Bert Macklin

Court of Nuhl

Donovan Eve

---

---

_______________________________________________ Donovan Eve Male | 299 | Eve Count | Agent _______________________________________________ "I am simply a man that loves the pursuit of information." _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Likes The scent of the night after rain is nice. Learning something new no matter how insignificant it may seem. A great game of chess is always enjoyable. Weaponry is a long-time interest of his. Disikes Boring conversations. Rowdy behavior that is better left for the outdoors. He does not like being called broody. Habits He has a tendency to analyze people from both a distance and up close if they are speaking. On the rare occasion when he is left speechless and is unsure of what to say, he will give the person a thumbs up. No one knows why. He chews the corner of his lip whenever his anxiety overwhelms him. Other He has a small notebook he uses to get to know people that include a sketch of them. Sometimes he pours over these sketches, correcting details and adding notes. He is more in-the-know on current events than he lets on. He prefers using short swords, throwing daggers, and other forms of close combat. He greatly enjoys the taste of blood from pretty dark-haired women. Theme I wake up to the sounds of the silence that allows For my mind to run around, with my ear up to the ground I'm searchin' to behold the stories that are told When my back is to the world that was smilin' when I turned Tell you you're the greatest But once you turn, they hate us Color Code: [C0C0C0] _______________________________________________

"Reputation is what you are in the light; character is what you are in the dark." Appearance Donovan does not have a particularly distinct appearance. He is considered handsome by conventional standards with aesthetically pleasing features as with a majority of the vampiric population and no one would believe he is unattractive. But he does not stand out and aside from a curious glance does not draw attention. His hair is typically slicked back with a mess of uneven strands poking over his forehead. It is kept long enough to look stylish but short enough to make it difficult to grab. He is pale and boasts a slightly muscular build, not bulky enough so as not to look intimidating. His attire is usually as proper as the situation calls for and varies, although he does have a favorite pair of black gloves he likes to wear. Personality Donovan's public personality manifests as a serious yet suave man. While it is not uncommon to see him smile it is never without guessing as to why he finds something amusing. There are few, if any hiccups in any conversation with him as he speaks well and is cautious with his words. He claims that he means what he says but most people have taken note that their interpretation of what he says and what he actually means can vary if the opportunity arises. There are few that would say he isn't friendly as he makes an effort to get to know everyone, regardless if they are a vampire, mage, or even a human. Overall, this has left him with an air of mystery, hidden intentions, and a pleasant man happy to speak with anyone. Donovan's private personality is the truth hidden behind his words. He is always seeking information on everyone and everything from every conversation. He analyzes words, movements, and body language, taking note of it all to learn about people. He defines people by how useful they would be to him in any given situation——for those who can be used at one point or another, he will do his best to organically incorporate a relationship. For those who have no use to him, he will maintain an acquaintanceship until they can prove to be of some use to him. In this sense he does not discriminate vampire from mage. Why would he prioritize a ritzy, airheaded vampire who knows nothing over a mage who comes from humble beginnings yet can tell him everything about a city's layout? He is ruthless when it comes to this aspect of his personality and there are times where he can lay heavily on his judgements. However, a new day always represents a new opportunity. Background Phoebus Eve was once considered the exemplary of everything an Eve was capable of. He believed that with knowledge anything could be accomplished. Everything in the world, whether it was alive or undead, an object, and even a casual conversation, could be useful. People were tools the same way a wrench or a pen were and it was vital to determine how they were to be used. This was stressed on Donovan's upbringing for as long as he could remember. Superfluous was synonymous with useless. Anything useless was worthless. With these lessons in mind, Donovan would think his upbringing dull. He was given a new task every day with something new and quizzed on his knowledge. Hundreds of names and information on them were crammed into his head. His reward for succeeding was to receive harder tests, to receive more and more until his very dreams were littered with the names of people he had never met. Phoebus' methods did bear fruit as Donovan could not get through any interaction without analyzing who he was speaking to. Once his father was satisfied, he was given his first test. Succeeding this test meant another was given. And then another, and yet another, until he was told all of it was practice for his first true task. This one, however, was not given to him by his father, but instead was given to him by another Eve. He was given a letter with instructions and was to fulfill his duty without question. It took him some time but this, too, was another success. His reward was something most in their family craved and often failed to get: approval from Lord Bierro himself. It was his Lord that had given him this task to see his own worth and he had succeeded and earned good grace in the Eve household. From then on, Donovan joined the ranks of the Eve spy network. He was young at the time but was more than willing to prove himself. During one incursion he met with a mage named Samantha. He was unknowingly smitten with her and after his mission had requested her as a reward. She was given to him and the two had something of a relationship; while it was debatable from her end, Donovan had every intention to keep her at his side. However, while the years kept him young, she aged and continued to do so until she passed. The difference between vampire and mage had never been so explicit until now. This did, however, birth his fondness for mages that looked like her and he developed a preference for drinking from beautiful, dark-haired women. Lord Bierro's disappearance changed little of Donovan's own life as he knew all he needed was to await for his Lord's return. He was unpleasantly surprised to watch the absolute chaos that unfolded during. At this point, he was drafted to another network and made the decision to take a note of everything: he would remember every person clamoring for power, every person who besmirched the Eve name, and every member of other households who took advantage of the power vacuum. It surprised very few when Lord Bierro returned and he was left unscathed, but a few eyebrows were raised when one of the names on his list was his own father. And so Donovan continues his Lord's work as asked, his loyalty tested and proven time and time again.

Court of Nuhl

@Bert Macklin I like him so far! The creepy blood preferance is absolutely fantastic but as I am a Magistrate and more, I would like to see his redacted background please 😊

@Scribe of Thoth Quinn is a precious bean and I'll be devastated when he dies. He's approved once I know what is that blue stuff at the bottom of his sheet?

As for Chadwick, he is also approved pending some mage names 😊

@Obscene Symphony Approved! 🎉🎉🎉

@Hero I'll give you a few post cycles before I start exploiting all the fun stuff you've given me in Lyra. Approved! 🤩🤩🤩

As for Stacia, you can move her over but we still gotta discuss her future a little more 😀

@Trainerblue192 ⏳️⌛️

@Achronum

I made sure to un-classify that information.

Court of Nuhl

Work in progress

Donovan Eve

---

---

_______________________________________________ Donovan Eve Male | 299 | Eve Count | Agent _______________________________________________ "I am simply a man that loves the pursuit of information." _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Likes The scent of the night after rain is nice. Learning something new no matter how insignificant it may seem. A great game of chess is always enjoyable. Weaponry is a long-time interest of his. Disikes Boring conversations. Rowdy behavior that is better left for the outdoors. He does not like being called broody. Habits He has a tendency to analyze people from both a distance and up close if they are speaking. On the rare occasion when he is left speechless and is unsure of what to say, he will give the person a thumbs up. No one knows why. He chews the corner of his lip whenever his anxiety overwhelms him. Other He has a small notebook he uses to get to know people that include a sketch of them. Sometimes he pours over these sketches, correcting details and adding notes. He is more in-the-know on current events than he lets on. He prefers using short swords, throwing daggers, and other forms of close combat. He greatly enjoys the taste of blood from pretty dark-haired women. Theme I wake up to the sounds of the silence that allows For my mind to run around, with my ear up to the ground I'm searchin' to behold the stories that are told When my back is to the world that was smilin' when I turned Tell you you're the greatest But once you turn, they hate us Color Code: [C0C0C0] _______________________________________________

"Reputation is what you are in the light; character is what you are in the dark." Appearance Donovan does not have a particularly distinct appearance. He is considered handsome by conventional standards with aesthetically pleasing features as with a majority of the vampiric population and no one would believe he is unattractive. But he does not stand out and aside from a curious glance does not draw attention. His hair is typically slicked back with a mess of uneven strands poking over his forehead. It is kept long enough to look stylish but short enough to make it difficult to grab. He is pale and boasts a slightly muscular build, not bulky enough so as not to look intimidating. His attire is usually as proper as the situation calls for and varies, although he does have a favorite pair of black gloves he likes to wear. Personality Donovan's public personality manifests as a serious yet suave man. While it is not uncommon to see him smile it is never without guessing as to why he finds something amusing. There are few, if any hiccups in any conversation with him as he speaks well and is cautious with his words. He claims that he means what he says but most people have taken note that their interpretation of what he says and what he actually means can vary if the opportunity arises. There are few that would say he isn't friendly as he makes an effort to get to know everyone, regardless if they are a vampire, mage, or even a human. Overall, this has left him with an air of mystery, hidden intentions, and a pleasant man happy to speak with anyone. Donovan's private personality is the truth hidden behind his words. He is always seeking information on everyone and everything from every conversation. He analyzes words, movements, and body language, taking note of it all to learn about people. He defines people by how useful they would be to him in any given situation——for those who can be used at one point or another, he will do his best to organically incorporate a relationship. For those who have no use to him, he will maintain an acquaintanceship until they can prove to be of some use to him. In this sense he does not discriminate vampire from mage. Why would he prioritize a ritzy, airheaded vampire who knows nothing over a mage who comes from humble beginnings yet can tell him everything about a city's layout? He is ruthless when it comes to this aspect of his personality and there are times where he can lay heavily on his judgements. However, a new day always represents a new opportunity. Background Phoebus Eve was once considered the exemplary of everything an Eve was capable of. He believed that with knowledge anything could be accomplished. Everything in the world, whether it was alive or undead, an object, and even a casual conversation, could be useful. People were tools the same way a wrench or a pen were and it was vital to determine how they were to be used. This was stressed on Donovan's upbringing for as long as he could remember. Superfluous was synonymous with useless. Anything useless was worthless. With these lessons in mind, Donovan would think his upbringing dull. He was given a new task every day with something new and quizzed on his knowledge. Hundreds of names and information on them were crammed into his head. His reward for succeeding was to receive harder tests, to receive more and more until his very dreams were littered with the names of people he had never met. Phoebus' methods did bear fruit as Donovan could not get through any interaction without analyzing who he was speaking to. Once his father was satisfied, he was given his first test. Succeeding this test meant another was given. And then another, and yet another, until he was told all of it was practice for his first true task. This one, however, was not given to him by his father, but instead was given to him by another Eve. He was given a letter with instructions and was to fulfill his duty without question. It took him some time but this, too, was another success. His reward was something most in their family craved and often failed to get: approval from Lord Bierro himself. It was his Lord that had given him this task to see his own worth and he had succeeded and earned good grace in the Eve household. From then on, Donovan joined the ranks of the Eve spy network. He was young at the time but was more than willing to prove himself. During one incursion he met with a mage named Samantha. He was unknowingly smitten with her and after his mission had requested her as a reward. She was given to him and the two had something of a relationship; while it was debatable from her end, Donovan had every intention to keep her at his side. However, while the years kept him young, she aged and continued to do so until she passed. The difference between vampire and mage had never been so explicit until now. This did, however, birth his fondness for mages that looked like her and he developed a preference for drinking from beautiful, dark-haired women. Lord Bierro's disappearance changed little of Donovan's own life as he knew all he needed was to await for his Lord's return. He was unpleasantly surprised to watch the absolute chaos that unfolded during. At this point, he was drafted to another network and made the decision to take a note of everything: he would remember every person clamoring for power, every person who besmirched the Eve name, and every member of other households who took advantage of the power vacuum. It surprised very few when Lord Bierro returned and he was left unscathed, but a few eyebrows were raised when one of the names on his list was his own father. And so Donovan continues his Lord's work as asked, his loyalty tested and proven time and time again.

Of Blood and Magic

Ben was unsure what he had done to deserve so many common classes with Eris and Varis. If he did not get the pair, he was all but guaranteed to get one. Whoever made the schedules had an odd sense of humor. Or perhaps this was simply his own misfortune. Regardless of the truth he was left without direction on where to go or what to do. Lilie had requested he leave the dorm until just before sunrise and at first he believed it a blessing. He had meant to compare the map his father had shown him with the current layout of the grounds as he had been putting off the task for much too long. However, interacting with Eris was somehow physically draining. He would have liked to return to the dorm to doze off for an hour or so, but that was not possible.

A foreign, muffled voice brought him out of his thoughts. Yes, the radio; he hadn't touched it since class considering Eris had most of his attention. Stars above, Eris had his attention. The man would have a field day if he could read minds. As much as Ben would have liked to ignore him, he preferred to stay in Varis' good graces lest he lose out on the opinions of both heirs. It was unfortunate that he somehow managed to retain the traditionalist and dismissed the modernist as he had fully expected the opposite to happen. Such was life.

Ben brought out the radio in time to hear the Marivaldi heiress' voice. He fiddled with the switches, the settings somehow having changed in the rustle of his bag. Fortunately he was able to retain the connection somehow. "I've a mind for a walk instead, the first night has left me with much to do and I would enjoy a stroll while I still have the time," Ben said.

Of Blood and Magic

I have no one to blame but myself, Ben lamented inwardly as he made eye contact with his reflection. While he would not have considered productivity to include ridicule, he should have known better than to expect Eris to reply the same way he always did. For once, however, Ben wasn’t disappointed as he closed the compact and placed it back on Eris’ lap. Fortunately for the pair, Ben was too mature to let such childish antics get to him. Fortunately for Eris, Ben was more focused on staying on Varis’ good side.

“That I would have your support is comforting and flattering. I thank you,” Ben said.

Yeah, Eris was proud of himself for that one. He couldn’t help but flash a grin as he looked back at the aged vampire finally dozing off. Ugh, finally, they were done. Once the rest of the vampires stood, Eris followed suit. The most disappointing part of this class was that he knew most of the stuff mentioned already and got denied when he tried to ask about something else.

Clucking his tongue in disappointment, the blond pocketed his compact and jumped to his feet. “Welp, this was boring. Hopefully lunchtime will be more interesting,” He mused out loud, turning to Benji. ”I hope you paid close attention, Benson, Varis is gonna drill you on this later.”

Ben never was one for note taking. However, Eris’ comment brought about one realization and one surprise: Varis was going to not only ask for an engaging conversation on the topic and if he failed he would end up losing his favor, but the three had a shared lunch. The latter meant there was no escape for Ben and there was no period in between to buffer. The situation was a terrible trap for which there was no escape.

“I look forward to the commentary, albeit I share your sentiment,” Ben said. “I ask that you tone down the public displays of affection while I’m around, however.”

Eris narrowed his eyes at Ben. What, they had lunch together? Great. As annoyed as he was at the idea of old Benji sniffing around his business in person, too, he wasn’t about to miss the chance to tease him. “If you behave, I’ll let you join,” Eris batted his eyelashes.

“Great Anastasia, is there anyone who you don’t bat your eyelashes at?” Ben asked, in awe. “I would think someone like you would relish in making people chase you, yet here you are, propositioning me!”

He was well aware that his reaction was likely what Eris was looking for. That didn’t stop him.

Eris couldn’t help but laugh, patting Ben’s shoulder and beckoning him to follow. Oh, lunch would be fun with Benji around if he was going to be this entertaining. “It’s called a joke. I only chase after people that are just as pretty as I am,” He chuckled.

Ben didn’t care. “That must mean there are some slim pickings for you. How tragic,” He said.

The blond’s jaw dropped as he stopped walking. Did Bentley just say what he thought he just said?! “I knew it, you do think I’m hot--and now no one’s going to believe me. Great. Just great, thanks Benicio,” Eris threw his arms up in frustration, deciding to leave the class in a huff.

“It’s Benjamin,” Ben muttered, following Eris.

Of Blood and Magic

What Ben would have given to peek into the mind of the past king! Clearly he had seen something in mortals, or at the very least enough to value Geoffrey before turning him. The more Ben heard, however, the more curious the situation became. His history lessons were rusty and he had to force himself to pour over the excessive amount of material Varis had sent him. Yet this was the first he had heard of Noilan origins resting in mortal blood. Both princesses were known to have been turned as well but hearing that their late king was almost made the disdain over the turned vampires puzzling. It could be chalked up to a widespread arrogance that had long been rooted in vampires older than he.

He would not dwell on the thought for too long. It was better to listen and question after he had all the facts. On the other hand, it gave him a small inkling on how to deal with Eris. He decided to play his game for now.

"Since I can't seem to shake you off, I wonder if we could make our time more productive," Ben said. "Your extensive knowledge must give you an insight into which Eve is looking to challenge my father."

Of Blood and Magic

'Knowing the right people.' Were it not for decades spent on training his expression to remain perfectly neutral even in the most absurd statements, Ben may have actually rolled his eyes. In all honesty, Eris often tested his limits so it was not entirely surprising that the feeling surged with such ferocity. It was little wonder that Varis was constantly exasperated even if it made Ben wonder why the Sinnenodel would put up with such a person on a consistent basis. And supposedly they liked one another! What a baffling duo. What a baffling situation with a baffling, irritating man. What a baffling situation.

And speaking of baffling, with his thoughts back in order Ben did realize he did not appreciate Eris' statement nor the implication that he was not as informed. Perhaps he had a long standing informant or some rabid fan that fed him his information. More likely he took advantage of the current chaotic state of the divided Eve house in order to procure what he needed, which then begged the question as to why he had so much information. He would have to look into the star sooner than later if he ever wanted to remain ahead of the game, though that would be easier said than done if Eris was going to constantly drop newfound information like this constantly.

Ben chose not to speak, if only because Eris asked the question he had in mind. The thought formed a pit in his stomach; already he was greatly uncomfortable being informed of his own House's affairs, now he had to figure out how to handle having the same thought process as the errant actor.

Of Blood and Magic

Ben soundlessly returned Varis' bow. He would be lying if he said he wasn't a touch relieved that he was still in the vampire's good graces. He was, however, decidedly less interested in anything Eris had to say, moreso if it equated to hearing him whine about the instructors. While an odd bunch, they were at least effective. Unfortunately he could not deny the opportunity presented before him, no matter how much of his soul he had to give up. He would have to think on what to bring to the table in order to make a good conversationalist; perhaps he could mimic Eris, he had an endless source of complaints, after all.

Speaking of which, the star wasted very little time becoming the equivalent of grinding gears that sounded as if they were in severe need of maintenance. Ben returned his words with a tight-lipped smile but chose to remain silent as his previous assumption proved true. The three of them were to share a class after all. It was a curious choice as for all the things Varis said about both academy and royal family he didn't believe the man capable of listening to an entire lecture on them. Though where Varis went, Eris was sure to follow, so the consistency of the situation did assuage him a touch.

The classroom, if it could be called one, was a welcome distraction. Both mage and vampire interested him, particularly with their garb. Once he came to life Ben listened intently. He would be ashamed to admit it but he never did pay much attention to his lessons. However, he would need to put in the effort for this one, lest Eris decide to challenge him.

And of course the idiot would speak to him when he could just barely make out what was being said. However, the context had Ben abandon the professor temporarily. In what world would Eris hear such a thing before he did? Why did he know so much more of his house? Had his aim have been to get a reaction then Eris succeeded. The discomfort was clear and for once he was completely speechless, if only because he wasn't sure it was even true.

"I'm more interested in knowing how you, of all people, buy into such baseless things so easily," Ben said.

Of Blood and Magic

Ben took Count Astorio's words to heart, adjusting accordingly. He still had to fight a smile anytime the word came up, but he was certain it wouldn't take too long to learn how to use something that worked with the press of a button. How technology progressed so quickly! And Dame Patel was generous enough to let them borrow it for the night. He would need to practice as much as he could whenever he retired to the dorms but would keep in mind not to disturb the others too much. The thought occurred to him that he would go far asking the pair what times were best, but neither of the other two spoke up. Countess Marivaldi seemed hesitant on that end. Oh well.

For now he would lay the issue aside, offering the pair little more than a word of farewell before leaving the classroom. Next would be his and Lilie's showmageship class, and he wanted to make a good first impression by arriving together with her. If he recalled correctly, she had her affinity class, which was a distance away. He fished out his notebook to double check only to find himself mistaken. He was ahead of himself as there was one other class and a lunch period before the two should unite. Perhaps he could catch her in the cafeteria. No matter, the important thing was that he had a few minutes to take his time to get to the right class.

Ben corrected his path and let the talk of the students fill his eardrums. The conversations were mostly catching up and complaints about classes beginning anew. Eris' voice struck out to him and he noticed the blond just ahead. Of all the voices to draw his attention, why did it have to be his? However, the celebrity wasn't the point of the scene as what was more interesting was the Sinnenodel walking beside him in one piece. What a stunt, he must be picking up on Eris' habits of drawing attention. This did confirm Ben's own suspicions on drawing out an assailant but it did not bring him much comfort to know Varis Sinnenodel was, in fact, alive.

It wasn't that he wished the vampire dead but it was not every day that one would publicly fake their own death. To think he would go so far as to have his Lady make a public declaration as well. Was that why the princess had in fact visited their dorms? His initial guess had been much too naïve. Would a thwarted assassination attempt truly been worth that hassle? He did not truly know much of the Sinnenodel house and their workings but was aware that their constant changes had everyone more paranoid than usual. Whatever the case may be, it was none of Ben's business. Technically speaking, Varis was in fact the heir he was throwing his weight behind so at least his father wouldn't go questioning him just yet, and that meant he did not have to start over with another heir. If he still sat at the board of Green Vision Inc., then Ben still had business with him yet.

Once he was focused on his path he realized they were walking in the same direction he was. Were the three of them to share a class? While he initially believed it to be a stroke of bad luck that they would be forced to sit in the same room together, it wouldn't necessarily be a waste. He could slowly work to gain Varis' favor and ignore Eris to infuriate him. What was the expression? Two birds and a stone? The stone did something but he couldn't recall. Or was it one bird with two stones? That sounded more accurate. He did hasten his step a touch to catch up to the pair as he decided he may as well play the part of a relieved colleague. No, not relieved. He needed to...what was that other expression? Play with the cool? No, he remembered, it was be cool, in which the temperature mattered because something hot drew attention and a cooler food item was likely to be less noticed. If he was too shocked or excitable than he would come off as disingenuous.

"Good evening, Count Sinnenodel," Ben said. He wanted to ignore Eris, but as the latter was in the pocket of the former, it would likely be rude. "Eris." He kept the usual disdain out of his voice at least.

Of Blood and Magic

That Dame Patel would indulge him gave Ben a great source of humility. He did, at minimum, give her a nod of acknowledgement and appreciation. To think that communication went beyond letters and phones! Their evolution was one he was entirely unfamiliar with as the changing times often meant more stubborn vampires dug their heels in firmly in the old ways. While it was as good a time as any to remark on even his own father's stubbornness, he had to admit that he was in that camp as well. Aside from spending years crafting his penmanship, receiving phone calls from his mages and receiving letters from his father and others held two different methods that he was able to mentally compartmentalize; letters felt more personal and calls felt more accessible. Of course, he could simply be just like his father, but he would prefer to avoid that thought.

The evolution of technology really did amaze him. He was aware of the Eve security detail using similar devices, but he was the last person to know. As his mage would attest, despite his young age Ben was not the most 'tech-savvy' (a term that still confuses him but to his chagrin is often uttered in his presence) vampire. This was not entirely uncommon regardless of a vampire's age. However, even the oldest would at minimum acknowledge the convenience and have their mages learn the new technology in order to keep up. For years he had assumed he would be going the same way as his mages were young and he was still cultivating his Luscin branch. Broadening his horizons and at least making an effort, however, was more prudent.

Lilie had brought up the suggestion more than once. It didn't take much thought to realize that the typewriter he used for his assignments was slowly driving the mage up the wall. Ben had long gotten used to the clack of keys and would dare say he actually enjoyed it. Comparing it to the much softer clicking of a laptop did enlighten him to the difference. The poor girl would often retreat to her room or go outside whenever he worked. To her credit, she was always polite about it, but her dislike became obvious. And so there Ben was, listening intently to Dame Patel's lesson. The walkie-talkie (whose name he will never understand) in his hand felt like some mystical object. It was larger than he had expected for one, the dials and buttons a mystery to him. He wondered if his father knew of these. He took Dame Patel's warning to heart as he avoided any buttons; causing an awful racket was the last thing he wanted. He decided to take the advice to spread out as he rose from his chair.

Once he had deemed himself far away enough he cleared his throat and pressed the button. "...I am not sure what to say," he said, the thought only occurring to him after the matter.