☬-Thorn of The Rose-☬ 2x2 W/ Wolfrunner & Spiritstar3

[wolfrunner]

To say that Aralynn didn’t like this was an understatement. Though what she was expecting following an unnatural spider’s directions towards a meeting place with an ancient vampire was about a good a guess as what said spider’s misstress wanted to talk about.

Still Aralynn stayed with Al as the two of them followed the little many legged creature’s directions. Directions that lead them weaving through the crowded throne room and out into the hallways of the castle. Hallways which the blond didn’t think they were actually supposed to be wondering about and exploring. At least doing so unsupervised. Still it was through these halls with rough which they were being guided deeper into by the crystalline spider which had taken up residence comfortable on the female vampire’s shoulder. The whole time Aralynn keeping close to the darker haired male the deeper they went.

The further from the main events going on back in the throne room until, finally, they reached their destination. The little many legged creature having lead them to a room somewhere else in the palace. “If nothing else we do have our own privet dancefloor here. Perhaps that Twas the plan in us coming here?”

[wolfrunner]

The time went by quickly. Far quicker then the light haired male Pureblood expected it would end up going by.

The conversation between Rigel and the apparent young women had gone silent for the most part, though here and there the pair would have a brief moment of an exchange. Mostly it was not but small talk to brake up the long silence. Or the younger Renier checking in on or complimenting his dance partner making sure said partner alright and, for the human's part, the pair needed little rest from their dancing. But then-

"Orion."

Rigel stopped dead in his tracks as the comfortable weight and presence of his human partner suddenly left his arms. The light haired male silently cursing himself already hearing his older brother's voice scolding him annoyed. Most especially so since the younger of the pair was meant to be scouting around the throne room keeping an eye on the ensembles guests....specifically keeping an eye out for the Rosenwolds and the Progenitor. Yet Rigel had dropped his guard. Now the young Lieutenant was wide awake on his guard.

"As it twould have happened I received your dear sister's almost too eager blessing to dance with her lady-in-waiting, provided I promised to return her unharmed. Which I could do as she understands I twould adhear to such a promise. Though I express it twas surprising. I had hoped to start by dancing with her first but there is hardly room for complaining as Miss Amaya is quite the dancer."

For his part, Rigel did pretty well staying calm while speaking to the brother of the Rosenwold Family despite his normally brash and reckless behavior. A shadow crossed his face and any signs of being jovial left being exchanged for emotions more on the serious side. Offering a hand outwards expectingly without taking eyes from the unwanted interloper into their evening, "Miss Amaya." To Orion the Pureblood continued, "The likes of a human and his fate are of no concern to you, nor will you convince me you care enough for we know our family's opinions differ. Twas the Reniers who were charged with the human's upkeeping if memory serves."

[Spiritstar3]

Isabella- f- Renier- blue eyed blonde- golden light and dog shift (mix of powers)- married- Lucas is her son, Rigel is adopted- Tags: Roland and the girls, and Estella

The blonde woman

Haruna- Haru- male- Embere Heir- homosexual; Rigel- Ai and Nina- Demon (reverse leopard) and Angel (red blanket) Appy, plus new mare Angelic Song)- kitten Dream (white with black forehead streak and tail)- Tags: Rigel, Orion

The disguised one smiled as the two continued to dance. They both fell into silence, though did have brief exchanges of words after that. Haruna was so glad for the dance lessons he and his siblings had had to have…It sure was doing him some good now. He continued to smile sweetly. Then let out a soft gasp as someone else took his hand in the middle of a turn…Now he looked up at Orion, stared up at him really. His expression changed almost immediately…to one of a bit of irritation, but also some worry.

He had no idea what Orion might do…Though, they were in the middle of a bunch of others, so hopefully he wouldn’t do anything at all. He let out an exasperated breath, as the other spoke. Then the other was turning them both to face Rigel, as Rigel said Orion’s name; Haru tried not to tense as Orion held him close.

He glanced to Rigel, hoping to convey to him to please help…Rigel had stopped dead in his tracks, and was now watching the two of them. Haruna shook his head, when Orion spoke again. He said “Of course I didn’t tell you…and she didn’t say anything to you either, so why would I have told you anything?”

He wasn’t afraid to speak back to the vampire. They were amongst others, so he really didn’t think Orion would try anything. Besides…Haruna had faith in Rigel. He had faith and hope that if Orion actually did try anything, Rigel would defend the honor of ‘Amaya’.

He felt his lips twitch a bit, as Rigel then spoke. He allowed his lips to go into a full on smile, and he nodded to what Rigel was saying. He said “Yeah…Lady Esmeralda gave her blessing to us. I’m allowed to dance with him, he’s allowed to dance with me.” He continued to smile, as he watched his love interest. Seeming to ignore Orion now, despite still being held. He made a happy little sound, as he looked at the other and said “Thank…you. You’re a great dancer yourself, sir Rigel.”

He noticed how well the other man did at staying calm despite the annoying one before them…He noticed a shadow go over his face, though….The expression changed to a more serious one. When a hand was held out to him, he quickly reached out for the hand. He grabbed the hand, and said “Sir Rigel.” Hoping the other would be able to get him away from Orion. He narrowed his eyes at Orion, and shook his head at him. Saying “You shouldn’t speak of others when you cause trouble and have problems of your own…Orion…”

Aiya- Ai- f- 4 y- July 12- human- bi when old enough; no crush- sister Nina- Ebony pony (black with white socks and blaze)- wants a pet- Tags: Nina, Roland, Isabella, Estella

The reddish brown haired little one

[wolfrunner]

A spark bloomed to life in Rigel. The younger Renier couldn't help the slight smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth at the human's response, as dangerous as he knew it was to respond in such a way to Orion of all his kind.

For someone serving the Rosenwolds, Amaya was surprisingly bold. Though he did suppose being the favourite of Esmerelda as she was did give her a bit of leeway and a confidence boost even with the male. Orion or not. Still gut instinct, along with his knowledge of the Pureblood before him, kicked in hearing the human's back talking. Rigel's hand closing around the lady-in-waiting's when she offered it back.

"Appologies. But I twould like to finish dancing with my partner before I must directly return her to your dear siater as promised."

[owl0430]

" And what a fine job your family has been doing from what I hear. Really Rigel, two tragedies and an uprising? If the rumors are to be believed, then those poor humans have been through quite a lot. You are not really keeping them 'safe' at all."

Oh how he would have loved to keep that particular topic the highlight of their conversation, but 'twould seem 'Amaya' had other plans: as did Rigel. Orion tightened his grip on 'Amaya', not enough to hurt, but enough to (hopefully) discourage any hasty actions. Not that it stopped the mortal from lashing out at him with an insolent string of remarks.

" Now now-" With a little bit of tension to his movement, Orion completely changed his grip on the supposed 'lady-in-waiting'; swinging the arm that had been around her waist over her shoulders, the other raising his hand to rest on the side of 'Amaya's' face. Gently, one could even call the action almost loving, Orion brushed a piece of hair from 'her' face with his thumb.

" You know my precious sister and I have been squabbling a bit lately. Just because she made a few rash decisions and opted to tell me doesn't me you could have. And here I thought we had grown closer over the years. Such a pity." Such a grand performance was ill-fitting for such an unfortunate stage. If one were to look at things objectively, that sad, scolded-puppy-dog look would've best suited the theatre. But this wasn't a theatre. And he was not an actor.

So when Amaya accepted Rigel's offered hand, his clawed one came to wrap itself around her wrist.

" Our problems are almost over, Amaya. Remember? Or did Esme forget to mention that as well? " a tight-lipped smile, something more sinsiter lurking beneath the surface. " My apologies if that is the case. As I previously have stated, she's not been herself lately. I'm sure you've picked up on that as well. But 'tis best you remember your manners, here, darling. " He leaned in, voice low. " You know your spirited nature has always been one of your most endearing qualities; but even I can not protect you from all these prying eyes. They shall not take kindly to a human disrespecting one of our own." He'd had no ulterior motives when he'd leaned in other than to provide the mortal before him with a fair warning- yet all the same, he found himself now caught off guard. This unfamiliar human bore a familiar scent... too familiar. But he couldn't quite place where he knew it from.

It was then he locked eyes with Rigel in a silent stare-down. Silence, then Amaya would find herself freed from his grasp- arms held up in surrender. " Ah, but what am I thinking? This is a night of celebration! Why are we spoiling the mood with such ill-mannered conversation?" The clinking of glass could be heard as Orion swiped a clear, crystal goblet from a passing server- a sweet and metallic scent wafting through the surrounding air as Orion changed his target to Rigel- throwing an arm over his shoulders now in a sort of brotherly gesture.

"Come, old Pal! Let us drink! It has been, what- centuries?- since we've lassed caught up over a night of merriment and whimsy. "
He knew that his actions were, perhaps, suspiciously friendly. But he was willing to wager that it would work in his favor.

" Esmerelda is far too preoccupied humoring some poor changeling to worry about such trivial matters as reclaiming Amaya here. If she's entrusted her to you, then it should be fine if we steal her away for a while longer. That means you'll have plenty of time to dance with her later! But for now, I do insist on catching up a bit. Things have been busy the last few centuries so there's surely much to discuss. I'm sure Amaya wouldn't mind a short reprieve from the dancing."

[owl0430]

" What a lovely thought. The music does still echo even this far into the castle... so perhaps we could-" All thoughts of enjoying a dance with Aralynn away from the crowds was still as Ophelia spoke up from a padded velvet chaise, its back and legs made of intricate golden swirls. She'd been so still, blending in with the scenic painting on the wall that he hadn't noticed her-

"You should have run."

" I- my apologies, My Lady, but-" Perplexed, Al did his best to maintain proper decorum with a bow while he exchanged an uneasy look with Aralynn. Despite the situation, he still found it wise to keep with respectful behavior. It was a good precaution until they could feel things out a bit more. Not that he was sure where this what about to go, given Ophelia's sudden, blantent remark.

"" You both are fools. You still had time to run. To evade his clutches for even the most fleeting of moments. This night is too momentous- he would not have pursued! Yet you still remain here in this cursed city, as this wretched display of grandeur. " This was... the most animated Aralynn would have seen Ophelia. In her shimmering, spider-silk gown, Ophelia looked almost spectral. The ancient Thorn was afraid.

" You may be key players in his plans, but things could have proceeded without you. He'd be furious, yes, but... Do you have any idea what you've gotten yourselves into?! Of course they didn't. Adrian hadn't exactly been clear in that nightmare as to just what he planned to do with them. Just that they needed to be there. But of course Ophelia wouldn't know that, would she?

[Spiritstar3]

Isabella- f- Renier- blue eyed blonde- golden light and dog shift (mix of powers)- married- Lucas is her son, Rigel is adopted- Tags: Roland and the girls, and Estella

The blonde woman

Haruna- Haru- male- Embere Heir- homosexual; Rigel- Ai and Nina- Demon (reverse leopard) and Angel (red blanket) Appy, plus new mare Angelic Song)- kitten Dream (white with black forehead streak and tail)- Tags: Rigel, Orion

The disguised one noticed the smirk that tugged at Rigel’s lips. He couldn’t help but smile a bit as he looked at the blonde vampire. He had just felt the need to say something to Orion…He didn’t know if he would have been so brave if he weren’t disguised. Then again, if he weren’t disguised Orion wouldn’t have approached them. If he weren’t disguised, he wouldn’t even be here in the first place. Oh how grateful he was to Esmeralda. He was sure he’d already thanked her, but since he couldn’t remember if he had, he’d thank her later.

He noticed when the grip tightened on him a bit…He let out a small sound of annoyance, and looked up at Orion once more. He narrowed his eyes at the other…as Orion now put an arm over his shoulders. The hand on the side of his face caused him to freeze up a moment. He almost thought about trying to bite said hand…However, he wasn’t a vampire, plus he didn’t want to push his luck. Though, maybe Orion would have learned his lesson if Haru had done that. He refrained from doing such a thing to Orion, as it were though.

‘Amaya’ said “Oh yes, I know all about your squabbling.”

He knew a bit anyway, since Esmeralda had come to the manor as if to hide out.

He shook his head, and that’s when Rigel had held his hand out. ‘Amaya’ had accepted said hand, and now felt the hand close around the wrist. ‘Amaya’ smiled sweetly at the vampire. Then made another annoyed sound as Orion wrapped a hand around the wrist as well… ‘She’ glanced up at Orion, then back over to Rigel. Smiling as ‘she’ said “Of course, we should continue our dance.” Despite of the fact Orion now had a wrist within his grasp. ‘Amaya’ looked at Orion innocently, as if there had been no mention of what Orion was saying. Then nodded as if what Orion was saying made sense. Which it probably did, just Haruna hadn’t actually heard any of it. He needed to pretend, however. He was disguised as a woman, playing the part of a lady in waiting. He froze again when the other male leaned in… ‘Amaya’ let out a sigh, really wanting to make an annoyed noise again. However, Orion seemed to be getting actually annoyed now. Haruna was honestly a bit scared of him, and this meant ‘Amaya’ was too. He honestly wondered if Orion hadn’t recognized him. Or was Orion playing the long game, just playing along too? No, it seemed like Orion really thought this was a lady in waiting. He would have thought Orion would have known who Esmeralda’s actual favorite human was.

Apparently the disguise worked even against him, however, it seemed. The disguised one watched as Orion held his arms up as if in surrender. Then the disguised one listened as Orion continued to speak. The human was glad to be free of him, or rather free of his grasp. He shook his head a couple times. Humans would shake their heads for different reasons, so there was nothing suspicious about this. Not that he thought anyone would notice anyway. If anything, they’d be more focused on the human’s beauty, not some minuscule actions.

Haruna watched him then sling his arm around Rigel’s shoulder or shoulders…He made a sound of disdain over the other touching Rigel…Not because he was jealous, but because he knew. There was no way Rigel would like that gesture, given how Orion had been acting towards them all.

Still, the disguised one nodded along to what the second male vampire said. ‘Amaya’ blinked a couple times, and gave another innocent look. As if to say how could you think that? Yet it was true, Esmeralda was still dancing with that male, whatever his name was. Since Orion was no longer securing ‘her’, ‘she’ moved to Rigel. Going to his other side, away from Orion. ‘She’ tucked ‘herself’ into Rigel’s side, and held onto his arm now. One arm looked through his, the other hand still holding his hand.

Aiya- Ai- f- 4 y- July 12- human- bi when old enough; no crush- sister Nina- Ebony pony (black with white socks and blaze)- wants a pet- Tags: Nina, Roland, Isabella, Estella

The reddish brown haired little one

[wolfrunner]

The smile was genuine. For this brief moment meeting some old known faces it was genuine.

"I always did find it disappointing you never attended such affairs.", Lucas said to the red headed chef, "Even if your skills are some of the best I've had the pleasure of trying the fruits of, but I am glad you have finally joined us. Tis been a long time coming but well worth the waiting. Twas a little lonely without sharing conversation with you. I am surprised you twere able to resist the charms of the Lady on your arm tonight for so long......and that she tolerated such behavior. I have met many women that would not be so patient."

"And  I thank you for the congratulations Miss Marilla, for you twould be most correct. I am pleased to have indeed managed to find myself a companion after all this time, though I had planned on introducing her by hosting a Ball myself. With Father's timing and tonight events merely refused to remain in their original planned time frames. Quite frustrating but not too terrible a setback.", Lucas shrugged as though he didn't care before looking at Akira, "My Lady tis no need to be nervous around these two. Recall I explained that there twas but one family generally always welcomed in our town due to our similar thoughts on certain matters? These are two of their members. Meet Sir Valentine and Miss Marilla, together they oversee the upkeeping and running of the Himura Household."

Then, "Valentine. Miss Marilla. This women is My Lady and please be somewhat patient with her if you do not mind. I have been busy keeping her sheltered at the estate and the town but I could not bring myself to leave her there alone." A small smirk to the Pureblood's smile, "Not that she twould allow me to leave her behind. My Lady can be quite stubborn, yet I am sure twere it not for her I twould have long been overwhelmed with my new additional duties. Father's sense of humor can be cruel and ill timed on occasion. Just when things have settled down he decides to give me more to worry and fret over, attending this Ball for instance. Though I do get to spend the evening with My Lady and I have met the two of you here after so long so I suppose tis not that awefull."

[wolfrunner]

When Ophelia made herself known, the blond girl followed Al's lead in greeting the ancient female vampire by dipping into a low curtsy. The look her love gave her wasn't wasted though. More like it echoed the very thoughts and feelings she was feeling right then. Unease. Uncertainty.

“Perhaps we should have run, you are most likely correct there Misstress.”, agreed Aralynn knowing full well that it was more then likely the female Thorn was correct. She was correct. The couple should have run before now, turn the other way and fled as fast and far as they could. They had the time to do it but they hadn’t. Instead it was more she and Al had played right into Adrian’s waiting manipulative fingers. “But Tis as you said, important or not to his plans we Twould not have gotten too far. And we Twould be on the run the rest of our immortal days.”, the girl added, “Besides…we couldn’t leave the others at home to Orion’s lack of mercy. Especially so after a personal visit to the household.”

The last bit of her response was accompanied by a glance at the dark haired male Thorn she was standing beside. “We had other considerations greater then only ourselves. For their sakes there was but one choice if one could even call it a choice. If we are so important as it Twould seem we are then it only stands that as long as we cooperate the others of the house will be left alone.”

[owl0430]

"Then you should have taken them with you." icy-cold and firm, the authority with which she delivered her line nearly made Al wince.

"" There is always a choice, dear girl. 'Tis not a matter of 'should' or 'should not', nor of 'can' or ' can not': but rather if you have the courage to do what must be done to protect those you love. " Ophelia sat up then, an oil painting come to life. She crossed her legs with a queen's grace, but her nails dug into the chaise's fine velvet.

" Tell me this: do you really think mere cooperation shall keep you safe? Your family? None of us are 'safe'. Orion's visits shall not cease just because you've complied to the progenitor's whims. Your siblings shall continue to be the easiest way to control the blasphemous 'traitors'. So long as he lives, we will never be 'free': from him, or from harm's way. "

Scarlet eyes fixed themselves on Al. Though unlike the previous times, which spoke of nothing but hate for her fellow Thorns and the Progenitor himself, this look was one of reluctant resignation and pity. Al reached for Aralynn's hand, entwining his fingers with hers for comfort, for he knew. He knew ther was truth to Ophelia's words.

Orion would continue to haunt their home like an unwelcome ghost. Such behavior wouldn't cease just because they listened to Adrian's requests and obeyed his commands. What happened if one such command took him and Aralynn away from the others for a time? Who would be there to stop Orion from wreacking Havoc?

In the case of Aralynn's siblings, there was no doubt that- with the new information Lucas had provided of his and Adrian's history together- Haruna and Akira were constantly at risk of evoking he or Orion's wrath as well. Adrian would be more strategic of course, using them as pawns just as he had many before them, but Orion- well, Orion would do as he pleased. As usual. So help the heirs is Orion took any kind of interest in them.

Yet-

" But if we ran, mistress, then 'twould only gaurentee their deaths. The Himura family is compiled of those who were granted a second chance from the ashes of their humanity. 'Twas I who brought them into this danger under the guise of my 'mercy'- therefore it is my duty to serve them. To do everything in my power to ensure they lead happy lives this time around."

A spider dropped next to Al's face, its thin little legs swimming through the air as it dangled from the ceiling by its silken tether. When the distraction had released his attention back to Ophelia, he found her to be only a few feet away. Silent. Swift. But no signs of hostility otherwise.

" That I shall not argue. You do owe them, Alejandro Himura. All of them. But there is one to which you owe the most. And 'tis not your dearest one" she nodded to Aralynn. From my understanding, you had some semblence of what you were getting yourself into, though the outcome was not quite as you expected."

Realization dawned on Al before Ophelia even finished her thought. But how could she have known?

"How-"

" You and 'the crying fox' have hidden it well. Such fine deception can easily fool the many. But the few can still tell; his smiling companion is of your household, but not of your ilk. She is of Orion's creation."

"Tsk" Al clicked his toungue against his teeth. He'd not personally talked to Ophelia back in her village; but now he was certain he would not have enjoyed their conversations if he had.

" You should know better than I what that means."

Al clenched his free fist. ".... He shall not let her go that easily. "

"Precisely." At last, Ophelia backed off a bit- moving to stare at a tapestry on the wall; the torn, disfigured faces of its subjects currently under repair by Ophelia's spiders. " But just as there shall always be the few of us who can see through your ruse, there are also the few with the potential to defy fate...or rather, he who has shaped our fates in our stead. " She traced the tapestry's woven threads with her fingers, gentle and delicate. A movement filled with hiraeth's cruel longing.

" Tell me...if for one fleeting moment, you had the chance to reshape the future...would you be brave enough to do so?"