---

---

Time: 9:50 PM

The night life of the city was restless but silent, as it had been since the founding of the city. Elyria was a slightly poor city, not as populated or as wealthy as Cleveland or Akron but still it thrived enough off of other means. Tonight the city had a cool breeze about it, as if it knew that forces that were not to be reckoned with had entered its boundaries. But just by gazing upon the streets you would not be able to tell.....The Originals had returned.

The Salazar District had become something of a legend in Elyria. It was a neighborhood located in the northern part of the city, and had been given its name by its leader, Salazar Gomar. A rather influencial vampire. He had spent his time wisely over the years, amassing followers and money and eventually earning enough through some criminal and some legal venues to purchase property. Then he earned more and bought more, and so on and so forth until he controlled the entire district. Now all illegal venues were controlled by him, and he was making headways into owning more legit buisnesses as well. But he was a poor controller over his own flock, ruling with too much fear and not enough promise of reward. Many of his vampiric followers had taken to feasting whenever and wherever they want, not in accordance with the establishments and places that sold the vampiric life juice they needed so badly.

This brought on many suspicious eyes, and the elder council did not intervene. Some say Salazar bought them off, some say he kiled them. Either way, mortals began to notice that in the north part of the city people were more likeley to dissapear.

Fast forward to present date and time, our current setting is a night club, owned by Salazar and run by vampires, called Mystiq. A few more rowdy clubbers had decided to leave the club and find their fun elsewhere. They walked down the street, passing people and making rude and loud noises. They had walked by an alley when they noticed two young adult females, one with dark black hair and the other blond with light blue highlights. The 3 men decided they wanted to see if they could push their luck. The 3 men forcibly moved the two young adults into the alley. As two of the men held the two young females back, the third opened his mouth revelaing two sharp fangs. The two females tried to scream but could not be heard as their assaulters had covered their mouths with their hands.

As this was happening a group of three watched the entire scene unfold. One, a man with dark black hair. Two females as well, one with red hair and the other a light pink hair.

"Tabitha, calm down. No need to make a scene. Vampires need to feed,"Garrett said.

Tabitha, small yet oddly large in presence, spared Garrett a glance, looking back to the scene, she gave a soft sigh, "but making a scene is so much fun, Garrett. And besides" She said, her voice an odd mix of musical and energetic, a dreamy quality to it, as she studied the scene. It seemed oddly barabaric, and yet it wasn't an odd scene for any of them. Still, Tabitha found it...distasteful. There was a civilized way of doing these things. She frowned slightly, shaking her head, her pink hair bouncing as she did. "Just the nerve of them, doing it out where anyone can see, and those girls look absolutely terrified!" There was a way to these things, damn it. It wasn't merely that, but rather if one vampire was exposed, they were all in danger.

"We've been gone from here too long, I think. The young ones no longer fear us" She pouted, and looked to her companions, giving a bright, cheerful smile as she did so. "Shall we remind them?" She seemed quite taken with that idea, the bright spark that often showed when she was excited about something burning as she looked back to the scene, ready to go in now that she had decided it was the right thing to do. The simple fact was, she believed that there had to be an order in the disorder of things. Even if it was her own sense of order.

Lucinda chuckled. "Oh you want us all to go." Lucinda always got a kick out of Tabitha. She had a slightly crazed look in her eye and every once in a while Lucinda had to pull her back in. It was easy to get carried away when disciplining the young vampires who didn't know the proper ettiquette on how to be a vampire and Tabitha had kind of a thing about it.

Lucinda looked at Garrett's expression and she smiled slightly. She knew he was in want of a drink and not the bloody kind. She just wanted to get lost in the music and dance so she walked across the street and allowed Tabitha to let loose on the younglings.

Tabitha let loose a tinkling laugh, and then she approached the trio with their meals, almost dancing as she walked, her movements smooth and graceful, her appearance not threatening but certainly alluring. She stopped by the trio of young vampires, deadly silent, she said in a cheerful voice as if greating a long lost friend "Hi boys! Whatcha doing?" She was pleased at their startled reactions, and she smiled sweetly, well able to play the innocent when she wanted to.

"Oh, what a shame. You don't know who I am, do you? Tch" She gave a sad sigh, looking to the girls, "You really are a lovely meal, but I'm going to have to interrupt, while I teach the young ones a lesson. You won't mind, will you lovely girls?" It was with ease that she leaned on a bit of suggestion to keep the girls there, turning to the younglings.

"I have a free pass here, Boys. I see you aren't going to behave. Pity" She moved around the boys with that same dance like walk, this time almost stalking them. She smiled sweetly again, a dream like quality falling over her expression as she debated what to do. It was clear the young vampires were breaking out of their shock,and perhaps thought she would be an easy take down. How wrong they were. She moved smoothly, a blur as she attacked first one, throwing a punch that was deceptive to her size, and even compared to these youths, she was strong. She got to the second one, the third finally figuring out that not all was as it seemed, and trying to escape her.

She pounced on him, landing hard against his back, causing them to fall to the ground. She leaned in close, running her fangs gently over his skin without piercing. "Stay" She rose, her clothes ruffled, her pink hair a wild mess, that she smoothed back as well as she could, getting distracted halfway through by the whimpering of the girls. "Oh! My pretties, I forgot about you! Naw. Well. I'm going to have to...make you forget" It was a simply act of suggestion, and she nudged the girls out the alley after it was done, turning to the succumbed younglings.

"Learn well, Boys. I don't give second chances. Bye bye, now" And she walked back over to Garrett and Lucinda, almost skipping now, and smiling happily, oblivious to how she must appear, disheveled and windblown.

Garrett watched the entire scene with analytic eyes. Even after so many years of being with them, he never grew tired of watching his companions enjoy themselves in such a degree. If he was honest he was a tad jealous he didnt get to do anything, but this was beneath him. And he was in desperate need of relaxation. The journey to this city had not been kind. As Tabitha walked back over he shook his head.

"You should have killed one or two of them. It instills a sense of fear in them, and that would have spread to the others. Although I am also glad you didnt. No need in alerting everyone right away we are here. I need a drink."

Garrett chuckled.

"A relaxing drink not a satisfying drink. And we need lodging. Lucinda, I forget. Did we ever make permenant room and board plans in this city?"

He looked at Lucinda and smiled. He knew Lucinda would have the answer. But she would never let him live it down that he didnt rememeber. She never does.

Lucinda smirked. "Actually, for once my answer might just please you a little. I found a rather older home that by human standards might not be so great but as we could care less about heat. It will serve us well. It's rather near here, just a couple of miles out of town so we do indeed have a home here." Lucinda reached the club first and she grabbed the door and turned to smile at them and pulled the door open and she danced her way up to the bar and ordered drinks. She turned, drink in hand and put it in Garrett's hand. "Happy now?" She grinned knowingly.

Lucinda sipped her drink and then she grabbed Garrett by the hand. "Come dance with me." She peaked over at Tabitha and saw that she seemed preoccupied.

Tabitha was swaying slightly with the music, her own drink held quite contentedly in her hand, the pink fluid within a stunning companion to her hair, and not unusual for her, Tabitha was staring at something that interested her. Or merely just daydreaming. A little, distracted smile, one minute dazed, then focused eyes, before suddenly she leaped forward, moving through the crowd, she drank down her drink quickly, passing it off to a random club goer and clearly expecting them to catch the glass.

She snatched the guitar from the band, dancing away with it, she ran her hands along it, as if it was the last instrument in the world. She smiled happily to herself, seemingly oblivious to everyone around her, and the fact that she was being glared at for the disruption in the music. With smooth, skilled strokes, Tabitha began to play, a melody that was, in its essence, beautiful. But oddly crazy. Quite like Tabitha herself.

Garrett nearly dropped his drink when Lucinda grabbed his hand, but he managed to set it down before he was pulled to the dance floor. As they danced, Garrett watched out in the corner of his eyes, and used his sense of smell, to keep tabs on Tabitha.

"Lucy you know I dont dance. All these years and im terrible with dancing."

This was true. Garrett tried his best but any rythym he had stayed away from his feet.

"And we should'nt let Tabitha be by herself. She gets a little absentminded. Or worse, she gets really attentive on a single thing."

Lucinda grinned and whispered so only he could hear her. "I seem to remember you dancing an Irish jig recently." She turned her head towards Tabitha and smiled. "She is fine. You worry too much lately. That is my job and I'm going to go find someone good looking to dance with. No worries, they won't be better looking than you." She smiled and melted into the crowd.

Lucinda closed her eyes and let the music move her in whatever way it wanted to. With her eyes closed, when an arm slid around her waist she didn't argue as long as they kept dancing with her. When kisses started to tickle her neck she opened her eyes to find an older looking man nibbling on her neck. She smirked and asked him what he was doing and he said "I was trying to figure out if you were an original." Lucinda sighed heavily and nodded. "Yes, what can I help -" before Lucinda could finish the sentence the old man pulled out a wooden stake and tried to stab her with it. "GARRETT!" She moved fast and her eyes darted as she ducked the old man but realized this place was full of more like him. "Tabitha!" She raced through the bar and grabbed for Tabitha's arm.

Tabitha danced as she played, conveniently avoiding anyone trying to grab her and get the guitar back. She played around with the strings, clearly in a world of her own, but aware enough to avoid being caught. Everytime someone got near her, Tabitha would twirl away, faster then anyone thought she could, and as Lucinda grabbed her, she appeared dazed a moment, "What? Lucinda, I was playing" But almost at once, Tabitha grasped the situation, and with one smooth movement, she slung the guitar over her chest, positioning it on her back, clearly forgetting that it wasn't hers.

"More lessons to dish out, then is it?" She said cheerfully, clearly not considering them outnumbered, as she looked about them. "I haven't had this much fun in a while!" She gave Lucinda a smile, but did understand, for a moment, the seriousness of the situation.

"Lets go"

Garrett sighed. This was not how the evening was suppose to go. Garrett eyed the room, and sussed out who else was here with the same intentions as the obvious attacker. He failed, however, since everyone here would have similar behavior. Fast beatiing hearts, sweating slightly, anxious. Garrett made eye contact with Tabitha for a moment, then rushed forward and grabbed the man by his arm that held the stake. He gripped it hard enough that a small crack could be heard. The man dropped the stake and clutched his arm, breathing heavily.

"My turn Tabitha. You just had your fun,"Garrett said to Tabitha without making eye contact."In the meanwhile I do believe that these nice people could be convinced to continue their festivities. Think you could help?"

Garrett looked at Lucinda and rolled his eyes.

"Guess I know where we arent coming again."

Garret dragged the man by his now broken arm outside, all the while the man moaned about his arm. Garrett thought he was lucky, there was a convenient alley no one was using! Garrett dragged the man into the alley, much to the dismay of pedestrians watching the scene unfold, But when Garrett and the man dissapeared from sight in the alley everyone moved along. Garrett slammed the man into the wall of the alley, holding him now by his shirt.

"I dont appreciate that. I mean it would have taken a little more than a stupid stake to kill her, but its the moral of the story. Trying to hurt an original is a capital offense."

Garrett then began to beat on the man mericlessly, throwing him from wall to wall then punching him every so often.

Lucinda reached out and grabbed Garrett's hand and stayed it. "I know you are sending a message but can we just go?" Lucinda looked a little dejected and let down. It had been quite some time since they had gotten to have any fun and now it was ruined again. "I bought some liquour. If you don't hurry I'll drink it all on my own." She started to walk away. She knew Tabitha was on her way too. Lucinda wondered if they were just more recognizeable since there was always just the three of them? She climbed into a cab and waited for them to climb in with her and a little while later they pulled up to the house.

"Wow, it's bigger than I thought it was.This place could hold 30 of us." Lucinda said to herself. She walked up to the door and went into the house. She was glad it had electricity. She went upstairs and into the master bedroom. Climbing into the middle of the bed she opened a bottle of wine as she kicked her shoes off.

Tabitha still held the guitar, and climbing out the cab, she danced around the building for a moment, examining it all top to bottom, laughing happily and spinning about, before diving into the house, and running through it, examining every room she could, she found a bedroom, and stood in the doorway for a moment.

"Oh no this won't do!" She exclaimed to herself, setting the guitar down finally against the wall, as she spun around it, "Just won't do at all" She skipped over to the desk in there, and dropped down in the chair, reaching for pen and paper, she rapidly sketched out a design for a new room, the task taking her attention completely, and for a rare time, Tabitha was almost normal.

She hummed as she worked, before rising with the design, she trotted through the house to the living room, stretching out on the couch, she dropped the design on the coffee table.

When Garrett got out of the cab, he looked at the building with indifference. It did not matter to him one way or another where they laid their heads, he hated sleeping anyhow. Garrett watched as Tabitha ran around the building, so full of energy and curiousity. He couldnt help but laugh slightly to himself. He also watched as Lucinda walked inside too, less curious but more confident. He walked inside and up to Lucinda's room. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and tapped his foot on the ground to let her know he was here.

Garrett nodded at the bottle."What do we got there?"

Lucinda watched Garrett leaning in the doorway. She held up two bottles and said "One is rum and one is sweet wine. Take your pick but you have to share." Lucinda pulled her hair out of the updo she had it in and she fluffed it all out and back to normal with her hands and she shook her head a little letting it all fall free around her shoulders. "That feels better, it's not pulling my hair any longer." Lucinda looked at Garrett and said, "We need a vacation where we can go anywhere we want and drink rum on the beach. I was so looking forward to a little fun tonight."

Garrett grunted in agreement. He wanted one night of peace before he brought hell to this city tomorrow, and somehow people knew that they were already here.

"Yea..speaking of that, how the hell did people know we were going to be here? We keep ourselves off the radar for a reason. And you nearly get staked."

Garrett couldnt help but chuckle slightly.

"Which by the way why did you get so worked up about a plain wooden stake for? We are Originals we dont die that easy."

Lucinda picked up a pillow and hit him in the head with it. "I was dancing and when I opened my eyes the man was kissing my neck which i wasn't expecting and he was bending me backwards so I wasn't in the easiest position to do much more than yell and try not to fall backwards." She turned onto her tummy and let her legs kick up behind her. "I'm surprised all he had was a stake. How did they know we were here? Then again.....the three of us are rather striking."

Lucinda teased him a little now like she always did. "I mean how they could miss Tabitha is nigh impossible. She is our odd little duck. I'm not half bad lookiing but even if they missed me there is no way they could miss someone as handsome as you are!" She grinned and chuckled at his expression.

Garrett rolled his eyes at Lucinda.

"Im not handsome. Im a forever youthful creature of the night. With fangs."

Garret walked over to Lucinda and kissed the top of her head.

"I am going to go check in on Tabitha, I bet you anything she is now covering her walls with pictures. Gotta make sure everything she draws is appropriate. Have a good night."

Garret walked over to Lucinda's door, looked back, and gave her a two finger salute.

Tabitha had pondered just how to do what she wanted to do, but it woudn't get done that night. Making her way back up to the room she had claimed, focused for the moment, she began to measure. When it came to creative things, Tabitha excelled at them. Finding a tape measure, she zipped across the room, and made notes on her design, singing to herself as she did, she found a tool kit left in the house.

Tabitha could have merely torn the doors off the wardrobe, but it seemed a lot better to carefully remove them, but even this she managed to do quickly, leaning the doors up against the wall, she hummed to herself, thoughtful.

She stood there for a time, before removing a couple of the selves, and nodding in satisfation, she then turned to the bed. "Now you need to be much much much bigger. Like the whole room bigger" She said, chuckling to herself.

Garrett repeated what he previously did, walking over to Tabitha's room and leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed. He looked around her room and raised an eye brow.

"Tabby, you know we arent staying here. No need to get too comfy. If you want I can find the three of us a nicer place. A place that is already suited to your taste."

Garrett sniffed the air for a moment.

"You dont have alcohol in here do you?"

Tabitha looked over and smiled "You're well aware that nothing is suited to my tastes, Garrett" She said, "This place is already nice. it just needs a bit of TLC" She gave a shrug, putting the screwdriver she weilded down.

She tilted her head at the question, as if unsure how to answer that. She glanced about the room, "Maybe. It might be hiding though. It does that sometimes"More then likely Tabitha had merely forgotten where she put it, and she looked to Garrett and smiled once more. "You can try and find it and teach it a lesson"

"Um...no I am not going to hunt for a bottle. Now I am going to trust you not to drink while your working on your room, you know your not allowed to after what happened last time."

Garrett walked inside the room and looked at the notes she had written down. He was always amazed at the complex math she could do, and still be as goofy as her.

"Yea no I wanted to offer my assistance, or give some advice but clearly im out of my league. Just try not to wear yourself ok?"

Tabitha frowned slightly at the reminder not to drink. "Which time? I apologised over and over again to that College. I really don't know how I knocked over that fountain..." She shook her head and shrugged.

"Well, you could help me a bit. This place is huge, and I bet there's lotsa matteress we can put together to create one big one" She said excitedly, looking to her plans, she gave another shrug. They weren't truly amazing to her, but she knew that even now, some of her designs still stood. And that was what was amazing to her.

"Pleeeeaasssseee"

Garrett sighed again but nodded. He held up one finger, then left the room. It took about six minutes, but he was able to bring a total of twelve mattresses into Tabitha's room. He placed them into two piles of six, next to eachother. When he finished he patted the mattresses with his hand and looked at Tabitha.

"There. Every mattress in the building, excluding Lucinda's."

Tabitha smiled happily, and held out a bottle "Look, it jumped out at me" She giggled, and studied the mattresses a moment. "That makes 13. You need one" She said, absently putting the bottle down and removing one of the mattresses, holding that out much like she had the bottle.

Garret took the bottle, but held his other hand up in protest.

"Dont worry about. Im fine. Enjoy your.....mega matt?"Garret said, saying his last two words questioningly. Garrett walked over to the door and gave Tabitha a two finger salute."Goodnight hun."

Tabitha frowned at the odd mattress as if it had offended her. "But...." she gave a soft sigh and nodded. There were other ways, she knew, to deal with a problem. "Goodnight, Garrett. But...I do worry about both of you. Its what you do when you care, isn't it?" She smiled, before beginning to shift the mattresses around, putting them side by side in two rows up to the wardrobe.

Garrett walked back over to Lucinda's room and knocked on the door frame.

"Lucinda! Its me. You decent? Or awake?"

Lucinda had just come out of the bathroom in a long silky nightgown and she was brushing her hair. She opened the door, hairbrush in hand. "I'm awake. What's up?"

Garrett held up the bottle in his hand. "Little miss troublemaker decided she wanted to sneak a drink. But I got her. Everytime, I swear everytime, we go to a new place she tries to do her little construction projects. Its all good, until she starts to drink."

Garrett walked inside the room, and set the bottle on the desk.

"Also there are no other mattresses in the house, so try not to ruin yours."

Lucinda smiled. They went through something similar everytime they moved. "She is just making it homey for herself so she can be comfortable. Are you planning on joining me in mine? It might be a tad uncomfortable on that sofa. It looked pretty trashed." Lucinda started brushing her hair again until it shone brilliantly in the light. She caught his eye and she blushed slightly.

Garrett blushed. Damn women. He put his hands in his pockets.

"If I need a place to crash, then yea. Im not sleeping yet though. We have too much work ahead of us tomorrow, and since our enemies know of us we should be at least a little better prepared."

Garrett tapped the bottle.

"Just wanted to drop off the bottle, a slight present. But I will see you tomorrow morning."

"Okay, g'night Lucinda said and closed the door back a little forlornly. She headed towards the bed and looked out the window into the darkness. She wondered what was going to happen tomorrow.

Garrett Prescott

Garrett had spent the rest of the night going over the grounds of their temporary home. He wanted to make sure they had not been followed home, and that they at least had one place in this godforsaken town where his companions could lay their heads in peace. When he felt secure that they were safe he went back inside. He tried to get a small amount of sleep, but was unable to. When morning arose Garrett could almost feel the sun rays through the walls, feel the heat in the air. It bothered him that in all the time he spent on this planet he had not developed a way to block out the effects that the sun has on his kind.

Garrett went into the kitchen, and looked through the pantry and cabinets for food. Seeing the lack of pleasure food they had in stock, he checked the fridge. Again, nothing. Garrett sighed out loud. Why did Lucinda pick this place? They had no provisions except maybe some alcohol from last night, if Lucinda didn't drink it all. Which reminded him, why didnt he drink anything again? Garrett ran his hands through his hair, exasperated. This settled it, he needed to grab some supplies.

Garrett stepped outside and blocked the sun from hitting his eyes with his hand. He looked down and looked himself over. He wore his grey button up long sleeve dress shirt, slightly unbuttoned, with black jeans and shoes. In the blink of an eye, Garrett ran. With his speed he was much faster than the average vampire, and faster than the mortal eye can see. Garrett ran a few miles away until he stopped on the sidewalk on a market square. Down the road there was convient and grocery stores. Garrett pondered if he needed to get food food or....food. Garret sighed and set his mind. Tabitha would need to slake her thirst, and Lucinda is always in a better mood if she is full. He could stand for a bite too. But they could feast when they go to the Salazar district. Garrett ran into the walmart down the road, filled a cart with food and drink, then ran with the grocery bags in his arms back to the house. He quickly filled the kitchen. He wrote a note and left it on the counter.

[note: Tabitha, Lucinda, I have stocked the kitchen with the essentials. If you wish to slake your thirst you can wait until we go to the Salazar district and drink in peace, or you can grab a quick bite. Do try to be discreet if you hunt now. I have gone into the city and shall be back before I go to the Salazar district. Or I can meet you there. I will know if you two decide to stay and wiat for me or go ahead,
Garrett]

Garret walked out the door again and ran further into the city. He had some buisness to take care of.
@wick@caits@Kyrisse

Tabitha had left the house, perhaps dangerous for her to be alone-or at least she knew that was what Garrett and Lucinda thought, but she hadn't been drinking for heaven sake-between Garrettt leaving and Garrett returning. She happily ran towards the town, laughing to herself at the freedom such an act brought her. She skidded to a halt sometime later, glancing about her, with awe, happiness and a little sadness at the differences this town had from the last time the trio were there.

There were many things Tabitha could do and she stood there swaying slightly, looking every which way, that dream like quality slipping over her. Her gaze focused on something. a lump? No it was breathing, she could hear them. The beating of their heart. She approached curiously, unafraid. What would hurt her? She poked them with one small hand, "hi, hi. You aren't one of the lovelies from last night...oooh! A witch! Are you lost, Magic one? Are you a stray?"

Callie flinched at the poke at once moving, rising she was taller then the woman that had poked her-good lord was her hair pink? It was oddly endearing. the way the woman stood, it was clear she radiated...not so much authority...but power. The scent of blood let her know that this was a vampire. The slight accent she heard let her know it was an extremely old vampire. And she had heard of the original attacking three young vampires not too far from here.

"you're an original!" this seemed to please the vampire, who seemed quite like a little kid, nodding and giving a tinkling laugh.

"yes, my sweet! I am, I am! Tabitha; eccentric, deseined as an odd little duck by my companions often, and kick ass-er! Naaawwww you're hungry, aren't you?" Tabitha heard Callie's stomach growl and at once she took her by the hand, dragging her off back towards the house, Callie couldn't refuse. She was a little scared to do so, this vampire seemed too strange, even for an original.

Tabitha walked right into the house, not seeing the note. "Mum! Dad! I found a stray, she followed me home, can I keep her, please please please!" she called throughout the house. The thought of being treated like a pet by this strange girl was enough to shock Callie out of her daze:

"woah, woah, hold on! I'm a person, not a pet!"

Tabitha gave her a bright smile, "I know. They won't let me
Have pets, something about getting too attached when they die, and going crazy. I don't know how I managed to get that boat ontop of that building..." she trailed off, dreamily, then looked back to Callie, "but a witch?!" she smiled and walked off, reading he note, "awwww Garretts so sweet making sure we are safe and happy. Look! He brought food! What do you like? Oh everyone likes bacon!"

Tabitha was a whirlwind, Callie decided, watching the little vampire toddle about in the kitchen, she herself rescuing the bacon as it seemed Tabitha forgot about it, now prodding bread into a toaster, humming. How had this vampire survived so damn long? She was potentially a walking disaster!

---

---

Lucinda had not been able to sleep. She had decided that they needed some kind of cover as to why they were here in Elyria. She had gotten dressed in her leather Don't fuck with me clothes, redid her hair and makeup and she blew herself a kiss in the mirror as she fastened in her earrings. Her hand supported a ring that alone could easily buy a nightclub all on it's own. Around her neck was a delicate gold chain that held a locket that was perfectly nestled just above her cleavage. Slipping her feet into her 6 inch heel boots she zipped them up and smiled. She had left the building only an hour after she had seen Garrett last.

Stepping into the bar once again she made quite an entrance. She walked up to the bartender and smiled as she ordered a drink. She could see the others in the mirror on the back of the bar wall. "Get me the owner. I want to speak with him now." He handed her her drink and nodded as her suggestive powers sent him up the side stairs. Lucinda turned around and she smiled. The light didn't quite meet her eyes and she said, "Earlier I was in here to relax and a few of you thought to ruin my evening so now I'm going to ruin yours." Lucinda began to work her way around the room, taunting them. She motioned for a few of them to leave and they didn't hesitate and left in a hurry. When she was certain those left were only there to hunt vampires she made quick work of them. The viciousness in her eyes was unmistakable. Lucinda did not mean for any of them to survive. When the bartender returned with the owner Lucinda was finishing drinking someone dry. She tossed the body aside and wiped her mouth on a napkin.

She sat at the bar smiling and motioned for him to join her. His first glance at her showed a gorgeous and dangerous woman drinking one of his patrons. He was easy to manipulate. She looked at him and pulled out a large amount of cash from her jacket pockets. Setting the cash on the bar she said, "Get me the title, you have decided to sell the bar and nightclub to me because you are tired of running one." He nodded and went to the safe under the counter and when he came up he handed her the title and she had him sign and the bartender witness the transaction. By morning Lucinda had the place void of bodies and there was a construction crew on payroll to work on the bar. When she left she went shopping.

@dabombjk@kyrisse@caits

---

---

Garret was in the city at the border of Salizar territory. He had decided he would wait for awhile is his companions would join him, but after waiting for a bit he grew restless. Garret crossed the boundary line, and immediatley was surround by four rough looking vampires.

Tabitha was just putting slightly burned toast onto Callie's plate, when she realised she didn't even know the witch's name. She gave a small sound, annoyed at herself.  "I'm sorry, I didn't ask your name" she said, looking to Callie with a sheepish smile, clearly forgetting about the eggs she had on the stove. Callie by now had figured out that Tabitha didn't really stay focused on one thing, and had already leaped to grab the pan, wondering what she had done to be babysitting a who knew how old vampire that was...eccentric to say the least. Maybe if this wsan't the first meal she'd had in a couple of days, she might have just walked away. As it was, she didn't want the place burning down. 

"It's Callie, just move over a moment, okay?" She moved around Tabitha, dishing the eggs out and putting the pan aside. Tabitha happily skipped out of the way, leaning against the counter. 

 "A pretty name. Wait" She held up a hand, and Callie blinked, watching Tabitha run off towards the door. Wondering what could have possibly attracted the flightly vampires attention, Callie looked at the food mournfully and followed her. 

Lucinda had done a little shopping. She felt that she needed to spruce up the house they were living in as well as update the nightclub's interior. There were delivery trucks pulling up to bring new and more comfortable furniture to the house and she looked at her cell phone. It was getting later in the day and she was going to have to go meet Garrett soon. She put things away and directed where the furniture was to be placed. When she stepped into the kitchen she saw that someone had been cooking. Cocking her head to the side she found that to be disconcerting. Tabitha didn't eat human food so who did? She cleaned up the kitchen quickly and did some whirlwind house cleaning. 

Lucinda's phone was ringing almost nonstop. It seemed everyone needed to ask her something. Construction on the nightclub meant that there were contractors with questions about delieveries and where she wanted things. She was quite happy to change into jeans and a nice top after struggling to try clothes on at the store. The boots had to stay on though. She loved those boots and they made her feel tall. Garrett had always said he liked that she normally wasn't as tall as he was. She would laugh at him and put on her boots and instantly she was almost as tall as he was.This and all of the questions and answers that people had for her was what was on her mind when she headed out to meet Garrett. She wondered where Tabitha had run off to. She would keep her eyes open and grab her if she saw her on the way. Lucinda had put her hair in a pony tail that bounced all down her back.

Lucinda walked up to Garrett and kissed his cheek then wiped her lipstick off of him with a grin. "Oopsie." She said smirking at his expression. "Tabitha wasn't home when I left. I've no idea where she went but the good news is there weren't any obvious explosions along the way here. Oh, and I bought the bar we went to last night and the redesign is under way." She grinned happily as she surveyed the area. "So what are we up to now?"

Garrett was suprised to see Lucinda, and even more surprised when she kissed his cheeck and had to wipe the lipstick off his face, Garrett growled slightly. "Lucy, maybe dont do that when we are surrounded by children." Garrett looked around at the four vampires, who were confused by his words. "Yes I am talking to you four. You are children, more than likely less than one hundred years old. A mere infant in my presence. I do not have time for your games. Take me to Salazar now."

The four vampires were surprised at Garrett's words, then laugehd. The first vampire in front of Garrett spoke first. "Your funny. Just for makin us laugh ima forget you insulted us about our age. Now how about you turn around and wa-"

The vampire was cut off as Garrett flashed forward and stabbed the vampire in the neck with his hand. Then he used more force and ripped the head clean off. He looked around at the other vampires. "One last chance before I go looking by myself. Take me to Salazar."

The three remaining vampires looked tense, surprised at their comrades easy defeat. But they accepeted defeat and grudgingly guided Garrett and Lucinda to Salazar.

Tabitha skipped across the grounds Callie following behind her, she barely made it to the cab that seemed to be randomly there before Tabitha shut the door, for the moment she seemed to have forgotten that Callie was even there. How could Callie leave the vampire to her own devices, when it seemed that Tabitha would forget her own strength and knock over who knew how many buildings. She sighed, and buckled herself in, glancing to Tabitha when she didn't even make a move to do so. Tabitha looked over at her and smiled, 

 "What do I have to fear?" Which might be quite logical, for this strange vampire. 

 

 Callie sighed and let it be. She had no idea where she was being taken, but suddenly there was a nutrition bar of some sort in her lap, and oddly touched that Tabitha had grabbed it, she opened it, and in moments the bar was gone, barely making a dent in Callie's hungry, but at least it wasn't so bad now. 

 

 When Tabitha had the taxi stop somewhere in town, and climb out, Callie followed. What she wasn't expecting, but rapidly figuring out that she should expect the unexpected from Tabitha, was to essentially be thrown over the smaller woman's back. A little freaked despite knowing that the woman was a vampire, and thus was stronger then she had any right to be, Callie closed her eyes tight as Tabitha began to run, somehow leaping up buildings, and-oh god-leaping from building to building with Callie on her back, apparently following something, but who knew what. 

Salazar was standing in the middle of the courtyard in front of his home, when three of his underlings walked in unannouced with two strangers. Salazar sniffed the air and nearly gasped out loud. He recognized these scents. They looked different, as did he, from when they first met but he could make no mistake. And his real name isnt Salazar, would they even remember his name? These two were Garrett and more than likely the female was Lucinda. Salazar puffed his chest out, and stood up straight. He had to act make sure they knew he was in charge and not them. Even if they were older, stronger, and faster. "How nice of ya'll to enter my kingdom. Unnanounced. Commiting murder. Stealing my property. All for what?"

Lucinda smiled and walked over to Salazar and straightened his collar. "All for fun. Darling I have shoes older than you are. I've recently acquired a house and now a bar in town. I'm having so much fun. It's a little like monopoly." She grinned and hugged him. She spoke quietly into his ear. "Have you missed us?" She stepped back and walked the few feet back to Garrett. "It seems like your area has been a little too ....open about our kind. That was something you were supposed to make sure was kept quiet." Lucinda glanced at Garrett and started to examine her fingernails.

Garrett softly coughed. "Thank you Lucinda. Your tactful as ever."Garrett walked over to Salazar and for a moment  he stood there just watching Salazar. Salazar shifted his weight  uncomfortably. Garrett suddenly wrapped Salazar in a hug and both men laughed."Jackson, my old friend, just because you changed your style and fashion sense it doesnt mean you could fool us. I have missed you greatly, my spawn. Although,"Garrett said frowning,"I am suprised to see you here. Suprised to see the trouble you're causing."

Salazar took a step back from Garrett and motioned for everyone to leave them. When the three of them were alone he sighed."Garrett I did what you wanted me to do. I had fun, I took what I wanted, and I made sure to build a lasting legacy for you."

Callie opened her eyes, but wished she hadn't, as Tabitha took a leap, only there wasn't a building close enough. She would have screamed if her voice hadn't fled, and all at once, their fall slowed as Tabitha reached out a hand, bringing herself close to building and sliding down it. Callie didn't know how Tabitha could just do things without contemplating the risks. Yeah, Callie did it herself sometimes but not leaping off a building. 

As they landed, Callie hoped that Tabitha would put her down, although she was sure that her legs would just fold, they felt like jelly. Tabitha merely shifted Callie slightly, and walked over to three figures. "Hey guys, I found a lost little lamb" She said to Garrett and Lucinda, before looking to Salazar, "Jacky!" She said cheerfully, She set Callie down, who just wanted to disappear right then. 

Lucinda smiled as Tabitha appeared and although she probably should have been surprised about the girl on her shoulder she wasn't. She walked over to the young woman who appeared to be having trouble getting her legs to hold her up at that moment. "Tabitha, did you make breakfast at the house and leave the kitchen a mess?" Lucinda didn't expect an answer she already knew the answer. "Next time I'll make it worse for you and make you clean it up." She turned her attention back to Jackson. She remembered him as a nice guy. Which meant that she had pretty much no interest in him at all. "So what are we doing? I have to get back to the bar. I'm expanding the building so that I can add more dancing space."

Lucinda was pretty transparent if you knew her. Her priorities were family then her current boyfriend and then her projects and since she was without a boyfriend at the moment she was going to be nearly obsessed with the club and any other thing she decided that she wanted to do. She glanced at Garrett and Jackson again and she shook her head and grinned at them. "You two are just adorable and as much as I like staring at you both what is going on?"

Salazar crossed his arms. "As you know, last time we met you three left in a hurry. Why, you never told me. But low and behold, the last thing that happened before all three of you left was Garrett here turning me." Salazar grinned and put his hand on Garretts shoulder firmly then went back to crossing his arms. "He told me, "Make sure you live long and have fun. Take what you want and do what  you want. But if I ever see you again, make sure you have a left for me a legacy I will approve of," and thats exactly what im doing. I have been alive three hundred years, and I havent even come close because I have been too passive. So now, I am doing just the opposite. Humans are fragile and stubborn. I am simply removing the blockage from the road. But for now, Lucinda you can keep the club. But dont try to take any more territory."

Garrett sighed. He knew this would quickly grow out of control. He didnt need Lucinda killing everyone. He wanted to have some fun with his spawn before everyone died. "Jackson, I did not want my legacy to be revealing the supernatural to the world. I thought I taught you better than using force when you dont have the power. And you dont have the power."

Garrett looked over at Tabitha. "Tabitha if the....whoever she is wants to go home let her go. You know how I adore free will."

Salazar grew angry, and the anger in his voice made Garrett turn his head back to Salazar. "Dont have the power? I have the witches under my thumb, and the werewolves do whatever I say. No one has dared to openly contradict me in years. My power radiates off of me. What about you Garrett? You run and hide, not even bothering to tell me when you are leaving!"

"Fine......Salazar." Garrett looked at his companions. "Do not touch Salazar. He is my spawn I will not allow anyone but me to harm him." Suddenly Garrett was in Salazars face, his will and power fuming off him in spurts of annoyance that could be felt for miles. "Choose your words more carefully my friend. I may have spawned you but I can destroy you quite easily. What I do or say, and what I dont do or dont say is none of your concern."

Lucinda laughed at Jackson's order to her not to expand her territory and that she could keep her bar. "Oh Jackson, as much as I adore men who try to control me it just makes me more stubborn and willful. You should expect your "territory" to be drastically smaller by dark." She looked at Garrett and was irritated by his order. "You don't order me either Garrett. Only the man in my bed gets to do that....so you'd better hope my choices don't piss you off." Lucinda glared at them both and she looked at Callie and said "Who are you?"

Tabitha watched the scene play out with an odd clarity to her expression that normally wasn't there. She gave a sad sigh, "You were such a good boy, Jacky" She said sadly and disappointed, she turned towards Callie, now looking distraughtly at the witch. "I'm not keeping you against your will, am I"

Callie felt like she was struggling to figure things out, to even keep her feet. She swallowed nervously as Lucinda spoke to her, noting the differences between her and the strange yet oddly sweet Tabitha. "I-I'm Callie."  She said, then thought may as well get it all out  "And I'm a Witch, and as far I know, I'm not under anyones thumb, so I don't appreciate being claimed as such, even by Sa-are you calling him jackson? Salazar" 

She looked to Tabitha, who seemed utterly devestated at the thought she was being kept captive. She shook her head, to reassure Tabitha "No, no, not at all. I chose to follow you to that cab." This seemed to perk Tabitha up, who happily gave Callie a hug. Callie returned it, indugling her, before looking to Lucinda again. "I'm sorry about the mess in the kitchen, she was cooking me breakfast, after she found me. I don't have a home, and it was hard enough making sure she didn't burn the kitchen down to think about cleaning"

Tabitha was, as usual when dealing with humans, oddly aware of how fragile they were, quite gently with Callie, not hugging her too tight, before she let go, at the mention of the kitchen she bowed her head, recalling Lucinda's words, for the moment she seemed to have forgotten about Jackson's presence, and seemed almost like a little kid caught doing something bad. 

"I'm sorry, Lucy"

"It's okay Tabitha." She glanced at her cell phone and walked out of the courtyard and started to head back to the house. There was a large shipment of beds being delivered to replace the ones that Tabitha had swiped from the other rooms and she didn't like the mattress in her room so she was having it swapped out. She couldn't get over the nerve men had. In general  they seemed to think women were subservient to them and it was shocking to her that they still did this 1200 years later.
@kyrisse@Wick@dabombjk@rumikoohara

---

---

The Matusadona was 55’ in length and 12’ abeam painted a creamy yellow and trimmed in brick red with white metal railings fore, aft and surrounding the bridge deck and topped by a cramped little pilothouse that could seat two people as long as they didn’t mind cozy. Built in 1965 the Dona as her mistress affectionately called her was restored to her glory days in the early 1970’s and had two perfect Mercury 115 HP 1150EL outboard engines or at least that’s what Jimmy her guest who was the former owner and current ghost of the ship said.

Jac never cared about details in the mundane world preferring instead to allow respected experts to advise her and James Clark loved the Matusadona he had just never had the money to make her what she was today, Jac did though. She had made it a place of peace for the old man of the river to keep him content and his fetters strong to the craft because it intensified his protective nature of the Pontoon houseboat giving her the ultimate security system which explained why she didn’t even lock up when she left.

She walked out to a beat up old international scout that jimmy had pronounced as a good truck if she attended to a shopping list of minor repairs and paint...maybe some new seats. The pout on the old man’s face had been amusing and pitiful all in one and made her smile as she climbed into the rough old school SUV. Built by a tractor builder it was a solid affair that Jimmy insisted should be kept as simple as they made her because it made her more dependable; he was right of course because it was a golden rule of magic that complex spells meant more sure failures.

She cranked the beast and it roared to life it’s old but strong straight 6 throbbing more smoothly by the seconds it took her to warm up. Jac had bought it at a shop where it’s former had been storing it till he died leaving it to his grieving widow whom had come to her for spiritual closure. It had taken more than a few minutes to convince the casual Baptist woman that she was actually channeling her husband’s spirit.

As soon as the temp was where Jim said it should be should be Jac engaged the 3 speed transmission into gear after some fiddling and was off to town.

She had to drive a old potholed and lonely road that skirted the river for 6 miles to get to a main road and everything was going great till she heard a noise and then there was a hissing then steam. She knew it was a radiator hose that was on her list and likely busted at the duct tape patch that was supposed to hold it till she could get it in a shop she’d found and sensed the manager as a trustworthy man.

Stopping she dug in the back getting out a roll of Tape to try and patch it once more so she could drive to a parts store and charm a male or female clerk to put a new hose on for her but first she must wait for it to cool luckily it wasn’t that warm and she should be on her way soon. So cutting off the lights Jac rolled down her window and listened to the night as she leaned back and smoked a rum twist that was a type of cigar that her family rolled for casting and smoking; beside the skeeters hated the smell.

Claudia stood at the edge of town, a distasteful look on her face. Her black boots crunched the dried twigs that littered the edges of the road as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other, a clear indication that she was feeling impatient. Her blue eyes scanned the town. Even in the darkness of the night, her vision was excellent "I can smell the lot of them, Cai. Tell me again why we're here,"

Caius slowly emerged from the forest and stood next to his sister, his all black get up similar to hers. His blue eyes swept over the town, a thoughtful look settling in them. "I believe it is to broaden our horizon...as Darric eloquently put it."

Claudia snorted at her brother's words. "Broaden our horizon? Can't we just burst in there and get rid of those blood sucking parasites?"

Caius shook his head. "You know we don't meddle that way in their business. As long as we aren't provoked and as long as there's no just reason to step in, we'll just be watching them."

"Ugh. But that's so boring," Claudia complained.

Caius turned his head towards her and chuckled. "Sometimes it amazes me that you're the older one between the two us. You---" he lifted his nose up to the air. His stance became guarded and the air around him seemed to vibrate with heat.

Claudia immediately noticed the change in her brother. "What is it?" she asked but the words barely left her lips when she got a whiff of what had distracted Caius. Soon an old SUV rolled into view and stopped a few feet away from them.

Jac heard someone out there in the night ask ’What is it?” It sounded like a woman, an annoyed woman

The petite Raven Hair Witch looked out into the darkness concentrating on seeing an aura of life as large as a person but till she spotted the...them it had to be more than one unless besides being annoyed the woman was Loca and talked to herself.

Ova here mon pette, would you like me to use the marker lights to show tha way? she asked in her sweet creole tones.

Then she puffed on her twist making the coal expand in case it was required as a distraction while Jac fetched her razor.

Claudia glanced towards Caius and their eyes met. An unspoken understanding passed between brother and sister. They had the same thing in mind. Witch. While werewolves didn't dislike witches the way they did vampires, it was always prudent to be wary. "Are you on your way to town? It looks like your car has given up," Caius called out in a neutral voice.

Oh nary mind Sir for she’s jus an Old Lady an feelin her age but we are gettin her all she needs in the morning though I think tonight she needs ah new hose nezpas.

She about cool enough ta wrap her with more tape make tha parts store down tha corner then a quick hose some antifreeze and we be in motion once more. I could use the company aint been none ta parlay but the old man of tha river an luv him he’s older than Cain’s smile. she says then flicks on the dim dome bulb illuminating herself as she puffs on her twist.

Yall wan ta take tha risk I do tha run

Call me Jac, it’s short of Jacqueline or say your farewells an maybe we’ll meet at the Crossroads long after Scratch has given up on us says Jac with a sly but playful smile.

Claudia looked at the SUV, the distaste apparent on her face once more. She never liked cars and she wasn't sure she liked the woman that was in this one. She was never really one to stay too long to find out. "Let's just go on our way, Cai," she said and looked expectantly at her brother.

Caius weighed his options. The woman was stranger than most he had come across. But she didn't seem like someone who would pose a threat to them. At least not now. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Jac. I am Caius, and this is Claudia," he looked a little distasteful at the car himself. Like Claudia, he wasn't particularly fond of vehicles. To him, it was inferior compared to running freely. "I believe we are not made to ride in vehicles," he started. "You are, however, free to join us if you would walk into town instead."

For a moment Jac thought of the offer and how odd it would be to your average person but she was anything but ordinary and she had set her feet on the path of tha seeker. She mulled it a second or two more before answering.

Well now I was gonna give her tha try an might but after your parlay I’ll be a walkin for I believe yall counseling an omen case she is also needin tha have her brakes seen.

Mighty powerful names I find myself in company with cuz; Caius an Claudia names that ring oh history and tha Romans.

She hops out and pops the hood and removes the coil wire then slams it shut tossing the wire in the river because she knows that a tuneup includes new wires.

Well now it seems drivin tha shov-O-lay is ma task here under tha night sky she says cheerfully.

The older of the twins narrowed her eyes slightly at their unexpected companion. "You're a witch, right?" she asked straightforwardly despite already knowing that she is.

I like Rootworker but sur a Bonifide Witch I am Moonchild Answers Jac her smile playful and broad her crystal blues eyes looking deeply into Claudia's.

She knows no fear of her situation seeing the truth of the socical positioning going on and knowing she stands outside of the circle of Moon childern as an outsider seeking acceptance without inclusion.

Claudia stared back into the witch's eyes, one of her eyebrowas raised a bit. After a while, it seemed like she lost interest. "Uh, right," she said and then turned and began walking towards the town, leaving Caius to walk with Jac.

Caius' demeanor was still wary and his tone of voice remained neutral. "What brings you to this town, Jac? Aside from the obvious reasons," he nodded towards the wires she had in her hands.

Jac watches Claudia walk ahead then falls in beside Caius

Well now Caius we alls hav family an some they is better at a distance which would be most O ma family and it is time I left their protection and tha bone chillin shadow they cast.

"Ah Oak Caint grow in tha Shadow O her Mater" so here I be seeking my own ground for Rootin in she tells him as she traces the flow of his aura with her eyes.

I done met yur kin in an ole man shy Adam's cat he is but you are a young an viril Sol ta his winter's night.

Caius nodded his head as he listened to her speak, his eyes on his sister's back as she walked a few feet ahead of them. He offered Jac a small, polite smile. "I'm afraid I can't say I've met a lot of your kind." He gestured towards the town. "Not to be belittling your abilities but you are aware of what creatures are in this town, right?" he asked in the same straightforward way as his sister did earlier.

---

---

Edit sorry confusion takes hold

Alex rolled into town and drove up to the address of the mansion. His cell phone rang and he smiled picking it up. "Lucinda, there are delivery trucks in front of the house. Yes, of course." He hung up the phone and got out of his black Dodge Charger. "Hold on I'll let you in." He walked around to the kitchen door and found it open as she said. He let them in and went to Lucinda's room and made sure they changed the bed out and he made the new bed up properly. After they left a ridiculously slow 2 hours later he ran about and dressed all of the beds and the rooms as per her instructions on his earlier voice mail.

He chose a room down the hall from Lucinda's. When he was done he lit a cigarette and climbed into his car and headed to the bar. Once there he walked in and saw her. He had been annoyed with her for making him do housework. As soon as he laid eyes on her his irritation melted away and he was all business. "Alex there is a delivery out back. Could you help?" Alex nodded and disappeared through the back door.

Once he was outside he looked up to the cloudy sky and took off his jacket. He made quick work of the delivery. Another truck pulled up behind that one and it was a liquor delivery. He let the delivery man pick the delivery and he took it in and put it away for Lucinda. Once he was done with that he went back inside and looked at the drawings of the redesign Lucinda wanted. He smiled. "This looks great. So this is the bar you want me to run." Lucinda smiled looking at her plans. "Yes, I think it will be very good for the community too. Two floors, upstairs supernaturals only and downstairs for humans and of course the bar will be in both. Her smile was brilliant when she was happy and Alex couldn't help but grin at her enthusiasm.

@Rumikoohara@dabombjk@caits@kyrisse@venku

Collab with @Wick

Andrew pulled up to the address Lucinda had sent him. Getting off his bike he took off his helmet and headed inside. Seeing Lucinda and Alex he smiled,

So this is the bar we're gonna use, nice. Its great to see you both its been what 20 years since we've seen eachother?

He leaned on the counter as he spoke.

Lucinda turned and saw Andrew. She immediately smiled and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Yeah, about 20 years too long. I figured you and Alex could run this place. There will be two seperate clubs but one would have to go through the human club to go upstairs to the vampire bar and nightclub.There will need to be one of you up there and one down here and you can rotate. I haven't thought of the name yet. I figure that you will also be staying at the mansion.

Welcome brother, glad to see you again. I see you are looking good though. What have you been doing all this time?

Alex stepped forward and gave him a bro hug.

Well recently I've been researching the possibilities of dragons and similar creatures exist or if they are as made up as some people think we are, but other than that the same as always training and racing. How about you lil bro?

He says with a smirk.

Alex grinned at the racing comment.

Oh, you know. I'm just protecting our lovely lady here. Even if she did ask me to do housework today.

Lucinda looked over at Alex and smirked.

Hey it needed to be done and I've been up and running since yesterday morning. I should actually be getting some rest soon. Alex can you handle this place for a while? Andrew can give me a ride home.

Lucinda looked at Alex and kissed him lightly.

Its a good thing that I always carry an extra helmet not that any of us would really need one. See you at the house Alex.

He says as he begins to walk out the building. He hands Lucinda his extra helmet as he gets on the bike.

Which way?

he asks.

Lucinda pointed him in the right direction as she got onto the back of the bike. She missed this ...missed Andrew. She held onto him tightly and when they pulled up in front of the house she got off of the bike and took him inside.

All of the beds are new so at least there is that.

Lucinda opened all of the doors to the bedrooms. Her eyes lit up as she realized what she'd asked Alex to do. She texted Alex and thanked him for making the house look so homey and elegant.

I believe this is Alex's room. Mine is the master bedroom at the end of the hallway. Find a room you like and move in. Tabitha's is down that other hallway and as far as I know Garrett hasn't chosen one yet.

She watched him with interest.

Looking at the different rooms he decided on one on the opposite side of the hall from Alex's and slightly closer to Lucinda's as well as next to what appeared to be an office area. He threw his bag onto the bed in that room.

There all moved in, you should really get some rest if you've been up that long.

He said as he stepped back out of the room.

Wait!

Lucinda walked over to him and put her arms around his neck and she leaned into him and kissed him deeply.

I've missed you.

Not surprised about the seemingly sudden turn of events, he returned the kiss.

I missed you as well. Twenty years may be relatively short but it is still too long.

He quickly pulled her into her room and kissed her passionately.

Lucinda kicked her door shut and within just a few moments they were wrapped up in each others arms exploring their blissful union. Quite some time later Andrew had worn her out and she was sleeping, barely covered by sheets when he left the room.

@RumikoOhara@Kyrisse@Caits@dabombjk

Mako walked down the sidewalk, wearing his usual attire of a suit and tie and trenchcoat, towards the club called Mystiq. Reports were made last night about a strange group of vampires and humans, and the ruckus that ensued. More than likely, Mako would not have been sent to investigate if it had not been for the fact that the club had been sold to one of the strange vampires. Mako and his family knew that Salazar owned the club, and when Salazar finds out that someone took his property somehow. The reports say that the club owner sold the place legitimatley. 

Mako took a moment to survey the outside of the club. People were going in and out, mostly construction crews since the club was mainly active at night. Mako found it strange that all of this could be happening. There was nothing to suggest that these kinds of changes construction wise were pre-planned, even though normally construction jobs take a slight amount of time to pre plan. Mako entered the club. In the inside there was not much more that needed to be repaired from what appeared to be a slight altercation, and there was still parts of the club that were being redesigned. Nothing could be found from this scene. Mako left the club, and almost left the area when out of the corner of his eye he saw an alley. On a hunch he walked over, only to find a broken body with blood splattered on the walls of the alley. Mako raised an eyebrow and looked over the scene. 

From the wounds on the body it seemed as if something more than normal mortal strength did this kind of damage, as well as the blood splatter patterns. They suggested that the victim was more or less thrown around. Mako kneeled next to the body, stretched his hand over the body, and muttered a few incoherent words. A small light appeared in his palm, and another on the dead body. Then both lights dissapeared. Mako cast a spell that would make the light in his hand reapear when the person who last touched the victim came into vicinity with Mako. Satisfied, Mako left the alley and walked away

Madison walked down the street with purpose, confident and unafraid of anything. She glanced about as she walked, but let her sense's tell her if something was wrong or not. Throughout the night, Madison had done what she did best. Find out things. She'd woken, sensing something was amiss, and had began to figure out just what. It was almost as if...the town had been sleeping, and had been awakened by something. What, she didn't know. Yet the rumors, always exagerated, told of three young vampires scared out of their minds by their potentiol brush with death, and of an altercation at Salazar's club. Both interesting enough rumors by themselves, but together...it just made for a juicy story. And if there was one thing Madison liked, it was a juicy story. Not merely for her own curiosity, but to spin stories in a way that wouldn't destroy the secrecy of a supernatural world-goodness knew this town was full of what humans turned things that went bump in the night. 

She stopped outside the club, studying it, there did seem to be an awful amount of activity within, for the early hour. Her nose however picked up the scent of blood, and she was lured towards an alleyway. There did appeared to have been a scuffle there, and there was the lingering scent of fear. Always a strong scent, fear tended to linger, and she wished she could have seen what had happened. Looking back towards the club, Madison nearly made her way back to the club, when a stronger scent of blood caught her attention. Had there been a killing last night after all? Following it, she saw a man walking out another alley, and she shouted "Hey, what are you doing?"

Not even stopping to think it through, Madison merely acted, rather then consider this person might be dangerous. 

Mako heard the female voice shout, and he assumed it was directed at him, but he continued on his forward path. He had no time for distractions. He needed to report his findings to his eldest brother, then he needed to continue his search for the killer. Mako put his hands in his pockets and walked forward.

Madison heaved out a sigh, preparing herself for a chase, and began to follow the guy. She again didn't give a thought to the danger, knowing that she could probably get herself out of a lot of trouble in anycase.  "I said, what are you doing?" She called out again, quickening her pace. 

Mako ignored the voice again. They went on like this for a minute, Mako growing more concerned that this women was intent on following him. But....why? He had done nothing, he did not look anything out of the normal. Mako decided that she must be a threat. Mako turned the corner and entered a nearby gas station, briefy hiding for a second from the women until she cam around the corner. When she saw him again he would be gazing the drink section, his back to the door.

Madison grew frustrated, she was sure this guy had come out from the alley that had had the scent of blood, and she wasn't about to let such a juicy tidbit get away. Letting her senses roam, she followed his as he turned into a gas station, and stood for a moment. Rather then cause a scene by tackling the man, Madison entered and walked up calmly, as if she was approaching a friend, tapping him on the shoulder. 

 "It's rude to ignore someone"

 

 The mirage of Mako quickly dissapeared as the female spoke to the mirage and touched it. Mako walked up behind the women, spun her around by her shoulder and pressed his thumb against the womens forehead.

 

 "You have five seconds to tell me why your following me or I shatter your mind. Who are you? What are you?"

As the mirage disappeared, Madison cursed, starting to turn as the man spun her about. She batted his handaway from her forehead, and barely resisted snarling.  "You came out an ally stinking of blood, thats why i was following you. You only made yourself more suspicious by not stopping" She said, ignoring the other questions, she stepped back slightly from the man, sniffing the air.  "Shatter my mind, is that meant to be scary?" She shook her head, curling her hands slightly, angered at her own lack of awareness that she hadn't seen the mirage for what it was. 

Mako shook his head. "I had no reason to stop my investigation and speak to you. And I do not stink of blood. I wash my clothes in a lavender bleach."

Mako let go of the women."But if you say you could smell blood it means you are part of the supernatural community. But I do not recognize you. So you are innocent. Commit a crime, and we will know."

Mako turned around and walked towards the cashier, who was asleep with his head on the counter. Mako snapped his fingers as he walked near him, and when Mako walked out of the gas station the cashier woke up.

Madison refused to be brushed aside as if she were something insignficant, and she stalked after the man, knowing full well now she could be getting herself into something dangerous, but not particularly caring right then. She poured on a little speed, getting in front of him, and turning to face him, she slid into a fighting stance  "You came out an ally way that stank of blood, I didn't say you did. There was, judging on how fresh it was, a body. So you will answer to me, now"

She bared her teeth, much like she would when she shifted to her werewolf form. 

Mako raised an eyebrow and pondered his thoughts. Then he nodded.

"You are right, you didnt say that. Thank you for correcting me. But like I said your curiousity is slowing my investigation. I was sent to discover what I could about the murder."

Mako raised his hand, palm out at Madison, and after a few seconds he lowered.

"But it seems you are not the culprit. Now is that all?"

 "No that is not all" Madison said, shiftling slightly, she kept her gaze on the man.  "I wouldn't bother continuing it, if I were you, in anycase. Three vampires were beaten up hours before that, by another Vampire. Now, three to one isn't bad really, but still, not many vampires would be able to do that" She gave a shrug, curious to see if he'd come to the same conclusion she was  [color=f6989d]"And then there was that altercation at the club. And suddenly, the clubs under new owner ship"[/color[ That could be the only possible conclusion from such drastic renovations.  "All points to one thing, really" She gave a slight smile, but didn't say anything else. 

Mako stood there, as expressionless as he had been, not giving anything away."I was ordered to look into the murder of the man in the alliey, I have not been tasked with finding anything out about the club across the sreet."

Mako looked at his hand that was connected to the spell and stretched his fingers.

"Is that all?"

 "Yeah, don't use your spells on me, Warlock" She said, shaking her head, and turning away, it was clear she wasn't going to get much from this guy.  "But they're all connected, so You should follow all branches, even if they seem wild" She started to walk away, shaking her head, and giving a sigh. So much for that, she had just wasted a few moments without getting anything from it. 

Mako gave the back of her head a questioning look, when he suddenly had an idea. It was a little strange, but it suited his needs. Mako lunged forward, grabbing the women by the back of her shirt and yanking her back. Mako raised his head and started chanting. After three seconds of chanting his thumb gave off a purple aura, and he pressed his thumb against her forehead. A see through choker appeared around her neck, then it dissapeared. Mako let go and took a step back, letting the women recover. He had no fear that the women would attack. His spell prevented that.

Madison didn't have a chance to react, before the Warlock did something to her, she struggled, but it was already too late, snarling, she turned to face him again, extending her claws, she flexed her hands.  "What did you do to me?" She yelled, fury in her voice, wanting to rip out his throat, and be damned with it. 

"I put a simple collaring spell on you. If you wanted to investigate, now you have your chance to. Your nose is better than mine, and as you so elequently put, and more attuned to investigate all the branches. I hold your chain,"Mako said with a see through chain in his hand. He shook it once, letting Madison feel that he had control, and then the chain dissapeared.,"and now you will follow me. We have work to do. Do not worry, the only thing my spell does is forces you to follow me. I do not influence your personal decisions."

Madison stared with fury at the Warlock, yet managed to, for the moment, bring herself back under control. She growled out  "I AM NOT A DOG" Collars, of any sort, offended her, and she snarled.  "This takes away my free will, you ass. And I will kill you for it" She promised, turning away so the Warlock-curse him-wouldn't see her distress.  

collab with @DAbombjk

Garrett had decided to follow Lucinda after parting ways with Jackson and being the over caring older brother to Tabitha. Lucinda had run off, but he knew that even if she stayed away for a bit she would come home eventually. He knew he was going to have his hands full with her this time. Lucinda hated to be told what to do, and he hated telling her what to do. But she didnt undertstand, No matter what, Jackson was his creation and he had to deal with him. Anyone else doing something to him would be a spot on HIS pride. If anyone was going to put Jackson in his place, Garrett was going to do it.

Garrett eventually found his way home some few hours later, deciding to grab a late night snack. He was licking his fingers from his "snack" when he entered his home.

"Lucinda!" Lucinda! Are you here?"

Lucinda came out of the bathroom in a bathrobe while combing through her hair. She sat on her bed. "I'm in my room!" She kept carefully trying to detangle her hair. When the door opened she ignored it and said "I'm still upset with you."

Garrett walked into Lucinda's room and shut the door. He stood up, but leaning against the door.

"Your mad? for what? Me not telling you I turned Jackson? Me telling you to back off when he threatened you? Or me not immediatley giving chase to you when you ran off?"

Lucinda glared at him and stood up but that didn't help her to look him in the eye as she was 8 or 9 inches shorter than he was. "Why did you tell me to backoff when he threatened ME? Don't you think I should defend myself or should I just let him kill me because you don't want me to fight back? And what gives you the right to boss me around?" Lucinda's eyes were flashing with intense passion from her anger.

"I knew you were his maker, I'm not stupid. I can smell your blood in his veins. And no Garrett you've never chased me before in 1200 years why would you start now? At this point I don't even think you are all that much. It's just comfortable for you, we are your family, your coven and that is all you will ever see me as." Lucinda sat down on the cedar chest at the end of the bed and continued her hair combing.

"Jackson is my responsibility and you have no right to try to force yourself into what I have planned for him. I told you to back off because I could almost taste your bloodlust and I wasnt even standing next to you."

Garrett scoffed.

"Please, we both know he couldnt have injured you permanetley. I know just how strong you are. He cant kill you. Lord knows how many people have tried and all have failed. Jackson is nothing more than a pup."

"I told you what to do, because I told you what to do. If you have an issue with it, shove it."

Garrett shrugged and scratched his head.

"Lucinda.......please dont."

Garrett walked over to Lucinda and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

"Maybe when we were mortals....things were different.....but we have been through so much and we have been here for so long......."

Lucinda was hurt and pissed that he couldn't see. She kissed his arm and laid her head on it. She kinda chuckled sarcastically." We already have the longest almost marriage in history. 1200 years of marriage. It sounds like marriage. We fight, we makeup, we sleep in separate beds and love? Well that is more one sided too so I would gather that you can go ahead and ignore me like you always do."

"By the way, both Alex and Andrew are here too. Do try not to pick a fight." She had reverted to sarcasm in her defense so he wouldn't see how much it hurt her.

Garrett tensed when he heard Alex and Andrew were here. He never did like either of them very much.

"Why? We just got here why would-"

Garret narrowed his eyes, then took a step back.

"Seriously? We just got here and you already made a booty call? We have serious work to do! I enjoy playing more than any of us three originals but when we have work to do, we need to do our work. Not get distracted!"

Lucinda smirked a little. "Booty call huh? That is funny. Andrew found me on his own and I had Alex come down to help me with running the bar. He is still there now. I'm not sure where Andrew is right now I didn't chip him you know.

"Whatever. All the people you could bed, and you chose andrew."

Garrett sighed.

"I dont want to fight you right now. Believe it or not, seeing my favorite spawn turn out to be my enemy isnt exactly what I would call fun."

Lucinda stood up and said, There is a big difference between love and sex. You of all people should know that..What makes you think it was Andrew and not Alex?"

She asked quite amused. Since they were still talking she walked into the closet and dropped her robe on the ground and started pulling an outfit on. When she came out she was wearing silky pants and a long flowy silk top.

Garrett turned his head as Lucinda changed and refused to look at her when she was dressed.

"Please. I can smell Andrew. He left......quite the "scent" behind. On the bed. On the wall. On the ground......on you."

Garrett shrugged. "Its none of my business who you diddle....well actually no I take that back."

Garrett looked at Lucinda and stood up straight.

"Lucinda your practically my sister. We have been here for so long, I dont know if I can see you any other way. Especially when I know who you have been with. I am sorry if this upsets you, but I do love you."

[color=red]"I am not your sister and you don't love me. I would know this since I've been in love with you for over 1200 years! Who I have bedded? That's funny! How many times have I walked in on you and one of your floosies? Hookers and whatever else you could find to plant yourself into! Maybe we originals should split up." She said angrily even though inside she felt like he was twisting her insides.

Garrett finally had enough."Really? 1200 years and you want to split us up? Because your feeings were hurt? Fuck you, you fucking child Lucinda! How could you think of doing that to Tabitha?"

Garrett was more upset than he had been in awhile. He was clenching his fists and it took all his strength not to punch the wall and bring the house down.

"Not the three of us. This is my house and Tabitha can stay here with me." Lucinda turned her back on him. "I love you Garrett but I can't keep going on pretending like I don't. You can stay here but we should probably stay away from each other for a while."

Lucinda put her boots on and she opened her bedroom door and walked out of her room while putting her earrings on.

Garrett closed his eyes and rubbed them. This headache wasnt going away anytime soon, and he had no idea how to fix this. It wasnt as if he didnt understand what she was going through, but he couldnt help it. There was once a time when they were mortal, he did feel the same way. But times have changed him and he loved another. He didnt understand why she loved him as she did. He never once thought of himself as someone who deserved her love. She may be sometimes impatient, and tough headed, but he did love her. He did not want to pretend to love her when he didnt feel love for her in that way. She was too important to him.

Garrett left her room and went to his room. He walked inside, and stepped in front of his body length mirror. He grew angry for a moment and punched the mirror, shattering it in several pieces. Garrett looked at his hand, undamaged.

Lucinda felt her heart grow colder. She was surprised that after all these years she was still just like most girls. She still wanted the basic things. She wanted love and she was just not going to find that. She needed to resolve herself to that. She slammed the door on her way out and headed towards the bar.

@venku

---

---

Caius nodded his head as he listened to her speak, his eyes on his sister's back as she walked a few feet ahead of them. He offered Jac a small, polite smile. "I'm afraid I can't say I've met a lot of your kind." He gestured towards the town. "Not to be belittling your abilities but you are aware of what creatures are in this town, right?" he asked in the same straightforward way as his sister did earlier.

Jac Laughed softly at his question because it was one she'd never thought she'd hear.

Mon Chevalier Blanc; I do in fact know that the city in question is home to the Boissons sanguines as the Loa have said to me as they lead me here she says calling him her white knight an telling him she knew of the Blood Drinkers.

White Knight? Caius thought amusedly. This was the first time he was ever called that and by a witch, no less. "Then, are you here because of them?" he asked as they stepped into the town.

Jac laughed softly before answering her deep blue eyes displaying an unwavering spirit and a gentle soul

It would be better to say I am here in spite of them ; I have followed the guides of my destiny and here is where it leads.

Then as they walked past the first street light leading into the town she allowed her senses to whisper to her of those things surrounding her.

Caius nodded. He looked towards town and fell to silence. Vampires ran rampant in this town. He heightened senses allowed him to smell then and to hear them. He shook his head. Being in this place spelled trouble, particularly for his twin sister. And as if on cue, she walked back towards them, a look of disdain on her face. "This town is full of them. I---" heat emanated from her.

He could feel his sister's mounting anger. And that indignation that always came from being in close proximity to vampires. "No, we are not here to attack. We are here to merely observe. Intervene a little if need be, but I doubt that's what Darric intend for us to do in this place," he cut her off.

"Then what?" Claudia demanded.

Caius fell again into silence. There was something else in the town. Something different. Something ancient. "We will probably cross paths with them soon enough."

Listening to the the twins Jac began to calculate the possibility of Claudia causing a scene and marking herself as a member of their pack and making her enemies where she may have been able to negotiate. It took her only a few moments to come to the conclusion that she’d already felt an attraction towards the two siblings and to ignore that would be at best a foolish thing for her guides had lead them to her.

I prefer observation before action myself, like when you dip a tippy toe in water to see how hot or cold it is before committing yourself.

Caius glanced at Jac and gave her a nod of approval. He looked towards Claudia and an unspoken understanding passed between the siblings. Claudia nodded. "Alright," she said after a few seconds and fell into pace with her brother and Jac. "I suppose it is in our best interest to look for a place to stay, huh?" she asked, her voice a lot less angry and a little more mellow.

Jac was about to say how nice it might be to wake up without finding the ghost of an old man hovering above you when she felt something, something sinister. Looking about herself she saw signs all around her , this was the hold of an unknown magical clann (coven). Her next move was calculated on several levels as she cast a fast blessing charm on herself even though she knew that now she was like a candle in a night black cave.

Then she reached in her shirt and pulled out her passage charm which could be seen by the magically sighted at a distance and Identified her as a member of the Levau clann of New Orleans. If the magic born knew anything of magical history they would know she comes from a dangerous and vengeful family; one of the oldest in the country. All this she did wasn’t an attempt to flash her station or backing but an indication she was here to speak and not cause drama.

Dere be workings most strange cuzz and easier ta face under the sun

I’d say it be best that you know this is ground under contest an whether it be for good or bad is yet decided. And here is not only the Boissons sanguines but also Lobo an Arcane and something new has disturbed the flow O Ley.

Draw close your kin cuzz for it is in blood that there be power and take care those you call friens because it be expected not all here is as you believe said Jac pulling a fresh twist from her bag.

She strikes an old brass zippo open with practiced skill and flair waving the large flame back and forth under the tip of her self rolled cigar till it lights and begins to smolder and fill the air with the sweet scent of rum.

Claudia wrinkled her nose and moved away from Jac. Caius didn't seem to mind. "Yes, we should be careful in this town," he looked to the right, at a small decent looking apartelle. "That place looks decent enough," he looked at Jac, a clear question in his blue eyes. "Will you be keeping us company tonight or would you prefer to go off on your own?" he asked as his twin sauntered over to the building and disappeared inside.

Careful Caius that your desire for the comfort of ah pack not lead you too quickly accept even the unknown familiar.

An don ya worry Mon Chevalier Blanc I part knowing you friend and hope in next meeting we continue the same.

“Adieu mes amis Caius et Claudia pouvez-vous connaître la paix” she says sweetly in her odd accent
(Farewell my friends Caius and Claudia may you know peace)

She then blows him a kiss before heading up the street towards a less than modern Diner.

Moments later Jac walks into the seedy grease bucket of a place and orders pie that she’s sure is from a cheap pie factory and a bottomless cup of what she believes is coffee after sitting on a stool at the end of the counter at the back near the wait station.

---

---

As the afternoon came, Tabitha brought Callie a mountain of food, muttering about how skinny she was and that she needed to be fed, if she was going to be a good witch. Callie figured it would be easier to go with the flow, and she ate probably more then she should have, soon feeling lathergic, to which Tabitha stated she would take her home again. Callie wasn't going to complain about that, either A roof over her head, even for a night?

Falling asleep in the cab, she didn't see the drivers surprise as tabitha, forgetting for a moment to be "normal" lifted Callie and took her inside the house, walking up to her room, and dropping the sleeping girl on the massive bed. She smiled and happily covered Callie with a blanket, but frowned after a moment, looking out her bedroom door. There was an odd feeling in the house, and Tabitha toddled about nervously, wondering what had happened. 

Not wanting to ask, for fear it was something bad, Tabitha decided to stay out the way a little bit, going back outside, she studied the house's grounds, as if intent on designing something wacky and brillant for the outside. 

Garrett walked over and looked out the window, contemplating everything that happened. He just didnt know what to do. He noticed an odd shape zipping aroundm and he raised his eyebrow in confusion. Garrett opened the window, and peered outside. He caught flashes of Tabitha's scent. Garrett smiled to himself......Tabitha........

Garrett hopped out the window but sat on the windowcil. He called out to Tabitha.

"Tabitha! What are you doing?"

tabitha stopped where she was, and looking up, flashing a happy smile, "The garden needs to be prettier, and I was thinking with a witch...she might like a herb garden" She shrugged, seeming to have already decided to practically adopt Callie. Tabitha had a soft spot for witchs, finding them quite creative beings, and liked to nudge them a bit into more power. She glanced about her, and then back to Garrett, "What happened?" She asked softly, "It felt tense inside..."

Garrett felt a pang of sadness, but wanted to keep his smile up for her. Garrett motioned for her to come up, and he flipped backwards inside his room.

A little troubled, but knowing not to push, Tabitha leaped up, catching herself and rolling up,  she glanced down towards the ground, and nodded to herself, as if pleased about something, before following Garrett into his room, curious. She turned to him, oddly focused, as if she could puzzle out what had happened, and as such she didn't say anything, waiting. 

Garrett laid down on his bed and covered his eyes with his hands, trying to rub away the stress."So basically its like this. Lucinda is in love with me. Has been for 1200 years apparently. And when she confessed to me, I turned her down. She is kinda pissed. Now she is pulling the "Oh the house is in my name but you can live here just stay away from me" card."

Tabitha listened, a little distressed at what he said. The thought of such disharmony in the group disturbed her, and she shifted worriedly, approaching the bed, she stood at the foot of it, unsure what to do, or indeed what to say. She glanced down at her hands. "Lucy likes control, she doesn't like to be controlled, but she likes to be controlling. Maybe she thinks if she is, if she sets the...scene, you won't turn her down next time" She said, wanting to help, and feeling like she wasn't doing anything of the sort. Despite her 1200 odd years, Tabitha didn't have much experience with love, and she knew she couldn't be objective when it came to Lucinda or Garrett. She didn't know anyone better then she knew those two. 

Garrett sat up and smiled. He appreciated Tabitha trying to help. 

"Yea maybe. Im not sure hun. It is kinda a strange situation. I wish we could just have all the answers....but it doesnt work that way."

Garrett grabbed one of his pillows and threw it at Tabitha.

"Sorry to drag you down. Your so....tiny I dont think you have any room for any other emotions. So you should always be happy."

Tabitha's thoughts had run towards what would happen, if her family did break apart. She'd forever feel torn, and she didn't want that to happen, but even still, she caught the pillow, hugging it too her. She blinked and looked down at herself. Tiny? Was she really that small? She never really thought about that. She didn't feel Tiny. Sometimes there were times when she felt like she was the largest being in the universe. She knew she was short-having to always look up at people told her that, but she never felt...tiny. Tiny was for babies and flowers. And puppies. And kittens,. And she was getting off track. With tremendous will, she brought herself back to the present situation. 

"Why is it strange? Is there something else?" She asked worried, wondering if the...was it a fight? fight was larger then she thought. 

Garrett stood up off the bed and walked over to Tabitha. He patted her head ruffled her hair.

"Yea its kinda like a fight. But dont worry I wont let anything break apart our family. I promise you Tabitha."

Garrett lowered himself and looked Tabitha in the eyes.

"I promise I wont let anything tear our family apart."

"but...how?" Tabitha asked, knowing how stubborn Lucinda could be. She hugged Garrett's pillow closer to herself, letting herself draw security from the action, looking back at Garrett, "I believe you" There was no question to it. She couldn't not trust them, and she would always believe in them. 

Garrett smiled. He was happy Tabitha was there. He always felt like Tabitha was someone he needed to protect, just as much or even more than Lucinda. He knew she could handle herself but Tabitha always had a special connection with Garrett. He didnt really understand it but everytime he saw her he felt a special sort of feeling, a special bond. Garrett grabbed Tabitha and wrapped her in a hug.

"Thank you."

Tabitha happily let herself be engulfed in the hug, returning it, she decided it was much better then hugging a pillow. She didn't know what she had done, but she wasn't going to argue. "I'm always happy to help. I'm always here....I know I'm...weird-thats the word these days, right?...but...gotta have fun, right" She said softly, deciding she was quite happy right where she was. 

"Tabby listen to me. You are not weird, your just energetic.you are just fine the way you are. And if anyone ever gives you a hard time.....well you can always rip their throats out, but if you tell me I will make sure they never bother you again."

Garrett let go of Tabitha, and kissed her cheek.

Tabitha smiled at the sweet words, deciding that Garrett was just being that. Sweet. She knew full well she was odd, but she didn't really mind being called energetic. "If I tore the throats out of everyone that bothered me, the world might be a less crowded place" She said with amusement, a little puzzled when he kissed her cheek. 

She seemed to think on that hard, trying to remember if Garrett had ever done anything like that before, but sometimes the years just blurred together. She tilted her head, perplexed, and asked suddenly, as if just remembering the question and wanted to get it out "But...why did you turn Lucy down?"

Garrett raised his eyebrow, but still answered Tabitha's question. "Because she isnt just any girl. She is my family. I wouldnt have turned her down if I felt that way for her, but we have been together for 1200 years. I owe her than falso feelings and lies."

Garrett looked down. He started to feel slightly heated. Which was weird considering he was the undead.

"Besides.....I feel that way about someone else."

Tabitha couldd understand Garretts reasoning, and hoped that Lucinda wouldn't be mad forever. That was a long time for them. She pondered Garretts words, unaware that he was even seeing someone, but surely Lucinda would have understood that..."Really? who?" She asked, cheerfully. 

Garrett looked at Tabitha.......and he reaized if this was any other situation, any other girl, he would have acted differently and said different things. He needed to be.....well like his regular self.

"Now dont scream. Or panic ok?"

Garrett leaned in and kissed Tabitha softly.

Garretts words caused Tabitha to be curious. Was it a werewolf? A witch? A hu-Oh. Her thoughts, always running so wild, stopped as Garrett kissed her. 

Garrett leaned away and smiled. Hopefully Tabitha didnt go crazy.

"Sorry to suprise you so suddenly and so badly. To be honest it suprised me too. But this whole....situation with Lucinda made me realize something. Tabitha......ive been trying to look out for you for over 1200 years, even before we were turned into the first vampires. I dont know when it started but....I started to feel something more for you. I love how silly you can be, how full of energy, how nice you are. How random and enjoyable you are. Im the opposite. I drink to excess, I eat and party to excess, I take what I want when I want. But you never just.......pig out on selfishness. You always have some project your working on, or something creative to work on .You are a refreshing breath of life."

Tabitha wasn't too sure her mind would ever restart, but slowly it did, like a fire being lit. She stared at Garrett, completely taken by surprise. As Garrett spoke, her thoughts went to where she never really allowed them to. Garrett...

She shifted slightly, finding herself nervous, as her mind rapidily tried to figure everything out. He liked her, like like liked her? "Why do you focus on your flaws, when your so sweet? They make you who you are, and that shouldn't be a bad thing. Because then you wouldn't be you" She said softly, finding it strange to be considered a fresh breath of life. 

Garrett smiled but found no comfort in her words. Not from her lack of trying , but he knew what he was and he accepted it. 1200 years of behavior doesnt suddenly change.

"Being me is great and all I will admit it. But our flaws define us in more ways than anything else can. But with all thats going on with us, I felt like it was time you knew the truth. But please dont think your the reason for any of this ok?"

i f

Tabitha hadn't thought that. Now she did. She frowned slightly, processing that, but it didn't seem important right then. She stood there a moment, thinking. Her thoughts wandered, but not in the usual way. "You talk too much for someone that just practically professed their love" She said, almost slyly, looking away for the first time, as she hesitated a moment. This was relatively new ground, despite her years. Tabitha breathed in slowly, knowing she didn't need the air, but also knowing that the motion was oddly soothing, before looking back to Garrett, smiling her dreamy smile. "I...I always just thought...You saw me as like a little kid, always getting into trouble..." That, and that in the end, it would be Garrett and Lucinda. She never considered any other option, never really allowed hersef to. 

Garrett blinked a few times, then laughed. He really tried to not laugh, but he couldnt help it. When he could control himself he sat back up and calmed himself.

"I-I-Im sorry Tabby. Its just...yea your always getting into trouble, and I am always bailing you out. But I never saw you as a kid. Not a little kid. Maybe a small adult with the heart of a kid."

Tabitha seemed a little put out by Garretts reaction, wondering what she had said that was that funny, watching him. There was that tiny thing again, although small was better then tiny. She tried to think if she should be offended by that or not, but decided that wasn't worth the effort. She did however enjoy Garretts laughter. And she didn't mean to get into trouble, it just happened...and she could never really explain just how she'd managed to get into a mess. But she was losing focus again, and she brought herself back round. "Well...am I really that small?" she looked down at herself again, frowning, before shaking her head, "I'm...baffled. I..." She didn't seem to know where she was going with that, and she stopped, unable to put what she was feeling into words. 

Again Garrett felt like he needed be his normal self. Any other girl he would be insanley brazen and forthright. He just had to be careful with how he went about it. This is Tabitha.

"Tabitha im 6'2 and your 5'3. Everyone is small to me. Everyone is tiny. But not everyone is as adorable."

Garrett held Tabitha's cheeks with his hands, then he leaned in and kissed Tabitha again, this time holding the kiss.

She was adorable? Was that a good thing? Or was that something you told a c-again, her thoughts seemed to stop, but this time they seemed to come back faster, and she found herself returning the kiss this time. 

Garrett continued the kiss for a minute, then broke it off. He smiled, happy the kiss was returned.

"So I am guessing since you returned it this time you didnt totally hate it. And I suppose....you wouldnt hate....us? You dont have to answer now if you arent ready to answer."

Tabitha felt like her mind was trying to figure out some sort of complicated math probem, as she listened to Garrett. Returned it this time...you fried my mind the first time, this time it was...prepared she thought to herself, shifting slightly, "I...I wouldn't hate it" She said softly

collab with @dabombjk@Caits

A man, slick mohawk and black shades on, parked his Harley in front of the club Mystiq. He had heard that Elyria was going to be a happening spot, and from the local news murder and mayhem was a happening thing around this area. He heard this some assholes territory, but he could fix that easily. If he felt like it. Which he didn't truly care about right now. As he got off his bike, he received a few dirty looks from passersby, all of whom shuddered and walked away quickly after receiving his signature werewolf eye stare. Samuel looked at the entrance and chuckled, thinking that this smelled like a place that wouldn't bore him.

Samuel walked inside. He could see some renovation was still being done, but since there was customers he assumed he wouldn't get kicked out when trying to get a drink. He walked up to the bar and ordered a jack and coke. He looked to his left and a pretty red head sat on the stool next to him.

"Hey Gingersnap - "Samuel said snapping his fingers once to get Lucinda's attention."Heard some happening shit was around here. Murder and Mayhem. Heard some upstart called Salazar owns the area. Know where I can find him?"

Alex slammed Samuel's drink down in front of him. ""Mind your manners." Lucinda looked up from her paperwork and looked at Alex and the different looking man next to her. "I haven't been called Ginger in a long time. Salazar? Yeah he is all around the industrial area on the far side of town. I' m not fond of him so have at it. It won't bother me none." Alex was staring a little too hard at Samuel and Lucinda tilted her head a little and gave him a look and he went back to stocking.

Lucinda couldn't help but notice that he was a werewolf. It was just a scent they couldn't get rid of. She didn't usually have problems with them but every now and then they would push her buttons. She barely glanced at him. "It might be best if you stayed nearer your own kind. You are in the wrong territory. I'd hate to see you get hurt." Lucinda got off of her chair and grabbed her pile of paperwork to get ready to send out.

Samuel laughed slightly, more like a chuckle really, and he stood up. He drank his jack and coke quickly, dropped the glass on the ground, and shrugged. "I couldn't care less about that. Trouble is for bitches."

Samuel took a step forward, slightly bent down, and kissed Lucinda hard on the mouth. When he broke off the kiss he winked at her, gave a two finger salute to Alex, and walked out of the bar. He got on his Harley and revved her up.

Alex had jumped over the bar ready to tear him a new one. Lucinda had trouble keeping him in the bar. So much so that she was chasing him out the door when Alex tackled the guy while he was sitting on his motorcycle. The motorcycle, Alex and the mohawk guy all fell onto the ground. " Son of a-" Lucinda didn't know what to do to make them stop fighting. She did the only thing she could do. She grabbed the motorcycle and hoisted it above her head. "Knock it off or I'll drop it on your heads." Alex had bloodied his lip and both of them were now dirty and a little bruised up. Alex got up and went to Lucinda as she put down the Harley and turned the ignition off." "Go." she said to Alex and he begrudgingly went inside.

Lucinda looked at the wolf as he stood up and she realized he was a giant. " "How the fuck tall are you? What is your name and what the hell makes you think it's okay to just up and kiss me like that?"

Samuel cracked his knuckles and rolled his neck. He actually felt better than he had felt when he had walked in to the club. Getting hit so softly like that was practically like a massage. He checked his baby once over, his special bike. He loved his Harley and couldn't believe someone would pick up his baby when he was not looking. Samuel pulled out a rag and started to wipe a few dirt marks off his bike. When he was satisfied he pocketed his rag and hopped on his bike again. He finally noticed Lucinda, and looked at her.

"......Gingersnap right? Look what do you want im busy."

Lucinda glared at him. She didn't like disrespectful people. " "The name is Lucinda Prescott. Don't come back until you learn some manners." Lucinda turned to go back inside the bar when the mailman handed her the mail and she frowned at one of the envelopes and sighed. She wasn't sure the day could get more annoying.

Samuel smiled. This was something new. Samuel took out a handgun from inside his vest and fired it a few times into the air. When he got Lucinda's attention he laughed.

"Gingersnap dont be like that! C'mon, why not come with me. Im going over to murder Salazar, might be fun. Maybe you wanna tag along?"

Lucinda exhaled and handed Alex the mail. "Stop calling me gingersnap. As much as I would probably like that I can't have anything to do with anything against Salazar. It's a family thing. I like your bike though."

Samuel fired another few rounds off, and grunted. "Oh please, family is shit. All you get from family is heart break and useless drama. Cmon hop on my bike, and watch me kill Salazar. Im starting to lose my blood buzz, and im just gonna keep firing my gun until you agree."

To prove his point, Samuel fired the last bit of rounds, then reloaded.

Lucinda saw the cop turn around and drive back towards them. " "Oh for God's sake." She walked over to the cop car and suggested to him that he wanted to find the donut shop and get some glazed donuts. In a moment or so he smiled, thanked her and drove away. She walked over to the guy on the bike and climbed onto the back of the bike.

" "We can go for a ride but not to Salazar's ok?" She waved at Alex and before they got to the corner he was calling her. She hit a button and it sent him to voice mail. Lucinda wrapped her arms as far around him as she could. He was really very large compared to her.

Samuel whooped and hollered, then rode off. He sped extremely fast, bobbing in and around cars that were going the actual speed limit. Samuel took a few minutes extra to get his destination, partially because he liked the way Gingersnap wrapped herself around him. He drove right through the front entrance and stopped in the middle of the plaza.

"SALAZAR! GET YOUR UGLY ASS OUT HERE!"

Immediately they were surrounded by vampires. And a few moments later Salazar himself stepped out. He walked right up to Samuel, unafraid, and Samuel.....well he did what he did best. Cause mayhem. He reached over and ripped off Salazars head. He held it under his arm.

"Remember me. Im Fucking Samuel!"

Samuel then sped away.

Lucinda had screamed " "No! " and had gotten off of the back of the bike so when he rode off he left her alone in the middle of 30 or 40 vampires. Her first instinct was to tell Garrett what happened. Her confusion and pain stopped her from dialing him. She went to walk back to her bar when the other vampires tried to stop her. "You need to walk away and let me pass." When they started to attack her she fought hard and many died and many were injured.

In the middle of the fight, Samuel came back but in full werewolf form. He stood at a solid 7 feet tall, with pitch black fur. He charged in and finished off all remaining injured vampires, taking them by surprise. When that was done he rushed more vampires, all scratching and biting as much as they could, but to no avail. When the fighting was over and the last ones standing were Samuel and Lucinda, Samuel changed back to human form. He had not brought an extra pair of clothes so he was naked.

"Fucking "A" Gingersnap!" Way to fight!"

Lucinda walked over to him. "Samuel is it? You just got me in deep shit!" She punched him hard in the gut and she sent him skidding backwards.

When she had her call go to voice mail Alex had called Garrett and told him about the wolf and what he said about Salazar. Lucinda looked up to see Garrett coming. " Shit !" She hit Samuel again.

Garrett had been spending the evening with Tabitha, sitting in his room and trying to figure themselves out, when Garrett got an unexpected call. He almost ignored the call, since it was from Alex, but then thought better. Alex wouldn't be calling him now out of all the times to call him unless it was an emergency. And what Alex said shook him. Werewolf? Salazar? Lucinda? Garrett immediately took off, bringing Tabitha with him, to the plaza where Salizar resided. When he arrived he was at a loss for words. So much death and destruction, with Salazars head at the center of it all. Garrett walked over and knelt at the head of Salazar.

Meanwhile Samuel had reverted back to wolf form and put distance between himself and Lucinda. He could still speak but it was very gruff. "Cmon Gingersnap, seemed like the guy had it coming."

Garrett said nothing, too distraught and mourning his favorite spawn.

Lucinda looked at Samuel like he was out of his mind. She looked at Garrett and Tabitha and for some reason she saw the intimacy between them and it infuriated her even more.

"Garrett, I didn't kill Salazar, it happened so fast I didn't have time to stop it. Then the rest attacked me. 90% of those kills are mine, but not Salazar. I'm sorry."

Lucinda looked at herself and she took off running towards home. Her clothes were torn and her hair was a mess and she was too upset to deal with much more right then. Lucinda went inside the house and and into her bedroom. She slid her boots off and flopped onto her bed. Her mind was whirling and she didn't know what to think or do next. She closed her eyes so she could try to focus her thoughts.

Garrett stayed there, holding the head of his dead spawn. It didnt matter that Lucinda said she had nothing to do with it, it didnt matter some stupid werewolf did it. It didnt matter Tabitha was here. All that mattered to Garrett was that his friend, someone he trusted with a piece of himself, was gone. broken. Destroyed. He hurt on the inside worse than he had in a long long time. He looked over at Samuel.

"I......Salazar knew the risks of running an operation this big. He had enemies. Im sure of it. I dont know you, but you killed my spawn. I allow you to live right now, but if I ever see you again beast you are dead."

Garrett stood up and dropped the head of his dead friend. He looked at Tabitha, hurt in his eyes.

"Lets go home."

Meanwhile, Samuel contained himself and laughed on the inside. He looked around. This place seemed fine enough, and since he just took out the head vamp, there was a job vacancy.........

@king tai@venku@rumikoohara@kyrisse

Jac spent the night at the diner sipping coffee and fishing for information as she waited to see if she could attract any attention and when it didn’t come she lost a bit of respect for the local clann (coven) when none came to investigate. Her respect could be redeemed later when they revealed that they’d been watching her and hadn’t moved because they had her under observation which oddly made sense when her bloodline was concerned .

“Why was she here, was she working for her family or for herself, was this a prelude to conflict?” there were many possibilities and if the locals had any sense they were watching her . So it was with these thoughts running through her active mind that she call a tow truck as she walked outside . Once she had her SUV towed she called a cab and had it take her to the nearest rental car agency even though she didn’t like renting a car it was just one of those things.

She rented a solid looking Dodge Challenger dark gray and popular which was obvious by the huge number she drove past leaving the rental agency. And a short time later she pulled into one of the area’s suite style motel or was it a hotel leasing it for a week. She thought it best that she stay local till her SUV was finished and she could drive back and forth to her tie-up by the river; she didn’t spend so much making the Dona a home to live in someone else’s room.

So it was how she passed the day tracing leads and blowing smoke as she sought the eye of the local vortex of events and all traces lead her finally to park across the street from a place called Mystiq a name that made her laugh over it’s blatant thrust against conventions. It was not hard to follow the pattern of people who moved through the area before she began to see that there were two vampric forces at work here and that as they each grew they took more and more from their surroundings till eventually even the most inept official or mortal would know that it needed cleaning out.

Sure they were powerful but had they forgotten that the Church was large and it’s memories long and it’s Inquisitors skilled in arcane war, it was why mother insisted on controlling every aspect of New Orleans and worked with those other leaders of the hidden community.

Oh well it be pon dem if they wish ta learn why de Inquisitors wear robes Blood Red she sighed as she leaned back in her seat and continued to observe

The apartelle room was large, spacious and comfortable. But the twins had no plans of turning in for the night. "Me and my brother will be going out for a while. Get something to eat and see the town," she dangled the room keys at the young man behind the counter. "I'll leave this to you to keep. I don't wanna lose it while we're walking around," she gave the man a charming smile.

The young man, the son of the apartelle's owner, took one look at Claudia, swallowed and then meekly nodded as he took the keys from Claudia's slender fingers. "Brother, huh? That's good," he muttered under his breath as he tucked the keys into a cubby beneath the counter.

Caius was leaning against the far wall, a few feet away from where the counter was. "What was that?" he asked the young man in an amused tone of voice.

The man behind the counter blinked and glanced towards Caius. Did he just hear what I said? he thought to himself and then shook his head. The man was too far away from him. It was impossible. "Uh, nothing, nothing," he replied anyway. He sneaked a glance at Claudia as she walked past him and out the door.

Caius followed his sister outside. "Humans do find you attractive, don't they?" he commented in the same amused voice.

Claudia shrugged. "I know," she said confidently. "Works well for me. I don't need to like them back anyway," she began making her way towards the dark alleyway behind the apartelle.

Caius followed her and a few seconds later, two huge black wolves padded out. One had streaks of brown fur while the other had streaks of white fur. Unlike the usual werewolves, these two don't walk on two legs like how humans do. Despite their striking similarity to plain, wild wolves, their larger size makes all the difference. Both had no idea why they looked different from how their pack was. But because of their almost "normal" looking appearance and their immense speed as compared to everyone else in the pack, the two were almost always sent in as scouts.

There will be no need to attack, Claudia. Keep that in mind. Survey the scene, Ciaus reminded his sister.

Sure, sure. I don't plan on making a scene unless I need to, Claudia answered.

You better not, came a stern male voice in both wolves' head.

Oh, hi, Darric. You miss hearing us in your head?

There was a short chuckle. Yes, you can say that.

Or you just wanna know first hand what we see.

Yes, that too.

You're in the edge of town, It wasn't a question but a statement.

Sharp as ever, Caius, Darric commended. Now, go.

Two blurs of black blanketed by the night's darkness shot out from the apartelle's shadow.

The two wolves covered a large territory at once, their sharp sense of smell, sight and hearing taking in all the information they can get, keeping in the shadows to avoid being seen. Claudia heard the rumors about the unrest, of strange vampires coming into town. She visited Mystiq and heard of a new owner. She passed by the diner where Jac was. She instantly smelled her, a curious mix of cinnamon, herbs and rum. Caius on the other hand, visited where the Originals had taken residence. Even at a distance, he could sense and smell them. Three ancient vampires. And curiously, a witch. She smelled differently from Jac but she was a witch all the same. He stopped and raised his snout to the air. As a light breeze blew, he knew that there were others who have arrived in town as well.

Interesting, came Darric's voice in the twins' heads.

---

---

@caits@dabombjk

Lucinda lay on her bed and pulled her earrings out and put them on the side table and rolled onto her stomach. Her red locks fell over her face and she thought she heard a door. It was probably Alex or Andrew.

Unable to take her eyes from the scene, Tabitha stood back and watched. She glanced over to the werewolf, but she didn't say anything. There didn't seem to be anything to say. Yet as Garrett said for them to go home, she walked forward, approaching Salazar's hand, she crouched, feeling that there had to be words said, at least...it just seemed right.

"You were a good boy, Jacky, I just wish you'd had time to remember that"

She rose smoothly, walking back over to Garrett, she slipped her hand in his, not even giving the wolf another glance.

Garrett traveled back home with Tabitha in silence. When they arrived home, he kissed Tabitha's cheek.

"I am sorry. Terrible day for.....well anything to happen really. I am....I'm gonna go to my room."

He was unsure of what to say so Garrett walked to his room. He sat on the middle of his bed and stared vacantly at the wall.

Samuel had healed up from the fight and bruises, and retrieved more clothes. He walked the plaza, looking at the dead vamps everywhere which made him smile. Soon more werewolves began flocking to Samuel, all in werewolf form. Within minutes of the first one showing up, two dozen more appeared behind it. Samuel stood in front of them all, arms outstretched.

"My friends!......No im sorry. YOU WORTHLESS COWARDS!"

The werewolves began snarling at Samuel.

"Oooh scary blah blah snarl snarl. Shut the fuck up. Listen here. I did this! I did! Me! First time in generations has a werewolf stood in this very spot, a spot that is rightfully ours. Until the vamps took over. Lucky you i've decided to stay. Now anyone who wants to leave, leave now. But if you stay, be ready to work. Im gonna whip all your sorry asses into shape......AND BRING DOWN THE VAMPS!"

All the werewolves howled in agreement.

Lucinda rolled over and got up throwing the torn clothes on the floor. She had dirt on her and her hair actually had motor oil in it from one of the vamps hands when he tried to take her down. She stepped into the shower and cleaned up again. When she walked into her room she walked into the closet again. This time she came out in blue jeans that were very tight and a tank top. "I guess I'll go back to the bar." She was upset for Garrett. She knew she should have kept Samuel away from there but she couldn't stop him he was the one driving. She walked outside and looked up at the clouds.

Lucinda was feeling really guilty and instead of going to the bar she headed back to the plaza. She needed to do something to keep the vampires out of the newspapers and maybe it would help assuage her guilt. When she got there she got really angry. She saw the vamp bodies being trampled on by werewolves. She looked up and she saw Samuel talking to one of the wolves. She walked right into the middle of the wolves and she grabbed vampire bodies and put them into a large open trailer and started a fire in it so she could dispose of them properly. Picking up Salazar's head and body in separate arms she put him in there too. By this time all of the wolves were watching her. She was carrying several bodies at once and one of the wolves stopped her."Get out of my way unless you want to join them!" She stared the wolf down.

Samuel looked over at the commotion and walked over to the scene. He waved the wolves away, leaving him alone, or at least given enough space to have a private conversation, with Lucinda.

"Hey babe! Whats going on?"

Lucinda put the remains in the trailer. She looked up at him. "I'm taking care of our dead. Why don't you use my name? It's Lucinda. Garrett and I are close we are siblings of a sort and what you did hurt him. You made ME hurt him. Why should I give you the time of day?"

Samuel raised an eyebrow. "So the tension that I could literally almost taste was just my imagination? And you just oh so seemed like siblings....totally."

Samuel pulled out a gun and spun it in his hand.

"And really but you dont seem that upset Gingersnap. I mean.....cmon show some sign of sadness or something cmon. And you will give me the time of day, because now I am the big man on wolf campus. You dont want relations to get worse than they already are do you? Figures as leader of my community, and you are obviously a leader of your own, we should......talk."

"Oh is that what you wanted to do with me, talk? You have no idea who you are dealing with." Lucinda rubbed her neck. "I need boots with 2ft platforms on them just to talk to you!" Frustration clear in her tone. "Tension? I would say so. You walked into my bar, manhandled me. Got into a fight with my barkeep and then there is this....And still there is something....." It was frustrating to her because she knew she was attracted to him.

Samuel took a step forward and picked Lucinda up by her waist. He held her in his arms, and he planted a serious kiss. He took a two second break only to say something quick. "Stop talking. Lets negotiate."The Samuel went back to kissing Lucinda.

Lucinda tried to pull away but part of her didn't want to and her arms slid around his neck and she kissed him back. When they pulled apart she was breathless and it took her a moment to gather herself. She couldn't remember ever being kissed with that kind of intensity before. She looked him in the eye and she blushed. "What are we negotiating?"

"Borderlines. Wolf boundaries have been too narrow this last decade. Wolves want more space, and we want our boundaries moved fast. Do this and - ,"Samuel said while slightly tempting Lucindas body with his hands," You will not regret it."

Lucinda knocked his hand back. "Put me down. You can't just kiss me senseless and expect me to negotiate borders. I just moved back into the area. I don't know where the borders are right now. Put me down the entire pack is staring at us."

Samuel raised an eyebrow and dropped Lucinda."My mistake. So then you aren't the leader of the vamp community here? Salazar was the muscle and I assumed you were in charge. You just have an......air about you."

"No, Garrett, Tabitha and I are the bosses. I just don't know where the borders are. We got into town day before yesterday. I haven't had time to find out. Why don't you go talk to Garrett about the borders. I'm sure he'd love your negotiating tactics. I expect you'd be dead before you could blink."

Samuel shrugged. "Ill stop by your place tomorrow then. Have a good night Gingersnap."

Samuel winked at Lucinda, then smacked her ass before he walked away.

@venku@king tai@kyrisse@rumikoohara

@dabombjk

Tabitha stood in the hallway of the house for a time, dead still, something she never was, staring at Garretts room, struggling internally. Garret hadn't said he wanted to be alone, yet she imagined that he did. But she didn't want him to be alone. She didn't know what to do, as she stared unblinkingly at his room, seeming to forget all the little traits that allowed them to pass as human. She ceased to breath, she didn't blink, and she stood deadly still, not even moving an inch. She wanted to go to Garrett, wanted to make him feel better, but she didn't think she could. How did one get over losing one of your spawn? They were practically your children.

In the end,Tabitha decided to go on what she would want, if it was her. And sh eknew she would want people around her. Garrett tended to have difficulty with tooo many people in the best case scenarior, and this certainly was it, but...surely...he wouldn't...object...to just...her? She was torn, not wanting to push things, and perhaps destroy whatever was going on between them, and not wanting to just float along and perhaps destroy whatever was going on between them.

She didn't know how long she stood there, debating, before she just thought screw it and started to Garretts bedroom, seeing him staring blnakly at the wall. She approached deadly silent, and crawled onto the bed, and curled her small frame around Garrett as best she could, as if she could shield him from further pain and suffering, wanting to take what he already felt away, but knowing she couldn't. She hugged him as tight as she could, knowing that Garreett could take her strength.

"I'm here" She said softly, the only words she spoke as she pressed herself against him, wrapped about him. She didn't think anything else needed to be said. I'm sorry just seemed...wrong. Its okay....how could it be okay? I'm here seemed to say it all. That she was there, and she wasn't going anywhere. That she would be whatever he wanted, a sounding board, a hug monster...whatever. It said that she knew he was hurting, suffering, and that she wanted to make it easier, if she could. Or that's what she thought. Maybe she was reading too much into two words. She couldn't understand his pain, having never loston of hers before-not that she knew off, but she had liked Salazar, formly known as Jackson-and really why wouldl he wanted to sound like a snake? Jacky was so much better. He'd never really treated her different because she was odd. Perhaps that was Garretts doing. Whatever Jacky had become, he didn't deserve to be torn apart by some mutt.

Her thoughts were getting away from her. She tightened her grip slighty, her arms slightly shorter then they needed to be, but she did her best, she pressed her face against him, just trying to let him know that she was there.

Alex was frustrated. There were no customers but the ice machine had broken. He grabbed a couple of large buckets and went a couple of doors down to the diner. He carried the buckets over to the counter and sat on stool. The girl at the counter looked up and Alex smiled at her and she seemed to lose her tongue. "Is there something I can get you?" Alex said. "Our ice machine broke. I can pay you for a couple of buckets of ice." The pretty waitress smiled and nodded. "Sure, I'll get it for you." Alex smiled. "Thank you." He responded.

Alex looked around the room and saw Jac. He knew what she was but she was pretty and looked like she was having a rough day. About that time the waitress returned with the ice and he gave her a ten. "Thanks darlin'." She smiled and blushed. That made Alex grin as he opened the door and took the ice back to the bar.

He whistled along the way back to the bar. It was starting to get dark and the UPS guy came in with what appeared to be a giant box. It had Lucinda's name on it. So figuring it was going to be for the bar he opened it. He pulled it out of the box just as she walked into the bar.

Lucinda was mad as all get out. She reached over the bar and when she couldn't reach it she finally had to jump over the other side. She grabbed half a bottle of vodka, a funnel and a jug of orange juice. She poured half of the bottle of orange juice into the vodka, put the top on it, shook it and tipped it back and started guzzling.

"Before you start yelling at me about earlier the ice machine is broken so I got some from the diner." He pulled the paper off and Lucinda walked over and smiled when he plugged it in to see if it worked. Alex was grinning and he shook his head in feigned disbelief and chuckled. He tilted the sign up and she smiled and laughed. "Oh my god I love it! What do you think?" She was suddenly so happy she was bouncing. She caught sight of a wolf near the door.

"Bring the sign out here I want it up asap." Alex followed with a few tools stuck in his pockets and He climbed up onto the roof and sat down on the ledge so he could reach the old sign to take it down. "Lucinda what do you want me to do with the Mystic sign?" "Bring it down and take it out back when you are done." He looked at the new sign. He shook his head and started laughing. After he put the sign up Lucinda got really happy and took out her cell phone. She took a picture to send to Tabitha, Andrew and Garrett. While she was doing this he did a back flip off of the roof. When he landed he pulled his shirt off. Lucinda smirked at him. "You are a show off."

"So Alex? What do you think of the sign?" Her smile was so genuine and it was bursting out of her eyes. "It's great! I'll laugh everyday I come to work." Lucinda playfully backhanded him in the abs. When she did she looked at him without his shirt on and she seemed to be looking at him in a very lusty way. He decided to mess with her. "Don't look at me like that. I'm not a piece of meat!" Lucinda looked at him, rolled her eyes and then stared at the sign again and said, "Bite Me, Alex."

"I'm gonna walk home. It's beautiful out tonight. I'll send Andrew back to relieve you tonight." He nodded, "Good, I need a clean shirt but if I'm coming home soon then I will wait." "One thing is for sure. You'll make better tips without your shirt on." She grinned as he threw some ice at her on her way out. Lucinda saw the wolf outside and she walked towards her house staying alert the entire way. After a while she caught sight of another wolf nearer to the house. She leaned up against the tree she was closest to. "Hey mister werewolf. You gonna show yourself so I can find out why you are? I promise I won't bite if you don't."

@Kyrisse@king tai@dabombjk@venku@caits@rumikoohara

Jac left the diner and headed across the street to her car and pulled her purse off her shoulder and put it in the trunk of her car once she pulled out her wallet and tucked it in her pocket. Then just before she left she cast a sealing spell on the car which wouldn’t prevent anyone from entering it but would mark them as well as notifying her of the event like an arcane car alarm.

It was going to prove an interesting day if things didn’t go sideways and even then it could be entertaining so long as the Loa kept watch over her and kept her safe. Some would think her strange, weak or privileged because she depended on others to watch over her and how wrong they would be, the wolves understood as did all witches both stronger as a pack or a coven she had neither at the moment. She was Solitaire and would remain so till she could find a coven outside of her family so till then she required caution if she wished to survive too bad she didn’t practice it as carefully as she should.

So throwing caution to the wind she walked into the Mystiq seemingly oblivious to it’s sinister vibe which she perceived as the dank cool stones of a crypt. A mortal might find such a revelation creepy but to a witch who often dealt with the spirits of the dead it was actually familiar and comforting. She took a seat at the bar and waited to be noticed by the barkeep as she looked around herself and took stock of the people and creatures there.