Path of the Vampire forum

The house took forever to decorate. Streams of silver in high off places no human ought to be able to reach, flowing down in spirals and curly q’s. Stars on strings hanging with them, silver and glittery to catch the light. The ceiling shining with a ton of little stars hanging just above the head where you can reach down and pluck them. Each one having a different cute little love note handwritten from Cristiana herself. It would take a year to pluck them down one by one. The cats, plural, all purred around her feet swatting at the balloons littering the floor, walls and coming from the ceiling.

Even the blood was being decorated in an ornate silver cat glass. The glass itself was rimmed with real diamonds. The blood bag was sitting beside the glass untouched yet. As for smacks, Cristiana hunted down the finest blood treats possible. It was never questioned HOW they were made, just as her specialty drinks were of her own infusion, unlike other places in the city that either used a drunk human to drain their blood or mixed alcohol to their blood watering it down. Where as in the Metronome Club it was infused magically by Cristiana alone. That was why the place would fall into ruin without her. Of course at the rate she had things stocked, it would be many, many years before that would happen.

The food and drink was laid out at the table draped with a linen over it. A lovely white and silver speckled piece she knew Zodiac would rather make into a shawl. Boxes of various sizes were about the table, including two extremely large ones. So large they blocked off anything behind them. She had done her best to wrap the wooden crates they came in. It wasn’t until the driver left did she lift the boxes, which were almost too heavy even for her. Inside, there were two marbleized stone cats, like people have at the end of their driveway. But for Zodiac, instead of a lion Crissy bought her two black onyx cats inlaid with gold ribbing around the collar and eyes. The marblization was created with light hues of purple and red. In this they sat like they were watching the house. Even more so they were solid pieces. The base for them were in other boxes outside where they were remaining hidden. Once it was all together the pieces would be unable to be moved again but for show she left them in the box. The medium size box was a new tea set, with skulls and other little oddities. But the bottom of the glasses said “You’ve been poisoned.” It was all very cute. And smallest of the boxes was the easiest of the gifts to find. It was simply a bracelet, pure silver and adorned with nothing but a coin. It was the coin that was more the gift. In mint condition it was an older coin from europe before wars were truly a thing, and people fought for land and titles. But this coin had been stolen and moved around, stolen again… from one hand to another. It was only preserved so well because it was coated in wax for so very long. The reason it was easy to find because it had belonged to Cristiana since the moment she woke up. She never knew what it was or why she had it. But after it was cleaned, since it was so old, she thought that Zodiac would love it. And now, she gave it to her instead of carrying it around in her wallet.

After getting ready, Cristiana and the cats, including Ginny, were sitting around waiting for Zodiac to get home. She had texted Zodiac there was a thing and she needed her right away. Immediately in fact. The immediate danger was all the cats were glaring at her for putting the little party hats on them. They were displeased with this development. Yet, for Zodiac, they refused to take the hats off. She had tried to get them to have whistles in their mouth but they practiced saying Happy Birthday when Zodiac came through the doorway. Of course there was more a Meeeeeooooooowwwwwwwww to Crissy shouting it. But they had practiced this. It was all gloriously planned. Now the key ingredient was needed to make all the work and preparation. Zodiac herself.

"Get ready Ginny" She said nodding to the cat who helped her get all the other cats in line and waiting. Ginny and her understood each other, sometimes even talking to one another in their own ways. But she never could figure out why or how. It just was.

A wide smile spread across her face as the mystic was shocked. How many others can get a slew of felines to pay attention and even better listen enough to pull this off. Luckily since she could transform into one, they pretty much thought her one of their own. Maybe it was the scent they gave off or she did. Either way… it went off beautifully.

When the words sifted into her mind she pointed at Ginny whistling innocently toward the ceiling. It had been beyond perfection which was all she really strided for giving to the other woman. She wanted so much to please her. Now that cats, she was wary of the ‘presents’ they brought back, but that was their own for her and she would never stop the dead mice and bird collection. Or the shining trinkets for their divine home hostess.

With that, Cristiana grabbed the strange gelatin red cake thing. It was made of blood and clear. It was called a Glassy Blood Cake. It was almost the color of vampire tears, and wobbly. She held it out toward the woman, a mock candle on top.. A joke of being a vampire and not needing a breath. There was no flame, just a flickering bulb. The smile broadened hoping Zodiac found it as humorous as she did.

“Happy Birthday Zodiac!!!”

Crissy gave a round of soft purrs and nuzzles to the kittens and grown cats alike. With one hand to go around the lot took their turns. It was grand to see them delight in her birthday with the two women. If there was anything, Crissy sure knew how to throw an interesting party. That was for damn sure.

As she sauntered over, a brow rose when she discussed the cake. It was something that was rare indeed but also the best according to her sources. She set the masterpiece aside with ease on the nearest table with the aid of the lovely woman whose birthday they were celebrating. Her hands squeezed that of the queen or as the two so privately jokes, the queen ho to a mere princess ho . Oddly they were so near in height, neither of them had to raise the tips of their toes. She kissed the woman with passion unmatched by any other. She adored the woman dearly and it was to her the world would be given in any form she could.

“Try a piece before you dance with it. I would love to see who jiggles more.” At the crack of the joke she looked down at the luscious wonderous chest of Zodiac with a cheeky grin. “Somehow I think you will win this round.” She gave her a wink that was all hidden secret, and inside joke alike.

The cats mewed for the two to hold off until there was more privacy about them. She chuckled wondering if the feline populace in the city suffered while so many were here in the house. Ginny set aside and waited patiently as ever for Zodiac. There was much yet that needed to be done with the party. As if on cue, when the two locked lips, Ginny knocked something over and it hit the floor with a heavy thud.

((OOC: The cake is a Raindrop cake style like this: https://res.cloudinary.com/sagacity/ima ... rj1rzh.jpg ))

It wasn’t a trip to the Riviera or Cabo, but it was quaint and just perfect for her love. Zodiac wasn’t a look at me type of person, now she was calmer. Having the cats and her was the perfect amount of celebration, she hoped. After taking the slice of cake, she ate a bit of it but set it down after a few bites because what a better way to watch the figure. Even though she could grow and shrink, nor ever really gained weight. But that was neither here nor there, she was not really that hungry.The cake was oddly delicious. She would need to remember this style of cake in the future.

The cats nuzzled around their feet. Instead of leaving her plate on the table she set it on the floor and let the little multicolored guests lick and nibble the goods left on the plate. She found herself sitting on the sofa. “So my Zo ho, do you remember how we two met in the city?” No this wasn’t to start a fight. It was a genuine question because unlike many women she had forgotten, though she had a lot of memory issues in the past. Things were easily forgotten. “Was it love at first sight between us for you?” she chuckled to herself seeing as she already knew it wasn’t. Their fondness had grown over time, firstly as friends.

All of this of course was a distractionary measure. While Zodiac was focusing on other things, Cristiana was calling one last present. Two ladies walked in the house, one pushing, the other pulling two large heavy boxes that took up too much room. Both of the boxes were wooden crates. Every year things just got bigger and bigger! Perhaps at Christmas there would be a house at this rate.

Inside were two diamond Gargoyle cat like states for the front of the opening to the property, whichever property she picked. It was about time they arrived, and the girls were able to wheel them in. The diamond casing was most likely a bit hollow inside. It wasn’t for that, the flair was the cats and the diamond was the personal joke between the two women. Becky laid out a crowbar to open the cases. Even funnier still, she wasn’t sure which of the two ladies had done it but with a red marker drew a bow on a small part of the crate box exterior. That caused Cristiana to chuckle a bit.

“Well, the last of the presents have arrived!” She smirked wondering how this would get a reaction from her heart's desire.

The diamond kitty brooch pin was a source of humor to the woman. It was of course Cristiana’s and then it became Zodiac’s and hers to share. Much like a hoodie for those pesky mortal couples. She had wondered who really originally wore the piece.

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“Party is over!!! Everyone out!!! Last call happened 3 times!! The party lasted 10 hours and that is long enough.” She was dead assed tired and the club needed to be cleaned up still, at this rate she was looking to be sleeping in the office again. People started filtering out, grabbing their belongings in time to get a cab or take the subway right outside her doorway. She made herself busy grabbing glasses and piling them on the tray to be washed later.

“Cris, someone left a jacket! And hell it stinks of cheap *** perfume!” The human took a whiff and held it at arms length giving her a sour face.

“Put it in the Lost and Found box behind the bar. If no one claims it in 30 days, it’s all yours baby!” She laughed and went back to piling as many glasses as she could carry without knocking them off the tray to the dishwasher. On her way back she saw a glint on the floor. With the tray in one hand, bending at the knees, she picked up the cutest diamond kitty brooch. She stuck it in her pocket and moved along helping with the group until every bit of the club, inside and out, was cleaned.

A month passed by when the girl came in laughing, “Miss Crissy, you are not gonna believe it but the owner of that pink fluffy coat came in. She had this long platinum blonde hair down to her waist and nails so long they almost curl around! She picked out the coat with this snooty attitude still wearing that **** perfume!” The two women busted out laughing. Cristiana turned on the camera, and sure enough there was the woman putting up a funk about her coat. The poor guy behind the counter was looking up at the camera, several times pleading for help.

After the third time, Cristiana composed herself and headed out of the office into the barroom floor. “Hey Mick, What’s going on?”

Before he could even bother to answer, the lady spoke up. “Are you the manager?” She said huffing and rolling her eyes.

“No ma’am, I am the owner.” She said proudly puffing her chest out, even though this woman stood a full half foot taller than she did, there was no backing down here.

“Well isn’t that wonderful. I would like to put in a complaint about Mick here and my own personal property which is ruined! It cost me…”

Cristiana cut her off with a wave of her hand and not that anyone would know a tiny force of will. “Mick is fine. He is a wonderful employee on his way up to management. I am sorry, I didn’t catch your name….. Miss?”

“Susan. Suzy as my friends call me.” But internally the woman was seething gearing for another attack. Her foot shifted like she was bracing to launch herself.

Cristiana smoothly spoke up face, “Miss Suzy,” Her tone dulling to keep the woman calmer, “Your coat was found after the last party, Valentine’s I believe. We had the Sadie Hawkins party. You brought quite the handsome fellow who ordered Balvenie 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Speyside I believe. It was a grand party, in which after my staff picked up this coat dropped by you that very night. As you see from our sign, we hold no responsibility toward personal objects. This sign is posted inside and outside as well. So you see, you leaving it here gave up responsibility for whatever seemed to happen to it.”

“I come here all the time and spend a lot of money!” The woman was fuming to the point she practically had waves of heat coming off her body.

“That is wonderful so you know this policy well! I am glad this could be resolved so quickly. Have a drink on the house!” A hand placed to the small of the woman's back as anger bled into confusion into her being dismissed so easily.

“But…” She finally sputtered out.

“Mick get the woman whatever drink she would like on the house!” Cristiana smirked leading her straight to a barstool.

As she did, the woman slid into the seat ordering what she thought was the most expensive thing on the menu, "Do you have any Cognac Grande Champagne ?”

Mick mouthed a thank you as he went about his duties. Cristiana, after having very subtly changed the woman's thoughts with her mind; Confuse, intimidate and silver tongued, to make the woman subdue without the whole bar knowing what she was doing. She grabbed the Lost and Found Box and took it back to her office. “Let me know if you need anymore help Mick!” She called over the normal noise of the bar.

When back in the office, she dumped the box on the desk. Inside a shoe, a watch, some under garments and the diamond kitty broach fell onto her desktop. She pushed the other stuff back into the box. In the solitude of the office, drowning out the world she stared into the eyes of this little feline pin. It had been over a month so it was all rightfully hers. Even by law. It wasn’t like she was hurting for new jewelry. It just called out to her to wear it.

Weeks later she was getting dressed, she had a reading to do with her dearest friend Zodiac. Her love life was messy and confusing to say the least. She was secretly in love with someone but dating another one. It was a mess, and something that had happened before. It wasn’t even the first time. She really needed to stop playing these games with her heart.

She put the pin on her shawl keeping it secure in place as she went out into the night. It took mere moments to walk, a good stretch of the legs, from Lascivious Legacy down to the Honeymead Market where the tea shop was located. Being so close, it seemed silly to take the train.

“Zodiac!” She called seeing her dear friend upon entering. She took the shawl off and hung it on the peg nearest the doorway. She thought she heard something but Zodiac drew her attention. She went over and hugged her friend closely. “Dearest I am in such need of your advice!”

“Come have some tea, I will get my cards.” The woman already knew with Cristiana in the shop it was going to be till nearly dawn when she could leave but the female allurist had the most interesting and messed up love life. It was amusing and sad at the time. For her friend, she would wait till the last moments if she had to.

After what seemed like forever, and a good listening ear, she broke down knowing what was good for her in those moments. Talking with Zodiac always cleared up the fog over her. Instead of leaving within the house of dawn, there was still enough time to close the shop and get home before the sun broke the horizon. The two women hugged parting ways.

Cristiana put her shawl on wrapping it around her arms. She headed out home, the short walk back to her castle-like building on the edge of town right by the forest. Zodiac was cleaning up shop when the broach caught her eye. “I don’t remember you falling off, or even putting you on.” She talked to the piece of jewelry like it was an old friend of hers. She secured the broach on her top, like it had always been there.

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“Your broach??? It was mine first. But I am happy to share it with someone I love so dearly!”
Cristiana threw her hands in the air. “I don’t have it. Check the jewelry box wench!” She chuckled knowing the piece was still in there. “I gave you the earring and pendant to match in hopes you would leave the broach alone. But nooooooo you sneak it away.” Her voice teased, she didn’t mind it one bit.

Cristiana decided if Zodiac wanted to wear the pin broach so much, seeing it was her birthday and all, she would let her. Making herself comfy on the purple settee she sat sipping her drink. “You know we could make 50 of those silly beasts and never fight over just one again.” But she wasn’t up for the task, and realistically she doubted Zodiac would make it either. The two had too much fun seeing where the one would end up anyway.

“Did I surprise you this year? If I go any bigger, the next is going to be a house of diamonds in the shape of a kitty.” She wanted to laugh but she was too stuck on thoughts of what it would look like and if they could make the tail swoosh back and forth.

((OOC.. Done with permission by Zodiac human!))