ROLEPLAY HQ - life-at-stake

August 23rd 1842 Thunder boomed and lightening struck as rain poured down with a violence that rivaled that of the beasts currently fighting humans on a battlefield. The sound of swords clashing and people screaming echoed after the thunder in tune with the chaos that was the brewing storm. The grass stained red with blood and corpses scattered about. Above all the mayhem of men and women tearing into each other with a hatred that had been known throughout the ages stood two figures, their bodies not yet dirtied with the battle below. Wind stirred violently causing friend and foe alike to shield themselves from the onslaught of the storm yet still the two figures remained unchanging as if regal statues to be admired and worshipped. Another bolt of lightening lit up the night sky illuminating the two figures. The men and women below finally taking note even if only for a brief moment before they continued to fight. Swords sunk into flesh, men with wooden stakes tried with all their might to sink their weapons into the heart of their foes. Vampires. Creatures that had begun to plague mankind for the last two centuries. Some hypothesized they came from the depths of hell, here to condemn mankind and drag their souls to hell. Others thought they were a gift, beautiful creatures gifted with immortality that could save them from death and despair. Whether a gift or plague one fact remained; they were to be feared and the two atop the hill were of no exception...

Red eyes stared down at the mess happening down below, pale hair the color of the moon whipped around a pale face that held a look of distaste. Long arms rested against her curved hips as she observed the men and women below. The man at her side a few steps behind stood in silence as if awaiting some type order. Turaya toyed with the tip of her elongated canine as she honed in on one particular man on the battlefield. He fought with an intensity that had the blood that was currently coursing through Turaya's undead veins thrum with excitement. "That one." A wicked smirk played on her lips. "Bring him to me." With her order given she turned on her heel, her hair drenched with the rain that continued to pelt down from the heavens. She made her way to the carriage that awaited along the road.

The ebony skinned vampire bowed low to his mistress as she spoke. "Yes Mistress." Pale grey eyes followed his mistress towards the carriage, his own canines elongating as he savored her curves as her hips swayed. She truly was the most gorgeous being he had ever seen. With the shut of the carriage door Lark stood straight, a hand slicking back his rain drenched hair before running forth to answer her command. In the blink of an eye Lark had moved from up the hill to the thick of the battle thanks to his inhuman speed. At some point on his sprint through the rising pile of corpses he had picked up a sword. The metal glinted in the moon's light as he rose it above his head to deflect the blade of the man his Mistress had picked. The man had been fighting a fledgling vampire and would have landed a killing blow if Lark had not stepped in at the last moment. Muscles tensed as he thrust his arm forward, shoving the human a few steps back.

14:44

@Vox

He took the hit well, quickly adjusting in the mud and blood making his footing treacherous. He slid back but not to the distance Lark would've liked. He wasn't right. Most had deemed him an odd child in his hometown, but those whispers followed where he went. He could read a person like their thoughts were printed on their faces. One could see a lie if they could identify the truth, and he found it easy to see. Humans little masks they used to justify themselves. His second short sword cut forward for Lark's chest with more power than his small frame denoted, his dark eyes flat as a lake. "You are new. Where have you been hiding?" His sword barely skimmed Lark's chin forcing the vampire back. He spun the two small swords lightly. "Grant me a second? I'd like to ask you something?" He asked, soft spoken but easy to hear.

@Nymphy ❦

Lark narrowed his eyes, the stark contrast the the light colored irises against his dark as night skin was staggering to many, the stern features and prominent jaw clenched tight as he dodged the swipe of the other man's blade. There was something different about this one, though Lark could not pin point what exactly made this human so different from the others as they battled it out on the field. He could read movements well, and while Lark could move with rapid speed the human male wasn't that far behind and it perplexed the vampire to no end. When the blade came at his chin he narrowly dodged it, hit teeth grinding against each other in frustration. "I've been around." He smirked revealing his fangs, the two men circling each other, both waiting for the other to strike next. He couldn't prolong this much longer, his mistress had already been waiting long enough and if it dragged on any longer she would come herself. He needed to be competent, he could not fail her this time. Eyes narrowed as he readied his sword. "If I grant you your question, would you accompany me willingly?" It was a thought, though Lark doubted it would be that easy to lure the human. @Vox

"I'd fight with one weapon rather than two. And will not kill myself if I lose." He assured. "You're in a rush. You had a killing shot on me and did not take it. And you did not protect the youngling from my associate so it is not yours." He kept his feet primed for another push, noting no one was trying to sneak up on him. No one was coming to Larks help. "The woman. On the hill? Who is she?" He asked gently and tightened the grip on his swords. "She seems so familiar to me..." he added, to himself mostly. As he asked, he slid a chain from his coat, attaching his swords at the base of the hilts. One weapon, though made with two swords. @Nymphy ❦

The human was showing interest in his Mistress which Lark wasn't sure how exactly he felt about it. On the one hand it may help, the other hand it just didn't sit right with the vampire. Slowing he tilted his head, his eyes still narrowed like a wild cat while on the hunt. "I doubt she is familiar to you, human." He lunged then, blade raised, as he slashed downward he would sprint to the left after feigning right. "If you're that curious you can always put down your weapons and find out for yourself." @Vox

His swords were a pain, changing direction and speed easy as he breathed. Clattering off Larks sword in showers of sparks. Until he slipped, tumbling in the mud with a furious sound as je realized he'd lose. He had needed perfection to keep up. He stayed on his knees, Larks sword at his throat hands raised gently. And then he leaned forward, twisting and using Larks sword to cut his throat. He grinned as blood poured from his skin, coating his teeth. @Nymphy ❦

Out of all the outcomes that could have taken place, the human male trying to take his own life after losing had not been it. In fact He dropped the blade he's held as soon as he saw the male's lifeblood pour forth from the wound and as the idiot grinned Lark would wrap his long dark dingers around his throat to prevent as much blood loss that he could. He easily hefted the human into his arms and began his sprint up the hill to the carriage. As he arrived the carriage door swung open.

Turaya could smell the blood even through the rain, through the walls of the carriage. The sound of Lark approaching had her swing the door open. Her eyes momentarily wide as she saw the one she had chosen in his arms, blood coating his upper torso and continue to poor from his neck. "What did you do?! I said bring him to me, not kill him!"

Lark hissed and shook his head. "It was not me, he did it himself." He climbed into the carriage and when Turaya shut the door the coachmen set off towards their home. It would be a drive yet, many miles with the horses pulling the carriage with no rest. They stopped once at an indescribable inn where they would switch horses. Turaya had given a few drops of her blood to the heap of man that was currently in the floor of the carriage. Lark didn't like it, didn't like how she was giving attention to the corpse. There was no helping the human, at least from what he could tell. What was it about this man that had her interested? He looked like all of the others that had come before, and he'd more than likely leave the same. Yet here his mistress was, acting as if he would make it.

By the time they reached her home Turaya was covered in blood, the hunger was great but she shoved it down, lifting the body with just as much ease as Lark had done. "Have one of the thralls fill the tub, and bring me one of the feeders." Her fangs ached as she leapt from the carriage and headed off towards her room. Once there she would lay the body on the bed, stripping him of his filthy clothing and then her own. Several servants hustled about preparing what she had ordered. @Vox

The ground rose to meet him in a blurr, fire pouring down his front. I'm coming mother... he couldn't help but smile feeling her catch him. And then it just hurt. Her fingers were too tight. He couldn't breathe. I cut my own throat. he noted, head tucked into Lark as he ran. His hands slick with blood. He couldn't get a grip on Lark's wrist. He woke slightly, vision sharpening back to slightly understandable blurs at the taste of her blood. He sat against the bench on the floor, slid into the corner. Move. Move. Move. it all was too heavy. He was dead and stuck in his own skull. He could feel the movement, feel the scarf they'd tied over his throat to staunch what blood he had left. I failed. I failed and I'm stuck... Am I going to feel them burn me after the fight? He lost track of everything again. It all was overwhelming. He could feel his aching body being picked back up, every touch like needles jamming into his skin. Cold... she saw his skin cover with goosebumps even as his head lulled laying in her bed. @Nymphy ❦

It didn't take long for the bath to be filled, with multiple serants that came to and from carrying buckets upon buckets of steaming hot water. A wide selection of flower petals and dried herbs were brought for her to pick from to add to the water and Turaya settled on one's that held medicinal purposed rather than which scent smelt more pleasing. Satisfied as they were scattered into the water she dismissed everyone until all that remained was the man who was near death and Turaya herself. With ease she lifted his body, careful of his head and neck as she moved to the clawfooted tub. One foot and then the other she lowered them into the water, the blood that had dried to her skin began to taint the herbal water pink as it wore away from their bodies. She hummed as she worked, the smell of grime now gone Turaya began to notice what she had caught but a mere glimpse of before. This man was no mere mortal, he smelt different... Once he was free from all that which had made him filthy she continued to lay there with his head on her well endowed chest. She bit into her right wrist, when the blood began to pool she opened his mouth and set her wrist against his lips while her other hand traced the cut on his neck that had already begun to heal from the healing properties in which her blood carried. @Vox (edited)

She felt him shift when they both sunk into the bath, rested back into her. She had hold him upright but he was definitely aware somewhere inside his head. She remembered the first time she'd gotten weak enough she couldn't take care of herself. The panic and lack of control. It took a moment to get his throat clear enough to drink and he rasped out a full breath, teeth sinking into her arm. What am I doing? he whined into her arm eyes rolling back softly with near delight. He eventually let go sinking down in the water against her, fingers digging at his now healed throat. No no no. This isn't right. he thrashed, finally able to get a hold of his surroundings. Hands on the tub edge he pulled himself weakly forward but without strength sunk under the surface until she pulled him back up. "What the fuck?" He choked out hands back to his neck. "What. The. Fuck." @Nymphy ❦

Seeing him lively was very promising and Turaya sat straighter as he tried to get up. He fell back into the water and she had to pull him back up, her hands gripping his waist in case he tried to flee. The panic that he was feeling was completely natural in the circumstance but she knew he wouldn't change, there was a whole process to being turned into a vampire and they'd barely scratched the surface of it. Not to mention her being one of Lilith's first children Turaya would have to do other steps not needed for most. "Calm yourself, human." She said in her silky smooth voice. His hands were around his neck as if in disbelief and Turaya sighed. "Do not do anything rash like you did on the battlefield. I will not tolerate it." @Vox

He trembled, making the water wave as he struggled to keep a grip. He had his hands behind his neck and curled up forehead on his knees. Fill in the blanks. Understand.... too many blanks. he whined softly, stomach rolling. As much as he desired to reject it all his awakened appetite didn't care much for his morals. "W-what happened? I don't understand...." @Nymphy ❦

"What is there not to understand, human?" Turaya moved to pull his hands from around his neck. "I have healed you and saved you from your own demise." She would move her left hand to rest underneath his chin and would lift his face so that they were looking eye to eye. He was handsome, and that had been one of the many reasons in which she had been drawn to him. But it was his scent that had lured her in the most. What was it about this mortal that tempted her so? Even now as she sat in the tub her teeth ached to sink into the tender flesh of his neck, to drink him dry of that intoxicating life blood. Turaya inhaled deeply as she leaned forward, her eyes skimming from his face to his neck where his artery pulsed along with the beat of his heart. @Vox

Even as his lip wobbled afraid and visibly shaking, he didn't flinch from her. His heart beat was quick but wasn't the rabbit thumps she'd expect. And it was slowing... he had control of heart whether or not he was aware of it. "I meant... the taste..." he forced out gently. Humans may feel the compulsion to drink but they couldn't tell the difference in taste between people. "Why do you taste," So good, "like that?" @Nymphy ❦

She could hear his heart beating with a steady thump. thump. thump He was not as afraid as he should be, and Turaya found herself wondering exactly what was going on. His heart should have been pumping like that of a wild animal caught in a trap instead of calmness she was hearing. She sucked in a breath, her eyes growing wide as she heard his words. "Taste like what?" She let go of his chin and used one of her pointed nails to dig into her wrist right in front of him, the blood pooling against her alabaster skin. The stark contrast of red on white was remarkably beautiful to her as she watched it slowly begin to drip into the bath water. With her bright red eyes watching him she lifted her wrist to her mouth and let her tongue lap at the blood which flowed freely from her wrist. The tangy notes of a metallic taste spreading across her tongue. It was not uncommon for vampires to enjoy blood of another, although most only drank from humans that they kept as feeders, lest the general populace found out the truth about them. @Vox

His pupils dilated but he forced his eyes down, struggling to keep them there. They kept dragging back to her mouth. Want. Need. He was moving before he'd made the decision to, crawling back to her chest like a puppy begging. He eagerly and mouth opened tries to catch what he could before she stopped him. A wives tale popped in her head. Women raped by beasts and popping out peculiar children. They grew like humans, behaved like children, could survive on both blood and food and would eventually stop aging, able to survive over 200 years in their prime. Longer if they drank vampire blood. If she'd let him, he'd take her wrist to feel from again. Purring he melted again into her, an awakening of desire he was unaware of. @Nymphy ❦

She wouldn't deny him the blood, her wrist going to his mouth as he eagerly climbed into her lap. Truth be told Turaya felt a sense of pleasure as his hands clung to her wrist like a starving puppy. The fact that he found her blood so desirable only solidified the suspicion that she had first had when she had watched him fight on the battlefield. "Shhh." She stroked his hair, her long delicate looking fingers raking through his hair to untangle the unkempt strands as he drank greedily from her. Turaya knew she would need to eventually cut him off, but for now she felt strong enough to let the man be a little gluttonous. "When you've had your fill, I would like you to tell me your name young one." @Vox

Purring, she fed until she forced him to let go and he had to be forced to sit back down where he slid down to his chin in the hot water. Eyes half closed, sucking his teeth he hugged himself. He felt whole... for once he didn't have a pang in his stomach. He'd always been told he was an odd child but never had the chance to ask his mother why. He had to be reminded of the question which he blinked, rubbing his eyes with his knuckle. "Ezra. My names Ezra..." he said softly after a second. @Nymphy ❦

The question that currently ran through Turaya's mind was if Ezra knew what he was. She had a suspicion that he did not. Fate was a funny thing, one of the first known vampires, currently cradled a very rare breed of creature that was neither vampire nor human. She watched as he rubbed his eyes, a soft sigh escaping her. She would find out more about this man she had hand picked, and hopefully in time she would not come to regret the decision in bringing him to her home. "You are tired." It wasn't a question, but a statement in which she made as she rose from the depths of the tub, the pink water cascading down her curved form. She stepped out of the tub, not caring about the amount of water that began to pool at her feet. "Come." Turaya held out a hand for Ezra to take before leading him to the bed and motioning for him to lay. "Rest." The command in her voice would be strengthened by her blood that he had drank. @Vox

He watched her leave the bath then looked aside ashamed at his staring then followed. Being naked brought him little anxiety, emboldened by the fact no one had ever bothered him with it. He was left alone and he liked it that way. He slicked water off himself, crossing his arms across his chest. 24 years of life was screaming that all of this was strange, even if his body was screaming that all of this was exhausting. He stood staring at the bed for long enough she was sure she'd have to repeat herself for the first time in her life. He crawled under the blankets, laying in a way she recognized. Ready to get up at a moments notice. I can try to find a way out when she falls asleep. But the other is here too? Fuck.... what am I supposed to fucking do....

@Nymphy ❦

She would wait a few breaths before she moved across the room and opened a drawer full of different sized collars made from a variety of materials. Her fingers glossed over each and every one as she glanced towards the bed for a moment and contemplated which to choose. Eventually she settled on a collar that was as crimson as the blood in which they coveted. The strap of material was about two fingers wide and was made of a sturdy leather with metal connectors that buckled and then looped. Satisfied with her choice she silently made her way back across the room. With deft fingers she lifted his head just slightly enough to slide the collar underneath. After it was in place she stood upright and admired the way it looked around his neck, his nude form halfway covered with the blanket. The color contrasted against the color of his skin and hair beautifully and Turaya smiled. There was light knocking on the door and she turned. "Enter." She grabbed her silk robe that was hanging on a nearby hook and slipped it over her shoulders but made no point in closing it.

"Mistress." He bowed low, his voice was low as to not disturb the man on the bed. "There are some things we should discuss about the up coming visit from the other lords." He glanced towards the lump beneath the sheets before turning back to Turaya. "Should we move to the office?"

Sighing she rubbed her temples, with all the excitement she had forgotten that several of the other lords were coming to discuss what to do with the rapidly increase of exposure to mortals. Some wanted to take over, other's wanted to remain in seclusion. Turaya... was somewhere in between. "Fine, but first. Have someone come and install the chain. Lest my new pet decide to run away." She smirked a moment. "This one is a rare breed you see." Turaya glanced at the bed before leaving the room and headed for her office.

Lark kept silent as she left and went over to where the metal enchanted chain rested in it's box. So long ago there had been another who once wore the chain, the memories brought back a mixture of emotions within the male vampire as he bent to pick it up. Swiftly he move and latched the one end to the metal look in the floor and then made his way to the bed to hook it to the collar. His eyes went wide in surprise as he noticed the collar in which Turaya had placed on the males neck. He bit his tongue as he moved the blanket so that he could reach the back of the collar where the small loop was. @Vox

He whined softly as she shifted his head to get it around his neck, digging at it as if forced him to not curl up. Lark had to move his dark curls to get to the hook in the back of it.

He was in the office, a small amount of clothes in his arms. After Turaya had gotten tired of him, he'd been given to Lark which he honestly seemed to prefer. "I brought some of my clothes." He smiled softly. "Lark said he was close to my size, so I thought I'd offer some temporary options." He smiled demure. @Nymphy ❦

Turaya looked at the offered options of clothing that Sypher held out. The man had once been her pet but it hadn't quite worked out between the two. Normally she wouldn't mind so much but it was undeniable to see the chemistry between her right hand man and the petite male before her. "Whichever shows the most skin, you remember my tastes. I trust you'll dress him well." She sat in her chair, the pile of papers on the desk made her head hurt already. "I'll send a summons for Georges. When he arrives do lead him to where my new pet is, yes? And be careful, this one bites." She smirked at the last comment, the spot on her wrist slightly tingled from the memory.

Lark finished with placing the leach on the collar, though he was not as skilled as Turaya with magic he had just enough to activate the spell that had been infused in the chain itself making it impossible for anyone but those granted from removing it. He lowered the male back down and crossed his arms as he observed the sleeping figure. He seemed to be doing a lot better from when they had first gotten here and Lark wondered exactly how much of his Mistresses' blood he had been granted. A small pang of jealousy stirred in his heart as he turned and headed for the door. @Vox

He woke a bit later and rolled gently, blinked, then panicked. I fell asleep?! What I'd wrong with me?! he didn't notice the chain until he gagged himself at the end of his reach. At the foot of the bed he picked apart the stack of clothes, pulling on the top and shorts he deemed most wearable. Aligning the straps, he felt st the back of his neck and with a sharp snap unhooked the chain. He hit the hall sprinting a second later, skidding around the corner on bare feet. Bare feet slapping the floor he paused at an intersection of the halls, looking around the corner. He kept going, hitting the corner too fast again and skidded around it. Fuck. I need stairs. A door?! he tsked.

@Nymphy ❦

Lark had joined Turaya in the office, both discussing the best way to handle their current incoming visitors. Both agreed not all should be housed in their home, there were some secrets that needed to be kept from prying eyes and most definitely now that she had her hands on one of those. As if conjured by her thoughts she narrowed her eyes, the paper she had just signed still mid air waiting for Lark to take. She sniffed the air and glanced from Lark to the door. "Do tell me, you locked up my new pet, yes?"

"Yes, exactly how you showed me to do it. Why?" His eyebrows rose only for him to catch the scent in the air that seemed to be right outside the door. He paled. "I am sorry, Mistress. I'll go after him right now." He bowed low only for Turaya to place a hand on his shoulder.

"No, I'll handle this one. But to pay me back for your error you can finish the paperwork on your own." With that said she moved to the door and opened it to see Ezra standing there. "Are you that eager, my pet?" A wicked smirk formed on her red lips as she took a step forward. Leaning forward her eyes narrowed. "Now's the time to run, if you think you can." @Vox

He startled freezing as she bent to talk to him before taking her advice at full speed. He hopped the banister to the stairs and she heard him squeak, not expecting such a large drop and then tumble down the stairs. Wincing, he held his face and bloody nose whining as he pushed himself up. Hip aching he limped slower trying to listen for her following. Damn! Damn! Damn. he wiped his throbbing nose, licking blood off his lip. He fought with the collar, whimpering as he couldn't figure out how it came off, starting to panic. "Come on come on....." he dug his fingers under the edge pulling. @Nymphy ❦

Several options played through her mind. Would she go straight for him, ultimately dashing his plans and capturing him automatically or would she let him get a false sense of hope and toy with him a little? A smile formed on the corners of her mouth. Slowly she made her way to the edge of the balcony, her white blonde hair falling forward as she glanced over the edge. She could hear him so he wasn't terribly far, he must have hurt himself when he had jumped over. Tsking she jumped up effortlessly on the railing before letting herself fall down, but unlike Ezra she had landed perfectly, as if her whole being defied the existence of gravity. Whistling she made her way forward, the empty halls echoing as she followed the path he had taken. "Oh little mouse~" @Vox

He tugged open the slider to a shoe cabinet crawling into the dark, shoving the contents aside. Back to the door and legs to his chest, Ezra stayed there. I know I'm being dumb. he thought to himself. Stagnant air started choking him up but he buried his face in his arms, curls slicked to his face with sweat. @Nymphy ❦

Turaya continued to hum as she walked down the hall, her heels echoing against the granite floor as she went. She could tell Ezra had stopped, likely finding a place to hide though it would do him no good. Her senses were higher than that of a normal mortal which gave her an advantage at times like these. "Little mouse, little mouse" She paused in the hall just a few steps away from the linen closet he had taken residence up in. She turned to face the closet a smirk on her face as she swung open the door. "Did you think I'd let you get away after having been gifted that much of my blood?" Turaya crouched down, her robe rising to reveal more of her legs as she stared at him. "Now, are you going to come back willingly or will we have to do this the hard way?" @Vox

He stayed curled up in the corner. "Why'd you chain me to the bed with that easy of a lock?" He tsked softly arms over his knees, chin tucked to his chest. She'd realized he was more insulted than upset at his situation. Considering his fleeing as a punishment more than trying to make a break for freedom. "And what's with this?" He tugged gently at the collar whining softly. @Nymphy ❦

The problem was that it should not have been that east for him to escape from the confines in which the metal chain would have given him. The only thing that could make sense was that he had taken enough blood from her to fool the spell into thinking it was she who had been trying to remove it. She would need to change the way the spell was implemented, it had never been a problem before with her other pets but none of them had been a half-breed. A smirk would appear on the side of her lip when he asked about the collar. "It's to let everyone know you are owned, and by who. Pets should always wear a collar, little mouse. Now come." She held out her hand and waited patiently. She could use force but if he came willingly it would made one less thing for Turaya to have to stress about. @Vox

He crawled out on his own, Sypher's old clothes being a good temporary fix until they were ready for Georges visit. Shuffling a bare foot and itching the back of his leg with the top of his other foot. When he looked around him, she could near see the gears turning in his head trying to categorize everything around him. Sypher had done the same before he started to break. A habit instilled by their work. "You're stressed." He labeled lightly, looking up at her. He couldn't label why like he normally could but he knew she was by how she stood, "Because of me? Or more important things?" He pressed. His voice stayed the same gentle tone despite a bit of anxiety clear in his body language. @Nymphy ❦

"Who says I'm stressed?" She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth as she lowered her hand since he didn't take it. She started back towards the stairs expecting that he would follow. "Matters of which do not concern you, pet. If you feel that you have stressed me then by all means you should make up for that." She paused on the steps and turned to face him, her red eyes bearing into his soul. "You are aware of what I am, but not who. If you're curious stay around and you just might find out." She turned around again qnd continued the trek up the stairs only to pause on the final step. Her back straight as a board her hand gripping the railing as she spokenher final piece concerning the subject. "Try to flee again and you will be punished."

05:45

@Vox

"You're Turaya." He called as she continued up the stairs. He knew who she was. That he should be frightened but he didn't seem to care. He smiled softly and padded looking for a kitchen. Hugging himself, he pushed open the door, looking for food. Empty from healing from the verge of death and now his falling down the stairs, Ezra went searching out trying to avoid everyone. He didn't know if there was staff here or what but he didn't want to talk to anybody. @Nymphy ❦

When he began to head a different way than the one she had intended to take him she curiously began to follow him. Turaya would leave the rest of the paperwork and stress to Lark, a shame for him but it meant she could focus on the man who apparently was hungry. "The kitchens are not open this late, the chef has gone to their quarters for the evening. If you are requiring sustenance then feel free to scavenge through the fridge for whatever you wish." She took a seat on a stool and rested her chin in the palm of her hand as she watched him scuffle about. There was not a lot of information about vampires that had been released to the common population of humans. Rumors and myths had already been well into play from the ridiculous notion that they were allergic to garlic, to that they did not eat, as well as the ridiculous bit about the crucifix. None of them were true of course, but they would not do anything to dissuade anyone of the notion. The kitchen was fully stocked to the brim with fresh fruits and vegetables, large racks held slabs of meat that were put in front of a fire to dry out after being rubbed down with salt and herbs. A bucket could be found with fresh cream that must have been prepared very recently to turn into butter. Loaves upon loaves of different shaped and colored bread were in a basket on a very large kitchen island. Ezra would have his pick of whatever his hearts desire and she would not prevent him from eating it. She was aware he would need the energy. Her blood only did so much for him, real food would be of more help. @Vox

He slid to the floor on the other side of the counter island, shoving a bun into his mouth. Thank God she'd rather him healthy so he could eat. He broke apart orange slices quickly following it down. He was praying softly as he ate, an old habit distilled by living in a church. "So... can you fill me in... on what happened?" He peaked over the edge of the counter, reaching across for more bread.

He set his chin on the edge of the counter, finding the bread not at all appetizing. His taste for food would be temporarily dulled but he ate anyway to fill his stomach. He seemed genuinely unaware of what he was, even after their bath and his feeding. He'd gotten over his near death quickly. @Nymphy ❦

"I would need you to be more specific, Mouse." She had been rubbing at her temples with her eyes closed. She opened them then, feeling he had moved closer and she looked at him curiously. He looked so much like a pet the way he was sitting and she couldn't help but chuckle. As she stared at him it would register in her mind what he had meant. "Ah...yes." Turaya slid from her seat and beckoned him with a finger. "You want to learn more then you will have to accompany me to my office." @Vox

He shrugged and got up to follow, another piece of bread in hand. He followed her up the stairs, padding softly behind her. Did he trust her? No. But did he trust he would survive if he wasn't stupid, yes. Besides he knew next to nothing about her. He'd heard about her before by general legend but never had a chance to actually interact beyond fighting them or killing them. He ripped into the piece of bread apart, popping it in his mouth. @Nymphy ❦

Back at the office Lark had seemed to still be sitting at her desk, elbows deep in paperwork, a look of frustration on his face as he skimmed over the documents. He had barely been able to make a dent in them when he could sense Turaya returning. He signed the document he had just read and set it in the completed pile. He hoped he would get a vacation soon, or at least a night off where he could enjoy a quiet evening but he doubted he would get one any time soon. Later he would need to work through his frustrations, for now he would work until she said he could stop.

Turaya led Ezra to her office, opening the door to reveal walls full of books with a dark mahogany desk. Lark sat looking over papers but she did not acknowledge him, instead she went past him to a bookshelf scanning the rows of books until she found the one she was looking for. A red leather bound book with one word on the cover embossed in gold. Dhampirs She turned and held the book out for her mouse. "Can you read, pet?" Once he took the book she would grab his other arm by the wrist and begin to pull him from the room. "Lark, please finish those then you may be excused until we are to summon Georges tomorrow. Do let Sypher know he may purchase up to four rolls of textiles of his choosing." With that she pulled Ezra from the room and towards her bedroom. @Vox

He tucked the book to his chest like it was something to protect, a rarity at the church to have anything but bibles and similar texts. He half fell as she pulled him off balance slightly following her. Inside her room he struggled through the word on the front, it not being one he recognized before opening it. He could read, he was just very slow at it. @Nymphy ❦

Turaya pulled him into the room and snapped her fingers, the door to her room shut and an audible click could be heard as the lock settled. "Now come." She pulled Ezra to the bed at a slower pace and once there she had him sit before grabbing the enchanted chain. Her fingers moved down the length of it before moving to the loop and replacing the hook of it to his collar. She sat near her headboard and rested against it. "Tell me Ezra, have you ever heard of vampires which were not undead?" @Vox

"All vampires are. 'Less you're talking about the legends and stuff." He behaved because he was curious, debating where she was going with it and connecting the dots in his own head. "Are you saying that's what I am?" He asked softly, fingers trying to skim the pages. So much of it was too large of words for him, and he struggled his way through them unsure even what they meant. It would make sense he supposed, being a dhampir. A halfling from birth... he had idea who his father was, it could be possible.... and it wasn't like he could go ask his mother. The woman had sold him off as soon as she could, a toddler with dark eyes and an intelligence he shouldn't have. He started with horses, before he was ditched off at a monastery at six. He skimmed his fingers over a picture seemingly fine with this sudden change in his life, but he was shaking. @Nymphy ❦

She let him stew with the information, she was aware it was believed to be a myth but she had seen such beings first hand though they were quite rare. Most vampires only saw humans as a means to a meal, sheep, cattle. Turaya had been around since the creation of man had just begun to spread. Her mother Lilith had been outraged by the events of her life and had begun to create monsters to hunt them down, Turaya being one of the very first. His question had pulled her back from darker times. Thankful for it she would nod, "Yes. That is precisely what I am saying little Mouse." She watched him as he almost revered the book. He hadn't said if he could read or not and she would not offer unless he asked himself if he needed help. "Your breed is rare, but it can happen. If you were not aware then it seems my blood was the first you have had, presumably besides your own..." Turaya trailed off ass she reached out with her hand to stroke his cheek and then his bottom lip with her thumb. "Tell me, how did it make you feel?" There were so many unknowns about Dhampirs, no thorough studies yet to be done and with the coming arrival of the other lords Turaya would need to get her pet to be loyal, obedient. "How...did I taste?" @Vox

He jerked out of her hand, tsking softly with a mix of annoyance and anxiety. He want necessarily afraid. He didn't remember much what that felt like. Fear requires a desire to exist. "Dont touch me." He added as if it made a difference. He knew she didn't care what he thought. He focused back on the pages, mouthing the words softly to try and understand them. It showed he knew how to read but not that he necessarily was great at it. Ezra had small spats so far but he seemed more a slow building to disobedience, gaining strength the more he became accustomed to everything around him. "Like copper metal." He finally answered but she saw the jump in his throat. @Nymphy ❦

"That's it?" Turaya examined her pointed fingernail before continuing. " ...are you positive about that, pet?" There was no way he hadn't enjoyed himself. With how he hungrily clamored for her wrist as he took and took. She would tempt him again, perhaps in the next coming day but for now he had too much of her blood in his system. Unless she wanted to find herself overpowered she would back off. "As for you trying to issue me a command-" Turaya grabbed him by the chin and held him firm, her nails digging into his skin, the points sharp enough to puncture his skin. She brought her face right up to his, her lips grazing his as she spoke. "You were on deaths door. I brought you back with my blood. You are mine and I will do what I please with what is mine." She squeezed her hand that held his face, the nails digging in even harder as she claimed his lips in a kiss. Her fangs grazing his bottom lip. @Vox

He closed his eyes, unflinching even as she split his skin blood beading over her nails. He had a higher tolerance for pain especially if he had done his previous greavous wound to himself. At the kiss He flinched in surprise but didn't move, as if she'd lose interest if he didn't respond. Only if she let go did he move to wipe his mouth and chin, internally cringing at the rips in his skin. @Nymphy ❦

"Feel free to continue reading over the book, but I do suggest you get some rest, lest you be tired before tomorrow night's schedule. I will be having someone come and measure you for clothing. I will need to travel about half a days journey to handle something and you shall be accompanying me." Turaya repositioned herself so that she could lay comfortably. Her head resting on the deep red pillow, her pale hair splayed out like a halo. Eyes closing but no real intention to sleep, she wanted to see what he would do if he thought she was unconscious. It wasn't that vampires needed sleep but if they were gravely wounded or just bored with the mundane they could choose the option to slumber for days, weeks, months... Turaya herself had only needed rest like that twice in her life but sometimes she did just enjoy laying and simply existing. Watching the world shift and change as she slumbered. @Vox

"Wh-..." he started but noticed her 'asleep' and started messing with the latch to his leash, finding it stubbornly shut. So he tried to break it and only received sore hands. He grumbled in frustration then went quiet sitting on the bed. She could feel him staring, debating what to do. To risk something now would certainly mean something bad. Especially if she was trying to bring him somewhere... No one has any idea of her council. Where she lives. None of it... he flopped down on his back. My job to remember that now I guess... Ezra seemed to like having loads of sleep. He always looked barely on the verge of being tired and drifted off faster and slept deeper than the dead. He couldn't control his hibernation state and until he did, he'd be harder to wake up and keep awake and be angrier when he got woken up prematurely. @Nymphy ❦

It didn't take a genius to figure out what the sounds were as she laid there, her body as still as a corpse, not even breathing patterns. Sure she could mimic the need to breathe but vampires didn't truly need the oxygen as humans did. As he began to settle Turaya wondered if he had realized the same trick wouldn't happen again. Eventually his breathing patterns evened out and she opened her eyes, rolling to her side to observe him sleeping. @Vox

He was crashed out cold, head half under the other pillow and book closed by him. His hand resting on the cover, nails against the leather. He was dreaming if his little twitches was anything to go by. His hands would spasm gently and his face going through the faintest changes of emotions. His life had been all structure and he fell into a new structure easily. He thrived in it. It gave him things to do and work to follow and without it, he dwelled too much in his own head. His dreams edged nightmares, morals ingrained in him fighting the changes being laid. What he was allowed to enjoy. What he considered 'right' to the lines drawn in the sand... Hunting, running and using instincts he had known was there but never had allowed to rise. @Nymphy ❦

Turaya couldn't help but make comparisons between a puppy dreaming and Ezra as he laid there in her bed, twitching and making soft sounds as he slept. The urge to mess with him was strong but for now she would let him rest. Instead she would rise quietly from the bed and summon one of the thralls that were outside her chambers. "Wine, and perhaps something a little stronger from the reserves." Once the thrall headed to do her bidding Turaya moved to rest on her bed, one of her fingers ever so gently moving to lift his top lip to see if there was any indication that he had fangs. Being half vampire she felt he might, but dhampirs didn't actually need blood to survive as far as she was aware. But if there were perhaps pointy enough... A smirk spread on her lips as she released his lip from her finger. The door to her room opening as the servant brought what she had requested. Without a word the servant dropped off the two bottles and two perspective glasses before bowing low and leaving. Turaya poured a glass of red, opting to ease into the heavier stuff later. Lounging on her fainting couch she picked up a roll of papers she had been neglecting to read. @Vox

Apart from slightly longer canines, he was no different than a regular human and he wiggled away from the touch with a whine at being disturbed. He shoved his head under one of the pillows arm set over the cushion. He eventually woke with nightmares still burning in his head and he curled up still hiding in the soft dark beneath the pillow. What am I even thinking about... can I even go back? I've been such a hypocrite... He sniffled softly rubbing his eyes knowing she was still near despite everything the pillows muffled. He stayed half hidden in his little fort of blanket in the bed, trying to get back to sleep. @Nymphy ❦

Making no move to wake or disturb Ezra more than she had, she glanced up from the papers in which she had been perusing Turaya wondered what he had been dreaming about. Some vampires could dive into the minds of their prey, to see their inner thoughts and desires to use and exploit them, though Turaya herself didn't have the ability to do such she had been gifted with many other talents. She found it adorable that he would hide beneath the pillow and blanket. Was he hiding from her, or was it his own dreams in which he found solace in hiding? Before she had realized it she had finished off the first glass of wine and with a sigh she rose from her couch to pour another. It was quiet, though she knew the stillness of her life would not last long with the upcoming trip. She would let Ezra sleep until the morning sun would begin to set before she would wake him. @Vox

He was awake already when she 'woke him' so he sat up, rubbing his eyes on the heel of his hands. "Do I get normal clothes or more of this." He plucked his tighter top, the band popping softly on his ribs. Sypher had provided a singular 'appropriate' outfit that Ezra was already wearing, the rest being even thinner or shorter. "If we are going someplace that is." He said softly, discomforted by the prospect. @Nymphy ❦

"Mostly of that type, although when we travel or have to attend other estates you will be dressed in a suit much like what Lark wears on a daily bases." She picked up up a small bell from her bedside table and rang it, though it made no audible noise in the vicinity. Within a few moments two servants entered and bowed. "You rang, mistress?" "Yes, do go and bring Georges. My new pet needs to be clothed before our travel date. See to it that it will be done by the end of the night. I am aware he is a busy man but I will pay the extra fee for the rush." With the servants dismissed she turned to Ezra. "If you are awake enough would you like a tour of my estate before dinner?" @Vox

He was staring at the floor as if reading some sublime secret, debating how and what to do. Disobedience ended in punishment but his apparent rarity was something to keep. "No. I dont." He stated simply. Foolish to not learn the building but he didn't want to do whatever she had planned for him. Ringing his hands for a second he crawled back up into the bed to apparently lay back down. @Nymphy ❦

Clicking her tongue Turaya stared at her pet. "Fine, enjoy the time here alone. Your existence will be quite dull you'll come to realize, if you do not accept the boons I give." She grabbed hold of his ankle before he could fully retreat back underneath the blanket. "I am your master, the sooner you come to realize that the better. But need I use force I shall. I've been light with you as of yet, but that can quickly change, my little mouse." She released his ankle and already she could see the faint line of a bruise forming. She had squeezed with half her strength and yet the delicate shading on his ankle indicated it had been quite strong still. Turaya changed her clothing into one more of daily attire, instead of a dress much like the noblewomen of the time she instead chose sleek black pants that shone in the candlelight and a puffy white tunic with a black corset on top. Glancing in the mirror she ran her nails through her pale hair removing whatever tangles there may had been. She slipped her dainty feet in ankle boots with heels on the bottom that resembled metal spikes. "Enjoy your time alone, you will not be gifted that much longer." There was annoyance in her voice as she headed for the door, it shutting with a loud thud. @Vox

He was immediately back up as the door closed, searching the expanse of the room he could reach before the chain cut him short. Tsking when he found it wasn't much, he turned his attention to the collar. He caught sight of himself in the mirror and winced, raking his hands through his black curls before trying to get a look at the chain and collar hooks. Confused and angry why he couldn't get the simple things off anymore. When she returned he was laying on the floor at the farthest reach of his chain, half suffocating but too claustrophobic to care. He panicked that he couldn't get the thing off. @Nymphy ❦

Turaya returned from the office, a headache in the works from staring at all the documents that she had to finalize with her signature. Lark had helped to the best of his ability but there was only so much her right hand could do in management of her estate, not being a nobleman limited his experience with such things though he had learned a lot in the last few centuries. What made it more difficult was the fact that the other nobles did not like when she shirked the work. Not that she cared, but they could easily try and claim her land for their own if it was found out that Lark had forged signatures. Georges had arrived and would be joining for dinner so that was one less thing to worry about, though with how her pet had been acting she wasn't sure how behaved he would be for the fitting. Her memory stirred and she recalled when Sypher had been measured by Georges and sighed. She would need to stay for this one. This one was more bite than bark, unlike Sypher who had seemed to be the opposite. Entering her room she noticed Ezra on the floor and sighed yet again. "What do you think you're doing, mouse? You think you would die like that? There is no easy way out for you." @Vox

"Fuck your stupid collar and your stupid leash." He grunted in frustration, fingers wedged under it. New claws were pulling at the leather. Theyd grown as his body had processed her blood. He was angry and frustrated by her nonchalant ease at her dealing with him. He wasn't admitting it but it stung his pride. Trying to pull either the collar, the leash, or his neck would break first. "And my name is Ezra. Not fucking mouse." He added as if to try and sting her.

@Nymphy ❦

"I see someone has his feelings hurt." She walked over to him just out of reach and stared at him, her eyes not holding a hint of emotion. "If you want a rise out of me, mouse... You'll have to try a lot harder than that." She thought about letting him try and get the collar off, to watch and see just how hard he would pull, but she knew he would likely break his neck. "That leather is enchanted. I could always go more retro and go with what Sypher had to live with when he had first arrived. It's metal. Would you like that? Perhaps a custom muzzle to match?" Turaya bent down and grabbed his wrist, squeezing it until he would either let go or his wrist broke beneath the pressure, whichever came first. "Now, it's time to join the others in the dining hall. Are you going to oblige or am I going to have to drag you?" @Vox

He flinched and let go as his hand spasmed his nails having dug small scratches into his skin. "I'll go if I can have proper clothes." He eventually stated but didn't expect to get his way. Ezra pushed himself up on the edge of the bed to sit, skimming his nails under the others to clean beneath them. "Besides who all is there? Georges I know, your tailor. And Lark is your little right hand lackey. Sypher is his now but used to be yours and before that was a Corps." He rattled off, running through what he'd learned. @Nymphy ❦

"Little mouse has been keeping his ears alert I see. That should be all that is dining with us, save for if Georges brought along his husband. Now." Turaya stood and unhooked the chain from where it was attached to the ground. "As for the clothes, that is all you can be given, unless you want to wear some of mine. But they might be a little tight..." She pictured the idea in her mind and a lookof delight crossed her features. "Would you like some? I can most definitely spare a set." Turaya licked her lips. @Vox

"Ugh. No." He swayed gently hand over his face. He was hungry and it was making him upset. Most hunters were good at not needing to eat but it was Ezra's soft spot; he liked food. "I'll go to not wear them that way." He tsked following her, black curls slicked with sweat. "Lets just go." He mumbled nursing his bruised wrist and ankle from her holding him. @Nymphy ❦

A chuckle would escape Turaya's lips, turning as she held the thin metal chain in her hand as she led him from the room. The dining room was on the opposite side of the estate, the room itself full of warm inviting colors ranging from reds, to browns to a few accents of gold scattered through out. The table itself was made of a dark oak, polished and shaped to fit the expanse of the room itself. The chairs made of the same wood with plush seats of red leather. Lark was already in attendance, making sure everything was immaculate before Turaya had arrived. When they entered the dining room Lark bowed low, Sypher at his side followed by a few of the other servants who would be handing out the dishes tonight. Georges himself as well as his wife were on the other side of the long table. "Be seated." She held her head up high as she moved through the room, the clacking of her heels on the hard marble floor echoing around the room as she made her way to the head of the table. There was an empty place to her left in which was reserved for Ezra and she lightly tugged on the chain to indicate where he was to sit. She knew he would probably try and sit elsewhere but with her having a grip on the chain he didn't have much choice. @Vox

He thumped into it heavily refusing to look up from the table. His nails traced lines across the arms of the chair. An inconceivable amount of hate was welling up for the human on his side of the table and had not Lark been seated between them, he was sure he would've snapped. Said hate rotated to the next semi-reachable human in the room and he glared through the fringe of his bangs. Bile clogged his throat, burning. They don't even care what their sitting with. They just let them exist. Who was who in his thoughts was muddled. A distinction he found he couldn't decide on. His knuckles were white on the arms of his seat. He could feel the human pet, Sypher staring at him and he wanted to spit in his face. Betrayer to the corps... to his own species. @Nymphy ❦

"Something wrong, human?" He asked, his eyes narrowed into thin red slits as he stared at Ezra as the man's own eyes shot daggers towards his lover. He was no threat in this moment, and he would not do anything to piss off Turaya but he didn't like the way he was looking at Sypher. "Why don't you just focus on the food, instead of what's mine." He picked up his wineglass with his left hand and with his right he moved to place it in Sypher's lap as the servants brought in the main course.

Turaya sighed, her own wine glass in her hands as she took a decent sized sip. The mixture of wine and blood in her glass swirling and tinting the sides of the glass as the first plates were being delivered to everyone. There were a variety of meats and vegetables, each plate seeming to cater to each individual and as the servant hesitantly placed a plate in front of Ezra, Turaya found that her eyes were focused on his behavior. She wasn't sure when but he would test her soon, and she looked forward to the chance of putting the man in his place... To watch him come to terms with his fate that was now attached to her own. @Vox

He thumped his head onto the edge of the table, tsking with nausea. It all reeked. He shoved the plate towards the center of the table with a finger tip swallowing down the knot of sickness in his throat. Arms crossed on the table top he buried his lower face in his arms chewing anxiously on his lip. It was a mistake to just follow. Everything swam in front of his eyes as he blinked tears away of frustration. He was hungry but it all smelled like offal. "Suck eggs." He snapped in response to Lark's warning.

He squeezed Lark's arm giggling at the others pouting. "Why's he so pissed?" He whispered softly then ducked back as Ezra threw his plate down the table, scattering its contents across it. @Nymphy ❦

Turaya slammed her hand on the table as the plate of food scattered across. "Ezra." Her voice was quiet yet the control in which came out with it had Lark tensing in his place. Georges paused, his wine glass almost at his lips and even he paled at the sound in her voice. Her chair slid back as she rose, her hand coming down and smacking him across the cheek. "That is no way to act in front of guests." Her hand tingled from the amount of force she had used. Her other hand tightened on to the chain as she pulled. "Apologize." @Vox

It took a small shake of him by the collar to keep his attention as he twisted to see Sypher buried into Lark's side to hide. Bastard brat deserves to die... his skin stinging, he tried not to give her the pleasure of rattling him. His chair pushed back slightly as she near pulled him out of it. "I won't apologize for jack shit." He spit out, nails digging into her arm. @Nymphy ❦

His nails digging into her arm had her ever so slightly shivering, a sense of euphoria coursing through her veins. Her heart which had stopped beating long ago felt a glimmer of emotion in which she had long forgotten as his defiant eyes looked up at her. The few tears in his eyes that had not been shed...she wanted to taste them, to make him quake beneath her out of fear and other things. It was in this moment that Georges and Lark both stilled, their eyes looking anywhere but at Turaya as her eyes shone a bright red in the flickering of the candlelight. Her fangs elongated as in one swift moment Ezra went from in his hair to on the table before her. His back mashed into the plate which had held her rare steak and potatoes. The bloodied meat's juices soaking through his thin top. "If you will not apologize-" Her hand was at his throat, her nails digging in as he still held her other arm but it did not hinder her in the slightest. He may have been stronger than a mere human, and even more so with some of her blood still in his system but she was the First Daughter of Lilith. The first child of Night personified. "Shall I put you out of your misery. Is that what you want?" She bent down, her face practically touching his own as she hissed. "If you die in this moment, with my blood coursing through those delicious veins of yours you will become what you hate even more than you already are." Her grip tightened even more so restricting his airways so that he could not even get a breath of air. @Vox

His throat spasmed under her fingers as he struggled to get a breath, face going red as flush rose to his face. Tears ran down the side of his face as he struggled for a knife he'd seen.

Sypher carefully pulled the knife to him away from Ezra, knowing how much worse it'd make things. Even with the time he'd spent there, frozen in his age by Lark, he still had kinship to the same corps Ezra still thought himself apart of. Sypher held the others knife, grip white knuckled until Lark took it from him and made him sit back down. "He's..." Sypher swallowed the knot in his throat. "He's doing the... the influencing thing." Sypher hooked his legs in the chair his voice wavering. "I want to help..." he warned softly, trying to voice his concern. He didn't want to get in trouble for Ezra's sake, at least yet... @Nymphy ❦

Turaya had heard the words coming from Sypher and the grip she had on Ezra's neck held true as she lifted him from the table and threw him against the wall behind her. She held him there, feet dangling just above the floor sot hat he couldn't find purchase. Turaya hissed her command at Lark. "Get Sypher out of here."

Lark hadn't needed to be told twice as he quickly picked up Sypher and dashed out of the room. Georges himself had taken his wife by her hand and slower than Lark had been but they both exited without so much as a word leaving just the two remaining in the room. Once they were out in the hallway and far enough away Lark set his lover down. "You alright?" He could tell he was shaking and he himself jumped as he heard the loud slam against the door.

The thud against the door had been Turaya slamming it shut with her power, every candle in the room flickered with the gust of wind as it stirred about. Her pale hair flying wilding around her head as she loosened her grip on Ezra's neck. "Want to hurt me? Then try." She dropped him then, his body crumbling to the floor in a heap as she turned and grabbed a sword off of a nearby mantle. Even though it had been up there for display it could still be used as a weapon and she dropped it at his feet. "Come on then." @Vox

"Just kill me." He said softly rasping through an aching neck. His fingers pressed into his head He thumped his forehead into the floor repeatedly hands over his head. Tears ran down his face bruises rising over his neck. "I dont know what's happening and you're not helping me. I'm starving..." he whispered in a hope it'd make sense in his own head. His fingers closed over the blade, the sting giving some clarity to him until he saw blood and desperately lapped at it. Lapping at his palms sweat rose to the surface of his skin he seemed to have a moment of pause before he gagged and tried to vomit. @Nymphy ❦

"Kill you?" Turaya let out a laugh as she took a step closer to him. "That would be letting you take the easy way out and I don't do easy." She watched as he picked up the sword, the sharp blade digging into his skin. As the blood pooled and he lapped at it Turaya sighed, moving to take the weapon from him. "Hungry..." She glanced at the table where there were tons of different types of food. It clicked then in her mind what he was truly hungry for. "Fine." She moved her hair from the right side of her neck and took her finger and efficiently slice her skin open right where her artery was. Blood began to trickle from the wound and Turaya moved her hand to lift his chin. "Then eat." @Vox

He moved faster than she had expected to latch to her throat sucking at her skin. The mess from their scrap on the table still coated his back and his curls. In shaking hands he held her neck softly as he near melted into her lap, soft groans making him sound like a suckling kitten. He let go, lapping at his teeth and sliding down to the floor numb apart from the heat in his mouth. "Thank you..." he mumbled softly as everything in him eased. @Nymphy ❦

A vampire's bite was known to have an almost euphoric response from the prey, something to do with a chemical in their saliva as it penetrated the skin and the same could be said for even other vampires as they are being bitten. Turaya was no exception as she felt Ezra literally pounce on her as he sucked at her neck. She could feel each gulp he took, her eyes closing for the moment as her body rocked from the feel of it, a soft sigh escaping her when he pulled away. Her eyes were cloudy under her long eyelashes as she watched him slide down to the floor. The ease in his demeanor had her standing up then and like the kitten he had personified Turaya scooped him up from the floor, one arm underneath his legs while the other held his back. With a glance at the door it flew open and the two of them would exit much to Lark's surprise. Everyone present save for Sypher could smell her blood in the air and eyes went wide as she strolled past them. Turaya paused before turning down the hall towards her room. "I apologize Georges, we will need to keep you for a few days yet. Feel free to take any of the guest chambers in the other wing. Sypher or Lark can assist in anything you need." Her fangs ached as she spoke, her eyes shining bright red to denote her hunger and Lark took a step back out of reflex, his hand on Sypher gripping his waist tight. With the formalities out of the way Turaya began down the hall only to call out loud enough for everyone to hear, her voice eerily echoing throughout the whole manor as if assisted by magic. "No one is to disturb me unless summoned." Once in her bedchamber the door slammed shut and the bolt on the door slid into place even though no one touched it. She glided over to the bed and tossed Ezra on it. "Now, about your punishment." @Vox

He realized the amount of food stuck in his curls, peeling it out of his hair. "Ew..." he muttered rubbing his hand on his leg. At mention of punishment he quacked, shrinking down. "I... I couldn't control it... I'm...." I'm bargaining... what happened to I want to die... he sighed softly head in his palms. @Nymphy ❦

"You are what?" Turaya asked as she began to strip her clothing. "You're apologetic?" She tossed her top on a nearby chair. "Angry?" She tossed her brassiere to land on the shirt. "You're regretting it?" Her pants were next to join the growing pile. "Going to behave?" She finished as she removed her panties from and tossed them, she left her heels on though as she stood there staring at him, his chain leash once again in her hand. "Stand up, strip." @Vox

He hadn't noticed her stripping until she pulled his collar. He flushed freshly scarlet and looked down carefully tugging the messed clothing off. His thin body was trembling softly suddenly lining with cold bumps, hugging himself. His hard on was obvious despite his hiding it under his legs, a common symptom from feeding. However he didn't stand up, sitting on the floor naked. @Nymphy ❦

The blush on his face made Turaya narrow her eyes, him sitting instead of standing as she had told him making her want to punish him. As he shivered on his knees she lifted one of her legs and pressed the heel of the shoe into his shoulder. "I thought-" She dug the heel in making Ezra fall backward. Twisting her foot she finished speaking. "-I told you to stand, did I not?" @Vox

He winced in pain at her heel, tipping his head aside lightly. "I can't really when you're stabbing me with your shoe." He murmured, trying to make her smile anyway he could. "I'll get up... please." He said softly hugging over his ribs. @Nymphy ❦

She dug her heel in just slightly more before pulling her leg back and placing the heel on the floor. Turaya would wait until he stood before she turned and opened a drawer of a nearby cabinet. With the angle of how the cabinet was set Ezra wouldn't be able to see inside, only that she stuck her hand in. "Now answer me, you are what?" Her red eyes bore into him as if trying to sear his flesh as her hand felt around for one particular object as she waited for his answer. @Vox

"Sorry?" Was the only thing that popped into his head to answer with, craning to see into her cupboard. A coward also fits there... an idiot. he kept a hand tucked over his crotch, not necessarily sure if the hard on was for her or from feeding off her. @Nymphy ❦

"Was that a question?" Her eyes narrowed, her hand finally leaving the cabinet with a braided leather whip, the length of it uncoiling and falling just to about her midthigh. She flicked her wrist, drawing his eyes to the tool in her hand. It was pretty obvious what she planned to do with it, though depending on his response just how exactly she used it could be changed. @Vox

He visibly shrunk back looking aside, clearly having met a lash before. "No?" He added after her question as he shuffled back on his heels. It wasn't necessarily fear behind his eyes, more a reluctance and dislike for it. When he was sixteen he was caught and interrogated by a rival grouping of hunters looking for the main hold of the Corps and started realizing the extent of his limits. Things that shouldve hurt more didn't. How long he could hold his breath before his lungs began to burn. How easily he lit on fire.... @Nymphy ❦

"That came out as a question." Turaya stated, her tongue running over her teeth. She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes, the whip tight in her grasp she closed the last few steps between them, her free hand moving to grip the hair at the back of his head and forced him to look at her. "Remove your hands from covering yourself." She held him like that, one hand tight in his hair while she lifted the whip to trace his jawline. "I want to hear you say it. Say you're sorry." @Vox

He listened to the first command on instinct from being pulled back, the immediate instinct to balance himself buckling his legs. Wincing at his hair being yanked, he stuttered "I'm sorry... ma'am. I'm sorry." He grit his teeth half squinting as he stood on the balls of his feet arched in her hand. "For being rude in front of your guests." He added. @Nymphy ❦

"Good." She smirked then, the whip rising with her right hand. Hand still gripping his hair Turaya kissed him hard, her fangs lightly grazed his bottom lip as she brought the whip up before she brough it down fast and hard against his side. The braided leather made a loud slapping sound as it made contact with his flesh, coiling around his slender frame all the while her lips still took from him. @Vox

He winced into her mouth, jerking as it stung his skin red. His feet slid lightly across the floor as she accidently lifted him off his weight. He held onto her wrist trying to relieve some weight off his hair. He was anxious but didn't smell like fear, mostly trying to keep his heart rate under control. @Nymphy ❦

She broke the kiss by pulling away, dropping him on his feet just as quickly as she had lifted him. The whip uncoiled itself from his side as she took a step back. "Now. Let's talk about your punishment for trying to influence someone under my care... and to do harm at that." Turaya let her eyes trail up and down his form. "I feel that a heavier punishment should be given, no?" @Vox

"I dont even know how I did it how's that fair?" He shifted trying not to shy under her eyes. He was shorter than Sypher but a touch thicker in frame, and what most would consider olive toned despite being a touch pale. "Anyway, he didn't do it so it's not like it actually worked." He added sounding almost disappointed at himself. All these new things gave him insight into himself. Why he could do things differently than everything around him. He'd felt the world shifted and left him behind stuck in stagnation. And now he felt... important. Strong. Even being dragged around by a chain he was stronger than he'd ever been. @Nymphy ❦

A laugh would escape her throat, the natural rasp in it reminding one of warm chocolate. The corner of her eyes crinkled as she grinned revealing her pearly white teeth that seemed hauntingly stark white against her blood red lips, her lipstick smeared ever so slightly from their kiss. "Life is not fair, you should know this lesson by now, surely?" She flicked the whip ever so slightly and the end of the braid lightly grazed his inner thigh. "That excuse will not work. Had you succeeded, or not, is besides the point. The intent was there and for that you will be punished." Another flick of her wrist and the other thigh was grazed, though this time with a little more force. "Tell me, Ezra..." Turaya paused and took a step forward, her eyes looking down at him, her nose upturned just a bit. "After your little display I gave you my blood, why do you think that is?" @Vox

"Because I was hungry." He said softly rubbing the red marks on the inside of his thighs miffed at her dismissal. "And I'm a pet... technically..." he added rolling his eyes and looking aside. @Nymphy ❦

With a shake of her head Turaya grabbed his chin. "No. While yes, I would feed you it would not have been my blood, little mouse." Her nails pressed into his skin as she moved her lips just within touching distance of his own. "If you truly do not know then we shall leave it until you yourself discover the truth for yourself..." Turaya turned his head slightly and inhaled his scent as she moved to hover over the artery in his neck. The smell of his blood luring her in. The ache in her gums became too much and not caring if it hurt she let her fangs sink into his pale olive skin. @Vox

He grit his teeth gently at her nails and at his head being pushed aside, briefly fought at her hand. He jerked as her teeth broke skin crying out gently at the burn in his muscles from ear to arm. He settled into her arm trembling from the feel of her tongue on his throat, whining softly. He'd always had the morbid curiosity of what it felt like, but he hadn't imagined it like this. The line between pain and a calming burn and the forced relaxation from her venom, his body immediately going into a trembling mess. @Nymphy ❦

The warmth of his blood coated her tongue and Turaya moaned into him, taking steps forward until the back of his legs hit the edge of her beds mattress. She dropped the whip then, her mind too focused on satiating the hunger that had only been growing since she had first laid eyes on him. When her hand was free she Moved it wot wrap around his waist, lifting him up and letting them both fall back onto the bed. Her legs would straddle him as she continued to take and take. She needed to stop before she took too much but he tasted too good, the beast within her reasoned. @Vox

His fingers dug into the nerve in her neck forcing her swallowing to spasm and giving her a second to think. He gasped in pain once she let go a hand fluttering to his neck panting. He half twisted into a roll until her weight stopped him, dazedly holding his throat. "W-what the hell..." his head was spinning, trembling under her. He felt like he was high, floating on air his skin hot under her hands. "Is it always... like that?" @Nymphy ❦

Her fangs retracted as his hand gripped her neck and Turaya groaned, her eyes rolling into the back of her head as she licked her lips. It took a minute for her to register Ezra's words. "Mm, yes?" She shook her head as she propped herself up on her knees. Her chest rising and falling as she stared down at him. Her nipples were hard peaks, now flush a deep pink from the supply of blood his body had given her. In fact, her whole body seemed to have a warm glow as she hovered over him. Her hunger had been fed in one sense but as Turaya stared at the smaller male beneath her she felt another hunger inside of her grow, one that generally happened when she fed. "No." She shook her head as she dropped down onto her hands, her hair falling to create a pale curtain around her head as she took deep ragged breaths. "Little mouse." She called, her right hand moving to force him to look at her. "I'm not done with you yet." She practically growled as she lowered her head to claim his lips with her own. @Vox

He buried a hand into her hair holding her head gently. His other side felt so strong like nothing he ever had his whole life, his fingers clutching at her hair. Eagerly lifting up to her he groaned into her mouth. Thank gods she's not done. He blinked debating what he could do. His chain felt heavy on his chest, the collar nudging the edge of the sensitive wound. If I run she'll grab the chain and drag me back.... I have no idea if she can sleep or even will nor if she can go unconcious.... hells. His eyes rolled back lightly as her tongue nudged the edge of his aching teeth, jerking as his body jumped. @Nymphy ❦

The groan only edged Turaya even further into the maddening state of mind she had been headed, her tongue exploring ever crevice of his mouth, along his teeth and feeling the faint hint of his canines. She herself moaned as she pressed into Ezra. Turaya propped most of her weight on her left arm as she let her right explore the expanse of Ezra's chest, her nails digging into his flesh, causing the pale olive skin to swell though she didn't cause him to bleed. She stopped her hand just above his hips and softened her touch as she let her hand stroke the length of him. @Vox

He winced at her nails half freezing knowing she could easily break his bones if she didn't like what he did. In a blink he grabbed her arm and neck pushing and trying to get her off, naively thinking she was weaker in a more intoxicated state. He didn't necessarily understand why he was still set on escape. She obviously didn't want to kill him nor did she pets considering Sypher was still alive and human. Being a fool but too late now.... Nails digging into her arm and her throat he pushed at her panting. @Nymphy ❦

Even in her current state Turaya didn't so much as budge as his hands moved to push her off. Her eyes were practically illuminicent as she stared down at him. His nails dug into her flesh, blood beginning to bead at the tips of Ezra's nails. A feral growl left Turaya, she was aware that he was fighting against her, perhaps even thinking that he might use this opportunity to escape but he would not be met with success... No, in fact the pain instead caused Turaya to moan. The hand in which had stroked his manhood paused, gripping him tight. Just enough to cause pain but not enough to cause any damage. She growled down at him, her fangs once again on display. "You wish to try me, little mouse?" @Vox

He sucked in a breath grimacing, shaking visibly. "You... like hunting... I wasn't trying to...." he bluffed lightly, suppressing tics from his lie. Especially as his heart was already racing not like it could go faster. He lapped the small dots of blood from her neck visibly popping his fingertips into his mouth, throbbing from the taste. @Nymphy ❦

A growl left her throat as he said hunting. "Why would I need to hunt the prey I've already caught? Hmm?" She flicked her tongue against her lips as she spoke, her eyes watching as he removed his fingers from her flesh to taste her blood. She swayed slightly as he seemed to thrum with energy, the whole act only adding more to her craving. She shoved him down hard on the bed, her hand snaking up his arm to lift it above his head. Turaya repeated the same act with his other arm, pulling his fingers from his mouth. When both arms were above his head she would stare at Ezra. As she held him like that he would feel cold metal bracelets close around his wrists, holding his arms firmly in place. He would be able to move them about an inch or two but no more. Practically purring Turaya slid down his chest, her tongue following some invisible trail that only she knew. She would pause over his navel and look up at him. "You like how I taste, my pet?" Her voice coming out as smooth and silky. She tilted her head before she kissed his bellybutton, blowing lightly she would trail further south still before stopping at his cock. Her plump lips just barely far enough to not touch it. @Vox

He yanked at them repeatedly, the chains rattling against the headboard as whined chest heaving. "Gah, this is hardly... nn..." he dropped his head back yanking his arms muscles trembling with adrenaline. It appeared the collar was one thing, the cuffs another setting him off. He panted teeth grit, it huffing through his teeth. "Please these c...." he drifted off when he finally looked down at her, before dropping back. @Nymphy ❦

She flicked her tongue against the mushroom head as it twitched, his excitement despite his protests clearly evident. "Since you seem to like it that much I'll give you a reward." In truth she wanted it for herself and he would soon find out he wouldn't have much of a choice anyway. Turaya reposition herself then, her thighs on either side of his head, her sex right above his head while her own hovered over his. "Hope you're still hungry, I know I could use a bite." It would be in this moment that she would tilt her head to the side and take the length of him into her lips, her fangs pressing into the rigid pulsing flesh of his cock. Deliberately she forced more of the venom in her saliva into his body before sinking her teeth in further. Simultaneously Turaya would lower her hips until the folds of her sex would envelop his nose and mouth. @Vox

His half cry was muffled into her cunt tendons on the inside of his thighs standing out in rigid lines as he tensed. She heard the cuffs hitting together, toes curled and throbbing under her mouth. He shifted enough to get his nose free and after a second snaked his tongue between her folds. Rasping over her heat he tongued at her entrance suckling softly. His hands jerked at the cuffs trying to work his hands loose, pausing as he felt them tighten and return to the center of his wrist. @Nymphy ❦

He hadn't really fought as much as he would if he hadn't been pumped full of of venom, the delirium surely affecting him enough that the whole process could be euphoric and as she withdrew her fangs from his cock she let her tongue trace over the bite mark, letting the marks completely close so as to not cause any harm. He had freed his nose from her folds but it did not take Turaya long before she started to undulate her hips, pressing her sex into him even more. She was dripping wet as she pressed into him, she glanced back at him as she rose her hips to let him catch his breath before lowering herself yet again. Her own mouth going to work, wanting to taste more than just his blood in her mouth. @Vox

He tried to shy away from her, shaking from overstimulation as precum fell to her tongue, welling in her mouth. He whimpered under her, more a toy then active participant. Drool and her heat soaked his chin and any pause was marked by a rattling gasp for breath and a soft protest that she often cut short. His wrists bruised from his pulling shoulders aching by strain. @Nymphy ❦

She was no where near close but the gasps that Ezra took to try and catch his breath had her excitement grow. She would grind her hips fervently against his mouth, his nose pressing against her clit at one point as she sucked him off. Her saliva thoroughly coating his cock, her hand pumping up and down wanting to milk him for whatever she could get out of him. The precum was just as savory as his blood and Turaya wanted more. She released his base from her hands and dug her nails into his thighs as she took all of him in to her mouth. The tip of his cock pressing against the back of her throat, a groan would escape her, causing the muscles to vibrate over him. @Vox

He broke quickly, cum hitting the back of her throat and his knees bucking as it was the only part of him not held down. He whimpered softly throbbing between her lips and trembling, small pricks of blood rolling down from her nails. His tongue lightly skimmed between her folds, the cuffs clinking as he tried to pull himself slightly toward the headboard. When she pulled off he wiped his chin on his arm. "If you're determined for it to be like this there's a much better way to do it." He said gently, not wanting to anger her but also wanting to breath. @Nymphy ❦

A laugh echoed throughout the room as she sat up, her sex dripping her juices as she righted herself. Turaya ran a hand through her hair as she stared down at Ezra. "Like breathing, do you?" She licked her lips and lounged back against the headboard of the bed. Moving leaning over she pulled open a drawer in her bedside table and pulled out a small black box that smelled strong of herbs of some sort. Opening it she pulled out thin pieces of paper and put some of the herbal mix in it before rolling it and licking the edge shut. With a snap of her finger the tip of the rolled joint lit up and she took a long hit off of it. Holding it in her lungs she observed Ezra in his bound state. "Do enlighten me though..." She said, the smoke billowing out of her mouth in swirls. @Vox

He was grateful for a moment to relax, "Cuz either way you're going to force me, at least do edge of the bed and me on the floor..." he mumbled trying to wipe his face on his arm. He wrinkled his nose at the smell of her cigarette, finding it far too strong for his liking. He shuffled in slight discomfort trying to ease the burn in his shoulders. @Nymphy ❦

Turaya sighed, leaning over to run her finger along the enchantment in the cuffs, they unlocked and she moved them back to their original position. "Why would I let you chose how we did what I want. Remember? Punishment." She took another drag of her cigarette as she leaned back against the bedframe. "I take what I want, how I want whether you're comfortable or not." @Vox

He rubbed his wrist. "Fine. Suffocate me to death then." He added, shaking out his numb hands. "And if this is your form of punishment, I'm surprised." He added, sitting up and wincing, bowed over slightly to stretch his back. @Nymphy ❦

"It's a light punishment... if you're curious about other kinds, just ask Lark." She shrugged her shoulders and blew out the smoke she had held in her lungs. "I wouldn't let you suffocate, plus it is not like you'd die. You'd come back since you have so much of my blood in your system." Turaya paused a moment while a thought struck her. "Though I am not sure what that would mean since you're already half." @Vox

"And I doubt you're willing to risk that." He grunted as he stretched, folded over still fuzzy from her bites. "And I'd rather not talk to Lark. Long walk off a short pier in my opinion." He tsked. I'd be dead if he'd just left me alone. "Can I get a bath? Considering I'm using potatoes and gravy as hair gel." He asked gently. @Nymphy ❦

Shortly after his question, as if somehow alerted without so much as a word the door lock would click, the heavy mahogany doors would open to reveal two thralls carrying large buckets of water with steam rising from them. They'd silently move into the room, dumping the water into the large cast iron tub began to be filled for the second time in such a close succession. "You may, though don't think I'm removing the collar and leash, it should be well long enough to reach the tub." Turaya waved her hands at the thralls and they dispersed once the tub was full. This time no herbs were put into the water, instead a few drops of a wood smelling oil had been added for effect. "Do go." She took her last drag from her treat and put out the remainder of it, tossing it into a small wastebin near the bedside. @Vox

He sighed in frustration at the chain, but gratefully sunk into it fighting with the collar. He was slightly into the bathroom and tucked aside but it forced the doors to stay open. Being 'alone' and back to her gave him a moment of calm. Carefully cleaning his hair he stripped the mess out of his hair scrubbing his skin. Trying to work the tense cramps out of his muscles he debated plans. She doesn't leave and if she does I get brought with... he chewed his cheek before pushing up out of the water, slicking it from his arms and tucking down his hair. @Nymphy ❦

"There are drying cloths in the chest in the corner, feel free to use one and not track water all over my floor." Turaya had allowed him a moment to himself, knowing that she planned to begin having someone begin to research more into what made a Dhampir tick. She was curious, what exactly made him different from that of a human, and vice versa. Running a hand through her hair she leaned her head against the headboard and stated at some non important mark on the ceiling. She hadn't planned to collect another pet, had originally only joined Count Edmund and Lady Marion to observe the way the humans had changed in their fighting tactics. What was it about Ezra that had lured her in? True he held a unique scent that had originally took her by surprise but there was something about him that had tempted her even more than Sypher had. As he came out from the bathroom she stared at his petite frame, the curls that had been a mess earlier now slicked back with water. The mix of sandalwood and Ezra's natural scent wafted towards Turaya and she inhaled deeply. He was truly like a cookie cutter version of what she enjoyed. "Are you going to behave now so that you may be fitted for clothes, or should I just keep you nude at all times?" @Vox

"Is it going to be clothes or more of this?" He kicked lightly what he had been wearing. "Because that barely counts as fucking clothes." He sat on the opposite side of the bed from her on the floor and joined in staring at the ceiling. "How did... the battle end? The one you took me from..." he hesitated to ask worried for his battalion. Now that he was aware of it, he had been influencing his soldiers. Their inhibitions and fears had made them weak and hesitant... He'd been curious about the situation after his 'death' but hadn't the nerve to ask. Suppose he was more afraid without them too... @Nymphy ❦

"You'll wear whatever I have designed. I feel like I'm explaining this though I have no need to-" She shook her head from side to side before continuing. "You will get more of that, as well as a handful of clothing that is modest enough for company. You will be going wherever I go and seeing as to I will begin traveling within the coming week we need you fitted before then." Turaya would arch a brow at the question of the battle. It was true that she had received a report after returning to her estate but it had not been a significant win or loss for either side. "Both sides sustained heavy losses. Though the vampires could have easily wiped the remaining human corps out they decided to retreat as the sun threatened to rise." She observed Ezra's face to denote which emotions would play across them. @Vox

"Mm..." he let out, more a confirmation he'd heard her. "And fine. Yes to the clothes cuz it means some actually clothes." He quickly switched back to the other topic, nothing to telling showing on his face. It bothered him, not knowing about his individual battalion but he knew they were put out first on point as fodder. To pad the generals flee from the area... he rubbed his face on his palms putting their faces from his mind. @Nymphy ❦

"You might as well assume they're all dead." She added as she watched him rub his face. "If not, they have assumed you are . No one is going to come an rescue you if that's what you're thinking may happen..." Not many knew where Turaya's lands were, and those that did had to have expressed permissions to even pass the first threshold of the property line. If not they'd be attacked by the gargoyles which sat atop the pillars scattered about. The largest of the two were on each side of the double doored entrance to her home. "Georges should still be awake so I'll summon him and get you fitted. Do not be surprised if Sypher, as well as Lark are to accompany him. The fact that you acted like a spoiled brat at dinner and tried that bit on Sypher will have Lark on edge, and Sypher is better at the clothing bit than Georges himself, but the man is the one with the fabrics." She was rambling a bit, the herbs she had smoked finally mixing within her system and having her more open and relaxed. "Behave or you'll find out true punishment, understood?" @Vox

"I know no one is coming. I'm not a fool despite your love of thinking me one." He snapped back. Her relaxed nonchalance was driving him up the wall. He pushed himself off the floor arms crossed and waited, staring at the floor framed between his bare feet. The repeated insistence in his own head that he was nothing seemed to be solid, considering her aparant dislike of him. Nothing but a toy. @Nymphy ❦

It would be a quarter of an hour before the group would knock on the door, led by Lark himself, his eyes turning towards Sypher at his side. The much shorter man clearly nervous about the situation. "I told you if you didn't want to come then you could have stayed back." His dark chocolate hand reached out to caress his lovers cheek in a reassuring manner. Lark himself wasn't sure if he was more afraid of being controlled by Turaya's new toy, or perhaps Turaya herself after that display she'd put on. Both of them new the truth about their Mistress. She could so easily crush any of them should they truly displease her. "I can-" The door in front of them swung open and Lark dropped his hand from Sypher instantly, the soft look in his eyes being replaced with the one he had grown accustomed to wearing in Turaya's presence. One did not show a weakness, even if she was already aware of it. "Mistress." He bowed low.

Turaya motioned for them to enter, her head leaning back against the headboard still as she continued to lounge on the bed. "Do come forth, my little mouse has been taught to obey...for now." Her red eyes turned from Lark to Sypher, her pale eyebrow rising before she dismissively closed her eyes. "Fit him well Georges, and Sypher..."

Lark tensed at hearing his lover's name. His hand at his side clenching, was he too going to be punished for almost being controlled?

"I would like you to style the outfits as you see best, yes? I have faith that you can learn from Georges and do better. I leave it all in your hands, do not disappoint me." Her eyes half opened as she turned them on to the man she spoke to. "Should I not approve..." She sat up, her hair falling over her nude shoulders and caressing her breast. "You'll be punished." @Vox

"Yes ma'am." He bowed lightly, but cringed at the thought. Once Lark had collected the other he fell in line by him.

"Sorry. By the way. I didn't mean to do whatever I did." He said softly rubbing the back of his neck

"Its okay." He assured before looking to the ceiling as they walked. "She isn't hurting you much, is she? She can be alot..."

"I'm fine. Besides I have the extra help. You didn't. I'm surprised honestly that you're alive."

"Me too." He snorted softly. "Anyway, I heard they caught you cuz you tried to kill yourself." He leaned in close to whisper despite knowing Lark could hear. "Pissed Lark off."

"Good." He tsked before following the other into the other room. He tried not to groan in annoyance. Clothing was not really his thing. He tried to keep still is Sypher drew up simple sketches talking to the older tailor who both seemed to hate and love his help. Kidnapped by vampires and she decides to play dress up. he sighed softly. @Nymphy ❦

She would leave them alone for the duration of the fitting, though in truth she could hear them from where they were. Having only done just a few doors down the hallway and with her heightened abilities it wasn't much of a problem for her. Turaya laid fully down then, the affects of the drug not to mention the amount of blood that she'd let Ezra have made her feel off enough that she wanted a moment to collect herself. Her eyes shut as she rested her hands over her stomach, appearing like how the humans liked to arrange their dead for viewing.

Lark ground his teeth at Sypher's words, his eyes narrowing. "Sy-" He hissed a warning as they wallked, glancing back towards the shut door that had been the one they had exited. Just because it had been true didn't mean he had to verbalize any of it. Though if Turaya was going to have done something she would have done so already... Once in the room where he was to be fitted, there was crate after crate of bolts if fabric in many different shades, some rich in color, others holding a vibrant pattern that Lark himself found tacky but he knew that his lover enjoyed. It truly did appear as though Turaya was not sparing any expense for her new pet. In the past it would have rubbed him the wrong way and he may have reacted differently... His mind recalling Sypher and his fitting of clothing. Things had changed in the years since and Sypher had somewhat tempered the darker vampire. "Get up. Stand straight, whether you like this or not be grateful." He snapped at Ezra. @Vox

He tsked in visible annoyance but listened, holding out his arms at the others requests. He was eventually allowed to sit down and he did, heavily and without grace, into a seat. He watched the other 'pet' flit about excited about fabric and designs and nearly felt a pang of jealousy. There was nothing he really loved like that... "Lark... the thing that I did... how did I do it?" He asked choppily, preferring not to talk to the man but needing insight on what the control and influence was. "I'm merely curious." He added, not wanting to get himself into hot water again. @Nymphy ❦

"That thing?" Her arched a dark eyebrow, his red eyes looking down at the smaller male, a frown clearly on his face. "Oh, that." He crossed his arms, his attention going back to Sypher as he flitted about to and fro, his excitement at being given the task clearly evident on his face. His heart squeezed and he released a sigh. "And why do you think I would tell you that? You think me a fool so that you can do it successfully next time?" His eyes narrowed and he looked down at Ezra again. "Mm, it's hard to explain to smaller minds but I will try." There were several long moments of silence that passed, Georges coming and taking measurements of Ezra time and time again as if to verify before cutting fabrics as Sypher helped. "If there is enough want or urgency in your desire you basically push into another's mind and compel them to give in to what your desire asks. You force your will on them, compelling is a talent all vampires have, though some have it to a higher degree than others."

09:55

@Vox

He let out a small sound of understanding, setting his chin on his hugged knees interlacing his fingers. But I don't know how I did it. It must've just been from me being frightened. he tipped his cheek to his knees blinking tired. Adrenaline and any blood high he had had now burned off, leaving him ready to nap. When Sypher finished a simple shirt he helped the exhausted halfling get it on without tugging his hair, him sliding sideways as he drifted off. No chance of making it if I tries. And I don't need to know what real punishment is yet... he yawned rubbing his sandpaper eyes on his palm. @Nymphy ❦

"They should be done enough without you, should I return you to the Mistress?" Lark's red eyes looked down at Ezra. What was it about small males that seemed to attract Turaya. When she had approached him many moons ago he had been in a similar condition. Frail, needy... yet he was no where near as short as Ezra or even Lark for that matter. Well over at least a foot taller than the two he felt like a giant and once upon a time it had bothered him that he didn't attract the kind of attention that Sypher had gotten. Though the more he thought about it the better that probably was... He liked pain, but to displease Turaya too much resulted in a fate worse than death. His lips turned down in a frown as he pushed off from the wall he had been leaning on. "You look like you're about to pass out and I would like to not have to carry you again." @Vox

"You're just mad I got a step over you. Even for a second." He murmured pushing himself up. His shirt reached mid thigh, and he padded along eyes down, rubbing them with his knuckles. "But yea. I'm tired..." he murmured. He was small enough most considered him feminine. Well I am feminine. Even if I can use a sword... he missed the weight of his sword... He swayed sleepily as he followed Lark head dropping. Lark may have not gotten the attentions, but he was given power. Responsibility. Trust the two didn't have. Even Sypher with his additional chores, he didn't get to read her papers nor help with her work. @Nymphy ❦

As Lark entered the room with Ezra coming up behind him he paused just within the entrance of the room, his hand rising to stop Ezra in his steps. He then moved forward to the side of the large canopied bed, his hands clasped in front of him as he bent down. Turaya didn't rise from her spot on the bed, for all intent and purpose she appeared as if she were dead, though in truth she was very much alive. With his voice low Lark cleared his throat. "Mistress, I have returned your pet." He looked up then, motioning for Ezra to approach. He was perplexed as to what had gone on between the two after both of their outbursts. It had been awhile since she had taken a rest, and the fact she was taking one now... Lark narrowed his eyes and grabbed hold of the metal leash, reattaching it to the loop on the floor. "Just rest, if you disturb her I shouldn't have to warn you on what can happen." He straightened then and headed out of the room, the door shutting with finality as he went in search of his own lover. @Vox

He stuck out his tongue at Lark as he left, crawling under the blankets. Curling up beneath the blankets he set his arm over the side of his face and tried to fall back asleep. Sighing he slid beneath the blankets, his back pressed into her side. She'd open her eyes to him crashed out, back pressed up like a dog wanting to lay close, soft breaths passing parted lips.

He looked up as Lark returned, "May I finish this and then be done?" He asked both Lark and Georges, the second of which waved lazily in answer. @Nymphy ❦

"Georges can finish on his own." He moved over, his intimidating frame looming over the old man, his eyes narrowing almost in threat as his hands moved to wrap around Sypher's waist. "If you're tired we can call it a night. I still have to pack for the trip, and would like to get some down time before I need to rest." He moved to pat Sypher on the head. "You did good today."

She wouldn't stir as Ezra climbed onto the bed though she was aware he had entered. His scent filling her senses almost instantly. The feel of him flush against her side would have made her smile if she had raised from the impromptu rest she had taken. It wouldn't be as long as the ones she'd taken when wounded or just to pass the centuries by. At most a day before she would rise, she need not worry about most things, if Lark was aware she was in a rest he would take care of everything until she did rise. It seemed that both Turaya and Ezra had needed the rest. @Vox

The morning before their trip he seemed anxious and jumpy, fussing over bow he looked. Apart from a bit of an explosion the week before, he'd behaved even earning a more comfortable collar that didn't need the chain. He was trying to straighten his curls, wishing it laid flat. She'd even let him pierce his ears, small metal rings through his flesh. He even passed as a young vampire in full, still insecure in his immortality, and most wouldn't even consider the halfling situation. "Where are we going again ma'am?" He asked softly looking over, red-brown eyes skimming over her throat drawn in by her necklace. @Nymphy ❦

The rest Turaya had taken a few days prior had helped her immensely and her mood even seemed to be somewhat pleasant as it seemed that Ezra had tabled his ideas about acting out. On the morning of their departure Lark had done well in getting everything ready and packed onto the carriage. As she made to step into the carriage she had been stopped by her trusted companion. "Are you sure you do not need me there in attendance?" Crimson eyes met red and Turaya nodded. "I'll be fine, you know who I am going to see. There's no need to cause any more stir than necessary." She glanced back at the expanse of her home. It screamed medieval castle like out of so many of the estates that vampires seemed to own had. What else were they supposed to do with all their wealth they accumulated over the years, might as well flaunt it. "Plus you remaining here is of great aid to me. I need someone here in case something were to go wrong. You handling affairs puts me at ease." Her eyes turned to Sypher who stood on the steps, his eyes like that of a wounded puppy and she tsked. "Sypher can be in charge of the simple things around the estate...this is the only chance I will give him with the responsibility. Do train him well." There was a hidden threat in her voice as she turned dismissively and joined Ezra inside the carriage. They parted shortly there after and after awhile Ezra broke the silence with his question. She pursed her lips a moment and glanced from the window in which she had been staring at of to observe her pet. He looked better now that he'd fed several days, even his eyes had taken a slight red hue to them. The piercings had been a fun addition. "We're going to an estate owned by an old friend. He's had a problem lately with the humans encroaching on his territory and has asked for aid."

10:34

@Vox

"Of course it's humans... is it the pitchforks kind or the blessed weapons and sygils kind?" He winced at the thought, spinning his earring loop anxiously. He didn't want people he remembered as his friends facing them. If her friends were like her they wouldn't last long. He looked out the window trying to place where her home was. He was grateful to be outside again. The castle was beautiful and comfortable, but it wasn't the outdoors. He missed the sunshine... "Am I required to help? Even if it's my old battalion I..." he rubbed his eye to rid a tear that welled up. "I can't kill them. I will help if it isnt my Corp." He said softly looking at his boots, a thin toed feminine cut. He had liked embracing this side of himself until he was faced with the idea of his human life crashing into it. @Nymphy ❦

"As to what or who these humans are I do not know the full details. But I feel you have nothing to worry about... where we are going it is far enough away that it should not be anyone who is familiar with you." She rested her chin on her hand as she observed him through her hooded eyes. Her legs were cross as she tilted her head. "Worried they'll call you a traitor...or perhaps you're worried that those whom you were once close with will look at you and consider you an abomination?" Her lip twitched in the corner in an almost smirk. Her other hand moving to stroke his chin before tracing his lips and lifting his upper lip. "I wonder what those humans would think if they had found out you have sampled my blood, hmm?" @Vox

He tugged his head back, his lip popping softly as he made her let go. He wiped his lip on the back of his hand. "I don't want to kill people who were my friends. Even if they will kill me for my... your pushing to make my choice." He looked out the window head on his arm. "And they'd want to kill me. So..." he shrugged. @Nymphy ❦

"Like they would get the chance, dear pet." Turaya scoffed, her hand falling as Ezra closed himself off. "They'd be dead before they could pray to that god of theirs." She stated matter-of-factly. The rest of the days journey was spent in relative silence though they stopped off at an inn before the sun fully rose in the night sky to exchange horses. Turaya had paid one of the hands to go in and purchase a few snack cakes from inside. Once everything had been purchased and swapped they headed out back onto the road, Turaya closing her curtain the further they went into the populated city. @Vox

"May I ride on the bag cart? I miss the sunshine..." he asked softly looking outside peaking under the curtain, pushing up the edge with a finger watching the people outside. "Please." He added with more urgency, still looking under the fabric. He'd seen Talia outside. He'd grown up with her, both of them joining the Corp at the same time. @Nymphy ❦

Turaya's eyes narrowed for a moment as she mulled over his plea. She had been rather lax with him over the last few days and he had been good, but should he try and run... Was her pet that dull minded? Let's test it... Her lips pursed as she knocked on the wall of the carriage, shortly after it pulled to a complete stop. "You may..." She would watch as the carriage door was opened, the suns rays sliding in and shining against her heeled foot. "He is to ride in the cart." Was all she said to the hand and after the door shut with Ezra on the other side she would peek through the thick satin curtain to watch. @Vox

He crawled on the bag rack of the carriage, holding onto the back of the posts half hanging off it. He'd seen them at least. The sunshine felt too hot on his skin and he blinked through the light as he scanned the crowd. She was alright at the least... he sighed happily settling on the rack holding tight as it rocked through the street. Talia saw him and, dragging her brother with followed the cart into the street. "Ezra?!" "Get lost. I'm going to help." He called softly. "Meet us at Fourth Quarter!" She yelled and he winced softly. "Dont go there... I'm not on the same side." He yelled back to her wiping his face with a sleeve. He crawled back into the carriage wiping his cheek. "They're at fourth quarter..." he settled into his seat wiping his face. @Nymphy ❦

She titled her head at his statement as he crawled back into the carriage. "Oh? Did I ask you to gather intel? Wanting a reward are you?" She stated, her legs uncrossing as he leaned back into the bench of the carriage. His face looked paler than normal and he seemed to be uncomfortable. Turaya licked her lips as she pulled out a handkerchief from her sleeve and held it out for him to take. "Do not stain the new clothes, I do not need someone to look down on me for your attire." She leaned back straightening herself. "We'll be there within a three quarters of an hr." @Vox

"They told me where. I might as well tell you. They were my friends..." he said softly looking out the window. Last ditch effort to help I guess... He slowly returned back to his normal quiet self rather than the pouty one. He aligned the pant leg of his trousers and scuffed dirt off his boot. "I didn't realize you all lived so close together. I thought vampires were solitary predators." @Nymphy ❦

"Hmm..." Cocking her head to the side she patted the cushioned seat beside her. "Come." It wasn't a suggestion, the commanding tone in her voice was very in clear that this was a demand. If he came willingly she would pull out a small flask and hold it out for Ezra to take. Her other hand moving to stroke his hair. "You did well." @Vox

He opened the top sipping the contents demurely, curls soft under her fingers. "I just.. wanted to say good bye and tell them to leave. The rest I don't care." He closed the flask passing it back, voice edged by slight hatred. The siblings were the only two who treated him like he wasn't crazy. That he was someone. The rest, he didnt give a damn. "If I can see a map I'll show you where fourth is." He mumbled. @Nymphy ❦

"Alright, when the time comes I shall have you show me. For now, rest. We're almost there... I need you to remember that whether you like it or not you are an extension of me and by that everything you do or say in the time to come will fall on me for responsibility. Do well to remember." She stated, her hand still stroking his hair, whether she was aware of this or not was up for debate as she turned her attention back to the window as the carriage began its ascent up the long winding road to an even grander castle atop a hill. Eventually the carriage came to a stop in front of large panther statues, their eyes carved and inlaid with rubies to give them an eerie look. The driver hopped down from his perch and quickly opened the door just as the double doors to the castle swung open, maids and butlers quickly lining up to make a pathway to the entrance. The head butler moved to collect their belongings from the back of the wagon and Turaya stepped down with the driver's assistance.

Guests were due to arrive any minute and Nicolae was already tired of it. Of course he had requested Turaya's expertise and power but it was always a situation in his household when news of the elder Ardelean was coming. Case in point, his husband currently flitted about the place snapping at their servants left and right. His voice echoing through the great halls. "No no, those flowers go in the left wing, she hates those! Quickly! She's almost here!" Sighing Nicolae turned as his pet appeared behind him, his hands currently running at his temples.

"Master, she is here." The red head bowed low, her hand over her breast right where her heart was. The all black leather ensemble did look great on her. She kept her eyes down as Nicolae raised his hand and placed it on her scarlet red locks.

"Very well, thank you. Do go inform Love. Will you?" He removed his hand and just as quickly as Erys had appeared so too did she disappear. "Now then." Straightening his jacket he headed for the doors, with a flick of his fingers the grand doors began to open and let in the sun's rays. "Turaya, darling." His smile exposed perfectly sharp canines that glinted in the light. His ebony hair flowing in the wind as he decended the steps. "I hope the trip was not too uncomfortable for you?" He placed a kissnon her cheek in greeting before he turned to a very small looking...human? Cooking his head Nicolae sniffed the air, no...not human. Hmm... "And who might this enchanting creature be? Hmm?" He asked, his red eyes glinting as he stared down at Ezra. @Vox

He bowed at the waist head down. "Ezra my lord. I'm honored to be permitted along." He murmured, clumsy but his heart was also so far up his throat he was sure Nicolae could see it. Even with the little boost to height from his boots he still was the shortest and was immensely hyperaware of it. He kept close to Turaya, eyes scanning the house trying to remember everything before realizing he didn't have to. He was allowed to just enjoy himself since he wasn't a hunter anymore... so he memorized everything of the house because he could. "Your home is beautiful." He murmured half hiding behind his Mistress. @Nymphy ❦

"Oh." Nicolae's red eyes twinkled at the display, his eyes not leaving as he took a step forward towards Ezra even though he moved behind Turaya. There was something alluring about this new one and Nicolae would get to the bottom of it... only as he moved to lift a hair on Ezra's head Turaya's hand moved up at rapid speed to grab him by the wrist.

"Hands off Nic, he is mine and mine alone." Her eyes narrowed as she exposed her fangs issuing a challenge should Nicolae push it even further. "Need I remined you what I did to you the last time I was here my dear?" She arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow as she took a step forward, her other hand pushing Ezra even more so behind her.

"Now now, can we stop bearing fangs...we are family after all, no?" A melodic voice called out from atop the stairs. With flowing while blonde hair just like Turaya a male stood tall and proud, his hands full of what appeared to be a panther cub. The stark contrast of the fur on the cat and the aesthetic of the man himself was quite obvious. Dressed all in white save for the blood red cape that was loosely draped over his delicate looking frame. "Turaya, my dear sister..." He took the steps one by one, his whole body seeming as if he floated on the air as he joined the group. "Please removed your hands from my husband, yes?"

Turaya tsked but did as she was asked, her eyes narrowing as she shot daggers at Nicolae. "Mihail, it has been too long." A genuine smile spread across her lips as she moved back away from Nicolae just far enough but still blocking Ezra from the other vampire.

"Indeed. Erys." He spoke and the redhead reappeared, the metal loop on her collar clinking as she bowed low. Mihail held out the cub for her to take before he turned back to Turaya. Arms outstretched as he enveloped her in a tight hug. Once he released her he peeked behind his sister. "Well hello there, little one." He sniffed the air and his eyebrows rose as he stared at his sister, but no comment left his lips. Instead he reached over towards Ezra and Turaya made no move to stop him. "Welcome to my home, I hope that you find your stay to your liking..." Tilting his head he offered a large smile, his pale gray eyes twinkling as he pulled out a rose from behind Ezra's ear. "Should anything not be to yours, or my sisters liking feel free to voice your concerns..." Straightening he spun on his heel and raised his hands towards the castle. "Now everyone come, tea is about to be served and you know how I hate cold tea..." @Vox

He ducked further behind Turaya considering her overprotective behavior against Nicolae making a note; Dont be alone with him. At the new voice He peaked from the other aide of Turaya then stared. He'd been taught about Mihail, though not by name. The cat caught his attention even further, his fingers crunching his coat sleeves in his fingers. He wanted to hold that thing before they left. His eyes followed Mihail, mild fear being flushed away by his calm demeanor. Lightly giggling mostly from nervousness at the slight of hand before taking the bloom in his palms and following her. @Nymphy ❦

Turaya moved and placed a hand on Ezra's shoulder, not because he had done anything to warrant it but feeling the need to touch him physically lest he end up ensnared by her younger brother like most others. If she were to compare her brother to anything that came to her mind it would be that of nightshade. An absolutely breathtaking flower but just as it was beautiful it was deadly if handled improperly. Her grip tightened slightly in his shoulder, more for her own comfort than for his lack of it. "Do we indeed." She simply stated to her brothers remark. Once inside she glanced around the place. "I see you've remodeled again... where do you even find the time?"

"You noticed!" Mihail clapped his hands together excitedly as he spun around, his long flowing locks spreading put around him as he did. His beauty rivaled that of the angels and he knew it. "Of course I found the time. Appearances are everything, are the not?"

Erys followed behind the rest of the group, the cub still in her arms though her attention remained on Ezra. She didn't like him. Both of her masters had shown interest in the pipsqueak and it infuriated her. She was their pet, and only she could satisfy what they wanted...what was it about this not so special human? @Vox

He followed tight behind Turaya, close to her with his fingers gently playing with the flower her brother had given him. His face burned at Erys' angry stare so he didn't look her direction trying to keep from antagonizing her. He chewed his lip anxious and stared at the house around as he passed. He was happy to be out of Turaya's castle but the new place put him on edge. @Nymphy ❦

Nicolae moved to wrap his arm around Mihail's waist, a tender look on his face as they led Turaya and Ezra towards the sitting room. There was indeed a table full of snack cakes and china cups that were delicately decorated in golds and reds. "Please, have a seat." He directed at the other pair, his eyes turning from him to his lover. "I am afraid that I must go and handle some business..." He used his other hand that wasn't around Mihail to caress his cheek before pulling him into an intimate kiss.

Mihail answered the kiss with just as much passion, his tongue parting his lips to delve into Nicolae's. A soft groan escaped him as he went weak in the knees until the kiss broke. Face flushed with color he cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair as Nicolae let him go and left the room. "Excuse me for just a second." He turned around and pulled out a kerchief and wiped at his face as he tried to collect himself. Clearing his throat again he swiveled on his feet and turned to face his sister and her companion. "Now, tea, yes?" He picked up a small bell from the table and rang it. A servant entered and poured each of them a glass of tea. Erys remained standing until Mihail glanced at her and opened his arms. The cub lept from the woman's arms and bounded for him, leaping onto the couch in a black ball. A soft mewling sound escaping it as Mihail pet her.

Turaya sighed at Nicolae's display, her eyes looking elsewhere as she sat on one of the two Victorian loveseats. She patted the spot beside her for Ezra and waited. Eventually the two had broken their kiss and Nicolae left them to what Turaya guessed was to do with the humans. She would find out later but for now decorum dictated she visit with her beloved brother. "Thank you for the tea." She picked up her cup and sipped it just as it was, the bitter taste held notes of some herbs but she couldn't quite place them. "Mihail, there is something that I would like to ask of you..." She waited a breath as she sat the tea glass back on its saucer. "This is Ezra, my new pet and well, as I am sure you have noticed he is..." She paused looking at Erys.

"Leave us, go and join Love, yes?"

Erys bowed before dissipating into a puff of shadowy smoke.

"Ezra is not human, or...perhaps the correct terminology would be that he is more than." She traced the trim of her cup as she glanced at Ezra. "There is not enough research in my library on Dhampirs so I would like for you to let him explore yours in hopes that he may learn more of himself."

"Dhampir...." He raised an eyebrow and his hand stilled as his attention bore into Ezra. "Oh, yes indeed!" A beaming smile spread across his lips. "Is that what you want, little one?" The cub in his lap hopped down and began to play with a ball that she had found beneath the loveseat. @Vox

He looked down at the display of affection face red then jumped at Erys' disappearance. He broke away from where she'd been standing to answer. "Y-yes sir. My own knowledge is sadly full of gaps and mostly based on myth and superstition. And well.... I can't turn into a wolf yet or explode so..." he tipped his head watching the cat play chewing the inside of his cheek. "I'd be honored for the chance to learn and assist in any way I can." He bowed his head slightly, black curls over his eyes. @Nymphy ❦

Clapping his hands together Mihail beamed a wide toothy smile. "Then it is settled, while my lovely sister assists Nicolae you and I shall be elbow deep in the books and scrolls." He bent forward and picked up his teacup lifting it just under his nose as he inhaled the steamy floral aroma. His eyes closed briefly before he took a decent sip. A sigh escaped him as he reclined back against the couch, Mihail looked between Ezra and Turaya. At the same time the cub's ball rolled right you Ezra's feet and after it shimmied it's rear into the air, tail twitching it released a small yowl and ran forth pouncing on the ball. It's large paws holding it as she rolled onto her back, her tiny teeth nibbling on the rubber as her hind claws kicked at the ball.

Turaya sipped her tea quietly, she felt energy at her side. Ezra was buzzing with it and she had a suspicion it was over the small panther in the room. Did he perhaps have an affinity for animals? She glanced at him and saw the sparkle in his eyes and she couldn't help but smile against her teacup. He was truly much like the cub in a lot of ways.

"Where did my sister abscond you from, little one?" He was curious, there were only certain times in his sister and his life that he had witnessed such a look on her face. One of genuine interest that wasn't clouded by the anger or the true nature in which they both had. Mihail took another sip of his tea and sat it on his cup. "My dear one, you haven't touched your tea at all, I'm afraid it will get cold if you do not." He pursed his lips into a frown. @Vox

He couldn't help it, bending to play with the cat. He held the ball grinning as she caught both it and his fingers. For once he looked fully happy, completely distracted from the others who put him on edge. Mihail frightened him and he still felt he was on eggshells with Turaya, but this little one couldn't lie to him. It was purity. At the question he looked up then to Turaya for confirmation to tell the full truth. "I... was a battalion leader for the southern branch of the corps." He murmured then giggled as the cat bit his fingers, claws at his hand and the ball. He shook it gently to watch the cat roll about. "My suicide attempt didn't necessarily work and she took me in." He pet the animals ears smiling softly. "I was unaware of my heritage and apparently they arent the best at identifying something in their own midst." Ezra slid off the couch to sit with the little pet, rolling the ball back and forth and at Mihail's mention of tea carefully picked it up. "I thank you though for the help and access to your library. My previous access was thoroughly lacking in information. About anything non religious basically." He tsked sipping his cup then squeaking in surprise at the panther hopping at him. @Nymphy ❦

He was taken by surprise. He'd met Sypher on one of his visits to his sister's estates and he too had been of the human corps and Mihail couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her sister. "Is this becoming your new trend, my love?" He traced the rim of his teacup a moment before finishing the contents in it. "Should I be worried?"

"Why would you be worried? You know I like to break things." Turaya flashed a fang through a thin veiled smile. "But no, I had no intention of stopping originally but after catching a whiff of his scent I had to have him. Even at the memory her fangs began to ache and she turned her eyes towards him as he played with the panther cub on the floor. Her red eyes glinted and she shivered, she'd fed this morning before leaving yet-

Mihail coughed quietly to snap his sister out of her little slip. No need to release her bloodthirst in his sitting room. "Shall I show you to your chambers? I have set up rooms in the east wing for you... and perhaps after a stroll in the gardens if that would be of interest?" He was looking at Ezra with the question and not Turaya. He knew his sister's answer, but he wanted to hear the dhampir's. @Vox

He looked anxiously at Turaya worried his want to would get him in trouble but bit the bullet, "I'd be honored to sir." He smiled faintly. Mihail made him feel comfortable... special. Stroking his own ego maybe bit he didn't much care. He wanted to talk to the other. Learn of both his heritage and maybe Turaya and Mihails own. Finishing his tea he set the glass down as carefully as he could, the tinking glass making him feel it'd break in his hands. Ezra slid sideways to lay down with the cat on the floor, watching it play. @Nymphy ❦

"What do you mean...rooms." Turaya narrowed her eyes, though this was Mihail there were only certain things she would let him get away with. "Ezra will be in mine and the other is not necessary." She finished her own cup of tea and sat the teacup down on the table in the middle of the room. Her eyes glancing down at the floor where Ezra had begun to really get into playing with the panther cub. She wondered if she should warn him about the little fluff he was playing with but decided against it for now. It wasn't like this one was old enough to do any harm yet.

A sigh, "Of course, I just meant that there was more than one room to choose from my dear sister, no one here wishes to part you from your pet." He arched a brow, he knew how possessive she was. In fact he himself was just as possessive of those he had deemed his own. "Zara. Come." He called and the cub stopped mid nibbling on Ezra's hand. She flipped upside down and ran straight to him, leaping into his arms with ease as he rose from his seat. "Now then, shall we?" He held out one hand to Ezra while the other held the cub. @Vox

He pulled himself up on his own, Turaya's outburst making him anxious. He waited briefly then looked to her for permission or if she was coming with him. He rubbed his knicked fingers to ebb the little sting from Zara's claws. His look to Turaya was obvious; Please tell me what to do... he didn't know whether to say yes or no to him not wanting to upset either of them. Chewing his cheek he bunched the hem of his shirt in his fingers. @Nymphy ❦

Turaya herself rose from the couch in which she sat. She walked over and nodded to Mihail. "After I view the room I shall join Nicolae. I have had enough scenery for awhile, and he is already waiting for me but he knows not to take me from you right away." Turaya touched Ezra's shoulder for a moment before walking past both Mihail and Ezra, heading towards the east wing.

"Bit prickly that one..." He lowered his voice though there was no point in doing so. They all knew that she would be able to hear what he said but it did add a tension breaker that he hoped would loosen the dhampir from his anxieties. @Vox

"Sometimes... but I am happy." he admitted looking aside, holding his sleeves. "My names Ezra." Grinning softly he let out the anxious laugh, loosening up slightly. "You said something about a tour?" He prompted eager to see the house following Mihail's lead. He stroked his scratched hands absent minded then shoved them in his pockets. @Nymphy ❦

Happy... now isn't that a concept." Mihail grinned as he turned down a long hallway and stopping in front of a large oak door. Carved into the wood itself seemed to be imagery of two lovers embracing. Grabbing the handles he opened them to reveal a room full of shades of cream and black. The four post bed sat in the center of the room with a canopy around the entirety of it. Mountains of pillows and rose petals along the silk sheets. "The bath is just through here. The tub is rather large but there is a mechanism that fills the tub without the need for buckets or servants." He clapped his hands together. "Now, Ezra dear... shall we be off?"

The room had been the same one she'd use a year prior but it couldn't look more different than it currently did. "Mihail." She walked over and stood by her brother. She was an inch taller than the man but once they were side by side there was no denying they they were very much alike. "Ezra, remember well what I have told you before. I'm off to the offices." She kissed Mihail's cheek before excusing herself.

"Well then, tour of the inside of the house, or the gardens first, hmm?" He turned his attention completely to Ezra as Turaya disappeared through the door. @Vox

"Outside!" He blurted then calmed down. "Please. Gardens." He rubbed his arm. He wanted to go outside now that it was darker out and the sun would be less annoying. Outside he happily laid down in the grass, eyes closed. The evening had cooled down and the smell of oncoming night was calming. "Your house is beautiful. And outside." He smiled as he sat up, wild curls sticking out. They'd gotten a few hours of a style before it started going crazy again. @Nymphy ❦

"Outside it is then." He chuckled as he lead the way, passing through many hallways that seemed to be packed with art of all kinds. From paintings that lined the walls, to statues that looked as if they were commissioned and had been done by one of the great artists of the times. It was all extravagant and Mihail enjoyed all of it. Once they were out into the fresh air of the early night Mihail let the panther cub down. Her instantly doing much the same as Ezra and laying in the grass. Zara yowled as a butterfly fluttered past and she got up to chase after it. "I thank you for the compliments." Hand over his heart he bowed slightly from where he stood. "I work hard for keeping the estate up to date in the current trends...much to my love's irritation. Though, he does not have the means to refuse me..." He stroked his chin then, his eyes watching the last remnants of the sun as it went below the tree line off in the distance. "Care to tell me more about yourself that you do know? Like perhaps who your parents are?" @Vox

"I only knew my mother. I saw her drawing of my father once. She always called him Toji. He left before I was born." He leaned back on his palms watching Zara. "My mother was human. Said he was active in the corps but it was his way to go out hunting without tripping her off." He said toneless, staring out into the garden. "She left home for him." And made us nothing. "Doesnt matter anyway. Not like I can go back." He smiled softly, hiding his regrets behind it like a screen. "What about Misstress and you? Are you genetic siblings or by bond and blood? I honestly know very little about any of you. We know nothing of your lineage." @Nymphy ❦

Mihail listened to Ezra intently, an unreadable expression on his face. The name of the man's supposed father sounded faintly familiar but after having lived so long eventually names and things of the sort were easily forgotten or pushed aside for relevant things. He'd have to delve into his memories later to see if perhaps he and this Toji had crossed paths before. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed at Ezra's own question. "We are genetic siblings in the sense that we share the same mother. While I am indeed considered the same type of creature as my sister I am..." He paused a minute mulling over his words carefully. "different. But we have been with each other since the beginning of humanity so I suppose by bond and blood could also count." He turned his gray eyes at Ezra and offered a slight smirk. "Tell me, do you find my sister as beautiful as she is deadly?" @Vox

He sucked his teeth at that still looking away. "Frightening... you all... put me on edge. Despite my initial attempt to kill myself upon meeting her house I'm not one for dying so soon." He laughed softly. "Her insistence I remember I can die and she will kill me gets nervewracking. All of you are... terrifying." He admitted. He got up to keep walking, either on his own or the other following. He couldn't help but feel tense at Mihail's questioning, on top of his admittances. Things he didn't really speak of and didn't know why he'd tell the veritable stranger. He rounded the corner into a small gazebo surrounded by hedges and roofed by vines, sinking onto one of the benches. @Nymphy ❦

The reaction Ezra had to his question had Mihail wondering about the dynamics between Turaya and Ezra. With a sigh he watched as he headed around the corner. "Erys."

"Yes, master?" Head bowed she glanced up as Mihail turned. She was down on one knee when she had appeared, her hands currently covered in dirt.

"Keep an eye on him, don't let him stray too far...lest he find the pits. I need to go and finish the plans for this evenings meal..." He cupped her chin and had her rise. Tilting her head to the side he moved to her neck and inhaled deeply. He bit down and drank from her for a solid minute before he pulled back, his fangs still dripping blood as he let her go. "Do not lay a hand on him unless necessary. We do not want to upset Turaya." With that he headed back inside.

A moan escaped her as he fed, her eyes rolling into the back of her head as she swayed in his grasp. When he was done it was all too soon as he gave her one final warning before departing. Erys sighed, her hand covering the bitemark as she headed in the direction of the human's scent. To Erys's surprise Zara was at the man's side and she frowned. The fact that Mihail hadn't taken her with him meant he either trusted the human or that it was to have another eye on him... either way she didn't like it. @Vox

He jerked in surprise at Erys approach then relaxed. "Its just you..." he sighed softly then got up "its nice to meet you. My names Ezra." He smiled soft, grinning at Zara's hopping about. "Are... you okay?" He motioned to his own throat, head tipped. He wasn't sure what Erys was or what she could do, but he knew she was special. "Do you mind showing me around?" He smiled Zara attacking his boots. "I'm assuming Mihail got busy but I don't want to just go fumbling about." He murmured. The slight scent of her blood made his fangs prick into his tongue. "But if I can go about alone that's fine. I dont want to be a burden on you if you have work." He beamed a smiled hoping they could connect even slightly @Nymphy ❦

"Why would I be anything other than okay?" She scrunched her eyebrows up in confusion and moved to lean against one of the gazebos pillars. "It is my duty to my masters to give them whatever they want or desire." Erys stated matter-of-factly as she crossed her arms. Her own attention moving to that of the panther cub as she frolicked about. "I will accompany you. You do not have permission to just roam freely." She sighed, shoving off the pillar. "Alright come on then, eventually one or the both of us will be summoned again." @Vox

He got up and followed her hands in his pockets, jogging to catch up to her side. "So. It's Erys right?" He asked a smile on his face trying to interact. He wanted someone on his side... "Do you like living here? It's a huge house. Your teleporting skill is amazing. I'm babbling. But I'm also kind of starving so I'm idling." He laughed softly flushing pink embarrassed. @Nymphy ❦

"It is..." She trailed off as her eyes narrowed. Her legs were a lot longer than Ezra's so she had to slow down from her normal pace to let him keep up with her without much of a struggle. His question and rambles had her imagining a hamster on a wheel. Glancing at him she gave a short nod. "I do, better than where I was at previously...the masters saved me and for that I owe them my life." They took a turn and headed in through the kitchen doors. The room was massive with two large brick ovens, three long tables put together that were covered in all sorts of vegetables and bread doughs as well as meats littered them. The head chef was screaming at his underlings as they all slaved away in the heat in preparations for the meal. Erys paid them no mind and continued on their way through to the first dining room. "My teleporting skills are sufficient." She noted, the compliment going over her head. His comment about being hungry had her pause in the dining room. "Stay." She ordered before turning on her heels and heading back into the kitchens. When she returned she had two sticks of jerky as well as a piece of bread. "Here." Erys shoved them into Ezra's hands before continuing through each room. @Vox

He followed carefully tugging pieces of meat and trying very hard not to gag. He'd been on blood long enough that it tasted strange and heavy in his stomach. He quickly followed behind Erys, finishing the meal she'd given him. "If it's not rude of me... have you always been able to do the teleport thing? I find it fascinating." He smiled softly, genuinely curious about the other. "I've never heard of the skill before." He added pushing his hands in his pockets. He sighed softly ready to nap again. He didn't realize how comforting Turaya was until he didn't know where she was... "Where's madam? The room she's in?" He asked gently. @Nymphy ❦

"Mm...yes and no. I had the capabilities but was unable to control my powers. The church..." She paused a dark look crossing her face as they turned yet another corner down a long hall with what seemed to be tons of guest rooms. "You were one of them. You should know what they did to witches." She crossed her arms and rubbed at a long scar on her arm. "Not that you asked that much." Why was she even opening up to this hamster? She sucked on her tongue and glared at him from the side. "She'll probably be in the room that got turned into the war council. It's been a few hours so she might be available." Sighing she stopped in front of a red painted door, an intricate panther painted on it and highlighted in gold. She knocked one and waited.

"Enter." The sounds of papers being shuffled around could be heard.

14:19

@Vox

"I know... I'm sorry. That you lived through that hell." He said softly looking at his feet. "It was always something that urked me." He went quiet for a while before looking up with a gentle smile. "I'm happy you found a better place." At the door and permissions to enter he immediately looked for Turaya and went to her side before even looking around the room. @Nymphy ❦

"The humans of the clergy call people like our masters monsters, yet in truth it is just to thinly put a veil over the true monsters...themselves." She finished before she was granted permission to enter, she turned the knob and held the door open for Ezra to head inside. She herself held back, her eyes meeting with Nicolae's who summoned her in further. Erys stopped at his side.

"As I was saying earlier-" He sat back in his chair and crossed his legs. "They have been a bane in our side for quite some time but now they are targeting our children. His eyes flared a brighter red and he practically growled. "Mihail may seem fine but I know it is bothering him more than most especially because he is the one who had set up the orphanage."

"It seems that they have changed their tactics. I have no problem with the plan...but will Mihail be fine with it?" She arched a brow, her eyes only momentarily glancing from Nicolae to Ezra. Her hand moved to stroke his curls almost absentmindedly. "I will make sure no harm comes to her until the rest of you arrive but that doesn't guarantee anything." Her nails on her free hand tapped on the arm of the chair in which she had sat.

"She isn't so weak as to not be able to defend herself, she may be young but she can easily handle the men in the corps." @Vox

He looked at the map while they talked before pointing lightly to the little figures they used for places and buildings. "May I? There's some you don't know of it seems." He said softly to Turaya, not wanting to interrupt everybody to ask. The corps kept making new bases and forts and outposts ad nauseum for most of the time he was in it, especially in the last two years of his tenure. If he was given the little houses he carefully started peppering them about as accurately as he could and neatly, biting his lip as he focused on what he was doing. @Nymphy ❦

"Go on..." He waved a hand in consent. Nicolae watched with interest, leaning forward as Ezra began to manipulate the little figures on the board. When he added ones he truly had not been aware of he smirked. "Well, you weren't wrong in saying your pet would come in handy for this..." This meant things would need to be adjusted slightly but it would not affect the plan they had come up with together. The sound of feet could be heard bounding down the hallway as well as a playful roar from what sounded like a very large cat. Nicolae remained focused on each new figure Ezra had added. "How new is this one..." He pointed to the one that was closest to the orphanage. He didn't like that it was only a block away. If they had been that close this whole time...

"Papa! Papa!" A pale blur rushed into the room running straight for Nicolae, not caring who or what was going on inside the room. "Mina said that-" She paused, her head turning to look at Turaya and Ezra. "Auntie Turaya!" She squealed and let go of Nicolae before running to Turaya and practically pouncing on her. "Mina was right! You're here!" She beamed a grin at her as she received a hug in return.

"Ketura- Now is not the time!" He rose from his chair. "Erys please escort her back to Mi-" A large panther loomed in the doorway and Nicolae sighed. "You're supposed to keep her contained Mina." Tsking he walked over to his daughter and grabbed her by the collar.

"But Papa! Dad said it's almost time for dinner." She pouted. "You always keep these types of things from me! I'm eighteen now and I am an adult!" She turned her attention to Ezra. "Plus Dad said that Auntie Turaya had a new pet! I wanna see it!" She crossed her arms. @Vox

He flushed, frozen mid placement of a building before he set it down then straightened up. She grows up... and for once is the same height. he smiled softly standing at attention for her to see for a moment. He turned back to the map and nudged a building to a better place. He didn't know how to act around what was basically a child. Especially by vampires age standards.... he waited for Nicolae to deal with his daughter sitting down on a bench by Turaya. Only then did he notice full size panther and Turaya noticed the buzz again. Definitely animals made him do thst.... @Nymphy ❦

"We're at a stopping point already, Nic. Leave the child be." She swatted at Nicolae's hand and stood up. "Ketura, this is Ezra. Ezra this is Mihail's adopted daughter Ketura." She indicated each one to each other before looking at Nicolae. "We might as well head to the dining hall lest Mihail come get us himself." She turned her attention to Ezra and arched a brow. Ezra was practically thrumming in his seat as he stared at the panther.

"Wait- this is your pet?" She scrunched her face. "I thought it'd be something like Mina and Zara." She walked up to him, basically the same height. "How can a human be a pet? What does it even do? Do you pet it? Play with it?"

Erys coughed, quickly moving forward and pulling Katura from the room. "We should go and return Mina to your chambers Miss... before dinner."

"But-" They were all three gone before she could utter another word.

He turned to Ezra and Turaya and rubbed at his temples. "Apologies. Yes. Let's go and find Love, shall we?" @Vox

He couldn't contain the little smile at the questions as he followed her closely out. Technically.... "And to answer your question Lord. It was being set up when I met Turaya. No buildings yet, just wagons and tents. So it's been about... what three weeks?" He looked to her for confirmation on the timing before gently holding her arm. He was starting to loose steam at being social... Yawning into a hand he followed her, palm on her arm. @Nymphy ❦

She had been so focused on the planning of what was to come in the next day that she hadn't realized he was tired and she pursed her lips. "Are you up for a meal or would you wish to retire for the evening? She arched a brow as her red eyes settled on her pet. "They would not think any less of us if you are too tired. It was the first time out for you since I took you in." In all honesty she wasn't really keen on spending a meal with everyone herself. It wasn't like they had to eat, save for Erys everyone else could but it wasn't necessary. " @Vox

"Does me being tired give you an excuse to not go to the dinner?" He grinned softly, looking up out the corner of his eye. "I could pitch a fit. Give you an excuse." He giggled softly holding her arm. @Nymphy ❦

"Yes." She said simply, a serious look on her face as they continued behind Nicolae. "The excuse would be appreciated though I don't think one would be necessary..." Some imagery appeared in her mind and she smiled. "Though if you pitch a fit I may have to discipline you." The idea was one she liked greatly and it had been a bit of time since she'd needed to do such a thing.

"I hope you are both aware I can very clearly hear you. I would like to also add Turaya, that your brother would be heartbroken if you were to skip out on the meal. But I can offer to smooth that over...for a price." @Vox

He jumped near a foot in the air at his talking, often forgetting Turaya wasn't the only with sharp ears. He giggled anxiously and half hid behind Turaya at being called out. "That just sounds like a dangerous option compared to me throwing up or something." He laughed softly. @Nymphy ❦

"I know well enough not to take a deal from you, it's as bad as making a deal with the devil himself." She tsked, her head shaking side to side. "Just give my excuses. If Mihail is upset I will make it up to him at a later date. Not to mention we had been traveling and it can be taxing. So for that reason if you would excuse us." She stopped walking then, Ezra would run into her since he was so close but she didn't mind. Instead she turned around and picked him up in her arms with ease. "My pet seems to need a rest." Without another word she turned towards the hall their room was in and excusing them from their present company.

A laugh rang out through the halls, half predatory and half of mirth. The next sound that would be heard would not be out loud but inside of Ezra's mind, unbeknownst to Turaya. "Remember that...Ezra."

10:33

@Vox

He held onto her carefully over her shoulders, legs lolling off her hand under his knees. He blinked heavily at the voice in his head tucking into her neck for some comfort. Dont be alone with him... he noted. "Can I still pitch a fit?" He offered after a minute of pause. "Because it looked like you enjoyed that idea." He laughed softly."And eating food again was awful..." he added wiggling to be put down. @Nymphy ❦

"Stop squirming." Turaya held on tighter, one of her hands moving up to swat at his legs that kept moving. "If I wanted you to walk I would have put you down." She stated matter-of-factly. It didn't take her long before they were in front of the door of their room and with her abilities the door opened, shutting promptly behind them after they entered. "Now...what was that about pitching a fit?" Turaya tossed him on the bed, crossing her arms under her breasts as she looked down at him. "Think you can get me riled up do you?" @Vox

He fought with his boots to get it off, looked at it in hand then tossed it at her. He knew for a fact she'd catch it or swat it aside. Wasn't the point to hit her it was the point that he wasn't afraid of her. He leaned back on his hands, smirking softly as he watched it fly then braced for her response, fingers buried into the blankets. @Nymphy ❦

One moment she stood at the foot of the bed, her hand raising to catch the boot as it flew in her direction. The next Turaya was standing above him on the bed, her heeled foot pressing into his chest as he grinned at her leaning back. "You think this is funny?" She ran her tongue over her fangs a moment and pressed her heel into him making him fall further back onto the bed. "You want me to have your shoe so bad perhaps I should share mine, hm?" She lifted her foot then, letting the heel move further up. Turaya used the tip of her heeled boot to trace his jawline from ear to chin, stopping just below his mouth. "Open." @Vox

He squeaked in surprise from the whiplash bouncing softly on the mattress. He held onto the sides of her foot biting the tip of her shoe softly, careful to not damage the leather with the tip of his fangs. He grinned gently as he did assuming she expected him to be shamed, gently holding her ankle. The Zara cat playing with her ball came to mind, little claws and teeth lightly pressed into her boot. He let go setting his chin on the toe of her shoe holding the foot of her shoe. "Looks like I riled you up enough." He grinned. @Nymphy ❦

Inhaling deeply she revealed her fangs as he playfully bit her shoe, her eyes narrowing. As Ezra rested his chin on top of his she pressed her foot down into his chest harder. Another quick maneuver from Turaya and she was once again back on the floor, with a more solid ground she crossed her arms and arched an eyebrow at him. "You want to play do you?" She unbuttoned her jacket, letting it fall to the floor. "I've got a game for you, pet." She lifted her hand and raised a finger. "I want you to use only your teeth and remove my skirt. You use your hands and I'll punish you." @Vox

He slid to the edge of the bed. "If I rip it you're gonna smack me aren't you..." he asked pushing himself up. He sat on the floor next to her sitting on his heels, hands behind his back to listen to her rule and he didn't do it accidentally. His teeth lightly tugged at the corner of her skirt trying to tug it off the buttons, starting to get frustrated with it. Surprisingly he got them undone and he sat back happy. "What do I win?" @Nymphy ❦

She looked down at him as he sat their on his haunches, his hands behind his back like the good boy he was. He took a bit but he actually managed to get it undone without ripping it. The fact he did well was a little disappointing. She had wanted a reason to punish him, her eyes narrowed as she lifted a hand to stroke his cheek. "What would you like to win?" @Vox

"Whatever I would have gotten if I'd lost." He smiled softly then looked to her skirt. "Technically isn't off so....." he poked the fabric to force himself to lose on technicality, expression only what she could describe as smug anticipation. The front of his shirt mussed from her stepping on him he hooked his fingers into the waist of her skirt to tug it down and if he wasn't stopped, press kisses to her lower stomach. @Nymphy ❦

He was playing with her now and Turaya found that she herself enjoyed it. As Ezra leaned forward and placed kisses on her abdomen Turaya let her fingers get lost in his beautiful curls. She liked this side of him, the finding enjoyment in his punishments. Moving her hand under his chin she lifted his face with a finger forcing him to look at her. "Bad cheeky little pets should be punished indeed..." Turaya switched positions with him, she herself sitting on the edge of the bed. She spread her legs apart, her thin lace panties barely keeping her pale blonde pubes from being discovered. Already the tinges of excitement spread through her, warming her skin as she led his face right at her muff. "What if I said it's a reward you'll get?" She could feel his breath against her nether lips, the hairs stirring from it. Her red eyes staying focused on him. @Vox

He licked between her folds on the outside of her panties, looking through his lashes to her. He pet her calves gently, nails barely racking across her skin. "I'd say 'I'm being spoiled'" He pressed a kiss to the inside of her thigh, resisting the want to bite. Purring softly he slid her fingers deeper into his hair he hooked his fingers into the top of her lace, nuzzling into the outside. "May I ma'am?" @Nymphy ❦

He was like a kitten, playful and youthful as he licked at her panties. A shiver ran up her spine and she bit her bottom lip. The manners Ezra used had her chuckling softly. "Such a good boy..." inhaling deeply she saw the way he looked at her through his thick lashes. She could feel his thirst as he nuzzle her thigh and she growled, her own fangs thinking about the last time she'd had of his blood. The ache growing and swirling with the desire to be pleasure. Hands gripping his hair tighter she all but purred back "You may..." @Vox

He tugged her panties down shifting back so she could put her legs together to better get them off. He lightly lifted her feet to take them off and set aside, peppering kisses up her legs. Her being happy was the best thing he felt, her contentness stroking his pride. Her fingers raking at his scalp made him shiver as he carefully spread her legs back apart, lips dragging over the inside of her thighs. His fingers making dents in her thighs, his tongue dragged between her folds. The smell of her heat made him throb aching. @Nymphy ❦

Her lips parted as she felt the strength in his hands as he clutched her thighs, the way his tongue parted her netherlips as he dragged it across. Turaya rested back on her elbows so that she could lounge back but still watch with a heightened interest as he pleasured her. Each flick of his tongue had her hips moving upward to meet the pressure from it, her nails digging into the sheet, breath slow and shallow. @Vox

Her legs resting on his arms he suckled softly at her heat, tongueing her clit. His eyes were half closed, lazily so as he sat on the floor. A knock at her door made her jump and jerk to look at it. The faint skin of his face flushed with shame and reddened to the tips of his ears. He whined and aimed to wiggle away apparently disliking the idea of being seen. @Nymphy ❦

Turaya had been enjoying the feel of Ezra's tongue, the way it languidly pressed against the sensitive nub that was her clit. A hiss escaped her as she heard the light knock on the door. From the scent alone she knew who it was and she gripped the sheet tight. Her legs wrapped around Ezra's neck as he tried to wiggle away, her eyes narrowing as she looked down at him. "No one said to stop."

Mihail heard his sister and wondered exactly why she had turned away the dinner he had worked so hard to plan. Even after Nicolae had insisted he leave them be he had come to the room, he demanded the attention. He hardly ever got to see Turaya with her being willing and he had hoped that though the circumstances were grim that she would at least give in. He was well aware what Turaya thought about most of their family but he...he was different. Made from her yet altered in a way that made him more. He knocked again, this time with more force.

She had closed her eyes hoping Mihail would have left after she failed to answer, but the following knock dashed that thought and she pushed Ezra away, moving to pick up a robe to wrap herself in before she spoke. "Enter, Mihail..."

"Dinner...has been served, and I would very much-" He began as he entered. The smell of arousal hit his nostrils and his eyes flared for but a moment. "Oh." His eyebrows furrowed. "Dinner. If you two would be so kind." @Vox

He half hid behind the foot of the bed on the floor, face burning scarlet as he tried to keep out of sight from him. His shirt mussed up and tugged aside messily, he pulled it back up. Mihail's look was terrifying... He stayed tucked half out of sight until he was sure Turaya would keep him out of her siblings hands, and only would hide near completely behind her, face buried into her back between her shoulder blades. She could feel his heart racing absolutely terrified. @Nymphy ❦

Sighing she rubbed at her temples as Ezra hid behind her. "Control yourself Mihail." She snapped, her eyes glowing red as she looked at her only blood relative she could even remotely stand. "I simply wanted time to myself, I am not avoiding you on purpose. So yes, we will come to dinner just give us a moment and we will meet you there."

Eyes still narrowed Mihail crossed his arms, his lips in a thin white line for but a moment before his features softened. The smell of fear clearly permeating the room, "Ah-" He cleared his throat as he glanced behind Turaya at Ezra. "My apologies." With that he turned on his heels and headed back out of the room. "Ten minutes, then the first course will be served." The door shut with a a soft thud.

Turning to face Ezra she stroked his cheek before tilting his head to examine him. "Look at me, you are safe. I would not let anything happen to you that wasn't by my own hand...understood? Mihail may be a beast but he does well to maintain his civility. Now-" She lifted her free hand and use her nail to make a small cut. "My blood should help you stomach the human food. Not everyone here knows what you are and I want to keep it that way." @Vox

"I know I'm safe. It's still... frightening." He murmured, leaning into her palm. He held tight to her sleeve. At the proffer of her arm he gratefully took it in his arms, gently pressing in teeth. His tongue rasped over her skin as he whimpered at the taste pressing tight to her. He let go with a soft gasp then wiped his lip, licking off a bit of blood. "Thank you... cause I think I'd vomit." He laughed softly trying to align his shirt. Ezra picked up his waistcoat, cleaning up in the mirror. @Nymphy ❦

Turaya removed the robe she'd been wearing and picked up the skirt from the ground. She slid it on with ease, tightening the strings that helped it stay rested on her hips. She gave herself a look over as well as Ezra one last time to make sure they were presentable before she led him from the room and back through the halls to the dining room. Everyone else was already there at the table, even a few faces Ezra hadn't been introduced to yet. In total there were about seven around the table, Turaya and Ezra making it a total of nine. She took one of the last remaining seats available leaving Ezra to take the one beside Ketura. The younger woman curiously eyed him, a pout on her face. Underneath the table Turaya gripped Ezra's thigh in a reassuring squeeze as Nicolae began to speak.

"Thank you two for joining us..." His red eyes landed on the pair, a knowing smirk on his face before he lifted his glass. "I'd like to thank all of you for accepting the call for help with these pests... They have plagued our kind ever sense they have discovered fire and will probably continue to be the bane of our existence." He looked at each and every one of them, lastly staring at Ezra. "We shall remind them why we are the top of the food chain when the time comes... they have gotten too cocky in their growth because we had tried to be... civilized." His eyes flashed a brighter red for a moment. "If civilized did not work, let us show them just how monstrous we can be-" He raised his glass even higher, the thick red liquid sloshing on the side of the wine glass, clearly not just red wine. "For the children."

"For the children." Mihail echoed, raising his own glass as did the others at the table. His own eyes moving from his lover to his sister and her pet, and finally to Ketura. "You are our future." He took a sip from the glass then, it's contents much of the same like Nicolae's. In fact everyone but Ezra and Ketura's was a mix of wine and blood. Setting his wine glass down he waited until Nicolae took his seat before announcing the first course. "Tonight, for our appetizer we have crab bisque. It will be followed up with rare steak and a side of asparagus... for dessert I have prepared something... special.

Ketura flushed under her father's attention, her curiosity about Ezra momentarily forgotten as she raised her glass that contained nothing more than water. She sipped it and when Mihail began to talk about the meal she leaned over and poked Ezra in the side before whispering. "How old are you?" @Vox

He stared back with equal ferocity, his own guilt burning in his chest. That hunters did those disgusting things and he bit his tongue on it. No more... he picked up water to hide his answer to Ketura behind. "23," he whispered back, scanning the tables occupants as he sipped his water. He set down the glass and went quiet to not interrupt Mihail. It felt strange how quickly his life had changed. He felt his new role was far more... comforting. Correct. He traced the stitching on his napkin looking to the table top until he felt he had permission to eat. He ate carefully, making sure to not make a mess of himself nor spit it back up. It tasted good, sure, but the weight of it in his stomach made it difficult to enjoy. He had manners when he tried, if not a little rusty. He was curious of the rest of them or if this 'dinner' was merely a placeholder. He sipped his water to down the thick taste of the appetizer, focusing on his food but watching everyone around him. @Nymphy ❦

"Whoa, you're older than me...so, human." She narrowed her eyes and after the rest of the speech from her father was done she continued. "Why do you smell funny?" She arched a pale eyebrow, leaning in and sniffing the air.

"Ketura." Turaya warned though she did not look away from her meal, the spoon paused in front of her mouth as she spoke. "Do well to remember your own manners, lest I remind you, hm?" She blew on the spoon, the whisps of steam swirling in the air as she cooled the contents on it. It was delicious though Turaya could think of something more delicious she'd rather have...

"Yes Auntie." She huffed, turning in her chair right and focusing on her own food. "You know.. I never understood why we eat food like they do when we don't need to." Ketura said loudly, to which her father set his spoon down and offered a small warm smile.

"That is because it helps some of us remember our humanity, while for us... others it gives us a glimpse into it."

"You mean like you and Auntie, because you were never human?"

"That's exactly what I mean."

"Then what about him, is he really human?" She pointed her spoon at Ezra. @Vox

"I smell funny because where I was before. They liked to try to make us as close to vampires as they could." He sipped his water again trying to not flush with mortification behind it. "I'm as human as you could hope for." Don't hope too hard He set down his glass, careful to keep his mouth shut as often as he could. He didn't need to try to explain large canines on top of it. He went back to his food, hand in a fist on his thigh. "And my name is Ezra. Not human." He winked at her softly before gently mixing up his food for a momentary break. This would have been a dream when he was younger. A proper dinner on plates... now it felt a hassle. Hiding again... @Nymphy ❦

"Oh...that makes sense." She blinked before she went back to eating her meal. Halfway through she turned to Ezra. "You know, I was human once too. Papa saved me from a burning building and Dad decided that because I was only eighteen that they would turn me... I almost died. Well. I did die! But when I woke back up I wasn't burnt anymore. It was soooo cool!" She blabbered more about how she came to be in the house before she was interrupted.

"Ketura Vasile. There are appropriate times and places for certain conversations and the dinner table is not one for that sort of topic." He gave her a stern look and she quickly shut her mouth, a slight frown on her face.

"I was just tryna explain-"

"You can tell him all about it later, they will be here all week Ket. Now, please finish the meal and leave the poor soul alone." He arched a brow and glanced at Turaya.

"No need to quiet her now, just because I'm here doesn't mean she needs to change how she does things. She is practically still a child, she is excited." Turaya glanced at Ezra. "Is it bother you, pet?" @Vox

"Not at all. I much prefer to be spoken to than ignored." He said softly, resuming his meal. "I find all your histories interesting." He smiled sitting up and self consciously adjusted his water glass at them focusing on him. "I know very little about vampires and am very interested to learn of the history and culture." He reassured. It no longer was for someone else. He wanted to know for himself. He looked to Ketura. "So you will be this age forever? Or will you age to your prime then remain? If I may ask..." he offered to continue the conversation. @Nymphy ❦

"I'll age!" She turned to him excitedly at this point. "It's not that way for everyone though! But Papa had Erys do some kinda magic thing as he fed me his blood!" She beamed him an exciting grin, setting her spoon down. "It helped that Papa is one of the first to turn from the originals...He's actually sired by-"

"Ketura" He sat his glass down, eyes flaring. "There are certain pieces of intimate information that does not need to be shared with an outside. That is my business."

She flushed with embarrassment at being chastised and shrunk back in her chair, though she quickly recovered. "Anyway. The more potent the blood, the more magical the properties! Isn't that what you taught me Dad?"

"Yes... though soon Ezra will be learning more about that on his own." His eyes followed from his daughter to Ezra before ultimately turning their attentions on his husband. "Ezra is not an outsider, he is with Turaya. Whatever form it may be, it still does not make him an outsider."

Nicolae tsked and rolled his eyes and picked back up his glass, his red glowing eyes staring at Ezra. "That is until she finds a newer, shinier toy to play with..." A laugh would echo in Ezra's mind then, one that was cold and lacked any sort of emotion. @Vox

You forget I do not care. he said back lightly, casually mixing his food. "That is very interesting Ketura. Thank you for telling me." He smiled lightly to her, setting aside his silverware. He set his chin on his hands morosely picking through his food. He was well aware he was just... a toy but he still. It didn't help his mood. @Nymphy ❦

If Turaya was aware that Nicolae had mentally communicated with Ezra she didn't show it. Her facial features remaining stoic as she finished the first course. As the next course of the meal was ushered out. She pushed the topic of discussion to Ketura's education and what she had learned so far since coming into the care of Mihail. After that the conversations dropped off into separate conversations between those closest around the dinner table and Turaya turned her gaze on Ezra. Leaning over just slightly she arched a brow. "What has your mood turning so sour, my pet? Is the food not to your liking?" @Vox

"I'm okay. My stomachs just sour. I think it's nerves." He murmured back leaning lightly into his palm. After a while of silence he rubbed his forehead, a slight headache behind his eyes. "My constant naps have made me lazy." He laughed softly. @Nymphy ❦

"Just a while longer." She stated, her hand moving to stroke the back of his head. Her other hand dropping the fork she'd been using on the main course. "We don't have to stay for dessert. Mihail will understand. We have done what was obligated."

"Turaya is right, we thank you for spending the time with us for the meal, I apologize if anything was not to your liking..." He pursed his lips, his attention shifting from Nicolae to Ezra. "I will strive even harder to make tomorrows meal more pleasant. If you have any preferences please feel free to suggest. As for what Turaya and I had discussed..." He finished off his wine glass. "I'll have someone escort you to the library in the morning once you have awoken." @Vox

"It was all very good!" He defended. "My stomach is just being problematic so I have to be a bit hesitant what I eat." He smiled softly leaning into her hand. "I look forward to it in the morning." He put his palms together, beeming. Finally some answers. @Nymphy ❦