Whaaa!!! Cecil turn around immediately after getting tapped on the shoulder, ready to punch whatever it is if it makes a wrong move.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQKIaEw4Hmc
I looked now into Vierna's eyes, wanting to see if she had been testing me, I wasn't one to take this sort of thing seriously, and in that I wanted nothing else in this moment. I grabbed her hand tightly in mine, guiding it up to my mouth. The scent she carried so familiar to that of the room I'd stayed in earlier. I bit down now, not painfully hard, just enough to leave a small sign of the action. Then in an instant I wrapped my arms around her neck hugging her. "this may disappear, over time, but I wont Vierna.". The words came out like they were rehearsed from a book, they'd felt like dejavu.... Like I'd said them before. Not sure where it all came from or what had come over me I stepped back, my face fully flushed a bright pink-ish red with embarrassment now. Something inside me was confused and wanted answers, another was craving something to hold onto. In-between it all was the content for being here by her, and Asher's side. A mixture of emotions that I wanted to harness and fully understand over a period of time. We had time, I wanted to preserve it any way I could and make a decision at my own discretion and pace. "Shall we?" I took her hand in mine again, this time linking my fingers through her's as we opened the door and walked through the metal doorway...
As I watched Fluer become bitten my heart was racing. I wiped the sweat off from my brow and stood there gazing at the two.
Cecil turned, fists at the ready only to find the rather diminutive Zak smiling up at him. "Happy to see me?" His own hands curling in and out. "I would love to go at it with you here, but I'm more interested in what's down there." He points at the screen, where Vierna and Fluer appear hand in hand. A slight flush on each of their cheeks.
"I'm curious to see how Asher means to deal with him." Another look at the tense Cecil brought on a chuckle. "Relax, man. We can beat on each other later."
Zak's eyes glue themselves to the screen. As Vierna guides Fluer to Asher, all would note that the blood on the floor parted for them as they walked.
Cecil relaxes his posture and slowly resumes his usual stance.
It's best not to sneak up on a man, especially if you don't know his past, but luckily your stature stopped me. Though I would like to punch something to relieve some stress.
Zak's sidelong smile was wide at Cecil's desire. Still focused on the screens, his voice lowered to a near whisper.
Together your eyes turn to Asher, the warmth you felt, you could now see. Flowing about the room like a storm cloud. Pure white eyes shined from within the swirling eddies of energy gazed down upon you and the weight of eons crashed down on you like a hammer.
Images of a war long past flitted about before your inner eye. You saw Asher, younger than he was now lay waste to his enemies in a foreign land, with legions behind him. Asher, as he and his kingdom grew to greatness. Thousands of people's faces, their voices all crashed into your awareness and pushed your sanity to the breaking point. Then images of a woman cut through the chaos, bringing a calm to the storm, her eyes seemed to have a gravity of their own, drawing yours to them without pause. She spoke, but you could not hear the words. Desperation and fear translated themselves into grim determination in this woman's features.
She faded away, and now you watched as Asher performed funeral rites for the same woman. Tears streaked down his face as he begged the gods for a place in the heavens for his wife and savior. Then all went black.
Moments later, Asher now thrashed in bed. His voice as he screamed was hoarse, his visage was pale and sickly, as if he hadn't eaten for days. Servants entered the room and rushed to their Lord's side. You recognize Vierna, looking the same as she had standing beside you moments before. Despite their efforts, Asher's fit would not allow them to aid him, as he threw the other girl into the far wall in blind rage or fear.
Vierna now tried to subdue him, ease him out of the spell. Despite her efforts, and it looked as though progress had been made, Asher too repelled her, putting a deep scratch across her neck. As the wound, however small, bled down her skin, Asher's pale face froze. Before you knew it, he was on her, long fangs sinking deep into her neck.
The vision slowly fades, but before you are fully aware you could hear Asher's apologies, and words of thanks.
When you came to, you stood before Asher, his arm outstretched in a gesture of welcome and invitation. Vierna beside you looked as though she had seen a ghost, though she did her best to hide her reaction when you looked to her.
Asher then spoke, his voice shocking everyone from their distractions with it's tone of finality. "The time has come for you to decide his fate. As I've said, there are new developments that I must discuss with you in private. I'm condfident that there are no more surprises, and whatever you decide here tonight you need not fear a missing piece of the puzzle."
I move through the door leading into the interrogation with caution not knowing what to expect had anything changed. Watching where I was stepping as if cautiously trying to avoid slipping on the blood to her amazement a path parted as she moved. It was as if the blood had trembled before her. Having a distant vague sense of power mixed with some royalty over it, shortly lived by the intense emotions wiping over me like high tide from the rest of the scene. Another presence made itself aware to me, chills spread throughout my body only to be out done with more severity upon making contact visually with the phenomenon. The sight before me was shocking and unreal. Like watching a movie documentary we both watched Asher's life play out before us.
The wars he fought, the ailments he suffered... it always revolved around blood. He had a wife, she had saved him somehow. My imagination wandered on the border of the possibilities. Countless in number they only got darker from where they started in my mind. With every passing memory it got harder for me to hold my composure. Gripping Vierna's hand tighter after each played out.
The subtle blackness was comforting even though my curiosity ached to know more.
Asher's voice reached my ears before the visions receded entirely. I felt as if I'd woken from a coma with the world around me coming back. Small surges of panic surfaced as He outstretched his inviting hand to mine.
Still confused I hold my hand back. "What are you? why did you bite Vierna?". Not able to shake the feeling of mistrust at the violent side of Asher and how the others in this house were connected somehow. "I deserve to know this much". My gaze shifts between Asher and Vierna waiting for some response from either of the two.
Something had to be different about them versus me,....
As Fluer held back from Asher's invitation, pain flashed in his expression before giving way to a neutral mask. He took a step forward, his hand still outstretched, and his demeanor anything but threatening. Beside Fluer, Vierna was silent, placing a comforting hand on Fluer's shoulder.
"I do not know what I am. What I do know, is that I have caused pain, suffering, been the subject of nightmares and fantasies alike. I owe a great debt to many, a debt I can never truly repay."
His eyes fall to Fluer's hand, held back from him. "In the last few hundred years, humans invented the label of Vampire. Whether or not it was based on pure imagination, or a survivor of an attack, not much is known. I am many things, Saia Fluer. I will not lie and say that I am no threat to you or the others. As you must have seen, even I have lapses in control."
His gaze shifts to Vierna, standing still as a statue under the scrutiny. Not in fear, it was something else. Something on the other side of what your rational minds could figure. Her expression though, was clear. Affection and loyalty. Asher's eyes return to Fluer, the pragmatism of his previous expression was gone and in its place, something like hope peaked out from the depths.
"The vampire enjoys the gift of immortality and other gifts besides, the price being an insatiable thirst for blood. With time, however, one can master their thirst."
Asher then glances directly up to the cameras feeding the scene to the others, seeming to meet each of their eyes in turn, then back to Fluer. "One reason I have gathered you all here, is to extend an offer to you all to join our family for eternity. The choice is your own, nothing is being forced upon you, but know this. I will be hard on you as you work to control your intincts. I do not tolerate senseless slaughter, we are not beasts, but the apex predators of the night. The kings and queens of the dark, and must present ourselves accordingly."
My body begin to tremble, the fear of not knowing the capabilities are frightening to say the least. More so, they were unbelievable. No matter the amount of thought I couldn't fool myself into thinking it wasn't possible. However... Some trust lied in it. It was undeniable given the fact presented, and actions taken this night.
I couldn't help but shy away from the idea. When I'd said I wanted power, I didn't want the responsibility of becoming a monster. That is, before a small voice inside my head spoke up. It urged the memories of all the pain and suffering my father and his subjects placed me through. The endless nights, weeks, and years of testing and mental anguish. What is it that I would become? Would it be worth the cost?
Vierna's grasp on my hand reminded me of where I was. Her eagerness was apparent as I looked to her. Knowing very well this could be a trap, it was also possible that infact it could happen either way. At least this way I had the choice. I leaned in towards Vierna so that only she could hear,
After hearing her response I would turn back to Asher, "I do not have the power my long term goals aquire, that said I don't have any desire of becoming a puppet again, nor a beast that you speak of... Can you guarantee I'd die before that day comes that I'd recklessly killing where it was unneeded?" A slight trembling arose in her voice as she sputtered the words out.
Thinking in depth for a moment with my pointer finger of my free hand on my lips, a short lived silence goes by. "I have a suggestion if I may Asher? for this one,..." My finger now pointer at my assailant from earlier. "Perhaps a lesson should be learned here? would I be wrong to say that when the dog bites he should be defanged?"
"Now he deserves to die..."
Cecil looks upon the cameras and the images they show. It seemed like a drama show what was unfolding... Wait? Vampires...?
As Zak finishes Cecil looks down at his rope gauntleted hand. Slowly he opens it. The faint light can just barley be seen shining through it. Cecil looks to David who seems to be sweating profusely. Then into his own thoughts he dwelled. Anger starts to be seen on Cecil's face as he begins to walk out of the room and down to where Asher is. Undoing his rope gauntlet as he goes...
When he makes it down to the room he will burst in.
Not force us?! NOT FORCE US?! It's literally join or die! Honey or vinegar! Someone wants us dead, you show up and say you can give us this... THIS! Cecil points to the blood remaining on the floor. And you have the nerve to say we aren't being forced. Cecil's eyes dart back and forth between Asher and Fluer. Then why the f+%% does this sigil react to you! Cecil opens his hand twards Asher, arm fully extended. The light from his hand shining as brightly as a flashlight. In the center of his palm a sigil appears to be emanating the light.
In response to Cecil barging in and complicating things, Vierna's grip on Fluer's hand loosens and a low growl escapes from her lips. She'd begun to take a step toward Cecil, but Asher stopped her with little more than a look.
Asher's expression was carefully neutral, Vierna livid. However Tyler held a look of pure terror as he stared into the light from Cecil's sigil.
A moment of silence passes following Cecil's arrival. Asher then breaks it, his tone as blank as his expression. "I've been following each of your movements for some time now. You may have noticed some strange things about, shadows where there shouldn't have been, an abundance of bats, or rats as you made your way home. I was not lying when I said that part of the reason I brought you here was to extend this invitation, one that is, completely optional. I nor any of my followers will harm you in any way should you refuse. I have also offered my protection, and a place to stay until a time your hunters are dealt with. I have no intention of lifting the protection should any of you refuse to become one of us. No one here, is being forced to do anything by me or my house."
His gaze turns to regard Fluer, in his eyes a dim glow appeared.
"Vierna, see to Ms Fluer's request."
Vierna stepped forward, Tyler squeeling as he seemed unable to move. Time seemed to still as she closed in as a darkness rose from Vierna's wrists and up the entirety of her arms, eventually enveloping her entire body. A flash, if it could be called such, and Tyler was on the ground screaming, blood spewing from his mouth and pooling before him.
Cecils eyes narrowed at Asher's response.
You misunderstand Asher, I wasn't referring to you or your ilk being the ones that would kill or harm us. It's the ones you call our "hunters" that I refer to. Whether we accept your "gift" or not, we are still forced to align with you to survive, whether it be your intent or not.
Cecil's muscles begin to relax slightly. Bringing his hand to his chest to view the sigil. He stares momentarily at it as if he was suddenly lost in time. As the blood spilled from Tyler's mouth, Cecil would snap out of his trance and look to Asher again.
I will ask again Asher... for you seem to have misplaced the response from my earlier question. Why does this sigil react to you? And also let me add, what does it represent? Answer me truthfully, and I will consider your "gift."
I did not know whether or not to trust my feelings but alas I succumbed and said out loud."Lord Asher, I humbly accept your generous offer. It seems that there is someone or something speaking to me beyond a whisper, convincing me that this is a choice that I should make. I apologize for my rude and disturbing behavior earlier. There is much that I would like to discuss with you in private but first I would gladly take in your gift.
Cecil,... the oversized ogre of a brute came bashing in as if I really needed the scare while so deep in thought. Stuck in the heat of the moment at first his words felt as if spoken from my mind only to have taken it to the opposite side of the spectrum. His words showed his frustration to me. Or so I would assume from this point as, he is probably easily provoked. For a slight moment I almost wondered where the creepy coward was,... if I'd spoken these words they would've been too soon as seconds later he skulked in. It seems insanity was making a breakthrough in his mind.
The tug of Vierna's arm as she defensively held ground against Cecil's rough entry is what surprised me the most. I needed the support, having had all these events happen in such a short period of time had only helped in confusing me more. I felt exhausted all the while overcome with curiosity, and anxiousness.
"A pact then, should you give in to temptation and your lower instincts, I will be the one to put an end to you and in return, you must do the same for me when the time comes."
A smirk made way across my face. Dabbling in the pleasure that I could finally gain vengeance on my father and all that he'd ruined in my life.
"Are we in agreement?"
"Why of course,.... I suppose I wouldn't have it any other way.
Moments passed greeted with the oh so familiar grin, "I'm as ready as I'll ever be..."
As we returned to the present where Cecil demanded answers the realization that Vierna was moving towards Tyler now dawned on me. It was happening. I made a quick glance to the windowed opening up above where the other vampire's still watched. My eyes now locked on to Tyler and Vierna. I wouldn't look away, it was my call, my judgement, now it was my responsibility to watch it through. The heft of my judgement wouldn't mean anything if I didnt have what it took to watch it be done. The room lit up magnificently as the sun beamed through the ceiling. It opened slowly at first, with every grinding gear's clunk Tyler's anxiety rose. With every step closer Vierna made his eyes dialated more.
I enjoyed it, for the first time the food got to play with the predator...only to become the food....
The scene felt as if it were going in slow motion, the movements were as if out of a movie. Anticipation for the climax to reach the ultimate peak before it came crashing down into the all to savory plot... The ceiling contraption now open all the way and Tyler's screams bellowing as Vierna made work of him skillfully. Time seemed to be in fast forward now. The movements well out of what was humanly possible. On her finishing him I would pause before walking slowly out of the room,.... "Ashes to ashes..."
Asher nodded his acknowledgement of David's acceptance, and waved for him to leave. "Your patron will greet you on the dance floor, go and enjoy the hospitality of my house while you yet remain a guest. Know that for your safety, select individuals have been chosen for each of you to watch over you and guard from any further threats. You are encouraged to keep them close, but you may choose to dismiss them at any point."
Fluer seemed in a trance, muttered words, jumbled as if she were sleeping broke from her lips as she stood there before Asher, his hand out to her still as if to guide her from whatever place her mind now wandered.
His gaze returned to Cecil. "I've not misplaced anything, you merely asked questions of the wrong person. Zachariah has the answers you seek. As for what the sigil itself represents, it is a symbol, a statement of my... protection, if you will. You may have also have found other uses for it in the past."
At the utterance of his full name, Zak's voice breaks out from speakers that you can't quite place in the walls. "My name is Zak."
Asher laughs, the sound enticing to the ear and a bit contagious as you also note a grin on Vierna's face, despite the situation at hand. "Now then, if I've satisfied your curiousity for the moment, I would also encourage you to join the others in the Ballroom, Cecil. Zak will tell you more then, in private should you wish it. Vierna and I will escort Ms Fluer to the ballroom once she has regained her composure, you all have been through much. I hope that the stress of tonight's events will soon fade from your minds, as our time together will prove mutually beneficial."
You stood now, held in Asher's arms as if in a lover's embrace, his hand at the small of your back, supporting most of your weight even as your body presses against his. The other brushed your hair from your eyes, and his eyes bore into you searchingly, as if to confirm your well being. Your hand on his chest felt a great warmth radiating from him in waves and you find that your thoughts calm ever more with each passing moment.
As your focus returns, you note the absence of Cecil and David. In the room now were only you, Vierna and Asher. Tyler's broken form twitching, and breathing rather heavily against the far wall.
"Welcome, David, to our House. Jon here will take you to get changed, and then to the ballroom where you will find Her."
Protection... Cecil's eyes meet his palm as things seemed to become clearer. But he will depart from the room with a quick turn and a frustrating sigh. Sigil of his protection, though he has no idea about it... really...? Cecil mutters under his breath as he makes his way to Zak.
Alright Zak, let's get this over with so I will at least get some type of answer tonight that I can feel satisfied with.
"I thought....?"
My eyes travel from Asher to Vierna to the ceiling back to Asher.... "Am I going crazy?..."
Weather it be from the sight the visions, the smell of blood, the gore found everywhere tonight, the blood loss or all the above, I couldn't place what had taken over me. My realities were as transparent as they were solid up till this moment as I looked around for recognition that something was real.
As I lay there held up by Asher the moments seemed to drag on and again my face began gaining color as realization washed over me.
"...Crap.... not again..." My eyes finally focusing fully took into view what was left of Tyler... The body was...twitching... satisfaction washed over me, though I couldn't help but still want the beast put down. His voice rang in my mind a thousand times over, a whispered echo "The pact is sealed". To this I smiled, before looking to Vierna once more, "Thank you...." my voice broke slightly, as if gone dry. I began trying to hold myself up, regaining my footing on the floor once more. Making the effort to show I was fine now I looked to the two of them once more giving them the chance to say anything else before leaving the room. The only looks I now held for Tyler were glares of utter disgust.
"Who is this lady you speak of. I hope zat she is beautiful."I nodded and calmly walked my way towards Jon and followed him.
He offers you his arm, waiting for a moment for you to accept or refuse, either way he will then lead you out from the chamber and back up the stairs, Vierna sealing shut the doors behind you. "We will provide a change of dress, Vierna will personally guard your every move while you see to yourself. I will not be far. If there is anything eating at your mind, any questions you may still have ask them now. I'm afraid there will be no time to ponder over them should we wait any longer."
The guards that had escorted you before were nowhere to be seen. It was only the three of you, and as you walked down the halls and back toward the ballroom elevator, none took notice of your passing. This new trek led you past the elevator to another subsection of rooms behind the ballroom, convenient for the late night party-goer hoping to get lucky. Asher turned to you at one such door, his eyes were unfocused as he gazed at you, as if he were both avoiding and meeting yours. "I am truly and deeply sorry that our first meeting was stained with blood and fear. I'd have had it any other way."
Vierna opens the door and holds it for you, waiting patiently to follow you in.
"Mind them not, Master Akerman. They will not harm you. You are now a noble of this house. Each and every one of these fools will be at your disposal. Lady Daray awaits you at the dance floor."
With an encouraging push, Jon directs you into the crowd. You can see where a large group has gathered and are dancing and jumping with the beat.
"Worry not, should you fail to find her, she will find you." Then Jon was gone in an instant, as if he were never there.
But instead of walking down the hall, Zak lifts his shirt. At first in the dim light, nothing spectacular reveals itself to you. But as you strain, with both your eyes and your patience, you begin to notice thick, roped scars down the kids back. Not a single space on his skin was unmarked, and the scars depicted a great torture that you could too clearly see in your mind.
Moments later he tucks his shirt back on, and rolls up his sleeves. There again, scars about his wrists from what seemed to be manacles or the like. "I too have felt the sting and humiliation of the slums. I was a slave to a man named Emmrick Kyran for a span of years I dont care to reveal. He spared me no mercy during my stay."
Zak's eyes had grown dark, and perhaps a trick of the light made it seem that they were actually making the room darker with an inner light. "It is this understanding of your past, that led to your being here. Asher was right in that it was not his place to answer your questions, since it was I who had an interest in you from the beginning. His mark merely served to ward off other predators."
A choked laugh escapes him. "Yes, I had contemplated killing you, but we were much too alike. I asked myself why waste such potential for a meal?" He now turned to you, his expression blank. "The invitation my Lord extended was in proxy to me. I am the one whom brought you here, Cecil. Your are a man who knows the meaning of true darkness, that few others could fathom, couped up here in their fancy rooms and bureaucracy."
"I doubt this explanation holds any true sway. I saw a little of myself in you, and my interest led you here. The offer to become a vampire stands. Should you accept, you'll find several advantages that might interest you. Namely you'll be much, much stronger."
He then let out a sigh,taking his first step back down the hall. "But you need not decide now. And whatever you decide, you will be supported and protected, if need be. This was never a choice I wished to force on you."
Vat a party! I haven't felt this groove since I vas in college!" I gave the party a quick look, it was a little discouraging to see the others eying me out like a steak ready to be served. But I gathered my wits and proceeded to boogie.
Cecil will ponder on Zak's response. Finally, he got someone to talk and explain things. Though, he wasn't any less on edge than he was previously. Cecil would get ready for the "ball" and re wrap his rope gauntlet around his hand.
Vierna steps in and leans against the island, letting you settle in before speaking up. "Now you are part of our family. You will share in our strengths, and in our hardships. In both of which there are many. We will help you meet your goals, as you will help us. You are home now, and you are safe."
Pushing away from the island, Vierna walks over to sit beside you, with little hesitation she places a comforting hand on your arm where it brushes gently. "There will be many trials ahead, have faith in us, your family and in yourself and you will be fine."
One couple among the crowd saunters over to you with almost drunken smiles. The male had an arm possessively over the girl's shoulder, and she clung to him like a magnet.
The man rose his other hand in a wave. "Greetings, I don't believe I've seen you here before. My name is Alek Barovski, and this is the lovely Jane." He said, indicating his partner. "Are you enjoying the party thus far?"
Alone in the room, a quick scan of the room painted in bright hues of blue and white had a cheery comfort to it. The bed was queen size with silvery satin sheets. The two recliners were placed opposite each other and facing the center of the room diagonally. A small island separated the rest of the room from the kitchenette, with its almost travel size refrigerator and cabinets, even the stove was small. The counterspace was black and white marble and the cabinets were a fancy shade of spruce. There were no windows or other doors save to a restroom in the back.
On the rack were several different outfits, ranging from tuxedos, to things on the verge of fetishwear. All of them looked expensive and flashy.
"All of these outfits will fit to perfection. Take your pick and meet me out here when you are done."
"That is a story spanning generations, while I and the council know much and hold great power here, it is Asher who commands us. The council consists of only females, all elders who have lived for centuries or more. This is what first started their conflict."
"Skylar was not born a vampire, as many of the council were. Asher turned him, saving him from the plague and mortality."
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"I'm not sure I really know myself. Asher has made jokes about a harem, and he has been known to take a mate from among them, but honestly it's more than that I think. All but two of the ruling council have given birth. A mother will always see to the protection of her young. That may be part of it."
Her gaze lifts to the ceiling, deep in thought.
"Lady Daray will see you now."
Through the doors and into the fray, Zak makes his way to one of several bars about the room and takes a seat. "Enjoy the party as you like. Drinks are on the house, and food aplenty. Help yourself."
Zak ordered nothing, merely sitting there still as a statue peering out into the crowd in a blank stare as if deep in thought.
Cecil orders a stiff whiskey as in the bottle itself and leans against the bar with his back, taking a shot here and there. "umm... Cool ball... I suppose... I tend not to even go to bars, usually have to beat someone's face in for my whiskey..." Cecil looks around awkwardly and assumes the same state of mind as Zak.
"Gladly! Geh voraus."
"Here. It is a gift from Asher. It was made long before even my time, when jewels such as these first were found in the deep places of the world. There is power in it. Power that will be as a companion in the trials that are sure to come. Keep it close, always."
A clink of glass draws your attention to the table, the woman is holding a glass full of a deep red liquid, presumably wine though it seems to viscous as it clings to the edges of the glass. As she sets it on the table, if you were to look, you notice that her eyes never leave you, though they seem to pierce into your very soul, and see much more than can be understood.
"Greetings David, it is an honor and a priveledge to finally meet you. My name is Alianna Daray. Welcome."
"The days that you must toil and gamble your life for the simplest of life's necessities are gone. If you decide to stay with us, your fists will serve a greater purpose and you will know what it means to trust another man and to be trusted in return."
He turns to regard you, none of his previous humor was there in his face. Only brutal truth. "We may be predators, but we have honor. In all honesty, we would be nothing without it but shades of our previous selves, tainted by our darker impulses. Asher has given us much, and does still."
"Should you decide that your place is with us, you will become a part of something more than yourself, or the city in which you dwell. But a key instrument of justice, and retribution. It is our coven's responsibility to guide and to govern others of our kind. They look to us for an example, and for protection in darker times. Much like your police, or military."
He then grows silent, clasping his hands together and spinning his thumbs about in a circle. It seemed that perhaps there was more he had to say, and maybe more was in his expression.
Once she'd seated herself at the bar as comfortably as possible Saia took out that cell phone from her purse once more and began running through it. She listened in to anything within earshot that caught her attention but otherwise briefly glanced through the phone's memory looking for clues.