Darklings - Accepting

[ArtoriasoftheAbyss]

Nathaniel got off the small boat that carried him to the now cold morning shores of London. He watched as the several pedestrians walked back and forth opening small shops and lighting the street lamps that were scattered across the streets. Underneath his hat he felt his hair begin to rustle as a small blue hair fairy popped his head out."I can sense several supernatural creatures in the area." Nathaniel smelled the air and hear the opening of the shop next to him. He stepped inside the shop as he was confronted by a 20 year old woman wearing a purple dress as she turn to see him. He gave her a smile as she walked behind the counter and showed him several pastries and danishes. He gave her a quick smile as he picked several pastries and paid with some money that he had. His hat moved as he walked into the street and gave his fairy friend some breakfast."I think we have a job on our hands Puck."

[Speak]

ｅｓｔｅｌｌｅ--ａｖｉｓ--ｄｅｖｒｅｕｘ

＂ｔｈｅ ｄｊｉｎｎ＂

[age] twenty-three [ occupation ] governess [ location ] trafalgar square -> [ tagged ] severin, nathaniel (indirectly)

Straightening Estelle felt a smile gracing her face at Severin's reply, though it'd only been a few hours since they'd last spoken the djinn had missed his company. A creature like her Estelle felt intrigued by this man who lived his life tied to the night forever existing in the shadows fascinated Estelle. Chuckling softly at his greeting Estelle was struck by what the vampire said next about how contrasted the nights and days of London were, a thought that had crossed her mind briefly as well as she had made her way to the square. "Yes, I suppose the difference is more apparent to people like us and though I find the activity of the day invigorating I must say that the quiet mystery of the night has always captivated me more." she replied taking a few steps closer to the vampire. Waiting patiently as Severin wound his watch to the correct time, though to be truthful it didn't seem like he was too concerned with the time. Though truthfully since when did time really concern a vampire? In terms of life span Estelle was closer to a human than she was to a vampire and though sometimes she found herself jealous of their long lives Estelle couldn't help but also feel pity for a creature doomed to watch all those they loved pass away before them. Feeling the question bubbling up inside her Estelle held her tongue knowing that though Severin had proved more than patient with her questions this was something best not mentioned on a day such as this. Saved from her own thoughts by Severin's voice Estelle looked up at him "Very well Severin, I think I know a place by the river that may very well suit our needs." she said a thoughtful shine in her oak brown eyes. Walking across the square side by side Estelle couldn't suppress the memories that began to rise up from whatever dark corner she'd placed them of a small girl walking side by side a severe woman with dark locks and matching eyes. A woman who taught Estelle all that she knew walking side by side and then one day left to teach her what it was to live alone. Dark eyes flickering up to the vampire who now stood at her side the djinn once again found herself questioning the familiarity with which she treated him. It wasn't the smart thing to do that was for certain but still Estelle felt that it was the right thing. Continuing their way down the street Estelle could now catch glimpses of the river as it carved it's way through the crowded city of London, "Lavender Place is just down there," Estelle said gesturing down the street where an open door welcomed customers into the small cafe, "they get their breads and pastries from the bakery next door." she explained obviously very familiar with the place. As she said this Estelle's gaze was pulled to a tall dark haired man who reminded her very much of Severin himself however where she felt comfortable with Severin she felt a warning bell going off in her head as she looked at that man. Fear, truly it was a rare thing for a creature such as Estelle to feel and yet looking at this man she could feel it spreading from her heart through to her fingers and toes coiling in her gut like it never had before. Shifting a little so she was closer to Severin, Estelle pulled her dark gaze away from the man and focused back to their destination.

ａｒｉａ--ｆｉｅｌｄｉｎｇ

＂ｔｈｅ ｅｎｃｈａｎｔｅｄ ｈｕｍａｎ＂

[age] nineteen [ species ] unicorn [ location ] street near the park [ tagged ] lynette

As the carriage rolled along the street a young woman watched the world passing by her too quickly, it seemed everything happened too quickly when you were human. Before now Aria had never really noticed time passing only noticing it as the things around her became more ancient and beautiful, but now cast out of her forest Aria constantly felt time passing every second that passed a little more of who she was disappeared making her wonder if she had ever been anything more than human at all. Squeezing her eyes shut against the thought Aria once again conjured up her forest, the soft pale light that filtered through the leaves of old ancient trees, the creatures who had learned from her to hide themselves in plain sight, the babbling brook that trickled through her home, and the wind that had danced through her mane as she'd wandered her domaine. That had been real, it was real and it would be again eh day she retrieved her horn from this Dr. Jonathan Stone whom was said to possess it. Opening her lilac eyes Aria stared back at the body that now held her spirit, the girl had pale skin complemented by the pale pink gown that she wore, her snow white hair had been plaited and pulled back into a bun leaving the mark on her forehead exposed. The slender face was a stranger, certainly it wasn't her, the unicorn whose head had been more graceful and delicate than a deer and prouder and stronger than any mare, that was her and this stranger would do anything to get her back. Even know she was on her way to meet a friend (and witch) who would help her regain her horn and hopefully return her to her original form. As the carriage came to a sudden halt Aria gasped quickly grabbing hold of the seat to stop herself from being flung to the front. "Emerson? Why have we stopped?" she asked frowning as she straightened her mussed clothing.
"The road miss, there's a crowd blocking the road." the man replied apologetically glancing back at her.
Looking just down the road Aria could just make out the beginnings of a crowd forming near the small park on the other side of the road. From where they'd stopped it wouldn't be far too Willameena's residence, "It's fine, I'll walk from here." she said, besides she was curious to find out exactly what had made that small park so interesting. Allowing Emerson to help her from the carriage Aria thanked him and continued down the street on foot glancing occasionally at the crowd that had gathered near the entrance of the small park. Not too far ahead Aria caught sight of a girl around her own age near the edge of the crowd "excuse me miss, do you know what has happened here?" she called out coming up beside the pale haired girl.

[LittleMoon]

Lynette Dufour ~ Ghost ~ Location; near park ~ Tags; Aria
As the night gave way to the lighter and less mysterious airs of the daytime, Lynette found herself searching for a place to stop and shy away from the crowds of people as they went around their daytime activities. The girl phased through a wall, into the park, before spotting an unexpected crowd of people not too far from the entrance. It was quite early and so Lynette hadn't expected so many people at this time, but, after looking around and thankfully realising no one had seen her using her ghostly powers, decided to move away from the park in search of someplace else.

Lynn decided to move around the edge of the gathering crowd and make a quick getaway to gather her bearings further along the road. She gripped the satchel at her side and began to walk down the path she had chosen. Her stroll remained uninterrupted until she came as close to the crowd as she would have liked, when she heard someone addressing her. "Excuse me miss, do you know what has happened here?" The ghost stopped and glanced up to find a young woman with pale blonde hair approaching her, a concerned look on her face. Lynette didn't reply straight away, her emotionless, unblinking gaze surveying the newcomer with an unreadable emotion. Her eyes slowly moved to the woman's forehead, where a pale pink mark, almost invisible, was located. To confirm her suspicions, Lynette reached forward towards the mark and let the tips of her fingers become ghostly and silver. Instead of moving straight through, which is what would have happened with any other human, her fingertips, though in their ghost form, still came into contact with a solid surface and did not move any further. She withdrew her hands from the woman's forehead quickly, in case anyone saw or the lady would be offended by her actions. "That mark..." The ghost finally spoke, voice as flat and emotionless as her face. "...should be hidden as best you can...there are many hunters around these parts." The words came out as a soft whisper, Lynette never having any real need to speak much. "As for this...crowd, I do not know the reason...why so many people are gathering...this early in the morning..." Lynette turned to look at the growing and found that the pair had been trapped in it while they had been standing. "...I am not in a position...to find out. Crowds are...unsettling." The number of people milling and talking around the spirit was one of the most she had experienced in this state. She could even liken it to one of the country fairs she had attended back when she was alive. "...I could find out if you really wished me to. I don't sense any hunters in the immediate area...though if whatever powers you possess will enable you to get through this crowd...please feel free to check. I am...curious, myself..."

[ArtoriasoftheAbyss]

Nathaniel looked at the woman that was giving him a look down. He paid no mind to her as he finished the contents of his breakfast as he paid close attention to several customers that were making their way to the back room. "I can sense several werewolves behind that door." Puck said to Nathaniel as he brushed his blue hair and cheeks removing the breakfast particles his little body shaken as Nathaniel got up and walked towards the backroom. He placed his ear on the door and heard several voices coming from the other side talking about some party that a man named Serevin was holding. He removed his ear from the door as he walked out of the bakery shop melding into the crowd as he moved past a small girl and a young woman. Nathaniel paid them no mind as he though about the girl that he saw. He noticed that she was afraid of him and as he followed the couple, he heard a voice in his head. "She fears you Nathaniel they will all fear you." Nathaniel saw his mother dodging and weaving the humans out of the shadows. Her body was becoming corporeal and incorporeal as she walked towards her son. He was always caught off guard by his mothers visits to him because she would make sure that only he and Puck could see her.She brought her hand to her sons face as she traced the scar from his neck to the left side of his face."You wear this very proudly my son and I heard about your victory against a vampire duchess. I am very impressed." Nathaniel watched as his mother walked into a carriage spooking the horses and then vanishing. He continued to shadow the couple carefully trying not to be spotted.

[arcтυrυѕ]

☠ Severin Chevalier ☠
______________________________________________________
Time: Morning Feeling: Talkative Location: Trafalgar Square Tagged: Estelle and Nathaniel

Severin followed along beside Estelle, smiling broadly. As they approached the bakery, he never once tried to smell the scent of the fresh bread nor the pastries as all humans seemed to. Still, he recalled fondly the scents of cafés and bakeries in his hometown when he was human. Now he could scarcely perceive the scent were it not for memory. It all seemed so charming to him, this flood of old memories. In an odd way, Estelle's guide through the city seemed more a journey through his own memories. Suddenly, he felt a sense of disgust and dread churn within his stomach. As he felt Estelle draw nearer to him, he placed his arm about her defensively. He couldn't pinpoint just where the feeling was coming from, but it was strong and it was familiar. Severin bit his lip, leaning in close to Estelle. "Do you feel that?" he whispered, well knowing the answer. "This sensation is so dark, darker than what I encountered with vampires stronger than myself and yet it feels so human. So familiar, yet so unique. I haven't felt such a disturbance in many years, yet I do not doubt what I feel. Stay close to me, and hopefully it shall pass it soon." Severin stood taller now and tossed his head back with a sneer, trying to display his awareness of the presence. He placed his free hand on the inside of his vest, curling his fingers around the hilt of his iron dagger. He took a quick look around before focusing back on him and Estelle.

[Speak]

ｅｓｔｅｌｌｅ--ａｖｉｓ--ｄｅｖｒｅｕｘ

＂ｔｈｅ ｄｊｉｎｎ＂

[age] twenty-three [ occupation ] governess [ location ] trafalgar square -> cafe[ tagged ] severin, nathaniel (indirectly)

Estelle became hyper aware of her surroundings, they should have already passed the man who had given her such a start and yet the fear coiling in her gut refused to release. She could practically feel eyes burning into the back of her head making two perfectly round holes, balling her hands into the skirt of her dress Estelle took deep breaths to try and calm her nerves. As if in response to her panic an arm wrapped itself around her to reassure the young djinn. Looking up at Severin, Estelle wasn't too surprised too find he was aware of the presence as well and was obviously just as concerned. Feeling the vampire's breath moving strands of her hair as he whispered she gave him an almost indiscernible nod, yes she had noticed the presence. "alright" she whispered back as they continued on their way to the cafe trying to pretend that she'd noticed nothing. Turning her head a fraction Estelle barely caught a glimpse of the man who was now trailing them and just as she'd thought it was the same man they'd passed earlier. Turning back Estelle couldn't help but notice that Severin's free hand was now hidden deep inside his vest grasping (most likely) a weapon of some kind. Straightening somewhat Estelle kept her eyes forward, "it's the dark haired man we passed earlier." she muttered softly hoping not be overheard. Not wanting to stay on the street Estelle managed to guide both her and Severin into the bakery she'd been talking excitedly about only moments ago. Hopefully the man whoever he was wouldn't follow them in but even if he did what could he do in such a public setting? Standing admits the crowd of women who looked over the sweets with a gleam in their eyes Estelle managed to catch snipets of conversations one in particular about a party hosted by the always arrogant Dr. Jonathan Stone.

ａｒｉａ--ｆｉｅｌｄｉｎｇ

＂ｔｈｅ ｅｎｃｈａｎｔｅｄ ｈｕｍａｎ＂

[age] nineteen [ species ] unicorn [ location ] street near the park [ tagged ] lynette

At first taken aback by the girls quiet observation of her Aria was about to turn away when the strange pale haired girl reached out a shimmering hand towards her. Almost instinctively Aria froze, from the silverly and transparent fingers it was easy for her to guess exactly what this girl was, in fact she had met a few ghosts in passing over the centuries as they wandered across the earth in search of peace. Feeling the soft pressure of the ghosts fingertips against her forehead allowing the poor thing to digest exactly who stood before her. Narrowing her eyes slightly at the ghosts mere mention of hunters Aria could feel a sour taste coat her mouth; hunters were the worst of humanity, they were the reason she was trapped in the pathetic vessel, they were the cause of the loss of her power. About to say as much Aria was stopped by the ghosts suggestion that she use her powers to learn of the situation. "Powers? I have next to none since my horn was ripped from my head and I was confined to this form." she muttered angrily lilac eyes flashing as she truly acknowledged her situations, "what more could a hunter want with me anyway?" she asked spiting out the title hunter as if it were poison in her mouth. Realizing she was being too emotional Aria took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment, this ghost was not at fault for her horn being stolen or for her current state of being. "I must apologize, my emotions can make me a bit...erratic at times." she said with a slight bow of her head. Just as she apologized Aria caught sight of another carriage coming down the road this time it was a police van, now it seemed that their curiosity as to what had happened had been answered. The rash of murders that had been committed recently practically stank of vampire and it appeared as if the resident supernatural killers had claimed yet another victim.

[LittleMoon]

Lynette Dufour ~ Ghost ~ Location; near park ~ Tags; Aria
Lynette listened to Aria as she told her of her experience with hunters. So, that was the reason why a creature as pure as a unicorn would be here, in London in human form, and not roaming freely around a forest somewhere. Lynn slowly dipped her head and brought it up again, to show that she understood the manner of Aria's small outburst. "Most of us...aren't too keen on the hunters either..." Lynette let out a small hum in the form of laughter. "But they simply don't understand...that they can't change the food chain. I think...humans find the prospect of...being hunted...rather than hunting themselves...too much to handle." She glanced to the police cart as well as the ambulance that was following it, as well as surveying the gathering crowd that the pair had now been trapped in. "Another death, then..." Lynn sighed, wishing that whoever had hunted that night could have done it somewhere far from the eyes of other humans so that she could scavenge in peace, but it seemed that she wouldn't be finding anything interesting on this particular victim. "...this must be why...I don't feel as weak as I usually do...in crowds of humans..." Lynette looked around once more, there seemed to be an opening in the crowd just a few metres over. "...is there a reason for you staying here?..." She asked her companion. "...it seems this crowd is not dispersing...any time soon...was there somewhere you wished to go?..." She added, noticing the long line of stopped carriages and understanding the reason why Aria had asked her about the crowd in the first place.

[arcтυrυѕ]

☠ Severin Chevalier ☠
______________________________________________________
Time: Morning Feeling: Arrogant Location: Along the River Tagged: Estelle

Severin nodded solemnly. "Yes," he said, "I believe it is him. Anyway, we should be fine. If he were to attack us by day, he would be much too bold and if he attacked me by night, he would be a fool." Severin slowly released his hand from the hilt of the dagger and relaxed his tensed shoulders. "I'm stronger now," he said, "but the past always has a way of making us timid, of making us doubt ourselves. A hundred years ago, I should have worried, but now I have no cause for concern and neither should you. It is a battle confined to the night." Severin smiled at her, attempting to lift Estelle's spirits and ease her mind. "Well, we might as well catch up on the local gossip. This evening would be a lovely one to attend a ball."

Jonathan Stone
______________________________________________________
Time: Morning Feeling: Curious Location: Jonathan's mansion Tagged: No one

Jonathan hailed his butler with a flourish of the hand, calling him over to discuss the events of the evening. "This sculpture has been here for many years," he said, singling a bust of one famous leader or another. "I think it is time that it is moved elsewhere. I need to revitalize this corridor before we are to have guests. It seems much too stagnant. Of course, guests make everything more lively, but we must entertain the early-birds." The man nodded in response, offering to make any accommodations at all. "Well," Jonathan said at last, taking a final look over the pompous hallway, "I must attend to the lab, so I trust your artistic eye to shift the artwork. I suppose Lydia could offer advice––you know Lydia, the second youngest of the maids. She always dresses sharp and cleans every corner, sets the paintings straight. I have noted her keen eye for the organization of decoration. Search her out and have her choose the locations. I haven't the time to summon her." The butler gave a nod of the head and exited the room ceremoniously before Jonathan left to the basement. He walked through the vast expanse of the mansion, seeming to know it well despite its twisting labyrinth of rooms and corridors. At last, when he reached the laboratory, he was bathed in the green light of his many experiments. Various test tubes and vials glowed with alien light in cold, distant hues. The purples, blues, and greens all seemed as pale as moonlight despite their neon vibrancy. It was unnatural and inhuman. However, at the end of the room, a light warm as the sun emitted from a chest upon the floor. It was bolted shut with a thick iron padlock.

Jonathan approached it slowly, removing its key from his neck and slowly turning the lock open. The chest opened with a creak that Jonathan didn't seem to notice. He was far too overcome with the warmth of the light radiating from this odd possession he had acquired. He took a look around quickly, as if he feared that he was followed, despite have locked the laboratory door behind him. He kneeled before the chest, willing his heart to stop its desperate palpitations. With the sharp metal of the padlock, he cut a small laceration into his wrist, watching as it bleed slowly. He slowly extended his arm to the bottom of the oaken chest, grasping what lay at the bottom. The wound healed quickly. He marveled at how it repaired itself, leaving behind only a pale thin scar. He then slammed the chest closed impulsively, locking it as fast as he could. He threw a white sheet over the chest and left the room hastily. As he returned back into the daylight of the house's large windows, he wondered the full extent of this object's power.

[Speak]

ｅｓｔｅｌｌｅ--ａｖｉｓ--ｄｅｖｒｅｕｘ

＂ｔｈｅ ｄｊｉｎｎ＂

[age] twenty-three [ occupation ] governess [ location ] bakery [ tagged ] severin, nathaniel (indirectly)

The cheery chattering of the crowd was a little off-putting to the young djinn whose heart was still pounding a little harder than normal. Why was she so terrified of a single man? It wasn't as if she hadn't ever faced a man of his size or stature, in fact when she was younger her mother purposefully set her up against much larger opponents to demonstrate just how strong Estelle really was. So to see a man and quake was completely unnatural for her and yet she couldn't help it, the very thought of that man sent shivers down her spine. Glancing up at Severin, Estelle felt a sense of calm begin to take hold the longer that he spoke a feat that in years past could only be accomplished by her mother and then later herself. From what he said Estelle could tell Severin was trying to cheer her up and for the most part it was working, returning his smile Estelle gave a small nod, "very well" she said, "and I believe I've just overheard talk of the perfect party to attend." she added glancing around in order to find a familiar face.
Thankfully it didn't take long for a familiar face to emerge from the crowd "Estelle! My dear it's been too long," Dolores declared her words obviously empty. Smiling tightly Estelle nodded (a failed attempt to be enthusiastic) she'd met Dolores at a party and ever since it seemed that the young woman had made it her mission to try and get a rise out of Estelle.
"Afternoon Dolores, I must say you're in high spirits." Estelle replied taking a small step away from Severin, if Dolores put two and two together Severin would become another facet of her life that she would have to hide from her employer at least if she wanted to stay employed.
"Yes, you see my family has been invited to Dr. Stone's gala this evening isn't that exciting?" she asked her posture proud and making Estelle want to snap her pretty neck. Dr. Stone though, that name rung a few bells a man with an obsession for reputation and experimentation not a man she'd like to get to know but perhaps a man who could throw a big enough party to sneak into.
"I'm glad to hear that, I'm sure you'll have quiet the pleasant evening." Estelle replied hoping that if she didn't give Dolores anything in terms of emotion that she'd eventually just go away.

ａｒｉａ--ｆｉｅｌｄｉｎｇ

＂ｔｈｅ ｅｎｃｈａｎｔｅｄ ｈｕｍａｎ＂

[age] nineteen [ species ] unicorn [ location ] street near the park [ tagged ] lynette

Taking a few deep breathes Aria was pulled from her hateful thoughts and memories by the ghosts' words, what the girl said was true all supernatural creatures knew the hardship of hunters. Even the creatures like Aria herself who hurt no one and only wished to live, it seemed that humans still felt threatened, no wrong word, perhaps greedy for the power that they possessed. "perhaps...they are a foolish lot." Aria added softly gazing out across the crowd of people and the police cart that had now pulled up to the scene. Her curiosity sated Aria turned back to the pale ghost ho it appeared was both interested and frustrated by the murder, a peculiar thing but not so peculiar as to warrant any questions. Though usually Aria was more interested in human (or in this case former human) behaviour today her mind was on other things, things that might change her life all over again. At the ghosts questions Aria returned her lilac gaze to her "Ah yes, I was going to see a friend," Aria explained folding her hands in front of her, "in fact if you could I would ask you for your aid." she added her eyes lighting with hope. It was a wonder she hadn't thought of this before! This ghost could be great help tonight if she was willing, with her and the witch it would practically be a guarantee that she would get her horn back. Remembering her etiquette Aria lowered her gaze and gave a small curtsy "I apologize, I shouldn't be asking for favours if I barely know you. My name is Aria Fielding and it's a pleasure to meet you?" she said softly.

[LittleMoon]

Lynette Dufour ~ Ghost ~ Location; near park ~ Tags; Aria
Lynette hummed at the unicorn's description of humans. "Foolish...yes, it is true...I would know, after all..." The ghost looked round, trying to catch a small glimpse of the victim of the day before, but the crowd was far too thick to do so. Perhaps they would move on, or maybe they would join the spirit world, as she had? "...I was human, once..." Lynn looked back at her new companion when she requested her help. The ghost looked blankly into the unicorn's eyes as she considered the request. "...where does your friend live?..." She offered in reply. "...I can take you...it will take longer than usual, of course, since you are not capable of moving between the spirit world and human one...but I can take you..."

The ghost was studying the crowd, looking for a way to get out of the suffocating mass of clamouring dresses, suits and bonnets, along with the numerous bodies that came with them. She turned when her companion offered her name. She bowed her head slowly in reply. "I have had no need to use it...in quite a while...but my name is Lynette Dufour..." She replied. Taking Aria's hand, she moved through the crowd, making sure to steer her into gaps and phasing in and out of reality when she herself came into contact with an obstacle. When they finally reached freedom, it was much cooler and if she could, Lynette would have taken a deep breath of air. She turned to Aria, waiting for her to state her friend's address.