CLAYTON RADSHAW
New York City.

There it was, once again, that all too familiar taste of blood swelling within his mouth.

"Mother fuc" he had began to slur before another fist came violently crashing into his face. His head snapped across sending the growing pool of salivate blood splattering across the floor. There came a deep guttural growl from the back of his throat in reply. Clay slowly lifted his head back up so that this punk may see the predatory rage burning within his eyes.
"Not a smart move" a maniacal smile of perfect white teeth follow his words.

Clay who was kneeling on the back of some big up-tight tavern regular, releases the the mans head to fall to the floorboards with a heavy thud.
Only moments ago Clay had been pounding his head into the ground and now the mans face was silhouetted by a smeared pool of his own blood. Clay turned all his focus to the punk kid who blind sighted him. Ignoring the man at his feet and the other laying on the pool table clutching his leg as he grunted in agony over the half protruding broken pool que.

Had there been the only three in the tavern that day, Clay would have walked out a happy man. But NO. Not even nearly. At least sixteen people had squeezed themselves into this little corner pub to celebrate some sporting victory, and nearly all had enough comradery to get involved instead of watching a few of their team mates get the shit kicked out of them. Well at least it felt like all sixteen of them to Clay.

-------

Broken bruised and bloody he came crashing into a pile of rubbish as he was thrown out the back door into a dirty old alley way. "Fu'en ba'e ball for puthies" he yells back defiantly through a broken jaw, at what must have been the teams pitcher. The coffee pot that came flying at him next was thrown hard enough to have him seeing black.
With a sputter he painfully laughs at his own misfortune before passing out.

It had gotten much brighter by the time Clay opened his eyes again, he squinted as he looked around trying to assess his location and situation. He was by no means feeling ok, but it was defiantly a little better then before.

By the time Saoirse had returned to her apartment and had taken a shower it was already noon. She was relaxing on her couch when she suddenly received a call from her clients, Mr. And Mrs. Eggard.

"Hello? Is this Saoirse? This is Mrs. Eggard, your client. " An elderly woman's voice said.

" Oh yes, Mrs. Eggard! How are you? Is everything alright?"

"Oh yes! Everything is alright! Tell me, are you free this evening? "

" Yes...?"

"Oh wonderful! You see, I was wondering if you would give my husband and I the honor having you attend this masquerade ball we are throwing tonight!"

"A ball? I don't know... I-I've never been to one before and I don't have a dress or even a way of getting there!"

"Oh that won't be a problem at all! We'll take care of everything! Consider it a thanks for all of your hard work! Please, we insist!"

"I suppose I could stay for a little bit...."

"Wonderful! I'll send for a chauffeur to pick you up! We will take care of you once you get to Wales!"

======================== That Night =======================

Saoirse stood outside of the Eggard Mansion, she wore a black dress and matching mask, she also wore fingerless lace gloves, covering up the name and date on her wrist. Her hair was parted to the side and curled ever so slightly in loose curls, and wore very little makeup. Her lips were a dark maroon color and she wore a neutral smoky eye-shadow, making her usually soft, pale, ivory skin look like that of a porcaline doll's.

She hesitantly entered the ballroom, where she was instantly greeted by Mrs. Eggard.

"Oh, Saoirse! You look absolutely lovely, I just knew you would! Tell me! Where is your soulmate? I'm sure he's dashing!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Eggard. But I am afraid that my soulmate won't be attending because I have yet to meet him, I'm afraid."

"Oh I'm sorry! I had no idea! Well it's a shame that he couldn't see how beautiful you look, dear!"

Saoirse chuckled than smiled. "Thank you. For everything, truly. It's almost like a fairytale."

"Of course, dear. And why can't it be a fairytale? You already look like a princess! Now all you need is a prince!"

"Because I am afraid that fairytales only happen in storybooks."

"Well then, I suppose this one will have to be the first one to leave it's pages! And I am certainly happy to have seen it come to life!" Mrs. Eggard replied with a wink and a smile, then let Saoirse go on her merry way.

Saoirse smiled then made her way along the edges of the ballroom and found herself a place to sit by herself before taking off her high heels. She wasn't used to wearing these kinds of shoes and her feet were already sore and covered in blisters. She winced slightly as she touched her feet lightly with her lace gloves, then slipped her shoes back on, before her gaze returned to the crowd of dancing, eating, and socializing people, with a gentle yet happy smile as she watched the others make merry. She much preferred to be by herself than socialize with a group of people, at a party.

@Ace of flames01

An event of this standing and elegance required a certain level of sophisticated finesse, after all, the devil was in the detail.
Every plate of canapés held a certain level of visual grander only to be outdone by its marvel of flavours. The appropriate option of accompanying wines needed to be made readily available, but not heavily pushed upon the guests.
The true game was in the rotation, Dorian read the crowd and conducted his staff like an orchestra playing to a stadium. He saw what the people wanted, anticipated and them gave to them what they needed. Timely and perfect.

As soon as Mrs. Eggard had finished her acquaintances with an exceptionally beautiful guest, Dorian quickly made his way over to her to ensure she was pleased with how the event was proceeding. Of course she was, but there were pleasantries and professionalism in asking. Despite his notion and continued explanation that work and business were his only true soul mates, the old lady insist he put that aside and do something for her.

-----

It took him a deep breath and continued assertion to finally relinquish control and hand over the reigns of catering the event to his highly capable and qualified team.
Mrs. Eggard was to set him apart from his self acclaimed soulmate one way or the other, threatening to fire him if he didn't go enjoy the ball, at least for a few hours.

Dorian could, and had, exchanged light hearted simple short conversation with over half the guests. But that was a mask, behind his mask. He knew no one here, so it became an easy choice to approach the beautiful lady from before who seemed to share his conundrum.

-----

Dorian was already dressed for the event, he was wearing one of his finest suits for this job, it was hard to tell though since they all looked similar but he knew the differences like apples to oranges.
The sleek black suit was sheer artistic sophistication, subtle hints of forgotten era's lined more modern elements creating a purely individual piece of trend leading fashion, expertly fitted to his form the suit was delicately measured to the exact millimetre giving the perfect cut and complementing style.

On his hands were soft white gloves that slightly glistened with a metallic sheen like that of his mask.
Dorian didn't wish to draw the attention away from any of the other guests so his mask was not extravagant or exuberant, but true to his style it was elegant, authentic and expensive.

For a start it was old, very old.
An authentic Venetian mask expertly hand crafted to the utmost level of craftsmanship.

-----

"I hear it is even more enjoyable to participate in such things as it is to merely watch." His warm welcoming, slightly teasing voice rolls out of a charming smile and down his white silken outstretched glove awaiting and offering Saoirse a dance.

As her eyes meet his a wave of unstoppable thought escapes his mouth.
"Forgive my bluntness my lady but you are absolutely breathtaking."
He follows it with a slight gentlemanly nod and politely awaits her response.

@Dark Light

mood

The night seemed to have progressed along smoothly, that is, until a very handsome fellow presented himself, offering a dance. From the moment she layed eyes on him, a light burning sensation overcame her wrist. Saoirse was a little reluctant to accept his offer, on the account of her feet being injured, yet found herself agreeing regardless.

"Yes well, I suppose I am still fairly new to these situations." She replied as she accepted the gentleman's hand. However, as soon as her hand touched his, the mild burn became a sudden inferno of pain, then subsided altogether. It was a surprise to say the least, yet she did not let it show in her icy, crystal blue eyes.

"I look breathtaking you say? Well then the ladies who did my makeup did their job well." Saoirse replied, giggling then smiled slightly, as she followed the gentleman out to the dance floor. "You, however, are quite dashing yourself, if I maybe so bold." She knew that the makeup was merely a mask and not really her face, yet she couldn't help but feel slightly happy at the gentleman's remark.

Thankfully, the dance was a slow waltz so it didn't put much strain on her injuries, yet that still would end up catching up with her. However, she steady gaze did not leave her dance partner's eyes; she hid her pain well. "So what brings you to such an extravagent event? But then again, I suppose such events suit you. However, it's certainly not to work the entire time at the food tables, I hope." Saoirse finally said. She had been watching the event quite closely, a bad habit of hers as an artist, and her dance partner had certainly caught her attention more than just a few times.

Of course that didn't stop her bad habit from takin over, as she subconsciously began to examine him. Though he wore a mask, Saoirse could immediately tell that he was very handsome, to the point where it was nearly intimidating to be as close as she was to him. His gaze was sharp, alert, and intense, yet held a refined and mysterious sense to his dark colored eyes. He was also much taller than her and had broad shoulders, yet his build was lean and ever so slightly muscular, when comparing it to her own small, thin frame. Though Saoirse had, what was known as piano hands, she could tell the gentleman's hands were larger than hers, even without gloves, from mere touch alone. He could easily be a model with his face alone, yet his physique only emphasized and complimented his facial appearance.

Their waltz lasted for only a few minutes, but to her it felt like an eternity as she seemed to get lost in her dance partner's dark, intense eyes. After the end of the song, Saoirse quickly snapped back to reality and realized just how much pain she was feeling. Her feet were bleeding in her shoes and it felt like she had been walking on razor blades. "Excuse me." We the last words she uttered to him before she left. With a slight curtsy and a smile, she pulled back and quickly retreated from the warm dance floor and out to the balcony where it was much cooler and she could have some time to herself.

Outside, a cool, crisp breeze caressed Saoirse's warm skin and combed through her hair, sending shivers up her spine. The sky was clear and speckled with starlight. She removed her heels once more to reveal her cut up, bloody, blistered feet. The cool air soothed the pain. She removed her gloves and placed them on the concrete railing, then turned to message her feet a bit. She then looked at her hands, now smeared with blood, and sighed and clenched her fists tightly, before standing back up and leaning on the railing and looked out at the view. It was beautiful to see the lights of the city intermingle with the light of the stars and the moon. Such scenery gave her inspiration and made her contemplate over the events that took place today, wondering if she had actually met her soulmate, like the date on her wrist said, or not.

@Ace of flames01

"Unfortunately I have to be so dull as to say it is." Dorian said politely in soft reply. He followed it with a warm smile, almost a laugh, as he mused over her attention to detail and considered how his exposed secret sounded.
There was a comfort in the way they moved together that asked for no words, simply being was oddly company enough. Although strangers, her touch was like a re-embracing hug. Between that and those eyes, he lost himself.
A lifetime repertoire as long as his arm of exceedingly polite pleasantries, impressive subterfuge flirtations and inspiring trivia, all at his instant disposal to wow and seduce, all seemed null and void. Right now in the moment, the words he was seeking continued elude him. So he paid her no false flattery, he let his eyes speak the words his mouth could not, and he just danced. Holding her as close and tight as etiquette would permit.

Dorians earlier words held truth as the mysterious woman left, with her absence she once again took his breath, and any words that may have accompanied it. He could only watch on helplessly as she vanished into the crowd. Then it hit him, all the tiny hints and signs that she was trying to hide. Guilt washed over him as he pieced together all the parts he had been blinded from seeing, lost to his own pleasure he failed to see her pain. How un-altruistic of him.

Suddenly his job, this event, his company, none of it mattered. As Dorian quickly rushed off towards the kitchen to make things right, he caught a glance of a very proud Mrs. Eggard grinning eagerly. He had no time to contemplate the old woman's thoughts and merely politely nodded as he passed.

-----

It was what seemed many moments later when Dorian joined her on the balcony. The scenery etching itself into his memory as he gazed upon beauty perfectly framed by an equally fitting backdrop. Everything almost seemed surreal, it was too perfect. The gentle breeze of crisp cool refreshing air, the tune it sweetly played accompanied by the muffled bass of heart filled fun from the patrons still inside. The stars shining in perfect luminescence to light the sky and highlight her every perfection. Dorian approached slowly, very slowly, savouring the moment as much as he could.

The man did not come empty handed, a small pack was tucked under his arm, a wine bucket in his hand, a small towel hung from his belt and two wine glasses balanced between his fingers along with a bottle.

"Shhh" he says insistently as he approaches. Raising a hand to signal a vertical finger towards her lips. It was not that they were being secretive or anything, he merely didn't want her to object.
He moves with reason and kneels down in front of her, neatly placing out his array of items like they were tools. It becomes clear why the wine was not in the wine bucket as steam floats from the warm water inside.

Without talking he takes the hand towel, soaks it in the warm water and standing back up, takes her hand in his and gently wipes away the blood.
Next, with all his professional etiquette and style he pours and hands her a drink. Meanwhile a comforting smile never leaving his face.
Lastly after gesturing and leading Saoirse to sit on or against the railing, without hesitation he kneels before her, ever so softly taking her foot and gently scrubbing it clean. Where he can he massages the tired muscles and puts ointment and band aids on the more serious sores.

During this treatment his concerned eyes always seek out hers, assessing her level of comfort. Consideration fills his every purposeful move. When finally complete he stands and speaks.

"Sorry I didn't even realise earlier. How does it feel now?"

@Dark Light

During the short time she was alone, she tried to think of what her soulmate might be like, he would always appear in her mind. She couldn't get over the feeling of his warmth, his touch, every detail that she found her yearning for, even things such as his scent or the sound of his breath and his heartbeat; she wanted to experience again. She wanted to be close to him again and to get lost in his dark brown eyes all over again. However, she then remembered the name and date etched into her wrist and she realized that it was never meant to be between them. "He Probably already has met his soulmate. He's just doing his job and being polite..." She thought, every word felt like a knife stab her chest. She wanted to scream and cry and damn the world for being so cruel, yet no tears came. "He's just being polite..." She repeated, her voice barely audible.

About 10 minutes after her being alone on the balcony, the gentleman from before arrived with various utensils, a truly bittersweet moment. Before she could utter a word, his voice silenced her of any protest she might have had. Saoirse looked away, refusing to make eye contact with him and remember that this was just an act of politeness. His hands touched her skin and she hopelessly tried not wince from the pain, but ultimately ended up failing;she clenched her fists to choax through the pain. Once he cleaned away the blood from her feet and hands, he gave her a glass of wine then gestured for her to sit on the railing. She immediately did as she was instructed, then placed the glass of wine next to her, before her hands returned to her lap. All the while, she refused to make eye contact with him. "Just being polite. Just being polite. Just being polite. " She repeated in her mind.

"... Thank you. For everything. Truly. You have been wonderful." Saoirse finally murmered, her tone was quiet as she looked down at her hands, her hair draped over her face. She desperately tried to hide her grief, however, she found this near impossible to hide compared to the pain from before. If this was a dream, she wanted to wake up. She didn't want to keep living a lie - it was like never ending torture to watch, to feel, to know such kindness that she knew was not truly hers.

After a period of silence, she stood up. "Why must you be so kind? We don't even know each other and yet you come to my aid immediately after you realize that I am injured." She asked, finally making eye contact with him, her eyes held a slight regret yet also held confusion. To her it didn't make much sense for a member of the staff to not only ask her to dance but to also care for her so tenderly. All the while she pondered, causing a familiar burning sensation to arise in her wrist.

Nails scratched at the blank space where a name had yet to appear on her wrist. Would one ever? Did she even want one to? Would having a soul mate change anything? In truth, she doubted it would change much unless... What if her soul mate was some foul misogynistic beast? With currently nothing to occupy her mind worries filtered through about who this guy actually was. Never had she taken the time before to sit down and ponder all the cons he'd have.

Anxiety set in as black boots continued on a straight path to nowhere in particular. Just when she decided that walking this way proved futile a loud commotion caught her attention. Ears help guide while fierce sapphire hues pinpointed the location, which turned out to be a bar, of course. Hands pushed open a wooden door with frosted glass etched with the name of the establishment. Senses had pulled her here just in time to watch a ruggedly handsome man receive a rather extensive beating.

Something compelled the Valkyrie to intervene. Usually she would have shook her head and walked the other way but this time was different. Why? She wasn't sure. He seemed like just another troublemaker but before anything could be said his body was thrown out back like trash. Long eyelashes blinked a few times not really expecting that to happen. He must have really pissed off these people.

“Was that really appropriate or even fair?” Astrid stormed over casually avoiding pools of fresh blood.

“Don't worry your pretty ass.” One man said while wiping a bloodied lip.

“Uh, what can I get you miss?” The bartender cleared his throat not wanting anymore trouble.

Not many can match the intimidation that a Valkyrie is capable of inducing. Besides excellent fighters these women can inflict fear. She's not sure what these people see when they look at her but it causes hallucinations. When it works it's terrifying. Depending on how much power she puts behind projecting said fear, the end product ranges. Some have pissed their pants. She's even made grown men collapse to the floor sobbing uncontrollably. Quite hysterical.

“Oh, I am not worried but you should be.” Inch by inch she closed in on the man who had so rudely refereed to her ass as pretty. No doubt it was but he had not been given permission to observe such a thing to begin with no less speak about it.

“I am not in the mood bitch so why don't you fuck off?” When he yelled this Astrid closed her eyes and turned her head to the side in order to avoid his putrid breath.

She was not pleased especially when two others stepped forward to circle around her. His tone was certainly inappropriate and called for immediate punishment. Truthfully, she hadn't used her abilities in quite some time but one can never forget how. These men would be her test subjects and Astrid needn't wait long before knowing that she still had it in her to dish out some revenge.

Loud mouth, the one in favor of using naughty words began to shake as if losing control of his body. His brows furrowed in confusion before catching a glimpse of his hands. Rough flesh began rotting away, slowly decaying until ivory bones were left, and a pile of bloody tissue gathered on the sticky floor. He began screaming feeling the sensation of skin peeling off his face. Fingers hurried, trying to put back oozing clumps that continued to fall like heavy raindrops. Unsuccessful, he ran for the door and left hollering in the street. Cabs angrily honked their horns at the crazed man. All the while the remaining guests turned to Astrid with terror filling their eyes.

“He'll be alright, it's just in his head.” She let her index finger tap her temple twice.

“You fuc--” One of the others, in absolute horror, grabbed a pool stick ready to swing toward the woman but he stopped mid swing... because no one was there.

Darkness engulfed his entire body and arms outstretched in an attempt to grasp for anything. Words echoed as if he had fallen down a crevasse when he tried calling for help. Pleading for help the man tried to run but tripped over something not visible to him. When trying to stand claws dug into his clothing causing him to tumble back to the pitch black ground. He yelled for help but no one responded and fighting these talons only made them begin shredding into his skin. Covering his mouth the hands pulled him down, and he slowly vanished into the abyss.

The poor fool hadn't really gone anywhere. His body laid sprawled out on the beer stained bar floor, passed out from believing he was actually dying. Poor soul.

“I am a bit rusty.” A sarcastic tone followed by a smirk was given to the rest of the onlookers who stared in silence.

A hand scooped up an untouched shot glass atop the bar from one of the patrons. Within a second flat the liquid was swallowed before her body confidently strolled out back. Curiosity about the man thrown into a pile of rubbish seemed to be controlling her movements. Why didn't she just go home?

“There you are. You ok?” Arms folded against her chest as she looked down at the man with genuine concern.

“I think you blacked out. They're gone so...” Suddenly Astrid's nose scrunched up in pain due to his badly beaten features.

“You may want to get that checked out... Looks like it hurts like hell.” Suddenly the sides of her mouth upturned unleashing a beautiful pearly white smile.

Surely others would not have interfered let alone sought out the commotion at the bar, the Valkyrie was different. Also, instead of panicking about the health of this stranger Astrid could not help but find all this a little funny. This sort of thing happened all the time at the tunnels. After an agonizing defeat most would throw a raging tantrum but there were those few who laughed it off. They were the ones that came back and had improved overnight. He seemed like the type. Troublemaker.

@Dark Light

Zoey sighed as she stood behind the bar at the Emerald with the three other waitresses who were working today. The doors were closed and so the place looked much different than usual, there were no people sitting down at tables eating overpriced meals, or guys trying to hit on girls who just wanted the free drink that always came with a guy trying to hit on you at a bar. Soft music was playing through the sound system, whatever was popular at the moment. The place was quite big, as you walked through the doors there was a long stretch to your right filled with tables and booths along the window that looked out onto the street. On the oppositte side of those tables and booths was the bar, starting about halfway down the stretch and making an 'L' shape as it got to where the door was facing, and then it went on up until it got to the kitchen which was at the end of the 'L' shaped bar and made up the rest of the distance. The rest of the place was usually booths around the edges and tables all around the middle for the waitresses to walk around and through as they tried to get food out to the customers on time. All of the tables today though had been cleared away, all stacked at the sides of the resturnats so that some book signing could take place. The whole place had been clear so the fans could line up in the middle of the huge room, and at the edges signs and posters had been temporarily set up along with the actual books. At the end by the far wall oppositte the door was a small table, and the author of the books was sitting there.

Zoey, and the other waitresses, had been tasked with helping out the fans, getting them anything, making sure they stayed in line and things like that. Zoey would have thought that the author would have some of his own staff and such, but it appeared he only had some people who were standing and sitting by his side. A man stood outside and another inside at he door. Zoey walked out of the bar and stood just infront of it as he opened the door, smiling a bright and happy smile and waiting for the book lovers to come in. The man outside was letting in around twenty to thirty at a time. They all rushed in and got in a shaky line, but it was just enough to be called a line. Some were calm, but others were squealing and holding some kind of books to their chest. Zoey had never been to into books and wondered why they were all making such a big deal out of it. He wasnt like a movie star or anything, was he? She wouldnt understand, but it wasnt her job to understand, it was just her job to help them out.

She started walking up and down the line of girls, and some guys, and asking politely if anybody needed help. "Hi!" She would smile brightly, "Are you all okay, need anything?" She asked them all.

Constantly flying around the world can be a bit tedious sometimes, even if your flying first class. Aurus had just taken a flight from spain to good old New York City, and now found himself in a limousine next to Arna, his assistant, secretary, and traveling companion.

"Once we get to the hotel, I'll leave you at your room with tonight's paperwork. I won't be staying at the hotel for long, since I have some family in the area, and they wanted me to stay with them for the week. Oh, and your fa-" She paused for a second, as she eyed Aurus daydreaming and staring at the scenery as it passed. "Hey, Nel, you paying attention?" Aurus lazily turned himself to face the blond haired bore of a girl.

"Yea, yea, sorry. That flight just took a toll on me for some reason. Maybe I'm catching a cold or something?" He sounded tired and bored, as if he didn't care for even his own health.

"Well, if you are sick, it's your loss. Try your best not to waste the vacation you worked hard for." If Aurus hadn't known Arna as well as he did, he would probably have thought she was actually being a bit caring. Arna was the antithesis of caring, a demon who reveled in Aurus' torment. The more paperwork she could have poured on him, the better.

"Thanks, Arna, you are so caring." Aurus' sarcasm rang through the limousine, while Arna simply gave off a chuckle and returned to briefing Aurus.

"Ahem, as I was saying, your father wanted me to inform you that we will be heading to Britain as soon as our little vacation is over, so that we can be present for the swearing in of the new members of the council of elders." Aurus responded by groaning in dissapproval and leaving back in his seat.

"I'm really sick of the council, they never get anything useful done, and they only make everything worse for those who follow their laws. Also, Britain is pretty boring, too."

"Stop complaining. You do this every time. You aren't a kid, Nel, you are-" She was interrupted by Aurus, who finished her sentence for her.

"My fathers right hand man, and a highly useful member of the Nel bloodline, yes I know, and can you stop calling me Nel? I have a first name too, you know." It seemed that both of them were getting a bit agitated, so they sat quietly for a number of minutes before Arna broke the silence.

"So... Why New York of all places, I mean, why not somewhere a bit more exotic?" Arna seemed to be legitmately curious.

"Arna, we've been in 'exotic' places for the last 2 months. I just wanted to go somewhere a bit more mundane and familiar for a few days and relax." Arna and Aurus fell back into their state of silence, though it was much less hostile this time around.

Finally, the pair had arrived at the hotel, and made it up to the penthouse suite in which Aurus would be staying for the next week. Arna gave Aurus a folder of documents, the paperwork he would have to finish that night, said her goodbyes, and left. Now, all that stood between Aurus and a week of rest was that folder. It laid completely still on the glass tabletop, though, for a folder, it seemed extremely intimidating. Still, Aurus perservered, making his way over to what might as well have been a portal to hell, slowly, but surely.

Aurus placed his hand on the folder, gently touching the paper material, as if it would explode if he was too harsh. He threw the folder open in one swift motion, as if to catch it off guard, and take a look at its contents. Within the folder was simply a series of papers that Aurus had to sign, and nothing else. No forms to fill out, no status reports to write. It took Aurus roughly 5 minutes to finish signing all of the papers in the folder. Arna would come to retrieve it in the morning, so Aurus simply closed the folder and left it on the table.

He had decided to go walk around New York for a little while, just to see if there was anything interesting nearby. It also turns out that constantly being couped up in vehicles makes one really want to walk around. After only a few minutes of walking, he saw something quite peculiar.

Aurus watched as a man ran, screaming, out of a bar, and into the street, as if his life was on the line or something. Aurus, obviously curious, hastily walked towards the establishment that the lunatic ran out of. In hindsight, this was an action only an idiot would take. Any sensible person would have either run in the opposite direction or called the cops.

Upon setting his eyes upon the disheveled tavern, Aurus was rather suprised by the state of the bar. It was obvious that a barfight had occured, but most barfights don't end with someone going crazy and running into the street.

"Well, whatever happened in here must have been crazy. I've never seen a guy run out of a barfight and into the street while screaming for his life before. I'd love to hear the story." Aurus stepped into the building and made his way over to the bar as he said this. He must have been some sort of crazy that night, then again, anything is better than being bored out of your mind.

@Temperance @Dark Light

Niko sat stoically in the center of her big couch. Her knees bent up to her chest and hiding behind them as if her TV screen would judge Niko if it could see her watching what was on the screen. She remained there mystified like it was the first time watching the series, though in fact it was the third time. This year. Okay, okay. Third time this month, whatever. She often got on binges of her favorite series every few months where she would watch them over and over. This just so happened to be one of those months.

The episode then ended and Niko could finally breath. Having been holding her breath for the most part during the suspenseful scenes. She finally relaxed as the ending credits began to play and she finally looked at the phone. It was all casually until her eyes fell on the time. It took a second to sink in that she was already late for the time she was planning on leaving to get there early and in line before the crowds.

"Oh crap!! She belted in surprise as she flung herself and the blanket off the couch, it cascaded back down into the middle of the room unceremoniously. She ran to the door, stuffed her ridiculously big pajama pockets full with her wallet, keys, phone, and other assorted necessities. She slammed the door behind her as she exited the apartment and locked it in a panic.

As she got to the street and began to book it down towards the restaurant. Luckily it wasn't to far away. As she turned the corner to the street the restaurant was attached to her heart sank as she saw a rather large line laying before her. Curse that damned anime. Which she quickly apologized for even thinking such a thing. Shaking her head in disbelief to having such a notion.

Without wasting anymore time she got in line and waited as patiently as she could. As the got smaller and smaller and she got closer to the front of the line panic began to slowly swell within her. As she got up to the part of the line where she could see the author through the window a silent anxiety attack began to bring beneath the surface. She then beginning to make a small pace back and forth as she stood in line, breathing heavily to settle her nerves.

Then she finally entered the threshold. She was the last of the group of thirty to enter the restaurant so she still had some time to settle her little freak out. Then some girl, a waitress, come to her and asked if there was anything she needed.

"oh! Uhmm.. Yes! Water!" She nodded rather quickly as if she didn't know how to nod at a reasonable pace. "No wait! Alcohol! Yes! Alcohol! That is definitely what I need." She nodded several more times rather quickly.

"oh gosh! I am freaking out!" She stated in a rather sing-songy way. "Is it obvious?? Oh man.. It's so obvious isn't it..?" She hung her head down in defeat. As she was freaking out she seemed to get a little pale, paler then she already was. She then began to wobble and stumble into the waitress, quickly and desperately reaching out and clinging to her for support.

Clay was slipping between worlds when he heard the voice, her voice. He heard the syllables like a distant underwater echo but couldn't make words or sense of the sounds so close. However it was enough to draw his focus.
He groans softly as he tilts his head up to look upon the one who cast him in shadow.

"Nah, nah nah." A startled Clay suddenly responds. Wide eyed and head shaking, wincing in pain as he desperately tries to wriggle himself further against the wall, away from Astrid. Finding himself suddenly filled with the awakening energy of urgency and determination.
Eyes still blurry, the sun shining behind the figure, he saw something more.
"It ain't that bad!" He mutters.
There was a small hint of desperation and uncertainty in his words that tasted a lot like fear.

His eyes slowly came into focus and the groggy cloud disperses from his head taking with it that slither of panic. Clay lets out a soft sigh as he slumps into himself almost flashing a smile of relief and self amusement.
He begins to chuckle at himself but the shooting pain reminds him of where he is.



"Power nap." He quickly corrects her, the words escaping out on one hurried breath. "Damn, already? I wasn't finished with them yet." Clay had been teetering towards getting up but due to a crooked finger momentarily resigned from that task sinking back into his spot.



Once again as Clay sat there he heard her voice, the syllables even formed words this time, they were just lost to him. Moments before he thought her here to take him to the afterlife, now, with the sun almost creating a glowing halo around her body Clay was mesmerised by her unique angelic beauty.

He takes a deep bracing breath in physical and mental preparation. "Sorry, can I just ask you for three things?" his eyes shone at her with a practiced charm. There's a smile of hopelessness creeping on his face seemingly like he almost enjoys his condition or more simply, nothing can hold him down.

"Please tell me I'm not dead, and then tell me your name."
@Temperance

@Ace of flames01

"Why must I be so kind"
Dorian repeats and ponders on the question asked of him, deliberating a response within his head for so long it seems as if he's not going to answer at all, finally.

"Since I was young I developed strong values towards achieving the tasks laid out before me, I am a bit of a driven individual. Tonight however I was given a task that I have not undertaken in a long long time. a slight smile creeps across his face as he looks towards the floor. Unable to hide it, the faintest soft blush of nervousness and embarrassment taints his cheeks just below his mask.
"Tonight I was tasked with enjoying myself, and dancing with you, I truly was. But I cannot have my pleasure come at another's expense. You see it would leave me absolutely guilt ridden. No, my service to you is absolutely selfish in nature, your company gives me a joy I would gladly seek out. Maybe even again after tonight sometime?

His suave smooth demeanour slightly cracking as truth and hope etch through his form and words.
He brushes the hair back from her face and catches her eyes in his, staring deep into her, far beyond the superficial makeup, mask and outfit.

@Dark Light

Saoirse was surprised by the gentleman's words. See her again? Saoirse wanted nothing more than that but then she was reminded of the name and date on her wrist. However, when they made eye contact with each other, they looked deeply into each other's beings, getting lost in each other's eyes. A certain tinge of rosiness on her cheeks and the tips of her ears appeared, exuding embarrassment yet happiness, as the burning sensation intensified greatly on her wrist.

"I would want nothing more than to see you again after tonight..." Her voice lowered to a murmered, just barely audible. She paused then her eyes pulled away once more. "But I can't. I'm sorry. This will probably be the last time you see me." She knew that the inevitable concept of meeting their soulmates would prevent the 2 from ever meeting again. Aside from that, they came from very different worlds. Once he learned of what she was, he would leave her, and even possibly try to kill her; he was only human after all. To him, she would be seen as a monster made flesh into that of a human.

Saoirse sighed slightly then smiled weakly, yet warmly, hiding the sadness and regret once hidden in her eyes, as she stood up. "Thank you again. Truly. You were wonderful. Should fate be so merciful as to allow for us to meet again, I would give anything for that chance." She said, her smile never left her, though a slight sadness and glimmer of regret creeped into her eyes as she walked past him with an incredible speed that was just barely visible to the human eye, distorting her form to a blur that one could easily miss, should they blink.

Saoirse had made her way through the crowds with ease in such a manner that it would be difficult to follow and still somehow manage to keep up with her quick strides. She stopped momentarily to exchange farewells with Mrs. Eggard.

"Thank you for the invitation. I had a wonderful time tonight." Saoirse said, glancing at the gentleman, briefly making eye contact with him.

"oh you're leaving already? At least allow me to have my chauffeur drive you home!"

"Thank you but I will be alright. I will make it back on my own." With that said Saoirse fled from the mansion.

"Saoirse! Saoirse please come back! " She called after her, barely raising her voice, but was too late as Saoirse had already disappeared into the darkness of the night. However, Mrs. Eggard quickly understood what had happened. "I see... So the magic spell has worn off... And now the story must return to the pages..." She said with a sigh then turned to Dorian and smiled happily and proudly. " I take it that you are enjoying yourself, dear? Please excuse her. She is not familiar with these kinds of events and I'm afraid she panicked, causing her to flee. You have done well and you may return to your post if you so desire. You have earned that choice, dear child."

Meanwhile, Saoirse had reverted to her wolf form and was in a full sprint, homeward bound. By the time she would get home, the sun will have already begun to rise.

"You are welcome, it's been my pleasure." was all Dorian managed to get out before she left, once again taking with her his breath. Leaving him alone with only the faint hint of her lingering scent upon the now ever colder air under the dazzling starlight of this auspicious evening.

'Should fate be so merciful as to allow for us to meet again, I would give anything for that chance'

Amongst all else those were the departing words that resonated within him. She seemed sincere, no she was sincere and the words were kind and alluring, so why the soft rejection? He pondered on it not for long as he instead dissected the words with disregard to their meaning.

"I should not be as so foolish to leave my destiny up to the mercy of fate. For one, I have learnt fate is not merciful. And two, my path and my future is dictated by me, not chance nor by any one else!" Alone on the balcony he releases the affirmation mantra into the cold night air, like a sworn vow sent to remind, challenge and defy the gods themselves.

With a sigh caught between displeasure and an appreciative admiration, a smile won out the battle on his face as he thought about the vanishing girl. It was not long before the rhythm of work took hold in his mind but regardless of what took place there was a section reserved to admire her and the unknown.

He would deal with devils just to know more about her, but luckily for him he hadn't the need. He already had a lead, the one person shared in common between them. Mrs. Eggard, not quite as bad as an unholy spirit from hell, mostly.

When the night is over he will seek her out in casual conversation for answers about the mysterious woman's name, location and occupation.

@Dark Light

Mood

The sun had begun to rise over an all too familiar cityscape, yet the cold air lingered, a sending shivers down Saoirse spine as she returned to her tiny apartment, exhausted. A trail of blood from her hands and feet, followed her through the door. She looked absolutely haggard and felt as bad as she looked.

She slowly, ever so slowly, limped to the bathroom with a batch of fresh clothes, then stripped down and entered the shower. However, as soon as she entered, her legs became mysteriously weak and she collapsed onto her hands and knees in the tub. The thoughts of the gentleman she had met at the party, lingered in her mind. His scent and his touch, the very same that made her feel safe and regret that she ran away from, lingered on her. She looked down at her hands and feet as the blood washed away, exposing several cuts and blisters on the palms of her hands and the bottoms of her feet. She sat in the tub, pondering, contemplating, for the longest time then sighed then turned off the water, climbed out of the tub, dried off, and got dressed in a plain T-shirt and sweatpants, her damp hair was tied up in a bun. She didn't treat her wounds, rather she let them be; she wanted them to scar so she could let the memories of last night fade with them, yet still be with her forever. Her body felt oddly heavy yet somehow empty at the same time.

Upon exiting the bathroom, she noticed the trail of blood and sigh. It looks like evidence from a murder scene. However, she decided to clean it up later, it wasn't like she was going to have visitors anyway. She shrugged. Her body went numb and her mind reeled as she fell onto the bed and closed her eyes, relaxing immediately and was lulled into a deep slumber; she had planned on sleeping the day away like last night was a bad hangover.

========================Back in Wales======================

The party had long since been over. Everyone had went home and the staff had clean up. However, business wasn't over for Mrs. Eggard and Dorian.

It was morning and Mrs. Eggard was paying the staff for the hard work last night. When Dorian arrived a smile crept up on her face. "Ah yes, Dorian. How are you? Well I hope. Especially for having been in the company of such a lovely young lady last night. Well anyway, here is your payment for your services. Good day." She said with a smile as she handed him an envelope. Inside was the payment for his services and a note that read:

Dorian,
I am sorry but I will not give you any information retaining to the person you seek. Rather I believe that you should ask her such things yourself. I believe that you will receive more satisfying results if you ask her yourself than if I were to give it you. Dorian, know this, fate is a very unusual and tricky thing. Sometimes it is better to accept it rather than fight it. But I assure you, that you will find the happiness you seek if you learn how to let things happen than trying to always be in control.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Eggard

On the other side of the note was the address to Saoirse's apartment.

Dorian was excused from the room to search for the person he is looking for.

The lines of fans were moving so incredibly slowly. Zoey really didnt want to have to work overtime today, she knew that if she did it would cut into her time to go home and do... anything. To do anything else. And she wouldnt get paid for it, since her boss was a dick and would say it wasnt his fault that the author took so bloody long, and had to have a conversation with every...single...fan. If she complained she would be fired, and as a vampire it was very hard to find a job. People were still prejudice. Zoey would look on as the author sat there and after signing the book would stand up and just talk with almost every single person. Some were short talks, only 30 seconds or so, but some were longer and lasted a couple of minutes. And even though that in itself wasnt particularly long, the line of people was massive. It went outside the bar and all the way down the street, this guy was popular. And so all the short, meaningless conversations were adding up and up and Zoey was catering for these people much longer than she wanted too.

She sighed in releif as the last thirty people were let inside, and she put on her smiley face and happy attitude again. Thank god she was a good actress. She walked up and down the line, asking people if they needed anything until one girl stopped her. This girl looked like she was too excited, nodding and talking at a far quicker pace than she needed too. The line wasnt moving any faster, anyway. She couldnt have been in any rush. She must have been nervous. Zoey nodded and smiled, "Of course you can-" She said, before the girl changed her mind. Alcohol, she wanted alcohol. "Alright. What type of alcohol?" She managed to ask before the girl started talking again. She looked more and more panicked with every second, until she started stumbling and falling. Zoey grabbed her, holding her upright with her arms around her as she stopped the girl from falling. Apart from the feeling of Niko's body against hers, she felt something else.

As she touched the girl and held her up, as both girls skin touched, Zoey felt a hot burning sensation on her wrist. Her eyes opened wide and she gulped hard as she peered down and looked at her wrist. The day was today... the writing, it was glowing. Was this it? Was this her soulmate? She pushed the girl upright and back onto her feet despite being a couple of inches smaller than her. She was a vampire after all. She looked over the girl, and suddenly saw her in a whole different way. She found her eyes lingering over the girls face, her beautiful face. Her deep, pretty emerald eyes and her soft hair. The way her skin complimented these colours. All of this, and other features, fit together to create something that to Zoey was almost perfect, but terrifying in every sense of the word. "Oh my god..."

Abel finds himself back at his home. He carefully puts the small wooden figurine on a self, he decided against getting a gift. Figuring his soul mate hardly even wants to see him. So with a small amount of nervousness he gets ready. A black suit perfectly tailored and a deep blue shirt is what he adorned. His shoes are his only pair of dress shoes...since he prefers his cowboy boots or hiking boots. He then looks at the card with the number on it. Just looks at it while he waits. It was getting closer, and he could feel the anticipation building.

@Ace of flames01

"Mrs Eggard!" Dorian calls out across the once bustling dining hall, now gone quiet except for the soft patter of tired workers trying to close up loose ends so they may go home.

"I trust you enjoyed the evening? It was a wonderful turn out, you have some amazing and interesting friends. I'm sure this will be the event they are talking about for years!"

As he talks he turns on just a smidgen of that wile charm, the curl in his lips, the warmth in his eyes the flash of his grin.
He played the polite good boy who was secretly after something, but he didn't play it to well as that it would be unexpected. No he left the holes and let her see the act.
That was the true secret to this game.

People of age recognise the nativity of youth and enjoy the reminiscence it brings, along with appreciating the wisdom they have since gained. Dorian gives her the advantage of all those things and more in simple short conversation. It might not be considered an honourable talent, but none-the-less it is one he is exceptionally good at and it brings no harm.

However.... (Because someone edited) while relishing in the conversation the stubborn old woman proved a tough nut to crack and gave Dorian nothing. He left a defeated man, knowing nothing more of the mysterious woman she was nearly all but completely lost to him. He had one last chance. Payday.

-----FFWD----> 8 days later, early evening.

Dorian felt nervous, it had been along time since he felt nerves like this. He checked his hair in a passing window as he strides down the footpath with a slight hurried urgency. His clothing slightly more casual than what was worn at the masquerade but still at the high end of sophistication, consisted of mostly blacks and greys. In his hands, clutched tightly was a cardboard box.

Before he knew it he was standing in front of a door. Not any old door, her door. Having slipped passed the apartments 'buzzer gate' with another occupant, there was now very little standing between them. Dorian knew he was in the right place, her sweet familiar scent escaped around the door. He could feel it.

If he had butterflies he did not show it, his composure was calm and steady. He confirmed the adress then knocked on the door.



While he waited he opened the cardboard box he had so carefully been carrying and removed a beautiful glass slipper, the sight made him smile.

"I believe this is yours?" he prepared himself to say.

It was bought as a gift and a clever opener to try and relieve some of that awkward initial tension with thoughtful humour and by referencing her runaway.

@Dark Light

It had been a little over a week since the ball. Her injuries had healed and scars had taken their place. The thoughts of the gentleman she had met lingered in her mind throughout that time. She wondered how he was doing, if he was alright.

Saoirse wore a red noodle strap camisole, tan cargo pants and a black hoodie with the sleeves rolled up just above her elboes. Her face and hands were smeared with paint and her hair was tied up in a messy bun, her bangs dangled from the sides of her face and on the bridge of her nose.

She was just finishing up the commission for Mrs. Egard when suddenly she heard a wrapping on her door. She hurriedly placed her utensils on a nearby table then made her way to the door. She slowly opened the door with a slightly confused expression on her face. "Yes..? Can I help you...?" She said as she opened the door to find a strangely familiar man at her doorstep. At first glance she didn't recognize him but then, as she looked into his dark, intense eyes, she could feel herself starting to slip away. She has seen those eyes. She knew those eyes. It was him. His voice resonated within her like a rich, sweet melody, stirring a nervous feeling within her. A familiar burning sensation engulfed her wrist, however, she payed no mind to it.

She couldn't help but smile at the man's joke as she saw the slipper, and blush slightly from embarrassment. "Has my prince charming finally come to rescue me from my wicked step mother?" She replied teasingly, laughter danced in her eyes. She opened the door a little more inviting him inside. "Care to join me for a cup of tea?" She asked. She was about to grab his hand to lead him in but remembered the paint on her hands and stoped herself, blushing embarrassed.

The entrance immediately led to a small living room/studio and kitchen, her bedroom was also small and had an on suit bathroom. Overall, her apartment was surprisingly empty, aside from the essentials, and tidy.

"Make yourself at home! Sorry, it isn't much but it suffices for my living style, I suppose." She said as she immediately went to the kitchen to prepare a couple cups of tea.

Niko felt dizzy and a little faint. Hardly realizing she was being held by the waitress as her thoughts and vision were spinning in opposite directions. It wasn't long before she realize she was being helped stand up straight on her own. She reached up to rub her own eyes, as if that would help settle her nerves. Which it sort of did to some degree, mostly thanks to the fact that this waitress was keeping her from wobbling or falling. Her nerves began to settle, that was when she began to notice the odd, uncomfortable burning sensation on her wrist. Still half out of it the sensation was confusing. She absently reached with the opposite hand to rub at her wrist.

"Owie.. why the heck does my wrist hurt?" She cutely whined, completely oblivious until she actually looked down to find out the cause. Then she saw the bright glow of the writing: A name and a date. 'oh my god! What is todays date!?' She thought to herself as she began to frantically look around for a wall clock. 'WALL CLOCKS DON'T HAVE THE DATE YOU IDIOT!' she scolded herself silently.

She was frozen there in front of the girl, staring at her face for a long moment as she tried to process this. That didn't work though. She was in full panic. Unable to handle the situation she suddenly pointed at something behind the Waitress and yelled a half cocked "OH LOOK! A DISTRACTION!" Not her best plan but it'd have to do.

Quickly she yanked herself out of the girls hands and made a dash for the door. The poor girl didn't read the sign that read 'pull'. She slammed full force into the double pane glass doors and bounced off. Crashing to the floor, knocking herself out in the process.

Nikolette ~ The master of escapes.