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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2017 23:57:52 GMT
Mary walked into the castle. Who she was tonight wasn't some mild mannered Hogwarts teacher, but leader of the Sabbat. She outfit was stark, and severe; a mixture of swirling shadows, leather and lace.
Balthazar, her tiny shadow companion, sits on her shoulder in raven form. One eye close, one piercing blue looking out.
She slips up to the bar, taking a glass of bloodwyne for herself, and a small treat for her companion, and walks to stand by a large window, overlooking the grounds and the swirling mists beyond.
Exo should be here soon. It had been so long. She should not let it be so long again. There had been a misconception on her part. That her tenuous Humanity, which served her so well in dealing with both kine and Camarilla, would ease the separation from her pack. While it had a little, she missed that closeness. Missed the ritual and brotherhood. Hopefully tonight would go some way towards restoring that lack.
Come the summer, and no school for three months, she would have to travel. Pack time would need to be part of that. For her sanity.
So, she sipped her wine, and waited. Feeling more herself than in many months.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 0:26:54 GMT
You know what sticks out on the grounds of a Castle? Like when one looks over the grounds, what seems just out of place?
A figure in a white hoodie, dark jeans and a chain running from his waist to his back pocket.
But...Exo was Exo. Old...yet, modern. Being who and what he was, one adapted or one lost their existence. And Exo was not keen on losing that. So when one would look at him, one did not see a vampire of the abyss or a horror bumping in the night. He was different, he knew it.
But it was what him so deadly...
He was of the innocent. Could radiate one who knew nothing of what tainted creatures lied in this world And when the time was right? Exo would take what he wanted.
But like Mary...he missed something. The Pack had gone their separate ways for various reasons. He didn't like it then. He didn't like it now. So when she reached out to him, he practically jumped at the chance to see his old mate again.
And so here he was this evening, walking across the grounds with his hood up, covering most of his features as he entered the castle.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 0:34:56 GMT
Mary couldn't help but see him immediately. Emo hadn't changed much in nine months. He still stood out like a sore thumb. So very him. The sight gave her calm. While not fitting in, he belonged.
She stepped towards one of the courtyard doors, and opened it, standing in the doorway, draping herself so that her shadows flooded out and down the small rise of stairs towards her packmste. Balthazar flapped a shadowy wing, and took flight towards Exo, circling his head before returning to Mary, cawing a greeting.
"Well Arent you a sight for tired old eyes!" she exclaimed in bright tones. "Just the balm I need after months of torture."
Stepping down to his level, she moves to embrace him...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 0:45:25 GMT
With a grin, Exo looked up, pulling back his hood to show himself. His usual wavy black hair was currently corn-rowed and his eyes were still that near black ink color that could still shine in the dark. Watching Balthazar for a moment, his eyes moved to take in Mary and he chuckled. "If I am the balm? They you must really be hurting." He wrapped arms around the woman and held her close, inhaling the scent he had missed for so long. The Beast in him stirred as he did so, remembering the Pack throughout it's days...and remembering their past specifically. Kissing her cheek gently, he released her enough so he could take her all in. "As beautiful as the day you left. Depriving me of my good view." He smirks at her. "But you called, and here I am."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 0:52:04 GMT
Sh embraced him equally firmly, running her fingers through his corn-rows, kissing the side of his neck and only just letting her teeth graze his skin.
"A balm you are! While it has been a worthwhile experience, to immerse myself once more in the world of wizarding, it is a struggle to remain ... me. Mary Del Belmonte has had to give way to Professor Mary Kestrel, complete with tolerance for youthful ignorance. Ahh, it is nice to have time to let my hair down again!"
She steps back slightly, taking him in.
"So, tell me, what have you been doing with yourself? Where are you based? Have you seen the others?"
Mary is most interested in the others, their pack. Perhaps they could reform, using the Castle as common ground. Perhaps.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 1:12:23 GMT
Exo bit his lower lip when she grazed his neck and he gave her a grin. "Naughty..." he said to her with a chuckle before his face grew thoughtful. "I travel. Basing myself is no good when the target is literally on your forehead." He indicated the white bandanna, covering up his forehead completely. "The others I catch rumors from here and there. Danielle is doing well for herself with the company. She keeps sliding money into my international account once a month. I'm grateful but..." He shrugs. "I guess she still feels like she owes it to us to keep us funded. As for the other two. One was searching for...something in the Middle East. Clan things I imagine, you'll have to ask her. The other has been playing mad scientist somewhere underground. But I haven't heard about him in...six months now? So he could be anywhere. And with Danielle still giving him money..." He shrugs. "You know how he is."
He reaches up and cups her cheek. "But you are a vision for someone who has been walking the ghettos of the world. How is the magical world of the humans? Are you wrapping them around your finger or do they fall at their knees at the sight of your beauty?" He smirks as his eyes flash.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 1:51:51 GMT
She listens as Exo lists off the others, and their pursuits. It's good to know Danielle is still looking out for their finances.
When Exo cups her cheek, she leans into the touch.
"The wizarding world is just as complex as I left it, all those years ago. The accord makes contact much easier, now. I am tracing my descendants. It's an interesting pastime. There are a few, in the school, who are worthy of interest. One dark wizard, who I almost embraced years back, is teaching there, too. He had issue with a curse, the caster of which now lies in torpor waiting a good burial." She smirks at that. "And another, a student .... may be worthwhile. She is an oracle. So we shall see."
Mary moves away a little, her shadows reaching out to embrace Exo as if they don't want to leave him.
"Mostly, I feed them enough truth, and sufficient lies, to keep those who will not bother us safe, and those who will seek to hunt us in OUR sights." She turns back, looks at him again.
"As for them falling down at my beauty ... bah. You know there is only one I have eyes for."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 2:11:09 GMT
Exo smirks, feeling the familiar touch of her shadows and stepping forward to keep pace with her. "That's because these Wizards do not understand you the way I do." He takes her hand and it gives it a gentle kiss before offering his arm so they can walk and talk somewhere more private. "Since the pack split, I have not found anyone to even ghoul. It...just hasn't been worth it. Too much to risk. The Blood Mages out there..." He shrugs and looks at her with serious eyes. "You reached out to me and I am here, Mary. Aside from allowing me to inhale that intoxicating scent of yours...what am I doing here?"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 2:17:01 GMT
She matches his pace, taking his arm as a lady should.
"You are here because I have need of a Priest, and acting as such myself is just far too messy when dealing with two fledgelings. I need You to perform first Creation Rites, then a Vaulderie. And I'm not sure if we'll do them separate, or together, or even how many there will be. One is a potential convert. He's a few centuries old, but spent a long while sleeping, so has never chosen. He's a Son of Discord, Exo! How rare a thing is that to acquire? And he has friends, mostly Toresdor from what he says. If we could get them too ... a new pack for New York!"
She pauses, having spoken faster than her normal. Though not out of breath, her mind needs a moment to catch up. She looks at Exo, trying to judge his reaction.
"Oh, and the young oracle will need testing. There are fun times ahead!"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 2:24:56 GMT
Exo nods slowly. "A Son of Discord. Almost as rare as I am. Or...another one of us..." He shrugs and looks over at her. "So you called the Wandering Priest to come and bury beautiful people under a pile of dirt." He chuckles and grins wickedly. "You know just how to tempt me..." He pats her arm and they continue walking. "The Oracle...how old is she? How is the handle on her powers? Embracing her could make her powers wild..." He waves his hand. "But that can take time." He glanced over at her. "Did you call any of the others? Our Vaulderie faded long ago..."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 2:38:18 GMT
Mary smiles, grins. She had missed Exo's company, and quick mind.
"The oracle is young. She has a year of school before she is adult, and no, her power is not yet under control. But I have been teaching her about us, more honestly than anyone else, and should she prove worthy, I will embrace her once she has that control. Or, wipe her mind of my teachings."
She signs.
"I have not had contact with the others. I put out the call, but only you have responded. As yet. If they come, we must do something about that. Perhaps even if they do not come. There is the Son, who may benefit from the rite, no matter his choice." She laughs. It's clear she knows who would benefit more from a strategically performed vaulderie with the Son, and she knows Exo knows it too.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 2:56:12 GMT
Exo turns to her and leans against a wall as he looks at her, the Korean born vampire blinking slightly. "Do you have doubts about them? The pack? We might have split but...regardless of anything? There is still loyalty there, Vaulderie or no Vaulderie. We were connected by blood at first but Mary...but that connection grew as time went on. Have faith in them..." He straightens up so he can lean forward and place a soft kiss on her forehead. "I do believe you taught me that long ago...my little witch..."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 3:02:41 GMT
She smiles at the old pet name.
"I have faith. It is as strong as when I was first turned. My heart never doubts. Though my mind sometimes contemplates the odds of us being reunited as we were. Spending so much time with the wizards ... they are so young!"
It's almost as if what little Humanity she had before this venture began is growing. She has begun to care, and not just for the wizards and witches in her charge, but also for those she misses from the pack. She shakes her head.
"Loyalty remains, to pack, and sword. They will come, when they can. As you said, they have spread far and wide, to their own ventures. When they come, we will rebuild those bonds, and make plans to keep them strong."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 3:25:55 GMT
Exo nods. "Good. Danielle misses us. Or she wouldn't still be funding us." He moves her back behind her ear and stands there with her, half in each other's embrace. "What you do for you? It's important. The pack understands. And this was a chance for them to go follow some of their own ventures. Business, Science, History? Things that meant something to them...just as this means something to you." He places his hand over where her heart would be beating if it could. "Ambitions, dreams...these did not leave us when we became creatures of the night. If anything, it gave us the strength to pursue some of it and the time to accomplish more. Our bonds are never broken. Only the blood has faded so that I can no longer feel you. It has saddened me in the nights that I have walked through this world...but I knew it was necessary when I took the mantle of Priest and let you do what was needed for you. And now look at you. Stronger. With more ambitions. Even finding a sacred jewel like the Son. The nights to come will be interesting, to say the least."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 14:23:08 GMT
"You are right, of course. Even after centuries, we are still ourselves, with our own dreams and ambitions. Mine was always for my family. I am lucky to have two:blood and blood. Let them have their fun. Their exploits will only strengthen the Sword in time,
Mary was pleased that he'd missed her. She had worried that as their bonds faded, so too would her memory in his eyes.
"Ah, my sanguine fury, what nights we will share. Hmm?"
She leaned against him, feeling the comfort of his form, if not his warmth, breathing in his familiar scent.
"So, will you establish haven here, or in London?"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2017 14:31:24 GMT
He leaned against the wall and held her in his arms, not worried if anyone else was in the castle to see them. The pack had almost always been this close, finding comfort in one another in various ways. He held her and stroked her hair gently. "Wherever you are my witch. I have found a pack mate...and I am not keen on letting go for awhile. We shall establish a Haven...one that is ready with open arms to those who are still away. And when they come back? We will be here. Together." He smiles at the thought. "And our ambitions..and the Sword's...will once again have the support of our full power..."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2017 4:32:03 GMT
Mary murmers happily, much in the way a cat might purr.
"I have a terrace in Camden Town. It's fairly mundane and ordinary, good mostly as frontage to the world. But there would be space for all, if wanted. Or, If we could find a truer place nearby, somewhere we did not have to pretend, then we could have the best of both worlds."
Balthazar moves away from the pack mates, circling the air above them, ready to warn of intruders into their personal space. Mary feels comfortable in Exo's arms. Home. While she has never been as free as Exo and the others, never let her hair down quite as much, she had been restrained this last year when dealing with the wizards, for frpear of being rejected and her mission a failure. It was nice to relax a little.
"Oh, there is a club I helped fund, run by a wizard, for vampires ... yes, odd, but useful ... its official opening is May Day night. Will you come? It could be most entertaining."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2017 5:00:03 GMT
Exo chuckled. "Beltane night...a Wizard is opening a Vampire club...on Beltane Night? Oh..." He shakes his head and reaches up to cup her cheeks. "Just which Wizard have you met that is silly enough to open a Vampire club on of the most...lust filled nights of the year? There is going to be blood...most likely willingly." He smirks and leans his forehead against hers. "But...I will come if you wish me to It could at least make for a good story for the other when they arrive." He smiles. "And I would love to join you at your terrace. And I will help you find us a place that is more...us." His eyes look into hers. He was home. Right here...in this moment. Home. He could smell her...almost taste her. She was comfort. Safety. Stability. Sanity. All rolled into one. And yet...so much more.
"Its good to be home..." he whispers.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2017 5:14:04 GMT
"I do not know why he chose the date. Perhaps he hoped it would bring a larger crowd. He's a strange wizard. There is much darkness in him. It drew me once. I almost embraced him ... then he sowed that the darkness didn't rule him, and I lost interest. But there are others of interest. The little Oracle is of his extended line, so may have it within her. Then there is the vixen. She who needs a shovel ..."
Mary turns in Exo's arms, looks at him.
"how soon can you get to London? The garden will work perfectly for her rites."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2017 5:26:47 GMT
"Hmm...that's right. I did enter from Italy." He bites his lower lip a moment. "By train, I can be there within a day. Will have to do it right so as to get a compartment to keep darkened and locked while I sleep. But..I have a few people who owe me some favors. Once I get to London, we can meet up and you can show me your terrace...and this garden. Also...how are your gardening tools these days?" His black ink eyes flash as he grins and pulls her close, holding her to him. "Once I am there...are you going to let me go again?" he asks in a whisper.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2017 5:32:10 GMT
"Be careful on the train. Shorter trips over a few nights are safer." She runs a finger along his jaw. Their bond was still strong enough that she would be defestated if she lost him totally.
"As for gardening tools ... there are some in the shed, I think. Mostly I've had contractors come in to care for it. As for you, my sweet fury ... if you love something, set it free ..., no?"
Mary chuckles, pulls his face close, kisses his cheek.
"17 Regents Park Terrace, Camden Park. If I am not there, I am sure you will find access somewhere high. Call and I will come to you through the shadows."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2017 5:42:12 GMT
Exo nods. "I'll be careful. Favors are owed and money greases palms better then blood." He smirks. "17 Regents...I got it. I will be there soon." He lifts her chin up to look into her eyes. "And my little witch. Love something and set it free, yes. But if it comes back? Never let go again...hurts too much to lose a second time..." he leans in and gives her lips a soft kiss, palm caressing her cheek as he releases her and steps back. "I will see you soon sweetheart. I hope your new...recruits...are ready for me..." He smirks and turns, pulling up his hoodie and heading out to disappear back to Italy.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2017 5:44:38 GMT
She lingers on his kiss, her hand on his throws, then nods.
"Oh awaits ... the rest, we can work on together. See you soon!"
Mary watches him go, a hole she'd been ignoring in her heart suddenly filled. Three more holes to go.
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