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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 6:15:21 GMT
After awakening and listening to the day Aisha had with Ambrose and speaking of traveling to France he felt the need to take the night out in London alone. Showered, dressed in an outfit that Aisha had bought him and definitely something so simplistic but in all honestly was him without him knowing it, making sure he was wearing his shades. There was a lot on his mind. Aisha's desire to not be a part of the Sabbat, the Tremere, his Sire's calling, the trip to Saint Malo and many others. The cab first took him to the nightclub area and for a moment he was going to get out and stopped himself. Not out of the fact of being noticed more he did not desire that type of temptation tonight which was odd for him. He asked the driver to take him somewhere he could think under the stars and the driver did just that....the royal parks. Dropping David off after being paid David stands at the entrance of the parks and it reminded him of central park in New York. He was starting to miss New York, his pack, the noises, the lights. London was so very different then New York, even the kindred of this city was different. Though he had no problem spotting them here and there. Once inside the parks he slowly walks with his hands in his pockets. Quietly watching.....vampire feeding off a woman.....a lovely couple walking and romancing......mother and child walking.....a man alone crying probably a broken heart. With the exception of Aisha he felt alone in this city. He missed being able to speak to Darren when he needed to just vent and unload his thoughts. He needed someone who could disagree even argue with him. For now he would let his mind slowly wander. Sitting on a bench he finds a small stone at his feet.....something to focus on as he thinks. Picking up the smooth stone he focuses on it in his hand twirling it with his fingers. First thought.....love....he loved Aisha dearly. The third part of the bond should have never happened. It was made on an instinct to spare Aisha any more punishment that night. The wondering if her feelings were true if she did not have the bond were there. The third stage changed a lot of things and David understood that. Then Aisha's words of not wanting to be a part of the sect coming forth. His loyalty was to Exo and Maria. Would Exo and Maria allow Aisha to remain independent with himself as a ductus of his own pack or would they force the issue or worse punish him if he were to embrace Aisha and not force the creation rights. Then Saint Malo. What was his true reason to return there? What was he seeking? Of course this was more than just a vacation or visit. Could it fall to the fact perhaps he was looking for lineage? His son after all from his memory was still alive and healthy the last he saw Baptiste. Did he have children? Did the Alexandros bloodline continue on to this very night? Did his wife find another after his apparent death at sea? So many questions he hoped to find in Saint Malo. The Tremere. David had his opinions about them that for now he would keep to himself. Renee, he had felt his call several times and that scares him to no end. He was so relieved when he awoke in 1980 and did not sense nor feel Renee and thinking the shipwreck had ended him. The fear of becoming under Renee's control once more was something he never wanted again but he knew if Renee ever found him again he would claim him once more and under Renee's influence he would do whatever desired of him by his sire without question....thus the strength of Renee's voice compared his. Other thoughts going through his mind as well but those left for another night. Quietly his eyes watch the stone in his hand behind the sunglasses and then directed back to the park. The sounds of the night and the people around him. At least at the moment he was not noticed. So for now he remained on the bench watching and getting lost to the sounds of the night. In their symphony.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 6:47:14 GMT
A young woman, probably only in her early twenties, enters the park. Her clothes look like hand me downs, and she's carrying a well stuffed bag. She looks around, sees people sharing conversations, or not ... occupying benches ... then she sees David alone, looking thoughtful but not unapproachable, so she does.
She stops a few meters away, coughs gently "you wouldn't have a spare smoke, or an extra pound, would you please mister?" She asks.
She's about five feet nothing, and looks like her last regular meal was probably as long ago as her last shower. Her hair might be a dark blonde if it were clean, her eyes are a clear piercing blue.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 6:55:23 GMT
David was pulled from the symphony with the sound of a gentle cough and looks at the woman that was near him. Definitely life looked very rough for her and slowly he stood up now and pulled out his wallet and gave her several pounds and nods. "Sorry I do not have any smokes on me." His voice soft and calm. Placing the stone in his pocket. Another look over the woman and perhaps a nice gesture was in order. "When was the last time that you had a decent meal?" He asks curiously.
His eyes catching people walking by them both the looks they were giving the woman. Indeed nothing had changed about mortals and how they treated ones that were down on their luck.
"It is a nice evening is it not?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 7:00:26 GMT
She takes his money, slipping it away quickly before he can change his mind.
"Thanks," she shrugs at the smokes comment, "all good, few people smoke these days, but it never hurts to ask."
Her voice is soft, melodic, but carries a deep tiredness, resignation.
"A while now, but this'll help heaps." She seems thrown by his last question, as if an aspect of normal conversation is somehow unusual to her.
"Um, yeah? I guess. Not as hot now, which is nice." She seems unsure now what to do next, so shrugs. "Thanks again." And she starts to move off.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 7:13:07 GMT
David listens to her voice and picks up on something, something that stirs an interest. She thanks him and starts to move away and he slowly turns with an idea. "One moment...." He slowly walks over to her. "There is a small restaurant nearby I could get you a good meal and even get you a hotel room for the night." His voice still very calm and relaxing. He felt for this woman that she was down on her luck and perhaps she just needed an act of kindness.
"If you are up to it. It is a nice night and I could share the evening with you. A good meal and at least make sure that you have a place to sleep for a night or several." He smiles.
He genuinely wanted to help the woman if she was interested in the offer.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 7:24:30 GMT
She listens, almost seems about to refuse him, but something in her gives, and she nods.
"Yeah, that'd be nice mister. Thanks."
She gives him her best smile. Unlike your average homeless wanderer, she actually has nice teeth. But the smile doesn't make it to her eyes. There's something guarded there, like maybe she doesn't quite trust him, but she's willing to take the chance ... or at least willing to do what it takes.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 7:27:51 GMT
David steps closer and gives her a polite nod. "David..." He smiles. He looks around and remembers the restaurant near the entrance he came in. "The restaurant is this way." Turning he waited for her to start to walk with him. It was an interesting turn for the evening at the same time her voice had caught his attention and when she smiled he noted her teeth. Interesting.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 7:31:47 GMT
"David," she says nodding, turning to follow him. Her walk is graceful, balanced, not the shuffle of the long term homeless. "Anna," she says, simply, as they walk. She's clearly not sure of him, but the offer of s solid meal is too good to turn down. She runs her fingers through her hair, trying to make it near, hoping the restaurant isn't so good that they refuse her entry. She knows she's not looking her best, smelling the best. But she's done the best with what she's had. She starts to be hopeful.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 7:39:30 GMT
"Anna.." David nods with a smile as he walks with her and not caring with how other people are looking at her right now. The way she looked currently did not bother him in the least. But the way she walked he took note just like her teeth. The story of Anna was becoming more intriguing by the moment. He caught her trying to make herself more presentable as he placed his hands in his pockets.
At the entrance he saw the restaurant and continued to walk with her across the street. "Would I be too forward in asking your story?" David looks to her as they get to the other side of the street right before the restaurant. David pauses and opens the door for her to let her go in first being a gentleman.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 7:45:30 GMT
She looks up at him, a little surprised to be asked.
"Can I have something to eat first?" She asks. Then adds, "please?"
The hand holding her bag is clenched tightly, as if daring the world to take it from her. The other arm is across her chest, hand hidden under the opposite armpit.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 7:53:36 GMT
"Of course...forgive me." David had not meant to offend and falls silent noticing how protective Anna was of her bag and the way her body was postured. Once inside David speak the the greeter and they are brought to a table and seated. "Please order whatever you like." Another smile. He does not even look at the menu and looks around taking in the scene right now.
He does not remove his sunglasses and gets comfortable as a waiter comes over to ask about orders and drinks. David looks to Anna and waits for her to order first.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 7:59:09 GMT
She sits, but seems reluctant to put down her bag at first, finally placing it tightly between her feet before looking st the menu. She studies it for a moment, then looks first at David, then at the server when they ask for her order.
"Soup, please. And the chicken pasta and .. may I have a milkshake, please? Chocolate?"
Her order is from the lower priced end of the menu, but also some of the least exotic and perhaps most wholesome end. The milkshake request seems almost out of place, but clearly something she would like very much.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 8:05:31 GMT
The server looks at David as though making sure with him and David glances at him. "Whatever the lady likes." The server nods and looks to David again for his order. "Whiskey...." The server walks away with their orders. David looks to Anna and is silent at first piecing things. Teeth, melodic voice, graceful walk and bag. Definitely a story behind Anna and one he was hoping she would be willing to share and honestly she did not know she was spending the evening with a vampire.
"If you wish to have more or take some with you, you are more than welcome to." He smiles. "Visiting London or from here?" He asks trying to make casual conversation.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 8:09:58 GMT
She watches him. She seems uncomfortable that he's not also eating, but it's late, so maybe he ate already. She tries to relax a little.
"I'm from here. Well, further out, not London proper." Her voice is clear, smooth, there is education there. "Do you really want to know, or were you just being polite?" she asks, watching him as much as he's watching her. "You're not from here. I'd guess ... French, but a long time ago. Educated overseas." She seems pleased with her assessment. "Why do you wear sunglasses at night?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 8:20:46 GMT
David could sense that Anna was still on edge and relaxed a bit more to see if that would help calm her a bit more. Her voice did not associate with someone being homeless, was she a runaway perhaps? "Truly I really wish to know. Also I wish to help if I can." He nods and then came a barrage at him and he just smiled.
"New York...yes french but to the long time ago I am not understanding that part. My education well more hands on then anything else." He pauses a moment about the question of his sunglasses. "I have a light sensitivity issue thus the sunglasses. Came here to see a doctor about it." He nods.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 8:31:13 GMT
"Oh," is all she says.
"My story is mostly ordinary. I got unlucky. The economy, and all. When I left my husband, I lost my job, and ... what you see is all that remains."
She shrugs, clearly having accepted her lot, though wistful of what once was perhaps.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 8:36:31 GMT
David sat quietly listening to her story and felt bad for Anna. Weird.....since his emotions had awoken and here he was feeling bad for this mortal. "May I ask what was your profession?" Another curious question for Anna. He was trying to piece more and more to see what he could do for her.
"I also have noticed you are very protective of your bag. Do not worry I will not pry. Just an observation."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 8:42:58 GMT
She involuntarily checks that her bag is still there, then looks up at him, shrugs.
"What's in there is all I own, so yes, I'm protective. If it matters, I was a dancer." She names a ballet company that recently folded due to a change in government funding, and explains how only the primary dancers were able to find places elsewhere, and that others including herself had been made unemployed, talks quietly about her husband taking it out on her, and how she left him, and had been homeless and out of work now about six months.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 8:53:12 GMT
David was about to say something when their orders were brought to the table. David slowly drinks his glass and thinks on what Anna had told him and really felt bad for her and what happened in her life. His mind going over possibilities of what he could do to help her. "What if.....what if there was a way that either I could get you a job being a dancer once more or help you start your own dance studio and be a benefactor for you? Would that help you out Anna?" He sets his glass down wanting to nurse his drink.
"You would not owe me anything in return....what do they call it...." David had to think for a moment. "Pay it forward? Yes that is it." He smiles.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 9:00:09 GMT
When the food is brought, it's all she can do to eat calmly. It's clear she's hungry. She watches him sip his drink as she drinks the soup. When he starts to talk about jobs, and then setting her up in a studio, she actually laughs. Then stops when she realises he's serious.
"How can you even do that? The amount it would cost ... I couldn't even imagine."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 9:11:34 GMT
David could definitely tell Anna had not had a good meal in a while with the way she was eating. Her reaction to his offer he remained quiet as he pulled out his phone and made a call right in front of her. The person on the other side had definitely been woken up and David waited a few moment for his financial guy to wake up enough. Anna would hear David explain the situation to the person on the phone and David waited for an answer. His associate spoke about the current funds that David had which caused David to smile.
Then Anna would hear David tell the person on the line to transfer what would seem like a lot of money from an account and David looked right at Anna. "My apologies but I need your last name." He smiled.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 9:18:03 GMT
She watched David make his call, listened to him talk ... eating the whole time. If this guy turned out to be a lunatic, at least she'd have a full stomach. But the more she heard, and overheard, the more she couldn't believe her ears.
"David Alexander? You're David Alexander? THE David Alexander?" Her voice dropped conspiratorially low. "The papers say you're in hospital! What are you doing here?" How?" She seems shocked, clearly having overheard his accountant address him formally. She seems in shock as she answers "Tindal. Anna-Louise Tindal." She says softly, her food all but forgotten.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 9:29:00 GMT
David smiles and nods when she calls him by his name and gives his accountant Anna's name and waits a few more moments and then looks at his watch and smiles again. He thanks the accountant and hangs up looking at his phone and smiles. "I was in the hospital and still dealing with recovery thus the light sensitivity." He nods and still smiling. "Now....it will take twelve hours but you will need this." He asks a waiter that was walking by for a piece of paper and a pen to use and writes down a bank name here in London and an account number.
"Take this to the bank that is written and there will be account set up for you and you alone. It should be more than enough to help you get back on your feet and start the dance studio. Here is my number as well. If more funding is required all you ever need to do is call me and I will do what I can for you." He slides the piece of paper over to her and then slowly looks around and forces a breath noticing no one had picked up on his name and drew attention.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 9:48:50 GMT
She looks incredulous. "You're serious, aren't you? Why? I mean, thank you, but why? Why me?"
Watching him, she continues eating, though she's more picking at the food now, trying to come to terms with her good fortune.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 9:59:40 GMT
David quiet listens and watches Anna's reaction and for a strange reason that he can not pinpoint at the moment he felt.....good about what he had done. This was confusing as hell to him. Was this Aisha's influence? Was this Elezandra's? Ever since feeling his emotions again he was becoming the man he was when he was mortal. A privateer yes but always helps people that truly needed it.
"Very serious." He whispers warmly. "You are most welcome. It is always good to help those that need it. And listening to what happened to you and the way you carry yourself dancing is indeed your dream and I dare not wish to see you dream destroyed. It is the least I can for you."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 10:10:35 GMT
She smiles, nods.
"Thank you, Mr An.... David. Thank you. Many many thank yous. Will let you know when, and where, and I'd be honoured if you would attend the first recital."
She is already sitting straighter, some of her confidence returning. She picks up her milkshake and sips with a smile on her face.
"You've given me back my life. How can I repay you?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 10:17:34 GMT
The feeling and emotion welling inside of him he had to fight it back for fear of blood tears and that was definitely something that he did not want to see happen. He did smile and just in case Anna wanted to hug him or something he will willed his blood to warm his skin and even forced his heart to start beating in his chest for the time being.
"I would not miss it for the world Anna." He gives her a huge smile. When she asks him how she could repay him well that side of David of course the answer being a bite would do the trick but for some strange reason he did not desire that why well that would be something to ponder later.
"Do as I have done for you. If someone comes along in your life and truly needs help then give them the same kindness as I have done for you that is all I ask to repay me." He takes another drink of whiskey and sets his glass down and rubs his chin a bit. He was actually enjoying being nice.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 10:27:46 GMT
She nods. "I shall. The first i'll set out to help are the others who faired the worst when the company closed. They were all good people. But if there's ever anything I personally can do for you ... it would be my honour."
She's smiling, likely having no idea what she's offering to a vampire, that he was a vampire, or what it might mean, just grateful to have a life again. She clutched the papers he'd given her tightly, her eyes brimming with tears of relief and joy. And, yes, she got up to hug him. Then looked embarrassed after doing so, but hugged him again., wiping her tears.
"Thank you," she said simply, as she retook her seat.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 10:39:48 GMT
"That is all I could ask for repayment Anna." David smiles ear to ear and he felt like crying again but restrained. When she spoke if there was anything personal she could for him that it would be her honor. Again it was tempting being who he was but still he would not do it to her.
The hug! He enjoyed it. But it was nothing sexual. More of knowing that despite being the monster that he was he was able to still after over 200 years that he was still deep down the man he was before his embrace and that meant more to him then turning Anna into a meal. He saw the tears and smiled and nods.
"You are most welcome Anna and I would do all over again for you." He whispers fondly watching her take her seat once more. The waiter comes by to check on them and David looks to Anna. "Would the lady like anything more?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2017 10:45:27 GMT
She smiles, shakes her head.
"What more could you possibly give me?" She is beaming. The genuine smile dramatically transforming her face from tired and downtrodden, to pretty, classical. Then she laughed, "well, maybe a shower, or I doubt the bank will view me favourably in the morning."
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