Re: Chapter 001: The Enlightening

Seiko Ishitomo Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:40 pm

From their positions in the library, the soft 'ding' of the elevator announcing the arrival of another could barely be made out, it was however the muted boot strikes upon plush carpeting that would precede her appearance unto the foyer,to which the soft foot falls detonated into hoarse clicks as plush carpet became dense flooring. Subtle sway to captivating hips moved her forward and through, into the library without so much a passing glance at Gwen, not that the girl was unimportant, Seiko just had a love/hate relationship with anyone that wasn't herself.. She loved to hate them.. A flaw that despite numerous attempts at correcting by Logan's guidance, never really went away. Being the blunt one, the dark haired Oriental slipped right up to Logan, produced and deposed a letter written by in an elegant script. Pressing it upon the surface of the table, she slid it to Logan and seated herself in an opposing chair, crossing her left thigh over the right in habit before parting those full, plush lips.

"Explain this to me...?"

Gwendolyn Harris Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:40 pm

It had been three days since she was last home. Right now would be dinner time and Eve’s mother would be busy in the kitchen making her favorite food. Instead she sat in a hotel looking down at mashed potatoes, green beans and chicken. The chicken was pushed off to the side for she didn’t like eating meat and even though she asked for only the potatoes and green beans they also gave her the chicken. Even the potatoes and green beans weren’t to her liking; they just weren’t the same as her mother’s. She only left because college had taken a toll on her and Eve decided that it was time for a vacation before the next semester started. After looking at possible get-aways, she came across a beach in California. When she saw the pamphlet, Eve knew the beaches were calling her name so she told her mother who was at first confused. Eve’s mother knew she didn’t like swimming so why was she going to a beach were all people did was swim?

“Mom there’s other things to do then just swim” Eve said to her mother as she was packing her bags that very same day. Eve was only taking a week’s worth of clothes for she was planning on returning. She was to leave that night but Eve didn’t know why she was rushing into this vacation idea. All she knew is that she wanted to leave Pennsylvania and head out to California. It seemed like something was luring her there but she didn’t quite know what it was. “Plus soaking up some of the sun’s rays will be good for me. We all know that I spend most of my time indoors. I only go outside for about an hour a day.” Eve chuckled a little. Her mother wasn’t convinced but still helped her to pack.

Before leaving Eve took a picture of her and her mom and printed out two copies on her computer. She gave one to herself and the other to her mother. Eve knew that during her time away she would love to have a recent picture of her mother. Her condition wasn’t good at the moment, for she was a smoker and her lungs were filled with cancer. Eve didn’t want to leave her and even became very protective of her over the years since she started having complications. Before she left, Eve made sure that her neighbors would be able to keep a close eye on her. Now that she was away, Eve couldn’t help but feel like she was abandoning her mother just to go to the beach. Every night Eve would take out that picture and look down at her mother who even then wasn’t looking healthy. Eve knew that her time was soon to come but she didn’t want to believe it.

As she sat there gazing down at her food wishing it was her mother’s her cell phone started to vibrate. Eve quickly snatched it up and gazed down to see a tiny picture of her mother on the screen. Excited that her mother was calling, Eve flipped open the phone and said “Hello Mom. I was just thinking about you!” The voice that replied however was not her mothers, it was their neighbor. Eve’s neighbor Chelsea said that when she went to their house to check on her mother she found her laying I her bed which was odd for her mother wouldn’t head to her bed for another two hours. Eve found out that her mother headed to bed early and died in her sleep. Tears rushed down Eve’s face as she thanked her neighbor for telling her. Eve threw her phone onto her bed and buried her face in the pillows as she moaned in pain from the lost of her mother.

When morning came for the next day, Eve woke with red watery eyes and her hair a tangled mess. She climbed out of bed and headed for the shower, got clothed and put on her jacket. She decided that she was going home for her mother’s burial but as she reached her hands into her jacket’s pocket she found a letter in the right hand side. Pulling it out Eve found a letter and a stone. She opened the letter and with a little difficulty she read the handwriting. Chills ran down her spin for she had no idea what the letter was talking about. What was a Horde? Why did they want her blood? What was this penthouse? The world will be destroyed? So many questions raced through her head and she didn’t know what to do. Return home or go to this place? ‘I guess I could go to this penthouse for a few hours then return home. It shouldn’t hurt anything to find out what they’re talking about’ Eve thought to herself. Eve left her belongings in the hotel and headed to the penthouse at Fortunate Isle.

When Eve got there she looked at the building and tried to imagine who lived there and why they wanted her to come so badly. She was so confused but was determined to get answers before she left California. Eve wondered up to the door and knocked on the door. She didn’t want to just barge right one into the penthouse. Eve viewed that as being rude and she didn’t want to anger the person she was trying to get answer from. As she waited Eve looked back down at the letter reading it many times in case she mistaken a word for another. She also couldn’t help looking at the stone and wondering what it was for.

Plotline Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:41 pm

FORTUNATE ISLES PENTHOUSE BUILDING
THE FIRST CASUALTIES

The Fortunate Isles Penthouse was cloaked from any threat’s eye, though it wasn’t the mass gathering of adversaries that had the building under inspection. Usually hunting in a pack of three, the figure currently perched in the shadows had been trailing a particular brunette ever since her accident. Going against its two pack mates, the Kelfazu creature had began stealthily hunting the young girl for a majority of its recent time. From within the cloaking darkness, it listened to the building’s door to the alleyway slam behind his target, anticipation welling up within its gut; it was finally going to feed. It went to move, inching towards the light and its prey steadily. Two bickering voices halted it in its predatory movement, listening intently to the foreign sounds as they traveled into its being.

“I am sick of ze way zat Logan ‘as treated me! ‘E is infuriating, non?”

The thick French accent that rolled from the petite ex-Diviner’s tongue fell on her brunette acquaintances ears, though both seemed too enthralled with their own problems to care much for what the other spoke of. The blonde girl continued with her waterworks, throwing up her frail arms as she exclaimed her problems to the world.

“I just want to know what is going on with me! Tell me what’s happening—!”

Its brunette target barely had finished her shouting before the dumpster beside her burst open with energy, a high-pitched sound accompanying a wild array of flames within the barrel. Screaming at the sight of the dumpster reacting around her like so many other objects, the brunette girl cried harder than she had when leaving the Penthouse. The French woman ignored her tears.

“You are an Ee-voh-ker. It is what zey do. You understand, non?”

The aggravation was clearly visible on her face as she spoke. The creature looming in the shadows took this moment to strike, its bark-like skin glistening roughly in the dim alley light. Blood-red claws snatched the ex-Diviner from her spot on the ground, one sharp tendril reaching around to slice the poor girl’s throat. Tossing her to the floor, it stared its brunette prey in the eyes with its carved-markings.

She tried to run, though the creature swung its arm once, pinning her up against the dumpster that still burned. Up against the wall, the frightened girl struggled to escape, choking cries for help but not being heard. The Kelfazu’s nails sunk deep within her neck, smiling eerily as the mana from her blood was quickly drained. Every last drop was as delicious as a last supper, and it didn’t take long for the girl to stop her fight against him. Lifeless white eyes stared at her murderer, though when he was finished he dropped the body into the dumpster.

One look at the fallen Diviner’s body was all it took before scooping her up and disappearing back into the shadows it had come from. The ex-Arcanist would make a lovely trophy.

The two girls last struggles went unnoticed by any passersby, and the burning body of the brunette would slowly become nothing more than ash – a side effect of the magic she had never learned to control.

Gavin Sterling Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:41 pm

FORTUNATE ISLES PENTHOUSE; LIBRARY. //

Gavin finally cleansed off all the remnants of his brush with the Lich Queen. Not to mention the weeks of living on the streets fighting shadow kind and Kreelocks. Sure he and some of the Eldritch Hunters put up in a hotel every once in awhile, but there was nothing like a nice clean marble bathroom with Hollywood fixtures and luxury soap. There was a drive in the conjurer to keep killing and fighting, taking moments of comfort and peace were few and far between. Even Logan, who had been built for the war, had to pass on a night every once in awhile. Gavin stared in the mirror taking his time finishing the last touches of his shave. He angled his neck to the reflection and glided the razor along his skin cutting the stubble from the surface and leaving a clean smooth surface. He flung the remainder of the cream from the blade into the sink and cleaned both the bowl and implement.

Leaving the bathroom he aimed for the library knowing that if Logan was anywhere it would be were he could get his hands on the good stuff. Gavin was void of sentimental value regarding the artifacts and treasures of the families so he supported the hunter’s roguish ways. Crossing through the outset he nodded to Logan and Sebastian, recognizing the younger hunter from a few other encounters at the dojo and on a hunt. He wasn’t so sure whom the Asian girl, was but he assumed she belonged to the Eldritch. Taking the last chair at the table he lifted a corona from the pack and unscrewed the top. Lifting his kicks to the table he leaned back in the chair and took a swig.

“So any idea why Serik sent us here yet-besides giving us a chance to relax and drink?”

He kept eye contact with the hunters while waiting for an answer, the desk of dusty books seemed inviting and if he didn’t have a beer to tend. Gavin drew his hand up to the back of his head and rubbed his fingers through the wet spiky mess of blond locks.

Logan Kilmartin Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:42 pm

-FORTUNATE ISLES PENTHOUSE-

The two hunters took a seat and began consulting the books. Logan leaned in on Sebastian after listening to the neonate speak of his experiences with the huntress and his progress. “Between you and me definitely not a back, I’d complain about watching.” A roguish simper baring pearly whites sprung from the normally austere hunter’s face. He felt relatively safe disclosing such quips in the absence of her presence, and her pointy weapons.

Before either male could continue bonding or researching the tween-voker bust into the room and hurled a hissy fit of astonishing proportions. She followed this irritatingly irrelevant outburst with a completely unnecessary storming out. What was it about magic girls; it was like their hormones were supernaturally worse ten times than a typical woman. Speak of the devil he thought as the dangerous Asian huntress, Seiko appeared sauntering through the open door. She took a seat while placing an identical letter as the over-emotional squirt under his nose. He casually folded the corner of the page he had been reading and shut the book. If this involved one of his own, than that was another story. It was also the same letter that Margaux had waved in his face prior.

“Someone’s either throwing a party or trying to get the band back together.”

Lifting the paper up from the table he could feel the chalky grain blended into the fibers of the note. It reminded him of a few the scrolls and tomes he’d liberated from a house originally owned by the enchanter family. They always imposed a magical mixture that aided the information to become infinitely archival. A paper on the market that couldn’t be destroyed actually afforded the slick hunter a comfortable reward, that wasn’t the kind of find you quickly forget. Holding the paper up over his head facing the ceiling lamp he could see the remnants of a symbol, a magical glyph?

“It’s got enchanter written all over it, but I don’t know any active ones. I suggest we stick around and see who else shows up.”

Gavin slipped in at the end of his sentence and he was reminded of their original mission. Cracking the book once again he flipped through some of the journals looking for anything that could help restore his conjurer bro back to normal. Gavin piped in when his lips weren’t stuck to his beer. Although it took little to catch him up to speed he was familiar with the current task, aside from being the dilemma in question.

Lucas Emmerson Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:42 pm

It was all just a little too strange. Just a little too unbalanced. Hands dipped into the pockets of his tuxedo, watching as people stormed in and out with such flair he wasn't sure if some low brow producer was trying to get him in on a stage play. If so, he had to admit it was one hell of a sales pitch.

Unobtrusivly as possible, Lucas drifted into the Library. Some of them were good..really good. method actors? He'd seen all sorts trying to get his attention so he'd pass his opinion on to his parents. But, this was different and some part of him knew it. The other part - the one rooted in logic and sanity- liked to think this was some madcap scene of a movie that would bomb in the box office.

One hand lifted to the nape of his neck, squeezing at the tension coiled there. Dark brown eyes taking in the others before he spoke. Ah yes, might as well dive in to the insanity, not just wade at the edges.

"Hate to interrupt...but I'm pretty sure I missed something. What's a hoarde, what does it want and who are all of you?"
Had to start somewhere, might as well start here. Wherever the hell *here* was.

Seiko Ishitomo Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:42 pm

-FORTUNATE ISLES PENTHOUSE-

As titled, the 'Dangerous Asian' simply pursed full, naked lips as Logan half-assed explained the letter. Seiko more preferred solid, concrete facts before she roused any premature conclusions. So the reason behind it fell to the back of her thoughts. Freakish green hues, which if any are familiar are quite the oddity on any of oriental heritage, cast their eerie gaze upon Gavin once he'd entered and made himself comfortable behind that bottle .If there were such a thing as a mental 'light-switch' it would be now that her's clicked on. Turning emerald chasms upon Logan once again she (with no modesty mind you) blurted out.

"Is that him?"

Spoken with such point that Logan by all means should have known her exact meaning. With little hesitation she turned back to Gavin and offered, what could have been, a genuine smile. "Gavin right?" Apparently she was in that bubbly, annoyingly outgoing mood now. Her body language alone indicating her interest in the man she'd heard about as she rotated slightly in her seat toward him. Yet it lasted just long enough for the overdressed stranger to appear to which the altruism exited her eyes, filling instead with a feral savagery. Turning she cast him a withering stare. Was it possible to utterly hate a perfect stranger?

With her, it was as common as the rise and fall of the sun..

Gavin Sterling Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:43 pm

FORTUNATE ISLES PENTHOUSE; LIBRARY. //

Setting one of the books in his lap, Gavin joined the search. The journal he’d chosen from the pile revolved around the premise of what was called “The Aftermath Rites.” He kept his beer perched on his right knee and took a sip more frequently than he turned pages. It was guaranteed that a yawn would pour out through his restless lips, but even he was caught off guard by how soon it transpired. This had to be the most tedious night, didn’t they have something out there worth slaying. Not to say that Gavin cared little about his memories, and or that he didn’t want to unlock the full potential of his abilities. It was just that not everything Logan informed him about might have been worth remembering. Feeling edgy Gavin tried to crack his toes within his heavy dark leather boots, he was limited in range of motion, but he managed to relieve his tension and anxiety.

While flipping through a few pages he stopped for an intricate wood engraving. There were various images displaying a range of figures, he assumed were steps to the casting. The more he read about this particular procedure the more it became apart that this ritual might be just what they were after. “Resarcio Animus” it called itself, a mending of the mind and soul. As he read more Gavin dragged the relatively empty bottle along the ground. It made a light dragging noise that kept him focused while remained quiet enough not to get on anyone’s nerves.

Without notice the huntress seated to his left questioned, "Is that him?" Gavin assumed he was the subject in question. He was the one without his memories. The reason they were all nose deep in books older than themselves. Or at least it seemed as though that was what she meant. He didn’t take it personally, whether there was intended disdain or not.

“Yeah.” He responded to her attempts to place his name. The conjurer followed the one-sided introduction and held the book against his chest. Gavin reached forward to shake her hand. Abruptly an overly dressed man invaded their gathering asking. Gavin was the first to bust out in a coy grin and respond with a jeer. “Who ordered James Bond?”

Lorelei Ashford Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:43 pm

…Forty-five minutes later
The Fortunate Isles Penthouse

Leaving the cave behind, Lorelei and Brayden had made their way slowly back to the main road. With each step, it took her just a moment to adjust to the change that had occurred. Her powers were restored—she almost couldn’t believe it. Two years and now she was back to her original state. The enchantress could remember many sleepless nights dreaming about the day she would come face to face with the Essentian. Never in all her imagination had she predicted it to happen just like that. The two arcanists were back on the map and while they had been born with their gifts, two years was a long time. She was partly whole again as she felt the familiar sensation of mana pulsing through her veins and the crystal. There was no real way to explain how she truly felt. Connected? Her purpose, her place in the world was rightfully taken up once more, which seemed to satisfy a deep and unfulfilled longing within the pit of her stomach. Lorelei wanted to make a difference. Sitting idly by and watching on the sidelines was not her way. She could make a real difference now—true she was only one person, but she didn’t feel as alone as before. The Enchanter legacy had survived with her, she hadn’t failed her family and through her powers they would always be with her. A calm feeling of serenity descended upon her as it smoothed down the edginess she had felt previously.

Glancing towards the starry night sky, the enchanter had been so determine in reaching their destination that she hadn’t noticed the moon peeking out behind the silver streaked clouds. Despite her composed state, she knew the journey was just beginning. But where to start? While she did not display any outward emotion or concern, Lorelei couldn’t help but wonder if the evoker was truly fine. Somehow they had made it back to the highway without injury or interruption. They called a cab, slid into the back seat, and managed to reach the Penthouse in forty-five minutes. Stepping out of the yellow taxicab, arms stretched above her head to rid herself of the kinks in her spine. She winched slightly as the palm of her hand feel on the back of her head where the cut was. In the corner of her emerald gaze, Lorelei caught sight of the penthouse floor lit up. She hadn’t left the lights on previously. Confusion was etched across her features as she strode into her building. “Someone’s upstairs—the lights are on.” There was a definite note of uncertainty in her tone as she pushed open the door of the lobby and went straight for the elevator. The only ones with access to the penthouse had been the arcanists—who were mostly dead. The lift pinged open as she stepped inside and immediately hit the button to close the doors followed by the penthouse floor, practically shutting them on Brayden in her haste. Unconsciously her foot would tap against the floor as they rose. She knew they weren’t the only arcanists left anymore—the Kroman’s had proven that much. Perhaps it was only them? For some reason unknown, she couldn’t place her finger on why that alternative hadn’t satisfied her conscious mind.

The ride up felt like an eternity, yet the moment they had reached their floor; Lorelei evacuated the elevator and walked down the hall in long strides. The click of her heels echoed along the pathway as she reached inside for the key that would allow them access to her temporary home. Smooth fingertips curled around the knob as she twisted it and pushed open the door. What greeted her was chaos. Voices in the background could be heard along with multiple sets of footsteps. Gaze round; she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Where had the all come from? Silently standing by the front door, she didn’t take one look back at Brayden. She didn’t recognize a single voice, how had they managed to get in? Descending onto the marble floor, she turned past the statue where the strange girl stood staring and moved into the hallway. The majority of the noise had seemed to come from the library as she crossed the short distance but stopped herself. Hand pressed to the wall, she braced herself as the haunting tenor reached her. Nails would curl inward as if grasping for some kind of support. Lorelei took a deep breath as her lips became perfectly straight. There was no possible way…turning into the library she was greeted by the crowd in front of her, but only one captured her attention as he sat on the couch. Arm falling to her side, she thought she was shaking her head when it refused to move. A cold numb spread from her toes all the way through her spine sending a chill through her. She felt as if she had been run over by a bus and then again in reverse. The breath was practically knocked out of her as her heart beat pounded against her chest. “I…” For once, words had failed the enchanter and silence engulfed her. This just couldn’t be possible.

Sebastian Mosely Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:45 pm

FORTUNATE ISLES PENTHOUSE; LIBRARY

It seemed that when the two hunters sat down to start a conversation, all hell broke loose. Logan made his comment about Taylor and all he could do was smile and nod his head. Little did the elder hunter know that his mentor wasn’t really his type. Of course she was nice and really helpful, but it wasn’t his idea of what was attractive. Before asking him another question about what exactly they were researching for, Gwen had barged in and started throwing a fit. It caught him off guard and didn’t know how to respond in such fury. Part of him knew where she was coming from in her little tirade, but before he could calm her down she was out again leaving behind one very confused mini-Eldritch. “What was that all –,” words were cut off as a female walked into the room. He had secretly hoped it would be Taylor walking through but it wasn’t. It was the other female huntress of their group and it seemed she received the same letter that got Gwen so in a tizzy. Blue eyes watched the new visitor took her own seat and got comfortable. He recognized her from training with Logan, but their interactions had been few and far between until that point in time. As she asked for an explanation he could have sworn her heard the penthouse door open for either more visitors or people leaving. He didn’t know that so many people were going to be there, it kind of gave him an eerie feeling about everything. Maybe this was some big hunter council which Sebastian was now a part of since his father had died. Did they really do things like that? It didn’t seem likely, and it wouldn’t answer the question why Gwen would be there with the same letter. There were no answers offered except for the small insight Logan had given both of the hunters. At least it was something and Sebastian trusted the elder hunter when he said what he thought, considering he had done this a lot longer than younger one had.

Looking up every so often from the page he had read five times over, his attention was diverted again as someone else walking into the library as Logan finished his hypothesis. Adjusting how he was sitting in his chair, blue eyes watched as the man said someone named Serik had sent the letters and this is why they were here. Serik was the enchanter responsible? We had a name! It was a step further. As for him personally, he had been called to come here from Taylor, so it made him wonder how she knew to send him to the penthouse just in time for all this craziness to go down. As another man walked into the room, Sebastian gave up and shut his book for now. He was afraid if he was looking down and reading he would miss something important. The new guy looked all spiffy as if he had come from an important engagement and he didn’t know what was going either?! This was getting a little out of hand, even for him. With nothing better to say, he raised his hand a little bit. “Sebastian.” It wasn’t much of an introduction but he had to say who he was! It was helpful. “Something tells me you’re not the last one coming in and asking those same questions.” Such insight and deductive reasoning he had to give input.

Not wanting to interrupt too much more, he watched the interaction between Seiko and Gavin, again thrown for a loop. What was Taylor keeping from him?! He thought in the past couple of months he had learned too much information; he was starting to find out it was the complete opposite. He felt like this was something he should have known about in the beginning and at least got the important information first. He’d have a talk with her later. Right now, he was learning more and more as he listened to everyone interact. Opening his own book again after seeing Gavin doing it himself, he went back to researching. “Do you and Taylor do this a lot? The library thing?” Of course Taylor had noted the importance of researching and knowing facts ahead of time, but he didn’t know if coming to the library in crowds was a new thing or a common thing. It was a learning experience, so asking questions is what came with the territory.

It never failed – once he started getting through his book another person came in the doorway. Not a big shocker anymore, but her reaction was something that made him anxious. She looked as though she had seen a ghost or something. How weird. “You got the letter too?” So oblivious, but it was a perfectly good question! Everyone else who walked in seemed to have the same questions and he thought he’d save a couple of minutes of the shock and awe.

Brayden Abrams Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:45 pm

CONTINUING THE SEARCH
SERIK'S HAVEN

Stepping back and away from the warm body previously content with embracing his felt like the hardest tribulation he had ever had to face. Little things seemed to be near in comparison; he had fought in bloody battles and had turned his back once before on the accomplishments he had worked so hard to achieve. He knew loss – starting with the close relationship he had held with his older brother, Eli, he steadily began losing family members no matter how hard he fought for their lives. He had seen close friendships of his and others dwindle as the war around them all raged on, held onto the last remaining remnants of their lives in his hands when he refused to forget their influence on his life. He had thought he had lost the one person he had allowed to get the closest, the one person who had meant so much to him even though their time had been spent mostly in secret and in the rare moments of serenity during the wars. Having found him alive with the other’s confessions of watching over him for the past two years only made it harder to take that step back and deny the one thing that he had never feared would end. And now, by Brayden’s very hand, it had.

The tears that welled up on the edges of the Essentian’s eyes held so much more meaning to him than he could comprehend. Serik held little knowledge of the realm Brayden called home, but two years had worked wonders on the unknowing being. Where previously the two had shared many moments in makeshift warm environments, Brayden explaining the little quirks of his own world, the past two years had been Serik’s to face alone. The realization of how alone, how lost his Essentian must have felt was one that coldly chilled his bones. Not only had he had to face this cruel realm on his own, but he had been demanded to keep hidden from the one person who had always graciously welcomed the chance to teach and explore who Serik was other than what his job made him – and now, that one person had stepped backwards, pushing the Essentian away, much like the tears would have fallen from his eyes.

The power that flowed into him was far from the heated sensation he had been expecting. Where the warmth was restoring and replenishing his birthright, he only felt chilled and numb. The experience felt much like it had when his powers were ripped from him all that time ago; but where he had once lost and looked to regain, he had now gained and felt the loss all over again. His body felt frozen as the process continued, though soon limbs were wrapping around his body once more. The presence of the Essentian holding him closely for what could have been the last time drew the first tears to brown hues. The last touch of lips upon his neck began the first thawing sensation on his skin, though last words and bright lights quickly followed them. Standing steadfast in the middle of what felt like a completely empty cave, Brayden felt the weight of his old stethoscope in his coat-pocket, which would serve as a heavy reminder of what his life had become.

The hand on his shoulder that lightly squeezed alerted him to Lorelei’s presence. He nodded in response to her gesture, waiting until the faint clicks of her shoes were barely echoing against the cave walls before he started. His right hand raised carefully, index finger brushing away the traces of tears before he gave one more look at the cave that Serik had called home. “Goodbye, Serik.”

[ Forty-five minutes later ]
FORTUNATE ISLES PENTHOUSE

The moonlit trek towards the main road and back to civilization had gone greatly unnoticed to the restored Evoker. A long dream of gaining back his power had finally been reached, though the consequences were still taking their time to sink in. The journey back to the Penthouse had been quiet on his part, though he didn’t expect Lorelei to mind – usually he was cracking jokes no matter the inappropriate situation, but now he was at a general loss for words. The cab ride hadn’t even bothered Brayden to pay attention; his mind was set on other things that were way more important than his own hopes and thoughts. His powers were back – the weight that was now set back onto his shoulders was one of great proportions. He was an experienced player in an even-older game, and the trials that he and Lorelei would be facing from now on would only continue to grow in importance. He didn’t have time to dwell on the past any longer – those that had influenced his life would always be remembered, but he was finding it best to not focus on the event that had just occurred. Unfortunately, the harder he tried to push it to the back of his head, the tougher it became.

”I love you and I understand why you wanted your powers back. Please understand.. This isn’t because of you; this body can’t hold me.”

Serik’s words echoed in his head no matter how hard he tried putting them away. Perhaps he wasn’t completely eradicated from this world by the act of giving he and Lorelei back their powers, but it certainly meant that he wouldn’t be around. And when he would? What would happen then? It was Lorelei’s revelation that pulled him from his thoughts, and with visitors in the Penthouse, her worries became his as well. He rushed into the building alongside his friend, barely making it into the elevator before she had started her own journey up. Once they had reached it, Lorelei quickly made her way out, Brayden on her heels. Door opened, Arcanists entered, door closed. The strangers inside Lorelei’s home weren’t even bothering to mask their voices – were they honestly making themselves at home? Who actually had the nerve to break in with a group of people, and then chill out long enough for the homeowner to arrive?

Shoes clicked against the floor as the Evoker made his way to the library. Lorelei’s reaction to the nighttime visitors had him watching her with intent eyes, morbidly aware of the strangeness of the day. Voices had reached his ears and they sounded like faint reminders of his past – were more alive than he had originally thought? Two years ago, the war had wrought bloodshed and massive casualties to the enemies of the Horde; and now, as he made his way into the entrance of the library, his eyes rested first on the best friend he had supposedly lost. One other familiar face rested amongst the unknown group, though the Hunter had never bothered Brayden to any obscene extremities. His life hadn’t been thought to perish, but the Conjurer’s had. The brunet sat beside Logan piped a question towards Lorelei’s direction, and for a moment Brayden just stared the young hunter down. Finding himself not to be bothered by the seemingly harmless boy, he focused his attention on Lorelei, eyes drifting from her back to the cleanly-shaven individual across the room. He could feel a headache starting to form.

Lucas Emmerson Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:45 pm

"Emmerson, Lucas Emmerson"

The smirk twisted in part humor, part weary jest in return to Gavin. At least he wasn't getting any Happy Feet quips. Sebastian was duely noted and given an upnod in greeting "Luc. Interesting to meet you..here. And you're likely right, I have yet to hear a bass cello while someone inspects a basement. So, it can't possibly be over. " An ode to creepy films, this was the perfect setting for something to go 'horribly wrong'. As if everything was kosher in the first place, right?

He was in the process of removing the formal jacket when two more entered. A woman with more legs than words and her companion. Peeling off the jacket he draped it over one arm while using his free hand to remove the tie. Still over dressed, but he figured he might as well get comfortable.

Lucas didn't, and wouldn't, say much for now. He had too many questions, so the safest bet was to shut up and pay attention. If he was fortunate, he'd learn more that way. Uncomfortable with the idea of sitting amongst the others, Luc took a comfortable stance and waited.

Carolina Kenyon Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:46 pm

Los Angeles
The Graveyard

Carolina had been pulled and pushed and helped up more in the last hour than she probably had in the past years all together. Not that she wasn’t grateful! In fact, she was quite sure that if it weren’t for Riley she’d probably still be dodging headstones in the graveyard. She had numerous scrapes, scratches, and beginnings of what she knew were bruises, but nothing too serious. Certainly nothing as bad as what the man’s name she didn’t know had somehow healed from. Everything was insanely crazy and she was half sure she was dreaming, but her dreams or nightmares had never been like this. It was against all logic, against everything that seemed natural in the world. But it wasn’t something that wasn’t unbelievable. After all, it was all unfolding in front of her eyes. Pulling herself up, she turned around to help the other two as well, before following Riley.

Logan Kilmartin Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:46 pm

-FORTUNATE ISLES PENTHOUSE-

“I try to avoid it as much as I can, actually.” He uttered to Sebastian, while keeping an eye at the door. The decorous visitor and the experienced alchemists caught the corner of his eye and broke his concentration, albeit not before he could chuckle in response to Gavin’s response. He recognized Lorelei and Brayden instantly, as fast as he received a heavyweight headache. Tilting his torso Logan arched his back against the chair. At the same time his hands rose to his face, fingers adding pressure to his forehead while exhaling resentfully. Clearly Logan was overwhelmed, this was a gigantic supernatural cluster-fuck in his opinion, and the kicker was the part where he became responsible for piecing the puzzle together. Releasing his fingers he left behind an unaided throbbing ache. He stood so that he gathered everyone’s attention; this was the worst experience of his Eldritch career. If there were any moment he’d regretted being friends with Gavin it was now. He could tell Lora was flipped from the surprise, but there was nothing he could have done. Nothing he would have done differently now. It was more important to cure the Conjurer than to have an insignificant reunion. Serik had his reasons for guiding them to tackle the situation in this manner.

“Braydan and Lora, I know this is a bit tweaked, but were trying to recover Gavin’s memories. He spent too much time in the shadow plane and when he came back he’d lost every memory from before. Serik and I have been trying to ease him back into this world.”

Gavin adjusted his posture in his seat, obviously not appreciating the continuation of conversations about him, in front of him. Logan’s hand swept down grabbing Seiko’s letter off the table he held it up for the Veteran Enchantress and Evoker to see along with the well-dressed stranger.

“Several people have claimed this brought them here. Do either of you know how it’s being distributed.”

Eve Cassidy Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:47 pm

Eve watched as more people entered the building and it occurred to her that she was supposed to just enter. She walked up to the penthouse’s door and turned the knob slowly. She was expecting someone to be on the other side ready to scream ‘trespasser’ the moment she crossed the threshold but when Eve entered the house she found no one nearby. Eve looked around the room and saw that she could take the elevator or the stairs and decided to go with the elevator. She pushed the up button and waited as the elevator clanged down to her level where its door opened followed by an echoing beep. Eve entered the elevator and within seconds she was on the next floor.

When the doors opened Eve was greeted by many voices that sounded distant. As she followed the voices, Eve tried her hardest not to look into the other rooms. Eve didn’t want the owner to think that she had been going through their items without permission or even entering rooms that she shouldn’t. Eve knew that she would hate for someone to go through her house unannounced but she had a letter and it told her to come here. Finally Eve made it to the room where all of the voices were coming from and noticed that it was a library but it was the biggest library she had ever seen. It appeared to be three stories high and the walls were covered with books. Eve knew she would hate to try to climb up the ladder just to get one of the books up at the top. She wasn’t afraid of heights she just knew that at times she could be a bit clumsy. Falling from that great of a height Eve knew she wouldn’t be a very painful experience.

Taking her eyes from the many books all around the walls she saw that there was a large desk and all around the room there were people. She saw that there were a few who looked like they were wondering what was going on too. Eve guessed that they all received the same letter that she did but she was hoping that someone would tell her what was going on. Eve walked into the room but was uncertain of what to do.

“Ummm… Does anyone know what this note is about?” Eve asked the room at large. She was hoping someone could give her answers. Eve would even take a guess for she didn’t have the faintest idea of what was happening.

Lucas Emmerson Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:47 pm

Well, at least he wasn't the only one in the room with a pounding cranium. Yes, misery does indeed love company. Seeing the letter he flicked those dark eyes over the other two, trying to gauge their reaction. But since it was show and tell, he decided he might as well lay his on the line as well.

The neatly folded letter and glittering chunk of rock were taken from the jacket pocket, laying it on a nearby table. The tie was removed and uncerimoniously both were draped over the back of the sofa. It didn't look like he'd be going anywhere soon. Well, nothing requiring a cloth noose, at least.

"Mine was left in a stack of donations...an event closed to the public. " Not that it seemed to matter how he got his, the whole damned thing was just a little off kilter.Mentally tacking on questions. Like..what the hell was a shadow plane? What is a hoarde and where could he get one of those beers? Maybe he'd ask about the beer first. A lift of hand scritching lightly at his jaw, the whole thing was baffling.

Luc decided to take a look at the books on the shelves. While listening to the others, it couldn't hurt to take a look around and see what was going on. He wondered if this had anything to do with the influx of donations. Since his accident and recovery, it had been unusually profitable. Not that it was hurting the donors, but it was making a dent on the bottom line of the organization. Was it dirty money? Was the Hoarde some LA glitzy gang? Was the shadow plane some sort of turf-war thing he unwittingly stumbled on?

Screw it. He was going to stop guessing. Having an actor for a father had really warped his imagination, and if he wasn't careful, he'd start humming the 'Bad Boys' theme song. Gotta love LA. Seeing the latest arrival he gave a nod and a half smile in greeting.

"Not sure, yet. But I think it's just starting to get interesting, so I think we'll find out soon enough."

Afton Kroman Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:47 pm

Ah, unto the growing chaos crept one lost soul after the next. Each after their own agenda, each truly and blissfully clueless as to why the gathering had been called, and more foolishly, by whom? Through the congregated mass of hunter and archanist a scent wafted. The decay of flesh mingled with wet dog and a strong earthy aroma,starting low, around their feet and gradually rose. To veteran, hunter and archanist alike, the scent would have been a forewarning of what was to arrive moments later. It's nails clacked across the polished marble of the foyer while a deep, unnatural growl vibrated through partially decayed tracheal passages. The slow progress of clacking nails continued and gained in volume until the point that the creature would produce itself in the door way. An adult English Mastiff that stood just over half the height of the door glared within the library. The eye that was visible sat sunken in the Mastiff's partially missing face. A solid, milky white orb rested within a yellowing bone socket. In various area of the beastly canine, flesh and fur were missing, replaced with exposed muscle or bone.

When the gargantuan Canine rose its formidable head it drew in the offered scents and bellowed out a deeper, fierce growl. From the natural orifices of the animals muzzle there were apparent wriggling's as Maggot and earthworm fell from it's partially agape jowls. Apparently, another of Afton's creations wandered ahead of the Necromancer, whom only just quietly pulled the door shut behind him. The Library however was not his destination as something had come to put in his mind ill at ease. Into the nearest bedroom he moved, a sharp whistle tearing through the air in his wake.

The Mastiff's unsightly ears perked at the whistle, and the growl cut short behind the high pitched whimper of an expectant pet. It turned it's massive head and exposed the reasonably normal appearing side of it's face before it tromped off. Being greeting by a closing door, the animal would lower it's snout to the floor and inhale Aftons scent rather noisily before turning several times to finally plop itself down in front of the door.

Lorelei Ashford Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:47 pm

…Memory Lane
The Library, Penthouse

Lost in the depths of her mind, Lorelei Ashford tried to comprehend just what was going on. The day was full of ghosts as she was faced with a past she had tried so hard to forget. She had let go of that past, buried it deep with the ice where it could never be found. Those eyes—surrounded by hazel warmth easily reflected the mixed emotions. Yet, something was missing. There was no outward reaction, no real recognition of the two people he had known since childhood. Something was very wrong. He had the same posture, the same sandy blonde locks, the same straight lips…mentally shaking her head, her gaze would narrow on the blonde sitting next to him. Gavin was supposed to be dead and from the looks of it Logan was adjusted to that fact. Her dealing with the Eldritch hunter had been short and few, usually ending with him on the opposite side of her tantrums. He may have been a protector of the arcane families, but his own selfish needs and material ambitions were his top priority. She wouldn’t be surprised if she found a few things missing or out of place.

Before her mood could consume her, Lorelei seemed to snap back to attention as she took a step into the library. Unusually calm, Brayden would most likely question the quick change she had undergone. While her eyes weren’t on the conjurer, every sense unconsciously reached out to him. She stood in front of the couch, as she appeared to direct all her attention to the hunter. “Why am I not surprised to find you here? Come to pillage another arcane property?” Words were edged with sarcasm, as the bite behind them couldn’t be missed. She didn’t ask about the others as they watched on. All eyes might have been on them, but she didn’t care one bit. Pausing, as it seemed she would actually allow him to speak, her weight would transfer from one foot to the other as she dropped the bag that was on her shoulder onto the table. It fell with a loud thump. “Last I heard from you, you didn’t have any major developments to report.” Lorelei may have spent the last two years on her own, but her dealings with the new Eldritch hunters were few and only involved intelligence. Other than that, she had no need of them. She worked alone for the most part. “He’s supposed to be dead! How long did you both think you could keep something like this from us.” Her voice raised a pitch to stress the significance of the situation as her hand indicated Brayden as well. Yet, her emerald hues remained on the prey before the enchantress. The last time she was with Gavin, the Behemoth had been chasing them. How had he ended up in the shadow world? Nothing added up and while he was sitting right there, she didn’t break from her course. Beneath her chest, her heart clutched as she swallowed down the dry lump in her throat.

Fingertips moved to gently massage her temples as one arm crossed over her torso. Memory loss—he didn’t remember anything. As much as she tried to forget, she never could. All this time she thought she was alone, thought she had lost him when really all this time he had been alive and as well as can be expected despite the amnesia. The enchanter deserved to know the truth after everything that had happened. Why was that so hard to understand? She could have handled the situation and at least then she wouldn’t have felt so lost—so dead to the world. The very reason she was pushed to that dangerous edge had been because of the great losses she suffered. Knowing he was alive could have possibly prevented the empty shell from settling in. In the corner to her gaze, she saw him reach for the paper resting on the table. Grabbing the single sheet out of his hand, at first she couldn’t concentrate on the distinct cursive, as she seemed to be looking through the paper and not at the paper. But, the chalky grain and the thick fibers were a familiar feel. The sheet had seemed ordinary, nothing to truly distinguish itself other than the threat etched within the message on a white linen surface. “Everyone got this?” Curiosity could be detected as she analyzed the writing—it was familiar yet not? She couldn’t put her finger on what was bothering her. “I don’t need to explain to you what this is, you should know after taking your fill from the Enchanter Estate.” There was no doubt in her mind that this was the same magic from her own domain—a particular spell that was commonly practiced by her family. “It talks about a crystal, where is it?”

If this was the work of an enchanter, that meant she wasn’t the only one left. But how? Lorelei had only just received her powers that day. How was it even possible? If an enchanter was behind the letter, why threaten them? Reaching out, she could sense the familiar trace of an enchanter’s touch where a spell had been cast—she would need to break it in order to get to the bottom of this. Placing one of the crystals on the edge of the parchment, palm down, she concentrated on undoing the magic that had been placed. Before her eyes the crystal glowed and the letters disappeared as they danced across the single sheet while settling into place to form a new message. The page had been enchanted to hide the real significance. Lorelei and her family had used this method of communication quite often. Not only was the paper imperishable, anyone that would intercept the message couldn’t break the enchantment without the aid of another enchanter. Slowly, the corners of her lips curved upward into a smug grin. She was partly back to her old self since she once again had the ability to be of real use.

Protect and guide those
who have come into your care.
The world depends on their survival
and your success against the Horde.

Features passive, the enchanter handed back the sheet of paper to the hunter. “The spell was child’s play, and you have your mission now.” Despite her previous curiosity, Lorelei felt no need to continue feeding it. The letter hadn’t been sent to her, yet she had been the only one with the ability to reveal its true nature.

[-1 spell point; Enchanted Message + Parchment]

Penn Rutherford Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:48 pm

FOLLOWING A MYSTEROUS LEAD
THE GRAVEYARD, LOS ANGELES

Penn was having way too much fun smashing heads. The brass additives to the candle pole had broke off during a few impacts so all that remained was a bare wooden stick. Showing off he leap forward into a threesome of shambling undead. His foot kicked off the wavering end of the pole loosely held in one hand. This move hurled the weapon into a dry brittle rib cage weakening one. He then caught the ground and flipped the staff in his arm with his torso spinning it through the heads of the other two before landing a final blow in the remaining zombie. Another undead from behind moved into arms reach, Penn countered the creature’s attack using the strength in his left arm he played to the opponent’s opening and squared the monster in the temple with the end of his instrument. The first impact caused the rubbery wood to recoil and hit the skull a second time involuntarily, which actually split the skull in half. Riley and Carolina were already getting to higher ground; he broke away from the confrontation to follow them. Although when he reached for Riley’s hand another strange surge poured through his chest down his arms and into his fingers. He thought about the crazy note Riley had mentioned earlier and how all these strange happenings had to be tied together. This one seemed to spin his head, it felt as though everything slowed down and then sped back up as a means to keep on track. Eventually light encased the two allies and they were teleported out of the mausoleum. He could visually see them landing in the unknown penthouse and the last image looked like a living room. When he returned to his own body he turned his head around alone in the dank dark room the original monster, Alison was face to face and without a beat she shoved her sharp bony claw into his chest and ripped out his warm heart. </3

[-1 spell point; Teleportation Spell + Riley & Carolina]

Eve Cassidy Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:48 pm

Eve was confused and was hoping that someone in the room could answer her questions. When she walked in and saw that everyone looked just as confused as her, Eve knew that getting answers to what a Horde was or even why she received a letter was probably not going to happen. At least not until the person who called this meeting together came. When someone answered her pervious question saying they weren’t sure she sighed. At least he made it sound like she would be getting answers soon.

Eve looked over in the direction to who answered her question and noticed a man who appeared to be well dressed. Eve looked down at her clothes and felt underdressed. She was wearing a navy blue shirt with a butterfly design on it. On top of her shirt she wore a light black jacket. Eve was even wearing faded blue jeans that flared out at the bottom and covered her black shoes. Even though they were petite pants they were still too long. Eve felt like she was dressed a bit childish compared to those in the room. Eve was now wishing that she put on something more formal before she came.

Eve sighed once more as she slowly made her way over to a nearby chair. Hopefully things did get interesting as the man said for she was impatient and wanted to get home as soon as possible. Sitting in a room filled with confused people wasn’t making the meeting go any faster. Just as Eve took a seat she noticed another person who started speaking as soon as she sat down. Eve caught the word arcane but didn’t recognize what it meant. Maybe this was the person who would be able to explain everything she thought. Eve sat on the edge of her chair as she listened closely to the lady but Eve noticed her voice got a bit louder. She heard the lady saying something about someone being dead. Is this why they were all here? Surely it wasn’t for Eve didn’t know anything about a dead man.

Eve’s thoughts were disrupted by the lady picking up a letter that looked just like the one she had. She was certain they were now about to get some answers for she also said about a crystal. Eve reached into her pocket and pulled out the note and a crystal that were she had as well. When Eve looked up she saw the lady was now holding a note in her hand along with the crystal. Eve was in shock for the crystal was glowing in her hand. She thought at first that maybe the lady was trying to burn it with fire but the light didn’t look like a flame. Once she put the note down Eve saw that it was still in once piece and wasn’t burnt around the edges to indicate fire. After putting down the note the lady said about a spell but Eve couldn’t believe it. She had just preformed a spell, just like in the many fairy tale books she had read. Eve started to look around the room to see if anyone else had noticed this. Eve wanted to be sure she wasn’t just seeing things.

Lucas Emmerson Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:48 pm

Lucas missed the spell. He was still staring at the doorway where the...thing..had come and gone. Had no one noticed it? Luc was far from squeemish, not in the least bit cowardly. But that dog had half a face. Half. HALF a face! To say it bothered him would be a mild understatement. People just didn't have rotting dogs. It just wasn't possible, first of all, secondly, were those maggots?

"Am I the only one bothered by the fact there's a decaying pooch down the hall?" Honestly, he was relieved it was down the hall, not in the library. Still, they all seemed rather okay with it. That bothered him... a lot!Shaken, but undeterred, Luc unfastened his cuffs and began rolling up the formal sleeves to his elbow.

The leggy one looked like she had the answers, so she was the one he needed to speak with. Frankly, his sympathy was spent for the night, so the drama of amnesia guy was ranked 4th on his list of priorities.
1. Hoarde.
2. Dead Fido.
3. Magic?!?!
4. Some guy is supposed to be dead, isn't, has no memory, the memory might be useful.
5. Find booze/consume mass sums of it.

Yep, that was about the list. Though 1 and 2 were interchanable, depending on which one seemed to need attention first. First, the woman. Arms crossed at his chest, the dark eyes unwavering as he hoped to hell she was on their side.

"Not to break up the reunion, but as far as this mission goes, we'd like to know our part of it. The love note wasn't exactly full of revelations and to be honest, this has gone as far as it can without needing something to make sense. Far be it from me to cut short the evening with beautiful women in the room; but something's got to give. Who are you, where are we, what the hell is this and why us? What is wanted from us? If you or the others can start from there, that'd be just great. And seriously...what's with the dog?"

Carolina Kenyon Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:49 pm

Fortunate Isles Penthouse - Living Room

“wh-” her voice faded away as the light that had surrounded her and Riley faded away as well. She looked around, blue eyes wide and shocked. Her shaking hands reached for her cell phone. To call nine one one? To call her brothers? To call the airport and get the hell out of dodge? Carolina, herself, didn’t even know. The touch of paper and she withdrew it, reading it. It seemed pointless now. Tears swam in her vision. She knew without a doubt that the man had saved her life and Riley’s life, and could have very well given up his own. “I don’t even.. Did you know his name?” Carolina asked looking at Riley. It seemed very important to her that she should know it.

“Was that the horde?” she asked in the next breath, her thoughts obviously scattered, the adrenaline coursing through her. She actually didn’t think that the man would have saved them just to send them somewhere more dangerous. She looked around at the rather posh living room and felt extremely out of place. Her hands fell to her side, the quartz heavy in her hand, paper getting wet. She looked very much like a drowned rat. One of the looped braids had come partially undone, and the black strands clung to her neck, the other braid was disheveled and was situated further back than it had before. Her jeans were ruined, the once fanciful drawings on them now covered with grass stains, dirt, mud, and things she didn’t even want to think of. Numerous cuts and scratches were mixed in with all that. She wiped at one across her cheek bone with the back of her hand. It didn't help.

Her breath caught in her throat. She was sure now that what she’d done that winter night was some sort of power, something related to what Riley and the man could do. Why hadn’t she been able to use it when she really needed it? Okay so she had needed it keep from being squished like a bug by a truck, but this had been more than just her, it had been Riley and that guy.

“I think I’m going to get rid of my text messaging.”

Riley Cameron Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:49 pm

MUD ON THE CARPET
FORTUNATE ISLES PENTHOUSE

His hand had been outstretched in offering to the older, braver male, but instead of helping hoist the other up onto the alcove, he had been surrounded by warm lights cradling his body. He felt confused and lost, the sensation similar to what he’d imagine an out-of-body experience to feel like – though the teleportation didn’t take too long, it seemed to take ages for Riley. As the room and furniture of the Penthouse began to mold in around him, the blond held back the urge to puke. So many things had gone wrong on his first day in Los Angeles, and it seemed they wouldn’t ever stop spiraling out of control. The stranger had healed himself and Riley earlier, and had teleported he and Carolina to a safe location; what was happening? Had the stranger given up his life to help the two?

“Did you know his name?”

“No, I.. I didn’t.” He stood there; clothes matted against his body, soaked and caked in mud. He looked worse for wear, but for once, that wasn’t the prominent thought in his head. He raised one hand to wipe at his cheek, though the mud from the back of his hand only added to the dirt already there. “Is this the penthouse?” The blond’s gaze cast downward, eyes setting on his ruined pants and shoes. If he had just stayed in New York, things wouldn’t have gone as wrong as they were. He wouldn’t have ever met the blonde girl at the café, wouldn’t have been basically stalked down by some guy, and definitely wouldn’t have traveled to a graveyard off of a text messaged location. But then, if he hadn’t come to L.A., he also wouldn’t have met Carolina – and right now, the girl had been through more with him than his own family had.

While they might have needed to be a bit more precocious before venturing out into the unknown area they were now in, Riley didn’t think either of them were in any danger for the time being. He could hear the sounds of voices just through the walls of the living room, and he headed towards the shut door, motioning for Carolina to come with him. At this point, he didn’t want to be separated from the girl. Pushing the door open slightly, the model peeked through the crack, eyes taking in a group of people asking questions, demanding answers, and looking just as lost as he felt. The man in the tuxedo who was dressing down seemed to bombard everyone with questions, and the note that he mentioned had Riley guessing it was the same one he and Carolina had received. He didn’t know much about it, or what was going on, but he had already guessed that it was as dangerous as had been written.

“You’re here to fight for your life. The letter is cryptic, but it’s not incomprehensible. ‘They will not stop until they’re soaked in your blood.’ What do you think that means?” Maybe it was the fact that he was the grossest he had ever been that had him bravely answering questions he may have not been supposed to. He could only speak from experience, and the graveyard seemed like it had given him enough battle points to actually speak up. “I’m guessing the fact that you received a letter, or at least ended up with one at the end of the night, means that you’re a target. It doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together here. It’s a war.”

And from the looks of he and Carolina, they had already been through one. Riley mostly ignored everyone else around the room, but his eyes focused on one brunette woman and the two men stationed around her. From the looks of it, and the stern voices he had heard coming through the walls earlier, he guessed that the Penthouse was in the woman’s possession. “I’m sorry for getting mud on your carpet, but we were teleported here. How, I’m not sure, but it was by someone who managed to heal him and me. I don’t know if that means he’s an angel, but the fact that he’s not here with Carolina and I probably means he was killed by .. whatever that woman was.” The thought of the Lich Queen ran shivers down his spine. His wounds were still aching, but at least they had closed up by now.

Lucas Emmerson Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:49 pm

"Thank you Sherlock, ever so helpful deduction. "

Curiouser and curiouser the night only added questions, taking none away. Lucas couldn't say he particularly enjoyed that aspect of everything. But he was eternally grateful he didn't follow that guy into the penthouse. His was all rather civilized. Small gifts, considering the end result was the same.

"I was more concerned with the why of things. Why something wants us dead. Knowing who to fight is useless without the why and how. Though, by the looks of things, I'm guessing the Hoarde isn't into casual conversation or peace negotiations." As an afterthought, he reached into his pocket, offering out to Riley an opened pack of wintergreen gum. He didn't tote around extra clothes, but the gum might help him feel better about looking like something the dog dragged in. Not just any dog, but one of those rotting ones. Yeah, that still unnerved him.

The muddy gentleman seemed concerned with the pretty brunette. Made sense on the surface. But they all seemed to have some sort of connection to one another. He, on the other hand, was not so fortunate as to have a known ally in the room. Not a comforting observation, but Luc was convinced that the evil he didn't know was a bigger problem than the social disfunction of the moment. The gum taken or not, the rest of the pack would make it back to his pocket. His phone taken from his pocket and he began making notes. Names, attributes, words of interest, questions.

By God, something had to make sense, even if he organized the madness that was before him in a portable tablet, he'd try and figure this out.

Brayden Abrams Fri Mar 26, 2010 7:49 pm

[ this is a little too much ]
FORTUNATE ISLES PENTHOUSE

Gavin Sterling was alive. The confusion that washed over the Evoker was accompanied with shock and disbelief. The facts could not be denied, though: not only was the Conjurer seated in front of him, but he’d recognize that face even if it were mostly burnt off. The two had a close friendship for most of their lives, and there had been multiple occasions where the Head of all the families had to calm him down during one of his freak-out episodes. Even when they had left for Florida after the Azoth Manor was destroyed, they had stuck together; while Lorelei had shared an apartment with the captivating huntress Cameron Mackay, Brayden had shared one with the eldest Sterling. The thought that had his mind starting to ache rang prominent, “Who do you believe? Me or your lying eyes?”

As the cause for Gavin’s disappearance was explained, the Evoker had to fight the urge to make his way out of the library and into the kitchen. After the day he and Lorelei were having, it only seemed appropriate to misplace his stress onto the oven – the more goodies he could bake, the better he usually felt. Somehow, he managed to suppress his urge, only by being distracted by the one name that had been the cause of most of his worries – Serik. He and Logan had both known that Gavin was alive? It did make sense for them to want to try and ease him back into life on their plane, and he appreciated the Eldritch Hunter doing so – not that he’d admit it with Lorelei standing right there, though. The letter that was behind everyone surrounded them was stretched out towards him, but Brayden had no idea how it had made its way into the lives of the strangers.

“No, I don’t have a clue. The handwriting looks vaguely familiar, though.”

The Evoker’s attention was pulled away from the scene in the library, mostly by a scent of decay and wet dog. Turning on his heel, the Evoker found himself too close to a rotting dog carcass, which still had mounds of fur and was missing an eye. If he hadn’t known any better, he would have been afraid of the undead animal – fortunately, it had Afton written all over it. The sound of a door clicking shut confirmed his suspicions, and the dog went to sit guard for the Necromancer, waiting at the door. A voice to his left piped in, questioning way too many things at once and bringing the pink elephant into the room conversation. He had been about to speak whenever a muddied blond made his way into the library followed closely by a dirty, meek woman. His first instinct was to raise an eyebrow, though he took in every word the boy was saying.

“Someone teleported you here? That sounds like,” his voice trailed off, eyes once more coming to rest on Gavin. He swallowed, his throat feeling unbearably constricted. “It sounds like a Conjurer. But how could it be? I’m guessing Gav’s been with you the entire time.” The last statement was directed toward Logan, who Lorelei had just handed the letter back to. From the looks of things, the Enchantress was already taking use of her newly restored powers. He wouldn’t admit it, but the itch to use his own was lingering beneath his skin. “He was killed by what woman?” The things he still had to learn were on a grander scale; though, he felt that if he found out too much more tonight, he’d just go lie down with Chuckles over by the door – that had to be better than the headaches that were sure to come.

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