There are 3 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [Vampire-WW] Interlude 1 - The Past
From: Christopher Ackney <christopher.ackney@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [Vampire-WW] Interlude 2 - The Present
From: Christopher Ackney <christopher.ackney@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
3. [Vampire-WW] Interlude 3 - The Future
From: Christopher Ackney <christopher.ackney@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 10:43:19 -0800
From: Christopher Ackney <christopher.ackney@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [Vampire-WW] Interlude 1 - The Past
NRPG: Character development, in three installments.
Scene: Josie's flat, Night 15
Armande gazed up at the balcony he knew was hers. He thought back to
the
night two years ago, when he had first come to her. That night, when
she
danced in her mother's dress, her long hair down and flowing free. She
looked so much like Camille then. And he had lost himself in the past.
But he knew who she was now. And Markus had given her to him. She knew
more
now than she did then, but still, she hid from the knowledge. Whether
by
conscious effort or not, she just could not seem to make the connection
to
the power within her.
And power she had. More so than Camille ... or more accurately, a
different
sort of power. Camille, he saw now, tried to take the power from
without,
from other sources. She too, could not connect fully to the power
within
herself.
But it had been two years, and near twenty when he first lost her. Long
enough.
Josie sat among the ruination of all that she had tried to gather
together.
It had been a slow arduous task of cleaning up the mess that she had
created
the night before in her rage and anguish. Now she was back to the real
world, and the mess before her was her responsibility. She had taken
some
time in which to reflect on her open rebellion of her family and their
ways.
Her resolve was still firm, although she realized with the death of her
grandmother, she really had no one to whom she could go to with the
burden
of the secrets she carried. As she sat holding the small personal
journal
that spoke of her mother's duplicity she glanced up and once again
looked at
the new person that looked back.
He closed his eyes, and envisioned her in his mind. Focused on her.
<Come to
me.> He thought, pushing it towards the image. <Come to me.> He sent
again,
his thoughts entering into her mind.
<Come to me!>
Josie gasped as she heard his plea. She looked into the broken looking
glass
to see if perchance he was behind her. She heard the soft pleading once
more
and she scrambled to her feet, to look over the balcony to see if he
was
standing below. Still nothing.
She moved down the spiral staircase and reached the main room, and
noticed
the French doors to the outer balcony were open, the soft breeze
dancing
with the light fabric of the curtains.
As she stepped out onto the balcony she once again heard ... or was
that
felt the plea...or was it more of a command? She was not sure, all she
knew
was she was being beckoned and she could not stop it.
Filled with the mixture of excitement and curiosity, tempered with a
hint of
cautious fear she moved onto the balcony to seek whomever it was who
called
her.
He was pleased that she came at his summons. "Josette." He spoke
softly, but
his voice carried to her none-the-less. "I am here."
Her eyes widened slightly as she recognized him in the street. "Oh!
I'll be
right down!" She called out, and ducked back inside.
Armande made his way to the door, and it opened as he climbed the last
step.
Josie stood there, slightly flushed from her exertion, and gazed up at
him.
Armande noticed immediately that her hair had been cut, and was about
to
voice protest, but paused to take in her presence. He found that the
cut
hair only enhanced her features. "I hadn't been expecting you ..."
Josie
began.
"I apologize, beloved, but I found myself here before I had thought to
contact you." He stepped towards her, a hand reaching out to her cheek.
Josie opened her mouth to protest then shut it, not wishing to sound
petty.
Many men used the term beloved in an off hand way, and with his grace
and
elegance, his Old World ways; this was probably just his usual manner
of
speech.
She suddenly felt flustered as his soft gentle caress of her cheek
opened up
places inside she had not known where there before. She felt her skin
flush
hot and she was suddenly aware of what she looked like. She had not
done
anything to fix the hatchet job on her locks as of yet, and she knew
she
must look a sight, dusty and dirty from her cleaning up the mess...the
mess!
Oh by all the saints! Her flat! She could not let him in to see the
mess,
to...to have to explain what happened.
Armande looked down at her as she flushed at his touch. He could
practically
smell the blood that flowed throughout her body, and he had to fight a
momentary urge to take her blood right there.
Josie stiffened slightly and smiled nervously.
"What brings ya here ..."she snipped off the urge to call him My Lord,
and
suddenly was not sure if she should call him by his first name.
"...Armande." She finished softly, liking the sound his name made when
rolling off her tongue.
"I had not thought ya would have contacted me so soon ... after ..."she
let
the sentence fade away. She lowered her head to hide the tears she
felt. She
did not wish him to see her this way, and she had not a clue what to
tell
him.
He needed to know, he had the right to know, she just had no true
excuse for
her mother's behavior and she did not know why, but she did not wish to
see
his condemnation of her, her mother and their ways in her eyes.
Armande maneuvered his way inside, to Josie's bewilderment. "Of course
I
would contact you, Josette. After I met with you, I could see things in
you
that I had not begun to hope for." He lifted her chin up so that he
could
look into her eyes again.
"For all that has happened with Camille, it is now in the past. I had
wanted
you to be aware of her fate, and the truth behind it." He glanced at
the
remains of her hair, and briefly played with a lone lock. "But I am
curious
as to your reaction to the information. It was ... unexpected."
Josie looked deeply into his dark warm pools of liquid emotion and she
felt
herself teeter on the brink of succumbing to their lure. She felt hers
begin
to swim with the hot tears and she tried to blink them away.
How he had managed to lead her up the stairs to the main landing she
had not
a clue. All she knew was he was now standing in the partial clean up
effort
of her rage and fury. She blanched when she saw him nonchalantly look
around
the room, taking in the scene before him.
"I ... I ... well ... I had heard ..." she faltered and grew silent.
She
turned away and closed her eyes to gather her inner strength to do what
was
right. She had placed herself on this new path, and secrets only gain
strength when kept hidden away.
Hadn't she lived with that knowledge all of her life? Hadn't Camille
become
more of a burden as the secrets lay undiscovered? Hadn't she, Josie
come to
hate all that was connected to Camille, even though she was intrigued
by the
power she seemed to wield over others? Although, from what Josie had
learned, and ferreted out, Camille used powerful people around her to
glean
that power and that was what had killed her in the end.
Josie turned back to face the man who stood before her. A man whose
family
had suffered greatly for her mother's betrayal; a man who had stepped
forward to shed what light he knew to help her, twas time for her to
trust
another with her secret, and perhaps heal the breech within his family.
"I already knew." She quietly responded softly. She closed her eyes
once
more and opened them to face his. "Ya just confirmed what I had
feared."
Josie took a deep breath and shook her head. "I can not offer any
excuses
for her behavior, and I am shamed to the bone for ..." Josie stopped
for she
did not know how else to explain it, or her, or her family.
Armande stepped towards Josie and stroked her cheek again, her skin
warm
beneath his cool hand. "Hush now, beloved. I don't place any blame on
you or
the rest of your family. We all make our own choices."
Josie closed her eyes once again as his cool hand caressed her warm
check
and she listened to his calming words.
"If there is any shame, it is for letting it eat away at you for so
long. It
has delayed your development, distracting you from living your own
life." He
tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear; then traced a finger down
her
delicate neck. He extended his senses to feel the warmth of her body,
the
thrum of vitae that flowed through her veins.
He placed his hands on her shoulders and leaned in towards her. "Why
not
make us some tea? That way you can calm yourself, and we can talk about
the
past ... and the future."
Josie nodded absently, and made her way to the kitchen. Armande gazed
after
her until she disappeared into the next room, then turned his attention
to
the mess. He took in the scene, then closed his eyes and murmured under
his
breath, hands moving in intricate patterns. A fallen picture frame
lifted
itself off the floor, rising back up and settling back into its place
on a
shelf. Other pieces of debris began rising into the air, floating and
moving
back to their original positions. The broken glass and other debris he
gathered up into a tight ball, and let the ball float out of an open
window,
where he let it shower down into the alley below.
Josie entered the kitchen and began to prepare the tea as she had been
instructed. She felt flushed and unnerved and wondered if perhaps she
should
take a nip before going back in and begin the painful task of laying
out
most of what she had decided to share with him.
She was still not sure why she trusted him on a certain level. If Nicky
were
here ... Nicky! By all the saints, this was her night off! What if
Nicky
came poking around like he did when he knew something was up with her?
Josie heard the sounds of what sounded like some of the mess being
cleaned
up. Oh the shame, for a guest to come into the house and see her mess,
and
then to clean it up!
She took a quick nip and settled her nerves and walked back into the
larger
general room with the tray.
When Josie arrived back, her eyes widened in surprise. How did the room
get
cleaned up so quickly? "How ...?" She began
Armande shushed her and took the tray, leading her into the living
room.
"Nevermind that. There are greater things to concern ourselves with."
He set
the tray down, then took Josie's hand and led her around the table and
let
her sit down first before following suit.
"Now then, you seem as if you are in need to say something. If it will
make
you feel any better, you can tell me what is on your mind." He began
pouring
the tea. After observing her for so long, he knew exactly how she took
it.
Josie sat amazed as she watched him pour out the tea, and fix it as if
he
had known her all her life. She smiled weakly and took the cup and
sipped
the rich warm brew. The scent of the tea swirled around her and she
felt the
calming influences.
She relaxed in the peace he seemed to create for her, and although her
inner
senses were on red-alert, somehow she ignored their warnings and
enjoyed the
quietness.
"Well ..." she began softly, "Where ta begin ..." she smiled at him and
noticed he was not partaking of the tea.
"Do ya wish something stiffer?" she asked wondering if he needed a more
man's drink.
Armande glanced at the tea, and then back to Josie. "Perhaps in a
little
while." He gave a slight smile. "But please, continue. I think that you
will
find that once you speak of it, you will find your burden lightened."
"Well..." Josie began. "I guess ya know we are from an old family." She
began. "Some of us have what is known as the witchin' ways." She
glanced at
him from the corner of her eye to gage his reaction. She saw his warm
eyes
and smile and she continued.
"When I was young my mother was ... taken from me." She began. "Now, as
the
years pass I have learned much of her, her life and what may have
caused her
death." She stopped to look at this man who had suddenly entered her
life.
Perhaps the fates led him to her, to help her with this burden she
carried,
since she was now alone.
"Can I ask ya a question?" she asked softly not sure if she should
have.
"Of course, beloved. I think you will be asking me a lot of questions
in the
near future."
Josie chuckled softly and looked away for a moment. She looked at the
scene
before her and then her eyes lifted to the loft. This was a big step,
and
one she was so ready for. Not even Nicky knew all that she kept. So
many
secrets, so many people to hide them from.
Josie turned back to look at him and she paused to study him, his
features
and take in a sense of him.
Once again she over-rid the warning bells going off, and she smiled at
him.
"Do you believe in Magic?" she asked. If he answered this the right
way,
maybe he was the one to trust with the other darker secrets.
NRPG: More to come.
Jointly submitted:
Carys Murray, aka Josette Deauvereux
and
Chris Ackney, aka Armande of Clan Tremere
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 10:45:30 -0800
From: Christopher Ackney <christopher.ackney@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [Vampire-WW] Interlude 2 - The Present
Scene: Josie's flat, Night 15
"Magic?" Armande asked. "Beloved, my life is magic. Oh, at first I had
no
idea about it, except in fanciful stories. But I had a talent, my
master
told me. For ten years I sat at his knee, learning the mysteries before
I
was finally accepted into the ranks." He reached out and took her hand
in
his. "It is why I have come, in fact, for you have a talent as well. An
ability within you as strong, if not stronger, than that which was in
Camille."
Josie looked deep into his eyes and listened to his words, felt his
cool
calming touch against her warm skin. Although she felt her inner
warnings
cry out, to be wary and to flee, she liked the calming affect he seemed
to
have on her. She was tired of carrying all the secrets.
"You really think I have more talent?" she asked as his words settled
in.
"She was always so powerful ..." she whispered the last bit as she
recollected bits and pieces of her memory.
"I have practiced a bit of the craft that my mother left behind." Josie
admitted, "I have another confession to make, and I worry of your
reaction."
She replied glancing up into his warm orbs that invited her to step
within
and not worry about anything anymore.
Josie leaned into him to get closer, so that somehow the secret would
not
stray. She took a deep breath and smiled at his scent as it just added
to
everything mysterious about him.
"I can talk to the dead." She whispered softly.
Armande smiled inwardly, thinking of the irony of the statement,
considering
whom she was talking to. But such a skill was rare amongst the Tremere.
Few
followed the Path of the Spirit, and fewer still knew the intricate
ways of
Necromancy. And if she had already developed such an ability, well,
that
made her all the more appealing.
Josie looked so much like her mother, and yet, the aura about her was
different. She was softer, less sure of herself, and yet had an inner
strength that Camille had never possessed. Armande had at first
continued to
observe her out of curiosity. But as time progressed, and he grew more
knowledgeable of who she was, he found his interest turning more
intimate.
And then it struck him, that Josie was the one he was meant to find,
not
Camille. It was only the fact that Camille was so similar to her
daughter
that had first attracted him to her. But in the end, Camille was not
the
one, her own greed for power was, in fact, her downfall.
Armande looked deep into her green eyes. "If you wanted proof of your
talent
over Camille, then you have just spoken it. She spent all her time
trying to
find a way to communicate with the dead, going so far as to trade
secrets
with another Clan in her attempt to obtain such magic."
Josie smiled as he looked deeply into her eyes and nodded. She looked
away
for a moment and turned back. "I remember." She replied softly. "I
remember
more than most give me credit." She took a deep breath. "Her music
brought
it all back ...after that first time..." Josie went to move to stand
up, but
she felt compelled to remain next to him. Just as she was about to
speak
there was a rap on the door.
"Please...stay here, I promise to get rid of him...them...whoever." She
stammered and pulled away from him. "It will only take a minute." She
begged
turning to run down the stairs to the front door.
As Josie left, Armande rose from his seat and stepped silently out onto
the
balcony. He looked down to see who the visitor was. The answer
surprised him
little.
Josie opened the door and of course it was Nicky. His first look at her
dishevelled appearance he rushed to her, crooning his soft words of
love and
comfort and begging her if she was all right.
Josie let him hug her, and she did admit it did feel good to be in his
arms.
How she had needed him last night. She closed her eyes and let the good
warm
feelings flow into her.
"Nicky, I can't talk right now." She whispered. "I have...company, and
I
need ta finish this." She tried to explain.
"Mon' Che`re, I have not seen you in 2 days, and now I come to you and
see
as ... WHAT happened petite' belle?" he asked as his voiced resonated
with
his deep concern for her.
"Can I explain over coffee in the mornin'?" she asked softly, "I will
tell
you everything, I promise."
Nicky was not happy to leave her, but sensing she was dealing with some
family issue once again, agreed to step back and allow her the space
she
needed. He had learned there was a fine line to hovering with her, and
this
was not the time to push it. She would clam up and disappear for a few
days
and the waiting for her to contact him would be unbearable.
He hugged her once again and stepped back letting her smile at him as
she
closed the door. Once the door was closed she leaned against it and
closed
her eyes to catch her breath, and to try to figure out why she had
pushed
Nicky away, when she should have brought him to meet her new friend.
Armande wandered back into the apartment, thinking on how best to
remove
Nicky from the picture. He had known Josette for too long to attempt to
alter or remove his memory of her. Nor did a sudden death seem to solve
matters, he had no desire to see Josie hurt. No, there seemed to be
only one
way, and that would be for her to forget about Nicky.
After she felt under control, she went back up the stairs to the main
landing and smiled as she watched Armande study the pictures, portraits
and
other little items on the wall.
"Sorry about that." She apologized. "Nicky worries over me so." She
smiled
as he turned to face her.
"You are lucky to have such a friend." Armande said, stepping towards
her.
"I can only hope to find one as loyal." He reached out and stroked her
hair.
"I had hoped you would be as open as you are, for there is a ritual I
would
like to perform with you, if you are willing." He turned from her, as
if her
agreement was already implied. "First, I shall ready things while you
wash
up. Return in just a robe, and we will be ready to begin."
"A Ritual?" Josie asked pondering the possibilities. "But...I have not
shown
ya...all the secrets." She trailed off slowly. She glanced up to the
loft
and wondered if she should first show him all that she kept secret in
the
shrine. The shrine to Camille, that in her feeble attempts of last
night she
tried to destroy and free herself of the burden.
As Josie slowly walked as in a trance towards her bathing chamber, she
reached the doorway and turned to face him.
"Armande?" she asked meekly as her eyes lifted to meet his. "Will this
ritual free me from ... Camille? From all the ghosts that haunt me?"
Armande paused and looked back at her. "Ghosts? Perhaps you should tell
me
all you know before we begin. There may be something that I can do, but
I
need to know what afflicts you so."
Josie hesitated for the briefest of moments. She just knew he had been
sent
here, to help her with this. Why was this so hard? Wasn't this what she
wanted? To be free from the demands of Camille, free from the dancing
the
high wire to her pleas, and the demands from the others who also held
parts
of the secret.
"Well, I best show ya, it would be easier." She offered and indicated
the
spiral stairway that wound it's way up to the loft. She led the way up
the
darkened steps until she stepped into the loft.
The effects of the night before were still quite evident, as Armande
looked
about the room, recognizing a dress that he had remembered from before.
His
eyes found the trunk that he had remembered from his time with her. He
pondered the strangeness of the scene and wondered just what had
happened
here.
Josie went to the mantel that held the old candlesticks, and leaned
into
them and with a soft whisper and little puff, she lit the candles. She
moved
around the room in a strangely familiar pattern and lit all the
candles,
which then illuminated the loft in a soft glowing light.
She had some skill, at least, for even creating so small a flame was no
light feat. Armande noticed the unusual symbol on the floor, and it
took a
moment to realize that it was a pentagram. He was stunned deeply, for
somehow she had created this special place without causing any undo
notice.
And the intricate designs incorporated into the pentagram ... her
skills
were more advanced that he had at first thought.
He studied her and saw that at this particular moment she was weakening
and
on the brink.
"Josette?" he cooed softly to her as he closed the small distance
between
them. "Share with me." He asked and drew her near. He could feel her
tremble
in his arms, and for a moment, she gave in to him, letting his embrace
comfort her. Briefly, his mind was taken back, to a time when it had
been
Camille in his arms, fearing the world. And yet, he knew now that it
had
been an act, a way for her to divine secrets from him. But with Josie,
here,
he knew that this fear was real. The pace of her heart told him that.
Josie, feeling the strength of his embrace, the peace and safety that
she
suddenly felt, nestled deeper within his arms. Closing her eyes, she
pulled
from her memory the tune that she used to call forth her mother. She
hummed
the tune softly, almost inaudible to the human ear. With the tune
firmly
within her head the memories that brought terror at night came forth
unbidden. As the scenes rushed forth, she braced herself for the
onslaught,
but was surprised at a barrier that appeared and seemed to redirect
them
away. For the first time in more years than she could remember, she saw
them, but the terror did not overwhelm and sweep her away.
Lulled by her melody, Armande extended his thoughts, made easy by his
close
contact with her. Snippets of memories of Camille swirled in her
thoughts,
and for a brief moment, he smiled. But then he felt the wave of fear
wash
over Josie, deeper memories rising to the surface. He whispered in her
ear,
though she did not hear him, and the memories were kept at bay. He
watched
through her eyes, but the memories played more like a movie. Camille
was
tied down, blurred images of vampires bending over her, biting and
tearing
at her flesh.
"Enough." He said with difficulty, and with an effort, pulled Josie's
thoughts to his own. The images faded from view. "Enough." He said,
with
less effort.
Josie opened her eyes and found herself in Armande's arms. She felt
weak,
and a hint of a mild headache was beginning. She tried to steady
herself and
wondered what had just happened. She moved to try to step back, and he
released her and let her regain her sense of balance.
"I'm sorry, I did not mean ta ..." she stammered. "Perhaps it is too
soon
for me ta try ta explain everything.... " she felt suddenly so empty,
so
vulnerable and wondered just who this man was.
She looked around the loft and wondered what had possessed her to show
him
this place. How was she to ever explain its lure and yet it carried a
price
far more than she was able to bear.
Her eyes fell on the shattered looking glass and closed her eyes again.
No,
she needed to do this, this was the only way. She opened her eyes
again, and
saw him watching her.
"Did you still wish to do the ritual you spoke of earlier?" Josie
asked.
"This is the most powerful place in the building." she replied evenly.
Armande took a moment to regain his bearings, then nodded. "Yes, I
think it
is for the best, beloved. I must ask, though, before you ready
yourself." He
looked over the room again, at the magickal implements. "Have you any
training? A mentor, perhaps?"
Josie cracked a smile and chuckled softly. "Only 2 people know of this
place, you and Nicky." She answered simply. "I guess ya could say I had
a
mentor." She smiled and went to the large trunk. With a wave of her
hand and
a soft mumbling of words the sound of the lock opened.
She knelt down and pulled out a small journal. Armande recognized it
and
held his breath. Josie rose up and turned to face him. She handed him
the
delicate journal, with the even delicate penmanship of Camille.
"You may have it if you so wish." She answered. "I memorized it years
ago."
Josie stood watching him, studying him, wondering how close he had been
to
her mother. Maybe he was like her, trying to undo the damage of Camille
and
finding peace for his uncle.
Armande took the journal, his eyes riveted to the cover.
"The trunk was the key, for I remember it the most, and when I found it
again. It was not that hard to unlock some of its secrets." She
confessed.
"For me to learn the truth of her death, to wade through the lies, I
had to
live as she did. Well, sorta I guess." She smiled "Once some of
memories
returned, it was easy to follow the trail she left."
He nodded absently. "Yes." He tacitly agreed. He shook his head
slightly,
and looked up at her. "You had best get ready. The ritual is long, and
I do
not have much time left."
NRPG: One more to come.
Jointly submitted:
Carys Murray, aka Josette Deauvereux
and
Chris Ackney, aka Armande of Clan Tremere
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 3
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 13:46:49 -0500
From: Christopher Ackney <christopher.ackney@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [Vampire-WW] Interlude 3 - The Future
Scene: Josie's flat, Night 15
When Josie went back downstairs, Armande gave the journal one last look
before placing it aside. Time enough to examine that later. With a
mental
sweep, he swept away the broken glass and debris from around the
circle. He
walked over to the altar she had, and examined the various implements
she
had.
He knelt down and moved a silver goblet to the middle of the altar,
then
lifted up a knife. He murmured a few words, eyes closed in
concentration.
Then, with one quick movement, he slid the blade across his wrist, and
let
blood flow into the goblet. The blood was intensified by thaumaturgy,
and
though she would still need to drink of it two more times, the bond he
would
then forge would be very strong. After he filled the goblet, we willed
the
cut closed.
With the same words Josie used to light the candles, Armande lit an
incense
burner. Soon the scent of sandalwood filled the attic as he examined
the
circle drawn on the floor. He recognized a number of thaumaturgical
sigils,
but there were a number that he was not familiar with. Most likely
necromantic, or voodoun.
Downstairs, Josie began her ritual of preparing for Armande's ritual.
She
was not sure just what it would be, but if it was connected to those
rituals
she had tried on her own, then she was sure she knew how to at least
prepare
herself.
She slipped into the hot water and let the steam clear her mind and the
heat
relax her tense muscles. She felt the small stinging cuts and minor
bruising
from her clean-up from the night before. She washed her hair, and
quickly
stepped out of the bath.
She did not wish to make Armande wait. She dried her hair, and managed
to
snip a few pieces here and there to help round out her new layered
look.
She almost stepped out in her towel, when she remembered his
instructions to
come to him in a robe. She reached around on the hook of the door, and
took
down her old well-worn soft cotton wrap and secured it around her.
He paused as he heard her light footsteps climb back up to the attic,
and a
final looked proved that everything was satisfactory.
She walked back up the spiral staircase, and just as she stepped over
the
threshold into the loft, Armande turned to face her. As she stood
waiting
for his approval, she studied the room before her. Josie was under no
delusion of his power, and she was intrigued by it. It was the haunted
look
that would creep into those soulful eyes that touched her deeply. All
she
knew, what that somehow the peace and calm he had given her had soothed
away
some of the edge off her loneliness.
The smell of sandalwood brought back memories from long ago, and she
found
herself smiling in recollection. The silver goblet on the small altar
was
the only thing she noticed that was new. Part of her questioned what
she was
about to get herself into, the rest of her felt her heart race with
excitement.
Josie was not sure just what it was he was feeling, but he seemed
almost as
nervous as she felt. Josie closed her eyes for just a brief moment, and
pushed all her doubts and fears away. He had been sent here, by the
fates,
to help her with this burden, and to not have to walk alone on her new
path.
She was not sure just how she was going to juggle both Armande and
Nicky in
her life. But she would work it out, for she did not wish to give up
either.
Nicky was ... almost everything she could ever imagine her life would
be.
Armande...although new to her life; he had already touched her deeply,
and
impacted her life. She looked up and found him standing next to her,
when
had he seen her and moved towards her? Josie smiled as she looked up
into
his warm dark orbs.
"Now then, kneel in the centre of the pentagram, though take care not
to
disturb the chalk outline." He said, guiding her to the circle. Josie
stepped carefully over the outline, and knelt down as she was
instructed. A
cushion had been placed there for her, for which she was grateful.
Armande asked her to close her eyes and repeat the words he would speak
to
her. He slowly began walking around the outside of the circle, chanting
the
incantation bit by bit, allowing Josie to repeat the words. Josie could
feel
the heat from the candles that encircled her, and the incense wrapped
around
her in a heady embrace.
Twice more Armande walked around the circle, speaking out the words. On
the
third pass, she nearly spoke in time with him. He completed his last
circuit, and lifted up the goblet. He knelt down before her. "Take
this, and
drink three sips of it." He ordered.
Josie feeling the tingling sensations that seem to wash over her as she
spoke the words Armande had asked her to. She kept her eyes closed as
she
reached up and with both hands placing her hands over his as she then
raised
the goblet to her lips.
The first sip flowed down her throat, warming her as it hit her
stomach. The
second sip was longer and deeper than the first and she enjoyed the
feeling
of the thick warm mixture as it glided down with ease.
With the third sip she felt dizzy and light-headed. She allowed the
mixture
to linger in her mouth and she enjoyed the unusual taste and
consistency of
it as she slowly allowed it to slip past her tongue and flow down her
throat
to join the other 2 sips in her stomach.
She was now feeling the warmth radiate outward and she gasped at the
flood
of new sensations that seem like fire quickening her as it raced
through out
her entire being.
Josie opened her eyes to see Armande still kneeling before her, their
hands
still touching as they both held onto the silver goblet. Questions
flooded
her mind as the new sensations coursed through her, followed by a
sensation
of being detached.
"Concentrate on the feeling within you, the tingling sensation that is
spreading through your body." Armande placed the chalice down, and
moved
around behind her. "Go inward, and follow the sensation." He whispered.
Josie once again closed her eyes and let herself flow with the
sensations
that seemed to flow through every part of her being. She felt as if she
were
flying, following the course of a river, only she realized the river
was her
blood as it passed through her veins. She lost herself within and
enjoyed
the freeing power it gave her.
He tilted her head forward gently, exposing her neck to him, and he
whispered a few words under his breath. He traced an intricate pattern
just
above the skin, then paused, frowning. He held his hand out over her
neck,
and intoned another enchantment. Gradually, a symbol began to glow on
the
back of Josie's neck. Armande cursed to himself. He leaned in and spoke
into
Josie's ear. "This will sting for but a moment, beloved."
Another quick intonation, and he pressed his hand against her neck.
Josie
gasped at the sharp pain, as if stuck by a needle for only a moment,
and
then the feeling passed. Again he spoke his incantation and traced the
pattern in the air, and then another symbol appeared on her neck that
began
to slowly fade.
Josie heard herself gasp as a sharp pain flashed through her, and its
hot
burn was almost like what she had read that electrocution must feel
like.
She arched and found Armande there to lean on and she relaxed against
him.
She tried to find that place she had just been to, the place within
that was
so calm...peaceful...where she was free.
She felt her pulse and the beat of her heart. The strange combination
of
both feeling them and hearing them caused her to get lost within again
and
she thought she could hear Armande whisper to her. When she tried to
focus
on the words, they seemed to slip through her thoughts and disappear.
Josie could feel Armande's arms encircling her, and she took in his
scent.
She felt something had changed within, but she could not put a name or
even
come close to describing how she now felt.
All she knew, was somehow Armande had reached within and placed a
strangeness on her.
It had pained Armande to hurt Josie, even by that small amount, but it
was
necessary. To remove the old mark, to make sure that she was fully his.
He reached down to pick up the goblet and then set it down beside him.
His
hands touched Josie's shoulders, and he gently pulled the robe off her
shoulders. Armande began chanting again, and dipped his finger in the
blood
that remained in the goblet. He started to draw symbols on Josie's
back,
giving power to his words and he worked his magic into her.
Josie felt his cool hands against her warm flesh as he helped the thin
cotton robe from her shoulders and revealing her smooth, light brown
skin.
She felt the robe slip down her back, resting in a pile just above the
small
of her back.
His soft chanting lulled her again into a place of calm and soothed
her. She
closed her eyes again and allowed herself to get lost in the magic that
she
felt flowing from him.
Questions rushed to her and just as she was going to break the spell of
whatever it was that he seemed to be controlling, she found she liked
where
she was, and the questions slipped silently away before she could form
them.
She felt his fingers on her back, and she liked the mix of sensations
that
his touch and words created. Again she felt the tingling seep deep
within
and once again flow through her to embrace her in the magic that he was
weaving.
Armande continued to draw down Josie's back, the intricate symbols
glistening back at him. As he reached her lower back, he paused. An
ankh
with wings was tattooed there, and it nearly disrupted his
concentration.
How did she obtain such an ancient symbol? He could sense a power about
it,
but luckily it did not seem to impede his ritual. He could not pause
the
ceremony now, however, so continued with the intent to ask her about
the
tattoo afterwards.
He finished the last design, then began a long series of incantations.
Throughout, he would touch one of the drawn symbols, and with a brief
glow,
the symbol slowly merged with her skin, then faded away.
With the last still fading, Armande picked up the goblet and moved to
the
side. Now to see how much she trusted him so far. "Lie back, beloved,
we are
almost done."
Josie opened her eyes to look at him as she heard his request. She saw
the
tender look in his eyes and face. She smiled at him and nodded her
acceptance of his request and shifted herself so that she could lay
back,
consumed with the tingling of the magic that suffused her body. Armande
looked down at her, and for a moment travelled back in time, reminded
of a
time when he had taught Camille one of his Clan's secret rituals.
Josie quietly watched him as he appeared to study her intently. She did
not
know or understand just what kind of ritual he was performing, but she
did
not care. He had put her in a place of peace and freedom. A place that
she
had longed for, strove to find for as long as she could remember. With
a
soft smile and nod of his head, Josie closed her eyes and waited for
the
next step.
He brought himself to the present, and proceeded once again with the
ritual.
He chanted again as he drew a stylized ankh down her torso. From the
base of
her throat, he drew a line down her centre, stopping once past her
ribcage.
Next he drew a thick loop, circling her stomach. The arms of the ankh
followed the curves of her breasts, and she responded quietly to his
touch.
He placed his hand above her heart, pausing a few moments to feel its
beat
within her. He then spoke the final words and he pressed lightly
against
her.
Slowly, the ankh faded into her, and the tingling sensation that
coursed its
way through her body melted away. He smiled as she slowly opened her
eyes.
"It is done, beloved."
"Thank you for such a gift Armande." She whispered softly, the awe in
her
voice evident with the deep powerful emotions that were swirling just
below
the surface. She reached up and caressed his face, noting the smooth
cool
surface of his skin.
She felt a yawn and was suddenly very aware of how tired and exhausted
she
was. She fought to keep her eyes open. She was warm and safe and
suddenly
she just wanted to curl up and sleep.
She struggled to sit up and had to be helped by Armande to steady
herself as
she rose to a sitting position.
"I'm sorry, I seem to suddenly be so tired." She again stifled a yawn
and
tried to hide it with her hand.
"It has been a long night." Armande agreed. He wrapped her in her robe,
and
lifted her effortlessly, despite his medium build.
Josie nestled her head against his shoulder as he took her back
downstairs.
He found her bedroom and gently lowered her onto the bed. She smiled up
at
him as he stroked her hair. "You should not suffer from the ghosts of
the
past anymore, beloved. If you are still haunted, then tell me, and I
will
use stronger magicks to protect you."
"There is still so much to say ..." Josie began.
Armande placed a finger on her lips. "Ssh, little one. Another time."
He tilted his head, and looked deep into her eyes. "Sleep, beloved.
Sleep."
Josie closed her eyes, the suggestion needing little help to convince
her to
succumb to her tiredness. He paused for a moment, then leaned down over
her.
He exposed her neck, and bit down gently. She moaned and writhed
beneath him
as he drank. Hands unconsciously wrapped around him, holding him to
her. It
had been so long since he had last tasted her blood, and he relished in
the
sensation. All too soon, though, he knew he had to stop. With a kiss,
he
closed the wound and pulled back, her arms falling back down beside
her. He
kissed her forehead, and with a final glance, left her to sleep in
peace.
He returned to the attic, and lifted up the goblet. Upending it, he let
the
remaining blood drop down into the palm of his hand. He chanted again,
and
the blood pooled into a deep red orb, leaving his hand spotless. The
magic
would hold the blood until it was ingested. With a wave of his hand, he
extinguished the candles.
He looked in on her once more before taking his leave. He would allow
her
time to rest and think over what they had shared. Soon, though, he
would
return, for there was still a lot to discuss.
NRPG: That's all for now. :)
Jointly submitted:
Carys Murray, aka Josette Deauvereux
and
Chris Ackney, aka Armande of Clan Tremere
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
To Join World Weavers, visit: http://www.worldweavers.net/
Only members of WorldWeavers Worlds should post to this list. To post
messages to this group, send email to WeaversFiction@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
|
