A Mercenary Among Merchants

[Aveilthé]

Like a shadow, he dissapeared as fast as lightning through the
street, weaving around lamp posts. A pub came into view,
and with that, the vampire halted, standing straight and tall
as he walked forward, and through the pub doors. A sign
on the door read, 'The Knight Pub'.

Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere was thick with chatter
of people, drinking their ale and drunkenly laughing at one
another. The smell of baked bread was strong in the air - but
to Fortuné, the smell of human flesh was strongest.

These people must be the regulars here, Fortuné decided,
half grinning at them all. How foolish of them to be staying
up past their bedtime.

A group of young girls were busy chatting to one another
at a round wooden table, a few drinking ale. One young lady
didn't seem interested, as she was propping her chin on her
hand as she stared off sleepily into space. Fortuné stared at her
from the shadows for a bit. Nobody seem to notice that he was
in their midst. Suddenly a group of people nearby struck up some
music. A violinist, celloist, and an elderly woman with a flute all
started a very lovely-sounding tune together.

From the round wooden table, that young woman lifted her head
up a bit - she was obviously intrigued by the sound. Fortuné
realized this also, for he stepped over from his shadowy post
to the group of girls. All the girls looked up at him and promptly
giggled like hyenas. The young woman he had an eye on did not
say anything however, though turned her head and blushed.

"Hello, m'lady," said he, bowing his head and reaching for her
hand. He picked it up and brushed his lips against her delicious
flesh. "Dance with me?" The girl turned her head up to him and
smiled. "Aye..." She was obviously shy, but got up as Fortuné
led her onto the empty space of the pub that was obviously
the area for dancers. The vampire too her waist and her other
hand, then led her into a frenzied, though graceful dance across
the floor. The young woman wasn't surprised - this young man
seemed very sophisticated, and not to mention, he was
handsome! Alas, the poor girl was oblivious with the knowledge
of what he was.

[Felypsa]

December looked at Jolene and quirked a half-smile. “Very true.” She seemed about to say something else, but at that moment Imi burst in with a frenzy of sound. The mockingbird immediately retained her original shape and began chittering at the top of her lungs. Yet December was somehow able to make out something sensible in the cacophony. She gazed at the bird with an unreadable expression, but when Imi finally finished, December’s eyes narrowed and she said briskly, “Lead the way.” She did not panic at the news, but she felt the urge to hurry and find Fortuné. “This is bad,” she remarked, looking at Jolene. “You stay—” she broke off, sighing. “Never mind. I haven’t time. Come if you want.” Without waiting to see whether the girl would follow, December ran out of the house, following Imi, who had turned snowy owl so December could see her better.

December and Imi raced along until they got to the area where Imi and Fortuné had last been. The mockingbird chirped frantically, and December got down on the ground, squinting so she could see. She frowned and saw a collection of upturned dirt, and then another. She followed this direction with her eyes until it was evident where it led. She frowned and sighed. “He went into town.” She got up again and began to run in the direction, into Escavas. He’s going to make another kill, if he can. Damnit, why did this have to happen so soon? I don’t even know if I can stop him, even if I can find him in time.

She and Imi reached the edge of town. Here December stopped again, and looked around. The roads were paved. She would have to find some other way to track the vampire. She closed her eyes. Okay, calm down. Think. Think. How do I find him? Where would he go?

[Relairah]

OoC:
Just to avoid confusion, Fely, and anyone else who's been
reading this plot, although Kaoru introduced the young girl whom
Fortuné is dancing with, her name be Rosaline, I will be using
her. ^^

Ic:
Jolene didn't have time to respond about anything, because Imi
came rushing in. Her eyes widened when she saw the bird, and
she watched in wonder and curiosity as the scene unfolded. It
seemed December understood those frantic chirps Imi had just
emitted. She wondered.. but she'd have to think about it later.
Suddenly, they were on the move again. She flopped on the
ground for a moment, sitting cross-legged with one elbow on her
knee, chin propped on her palm, and gazed out the door for a
moment. Well, she had half a notion to stay here, explore more...
maybe she'd find something else valuable and mysterious like
this dagger. But, then again... she was rather curious. At last she
sighed, over-emphatically slapping the ground and rising to her
feet once more.

She slipped out the door, closing it behind her, it giving a soft
thud when she shut it, before turning around and slipping off
after December. Was there really reason for her to be secretive,
or should she tag along... afterall, December probably expected
her to follow. She grinned slightly to herself, to think the other
for half a moment had actually almost told her to stay there. Yea
right, she would've left anyway. Perhaps then she would've been
secretive in following, but neh, now there wasn't much purpose.
So, she caught up to December in time to see the other rising
from the ground, speaking the fact that the half-vampire had
headed off into town. It suddenly struck Jolene's mind that she
had run into the three of them in the alley, for the last kill of
Fortuné... slowly, the question of what the heck Imi had been
chirping about was answered in her own mind. She was telling
that something was wrong with Fortuné...

Was this sort of like what happened when Fortuné had first seen
her? She remembered that look that had come over him, that
way that she just felt she had to pull out her dagger because he
might attack... She frowned inwardly. She was still learning much,
but she silently prayed some unlucky person had not already
fallen and found too late that there life was that much shorter.
Even if his victim was someone old... it didn't matter.


The young woman's feet easily followed Fortuné's lead as they
danced across the floor. Her red skirts flowed easily around
behind her as she was swept along gracefully, her dress being
red to match the lovely red ribbons that adorned her thick, curly,
golden hair. A rosey blush rested upon her cheeks, and there
was no need for words. Quite oblivious to the truth behind this
man's true intent, she was indeed. She couldn't help the smile
that danced upon her lips.

Oh, how perfect it really seemed. Other girls giggled, or were
perhaps jealous of her, but if they knew the truth how they
wouldn't be such.

[Aveilthé]

Fortuné swept her across the wooden floor of the pub like there
was no tomorrow. Many others that were dancing had to move
away from the two, simply afraid to get hit by their vigorous
yet ever-so-graceful dance.

"M'lady, you blush so," said he, a purr sounding from his lips like
a gentle flow of honey. He had been watching her, engrossed,
like a hawk keeping an eye on its prey. The blood pumping
through her veins... he could feel it... and it excited him so.
She was his now, and nobody could take her away from him.

[Felypsa]

An idea at last struck December. “Imi, change into a bloodhound,” she whispered. The mockingbird obliged, fluttering down the ground and making the transformation into a tiny bloodhound. “Get the scent,” December went on. She held out her hands, wondering if any of Fortuné’s scent had lingered on them since she took the cocoa mugs from him. Imi carefully sniffed them, and there seemed to be a success, for she took off for the heart of the city. With an inward groan, December followed her comrade, not yet acknowledging Jolene’s presence.

Imi led her around the paved streets of Escavas, pausing every now and then to sniff the ground carefully. December followed stoically. She took in their surroundings, looking out for authorities and bystanders. There were none; when the night was this late, everyone was either asleep in their homes or enjoying themselves in the bars. Of course. He went to a tavern. It’s full of humanity at this time of night. She gritted her teeth. The situation was getting worse and worse.

At last Imi and December stood before “The Knight Pub.” Sounds of merriment came from within. December went up to one of the windows and peered in, searching for Fortuné. Imi, back in mockingbird form, landed on her shoulder and warbled softly.

“You’re right. I see him. He’s—oh, hellfire!—dancing with a girl.” December cracked her knuckles in aggravation. I can’t go bursting in there with Seraphim out, preparing to slice off Fortuné’s head. There are too many people. But I can’t let him stay in there. There are too many people, too many potential victims…I need to get him out of there. She hesitated, then said to Imi, “Come on. Let’s go in.” She has lost sight of Jolene; she didn’t even know where the urchin girl had gone. She dismissed her; they had a bigger crisis to deal with now. Taking a deep breath, arranging her hair to partially conceal her sword, December entered the tavern, Imi on her shoulder.

The girl elegantly kept up with Fortuné’s swift and exhilarating dance, her breath taken away in more than one way. Yes, a blush did color her cheeks, but it was from physical exertion as well as emotional delight.

And then he spoke. Rosaline, for that was her name, had never heard a man speak so fluidly and (though she would never know the word) seductively. She easily succumbed to his charms, marveling at his seeming flawlessness. He seemed fascinated in her; she never knew she could fascinate anybody. If only she knew the true reason! But for now, she was swept away, literally and figuratively, by this amazing gentleman. She answered him, tingling a little (he’d called her “m’lady!”), “I blush only because I have never danced like this before.” It was true. The experience was fantastic, as if she were in a dream.

She took no notice of the strange figure who just then entered the bar, a female mercenary with a bird on her shoulder. She was entirely captivated in Fortuné’s world, helplessly and willfully allowing herself to be spun—and she never wanted to stop spinning. May this never end.

[Aveilthé]

Fortuné perceived the tiniest of the girl's features in his arms.
She was absolutely sublime. The touch of her skin teased
his senses. The crimson cloth hugging her waist was alluring,
as was the light step of her feet, and the shine of her flawless
eyes. He could smell her sweet flesh which burned his nostrils.

It was then, that his fantasies were ruined when the jovial song
ended. The vampire profoundly slowed the dance, and came to
a complete stop, allowing Rosaline to halt also. He'd take her
hands to his chest, and look at her for a moment, his face
expressionless. Indeed, it might be so hard to fathom what was
seen upon his facial features, let alone his mind.

"One moment," he whispered, dropping the girl's hands gently as he
turned and swiftly met with the violin player from the band. The
middle-aged man looked up, and the two men talked briefly.
After a moment, the violin-player stood up and handed the violin
to Fortuné. Smiling with his thanks, the vampire turned to the girl.
With a small step towards her, he struck up a powerful, deep,
rich tune, that sounded as if something more unearthly than
he were playing this instrument. The tune was a love-song,
for Rosaline. The middle-aged man looked at Fortuné, unable
to believe that this young-looking gentlemen could play so well.
He wasn't the only one - the whole pub fell silent, as if in a trance.

Perhaps that was Fortuné's intention. Ironic as the situation was,
he was completely unaware of December standing in the
half-empty room.

[Felypsa]

As soon as December entered the tavern, she realized she had lost sight of Fortuné. There were simply too many people. Imi stayed silent and still on her shoulder, not drawing any attention to themselves. Thankfully, everyone was too drunk or too intent on the dancers and music to notice the strange-looking newcomer. And December did look extremely out of place.

She tried to see past the taller men, but they drunkenly got in her way, falling over each other, laughing loudly, or belching. She gritted her teeth in frustration. This is ridiculous. She fought the urge to take out her sword and start hacking through the dense mass of humanity. Of course she would never do that in her life, but her aggravation was building to such a degree that the idea was awfully tempting…

Luckily, December was spared from drastic action. There was a lull in the music, which the half-seraph noticed instantly. It did not last long, however; very soon, the violin struck up again, and December recognized it immediately. She had only heard Fortuné play once, but she knew his amazing ability on the instrument and the passion he placed into his music. If she didn’t know better, she would have believed Fortuné was back. But she did know better, and all the lovely, enchanting music did for her was to let her know where the vampire was.

Everyone was affected by Fortuné’s music, as if he had put some kind of magic into it. They all froze and stood staring, transfixed by the mysterious musician who ensorcelled them. December as the only one in the entire room who moved. She muttered “Excuse me” and “Coming through” and even “Out of my way, please” just so she could get to the front. She had to let Fortuné see her. He had to recognize her, vampire or no. He had to.

Especially since they first met when he was playing violin music…

Eventually December worked her way to the front, where she stood staring at the vampire. He looked exactly like Fortuné. She would have been fooled. She stared at him, willing him to look at her. If he sees me, maybe he’ll come back. If not, however, she was ready to fight him. Yes, even in the middle of this bar, with all these people around. She was not one to let a dangerous creature of the night have his way.

Look at me. Look at me, damnit!

Rosaline had never been treated like this before, so she hardly knew how to react when the gentleman placed her hands on his chest. The lingering blush rose up and grew sharper, like a flame. Rose’s blood rushed, her heart beat frantically as she timidly looked up at him. Is this real?

And then he left her. She could not keep her eyes off him. She watched him as he conferred with the violinist, wondering what they could be talking of. She soon found out. The gentleman, whose name she never found out, began to play. Rosaline’s wide eyes grew even wider as she heard the music. It cascaded like a glorious waterfall into the room; it entranced her. She was not the only one so captivated by the beauty of the music. Everyone else in the bar, even the drunken regulars, became still and stood staring at the musician.

Rosaline’s heart could hardly stand all the excitement when it became clear that he was playing this love song for her. Her hands flew to her face, and she felt her cheeks burning. She was was sure she was as red as a ruby. She was amazed, taken away by his miraculous ability. She had never heard such music before; it must come from heaven. This man before her must be an angel, sent for her, and her alone.

Oh! Stars above, may this night never end! she thought again, staring at the man, her heart beating wildly, her cheeks burning. The words did not exist to describe the rush of pure raw emotion through her bloodstream as she listened to his wonderful, marvelous music. Such music, such light…Rosaline was sure that she had somehow been granted a piece of paradise. Oh, I thank you for this moment! she prayed gratefully. She did not see December step forth in the front of the crowd, so transfixed was she on the musician, her musician. Rosaline was lost.

[Aveilthé]

Fortuné closed his eyes as he played, a soft smile spread about
his jaw. The bow struck the series of cords gently, sometimes
forcefully, as if the vampire wanted to summon a hurricane in
the pub - but more so, it was as if he were sending a chorus of
angels in their midst.

He opened his eyes, still smiling with verve and vitality. Then his
smile turned into a frown. The song that was played suddenly
failed him, and instantly popped from existance like a balloon.
A final chord was struck, but it was a very sharp note that ached
the ears of the people, even Fortuné's. He winced, and placed
bow and violin either side of him, as he stared at December,
with mixed feelings of fear and grudge. There were two sides
of him that wanted to run away from the spot, but also to sigh
and just bow his head and walk out with her. His brain started
working up on what to do. At this point, he was nothing more
than a stupid child in the spotlight, every confused human eye
on him. Some wondered why he suddenly stopped playing, and
the drunken men became a little angry.

It was then he broke out into cold sweat. Some people wondered
if he suddenly obtained stage fright. But it wasn't so. Fortuné
looked to the girl, his face once more hard to fathom.

[Felypsa]

He looked at her. December met his gaze squarely, not even flinching when he hit the wrong, screeching note. She could see fear in his eyes. A part of her was saddened that she had to frighten him so, but another knew it had to be so. And at least he reacted with fear than with anger. If the vampire exploded in rage, who knew what an ugly end this night would’ve had to come to…

It’s time to cease this madness. December took a step toward Fortuné. She approached him as she would a dangerous animal, slowly so as not to spook him, but firmly as to keep him from getting out of control. She left Seraphim alone, lest Fortuné freak out. When she was an arm’s length away, she held out her hand to him, kindly, comfortingly. “Let’s go,” she whispered. Would he come?

All at once, Rosaline’s miraculous fantasy shattered in one horrendously played note. She winced, staring at Fortuné in a different kind of amazement. What happened? She saw his face, and to her greater surprise, he looked fearful. He was not looking at her. He looked elsewhere. Rose followed his gaze and saw a strange-looking woman who carried a sword and a bird on her shoulder. She looked like a pirate, but a beautiful one, for there was something unearthly about her beauty…

This mysterious woman stepped forth, heading cautiously toward the violinist. Rosaline watched, confused. All at once, the musician, her dancer, looked at her. Rose felt a hot blush returning to her cheeks, even though there was no longer the open admiration in his gaze. His eyes were hard and unreadable. But she felt the need to go to him, even though the other woman had extended her hand to him. Rose felt defensive of her violinist. He was clearly afraid of this lovely pirate. She would protect him from her.

She hurried up to the stage, ignoring the astonished gazes of the audience. Once she reached Fortuné, she threw her arms around him and murmured, “Oh, that was amazing and beautiful! You are so talented, you are incredible…” Babbling compliments and flattery, she tried to turn his attention away from the frightening woman. She wanted the dream back. She did not want this dream to end. She wanted the magic…

[Aveilthé]

Indeed, he felt foolish, like he was in an act. He was at a lost
for what to do. His heart pumped; he could even hear it, and feel
his cold blood running through him.

Fortuné let his eyes back to December. If he runs, then he'll be
killed, he was sure. He remembered how he spoke to December
on how he preferred death than living as a vampire. Yet he
wanted to live a little more, perhaps to get to know December,
maybe even find a cure for his curse. And tonight, he ruined that
goal due to vampiric instinct to prowl into the night in search of
something more than food - a companion. He hardly knew
December, only knowing her since dusk, and now it was clearly
almost morning - and vampires do not bode well in sunlight.
Not at all. It was not that it would kill him, more so torture him
like the living breath of Hell's fire. He had experienced it before...
not fun.

Thoughts consumed his mind like fire on wood. Another part
of him was taking over since December walked in - his human
nature, which he oddly still possessed ever since becomming
a vampire. Perhaps it was because of his cheerful, not
morbid and malicous, demeanor. He was an odd vampire indeed.

And it was odd enough that Fortuné had not once touched
December. But this fact, though already established, was due
to December being part seraph, and it was that, he couldn't
mess with her. She had to possess more human blood for him
to attack her.

"December, I..." he was at a complete loss for what to say.
He took one step back. He knew that if he went with her now,
he may never see this girl again. He grew a furious desire for her,
like an animal. And yet, he grew a passion for December too.
To put it properly, Fortuné may just like all girls in general. But
that cursed beast inside him wanted to take that girl and turn
her into what he was... a vampire. That was intention in the first
place. He wanted her, as his companion, and continue the
vampire bloodline.

Now, he was different. No, I must save her, he thought,
I don't want her to live a cursed life... the poor girl... I shouldn't
have come here tonight...

Fortuné turned in surprise to Rosaline. She was smothering him
with compliments of his performance. He looked sadly at her,
but then felt a strong desire to just kiss her right then and there.
But he held himself, even when his fingers twitched some on
his violin and bow. He was holding them loosely.

"Miss..." said he, as he dropped both bow and violin. They fell
with a dull thud.

The people around the pub started whispering to one another,
at least the logical and clean people. The drunken people started
falling asleep, and a few pub-managers scrambled over to help
them out of the place and into wagons whose angry wives take
back to their homes. It almost felt exactly what December was
trying to do with Fortuné.

It was at that moment, did anything really happen. Fortuné's
eyes seem to flash as he took Rosaline's left hand; if she allowed
it, of course. With a great bound off the stair, he tried pulling
her with him, and ran at a great speed through the pub, and out
the door, into the night.

He chose death.

[Felypsa]

Rosaline at last ran out of breath, and ceased her tirade of flattery. There was a pause, where an awkward silence filled the air, and Rose timidly looked up at Fortuné from beneath her eyelashes. She willed him to take her away with him, to make this night an endless dream, a slice of heaven on earth. He was her angel.

All at once, he spoke to her, then dropped the violin and bow. She jumped a little at the dull noise they made when they collided with the floor, but she didn’t have much time otherwise to react, because of what happened next. As if he could hear her thoughts, this marvelous gentleman took her hand and took her out the door, into the night, into fantasy, into magic. She went willingly an joyfully, leaving behind that frightening woman. She ran with him, not knowing where they were going, but not caring, just as long as they were together. She felt like she was flying. Her angel had grown wings.



December stood staring at Fortuné for a full minute, waiting for his choice. She hoped he would see reason and come with her. But that foolish girl, that idiotic maiden, that hopeless romantic, came and smothered Fortuné’s rationality with her bosom. December fought the urge to roll her eyes. Stupid girl. Ruining everything for the chance to have a fun time.

For at that moment, Fortuné threw reason to the winds and went with her. He took flight, running away from December, out of the tavern, to god knows where. Taking the willing lass with him. December had half a mind to just let them go, for such an airheaded girl deserved whatever fate she got. But December couldn’t let that happen, and she couldn’t let Fortuné get away with this.

While Imi chattered angrily at her shoulder, December hastened after them. Out the door, out of that ridiculous tavern, into the night. Imi turned owl to help December find them. As December ran, she realized that Seraphim was already in her hand. She must’ve drawn it so fast she didn’t even realize it. She ran like she’d never run before, led by Imi’s keen owlsight. She did not call out, for that might provoke Fortuné to continue to avoid her. She pursued them silently, expressionlessly, though her blood boiled in anger at their stupidity.

She would catch up with them if it was the last thing she did. And then…well, who knew what would happen. Whatever would happen, though, it would not be pretty.

[Aveilthé]

What am I doing? thought Fortuné. He was panicky and
terror-stricken, having holding a fair maiden's hand tightly,
and running like psycho through the night, having no idea
as to where he was running to. He simply ran, his powerful
legs striking the earth, his boots hardly heard on the
tough gravel. The moon in the heavens followed them, like
an angry spirit that was trying to catch up.

He suddenly halted, allowing his breath to catch up to him.
He did not turn around to look at Rosaline. It seemed as if
he were once again thinking, trying to force his thoughts to
obtain an idea. Through all this, he tried not to let go of the girl,
but she did not struggle at all. She seemed willing to go.

[Felypsa]

Rosaline did not know where they were running towards, but she was certain it was a paradise. Anywhere with this stunning gentleman was heaven. Rose had never truly felt this way about anyone before, not even her most charming of suitors. None of them even came close with this man, who seemed too amazing to be real. He is an angel. They flew through the night air, towards some undetermined goal, yet Rose was too head-over-heels in infatuation to even notice where they were going or whom they were fleeing. “This is a miracle,” she murmured lightly. He had stolen her heart, and as a result, her head was not functioning properly. Her naïveté was leading her down into a pit of fire…and all she saw was a beautiful paradise.



Imi hooted warningly; December looked over her shoulder, then cursed. “Why do the authorities interfere at the least opportune time?” she demanded under her breath. For indeed, some soldiers must have been notified of the disturbance in The Knight Pub, and were sent after December, Fortuné, and the unthinking girl. Mercenaries chasing a fellow mercenary. That was the way of life. December expected it; but it didn’t mean she had to like it. She turned back around, eyes blazing violet fire. “We’ve got to find them,” she hissed.

Imi made another sound, only this one was more positive. Hopeful. The half-seraph looked ahead and thought she saw two figures pausing in their wild flight. “Almost got ’em,” she muttered. She continued to run as fast as possible, seemingly undisturbed by the intense exercise. Her pallid sword flashed menacingly in the moonlight, as bright as her flaming eyes.

[Mama Z]

In the midst of the silent night, away from the looming buildings and uptight people of the village music played. Softly it sounded, the organ playing with ease as skilled hands worked over the dusted keys. Yes, it was slightly off tune, having not been played for a few months and not too mention from the amount of soot that decorated both it and the floor, as well as walls and cielings. It was a haunting melody, speaking only of love found and lost, life lost, found and then lost once again.

Rumor had speard far and wide that the old Opera building was haunted. Having killed many in the fire that had happened years and years ago. Whispers flew that late at night, on quiet nights they could hear the sound of the organ playing, telling its tale, played by the Phantom who had died in its fires that faithful night. Tonight was such a night. No one had ever seen the Phantom save for three people, but even now they were gone from the city, away from the tragedy. Only he remained now, a spirt many claimed. A spirit mourning for the lost love that had left him for another. But because none had seen him, none knew what he looked like, and none knew that the Phantom was indeed alive, dwelling amongst them every now and again.

He had only seen brief happenings in the Knights Pub, he was entertaining people, but once the others entered, he left just before the vampires song. He had seen briefly a woman who resembled his lover. Oh how sweet she was, and acted. The familiar twinge of jealousy over took him and he had to leave. He oculdnt bring unwanted attention to himself. Now he was here, in the basement of the opera house, fingers moving across the piano with ease and knowing. In the background he heard the door creek, he had accidently left it open. It didnt matter, no one would come for fear of the ghosts.

For fear of the Phantom.

[/color]

[Aveilthé]

OOC: Squee...

The vampire hardly felt the night's cold wind. His mind was
still racing, but no idea came to him. Running seemed like
a good plan, but to where? The streets of Escavas were
endless. He listened to Rosaline speak. As she had done so,
Fortuné thought of how he was going to reply to that.
He then spoke to the sweet girl, yet did not turn to face her.

"My lady," said he in a throaty tone, "miracles are spontaneous,
they cannot be summoned, but come of themselves." He said
this quite softly, to a point where he could hardly hear himself
even.

As soon as this was said however, he did turn to face the girl
that he was madly infatuated over. Masculine hands tried
grasping both of Rosaline's slender femenine ones. He kissed
both of her hands delicately. "You must know my lady, that you
are both in danger and vulnerability around me. Another thing
you must know, is that I am completely, passionately in love with
you, and I want to make you mine, forever."