Arista

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Keiran didn't get far before a hand was on his arm, he stilled and half-turned to face the owner. Ynez was frowning and he already knew what she had in mind, Esther huffed and hip-checked Ynez.

“We'll be fine, Lye will join us and we'll have an extra set of senses. Ryanair and Isabella will be fine as well, if the wolves are doing a Scavenger route then they'll be close by if anything goes wrong. Anything Alpha?” Her tone was teasing but Kieran could tell Esther respected the other female, Ynez clicked her tongue and nodded.

“No, if anyone doesn't check in I'll give you hell.” She stated with an arched brow, Kieran blinked when a familiar arm encircled his arm. Ryanair was at his side and nodding at Ynez’s words, Kieran turned and led both he and Esther to the stairs. Esther winks and moves up and to her room, Kieran turns to his fledgling and pats his cheek.

“Check in and be careful okay?” Ryanair smiled and offered a nod, Isabela appeared beside the blonde and reached forward to pat his own cheek.

“We'll be fine, dear. Now when you meet Lye tell her I said hello, now off we go.” With that both were out of the house, a wet muzzle nudging his arm had Kieran’s attention. A grey wolf stood at his side, it's ears flicking as it glances up at him, Kieran blinked and crouched down. The wolf barked softly and nudged its chin against Kieran’s own, the vampire assessed the size of the wolf before asking his question. He noticed that Christian and Clara had moved outside, the wolf barked once more and Kieran raised a hand to pat its head.

“Anna?” He asked and the wolf's ears perked up as answer. A arm on his shoulders had Kieran glancing up and finding Esther watching them, Anna yipped and Ynez huffed softly as she moves towards them.

“She's just saying good luck and that she'll keep the other two safe. Make sure you don't lose either Evian or Orion, right?” Anna barked once more and took off, Kieran rose to his feet and turned to follow. The wolves didn't need a headset but it was more of a means to ease Ynez, the Alpha worried for her Pack and he didn't wish to cause any problems. The remaining members took off in different directions and soon the mansion stood silent.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

“Three of my pack will be heading out, I considered it and felt it a better plan to have at least three here. Will that be alright Kieran?” Ynez asked as she re-entered the room, two familiar wolves following with another Kieran hadn't met yet. He tilted his head but offered a nod, his hands moving away from the map to grab a small wireless headset he'd pulled from a box near the back of the library.

“These should be on the wolves that are heading out, you can chose if you wish to where the other sets of course.” He rose and offered the headset to Ynez, the brunette blinked and lifted her gaze to his. She reminded still before her hand reached forward to take it, she turned to Orion and offerer it to him. The white-haired male took it and glanced at his other two companions, Evian nodded and their last member shrugged.

“We'll maintain a close radius and will keep to the Scavenger plan and check in every...half-hour?” The question was directed to both his Alpha and Kieran, the female Alpha nodded and themed to Kieran with a raised brow. Kieran nodded and handed the other two wolves their own headsets, before he turned and faced Isabela.

“I've spoken with them and they've agreed to help. You'll encounter figures in white, do not attack them and nothing will go amiss. Esther dear?” Esther blinked and glanced up from the book she'd pulled out after she'd ended her call, Kieran’s raised brow had a huff escaping her lips.

“A friend of mine will be joining us once she's out of her town. I'll go and change and head towards the East, Madam Isabela?” Isabela rose and patted down her skirts and she moved to the door, Ynez turning to watch her packmates as they adjusted their headsets.

“I'll be doing the same, some of should stay back just in case. Wolff and Ynez and two more of her Pack will remain, Ryanair?” The blonde had remained quiet, his attention on the map. At the sound of his name he glanced up and nodded his head, he wasn't going to remain seated and still. Isabela offered him a nod and smile before moving to exit the room, Kieran softly clearing his throat had her and the others pausing.

He held out a wooden box with similar headsets nestled within. His lips twitched at the soft snort Ynez let slip, his shoulders rolling into a shrug. “We'll use these to remain in contact with one another, check in every half an hour and if anything from happens don't go at it alone. Teams are a good idea, mind if I choose them?” His eyes scanned the room and when he received nods, he raised a hand and a finger. “Isabela with Evian, Orion with Ryanair, Esther with me and…” His voice trialled off when he faced the female wolf who's name he didn't not know, she smiled and he relaxed.

“Name's Anna.” The female offers with a twitch of her lips. Kieran smiles and continued after a pause as the ones he paired off joined their partner.

“And Ana, and Clara and Christian will be a team. Now change into clothes that you can move freely in and we'll meet in the foyer.” He grabbed his own headset and moved out of the room, Ryanair followed and soon the others did as well. They had their goals and with it they hoped to gain something.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Check-ups done and pills distributed, Wolff allowed everyone to disperse around the house. Kieran, Esther as well as Ryanair and Isabella had moved towards the library. A map had been spread out and they'd marked their town as well as the new location, ideas were flowing freely between them.

“Are there other Mages? I mean besides this one that'd causing madness?” Esther asked after they'd stated at the map, Ryanair was reading the large tome Isabela had brought to Kieran. Isabela was reading another book and seemed absorbed in it, Kieran answered after a pause. His fingers tapped along the arm of the couch he'd sat himself in, he sighed and answered.

“Maybe but the likelihood of more then one being in the same radius as another is slim. Like werewolves and demons, they prefer to stay secluded so no trouble is born. Though in this case that's the bad part.” The sound of bare feet padding across wooden floor had three sets of eyes glancing up, Ynez waved at them before plopping down beside Ryanair.

“Mage-magic doesn't have a scent but it leaves a trace in the air. We've felt it, whatever attacked last night were in a group and didn't seem to care if anything was left as evidence. Sloppy if I may say but why I'd like to know is why now?” A cough drew everyone's attention to Isabela, the elder vampire had a blank expression on her pale face.

“Insanity breeds madness. My guess if the Mage finally lost what little control he had and is now releasing his powers for the hell of it. We're safe here but going out to search isn't a bad idea, though I hate to suggest it.” Kieran nodded soberly and shifted his gaze to the map once more, a huff from Ynez has him and Ryanair glancing at her.

“My pack are willing to go. Five wolves should cover a good distance, May I have assistance from your Guard, Madam?” Isabela blinked but nodded, Kieran watched as Ynez rose to her feet and moved out of the room. Esther had moved to the far corner where a phone was tucked away, her back to them as she dialed a familiar number.

○~○~○~○~○

The ring of a phone had an annoyed growl escaping petal-pink lips. Hazy cobalt-blue eyes opened and narrowed into a glare at the ceiling, a pale hand reached out and snatched the phone from its cradle.

“What. The. Fuck.” Was snarled out when the ringing ended, a soft exhale filled the other end of the line. Silence followed and with it cobalt-blue eyes began to close once more, the sun was up but sleep was important.

“Lye, we need your help. A Shadow mage is causing trouble.” The words were said softly and Lye’s half-awake mind didn't interpret them, the words Shadow mage had her bolting upright. Sure she was an Ice mage and she knew about the other Mages though Shadow Mages were rare. She blinked and rose from her sheets, her familiar yowling in displeasure at her sudden flurry of movements.

“Tell me where and I'll be there. Come on Vox we have to move, a Shadow mage is reeking hell.” Her Familiar bolted up and with a hiss, he bolted from the room. Lye listened as Esther told her the directions and soon they were both out of the door and on the move.

Shadow Mages weren't to be taken lightly.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Morning came and with it Kieran and everyone else awoke and sleepily moved about in order to wake up. Isabela and Wolff were downstairs and splitting breakfast duty, the silence between them was calm but heavy. Settling the plates down and then the utensils, Wolff glanced at his friend and stilled when a pop from for pan filled the air. Isabela moved to finish the eggs she easy making, her hair in waves down her back. She'd awoken to a note on her nightstand, it was simple and to the the point which meant it had come from her Guard.

Another attack occurred in a smaller town in the north. Casualties are high and as of now we're looking for survivors. No signature followed but she hadn't really been looking for one, her stomach felt heavy and with it her resolve had strengthened. Finishing and setting the pan in the sink to cool, she turned and faced her friend. The others had rolled in by then, everyone seemed quiet and in edge. It was time to come clean then, she stalled Wolff with a raised hand.

“There was another attack. This time on a smaller town in the north, so far casualties are high and my Guard are looking for survivors. This isn't good, it almost seems to be spreading.” She allowed Wolff to speak this, his lips thin and his eyes narrowed.

“It's almost as if a specific type of magic is being used. What can spread without being seen?” His question was directed towards everyone, the cup in his hands coming to rest on the table. Isabela watches as thoughtful expressions filter across everyone's faces, she had a guess but it wasn't as likely tor be true.

“Shadows.” The answer came from Ynez, her eyes wide and her fork slipping from her fingers. She didn't seem to care as she slammed her free hand on the table, her expression flickering between too many emotions to read. “That makes so much fucking sense now! It's a Shadow mage that's doing this-” She was cut off by Kieran’s raised hand. He'd remained silent though now his brows were furrowed, Isabela knew that expression and moved to exit the room. She returns almost immediately with a large tome in her hands she places before Kieran.

“Shadow mages or hell any mage really are rare and tend to keep to themselves. Why would one suddenly want to attack by spreading shadows?” His question had silence filling the kitchen, the food forgotten in light of answers.

“Because only a few type of Mage are able to stay sane with their power. Shadow Mages are rare because they tend to give their soul to the shadows they serve when they die. That way the Mage can control the Shadows with little more then a thought?” Wolff counters through gritted teeth, Kieran nods and taps the cover of the book Isabela had brought him.

“Doesn't that create a Familiar that follows the person wherever they go? If we look at a map and see where the attacks started we can determine where they intend to go.” Kieran stated and rose from his chair, Ryanair followed and Esther did as well. Wolff rose and paused when he glanced around the room, his hands in his pockets.

“I'd like to check everyone before we do that. Christian was it? Will Clara be joining us as well?” He asked as he moved towards the stairs, his posture relaxed but his eyes dark with unease. Everyone else followed suit, the wolves shifting as they climbed the steps. It was easier to scan both wavelengths that way Wolff had said and Ynez had agreed. Their discarded clothes was picked up by Isabela as she brought up the rear, Esther separating from the group to grab a map before joining then once more.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

Dinner had finished and with it everyone rose and moved to the living room, the mood shifted as Wolff rose and stood before them. His gaze was narrowed and serious, everyone was alert and curious as he pulled out a roll of parchment. The children were asleep and had been settled after a bath and story, Kieran wondered what Wolff needed to say.

He was as blunt as ever.

“The wolf attack was based on the sickness that doesn't have a name yet. We know this because a Healer within the Guard did an autopsy on an Alpha and found he had it. The rest of the wolves had the beginning stages, this isn't good and is cause for worry. I'm sure you all heard the rumors by now, of how this sickness came into creation?” Everyone nodded except for Kieran, his eyes remained locked with Wolff’s.

“Wasn't it created when a witch cast a decaying spell and instead of hitting it's target it just dispersed into the air?” Wolff glanced at the wolf that had spoken and offered him a nod, his gaze focused on the sheet in his hands.

“That's the story but I think it's something else, what I have no idea. This is why I've gathered you here, the Healer and I have spoken and she's suggested I check all of your brainwaves. Now up we go.” It wasn't a suggestion and with it, Verne turned and moved to head upstairs. Kieran and Ryanair along with everyone else followed and turned to the left. The medical room was the only room with a white door, Verne pushed it open and gestured everyone to go inside. The next hour each person was checked and then given a pill that they were to swallow, Wolff would have liked to check the girl that always seemed angry but he refrained from asking.

Everyone was released from the room and they said goodnifht before heading to their rooms. Ryanair followed his sire into his room, his own room he'd given to the kids so they'd be guarded all aroun. Kieran didn't say anything and both shed go their boxers and slipped into bed.

○~○~○~○~○

Vermillion-colored eyes scanned the map with avid interest. A shriek had the focused gaze swiveling up to the interpreter, a slow smile spreading across pale features.

Was it time already? With a snap of his fingers, the male summoned his army and rose from the cuahioned chair he'd been sitting in. As he raised his arms, he noticed the others around him mirroring his movement, the familiar coil of shadows coming to life. The shadows solidified and soon breasts of varying sizes stood before him, their crimson eyes glowing. “Go and cause mayhem by spreading our madness “ He cooed at them and soon he was alone with his summoned flowers, he moved forward and with a wave of his hand thr doors of his mansion opened and the frigid air from outside filled the large room.

Cackles filled the silence and soon the male turned to the one who had cawed, a large black phoenix sat cleaning it's feathers. He whistled and soon it's weight was settled onto his right shoulder, it's beak was parted in an almost grin. He stepped out into the snow-covered ground and released the shadows that were at his command, the phoenix spread it's wings and took off into the night.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

He let her go.

He moved back and felt the world spin dizzyingly as he turned to head back into his home. His head felt heavy and his limbs felt like lead, he released a breath and straightened his back. He'd heard her words but had no answer, his eyes blinked owlishly as he tried to gather his thoughts. “It wasn't my intention.” Was all he could out before the sound of the door opening filled his ears. Esther stood in the doorway and Kieran blinked in surprise, the blonde merely shrugged and pointed a thumb down the hall.

“Dinner is ready and we just got back.” Was her response, Kieran moved forward to gather his jacket. He paused and flexed his fingers before offering the vampire his arm, she took it but not before running a finger down his cheek. He shrugged and led her down the hall, the sound of laughter filling the air has him relaxing slightly.

“Shower “ Is the only word he manages as they near the kitchen, Esther pats his arm and enters with a wave. Kieran moves to the stairs and then his room, pausing when he finds Ryanair curled up and fast asleep on the bed. He closes the door softly and moves to the blonde's side, leaning forward he takes a small whiff of his hair. He smells of pine trees and strawberries, Kieran blinked and wonders where his fledgling has been. He blinks and remembers that Esther had a new set of clothes on and seemed content, the wolves to he noted.

A soft sound has him smoothing a hand through dry locks. Ryanair settles but a sleepy eye opens to regard him, Kieran offers a smile before pressing his lips to the blonde's temple. He moves away and heads for the bathroom, turning on the water he allows it to trickle down his upturned face. Twenty minutes later find him in his room and towel-drying his hair, he's startled slightly when arms wrap around his shoulders and squeeze.

“Can I braid it?” Ryanair asks with slurred words, Kieran nods and pushes the other back to remove the towel from his hair. Ryanair’s fingers soon settle into his hair, gently coaxing his curly hair into a neat braid. They at dinner with the rest, Kieran feeling oddly lighter than the night before. He noted his tired but content the wolves seemed and asked about it, Esther gave him a smirk and Ryanair a shrug.

His mind had gone blank, silence filled it as laughs and conversations filled the air. He participated and smiled, his eyes clear and almost glowing. He didn't feel better exactly--it was more like he was numb but still feeling emotions.

How odd.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

“I was a child, one how'd never turned anyone before and I wasn't--dammit stop moving! I didn't mean to leave you but I was being chased and I panicked--shit! I know I can't fix this but…” His words failed him as he shifted his grip and refused to let her go. He knew he was playing at something that could destroy everything, that the line he treaded on was thin. He just wanted to get her to calm and listen. He'd admitted he'd been afraid and until that moment he'd forgotten what it felt like to be truly afraid. He'd locked a certain part away after that incident, Isabela easily soothing his fears and keeping an eye out for his attackers.

He'd secluded himself from that night and now he was paying for it. The girl in his arms was bitter and wanted nothing more than to lash out at him, he knew he couldn't and that would end badly. A fledgling and their sire needed one another in more ones than one, he was learning that know. He grit his teeth and with instinct guiding him, he leaned down and allowed his mouth to hover over the mark he knew she bore.

Insanity was a scary thing. He'd been an almost empty being until the night he found Ryanair, he'd looked like a broken child then. Clara had been no different when he'd found her, they'd both fallen into their feelings. He could remember warm fingers and kisses that seemed to silently convey answers, he'd allowed himself to give in and let go. Now he had two different fledgling’s and his mind was whirling in endless circles. “I fucked up and I know that you want nothing to do with me, but I can't...no matter how long I live I know I won't be able to earn your trust. I just...”His words failed but his stance doesn't, his lips brushing against warm skin. His mind wandered to an article he'd read awhile back, of a sickness that was claiming the minds of several different supernatural species.

A soft hiss escaped his lips as he pulled gently on the bond between them. He wouldn't let her go until she settled, his eyes lingering on a familiar necklace cord he could just see. He suddenly felt so damn tired.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

“I can guess but never understand because I was born a vampire. What I wanted out of this my Ardentis was to see how well you'd do, I wanted to see how you've grown in my absence. I may never be able to fix this but I can hope that we do.” He states as he ducks away slams his palm into the space between her collarbones, he can feel her fatigue just as he can feel his own. Kieran releases a breath and swept his leg out, vampires didn't get exhausted as human do but sleep helps heal wounds and restore energy. He knew his fledgling knew that, his eyes focused on the mark he knew he'd left on her neck for a moment before he stepped back and away from a kick.

He couldn't use that against her, not when he knew he was the reason for her pain. Ryanair hadn't fought him when he'd awoken and realized he wasn't human anymore. They've been together and Kieran could count the times his second fledgling has fought against him. The blonde has mellowed but at times Kieran can feel the fear and anger that fills him at the sight of a large group. Ryanair hadn't told him but he'd caught glimpses of information when he'd been changing and had endured a fever.

He'd been drugged and taken out of his home. Apparently his father had been doing things behind others people's back and they thought going after the son would make a difference. It didn't. Kieran aimed a punch and focused on the bond he shared with the other and found it still and filled with ease. His mother used to say he'd baby those he took care of, and she had been right. He'd helped Ryanair and now he wanted to help Clara but knew she'd fight him on it, he'd made her this anger-filled revenge seeking vampire.

He could feel it now, the need to settle down his fledgling before she lost control. He just didn't know if he could--he didn't feel he had the right to even if instinct was demanding he do it. Christian could take her away and this seedling would die and he'd feel incomplete, he hated being alone. His face relaxed and he lunged forward, his movements calculated and well-honed as he gripped Clara’s arm and spun them around. His stance stilled and he applied a bit of pressure to the arm he now held, he needed to calm her down and hope she'd listen.

The likelihood of that happening was against him. He knew this but he'd damn well try. He wanted both of his fledgling’s at his side, he didn't want to feel as if a part of him was missing. He'd heard the stories of sires going mad from the void that not having a marked fledgling at their side. He didn't want that.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

“Nothing.” Was what he answered with when he could, her attacks a flurry but still somehow managing to look graceful. He met her attack or attack, his eyes glowering and his face blank as he memorized her fighting style. Her hair had come loose at one point, Clara seemed to pay it no heed as she continued forward. Kieran through punches and kicks and his mind flashed to the first time he'd met Isabela all those years ago.

Somehow Kieran had managed to keep himself alive. Since he'd left his home behind he'd wandered, town and town he passed with time to only admire a few shops and grab a place to sleep. He never really had a place to stay for more than a night, years passed and with it he grew and stayed at towns for more then a day.

He came across a bar on a moonless night and decided that staying there would be better then outside. Entering he was immediately hit with the smell of alcohol and the shouts of the inhabitants, he moved forward and took a seat at the bar. The bartender glanced up and Kieran noted he was young-looking with a scar running from his left cheek down to his collarbone, the vampire offered a small wave in greeting.

“What can I get ya?” Was asked as the male moved away farm the other side and towards him, Kieran blinked and tilted his head. Alcohol didn't affect hum but he knew that asking for a glass of water would make the others on either side of his scoff. He took a moment to think and after a glance at the bottles behind the male, Kieran pointed to a blue bottle and answered.

“That one.” He stated and then place his palm in the counter, he pulled it back when he felt stickiness cling to his skin. The bartender laughed softly and wiped the counter before turning to face the bottles, Kieran focused on the others around him as shouts filled the air. It was a large bar and the vampire watched as a group around a pool table shouted once more, a tap on his shoulder drew his atren towards the front. A cup with crimsin liquid met his gaze and the bartender smiled and shrugged before turning away.

He was jerked awake by a cool hand patting his cheek. His eyes blinked and Kieran sat up straight when his gaze focused on who had woken him. Her eyes were narrowed and her painted lips were pulled down into a frown. The pub was quieter now and the vampire blinked in confusion, the woman huffed and withdrew her hand.

“Awful place to sleep if I say so. Come now love it's time to go home.” She stated with a arch of a crimsin brow, Kieran was thrown and she reached for his hand and tugged him off his stool. He allowed it and soon found himself in a room that screamed money, he glanced at the woman and she seemed to understand. “My name is Isabela Moines, a pleasure. You'll sleep here and we'll talk in the morning.”With that she'd pressed a kiss to his cheek and had left him alone.

True to her word they talked the next morning. And from their a kinship was born and Kieran learned his to open up once more. He learned how to fight and trust the friends he'd made after meeting Isabela.

Ducking a punch, Kieran met Clara head on. His movements shifting and smoothing out as he recalled what Isabela had taught him. He hadn't had time to teach Ryanair but after this, he'd do just that.

@earlymorninstar

[Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

“Certa parvulus.” Was what left his mouth, his arms lifting and removing his outer jacket. Tossing it on the chair with little care, he proceeds to roll the sleeves of his crimson shirt until they reach his elbows. His arms then reach up to his hair, his hands easily tying his hair without a hair-tie. A sigh leaves his lips and for a moment, Kieran debates on if they should go out into the heated patch of grass or not. He decides that yes, that would be a good place.

Turning he moves towards the glass doors, opening the two before him with a tug. Warm air wafts into his face but he pays it no mind, he half-turned to face his first fledgling. She really was a beautiful person and he had left her bitter with his absence, he'd do as she asked and fight back. Stepping out into the grass, Kieran glances up to the cloudy sky and wonders briefly if it would snow once more. He vanishes the thought and turns to his fledgling, his stance shifting to one on the defensive.

His eyes bled silver and his lips pulled into a half-smirk that didn't feel too forced. Hopefully after this he wouldn't feel so hollow and raw inside, and sleep might help as well. His lips parted and he spoke a nickname that seemed to fit his fiery fledgling. “Come my Ardentis.” He stated with a nod of his head, the term of endearment slipping past his lips easily.

○~○~○~○

They came to a halt when the smell of rotting flesh and blood met their collective noses. The wolves took off and Ynez stepped between them her hackles raised. Ryanair stilled and he felt Esther doing the same at his side, both vampires waited and were rewarded with a sharp bark up ahead. Ynez took off and both followed, the wolves couldn't get any closer and the bark had sounded both uneasy and worried. Werewolves were something Ryanair had only read about in books, though now as he followed the Alpha and reached her pack he could remember the paragraphs he'd read with crystal clear clarity.

The body was decayed and seemed to have been for awhile, neither could tell what gender was but the wolves could. Ryanair moved forward and settled a hand on Ynez’s white head, the Alpha snorted and nudged his palm with her nose. “How long?” He asked and Ynez answered by lifting her left forepaw and tapping it against the snows surface. Eight days and with the way the wolves were sniffing the air and keeping a fair distance from the body, Ryanair could guess a wolfsbane spike was near.

A grey-black spotted wolf moved forward and Ryanair watched as Ynez snapped her maw. The wolf stilled and lowered it's head, Ryanair remembered then the difference in size between male and female wolves. Esther tugged on his arm and he glanced at her, she shook her head and gestured for them to move away. Several barks filled the air and the tension snapped as the wolves leapt forward and away from the trees.

They couldn't do anything and the body would decompose further anyway. Offering his arm, Esther laces her arm through his and he takes the hint. The wolves circle them once more though pairs begin play-fighting once more as they continue to walk.

@earlymorninstar