A Mercenary Among Merchants

[Relairah]

OoC: Keehee, waow, as I was reading over this I was thinking, "Isn't it so funny how Rosaline keeps getting bounced about, it's like she's an up for grabs character!" and right then I read what you said, Fely LOL xP


Jolene hadn't simply staid there, staring off into space waiting
against the wall. She had only stood there a moment, before she
noticed how damp it was. She also noticed that the wood she
was standing on was quite burnt. She had bent down curiously,
letting her fingers poke and slide along the wood for a moment,
studying it with her bright orange gaze. Like December, she,
being the curious young girl she was, wanted to know what had
happened. Obviously, there had been a fire of sorts, but how
had it started? Why? When did it all happen? These questions
weren't soon to be answered, she knew that much. She had
raised her gaze once again, ears twitching, for she heard the
sound of someone sobbing in the near distance.

She was sure this was the girl they had all come after in the first
place, after hearing her shrill scream of terror. She had suddenly
paused in step, hearing the sound of a form hitting the ground
roughly, and shortly after, snoring. A sigh escaped her red lips. It
didn't take long before she heard footsteps in the way she had
been going. She moved against the wall once again, just in time
to see the form of the young girl passing by. She was sure, for
her eyes allowed her to see the long blonde locks and fair skin,
and quite lovely form. She stood there a moment, watching her.
Amazing, she had no light and still she went foward as if knowing
exactly where she was going. Jolene mentally shrugged,
becoming a bit confused. Should she continue going the way she
had been, or follow the girl... no one seemed to know her name.

At last, her question was answered as the strong voice
reverbeated about the hall, questioning where Fortuné was.
'That has to be the, uh, other vampire from earlier, the one
Fortuné was sobbing all over like a big baby...' And yet,
another question popped in her mind. 'Where the heck is
December?' Perhaps she was with the other vampire... his
name she was unsure if she had caught or not. At last, she
turned and followed Rosaline's form back toward Fortuné. She
stopped, watching as the girl knelt and cried all over his snoring,
sleeping form. The snoring was getting anoying... she thought to
herself. It seemed the girl was completely oblivious to her
presence, which she didn't mind at all. She folded her arms
across her chest, not worried about using her knives at all. She
was sure there would be no need for it, come this point. Thus,
she simply stood in a position so that she rested on one leg, and
waited for the other vampire to arrive, if he was going to.

Her question from before was answered suddenly, when
December's voice reached her ears, and she also remembering,
Zayn! That was his name... She turned her head suddenly off
into the darkness, thus distracting her attention from Rose's little
pucker-up, and Fortuné's sudden awakening... and yet falling
again into slumber. Her attention was suddenly brought back
when Rosaline scrambled back caring for her bruised forehead
and muttering her 'ow's' (almost said vows o.0...*Gigglesnerk*)
She supposed perhaps she should respond to December...
afterall, the other had called. Her voice sounded a bit awkward
to herself as she called through the tunnel. "December! We're
over here!" She hadn't spoken in quite a while... so, her voice
was a bit scratchy, and so, she cleared her throat. She then
waited for either a response... or for them to reach them.

[Mama Z]

In some ways, Zyan was a patient individual, that is when people co-operated with him and used their own common sense. But what he heard, greatly annoyed the aged vampire. Snoring he would recognize from anywhere. He almost stopped and just turned around, they would find their own way out if and when his fop of a brother woke up. He kept the same pace he had before, and when another voice answered his and Decembers call he let out his breath. Finally, someone else was awake as well.

It didn't take long for the hunter and the hunted (depending on which way you looked at it) to arrive near the fallen three. Gaze shifted from one female to the next then down to his fallen sibling. Moving over, he crouched down, gently slapping the younger face, 'Wake up, Fortune,' He demanded, slightly irritated that a bump on the head knocked a creature of the night out, let alone his own blood line. 'Wake up!'

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[Aveilthé]

OOC: The final chapter of Fortuné's dream, man. Oh, yes, sorry, this is EXTREMELY long, like you wouldn't BELIEVE. And it took me all night to write this, so read if it so pleases you... I would appreciate it, though I made it very interesting so it might be worth wasting your time. ^^; It's like... a chapter long for a very longass book. Or something.

The young maiden lifted her lover's head delicately and placed
his sweet cranium upon her lap whilst she waited for him to wake
up. She attempted desperately to ignore his purr-like snore.

It was after a while, that multiple footsteps, inhibiting noise,
advanced quickly to where she and vampire stationed. Rosaline
looked up, and gasped at the entrance of the rather tall and dark
figure. Seemingly frightened, she at first placed an arm across
Fortuné's chest as if to protect him, but the flight of this man
was overwhelming to her. Thinking this dark creature was about
to swoop down upon her like a hungry eagle, she crawled back
a few feet, staring at this man in awe. Her delicate blue eyes
stared intently upon his colorless, empty face...

She was so lost and bewildered that she didn't see December
follow close behind.

Fortuné's dreams continued still, almost like a film, replaying
the events that occured hundreds of years ago. Ironically,
Fortuné dreamed about these events almost every other night,
particularly because these memories changed his life... forever.

Through the gloom of the forest, Ron and the young lad trekked,
enraptured by the song created by a mysterious enigma
that they could not find. Fortuné was, in fact, so deeply
intrigued by the voice that he didn't see a low gnarled branch
just inches away from his face. KERPLUNK! went the branch,
followed by the loud yelp that escaped the blockhead. With this,
Fortuné shook his head vigorously, massaging his red nose, and
came to a complete stop. His heart started pounding as he
craned his head around, listening. The voice was still there, but
his stomach clenched. Fear rose in his gut. Fortuné, being the
fellow to follow instinct more than rationality, called out to his
glassy-eyed companion, Ron, but he kept walking aimlessly
through the forest.

"Ron!" Fortuné cried suddenly, ambling quickly after him.
"Stop, stop!" He took his friend's shoulder and shook him
vigorously. Ron blinked a few times and looked around at
the young lad.

"Ehh...," Ron sputtered, somewhat confused.

"That voice... I don't trust it much," whispered the young man.

"You're right," the elder replied, stopping in his tracks. "It sounds
like a beckoning call, and we were fools to try and follow it!"

As Ron spoke, Fortuné looked around at the eerie, still darkness,
thinking. They may have been fools to fall for the song...
and whomever it belonged to, did a fantastic job to procure
a spell on them. Fortuné, though a bit frightened, was still
eager to find the source of the mysterious singer. Perhaps
it was what he and Ron were after. 'And avenge my brother,'
Fortuné thought. Being in a immensely thick forest, the moon had
dissapeared entirely, leaving the two lost. The horses were long
gone now.

Yet as Fortuné's eyes looked through a gap in the canopy of
trees, he noticed a strange spire peaking high into the heavens.

"Luck at last, a house!" Fortuné cried, gesturing to the semi-lit
canopy where the single spire towered above the whole forest.

"A tower..." Ron muttered, following Fortuné's pointing finger.
"Perhaps..."

"This is where that vile creature lives," Fortuné growled suddenly,
balling his fists as he leered at the spire.

"Aye, perhaps," Ron thought, suddenly feeling ill. 'What have I
gotten myself into? This is mad!' But then he thought of his
precious daughters, all lost thanks to that damnable creature.
The thought of his daughters' deaths made him more eager
than ever before.

They soon proceeded with stealth and caution, stepping on tiny
stones rather than the leaves, to which the crunch of the footfalls
might make the creature prepare for their coming. Fortuné was
so sure that the spire belonged to the vampire, that he was
busily preparing himself and groping the hilt to his brother's sword.

At last, they came into a magnificently large clearing. Both men
halted, their eyes accustoming to the semi-lit area by the
phosphorescent moon, shining through veils of clouds. As
they craned their neck upwards, both staggered a bit. What they
approached was a grand castle, however in ruins. It was both
impressive and dreary-looking, as if it came straight out of a
Gothic painting.

"Oh my God," Ron breathed, catching his heart as his eyes traveled
all the way up to the many looming, dark towers. "I know this!
This is a very ancient castle, at least 600 years old or so, and has
since been in ruins for a long time ever since The Dark War. It
is the perfect place for a vampire to dwell!"

Fortuné was silent, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets,
and his jaw hanging. He had never seen anything so shocking
and oddly beautiful. It had a very dark, gloomy feeling to it,
but almost intriguingly so. He had always been in love with
dark lore, but never delved too deep due to his parents' beliefs
that to learn or know anything dark is blasphemous, which was
contradictory on both his mother and father's part. The young
lad found the castle's ruins sort of unnerving also, sort of like
the very moment a first-timer gets ready to go up on stage for
an act.

"Let us proceed, then," Ron spoke darkly after a while. He
didn't wait for Fortuné. But he didn't have to. Fortuné was hot
on Ron's trail, and soon both stepped up onto the many long
dark-marbled steps leading to the Celtic-designed entrance to
the atramentous fortress. Both doors were steel-made, and
very beautiful, however scratched up terribly. The two men,
holding their breath, then pushed open the heavy doors together.
A loud, deep, foreboding creak wailed endlessly as they peaked
inside, where their ears heard echoes of the door creaking
throughout the whole place.

"Argh," Ron muttered suddenly, flinching every time the door
made a terribly loud screach from the giant hinges.

"Perhaps we should have entered another way? Perhaps...
sneak in?" Fortuné spoke softly.

"Is it only when we enter peril that you use your head?" Ron
snapped in reply. "Alas, we are sneaking in, but this blasted
door is not helping at all!"

"The creature will surely have heard that," Fortuné moaned,
stepping over the threshold and greeting the great gloom of the
halls of the ancient castle.

"Aye, smart one," replied the elder sardonically.

"For your information," Fortuné said, raising his voice some. "I am
very smart! I am the top in my classes, and this year I will finally
reach my great ambition to--"

"Oh, hush; you're simply too sensitive, lad." Ron whispered loud
enough for Fortuné to hear, but the beating of his heart
sounded much louder.

When Fortuné tried piecing together a retort (though it is not like
him at all to talk back to anyone, being the passive person he is),
he fell silent once a sudden ringing call filled the entire ruined
castle. The sound was so beautiful, that both men felt entranced
once more.

"Do not deny to my lost heart to tremble in its pain.
Lost, my soul turns to you and full of hope it prostrates itself at your feet.
It invokes and awaits for the beautiful peace that only You can give it."

The voice was enriched with everything mysterious and
charm.

Ron closed his eyes. He felt his very spirit lost into another world
where everything didn't matter anymore. He simply stood there,
feeling his heart patter softly. He almost dared a dream that a
beautiful woman touched his shoulders, softly running her hands
about his arms and neck.

Fortuné felt himself going under. It was like taking strong
medication that would put him to sleep immediately. And sleep,
he almost did, yet something in his heart screamed to stay
quite awake, thus two battles were raging in his mind whether
to sleep or to keep his eyes wide open. To fall asleep would be
a dire thing, especially in a great ruined castle.

The young lad gritted his teeth and shook himself vigorously.
Opening his eyes, he swiveled around and issued a terrible
yell.

"Ron!"

Ron seem to be fighting the same battle that Fortuné partook
moments ago. Behind him, singing clearly in an angelic tone,
a very pale maiden touched the man seductively about
his neck and shoulders, speaking words into his ear. She was
actually quite attractive, with long, wavy dark hair cascading about
her shoulders and reaching nearly down to her feet, though her
pale face stood out as shocking as the brightest moon.

The woman nibbled Ron's ear, and Fortuné caught great, long
fangs protruding from her gums. Alas... she was a vampire.

At first it appeared that the vampire maiden ignored Fortuné's
constant shouts. After a few moments, the maiden glanced
dangerously with seductive jade eyes at Fortuné.

Fortuné reached for his sword and unsheathed it, pointing it
at the vampire. "Release him, release him now!" he shouted,
feeling his heart hammering heavily against his ribs. Beautiful
girl or no, he would not succumb to a vampire, especially
one of whom killed his brother.

The vampire stopped singing, and smiled with blood-red lips.
"He is in a coma," said she, her voice oddly in whispering tones,
yet she could still very well be heard. "He cannot return to the
present world. He is simply dreaming... And you can dream too,
for all eternity, if you wish."

There was a bizarre charm to her words, as if she were offering
something splendid than being deceitful. And Fortuné knew well
that deceit was her motif.

"I will not be swayed by a vampire," he shouted, his blade
shaking threateningly at the maiden's throat. He could hardly
see her, but well enough anyway thanks to the moon shining
through the many giant holes in the many walls.

"Do not let yourself be troubled," said she with sweet words,
stroking Ron's head.

"Ron, oh please Ron, wake up!" Fortuné cried, feeling helpless.

At that moment, the vampire widened her jaws and sank her
teeth into poor Ron's neck.

Fortuné gave a cry, and with a mad dash, sliced the air with
his sword, hoping that the blade would make contact with
the vampire's head. Though when the blade zipped through,
the maiden, and Ron, dissapeared, and Fortuné was alone, in
the darkness, beads of sweat falling from his forehead, his chest
heaving desperately.

He did not speak. He simply stood there, confused and scared
out of his mind, thinking of what horrors awaited Ron now.
Perhaps... he was dead now...

"Just another reason for me to kill you," he sobbed, crying out
into the hallow darkness, hearing as his voice echoed throughout
the many-story building, and carrying through the spacious
halls.

Fortuné cursed madly and thrashed his sword into many objects
that he could not see in the deepest shadows. "Come on out!"
he screamed, his sword clanging upon what sounded like marble
floor as the tip fell heavily. He dragged the sword around,
blindly destroying things as what he hoped would provoke the
vampire.

It took no time at all for her to come. The maiden creeped from
the darkness, her lips slightly messy with blood, and her fingers
dripping some in horrible crimson.

Fortuné looked upon her with anger, his fists tightening upon the
hilt. His eyes were fully accustomed in the dark now, for being in
it so long granted him this.

"You... you killed my brother," he growled. "And now you killed one
of my friends! I will avenge them both, and all that you've killed!!"

"Ahh," replied the maiden silkily, "I know of the 'brother' you speak,
for he looks almost like you. Almost..." Her eyes peered at him
blankly, yet Fortuné didn't bother to look directly in them, fearing
that she would put some spell upon him by just a mere gaze.
"You..." she began once more, stepping up to him, though
Fortuné stepped back, pointing his sword at her chest. "You,
are much more desirable."

"Avast," Fortuné cried, swinging his sword about professionally,
yet the maiden would not be swayed by his threats.

"If it is a sword play you want, then have at it," she replied
with ease, procurring a magnificent sword from inside of her
glittering garments. She looked upon Fortuné with a leering
smile, and held up her own blade at him.

Fortuné backed up just a bit, his brows furrowing. He was not
as skilled in swordsmanship like Zayn, but he practiced with him
many times before, making him a rather efficient enough
swordfighter.

"So be it then," said the young man through gritted teeth. With
that, he flashed his sword expertly upon the woman's blade,
though she blocked his every swing.

Their vigorous movements brought them all over the floor.
The maiden proved to be excellent with a sword, but Fortuné,
meaning to kill her, brought his own with such ferocity that
he couldn't believe that the vampire blocked every one of his
swings. He was exhausting fast, and becomming weaker,
but the vampire seemed to be expecting it. She didn't even
swing her own sword all that much; she only looked at
Fortuné dangerously and intently, as if she was playing a game
with him, like a cat playing with a mouse.

"You fight quite well," said she, sweeping her feet gracefully
across the floor.

"Do not mock me!" Fortuné shouted, "I came here to destroy
you!"

"You will soon learn that killing me will not occur so easily,"
she replied, like a teacher telling a student kindly that
one and one made two.

Fortuné found the railing that belonged to a staircase, and he
leapt upon it like a cat, and balanced himself as he attempted
to attack the maiden from above. However, she dissapeared
once more. Fortuné wobbled upon the sloping railing a bit,
but soon leapt off and found his footing upon the staircase.
He suddenly felt something sharp point at his shoulder.

"When I say that you fight well, you really do." The vampire
pushed the blade into Fortuné's shoulder, and he issued
a yell as the sharp end dug into his flesh. He flung his sword
and knocked the maiden's blade away, though in the process
it grazed his shoulder. The maiden chuckled some. He looked
around and saw as she licked the blood clean from the blade.
He found this as an opportunity to jab his blade into her heart,
but she was too quick for him; she once more blocked his swing.
He pressed hard, and being a bit more muscular than what one
might think, the blades were hissing loudly.

Thinking hard, Fortuné balled his fist and then swung it around
and punched the unsuspecting vampire square in the face. She
gathered a deep intake of breath and climbed up the stairs some,
turning around and looking at Fortuné with a deathly glare.

"Apparently, you like to play rough." She then swooped down
upon Fortuné, swinging her sword with such grace and ease that
Fortuné had a terrible time blocking. He did, however, manage
to graze her tresses, which made her become steadily more
infuriated.

At that moment, with such great force, the vampire knocked
the sword cleanly off of Fortuné's hand. It soared into an arch
over the rails, and clamored as it hit the ground. Fortuné yelped
and backed away vigorously, attempting to put as much
distance between himself and the vampire. He ran
down the stairs, blindly searching for his sword, but it being
so dark, it was hard to tell.

Suddenly, a powerful blow hit Fortuné squarely between his
shoulder blades. The wind was knocked out of him as he fell
forward. He scrambled to get up, but a sudden force fell upon
him, with intense strength.

"You will not destroy me so easily, Fortuné," said the vampire
evilly, looming over him. He was pinned to the floor, his arms
spread outward. He wriggled and writhed, but she was too
powerful. He listened to her silky sweet voice. In the back
of his mind, he was bewildered with how she knew his name.
"Your brother fought well, too. I must say, however, that he was
much more difficult to... defeat."

Fortuné could not speak, for he felt her pressuring him down
so hard that he cold hardly breath.

"Alas... your blood is so sweet. 'Tis rare I find such delicacy."

With that, the vampire slowly inched to his face, her lips parted,
revealing her vampiric fangs. "I desire more of it," she whispered
darkly, in seductive tones. "You cannot resist."

True to her words, and feeling so exhausted and weak, he
tried fruitlessly to shove her off of him, but to no avail. He
tried screaming, but no sound came out.

Closing his eyes, he began wishing that he was back home,
with his mother and father, and wishing that he talked Zayn into
not leaving.

'I failed you, brother,' he thought bitterly, awaiting for fangs to
meet fleshy neck.

The vampire maiden stretched her jaw until it wrapped neatly
around Fortuné's throat. She then bit down, rather hard.
The poor boy then issued the loudest scream he could ever
convey, to which it echoed and richochéd through the halls.

It soon diminished as Fortuné felt himself feeling more exhausted
than ever. Darkness took him internally. He saw a small glimmer
of steel glinting not far from his reach. Perhaps it was light...
no! It was... Oh, it was his sword! With his last remaining strength,
Fortuné inched his fingers to his sword. With a few seconds
of straining difficulty, his hand groped the hilt. With all his might,
he pushed his weak arm upward. It surprised himself so much
that he had this much strength; so greatly in fact, that he found
more strength in him. He let his blade fall sharply upon the
feeding vampire. He felt as the blade hit it's neck, and with a
terrifying shriek, the maiden jerked up and scrambled away
from Fortuné, clutching the deep gash along the base of her neck.

The lad was so terribly exhausted. His eyes were half cloed,
and there was a deep, bloody gash upon his neck. Crimson
stained his vest. There was, however, an alarming gleam streaking
across his brilliant green eyes as he leered at the vampire.
Without a word, he clumsily stepped up to her. She was
too bewildered to do much, thus, stupefied, she recoiled and
fingered her wound.

Fortuné gripped his sword fiercly. He made one wild dash
at the vampire. Raising his sword high above his head, he
let it fall heavily down until it met with the vampire's skull.
Another shriek emitted from her. Fortuné raised his sword
once again, and repeated the process, until he split her
head wide open. He rose his sword again, and allowed the blade
to sing through the air until he lopped the head of the vampire
cleanly off.

Darkness once again blotted his senses. He fell onto his knees.
The sword of which aided him fell once again, clamoring upon
the hard floor. Fortuné issued out a few breaths, and with one
final breath, fell forward upon the floor. His whole body was
immersed in a pool of his own blood.


***

Fortuné's eyes fluttered open. His gaze met with Zayn's eyes.
It took a while to realize that there was a searing pain upon his
cheeks, but it wasn't severe. He rose himself up into a sitting
position, feeling the lump on his head and frowning. "Uggh..."
said he sluggishly, threading his fingers through his hair. "How long
was I out? And... where am I?"

He looked around and spotted December. A sloppy grin graced his
facial features. "Tis a pleasure to see you here," he said.
"Sorry that you must see me in this condition." He felt the
sudden desire to run up to December and hug her, but held it back.

[Felypsa]

oOc| holy mother of pearl! that's a supremely long post! but it's awesome. too awesome. =)



At the same moment Imi came winging back, indicating that she had found them, Jolene’s shouted reply could be heard. December grinned out of sheer relief. “Thank heaven!” she muttered. “Then we can escape this godforsaken darkness.” She hurried after her friend and Zayn, following the sound of the tiny bat’s wings. Moments later, they had found them.

December looked at Jolene and saw she did not seem too hurt. “Injuries?” she inquired briskly, just to make sure. “Hopefully not. We’ll be out of here soon.” But not to seem callous, she moved on to view the two dimwits. The blonde girl seemed fine, though transfixed by Zayn. December, misintrepreting her expression, said, “Don’t worry, you’re in good hands now. You’ll be home soon, and done with this nightmare.” She then stepped over to peer at Fortuné, who seemed the worse for wear, but still grinning stupidly. She rolled her eyes. “Typical,” she grumbled.

She stood back and addressed everyone who had fallen. “Are any of you hurt? That was a long way down. In any case, we know the way back—” Suddenly she stopped, frowning, and turned to Zayn. “How can we get back,” she asked practically, “if half the stairway is out? We can’t jump back up, can we?” Though she sounded rational, inside she was seething. Why didn’t I think of that before? Stupid, stupid. What if we’re trapped down here? She willed herself not to think that. The prospect was too…dreadful.

[Mama Z]

Zayn watched with some satisfaction as his brother stirred, but the amused smile that he had been wearing fell as he addressed December. Such a fool and indecisive one at that too. He remained crouched down, making sure his brother didnt tumble back over from a headrush or whatever. 'Stupid Fop,' he commented dryly. 'Think next time before you leap you were lucky there wasnt a pile of sharp objects down here.' Assured that the moron was alright, he stood back up.

Attention then turned to December, she, besides the blond one, wanted to get out of here and soon. He had to think a bit then nodded, 'There are a few other ways, but I know of one that maybe more,' He paused a moment searching for a word as he glanced down the hall, 'well not as dangerous.' he ended the sentence with a shrug. The way he was thinking was a way that Zayn didnt want them to see, but for the sake of the three women (and his unthinking sibling) it maybe the safest.

'ARe you able to walk Fortune?' He asked looking down at the younger vampire. If not, well he could either carry him or let him rest awhile longer.

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[Aveilthé]

OOC: Lmao.. yeah, sorry about that, you know, haha, I just wanted to like... wrap it up and stuff.

Rosaline stood up and brushed herself off and looked away from
the intimidating fellow, but looked instead at Fortuné. She felt
rather hurt inside that he didn't rush to her, but being a modest
girl, she did not try to get his attention. Once she heard that
December had to say, she nodded slowly.

"I would like to go home." She felt her heart go heavy, for she
saw how Fortuné looked upon December like that. Oh, how could
he forget her so easily, after he pronounced his love to her
hours ago? "Yes... take me home."

"Just a few bumps... but I have two of them!" he exclaimed to
himself, gingerly touching the small bump on his forehead. "Perhaps
I've fallen and bounced, eh?" he joked, looking around impressively
but deflating once he saw the look in Zayn's eyes.

"Oy, you know that word is very much overused!" he said
defensively. "A fop indeed! Fops are people you see dressed
up nicely, particularly fellows." He puffed out his chest
some. "As dirty as I am at the moment, and as much as I hate
the gritty feeling, I am not a fop. And don't attempt to give a new
meaning to it, either!" He folded his arms. "It is not working!"

He then stepped up to December sheepishly. "Aye, it was a long
way down... I think... but I don't... what... where am I?" He
then looked upon Zayn. "Oh my God... Brother... you... you're alive!"
He then gaped and began blubbering, aghast that he just spoken
to his brother just a minute ago without even realizing it!

Obviosly, the poor lad took a very terrible bump to the head
that forced him to forget the past events of the night, all the way
up to the part before he met Rosaline in The Knight Pub.

OOC: Fortuné is too full of surprises... you'll never what the guy will do next. XD

[Felypsa]

“Oh, good,” said December with very obvious relief. “As long as there is a way out.” She didn’t mind so much that there would be a slight chance of danger. Her grip on Seraphim tightened and her violet eyes narrowed. I’m ready. We will get out of this alive and well. All of us. Her eyes flickered briefly over to Rosaline with some distaste. Even her.

She noticed neither Fortuné’s ridiculous adoring look nor Rosaline’s despair because of it. Her mind was on other things. Zayn will go first, obviously, but should I perhaps take up the rear? It wouldn’t do if something attacked us from behind. Not that I believe anything could attack us down here, but…anything’s possible.

Suddenly, Fortuné’s exclamation of surprised delight brought December from her reverie. She frowned at the foolish vampire, wondering what had gotten into him. He knew about Zayn, had just spoken to Zayn! But then she saw the bumps—or, rather, the two bumps—that he had pointed out earlier, but which she had dismissed as minor injuries. Her eyes widened slightly and she stepped right in front of Fortuné, making sure he would look at her.

“Fortuné,” she said very seriously, “don’t you remember? You reunited with Zayn not long ago, before you threw yourself down this godforsaken hole. You have known him to be alive for at least an hour now. Don’t you remember any of that?” She could not help but be afraid. What Fortuné had full amnesia? Well, he knew who he was, and who his brother was…but how much did he forget?

[Mama Z]

Zayn was thankful that his brother had awaken, but was quite startled when once again Fortune started crying all over him. He instantly pushed the other away. 'Get off you twit.' He stated adjusting his collar slightly. Apparently he had hit his head harder then they had thought. December was luckily the first to address Fortune in a more appropriate manner. he glanced at Rosaline briefly then back to his sibling. This was certainly an odd night.

[Aveilthé]

The only human in the vicinity, though not aware of it at all, looked
around innocently at the trio. Once Fortuné spoke, Rosaline's
expression turned from hurt to anger. She turned her head
away from him, to hide the bitter tear sliding down her left eye.
She didn't understand how he could forget her like this; the poor,
innocent, naïve young maiden. He was just like all the other men!
Though she was not too experienced in love, most men had only
used her for her beauty, and would soon drop her like she's
hot when another pretty lady was in their midst. This reminded
her of these past situations.

Fortuné abruptly stopped blubbering and hugging Zayn. After
wiping his face with his dried blood-soaked sleeve, he'd turn
around and spot the young lady.

"Ahh, who is this delightful young lady?" he inquired, stepping
up to the young girl with the curly blond hair who stepped back
and raised her hand as if protecting herself. Fortuné halted,
raising out his own hand as if he were about to grab her own
hand and kiss it; alas, his shoulders slumped in dissapointment as
she walked away in resentment. She was downright pretty, though.
With her fair skin... bright eyes...

He shook his head vigorously and turned to see his friend
December, and his brother. "So..." he found the situation suddenly
awkward, and he felt himself blushing. It was like being in a large,
hot spotlight. He decided to break the silence by speaking.

"I am perfectly astounded that you are alive," said he
earnestly, bowing his head some in Zayn's direction. "It was
so... so long ago... but you're here! In the flesh! How can that be?
And... you've never exactly changed, either. You were always fond
with... with black... you look so... so... much like... death itself.
And... where are we? Where am I? December?"

He hoped to not offend his brother, but tonight he felt like being
inquisitive and brazen, especially after being rejected by a lovely
girl. He wanted answers.

The lad did not forget about December. He remembered her
perfectly, though it hadn't been too long ago since they've met,
or so he thought.

"Remember? Of course I remember Zayn, he's right here, and he
is my brother that I thought had died a century ago.
I've never seen him before until right now," he replied
defensively. "I haven't forgotten anything!" He suddenly
rubbed the spot where the huge bump had formed at the back of
his head. "I fell, eh?" He looked up at the broken trapdoor where
soft light emitting from the late stars and the steady rising of
morning sun. The sky was a very dark lavender.

"Dawn's approaching," he moaned, shuddering.

Suddenly the young girl that stood aloof spoke aloud and clearly.
"Please, I would like to go home now." Fortuné stared at her, but
the girl avoided his gaze. The poor lad was downright confused.
Wanting some comfort, he stepped over so he could stand next
to December. He grinned sloppily at the beautiful domineering
mercenary lass, showing off his pearly whites. Rosaline, noticing
this, gasped to herself and stared at the vampiric fangs protruding
from his gums, but Fortuné did not notice.

[Felypsa]

As Fortuné continued to talk, December put her hand to her head in exasperation, as if she had a headache. He clearly suffered some kind of memory lapse. Not a big one, for he remembered her, but Rosaline seemed completely foreign to him. Somehow, December took satisfaction in knowing that she meant nothing to him. But the feeling passed, replaced with her usual irritation with the foppish vampire.

“We’re in your brother’s mansion,” she explained to him quickly. “You fell down this hole accidentally, and Zayn and I came to look for you. We also came in search of Jolene and this girl, who had also fallen down this hole. And now we’ve found you all. And now we must go.” She looked pointedly at Zayn, who’d spoken of a way out before. “Lead the way, if you would be so kind,” she said politely but firmly. She ignored Fortuné’s observation about the approaching sunrise. He would just have to deal with it. She, for one, would be happy once the sun was shining again.

“We’ll get you home,” December said to the girl, trying to be kind, but sounding more gruff and businesslike. “We’ll all of us get home.” Wherever “home” is. Briefly December was filled with sadness. She didn’t have anything to call a home. Zayn lived in this old house, and Fortuné would probably want to stay with his brother now. Rosaline had her family, and Jolene lived on the streets of Escavas. But where did she belong? The only thing she ever called home was on a different plane altogether. December fought the feelings of nostalgia and tried to focus on the task at hand. There was no time for sorrow or regrets now. There were things to be done. Imi hooted softly in her ear, and she smiled sadly. At least she could count on her shape-changing mockingbird as a friend.

[Mama Z]

Green gaze followed Fortunes to the sky, indeed it did seem lighter all around. Indeed, the quicker they got to proper shelter down below the better. 'A way to make a lady feel wanted, Dear brother.' Zayn commented dryly. Trying to be nothing more then polite, he held out a gloved hand to Rosaline. He knew how frightening the dark could be, his own first love proving that once she had wandered down below with him. He would simply lead the way, give her some comfort once they continued down the way.

Whether or not she would take the offering, he would begin to walk down the hall, the same direction December and himself had orignally come. 'Be carefuly of puddles of water.' he warned a bit into the small walk. If one was paying any attention they would feel the walk way go into a small slope. Every now and again there would be a turn but he would give them fair warning once that had happened, after all, it would be rather dumb to get lost down here.

[Aveilthé]

OOC: Anyone else sensing Deja Vu?

The pure young maiden picked her head up and stared at the
man's black hand for a moment. She didn't move, but after a while
she gladly took it, but all the while looking upon Fortuné. She
murmered a thank you to the tall caped fellow.

The vampire simply stared at Zayn. "What?" he asked sincerely
in reply, but raised a brow once his brother offered a leading
hand into the dark to the attractive lady. An idea struck his
incomparably adroit brain once he glanced at December whom
was explaining what had happened. While she was speaking, it
was hard for him to reverse his brain so that he could listen to
seraph-girl, but he nodded slowly with good faith.

"I see... A... a mansion, eh?" He looked around. His vampiric
senses enabled him to see in the dark just as well as he could
see in normal light. "Looks awfully gloomy. That's not a surprise
though!" he said with a tiny laugh. "Oh, but I like it," he added
quickly. "It's very... uhh... err... It's quite lovely. The structure
and all. The damp walls add a very compelling and curious
quality to the caliginous atmosphere." He put his hands to his
chin and acted a connoisseur, as if he were testing wine that was
bitter yet acted as though it was acceptable nonetheless.
"The rough floor is quite bumpy, but nevertheless comfortable on
the feet. A very wise choice on housing, brother."

Poor Fortuné was only trying to be nice. He never liked to hurt
people's feelings; he was never a callous fellow, but always would
rather lie to someone than be sadistic. Though if one might not
have known him well enough, they might think that he was
being sarcastic instead of trying to be sincere.

There was a long pause, followed by the soft sniffling of Rosaline
that Fortuné was hearkening to. It was then that he remembered
his idea, and turned shyly at December. He scratched his head
awkwardly. "I... understand you have a sword to guide you, but...
shall I take you?"

He felt the need to prove that he was as just a gentleman as
Zayn. Slowly he lifted his hand as if offering a gift, but gestured
that December take it. The lad also liked December very much.
She seemed so toughened on the outside, but he felt that she
had a very kind aura. Though he didn't know her long, and
whatever happened just moments ago, he didn't care right now;
he felt too elated and giddy that he found a friend - and his brother
all in one night!

A genuine amiable expression lingered about his features.
Secretely, he hoped she'd take his hand, like Zayn and the pretty
maiden. He wanted to shout how happy he was, but felt that
it would have been a wrong move, and indeed would have
obtained more than another whack to the head.

[Felypsa]

Sadly, December saw no recognition in Fortuné’s eyes as she explained briefly what had happened. So he truly had lost his memory—at least, some of it. He was no longer obsessed with the blonde, a fact that pleased December—his senseless infatuation had really been grating on her nerves. Unfortunately, the girl still seemed quite taken with him, though the mercenary would have bet she didn’t even know his name. As December watched, Zayn very chivalrously offered to lead the way, and her respect for the more reserved vampire raised another notch.

Imi hooted softly, and December returned her attention to Fortuné, who was currently babbling about the condition of the mansion. As usual with the foppish vampire, she wasn’t sure whether to sigh in exasperation or smile in the absurdity of it all. She compromised by shaking her head with a slight grin on her face. Though aggravated with the whole ordeal, she could at least count on the familiarity of Fortuné’s ridiculous ways. Out of all these strangers, it was good to have one acquaintance, one friend even.

She was not expecting Fortuné’s next action; like his older brother, he offered to lead her. She frowned, not liking to be reminded of her weakness down here. At first she was going to refuse for Seraphim and Imi had both served her well enough, and she wasn’t sure about the idea of having the accident-prone vampire leading her. But there was a safety in numbers, and Fortuné could see clearly and lead her more effectively than even Imi.

So she consented. She took his hand and said, “Thank you, Fortuné. That’s very thoughtful. I will not put Seraphim away, though, so I hope you can stand the light. If you cannot…let me know.” She nodded and looked ahead, where she could dimly see the figures of Zayn and the maiden.
“Let’s go. I am eager to leave this place.” Imi hooted soft agreement.

[Aveilthé]

OOC: Wait? Well...a lot of us would like to continue with the plot. It's difficult waiting for weeks on end when you're not here (same with the rest of us), and I think there should be a new rule that if a member of a roleplay party is not active for a time, then the roleplay thread can keep going without waiting for a reply from that member. I mean, seriously. In my opinion, this is an awesome storyline going on, and it bites to have to wait for a person to be unactive for weeks on end and not reply. It's especially not fair to the person that made this thread to roleplay. Fely, Z and I are probably the most active on here, and I'm sure we don't really like to waaaait forever for the inactive person to reply. Not to sound selfish either.

Yes, roleplay is supposed to be fun and non-demanding, but I think you can jump right back on in whenever you come back on again to respond. ^^;

[Mama Z]

OOC:Ok I guess I agree as well, but Im not completely active right now because: A...my brain is fizzled due to school.. And B: I cant think of anything to do! -dies-