her musings. She was only kidding? This was a joke? Taking the proffered hand, carefully she stood, eyes locked on to the silvery ones staring down at her from a face filled with mirth. “This was a joke…?”

Velveteen - Velveteen nodded, almost apologetically. “I had no idea you actually believed any of it. Nor did I realise you were….you know.” She waved her other hand dismissively. “I was only messing around.” Once the woman was on her feet she released her and tipped her head curiously. “But no...Really? They say that and people actually believe it? That is amazing. I like it!” She eyed the woman thoughtfully. “What else do they say? Do I kidnap children and barter with the goblin king for favours? Perhaps I screech and burst into a ball of flames at the sight of a cross? Oh I know....I bet they think I am in cahoots with the devil or the cookie monster.” She laughed and shook her head. “People. They amuse me.” And they really did. Velveteen had heard some of things thought of her. Their assumptions and other general misconceptions but she liked it that way. It kept the idiots that bay.

<Beverly> Fear was replaced by growing anger “Yes, it is said, and the similarities between you and the Countess Bathory are amazing….” Keeping her attention focused on the woman before her she continued “I do not know if or what Ric has told you about me….but I know very little of the outside world” She had been cloistered for years, and she truly was a virgin, but she knew how to make a man pay. Whirling at her sire she continued through the motion, her small fist driving into the juncture of his thighs, “Skylar is right, you are an ‘arsehole’. “ Stepping back she once more turned to face Velveteen, “I apologize.”

Velveteen - The Necromancer laughed and shook her head. “No don’t apologise. You have no reason to. Well, not to me.” She cast a concerned glance towards Roderic but couldn’t resist the urge to chuckle at his pain either. “I really didn’t mean to freak you out. But please...if you have any questions, fears or doubts, don’t hesitate to ask. I am more then willing to help those that matter and even though I don’t know you….yet, you matter by extension.” Her grin persisted though. She couldn’t wait to get home and tell her husband about this though she was certain the idea of her bathing in blood was one that was sure to please.

Ric Women. I don’t know how I’m an asshole, I told her not to believe that stuff. Not my fault Sister B couldn’t decipher what was fact and what was horseshit. My eyes narrow a little at where Sister B jabbed me and I shrug. I’m not going to debate how much of an asshole I am or am not in front of Velveteen. “Essentially, I brought her to meet you to discredit all the the things she’s read online.” I finally speak up after minutes of silence, as I allowed the woman to talk. “I only think that she can form a solid, unbiased opinion, before accepting or declining the invitation extended to my Things.” I look at Sister B and just wait. She couldn’t have heard anything worse than the Countess whatever her name was. That and the flying monkeys. “She’s also heard about your flying...monkeys.” I’m going to just cut to the chase and put it out there so Sister B doesn’t make a mountain out of a molehill. “A new nickname for our faction. I guess.”

<Beverly> The allurist straightened her dress completely this time, smoothing out all the wrinkles and continuing her discussion with Velveteen as tho her sire had neither spoken, nor was even there. “I do apologize though. I have seen so many weird and fantastic things in this city, since my life was taken on a whim, Things I had never even heard or read about before, I have seen and touched. These things that I have seen, combined with the fact that I had been sheltered so much….well, they make those articles about you seem not so far fetched.”

Velveteen - The raven haired, Necromancer listened with an amused expression as Roderic explained the situation in about as much detail as the Bloodthief usually offered. “Flying monkeys? Interesting.” She mused as her head bobbed, her focus once again returning to the woman who offered further explanation. There was no denying that there were some rather fantastic and out of the ordinary things that went on in the city of Harper Rock. “I am more impressed by the fact that there are articles about me at all, but that certainly explains your….weirdness.” One curved, tattooed brow quirked a little. “And who knows, maybe there is some truth in them beneath all the added speculation and fictitious frivolity but I can assure you, bathing in virgins blood is not one of them. When it comes to that I am not that picky.” She offered with a cheeky wink.

Ric Interesting. Yeah. Sure. That summed up my entire night so far. And then some. I look at Vel as she cracks a comment about bathing in blood and all I can do is smirk at that. I keep in mind to research these articles later, or get someone else to look into it for me. I hate computers. I honestly don’t need them, but some people can’t seem to live without them. A lot of people would be screwed if there ever really was a zombie apocalypse. Mostly, I want to see who is behind writing these things. And stab their computer. A lot. And if they get in the way..so be it. My blade doesn’t discriminate. “Thanks for taking the time to clear things up. It’s important to hear things first hand. From the horse's mouth.” I look around, because in the end, this isn’t something that impacts me. Would it be nice for Sister B to meet more people that I like? Sure. But if she doesn’t want to-it won’t bother or offend me either. I move from the craft bench to some of my pieces of work that are sitting inside and on top a glass counter and start repricing some things so they can move before the holidays. Who doesn’t want a good deal?

<Beverly> Quietly Beverly watched the interaction between the two older vampires waiting til her verbose sire finally finished. when silence finally fell, she smiled politely to the one that he now called sire. “I would need to know more, meet more, before i could make a decision, Mz Andras. I apologize again for the misunderstanding, I did not know what to believe.” The allurist eyed her sire, “And i was poorly prepared for this meeting.”

Velveteen - “Of course. I completely understand.” Velveteen gave Roderic a nod as she straightened, sensing the the meeting was pretty much at an end. “Though somethings tend to just take a leap of faith.” She stated, turning her attention to the other woman. “I don’t think your sire would deliberately put you in harms way or even suggest it if he thought it would be a bad thing. Though if you would like to meet others before making a decision then by all means.” A small yet thoughtful smile crossed her lips as she cast a furtive glance towards Ric. “Might I suggest she meet Micah next?” Thick rubber soles barely made a sound as she moved towards the exit. “Whatever you decide, it was certainly nice meeting you, Beverley. If nothing else at least now I can say hey if I ever see you out and about. Bloodthief, I am sure I will be seeing you sooner than later. Stay safe you two.” With that she made her way through the open door and vanished from view.

[Roderic]

Ric Once Velveteen is gone, I look down at my phone and scroll through the contacts looking for Micah’s number. I rarely, if ever use this number, so I scroll past it at first and then scroll back up and find the guy’s number. I thought about actually talking to the guy, but since we don’t interact much, it would be a strange, and short conversation. And nothing I couldn’t say in a text. I open the messaging application and start typing, Hey, Micah. It’s Ric. You got some free time tonight? Just met with Vel with one of my Things. I think she might be an alright fit for Andras, but she wants to meet you too before deciding. Anyways, you want to meet up at my store in the eighth dimension mall, or you want us to transit to you? Ric. I skim the message over and then hit send before pocketing the phone.

I turn my attention to Sister B. “That wasn’t too bad was it?” It wasn’t a bad meeting but it sure was awkward, with all that bathing in blood business. To me, anyways. At least it ended positively. “Micah’s kind of like me. Not much of a talker, at least not right off the bat. What have you heard about him?” I want to be prepared for what she might tell Vel’s husband before hearing it for the first time myself.

Beverly “Wasn’t too bad… sometimes I wonder sire….” Beverly shook her head, the set up for her humiliation had been well played, whether Rodric had planned it or not. Sometimes the allurist wonder if her sire ever thought his plans through for the possible ramifications the end results might have on innocent bystanders. The fact that she was a vampire… was proof he didn’t. Listening to her sire, and watching him type, she wondered how much worse it could get before the sun rose.

Ric “It was fine.” I tell her with a shrug of his shoulders, not feeling one way or another about it. He thought it could have gone a lot worse due to all his thing’s misrepresentations of Velveteen due to whatever garbage she read online. “You’re still alive, yeah?” I toss a small smirk in Sister B’s direction as I start to pack away the tools I had been using. Since Sister B didn’t say anything about what she heard about Micah, I can only assume, and hope, there wasn’t much on the guy. No story made up or combined from the past with the guy I knew.

<Micah> “Master I found these. Could you sort through and pick which ones Miss Vel would prefer?” Micah had been going through his own pile of weapon parts when the voice of his thrall drew his attention. At his nod, she set her bag down and pulled out a bunch of different gun parts.

[Micah]

< Micah >The majority of them were junk so they were put back in the bag for her to sell off, but she had a few nice ones, even a couple of guns she had managed to pick up off the ground that Vel would be able to break down for more parts. “Thanks Bunny, these will work well.” At his praise the thrall grinned cheerfully and grabbed the straps of the bag, practically skipping off to sell the excess.

The text from Ric, when it came, caught the killer off guard. He rarely heard from Ric and they didn’t do much in the way of interacting. The former blood thief was closer to Vel but that was alright. Micah was kinda of surprised Ric was in the faction, after the many times they’d sent him to the hospital when he was a human but stranger things had happened. The killer had to admit that Ric fit right in and even though he wasn’t all that talkative, he was loyal and that was enough.

-text- Yeah I have some free time, where you wanna meet at?

Ric I have most of everything put away when the text is replied to and I read what Micah has to say. I type a quick reply to Micah, which includes the name of my shop, what mall it's in and tell him the door is unlocked, so come on it. With that out of the way, I put the phone in the desk drawer and close it, because I don’t want it going off during the meeting. I’m actually going to be more tuned in to this one than the one with Velveteen, because I don’t know Micah as well as Velveteen. That doesn’t bother either one of us, it’s just a fact. So I don’t know how he will react when she tells him some crazy thing Sister B’s read online or heard from a friend of a friend.

“He’s going to meet us here, and should be here soon.” I let my Thing know before moving to the door to make sure it was unlocked. I already knew it was, that Velveteen hadn’t locked it, but I do it anyways, by turning the handle two times and then the lock two times as well. “Just keep things simple.” I tell her as I come back to my desk on the right side of the room and take a seat, waiting for her to say something, or ask me something about Micah before Micah walked in.

Beverly Beverly looked around the shop, taking in the sights of her sires workplace… it was…. eclectic. She wandered slowly wondering how a night out had turned into the disastrous fiasco she had just gone through. Now for round two… she was to meet the husband of the woman she had just insulted. The huge male that always looked angry.

[Busty StClaire]

Beverly He had been nice to her once, and she hoped that he would remember that she had said thank you. She knew one thing for sure… no stupid comments to this one. “I… I will not say anything to embarrass you. All i know of the one called Micah is he seems perpetually angry. He was nice to me once though” Absentmindedly her left hand rubbed the bracelet she wore, worrying the links. She had been at an auction over a year ago, without enough money to win any bids… and Micah had come to her afterwards, and offered her this very same bracelet for less than any of th auctioned ones had gone for. Running slender fingers through her unruly hair, she turned to face the door.

<Micah> Vel hadn’t made it back yet, so he scribbled a note letting her know where he’d be and used the network of fadeportals to get him where he needed to go. Meeting one of Ric’s Things. Hearing Ric’s childer referred to in such a ways amused him to no end. It was definitely better than progeny, a word the killer had heard thrown around a few times. Things. Maybe he should refer to his as minions. Had a nice ring to it.

The shop wasn’t all that difficult to find and since he was expected, Micah pushed the door open and stepped inside. Taking a look around he allowed a small grin to cross his face. It was so very Ric. But this was the guy that had sent him a dead looking squirrel thing so seeing the various stuffed animals and all kind of different animal parts didn’t really phase him too much. Spying Ric, he gave a nod of his head, then directed the same to the woman. This must be the Thing Ric wanted him to meet. “Sup, dude. And woman.”

Ric I hear Micah before I see him, having been engrossed on attempting to organize my belongings on various tables. No one would probably understand why there were an even numbered amount of things on each table, why there was a deer head on this table and other appendages that belonged to the deer on other benches. I had a vision in my head, whether it worked out or not was yet to be seen.

“Hey Micah.” I look up after counting each needle and setting an odd three in a drawer within the bench, as if putting them there would make me forget they were there. It won’t-later I will have to take a needle from another table and place it with those ones so everything was copestetic. “Thanks for coming.” I nudge my head in Sister B’s direction. “This is Sister B-one of my things. She wanted to meet both you and Velveteen. We already spoke with Velveteen.” With that all put out there, I was content on trying to find another damn needle from a different table, so shuffled around each bench in pursuit of one, to give them a little space to talk.