Persephone
Nosferatu
{S=5}
Make me pretty, make me beautiful.
Posts: 11
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Post by Persephone on Aug 8, 2009 16:03:47 GMT -5
Whispers in the alleys, whispers in the dark. Every shadow whispers to me, but none of them have anything to say. Silent glances, signs, symbols and markings throughout the city. They all whisper to me, speaking the language my Sire taught me. Safety here, Lupines there, Elysium getting closer. I haven’t been in the city but a few minutes, and thankfully I’ve already fed out of the city’s boundaries. Eating from someone else’s icebox is never smiled upon.
I slide through the darkness, darting into alleyways, dropping into sewer holes. It’s a new city, a new layout, but nothing changes my navigation. Shadows and the underground. I draw my tongue along my lips. When did that fly land there? I pick the dead insect off my tongue and flick it off into the dark. I say dark like it’s blinded me. I can see well enough to stay along the thin walkway in the sewer system, careful not to fall into the sludge. Swimming is fine, but there’s no time for that now. Besides, I found this jacket last week and I’d hate to ruin a faux-fur so soon.
One more whisper, a scratch in the cement wall, tells me where to go. I climb up to the next manhole and slowly, slightly lift it to look around. Darkness. No one around. Safety. I climb out of the sewer and replace the cover before blending back with the folds of blackness. Not too far. I can smell blood. Feeding grounds. While tempting, I can’t pick any meal yet. Formalities first and foremost. I travel behind the backs of buildings, avoiding even the slightest light coming from the blinds of a window. Duck, avoid, crawl. I do all of it. If my coat is ruined, so be it. I can get another one once I’m settled in. If I’m settled in. If they’ll have me.
The whispers of the streets lead me to the City Building. All signs point to yes and all I need is a welcome mat. Ensuring that I am hidden from the sight of any possible onlooker, I slip into the building. Dropping my guise of false-intangibility, I let my eyes adjust to the brightness of the interior before looking to the desk. The woman who sits there seems to be…staring at me. Poor dear. I approach her slowly. Before I get too close, she stands and walks to lead me. I follow without sound or question, wanting to be on my best behavior. She leaves me in a room. It’s a very nice room. Clean, tidy, a bit stuffy and too orderly, but it’s not mine to judge. I lick the side of my mouth quickly and look over the large man in the room with me. No doubt a body guard. He doesn’t seem like much of a jester. I stand still, waiting quietly, licking my lips. I look around the room still more, trying to figure out the angle and why it makes me feel confined. Power? No. Cleanliness? No. No, it’s probably all of the straight lines. All too well-put together. Too man-made.
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Roxie
Administrator
{S=2}The Prince
I am the light. [br]What you seek is my flame.
Posts: 26
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Post by Roxie on Aug 8, 2009 17:48:20 GMT -5
It has been a morning for business. Signing different contracts, settling inner city disputes. Just regular maintenance issues, mostly. Nothing real big to worry about. I was just meeting with Jena on some particular items I need conjured, when I get word there's a new vampire in my City seeking presentation. I send Trent to look her over a bit before I can get there, taking the pleasantries out of Jena's meeting to speed it up some. Jena doesn't mind. Straight to the point is more her style anyhow. After leaving the 5th office in a row in only hours, Gavin leads me on to yet another. These aren't actually my personal offices, they are city offices. Aid. would be the only one welcome in my own personal office... Gavin opens the door, holding it for me, before following me in. Even though I doubt a new vamp would attack me coming into the City, both of my body guards are tightly around me to meet an unknown. As soon as I enter my eyes fix on the new kid, and I grin, setting a hand on Gavin's giant forearm,
"Ohhhh! Isn't she beautiful?"
Of course he just stands there... he's not payed to talk. So I move on, sitting on the desk in front of her. Another Nosferatu for my fine City... How exciting! I love my ratties.... But... back to business.
"Welcome to the City. I am Roxie, you're Prince. What brings you here? And are you educated enough to know the basic laws of the Camarilla?"
I make a small wave of my hand, sending Trent to grab some blood and glasses, as I wait for her to answer me.
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Persephone
Nosferatu
{S=5}
Make me pretty, make me beautiful.
Posts: 11
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Post by Persephone on Aug 8, 2009 19:08:25 GMT -5
The Prince. She must be the Prince, after all. She easily commands the room without raising a finger or even speaking. I’m sure she could command armies with silence. Pity about that face, though…perhaps one day she’ll be able to grow beyond her remaining human confines. Till then, I offer her a curled smile. Beautiful. At least I know she’s wise enough to see what many may never ascend to. She wants to know my name and intentions, as well as my knowledge of our laws and how educated I am on the matter. Brevity and thoughtfulness seem favorable above drawn-out idiocy. Before I speak and between my sentences, my tongue darts across my lips quickly.
“I am Persephone,” I say softly. Fortunately, my tongue does not hinder me saying my name. “I have arrived here after some travel. I have long been wandering, and would like a thity to call home. A thet of thewerth to reside in, if it pleases you.” My answers are most honest, and I can honestly find no fault in them. Always only answer as much as you are asked for.
“Ath for our lawth,” Lick. “Firtht is to maintain the Mathquerade. Second the lawth of the Domain, third the Progeny.” Lick. “Fourth comes the Accounting, fifth the Hothpitality, and finally,” Lick. “The Dethtruction.” I nod. “A right left to you, of courth.”
I pause, hoping I didn’t trip too wildly over my tongue in my speech. “If any elaboration ith wished,” I smile. “I would be happy to oblige.”
After I speak, I become quiet, my eyes still glancing around every so often, but staying on Roxie, the Prince, as much as I can manage. I can tell any mortal would shrink from her, and I must admit I feel a bit of that myself. But, my Sire’s lessons have taught me well, and I will hold myself up as best I can. Lick. Another fly? Are these on my lips or stuck in my mouth somewhere? I’d have to check on that later. I let the dead insect remain in my mouth, not wanting to pick at myself in front of present company.
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Roxie
Administrator
{S=2}The Prince
I am the light. [br]What you seek is my flame.
Posts: 26
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Post by Roxie on Aug 8, 2009 19:26:52 GMT -5
I watch her carefully, calculating, as she answers me, usually able to get a good personal feel for other Kindred. Part of the job.. Her tongue makes it hard for her to speak, and so I have to pay real close attention to her words to make out what she's saying. Well this one won't be fit for public speaking... but then, we make more practical use of our resources here. After she speaks, Trent has returned with a decanter of blood and 2 glasses, pouring and handing one to each of us. I pull my cell phone out, sending Aidonius a text, New clan member, office #6. Nodding to Trent to get another glass ready for our Nos Primogen's appearance. I nod my head to her,
"It pleases me to have you here in my City. If you wish to be a member of our fine City, and not just a wanderer, you may be called on when we need you. Give back to the society that houses you, and we shall all benefit in having you here. Your clan's Primogen is on his way. When it comes to matter of the sewers, those pleasantries belong in his hands."
I take a sip of the glass of blood, still sitting on the desk in front of her.
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Persephone
Nosferatu
{S=5}
Make me pretty, make me beautiful.
Posts: 11
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Post by Persephone on Aug 8, 2009 23:21:04 GMT -5
I accept the blood with a polite nod and a smile. I sniff it quickly, closing my eyes as I favor the scent. I open my eyes slowly, looking to the Prince as she continues to speak. I pay close attention to her words, not wanting to leave anything she requests or asks of me unanswered.
"Oh yeth, I would gladly do whatever I can for my clan and the thity. My Thire alwayth thpoke of the importanth of helping thosthe who willingly help you." He also spoke of many other htings I would not divulge publicly, perhaps not even privately, but that was all for another time as was fit.
I swirl the blood gently before bringing it to my lips. Only moments before I sip, I pause in my movements. I lower the glass and look from the Prince to the bodyguard as I ask my question softly. "I don't want to theem ungrateful or," I can't say suspicious. It's not a matter of manners, I just can't say it. It always comes out "thuthpithiouth" and frankly it sounds silly. "Untruthing, but might I athk what sex this blood comes from?" Bottled drinks were always tricky like that.
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Aidoneus
Nosferatu
{S=5}Primogen
The Unseen
Posts: 11
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Post by Aidoneus on Aug 9, 2009 1:37:06 GMT -5
Patience, as they say, is a virtue more prized than gold. This is central tenat of the Nosferatu way, and one I have long embraced. Certainly within our clan there is a need to be proactive in the acquisition of information, and the dealing with invaders...but there remains at our heart the idea that things shall come to Us in time, if only we have the fortitude to wait for them. In time the other clans will realize this fact...far too late to do them any good...
A key example comes now, as I move myself easily from the limo that has brought me to the City building. I recieved several messages this evening regarding an unknown Nosferatu, aparently new to the city, and requesting my orders in such a matter. Many would have had her seized, or even outright killed, but that is not my method. Instead she was followed, watched. Her goings reported back to me via the spiderweb I maintain, electronic mail and cellular telephones replacing the smoke signals and letters of distant past. Telling me of her arrival at the Prince's place of buisness.
That was all I really needed to know. With her reporting before the Prince, it was only a matter of time before I was called in on behalf of the Clan. Easy enough to prepare for. Slipping into my usual cassock, seeing to my driver and transport. When the message comes, I am on the road within seconds, quickly moving across the dying night traffic of downtown to the Prince's abode, coming to my usual entrance, and quickly moving inside. Taking my usual path up the winding stairwells to the proper floor, and then to the proper office.
The guards know me well enough to let me in, smart enough to realize they could not keep me out. Besides, they will have been informed to expect me. The prince is nothing if not careful in her plans. Intricate as a Nosferatu in some cases.
I enter from behind my new clansman, incling my head in respect of the prince before I speak, keeping my voice the low hiss I use for other Nosferatu, far from the oratory the other Primogen would here. We Nosferatu do not waste breath on shining words when there is business to be done.
"I am Aidoneus, Primogen of our Clan within this city..."
I speak as I stride across the room, assessing her with a coolness borne of long experience. No doubt a human would find her horrifying, disgussting....I am long past such concerns. Now I only see the curse of our clan, and the shining eyes behind it. This one has potential...Perhaps...there is also a nervous energy about her, and a strange almost rictus smile, far from the dark looks of most clan members. She almost seems happy...strangely enough.
"I would assume my Prince, that this newcomer has not sullied your company in any way? If so, I would of course see to her...ample punishment."
the last brings an automatic smile to my lips. One I'm sure the prince will share. We both know I would enjoy such a task all too much...though I doubt it is needed in this case. If she had managed to displease the Prince, I doubt intensely that she would still be among the living...at least so much as Any of us can be said to.
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Roxie
Administrator
{S=2}The Prince
I am the light. [br]What you seek is my flame.
Posts: 26
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Post by Roxie on Aug 9, 2009 4:12:47 GMT -5
She seems more than eager to help out the City in turn, and it seems she's had a good Sire to get that from. Not bad, so far. Her question on the sex of the blood raises my eyebrows. So she has particular tastes. Interesting. I have to scan Trent's mind, as he's the one that chose the blood for this, and a wicked grin crosses my lips as I see the answer, my fangs coming out at the thought.
"It would seem as we are drinking a very vintage brew tonight my dear. This is wine culled from a Tibetan priest. One of much purity. Pity I didn't get to tear it from his veins myself... but then, still tasteful when brought to the proper temperature."
I take another drink from the glass, rolling the flavor over my tongue a bit, as I feel the Nosferatu Primogen enter. His tone shows he is on Clan business, and I simply nod my head, a smile sparked on his words. After a dark smile shared between Aidonius and myself, I nod in her direction.
"On the contrary, she seems eager to give to our fair community in exchange for allowing her to stay. She has my permission to prove her worth."
Trent pours the third glass, offering it to Aid.
"As much as I would love to see just what her special skills could do for us, I have many affairs still on my to do list for this evening."
I hold my glass up to Aid, before downing it. The sewers are a complicated place, Aidonius can show her things I don't even care to know about. If things turn out for the good, she may just get another audience with me in the future. If they turn out wrong... well... I'm sure Wade can find the end of some shiny implement to hang her from. I nod to her one last time for this night,
"My City has much to offer one willing to give in as much as they get, as well as swift merciless punishment to those that go against our ways. Use that how you will."
I turn to leave, both body guards silently following me. She is in Aidonius's capable hands now. For better, or worse.
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Persephone
Nosferatu
{S=5}
Make me pretty, make me beautiful.
Posts: 11
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Post by Persephone on Aug 9, 2009 23:51:35 GMT -5
She explains the blood came from a male, and I begin drinking slowly as she explains his history in brief. I’ve never had a…vintage drink, and I must say it’s quite contrary to what I expected one would be. Not cold or stale, rather it still tastes of the human’s essence. Quite delectable indeed. “Delithiouth.” As I begin to take another sip, the Prince’s attention is drawn to the creature behind me. He gives me his name and status, and I offer him the same polite, submissive demeanor I offered the Prince. I don’t mind acknowledging my lesser status, not when I’m so fresh in the area.
My tongue flicks across my lips. He asks if I have been a nuisance and in need of punishment. I brace myself, but soon relax and take another taste of blood as the Prince dismisses me as less than a bother. She gives me permission to stay, and I say respectfully with a slight bow, “Thank you, thank you my Printh.”
As she leaves, I turn to face Aidoneus, the Primogen. My Primogen. My fellow Nosferatu and new leader. I set my empty glass on the desk and lick my lips.
“Tho thorry, my mannerth. My name ith Perthephone. And, ath the Printh thated, I intend to remain in thith thity tho long ath I am welcomed.”
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Aidoneus
Nosferatu
{S=5}Primogen
The Unseen
Posts: 11
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Post by Aidoneus on Aug 10, 2009 0:49:25 GMT -5
The Prince reacts to my question with her usual tone. Explaining the situation to me, and then leaving me with my new charge. Knowing no doubt that I will need to deal with her personally. Roxie has developed quite well into her role within her position, and it pleases me that she understands this need. Many Princes take a good deal longer to understand this aspect of my clan leadership.
My Nosferatu are tunnel rats, the same as any other, but I exercise a goodly degree more control than the average...These Nosferatu are my tools for the works I do, the information I gather. The strong lines in my web, as it were.
And I have no need for dulled tools.
I seat myself opposite of Persephone...as I assume she says her name is...the lisp will take some time to get used to. Hardly the worst I've encountered though. At least this one can speak.
I take my glass in hand, sipping it carefully as I consider her. Cataloguing what I can see of her. What I can determine based upon this.
She is not filthy, at least not anywhere near as much as most of our Clan. This implies at least some rememant of pride, reinforced by the almost ostentatious addition of a faux fur coat. The nails I see are neatly grown, not bitten short, or sharpened unusually to a point. She is probably not of a nervous disposition, nor overly predatory. The eys still gleam silverly with a submissive, but almost sparkling light. That inner happiness that I saw before, still puzzling to me.
After a moment's consideration I speak, letting my voice hiss still, but softening the tone to a slightly less formal tenor, no longer needing to dominate before the prince. Willing to be a little more flexible with my own clansman.
"Persephone, Mmm? How interesting that our names share a history of sorts....Now, as far as your welcoming shall go...understand these things simply, and you will live without problems. I run this clan, and all that is known by it, is given first to me. For this price you will earn my favor, and from that, greater position in the clan. Keep things from me...and you will not long survive. Politeness is a gift of lesser immortals. Save it for them, I want only to know what you do. No more, no less. Let the Bluebloods and Flowerfanciers concern themselves with flowery language, it only hurts what I wish to know. Now, you will tell me of your sire, and what has brought you to this place and time. Spare no details from me. We have the night to spend on it, and what is said shall not extend beyond this place. I simply need to know who I am dealing with. After we are concluded, I will permit you to stay in one of my crypts for the night."
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Persephone
Nosferatu
{S=5}
Make me pretty, make me beautiful.
Posts: 11
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Post by Persephone on Aug 10, 2009 16:35:17 GMT -5
I’m thrown by his comment on our names. Aidoneus doesn’t ring a bell with me. Of course, I never studied beyond the poor girl education I had.
“My Thire was called Tarcheck. He never went into detail about hith name, only that it had to do with tarpits and his Sire naming him. I quethtioned him only one other time and he wathn’t pleathed with my athking him further about it. It wath the only time he wath ever…leth than gentle towardth me.” Quickly my tongue darts out and- damn it. How many flies are in there? I must have slept with my mouth open this morning. Well, Aidoneus had said manners were for others. With that in mind I pick the fly off of my tongue and wipe it off on my ragged top.
“He told me he had been a profethor of…” I pause for a moment, trying to remember his precise words. “Humanitith with a focuth on philothophy and human emotionth. Very withe, underthtanding and patient…thave for what I jutht told you about my athking about hith name more. He wath a bit short with plain idioth, but he wath uthually thoughtful in hith actionth. He didn’t shun the beatht, didn’t dithcourage me from feeling it. He only pathed hith pathienth with otherth on to me, ath well ath knowledge of the lawth of the Mathquerade and the shadowth in the world. Tarcheck thaid he had embrathed me partly from pity and partly becauth of my enduranth. Before he took me, I wath a farm girl and wath married to a very…abuthive man in every thenth of the word. Tarcheck had theen how he treated me, but didn‘t make a move for a few month. Unfortunately, when he finally did turn me I wath thick with rabieth, and now motht I feed on get to share my ditheath for a while.”
My tongue flicks out again, and this time, with no flies to show.
“But that’th bethide the point. I went from thity to thity with Tarcheck, following hith orderth, learning the wayth and all that. After thirty yearth, he felt I wath fit to survive without a mentor. He left me, and thinth then, 1981, I’ve been wandering, looking for a thity to call home. It’th all thtill weird to me, the thity. Concrete ithn’t the barnth I grew up with, but,” I shrug my shoulderth.
“I’m not complaining. I thurvive and make due with what I have. And of courth, I’m thankful every new night for my blethingth. My huthband had been kind enough to show me how ugly it ith to be human, how ugly I wath in that fleshy shell of a body. But now,” My smile curls into a grin as I lick my lips.
“I can go through eternity, thtripped of that uglineth.”
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Aidoneus
Nosferatu
{S=5}Primogen
The Unseen
Posts: 11
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Post by Aidoneus on Aug 11, 2009 0:54:41 GMT -5
For many, particularly among the Kindred, it is easy to close ones ears. To pretend that all that we hear is just a repackaged, rewording of the exact same story we've allready heard a thousand times. Indeed, I find it all too often that those who should be the strongers among the vampire race fall into this mind trap, into the deception of thinking they know all allready.
A Nosferatu can never know too much. There is always another secret, another unseen truth to excite the mind, and spark the imagination. I live for those moments, and this new clansmen is no exception.
Though the words she speaks are warped by the mouth and tongue that frame them, the fangs that obscure them, there can be no doubt that they bear the frank sheen of the truth. Unvarnished, and unaltered. Facienating to my ear. Of her Sire, I know nothing, but this comes as little surprise to me. Even I, for all my status and skills, cannot know Every Nosferatu on this continent...But I do have the resources to find out what I do not know.
One need not be Omniscient, if one simply knows where to look.
Before the next sunrise, I will have all data on the sire...but he is of little relevence at this juncture. Though, I since a gratitude in her, her whole perspective is as an individual. His likelyhood of interfering in my affairs becomes minimal.
Of marginably more concern is the way she addresses her own appearence. Many Nosferatu try to deny our appearence...but she is the first I have met who seems to fully accept...and more embrace it. She genuinly seems to love her form...It is difficult to judge if this will be a complication or not. Certainly it bears further study...
For now though, I have what I have requested, and I rise from the table, finishing my blood with a final sip before I place the crystal glass back onto the table, looking to her as I speak, making my tone formal for the words that I choose to speak.
"You have given me what I asked, and accept what you state as fact. You are now of my clan in this city. Now come, Dawn is too early this morning. We must return to my sanctuary."
With that I turn, striding for the door. Not bothering to see if she will follow. Knowing that she would be a fool to do otherwise. To venture out at this late an hour without a sanctuary is a course only a Malkavian would choose. Though she might find respite in the sewers, she is not know to my clan yet, and thus to venture into them, is to risk violence without cause...which she should know.
When we reach my car, the driver opens it for us, waiting until we are situated before moving around. Making his way to the driver's compartment, and soon haivng us speeding across town, towards Adonis Holdings, and my own home.
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Persephone
Nosferatu
{S=5}
Make me pretty, make me beautiful.
Posts: 11
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Post by Persephone on Aug 11, 2009 20:42:03 GMT -5
He seems satisfied enough with my answer. He’ll know more about me in time, though not until he asks or I’ve rested and fed. Without a word I follow him, blending with the shadows as I must to avoid being seen. I lick my lips a few times more, happy those flies are gone. I’ll have to be sure my mouth stays shut this morning. We get into his car, and I settle into the seat with a flick of my tongue.
As we go through the city I look at our surroundings as much as I can. I get street names and businesses as we speed along, knowing I won’t take them in my first night, but doing my best to get a quick feel for the place. Even though the sewers are my new home, knowing the surface can be vital to survival. Alleyways could very well be my new favorite dining areas around here.
I look to Aidoneus every few minutes, but never let my eyes linger on him. There will be more time for swapping information tomorrow night. I cross my legs and bounce my foot up and down slightly. Wonder how big this city is. I may not be the most paranoid, information-hungry member of our clan, but I learn as I go. And if anyone has a problem with that, I won’t deny them the confrontation.
But survival first. Sleep first.
Sleep. Part of me doesn’t want to sleep. But I know I must. I cross my legs the other way and push my hair behind my ear. Shouldn’t be too much longer I should think.
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Aidoneus
Nosferatu
{S=5}Primogen
The Unseen
Posts: 11
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Post by Aidoneus on Aug 13, 2009 1:46:02 GMT -5
The drive is quick and silent, neither of us wasting further words on the evening that allready starts to wane. I keep my thoughts to myself, even as I beign outlining the next stage of her processing, checking into what she's told me. Its not nessecery to keep notes on such matters, I haven't forgotten a secret in 500 years. I certainly will not start with it now.
After a time we arrive at Adonis Holdings, with my driver pulling into the parking garage, and then to a private section set aside for my own use, a concrete walled area with an access gate. After he has parked the vehicle he moves around to the side, opening the door for us, that we may step out into the damp, utilitarian feel of the garage. No frills await me on my homecoming. I direct the driver to tend to the vehicle, and then move to the single elevator, depressing a long talon on the call button, sliding a keycard across it as I do. There is no delay in the elevator's arrival, no uncomfortable wait in the cool night air. It hisses open at once, having been held here while I was away, carrying us down below with impressive speed now.
Adonis Holdings has 4 basements according to its plans in the city hall. Each housing nessecery systems for the myriad of goings on in the building. My haven is on the fifth basement...Well one entrance anyway. Like all Nosferatu I have a fondess for the darkness beneath the streets, and as primogen its only fitting that my domain stretches the farthest of all. From one end of the city to the other. The others live in my shadow...as it should be.
After we arrive at the appropiate floor I take a moment to enjoy the cool musky air, the cobblestones at my feet, slick with slime. Made to fit with the rest of domain. The cooridor is absolute darkness, but I do not delay for a second. Striding forward with a clean easy gate as I make my way through the darkened hallways, crisscrossing through the labyrinth a dozen times before I arrive at our destination. Lighting a candle on the sideboard I gesture to the small celllike chamber, with its cot and a sink.
A single bookshelf holds a dozen well read titles, some of which have been out of print for a century. The whole of its bottom shelf is set aside to another purpose, with a glass terrarium holding within an impressive assortment of vermin, rustling in among the cedar shavings of their home. Vermin are everywhere within my domain, and I love them each...to the extent that I love anytthing.
I turn to Persephone, making my tone simple, cool.
"I will return here tomorrow at dusk, what you do with your time until then does not concern me. You may feed upon my pets if you desire...You also have free reign of my home...but make use of it wisely. I will be aware of what you do during my slumber."
With that I turn, moving back down the cooridor from which I came, satisfied that my pets will keep an eye on the newcomer for me. Confident that I no reason to worry.
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Persephone
Nosferatu
{S=5}
Make me pretty, make me beautiful.
Posts: 11
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Post by Persephone on Aug 14, 2009 19:48:14 GMT -5
After a good while of sifting through his maze of a home we descend. Deeper and deeper into the earth. The darkness gets thicker, like water when you dive into the ocean. We swerve through the corridor, and I take note of every turn we don’t take as well as the ones we do. I’ll have to look into those when I get a chance. It’s chilly and dank, and years ago I would have pulled my coat closer around myself. Instead, I slide it off slightly, licking my lips and letting the dank moisture fall around me.
When we arrive at my room for the time being. I stride in slowly, eyeing every detail I can spot. Worn books, sink, cot, rodents. Yes, rodents and other vermin that I’ve grown to accept, even admire since I was Sired. Survivors, sewer and farm dwellers, much like myself. They are also furry, and nice to hold. I lick my lips, looking forward to having a snack.
Aidoneus tells m his piece. “Thankth,” I say with a nod. Sure, manners aren’t key, but some things stay with you. I wait for him to leave before making much in way of movement. I take off my coat and sling it over the cot. It’s not that I’m vain, rally I’m not, but even faux fur coats weren’t something living on a farm awarded you. I kick off my worn-out black flat shoes under the cot and get to my knees. First things first, of course. Slowly I reach into the glass tank of vermin, letting the critters get used to my hands before I try to pick one up. It’s a pity, really, when I realize that whichever I choose won’t be going back in the tank. No point in spreading anything to the whole litter.
“Hello thweety,” I whisper to one of the larger rats as I pick him up. Waste and want aren’t needed. I hold him gently, running two fingers gently across his back as I sit on the cot. Once he’s comfortable enough in my palm, I lower my head to meet him in my hand. The process is quick but gentle. I don’t have a soft spot for animals or anything like that, but you have to have a certain level of respect for something that goes out calmly to keep you alive. When I finish, I set the tiny corpse down next to the cot. I’ll dispose of it when I find somewhere to do such.
I get to my feet and stretch my arms, licking my lips quickly. Time to explore. There’s no need to hide here, I can walk about the level without worrying about being spotted by unwanted onlookers. I waltz out of my room, not hurrying my expedition too much. I run my fingers along the walls as I go, turning here, stepping a few paces, looking around and licking my lips. I take each turn in mind, as well as any imperfections I spot within the wall work. After a while I stop and run my tongue over the wall, mentally marking the area. I continue onwards, growing gradually more excited as I zigzag through the corridors. A lick here, a dart over there. I’m almost sprinting down the halls over the cobblestone I’m so in the moment. Before too long I feel sleep creeping upon me.
I lick a few more sections of wall as I make my way back to my accommodations. I gaze over the books for only a minute or so before getting in the cot with my coat over me. Not that I’m cold; I just like the feeling. I know I must sleep, but I don’t want to. Once I do, I know what will come to me. Semi-reluctantly I shut my eyes, and I can feel that deep slumber envelop me.
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Aidoneus
Nosferatu
{S=5}Primogen
The Unseen
Posts: 11
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Post by Aidoneus on Aug 17, 2009 14:33:33 GMT -5
As is my usual practice, I spend an hour after the dawn in study. Taking that time which other immortals waste on rest in the pursuit of somewhat weightier matters. At one point such studies would have taken the form of a heayv bound book, or the letters of my varied spies. In the electronic age however, such methods have become outdated. I am not myself paticularly astute in computer usage, but I do maintain contacts who are, and who siphon into my waiting talons all that information I might find interesting. Thousands of lines of text on any number of subjects, black mail, gossip, international politics, even advances in technology. All at my touch. All waiting to be read. Like a spider at the center of my web, I absorb all that these resources can offer, and then well satisfied with my understanding I adjourn to my private crypt. Far from the ornate splendor that a Ventrue of Torreador might invest in their resting place, mine is a simple granite lined room, hidden within my inner sanctum, itself hidden within my labyrinth. Walls within walls, all protecting my immortal coil. I strip away the cloth that binds me in the nights, tossing it roughly onto the antechamber, to be cleaned and redeposited in my wardrobe for the next meeting with the prince.The specific details of how this is done does not concern me. No, my only interest is the rest that my crypt holds. Easily, I move to the center of the chamber, hearing the wall slide into place behind me, trapping me within. One of the features of my home is that the inner most chamber once closed for my rest, shall not open before nightfall.
Just another precaution to safeguard my life.
Of course, the irony of all this is the centerpiece of this room. A simple pine box, unmarked and unadorned. Fragile in the larger scheme of things...but comforting to me, as I have slept within it for 400 years. I step inside and then lay down, closing the lid over my head before I cross my arms over my chest, drifting off into the darkness of a vampire's dreams. At piece at least for a little while.
*** It is just before Dusk when I arise, awakened as always by the sliding of the stone panel, and the soft footfalls of my manservant, bringing to me a simple metal goblet, filled to the brim with warm blood. A breakfast to set me on my day. I drink it, and then he goes, impassive through years of service, no longer startled by the horrid appearence I bare nude.
When I step out of my chamber, the panel slides closed behind me, and then I turn to my usual cassock, far less fine than the one I wear before the prince. Far more befitting a creature of darkness and damp.
I need no servants to dress myself, no grand ceremony to pull the cassock over my body, to tie the simple sash, or put on my simple leather boots. A Nosferatu learns first to rely upon themselves, and only then to take servants beneath their wing.
After I am properly dressed and fed, I exit through the secrets of my private chamber, and out into the labyrinth proper, moving back to where my guest rests. Reaching down to hold the occaisional vermin. To confer with them about the nights goings on. I can smell her in the air, can track her explorations...but nothing seems greatly amiss. She explored...this I knew she would do. It does not surprise of anger me. It is simply the nature of our race. I sense no ill intent behind this. No attempt to find my sanctum, no search for my hidden treasures. Just a Nosferatu learning her enviroment.
I arrive back at the room in short order, kneeling beside it as I wait. Knowing that most of our kind rest for far longer than I, still ruled by the rotation of the sun, and not the shadows of the darkness. They will learn better in time.
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