Flawed Design [Amalea]

[Every]

This roleplay takes place shortly after the Necropolis Auctions.

She hadn’t been planning to bid on Amalea of all people, but in the end, Every didn’t feel disappointed. They were friends, after all, and at least it gave them a bit of an edge, especially after what they went through in the throne room. The aftermath once she had died still remained a bit of a mystery, she didn’t understand it all and that was fine, she had seen enough through Locryn’s eyes to see that Amalea hadn’t been in her right mind. She’d seen the signs, she’d noticed the slip ups and she still blamed herself for not ordering her thrall to get them both out of there. Stirring the Vin Brulé that had been warming on the stove, she tapped her foot idly. “I still don’t have any idea of what to do.” She muttered to herself.

Honesty had its downfalls and it had its upsides. But, at least the idea of the two getting out of the city for a little while had sounded like a good enough start. Every liked the ski lodge. She liked the mountains and the way that her own personal lodge sat in the shadows. The brunette had already stoked the fire, giving the rustic building a warmth to it that she could feel even on her cold skin. It was clear that she’d made sure that the blood thief would be comfortable. Outside, even in the darkness, Every could see the moonlight reflecting off the snow allowing it to appear brighter than it normally would be. She’d plowed the road with her truck herself, too.

To say that she was nervous was true, especially as she straightened up a stack of papers a third time. It was a different element for the time being and she knew at times she wouldn’t do things “a particular way” one might with a slave. Really, the collar had only been a decoration for public show - she’d rather hang out with her friend than order her about. And so, she waited.

[Amalea]

Nothing ever goes as expected; that lesson the red-head seemed to be learning well as of late. She had been surprised that the number of unfriendly bidders upon her auction had been so low. The male that had bid had been intriguing. The red-head had never seen him before, but a quick ‘appraising’ peek showed he was of Alexandrea’s blood. That he had gone so high in his bids had been humbling and she had to wonder what he saw in her that made him do so. The real surprises though had been both Every bidding and Mortll not slipping in with a last minute bid of her own.

Those paled, though, with what had occured when the contract had been sealed. The matched pair of slave bracelet tattoos certainly hadn’t been on the menu for the night, but there was no denying they were beautiful. The explanations the trio had come up with, while their best guesses, were likely correct, at least in her mind. In the grand scheme of things, they weren’t really hurting anything so the blood thief really didn’t have an issue with them.

Fingers ran across the top of her semipacked bag as the human contemplated what else she needed for the adventure on which she was about to embark. The necessities for the trip had already been packed; those had been easy. Her tablet was sat next to the bag waiting to claim its spot on top. She didn’t plan to use it aside from for her weekly appointment with her therapist. That was going to raise a question from the shadow, she knew.

In reality, there were a lot of questions that were likely to be raised by either female. Why had Every bid? What did she have planned? Amalea was fairly confident she didn’t have to fear for her life with the shadow, but it wasn’t something she would bet on. Not after what had been occuring as of late; in this, she had learned to expect the unexpected or to have no expectations at all, depending. It was a sad outlook, she knew, but it helped save further grief.

After another moment’s thought, the red-head retrieved and packed one of her favorite books. Unable to think of anything else, she added the tablet and her toiletries case to the bag and zipped it up. Quickly running though her mental checklist, she was pleased that it seemed that she had gotten everything. Her weapons were already in place upon her person despite the fact she wasn’t going to be taking the long route to the destination that had been sent to her mind earlier that day.

Smoothing the charcoal grey sweater over her dark wash jeans, she sighed quietly. The butterflies began then though they were easily banished with a couple deep breaths and a positive thought. A glance at the nearby clock showed that the appointed time drew close. Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she concentrated on her destination, arriving as quickly as the thought passed through her mind. Closing the last few feet to the door, she knocked politely.

[Every]

There was a lot to talk about. What had fully happened in the throne room, what was going on in the city, how were they all coping? Every didn’t know where she would start. She didn’t know how she could really. She ran a hand through her hair with a sigh escaping past her lips, the breath on them unnecessary but done from habit. She could taste the sweetness of the wine on her tongue from the vapors that lifted off the stove as she breathed them in. It wasn’t enough to do anything. As she finished stirring the drink she’d offer amongst the others, she turned her hand over to look at the design that had appeared on her finger. The shadow reached over and rubbed over her skin absentmindedly as she waited.

With the arguments of her faction mates never going too far from her mind, the small woman fiddled with a couch pillow or two to make sure it was in the right place. Sprawled on the floor in front of the door, a small black kitten named Shadow lay on the rug and stared at her owner, her tail flickering. “I did make up the guest room, right?” Every thought as she turned away from the couch. Her eyebrows furrowed, she must have. She had set the sheets on the couch and they weren’t there. As the idea of having a guest was on her mind, Every gathered some extra towels from the hall closet and went into the bathroom, placing them inside the linen closet.

Locryn had always teased her for her tendency to be mundane, but in some ways, it was simply done for Every’s sanity. She had never been fond of change, it took some time for her to adapt, but ultimately, she always did. It was a contradiction for her past; she’d always been one to run for it, but now, she had stopped running. In the years between the masquerade falling and the present, Every had grown. Gone were the aliases, the changes she made to hide. She felt free.

At least, for the most part.

When she heard the knock on the door, she heard Zachary calling out. “I can hear.” She said to the wraith that smirked at her, heading out to the main room. Her hand twisted on the doorknob, opening it a moment later before she motioned Amalea inside. “Come on in.”

[Amalea]

Standing outside the door, the red-head fiddled lightly with the collar affixed around her neck. She had been more surprised to see the Shadow remove it from her own neck than she was when it ended up around her own. Every’s mental comment at the time had ensured the human knew it was more for show than anything. She really couldn’t blame the woman given how closely it seemed their actions were scrutinized lately. In reality, she wouldn’t have had an issue with it even if it had been meant as a serious mark of ownership; she hadn’t been lying when she had told the vampire she didn’t mind it.

That coupled with the statement she had made when it had been secured around her neck would likely be questioned at some point over the next week she was sure; particularly given the glance she had given the pair during the finalization of the auction. Hell, she was fairly sure that her contract would raise its own set of questions from the Shadow, not that she would blame the woman in that case.

The sheer number of questions Amalea knew were likely to need answering between them had been the driving force for quiet change in duration of the service period she was offering the Shadow. She had no real reason to fear for her safety during this time despite her what her contract offered her new owner. The loose restrictions had been what had caused her to set a shorter period to begin with; a potential week of torture was a bit much. Even three days had seemed a bit much, but she had been trying to be fair.

It didn’t matter now, though. What was done was done and there was no changing any of it. Every had won fairly and the contract had been bound by the demi-fae. Though, she would have trusted the Shadow to honor the terms even without the binding, the red-head still appreciated that Amara had successfully negotiated that ritual for the occasion. All she really could do now is wait and see what her mistress had in mind for the week and hope it bore fruits that would be beneficial to the pair.

Amalea’s ears perked a bit as she picked up the subtle sound of the doorknob moving. As the door open, she gave the shadow a small but genuine smile. “Thank you,” she spoke softly as she stepped into the lodge and away from the door a bit. As she waited on her hostess, she took the time to take in her surroundings. The bookcases were the first thing that drew her attention; the coziness of it all being a close second. “Lovely place. I love how warm and inviting it seems,” she told the shadow with a smile.

[Every]

There was one thing that Every knew that Amalea and herself would need to do over the weeks time. It wasn’t something she was looking forward, not given the amount of consideration that should have been taken over time. But, she’d rather get it all over with. She was getting tired of the he said, she said. She’d grown out of waiting around and expecting something to happen. She would get around to telling her friend about it, her ‘pet’ for the next week. Perhaps after she was settled down, but afterwards, then they would at least be able to get something scheduled. “Thank you, Jayden - he’s a weird cross between a little brother, a childe and a son honestly - helped me out with it quite a bit. He crashes from time to time here.”

Every explained as she held her hand out in offering for the bag. “You’re welcome to use anything in the cabin, I filled the fridge as well. I’m sure you need the time away from the city as much as I do, I’m not one to order any one around despite purchasing you. In all honesty, it was more to show that physically and financially I’m ready to do whatever is needed to help repair any damage done.” In some ways, Every was nervous. It was evident in the rambling as she stepped back enough to nudge the door shut once Amalea was out of threat from being hit with it. “Although I’m perfectly happy to use the time to get to know each other even further.” There was the photograph from the Christmas Ball the two women attended with everyone sitting on the wall.

She’d considered putting the tip of a blade through a few faces, but at some point, had talked herself out of it. A few other framed pictures sat amongst them - Every with her sire and various others. Her gaze lingered on Nishaa momentarily and wondered briefly what her headache would have thought about everything before dismissing any further thought. She’d been doing it a lot recently, as well as with Curtis. Reanna and Kirill hadn’t surprised her, but the Russians at least had the tendency to hear her out without wanting to shoot her first. Helena would have understood Locryn’s actions, as well as Every’s and Amalea’s.

“I hope it feels okay temperature wise, if not, I can add more logs to the fire. Death sort of puts a damper on winter and spring weather.” The shadow said sheepishly. Her hand went to the lock, double checking the alarm system she’d installed. Her internet was encrypted, difficult to hack. Paranoia had rubbed off on multiple occasions, but she’d gone well enough to know what she needed and what she didn’t when it came to keeping herself safe. “I’ve got some mulled wine on the stove, regardless. Although if you’d prefer coffee, I can brew some.”

[Amalea]

“The pair of you have impeccable taste,” the red-head replied easily as her eyes continued to sweep over the area picking up the small details she had missed initially. She could easily see why the vampire could be found here. It just radiated that feeling of being home; the cozy, inviting vibe that made you want to stay forever. If she was quite honest with herself, Amalea would have loved to make the cabin her nesting place for quite some time rather than just the week they would be here.

She had to wonder if she was that obvious or if she was broadcasting her thoughts as Every mentioned her needing time from the city. Handing over her bag, as silently requested, her red tresses shook lightly. “We both do, I think. If only for sanity sake. It’s tempting to stay away from the city till this entire situation blows over as best it could, but it would only be a win for them as they would see it the coward’s way out.” There was a moment of silence before she continued, “Thank you. Shame you can’t eat, I make a mean scalloped potato and ham dish.” Soft laughter filled the air for a couple seconds. Turning serious, she shook her head lightly, “Sounds a bit why I joined, though, at this rate, I’m not sure most are willing to see that. Which is exceptionally disappointing but I suppose it shouldn’t be as surprising as it is.”

It was then the picture from the Holiday Ball caught her attention. Absently, she wandered over to trace the edge of the frame lightly. Why she didn’t know as she had the exact same photo on a shelf in her office - Every, Ayuka, Doc and herself. It had been a lovely evening and the picture had, until recently, been a wonderful reminder of that. The red-head also had a secondary picture that Doc had suggested the pair of them take; it had been banished to her high-security safe after Easter. One day, she would replace the group photo with a new one that included Azraeth and Flynn. Turning, she gave the Shadow a smile, “I like the idea of getting to know each other better. Friends are a precious and rare commodity.”

Her attention was brought to the fire merrily crackling away by Every’s words. It lended a warm and inviting feel to the living space. The scene almost begged for someone to complete it by curling up on the couch with a good book and a drink; something the red-head would be happy to indulge in later. “It’s fine, honest,” Amalea laughed softly. “I’ve become used to the cold since living here, but this is plenty warm.” There was no raise of the eyebrow at the vampire’s double check of the locks. The blood thief understood the necessity of doing even if others thought her paranoid. Too many wanted their hides in payment for the events a couple months ago. “Mulled wine sounds positively delightful. Honestly, I never really understood the appeal of coffee.”

[Every]

Her lips lifted in a smile, pleased with the compliment. She spent a lot of time in her cabins, preferring the call of nature and reclusive nature rather than the hustle and bustle of the city. She liked the quietness of the wilderness where the fae couldn’t get her, the beauty of the snow on the mountains in the winter. There was a lake not too far away where she enjoyed to ice skate, but the snowboarding alone was always enjoyable. Jayden’s decision to open a ski resort was a good idea, and even now, with the city the way it was, there would always be a steady flow of tourism.

Taking hold of the bag, Every nodded towards the bedroom where Lea would be staying. “Truthfully, I don’t think there’s anything we can do without them considering us to be cowards.” She said as she rolled her hazel eyes, “It’s ridiculous.” She was doing her regular routine one way or another. She always would, as she was a creature of habit. “If there’s anything I’ve learned in Harper Rock from the moment I stepped off the bus is that people are going to believe whatever they wish. They have no ability to consider what might be, but only believe what they can see through their own beliefs. It’s shitty.”

She ran her tongue over her teeth, eyeing the picture as she watched Amalea. Her hazel eyes landed on the picture. The voice that had been in her head had Every considering to take a sharpie to it - or perhaps even a pair of scissors. There were other pictures on the walls, ones that Every knew she would need to fix over time, others she would want to hang up. Perhaps they were ones that she could do over the period of their vacation. “At this point, we’re family given we went through hell together.” She teased as she headed towards the bedrooms.

“You know, I miss eating. That’s actually one thing I hate about being a vampire.” Every laughed, “A beer and a big hamburger was something I had really wanted after being turned.” Inside the room, she placed Amalea’s bag on the bed before padding back to the living area. She rubbed her arms briefly, considering how the cool June night had felt the night she had turned. It was one of the few memories of the temperature that she had properly over the years, something that she missed aside from the cool difference of a surf break. “I was more of a tea drinker, but coffee was something I became acquainted with during college. Wine, on the other hand, was appreciated no matter the time of year.”

As Every headed into the kitchen, she went onto the balls of her feet while reaching for two mugs. There were two ladles set aside - one for blood, one for wine. “Quentão de vinho.” The Portuguese slipped from her lips with ease, “Or Brazilian mulled wine. Just like my aunt would make.” She smiled with a twitch of her lips before she poured herself a mug of blood and brought the two out, holding the respective one out for the red head.