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Post by xxHuntressxx on Jun 1, 2010 18:21:10 GMT -5
Claudius was sitting in the main library looking over old documents and scrolls. He was looking into the old laws of the coven, the original guidelines to balance peace amongst the mortals and immortals alike. He needed to flesh out this idea of his, this common ground 'coven' of sorts... a society based off of witches and paranormal creatures alike to keep the world balanced. A new idea of magical 'police' for the lands, he knew the witch's coven would fight tooth and nail against this, but after so long... so many deaths.... it was time for change. Even if they had to be dragged into it kicking and screaming like bratty children. Not all beings of the night were evil.... he knew too well... since he was part of these ranks now. Born witch but cursed to be a lesser gargoyle the man sighed. Looking over into a mirror not far from where he sat. He frowned, looking at his human face, a face that was now only a illusion of what he had once been.
Pain washed through his mind, pain from holding the counter curse. He grabbed his head with a soft human hand, wincing as be bit his lip, trying to drive out the intensiveness of it. A bit of blood came from the bruised lip before he cursed. He knew only a few had access to the coven at the moment... a trusted few who he was sure would not bring harm to him or his cause so he sighed. For the moment given into the need to release the counter curse and just sit in his now true form.
Again he looked over to the mirror, the hideous gray skin, the swept back horns and large leather wings made him look evil to the human or witching eye. His black hair was well kept though, despite the slight disruption around where his horns came out of his skull. His bright teal eyes looked a bit sad mixed in with self loathing and hate. He huffed to himself as he went back to his task. Taking a few notes here and there as his tail twitched like a agitated cats. Even if he was pro-paranormal rights right now... it didn't mean he enjoyed being .... well being this.
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Post by Foxxling on Jun 6, 2010 19:38:23 GMT -5
Julius stepped up to the door, his outfit of choice today being blue jeans slung low and a white tank top peaking through his unbuttoned sky blue shirt. His new all white kicks had an almost glowing quality to them as he reached down to brush a bit of ice off them. The arctic aura his training made him unconsciously maintain had its drawbacks but as far as absolute defenses go it's proved its uses time and time again. If he had better control it wouldn't cause his clothes and the surrounding area to be cold but that was neither here nor there. Claudius had told him after their little meeting to join him at his leisure today. He hadn't been able to wait out the morning like he had planned, so he wouldn't seem to eager, and had ended up leaving his little apartment and trying not to walk to fast towards the coven house.
He took his time getting there, stopping once for food and twice to stand and just breath in sounds of the city. Once the coven house was in sight, though, he couldn't help breaking out into a run, snow like slush being left melting in his wake. Being excited did nothing for his self control. He pressed the doorbell as soon as it was in reach and fixed his clothes, wondering what Claudius had in store for him.
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Post by Varian on Jun 6, 2010 20:07:51 GMT -5
"Excuse me." A soft voice spoke up from behind Julius. A young woman with flowing red hair stood a little ways behind him. Having been looking up at the tower before seeing the man run towards the door in such a hurry. She was for the moment dressed smartly, a suit covering her somewhat slender form, though she was wearing trousers instead of a skirt like one might expect. There was even a tie around her neck, sharing the same crimson colour that seemed so unnatural in her eyes.
Vanessa glanced back up at the tower, nodding to herself before letting her eyes fall back on the man at the door. There was little doubt that this was the place, though she had been working up the courage to make her move to the door.
"Would this be the residence of Claudius Lothair? I'm hear to deliver a message on behalf of my superior." She wasn't sure why he wanted her to bring the message or what it contained. Then again she had been sure of less and less recently. Still the idea of returning here on these terms made her feel uneasy. She hadn't quite placed if the emotion was fear or guilt as of yet though.
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Post by xxHuntressxx on Jun 6, 2010 20:17:16 GMT -5
In a moment as swift the features were sucked away, locked under counter curse and shifted away Claudius looked up to see his human face frowning back at him. The pain returning he moved to the door. He would of cried our through the loud speaker for Julius to enter the tower on his own but he sensed another with him. He moved off, his human hand pauseing on the doorknob for a moment. Makeing a mental sweep to lash out for any ill thoughts before he opened the door to greet them. He nodded and bowed Julius inside if he liked but he stopped and starred at the red head.
" May I help you?" he asked coldly, having seen the girl before in passing from when the coven was a whole. Suspicion reined upon his face, waiting for the other to speak and for Julius to enter.
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Post by Foxxling on Jun 21, 2010 19:48:36 GMT -5
Julius was all smiles as he smoothed down the front of his shirt, intent on making a good impression. Then he heard the unexpected voice and jumped out his skin. It only took him a second to regain his composure and morn the loss of his dignity as he turned to look at the red head.
His mouth dropped. His adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed and stared. Her question was left unanswered and forgotten. It was Claudius opening the door that snapped him out of his momentary reverence. As he was signaled to come in he just did so, face hot and ears burning.
As he turned at Claudius's side to further inspect the red eyed, red haired girl he couldn't help the fact that the hot blood heating up his face was causing the cold aura of his powers to cause cold wind to blow outward from him.
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Post by Varian on Jun 21, 2010 20:03:34 GMT -5
"Si-" Vanessa started before stopping herself. She guessed that he wasn't technically her superior anymore.
"Mr. Lothair, My master wanted me to deliver a message to you." She told him, managing a confident voice as she pulled herself to attention. It seemed like an age since she had been to the coven tower and longer still since she had regarded Claudius as someone to look up to. She reached into her suit and withdrew a letter, stepping forward to offer it to the witch.
"He also requested that..." She trailed off for a moment knowing what she had to say wasn't something she'd expect to be saying given all that had happened. "He asked that you put me to work until he requires my services again. He seems to think I would gain a great deal of insight into utilizing my magic if I were to spend time working under you."
She held herself confidently, though her eyes didn't quite meet Claudius's gaze. She was hardly expecting a warm welcome for a number of reasons. It was unlikely her eye colour, a side effect of her use of blood magic, would make him any more trusting of her or Tilan's intentions. She paid little heed to the other witch for the moment, even when she felt the air chill some around her. She had to concentrate on the task at hand right now.
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Post by xxHuntressxx on Jun 21, 2010 20:27:28 GMT -5
Claudius looked to Julius who was red in the face, he wondered silently if this had to due with the woman or some other embarrassment.... He would have to ask later as he allowed him inside. Feeling his magic go a bit off making the air cooler around him with a slight cold wind Claudius sighed.
" Concentrate Julius, if we were in public you might get a few stares." He reminded him softly already starting the many lessons of a young witch new to the coven life here. He turned his eyes a bit suspiciously to the girl, taking the note and reading it. He frowned as he read of Tilan's plan to cure himself and letting his assets go in case he did not succeed. He also read how he wanted him to watch over Vanessa if something should happen.... and if not and he recovered that he would be there to retain her. He frowned for in the manner that it was written, per classic Tilan it was smart assed. He sighed as he crumpled the letter and ignited it in his hand with a blue fire. The paper disappearing for none to recover before he looked to the young girl curiously.
" Perhaps it would.... young blood user." He told her, making it clear he knew of her magic source. He then frowned as he waved her inside. Letting his wards judge her as he spoke.
"But may I ask do you know with what you will be serving? If you didn't hear I'm a cursed witch and many think me despicable and better off dead." He told her. Watching her eyes.
" You remember me as a prodigy, but do you remember me as the fallen as well?" He asked. Looking her over before watching Julius, waiting to see if he recovered at all.
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Post by Foxxling on Jun 25, 2010 11:37:40 GMT -5
Julius managed to recover from his bout of infatuation. He had always had a thing for red heads but the tension between Claudius and the woman was tangible and thick like smog. So he decided to reserve judgment and set himself to the task of reducing his black snow aura to it's usual state of a frosty bubble instead of this icy wind. He kept an eye out though, Claudius's words made it seem like she was apart of the old coven, the less... idealistic coven Claudius had already told him about.
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Post by Varian on Jun 26, 2010 15:04:56 GMT -5
"The coven wa unkind to you, as it is unkind to any that don't wish tto walk it's narrow path. Do not think we hold delusions that a reformed coven would embrace our arts with open arms. If they are looking for someone to blame for the mess left by Delano then us blood users will be just as attractive a target as you... sir." Vanessa hesitated for a moment, remembering what she had been told about the wards around the tower. Even though she had wish to bring hard to Claudius it was still a little unnerving to pass through. She shook her head a little, doing her best to clam herself as she moved on in, passing through the wards without incident.
"I only remember you as a good leader. I was fortunate enough to be under Tilan's direct command when Delano took over. I was spared participation in the atrocities he wielded the coven for." She smiled, turning back to face Claudius.
"Tilan really respected you. I hope I might be given the opportunity to see why."
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Post by xxHuntressxx on Jun 26, 2010 21:08:29 GMT -5
" You are less of a target then one such as myself Vanessa. While your art is frowned upon, my .... outlook is seen as the angel lucifer trying to overthrow heaven it's self. I preach a heretic art to their potential sheep. For that you should be grateful that I am their first target, but to align with me would make you more so a target. Though if Tilan has sent you here and you accept the risks then I can do no other then take you in and teach you as per his request." He told her then smiled a bit as she spoke of her mentor.
" Hmm.... he actually respected me?" he asked almost amused by this fact.
" He has such strange ways of showing it." He smirked since the man could be both a gift.... and a rightful pain in the ass. He looked over to Julius at this.
" Seems we have another student to teach." He told the young man.
" Well since it is almost morning I can not do the surveillance that I wished to do on a task that has come to light. So the best to do is to get to know each other better. Our strengths and weakness's. Are you ready Miss Vanessa to show off your talents? Or should I postpone our little test? If you are ready as well Julius." he asked them both as his teal orbs glittered over the bridge of his glasses. If they accepted he would then lead them down to a lower chamber, past the old dungeons and hidden labyrinth beneath the city.He was going to lead them to Delano's large stadium used for executions... .now a land of ruble and seats from when his friends raided the execution grounds to save his life. The perfect set up for a nice little show off of talents and a chance to train once more.
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Post by Foxxling on Jun 29, 2010 18:08:59 GMT -5
Julius's thin eyebrows knit together as he unsuccessfully tries to follow the conversation. The speak of being tested causes his mood to brighten and he says, "Of course i'm ready." Then he looks to the red haired beauty before him and waits for her answer as well.
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Umber stepped onto the scene with a grace natural to the super human Ocuruu. on his hand was the deceptively small and extremely power instrument of destruction, Mauve. As his hand passed through the air the rings on the ring spun and produced a whirring sound. He looked back to Tora, the beautiful vampire responsible for giving him this chance to destroy more witches, and smiles a devilish smile
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Post by Dark Dragoness on Jun 29, 2010 20:06:26 GMT -5
Zairre once again cried in pain losing her step and stumbling a little forward growling a little in pain. "Ahh we need to hurry their coming," she hissed trying to remain calm.
Her dragon features came out now her tail flicking back and forth.
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Post by Varian on Jul 3, 2010 13:34:52 GMT -5
Vanessa gave a quick nod in reply to Claud's suggestion of having a little training. She was sure of her own training of course, enough that she didn't see the harm in showing off in front of Claudius and his student. Especially since the younger witch didn't seem to have even rudimentary control over his powers yet.
"If that is what you wish I'll be happy to show you the training I have received. Though if you have any reservations about me practicing my craft you shall have to tell me before we begin in earnest." She clarifies, used to being able to draw on her arts if she needed a little extra power. Though it might be interesting to see if her natural skills had improved any during her training.
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Post by xxHuntressxx on Jul 3, 2010 19:39:14 GMT -5
Claudius was taken aback at the sight of Zairre and Dark entering the scene. He had seen them before at the pub but had never had much contact with them. He noticed at once the female was preparing to give birth.... right in the middle of the towers living room.
" What the hell?" Claudius spat out, for once sounding like the young man of mid twenties then a seasoned witch. All composure forgotten as his brow was raised over his teal tinted glasses. He then spotted the ancient vampire Tora and some man with a definitely dangerous feeling come in behind them. He had the great dragon of darkness and his mate..... the ancient vampire Tora believed to be one of the ancient 13 from their past investigations, and some powerful human just busting in like they owned the place. Claudius groaned as he held his head, what ever happened to knocking? Really? Were the paranormal creatures actually rude like this all the time?
" Excuse me what is going on?" He asked sounding a tad agitated from the intrusion. Dark snarled as his upper lip quivered in his usual bad temperament. His long black hair tied in a braid that went past his ass he watched him with blood red eyes.
" What does it look lik,e she's going to give birth? My ass of a brother said to bring her here for safety. " He hissed.
" So you gonna give it to us or not?" He tested. The dark dragon always foul in moon but good of heart. Claudius doubted this but there was nothing he could do. He sighed, he rubbed his temples at this getting a bit of migraine now.
" I don't even know you people all that well. How do I know this is not some scam?" he asked, as he starred at the woman in labor...... if it was a scam it was a pretty messed up one overall. Tora smirked deviously, the ancient always a thorn in the covens side since her and her brother were known to play games. Claud had it give it to her.... her and her brother helped him out when he was to be beheaded....
" First tell me who is he?" He pointed to umber accusingly since he was the only party here he had no clue how he worked or who he was. As Zairre moaned he shook his head.
"Vanessa..... can you please attend to Miss Zairre...... Julius..... uh... you have any experience of helping a woman in labor? If not.... then your about to learn." He spoke then winced a bit needing to release his human shape but refusing to do so with so many people around.
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Post by Foxxling on Jul 7, 2010 23:02:53 GMT -5
Julius, taken aback, almost said a word in protest but the way one of their number, a human male with deep red hair and blood lust in his eyes, looked at him made him pause for thought.
Nothing in his teachings, nothing in his entire 19 years of life had even given him a hint of what human child birth was like... he came from a prodominantly male family after all but he was eager to please Claudius so, visibly blanching, he said
"W-w-what do y-you want me to do?"
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Umber, well versed in the necessities of normal human birth, looked upon the witches with unconcealed disgust and open hostility. He had heard of this coven claiming to be a friend to the dark breeds. Yet, in his mind, a witch is a witch is still a witch. He didn't trust these people but if they didn't step out of line he wouldn't paint the walls with blood.
While his dislike for witches is set in stone, his judgment of this coven was, as of yet, reserved.
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Post by Dark Dragoness on Jul 8, 2010 14:39:52 GMT -5
Zairre felt another rush of pain over come her as she growled loudly looking to the witches as her tail hit the floor, "Hate to be rude but pain doesnt make one themselves much my I please late down some where," she asked before whimpering as she felt the twins moving around. She felt a horn bump into her side as she looked to Dark.
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Post by Varian on Jul 8, 2010 19:51:26 GMT -5
Vanessa had turned to face those that had appeared with a cautious eye. It was clear that they were powerful, if not only by the way they treated Claudius. Given all that had happened with the coven there had been a lot of night creatures out to get revenge and most didn't care which of the new covens they went for. She was in the middle of deciding which blood she'd need to call upon to teleport away from this scene with the other two if it got nasty, so hearing Claudius ask her to help the clearly expecting woman caught her off guard.
"I..." She had been about to explain that she had no idea where to begin in this kind of a situation but seeing as the other witch had already stumbled she wasn't about to do the same. This might not have been the training she was expecting but she wasn't about to be shown up here either.
"Yes sir." She replied before moving cautiously towards Zarrie and offering her a shoulder to lean on. She didn't trust them in the least. Her training under Tilan preached a fair about of tolerance and respect for the night races for someone so embroiled in some rather questionable work. All the same she had always been weary of those she knew she could do nothing against should they decide to turn violent.
"Julius, make yourself useful and get over here!" She snapped at the dark haired witch, hoping to get him out of the way since he'd clearly be useless if a fight broke out right now. There was enough tension to put her on edge even without having to piece together what she knew about how to handle a birth.
"There are some beds inside, we'll get you to one of them to rest, okay?" She turned to Zarrie with a much kinder voice, not wanting to irritate an emotional dragon further.
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Post by xxHuntressxx on Jul 8, 2010 20:11:22 GMT -5
Tora explained simply that Umber was a friend not to be feared. Despite the skeptical suspicion of Claudius he sighed as he made sure to keep the stranger under constant eye.
" Right, there are beds inside. Let me show you to the old medic center." He instructed as he waved for Julius to follow.
" Over there is is a old stove, boil some water and on the top self is a old medic kit especially for birthing. In the old days it was common for the men to keep their wives in the upstairs apartments when they worked. On occasion one would go into labor and it was best for all of our safety if the women gave birth here rather in a normal hospital.... especially since it is hard at times to control our own talents." He explained as he helped coaxed her to a bed. Claudius winced, his headache tripling. He cursed mentally knowing he would have to change back to his gargoyle form soon or succumb to a fit of pain that would lead to him passing out. Tora watched him with a frown. Knowing the man's curse and knowing he had to be in pain to keep that counter curse active. She could tell he had not rested in his natural state in awhile and he would need to go there soon or come to harm in some form. Dark of course was ignorant to this fact as he stayed by Zairre's side. His dark wine eyes always looking so eager to jump to the fight.
" If she gets hurt witches I'll make sure you pay." He told the three in warning as Claud frowned in his direction.
" I will not have myself or the others harm her as long as you remain peaceful. Don't forget I know your history Dark, you are nothing but a fit of violence and deceit in the best of times." He told him not feeling exactly chipper with his head seemingly in a unending vice.
" Shut up witch, especially since you don't know the full story." He warned with a growl as Claudius shook his head trying to regain his calm, settle his mind, and stay focus despite the part of him that was biting at the bit to be set free. His true form that despite not being born as, had become as much as his true self as this shape.
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Post by Foxxling on Jul 8, 2010 22:35:47 GMT -5
Julius balked as he was yelled at by the attractive red head. It wasn't hard to bite back the snooty retort that had tried to claw its way out his mouth. He rushed to the follow the barked command and help the laboring dragon to the place Claudius had specified. He held onto the Dragon's side opposite Vanessa
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Umber took in every detail of the place, noting structural weaknesses as well as possible escape routs. He decided to make himself useful by going to go get the water started to boil and, as he was on his way to do just that, he looked at Claudius and made no attempt to suppress the pointed glare that agreed with Dark's words.
He switched on the water and, once the pot was full, put it on to boil.
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Post by Dark Dragoness on Aug 17, 2010 19:47:31 GMT -5
Zairre felt another wave hit hurt as the twin moved around both ready to come out her water had broken earlier so now she reached the bed with the aid of the two witchs and laid down on her back dragon features sealed away so she wouldnt lash out with her bladded tail while in pain. The spasms were coming quicker now she knew it would be a matter of mintues before the first one would come. She looked to Dark with a weak smile and her eyes gentle groaning a little, "Please play nicely with them they are helping us and giving a safe place for their birth," she said.
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Post by xxHuntressxx on Aug 17, 2010 20:25:26 GMT -5
" I'll play nicely when I know no one is going to turn on us." Dark growled as he then looked to Umber who seemed to be as unsure of the witches here as himself. He gave him a hint of a look that suggested he wished to speak to him later. Tora wandered over to the bedside, setting things up with a air of elegance about her and a coy little grin.
" It should only take a push my dear." She remarked to the female dragoness as Claudius drew close, his pain's becoming too much to bear but he had no choice for the moment. He had to deal till all of this was over. He moved over to Julius and motioned to Zairre.
" Do you wish to deliver?" he suggested with a grin to the younger witch. No time like the present to learn have a bit of a extra lesson here for the youth.
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Post by Foxxling on Aug 18, 2010 22:44:16 GMT -5
The color drained from Julius's face, a feet for Claudius to be proud of since it's hard to do to a black man. He silently wondered if he had a choice, if refusal would be the same as resignation from the coven.
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Umber shoved between the witches with a snarl, "I'll do it." he growled, not trusting the sneaky, untrustworthy witches to not use some of their arcane magic to do something to the child and mother. He had experience in childbirth regardless so he, his voices softening, directed his attention to the pained mother.
"Deep, slow breaths." He said, his voice having suddenly gone from a guttural threat to a soothing croon.
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Post by Varian on Aug 21, 2010 11:02:20 GMT -5
Vanessa stepped back once she had helped get Zarrie to the bed. She would have no arguments against letting the supernaturals handle their own birth, it meant less that could be blamed on them if something went wrong. She had thankfully learned well when to keep her mouth shut on matters that were not worth bringing up, but if these creatures were really going to be this unkind to those that had offered aid she had her doubts about forming any kind of lasting peace. Perhaps a bad habit by now but she found her hand moving to rest in the pocket of her jacket, close to where she could quickly draw on the source of her magic if she needed to.
Everything was moving quickly and she had little hope in making a real impact on the events between these powerful beings. About all she could do was try to be ready if they did anything stupid and of course hope that wouldn't been a rather short time working under Claudius. Sometimes she had to wonder if Tilan's wish to remove some of these powerful creatures from posing a threat was a goal she should sympathise with more.
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Post by Dark Dragoness on Aug 21, 2010 18:08:04 GMT -5
Zairre slowedher breathing and knew speaking out would not be wise at the moment as she did as she was told and began pushing but she used her telepathy to reach out to the witchs, "Thankyou for offering a safe place for this to happen," she said then solo focused on claudius, "I'm sorry Dark is moody gues this is new for us both. If someone is to blamed for this I shall let it fall upon me," she said before she could she felt one child move out some.
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Post by xxHuntressxx on Aug 21, 2010 22:53:39 GMT -5
Claudius could not respond as he was amidst all the commotion. His headache growing worse, his as his power tried to keep the counter curse in place. He watched as Umber brushed passed Julius, a slight scowl crossing his face as he watched the stranger he knew little about and trusted even less. Dark looked to the stranger then back to Claudius with a grin. He liked anyone who didn't take crap from that lot. As the first child was passed he moved to aid in any way he could. Claudius moving close with a large towel to ready to take it and dry it off as a few tools needed to cut the cord and secure it was nearby.
Tora watched from a slight distance, taking everything in and committing it to her eternal mind.
" Be ready, there is a second one I am sensing." She spoke in a slightly teasing voice as she leaned against a column in the room
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