Meiyuki

Wolves of Red Lake (Closed ignore this thread)

@Caits I'll read your sheet and PM you. Or you can me if you like.

Wolves of Red Lake (Closed ignore this thread)

@Caits Have we talked about my Alyssa yet?

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

Ugh...titan pad...why!

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

@SunsetRoses Look forward to seeing what you write up!

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

@Meiyukimysterious.....sounds sexy

@Aerandir

That's the idea. <3

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

Well I'm in the Mountain time zone, I'm sure Meiyuki and Silly are in like....Asia or something

@Aerandir

Mysterious GM island timezone

My schedule is insane and unpredictable.

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

_{A collab feat. @SillyGoy@Wildeyes@Ellion@Aerandir@agentmanatee}

The Ruvina Expedition pt. 1

---

_{A quiet corner of the castle with plenty of booze...}

Clarissa slammed down her glass on the wooden barrel she and Alphonse had been using at a makeshift table. "I don't particularly want to get roped into fighting vampires, or werewolves, or whatever is out there in the damn forest at the moment, and you know all the good hiding places. So here I am, fucked up, in some dusty corner of this damn castle."

She glared. "You really know how to show a lady a good time, don't you?"

Alphonse stood next to Clarissa staring into his goblet, fidgeting nervously. Occasionally he looked up at her. "Yeah....I guess I do.... Uh, you know the secret hiding places don't stay so secret when you're loud and slam the cup." How in the hell did she convince me to get her booze? Alphonse thought to himself. He glanced up at Clarissa's prominent cleavage. He knew how.

Catching his glimpse she decided to torment the poor man a little. "You know...Lorelai's been running around working like a dog these past couple days....what do you think she's going to do to you when she finds you?" Her eyes twinkled with malevolence.

"Uh, probably put me to work." Alphonse took a long pull on his drink. "She'll probably take me out to murder someone or stare at them to find out if they need murdered. Or find out if they have family so that we can threaten to murder them if they mess with us. Lorelai is always a good time."

Clarissa let out a mean-spirited giggle. "I'm sure Vespa thinks so, but you? Me-thinks she might feed you to a demon this time. Have you seen her lately? Resting bitch face has a whole new meaning now."

"No, I haven't seen her. Because I know what's good for my health. If I hear her or smell her, I just hop up into the rafters where no one can follow, and I take a nap until she blows over. Kind of like a hurricane. It's done wonders for my blood pressure." Alphonse might have had a bit too much to drink, he was speaking more loudly than he should.

Indeed he had, they both had. Medusa's soft footsteps were lost on the two as she turned the corner. "Is that really a good long term strategy though? I mean...you are supposed to be working. Aren't you?" Her face bore an amused smirk.

Clarissa's eyes widened as she saw her mistress enter. "Y-yeah! That's what I was telling him! He...should be...doing...stuff?" She stood and slowly made her way out of the room as Medusa continued to fix Alphonse with her gaze. "Al...maybe we continue this...later." She fled while she had the chance leaving poor Alphonse to his surely grisly fate.

"Ah! Mistress, I was just....discussing my strategies when I'm on vacation." Alphonse decided falling into his own shadow would be unwise. "Am I supposed to be working? My briefing must have been lost in the mail." Alphonse tried to give her his most charming and sincere smile.

"Lost in the mail huh?" Medusa rolled her eyes. "It was probably lost when...I don't know, you didn't show up?"

"I'll make you deal that might save your life Alphonse, but it's going to be a lot of work, and I know how much you hate that." A small malevolent smile turned the corners of her mouth. "Maybe I'll let one of the Ruvina's sacrifice you instead?"

"As much I look forward to the sweet release of death, I do hope that it will involve a lot less of my blood on the floor before it actually happens then they'd allow me. What's your deal?"

"You're going to join Lorelai's little expedition." Medusa chuckled. "It'll be a nice little jaunt with all of your favorite witches, maybe a week or more, to the Castle of another witch renowned for her cruelty and savage treatment of her enemies. To steal stuff."

"That sound up your alley? Or should I tell Vespa the good news?"

"Ya know, I think I can stand to be around other people long enough to take someone else's things. Especially since it preserves my miserable existence a bit longer." Alphonse said, voice chipper and still holding his winning smile. "So I'll just go get in touch with Lorelai then? Pack my favorite sword?"

"She's likely out front in the courtyard. I recommend you hurry, lest I change my mind." She gave him one last look as she left the room.

Alphonse wasn't even corporeal the moment he was no longer in her vision. About time to save his own skin. Again.

---

_{Near the carriages, just outside the gate}

Alexina leaned against one of the carriages, absent minded of things going on around her as she held a squirrel in her right hand as her left hand scratched it's back and head. It made little puffing snorting sounds of pleasure. Her mind though was on Lorelai, and Vespa. She didn't know why it bugged her so much... but well it did. She thought once she had the attention of the young, beautiful and powerful Von'strauss... SHE even nursed her back to health after her glorious victory over the horrible Hector. Vespa just arrived and before she knew it, they were a couple without her even knowing and really having an explanation why. She simply let it be.... things happen for a reason, Nature taught her that, all of it. She just yet to figure out why...

Lorelai made her way towards the carriages, slowly. The past twenty four hours had been brutal, from defeating vampires, to clandestine meetings with old hunters, and speaking with the Devil. She let out a frustrated sigh, and it wasn't going to get any easier any time soon. Maybe she'd be able to sleep on the trip.

She spotted Alexina's form against the stark black of one of the carriages, her face broke into a small grin. Having Alexina along on this expedition would be excellent, she was peerless in natural environments. They also got along well, and having a good friend by her side would be most welcome. "Alexina! Good to see you. Did you need something?"

Alexina jumped slightly at Lorelai's voice. She growled to herself as she closed her eyes as she felt a tiny shade of red come to her cheeks as she realized she allowed someone to sneak up on her, She was usually never caught off guard. A sense of embarrassment for her slip up and sudden jolt made her fluster slightly before standing straight up, the squirrel ran up her arm to her shoulders hiding under her bright red hair.

Looking over to Lorelai she gave a big smile trying to push down her feelings of Jealousy and sadness, as if the smile would hide even the thoughts in her head unnecessarily. "Lorelai... Yes...um..." She stumbled as she gathered her thoughts and folded her hands over each other.

Suddenly her reason for talking to Lorelai popped into her mind and she quickly said, trying to get the first word in before Lorelai would surely ask why she was flustered. " I... well the animals told me something a little odd about a meeting in the woods last night."

Lorelai flushed, she didn't think Alexina's sentinels would recognize her out and about. Keeping news of some kind of meeting happening from reaching the Queen of the Forest's ears was impossible, but she'd hoped at least to conceal her identity.

"Yeah, as you know Robert Flint is an expert on the destruction of just about any night dwelling creature out there." She offered a small pained smile. "The Ruvin vampire we captured just won't die, I've tried all the hexes in the library, fire, mutilation, demonic soul mutilation, and yet his damnable regeneration continues to function. I'm at my wit's end Lexi...I was hoping he might offer some insights."

Lorelai sighed. "And he might, but Medusa's made it clear I'm out of time to wait, so this expedition."

Alexina looked down and away slightly as she used her pet name, No one really ever used that but her....and she would keep it that way...but it brought up a little of the feelings she tried to push down.

"Oh..." She said trying to pull herself back to it. "I was...worried, for a moment when you allowed that man to live. I had some...irrational fear that you were....doing something else." She quickly looked up to her and continued, "I mean you allowed that man to live, and obviously my creatures can't explain why....So I jumped to conclusions.... I'm sorry." She turned around and added, "Which is why I brought it up to you first, I knew I was just being irrational...I just wanted to be sure."

Lorelai let out a small rare giggle. It was rare for her to see Alexina flustered, and she had to admit it was cute. Also the thought of her and Robert doing...things was hilarious. "Thank you for coming to me first. With the way Medusa's been treating me lately I fear she wouldn't respond...kindly. I understand your fears, but this coven's my family. I'd never do anything to jeopardize that."

She gave Alexina a grin. "Besides, the thought of you chasing me through the woods to punish my betrayal sounds exhausting just to think about, Lexi."

She only nodded for a moment. Honestly she feared the fact that if she had to hunt down Lorelai for betraying the coven she would easily be defeated....and she probably could not go through with it if she tried.

Looking up to her she gave a weak smile, She loved the sound of her Giggle... it brought up her own spirits. "I'm glad to hear that. I'm sorry about my irrational fears. I...I don't know what came over me." She caught Lorelai's eyes with her own, which caused her pale skin to flush... such power, but hopefully Lorelai would only take it as an embarrassed blush.

She tried to change the subject. " So... why do you want me to come with you to...Vespa's home? Surely you don't need me there as well..."

Lorelai tilted her head, still grinning. "You're an extremely powerful witch, and a dear friend. I'd of course love to have you alon-"

Alexina perked up, her eyes widened at the sentence and her mind was jumping to conclusions well before she was interrupted, causing her to blush and suddenly feel as though a fire was burning within her. But the interruption of someone calling out to them caused her to cringe, instantly cursing the dark lords for allowing her sentence to halt. WHY? NO! she screamed in her head.

"Hey! Murder buddy! I haven't seen you in ages, I couldn't find you anywhere! I was wondering why there wasn't more work to do. It's sure a good thing I found out about this expedition or I might have missed it.I hear that it might involve not murdering people for once." Alphonse swaggered toward the pair. Smiling cheerily. Fake it till you make it, they always say.

Lorelai's grin immediately faded into a hard mask of contempt, mixed with the strong urge to end a life. "Alphonse, I don't see how you haven't found me, considering I've been doing our job. Running about the castle like an overworked scullery witch, and generally cursing your miserable existence."

She turned slowly towards the interloping witch. "So, have you come to meet your fate, or did you have something for me that might keep you from the inferno...again."

Alphonse's face paled. "Um... Medusa said that I got to live if I came with?"

"Did she now?" A vein on Lorelai's forehead suddenly became prominent, Alphonse was a talented witch. Why he decided to largely squander the plentiful opportunities to grow more powerful she couldn't divine. "I'm...so...glad you'll be coming along. After this expedition why don't we keep working together, closely? That way no such unfortunate mishaps occur, hmm?"

Alexina looked over to see Alphonse, she knew of him....as any witch would as there are now only two male witches in the coven. That tends to be noticed. But she never really spoke to him, for obvious reasons she stayed in the woods alone a lot.

She did have a new impression to bite out his jugular for interrupting Lorelai. She knew it was far fetched but a woman could hope. She glanced at Lorelai and said softly, "I may rule the forest....but there are some dangers still that lurk there... someone...." She looked to him and added, "Could easily be lost and killed by a Direwolf...It would be sad to tell Medusa that one of our party got hurt...possibly killed.... " As she stared at him.

"Well, between the two of us, I'm sure we'll make sure that no one gets caught by any mean nasties. Shadows are almost as pervasive as trees out there." Alphonse put on confident airs, but Alexina could likely smell his fear.

Lorelai sighed. "Well you'll have to sure to ingratiate yourself to the Queen then won't you?" Turning back to Alexina a smirk curved the corners of her mouth. "We wouldn't want such a talented asset to have any trouble. Now, if you were more reliable I'm sure Alexina would ensure your safety."

Alexina eyes lingered on Alphonse's for a moment, Her eyes burned with the desire to kill him right now for interrupting her brief moment alone with Lorelai. It almost looked like a Lioness staring at her pray. But suddenly she smiled at Lorelai as she looked at her and added, "Of course... Talented Assets will be protected." She said looking back at him. Her smile fading almost instantly. *

---

_{Meanwhile Taran and Gevoveve}

Taran followed the witch back towards his room. Not quite sure what he had been...invited, no...told to do. ""So....Genoveve," said Taran slowly, looking straight forwards, not that he knew what to say, only that he wasn't a fan of the silence. "Ah, how long have you been there?" He finally spat out when no other question happened across his tongue.

Genoveve did not know Taran very well... and to be honest? She couldn't say that she trusted him. Genoveve's mother had always said, "Witching is a woman's job, and it's women who have made great witches. Men become hunters... never trust men, particularly ones who claim to be 'witches'", so Genoveve was not sure how to feel about the boy. He seemed innocent enough, but she just couldn't shake her bad feelings. She almost jumped as he abruptly spoke, asking her how long she had been here, "Uh... uhm... how long... oh! Well, I got here a few months ago and... I think in a few more it'll have been a... year so... why-why do you want to know?", she just wasn't sure how to talk to him, men in general made her uneasy young or not, and he was the kind of 'witch' his mother had always seemed to despise so.

Taran finally looked at the woman, who seemed to be struggling as much as he usually did to come up with answers. "I was just...making conversation. At least, I think that is what you do when you meet new people, but I might be wrong," He was slowly starting to realize that many of the things that were 'normal' back home, didn't seem to have a place here. Perhaps people didn't make small talk out in the real world, although he could have sworn he'd seen others do it before. "I'm sorry if I offended you M'lady,"

Genoveve blushed in embarrassment at her reaction to such an innocent little question, had she hurt the boy, "Oh no, you didn't... offend me I just... you uhm... well how long have you been here, if we are going to... make small talk...", she was clearly having trouble speaking with the boy, even a bit more than other people, she of course knew why. She wondered what else to ask, "Uh, wh-why do you wish to come with us to... Castle Ruvina Taran?"

If you'd rather not, we don't have to talk M'lady," said Taran quickly, "I mean, like, not talk ever, because we might have to talk sometimes, but uh," He shook his head. "I'm sorry, but to answer your questions, well...Alexina found me...either last night or the night before that? I can't really remember and..." He paused, trying to think about how he was going to answer that next question. "Well, I don't wish too. I mean, I don't wish not to. I'm going because Medusa told me to get a mission from Lorelai and Lorelai told me to go. Isn't that why you are going?"

Genoveve chuckled slightly nervously, "No we can uhm talk...., she smiled nervously at him, "Well... I thought uhm... well..., Genoveve had actually not decided to go to the castle of her own accord, that was Yeris' doing. She had to think up something quickly, because from what Yeris told her We have nothing better to do you ditz which hardly helped in this instance. "I was... curious about the Ruvina family... that and I was attacked by that Vampire and I want to know if the Ruvina's have anything to do with it.", she wasn't sure she could not tell him now... she wanted to be honest with Taran about why it was hard to talk to him. "Taran you're a... man correct? Do... do you know why you were born a witch and not a hunter?"

"Ah, Vampires? You think this family sent vampires after you and...you want to go ...talk to them?" he said, mostly trying to process the question that had followed her answer. "Is it either or? But, no, I have no idea, I mean. To be honest, I don't even know who my birth parents are. And, don't make a big deal about it. I have parents and they are amazing, but they don't help me answer that particular question," He let out a little breath "I'm sorry, this is all very new to me, I don't think I've ever called myself a witch before....I guess right now," He licked his lips. "I don't...mean to pry, but...what brought you here...to the castle I mean?"

Genoveve thought for a moment... not because she did not know why she came to the Blood-rose coven, but because she had to make up a different reason, and lie to this boy's face. In truth, after Yeris had tricked Genoveve into allowing herself to be possessed by the many malign forest spirits currently in her the powerful entity had bullied her into finding a coven. Both to help with her protection as well as an easy way to gain more power. "Well... after I killed my mother and took her power in the family ritual I was alone for... awhile. And then I found Bloodrose and... it is safe here you kow?", there were of course other reasons, but even the ones she could tell other people she was holding back due to her not trusting the boy.

Taran tried to not let his facial expression change at Genoveve talking so....openly about matricide. "Well.....I get what you mean by...safe? I guess I was about to walk into a nest of hunters before I got here--Hey look my room. So...What do I need for this...trip to visit the alleged vampire queens," he said quickly, happy to change the subject.

---

_{Nightfall, around the meeting time for the trip.}
Lorelai sighed looking up at the stars. They were beautiful tonight, looming so close that one could easily get the impression that they might be able to reach up and touch them. What cruel god put those diamonds in the sky, glittering ever out of reach? Maybe that was supposed to be a lesson for mankind, real beauty will always be out of reach.

Lorelai hated the gods, and she truly hated few things. Children all, they sat in their realms above or below, comfortable to gaze on mortals and occasionally bestow the 'worthy few' with gifts. She smirked, Hector's 'god' hadn't been able to save him had he?

"Thinking about gods again Mi'lady?" Sousiel asked, she'd just finished laying out bedding in the sleeper carriage and packing away her mistress' things.

"Always could read me like a book Sousiel. Yes, thinking about how we've bound many self-styled 'gods' to our will. So self-important and arrogant, yet each bowed in the end." Lorelai took a seat on the floor of the open carriage, dangling her feet out the door. "Real power is earned through pain Sousiel. Pain hones the mind, tempers the will, and strengthens the body."

"Even the power of love mistress?" Sousiel ask smirking, it was her job to occasionally tease her mistress out of these foul moods.

"Especially the power of love Sousiel." Sousiel's eyes widened as Lorelai turned to her, entirely serious. "It's a sweet ache though. I'm beholden to Vespa now when before I only answered to myself. She may not command me in the way I command my servitors, but the thought of bringing her pain fills me with as much dread."

"H-how would you do that? And why?" Sousiel asked, coming to sit on the ground in front of Lorelai

"There are many ways Sousiel. I'll not be unfaithful of course, but I'm still not a good woman." Lorelai packed some tobacco into her pipe, a rare voice of hers, generally reserved for when she needed to clear her head. Lighting in she puffed at it a few times before continuing. "A heart's a fragile thing, most of my worries are irrational. I worry nonetheless though, perhaps it's the indiscretion with Elina that has me worried, maybe it's the trip. It will pass I'm sure." She smiled.

Sousiel nodded. "I can't believe Medusa would order this, and on such short notice. You know my opinion on the woman so I needn't state it again, but I fear she may use Vespa against you Lorelai...what will you do?"

Lorelai's small smile immediately darkened into a fiery glare. "If Medusa orders me to put Vespa at risk like this, or do something to hurt her in anyway again. I'll paint the fucking castle with the whore's blood, and hang her bloody corpse from the ramparts for the scavengers to feast on."

"You'd challenge her, without a plan? Surely you're not that arrogant." Sousiel was worried at her mistress' sudden rage, it reminded her of the old days.

"She's powerful sure, with the backing of the Elders. Her magics are vast and varied, but you know what I have that she doesn't Sousiel?" Lorelai's eyes sparkled with malevolence as a smile curved her mouth. "Hate, Sousiel. I've hated a man and killed him for it. I've burned villages down for it, I slaughtered an entire sect of the church for it. I've ripped would be gods from the inferno into the realm of man to serve me in satisfying it, and if Medusa would like to test my hate, the last thing she'll see will be my eyes, brimming with it."

"The Elders were children when the Dragon's Tongue stirred in the mouth of my ancestors. I killed my own twin, for her tongue, before I was even a witch. I grew up in the inferno and called it home. While Medusa was learning etiquette and magical theory I was blooding my blade. While Medusa cleaned a castle to prepare it for a coven, I'd already become a death omen." Lorelai's breathing was quick, her face lightly colored with rage. "If she wants to test me again, she'll discover what so many others have. I'm not some simple subservient witch, I'm a nightmare, and even my shadow has teeth."

Sousiel had been drawn in by her mistress' fervor, her eyes twinkling with pride at her lady's savage declaration. She jumped up and hugged her. "I was beginning to wonder where your pride had gone Mi'lady, I'm glad that we'll not endure her mistreatment any longer. I'll stand at your side of course. I'm sure Vespa will as well."

Had she come off as cruel to Taran? She wasn't sure how... ready he was to hear her talk about killing her own mother so coldly, but it wasn't like she hadn't tried to save her. Yeris had told her the altered ritual would do just that... of course she had lied but what mattered was that Genoveve had tried right? Right? She sighed as she approached the carriages, her sparse travel items under her arms. She was certainly happy the carriages appeared to have beds in them, seeing as she was still tired from her recovery and wounds, spirits could do wonders when it came to patching up holes. So long as Yeris kept them from tearing each other, and by extension Genoveve, apart. She casually tossed her light bag into the carriage, she didn't need much, growing up alongside her mother she knew how to get just about anything she needed from the side of the road along the way. She scanned the other carriages and was surprised to see Lorelai and Sousiel as the only other ones here, this was her chance to speak with Lorelai about the new... developments.

She quietly approached the two before quietly clearing her throat, seeing as they were currently hugging, or at least Sousiel was, "Uhm... greeting Mistress... I was wondering if we could possibly talk about uh... y-you know, the new information you have... gleaned from... uh..., she wasn't sure why she was being so non-direct about it, but it was most likely from Yeris's years of bullying her into secrecy.

The sound of Genoveve's mild alto voice broke Lorelai from her somewhat murderous reverie. She shooed Sousiel off of her and fixed her dress before responding. "Yeris? Of course. What would you like to talk about?"

She watched Sousiel walk off before speaking again, "Well I... do you have any questions for uhm, me instead of... her? Or, well I was just, wondering how long you knew?", quietly Genoveve almost wished she had tried to exorcise Yeris, consequences be damned, but that part of her was quiet... so quiet she could hardly even hear it.

"Yes actually." Lorelai examined the girl. "Are you ok?"

Genoveve shifted uncomfortably being asked if she was ok... what did that mean? I'm filled with hundreds of angry, aimless spirits what do you mean ok??!!, again, Yeris had beat such aggression out of Genoveve long ago, leaving her the passive witch she was now, "Well... what do you mean by ok? My wounds have healed... and uh, I am not to tired... is that what you mean?"

"You have been struggling with hundreds of spirits, and...Yeris for a while now. That can't have been easy." Lorelai smiled. "I just want to know if you're ok, and if there's anything I can do to help."

"Oh... you meant like that. W-well I wouldn't say I've been... struggling... Yeris always helped to, eh contain them. So they don't fight me often and... w-well I'm the witch I am today because of them and Yeris so... I suppose I'm... ok., she smiled weakly, the answer had been conditioned into her by Yeris. :So-so are you wondering about uhm... anything else mistress?"

"You still haven't told me how I can help. I can exorcise some of the spirits, maybe get rid of Yeris, although that would be dangerous." Lorelai gave her best supportive grin. "Just tell me what I can do, and if nothing else I'm here to talk to if you need it."

Genoveve's eyes widened as Lorelai talked of exorcising the spirits, and Yeris hissed internally, "conniving bitch! Does she really think you have the will to say yes? Tell her no! They are my power and yours, react hostilely if you can manage up the aggression.", she couldn't manage up such aggression, for the idea of being free of at least many of the spirits was intoxicating... but Yeris had said her piece, "Excor- n-no! They are... uhm... my power so no, and YEris is bound to me because of the ritual so... and I would never want to lose Yeris she is... uhm.... helps me make the right choices... , she spoke as Yeris had always taught her to.

"My," came another voice. Vespa's, to be exact. "What's this about exorcism?" She had just come out of the main gate, with the ever serene Elina trailing just a few paces behind her and to her left. Dressed elaborately with ribbons and truly wealthy finery, the two were carrying their lighter suitcases while everything else, which consisted of everything from half of the sisters' wardrobes to entire tea sets, was being hauled by a train of Lorelai's helpful servitors. It was clear that the two Ruvinas were unwilling to part from the daily extravagance of Castle Bloodrose on any trip. Aristocrats through and through.

"Hello everyone," said Elina, in that feathery, whispering voice of hers. Vespa, meanwhile, caught Lorelai's eyes, and returned her lover's smile.

Genoveve's face lit up at hearing Vespa and Elina approach, her mind starting to panic. What had they heard? They couldn't know! Yeris only wanted Lorelai to know! "Wh-what?! Oh uh... w-we were just dis-discussing demonic possession... I was interested in... possibly learning to bind demons or more powerful spirits like what... Lorelai does...", she hoped that was at least a somewhat convincing lie.

"Oh, I see," Vespa said, clearly uninterested. Instead of inquiring further, she just walked briskly towards Lorelai and gave her a kiss on the cheek. A faint rosy tinge hovered about her own cheeks. "Hi," she said. "You look good tonight."

"Please excuse my sister," Elina said, now beside Genoveve. She was shaking her head mildly at the tableau of the two lovers, letting her silver tresses softly fall over her small shoulders. Meanwhile, the sisters' personal luggage train was already storing their items in the carriages. "She can be like that sometimes."

"Do I? I'm feeling entirely out dressed at the moment." Lorelai favored Vespa with a grin. "You're looking radiant as always love."

Genoveve smiled weakly and looked down at the much smaller Elina, "Ha yes... I suppose seeing one's love can do that to you... I have not seen you in awhile Elina, how have you been?", at least Lorelai was supporting Genoveve's lie, whether the twins cared or not. "Uhm... which carriage will you be taking Elina? I believe I know which one your sister will be in.", she giggled lightly at her implication.

"Oh yes," Elina put a delicate hand to her mouth to cover her own little giggle. "This is Vespa's first taste of true love - she's absolutely drunk with it. So I'm giving her some consideration and taking any carriage that doesn't have Lorelai."

"We've packed quite a bit," she said, looking over towards her personal luggage train. The servitors were just putting in her personal tea set of fine, decorated earthwork that had apparently come from that distant kingdom of Cathay. "I do hope we aren't being too overbearing."

Lorelai arched her eyebrow at Vespa. "What are you expecting that you'd bring this much love? I've brought my spell work supplies and some clothes."

"We've brought those, and more. Why not travel as comfortably as possible? Are we not all nobles? Tea time," she said, "is very important. Speaking of which - would you mind bringing a few of your servitors along as assistants? To set the tables and clean up after us and such."

"I did most of my growing up in the pit love. You'll have to excuse my simplicity." Lorelai rolled her eyes grinning and squeezed her lover's hand. "And of course, they're only a call away."

Genoveve had not expected such... extravagance. She had thought when she had first arrived at the castle she had seen sure that was as rich as anyone could get... but this baggage train. Her mouth hung open a moment, before she gulped, thinking of her own meager bag, "W-well... you're certainly... prepared?", at Vespa's mention of 'all being nobles' Genoveve seemed to almost shrink embarrassingly... she had been born in a small hut in the woods. "I... suppose nobility... does that huh?"

"I suppose," Elina said, mildly confused at Genoveve's reaction. She did not know her fellow witch all that much, and much of their prior interaction had been random helloes and how-are-you's in the castle corridors. "What are you bringing?"

Genoveve looked away somewhat embarrassed now, "Oh uhm... well I... I brought uhm... I brought some clothes and, regents for... potions uhm..., she had really brought nothing else, she didn't need anything else... she looked at Elina who seemed confused,"I... I'm not nobility Elina... I was... uhm, not... born in a castle..."

"Oh," was the sound that left Elina's lips. She cocked her head slightly, her crimson eyes staring intently at Genoveve's cerulean own. "Where were you born, then?"

Genoveve nervously held her arm and bit her lower lip, "Well, I-I come from a long line of witches, possibly back to the beginning... even though we didn't keep records of it. My family always believed in the 'old ways' so when other witches began to... place themselves as nobles and royalty they... shunned them. I was born in... uhm... a small wooden hut deep in the spirit wood, where my mother had been born and her mother before her...", she blushed heavily, it was so much... lower than all the other witches, "And it was there I grew up... not in a... castle or mansion... no servants or really money at all..."

"Oh," Elina sounded. She blinked her eyes a bunch of times, processing this information. "I see." It was clear to her that Genoveve was finding the topic of her pedigree to be entirely uncomfortable, so she sought to change the topic as quickly as possible.

"That's nice." She had never lied so brutally before. "So what carriage are you taking?"

Genoveve pointed to the carriage where she had placed her things before looking back at Elina, "Y-you don't have to... lie Elina, I know I was born leagues beneath you in a... wealth perspective-

"What are you talking about? There is nothing shameful about being born in your class," Elina continued to lie. She was feeling rude and awkward at the same time, yet her expression remained incredibly neutral. Her instincts - and sudden bout of social anxiety - told her to get away from there as quickly as possible. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I shall be proceeding to my carriage."

She bowed and left, without even waiting for an answer. The carriage she was walking to was not the one Genoveve had chosen.

Lorelai shook her head at Elina's departure. "I was born in a castle, and promptly removed when I was...eleven I think?" She sighed.

"No, dear," Vespa squeezed her lover's hand, as a servitor politely opened the carriage doors and Elina, possessed of a queen's bearing, stepped inside. "Elina has no issue with... plebeians. It's just that, she absolutely abhors anything she thinks is sad."

Lorelai gave Vespa a quizzical expression. "I don't think there's anything sad about Genoveve's upbringing...other than her obvious shame...I suppose."

"Elina doesn't think like that," Vespa said quickly. "She simply finds a sense of guilt in that she grew up drinking tea from fine china while Genoveve got none of the sort."

"Strange, I'd think Genoveve's expertise with potions and medicine the more enviable myself." She shrugged. "No matter, but do avoid the term 'plebeians' in front of us common folk Mi'lady." Lorelai grinned and performed a small bow.

Vespa rolled her eyes. "Oh, you."

I... I'm not... I am not ashamed of my birth I just- well... you're all so... and...", she simply couldn't stand it anymore, the way Elina had lied to her face ostensibly to 'protect' her or something... the way Vespa had called her a Plebeian like such a thing was nothing. Even with Lorelai attempting to diffuse things with her words, even she had been born in a castle, cast out or not. Genoveve quickly sought to escape, retreating into her carriage... where she began to cry quietly. Not that she needed to be quiet seeing as the carriages were sound proofed.

---

_{The city of Welsthaven}

"....Remind me, who are you again, and why are we walking straight into a town full of hunters?" Said Taran, shifting his blade awkwardly back into its sheathe. "I'm positive that we are supposed to avoid those,"

"You're a dude." Alphonse responded casually. "Most hunters are pretty well convinced that we're exclusively female, so they don't look in on us too closely. So long as you stay relaxed, and act like you're just another tough come to cut up Witches, we should be fine. How good are you at holding your drink? That's the second most important part."

"I...don't know," said Taran truthfully. "My...family and village thought that alcohol was the devil's seed and lead to an impure life," There were lots of things that Fish didn't allow its people to do. Like wear the color purple, talk to strangers and live in anything but denial about the evils of the world. "Well, I guess we are about to find out,"

Alphonse stopped in his tracks and stared at Taran for a short time. He spent most of that time blinking. "You know these witches are going to make you into a cock slave right? They're going to run you ragged, and at first, you're going to think it's awesome. Then you realize how crazy they all are. Alcohol isn't the devil's seed, it's the nectar of Leathe that helps you forget."

"Cock? Slave? Like...Rooster? Rooster slave? I don't get it," He said, shaking his head. "Is... that what happened to you? Is that why they all find you....bothersome? Is it because you crow?"

"They're going to fuck you!" Alphonse said in a low voice, getting very close to be sure that no one could hear. "How long have you been here? How could you not know? These women are insane! They're isolated in their little castle deprived of any male contact, full of their own self importance and power, the moment they get access to a man, they dig their claws in and milk them for semen so they can make more of their weird little witch babies. Or use the act for power. Or something weirder."

"What? What are you talking about? Make...witch babies?" He said, trying to put context to what the man was saying. "Like...they want to ...mate with me?" Taran looked suddenly very alarmed. Before whispering "But...I'm not married to any of them, I haven't asked any of their fathers, where do I find their fathers?"

"Taran.....most of them don't have fathers. Not really, they aren't raised by men. These witches don't have much use for men beyond breeding. Unless you're one of the rare few to also be a witch. Then you're good for breeding and using your gift for their own will. So, I wouldn't count on marriage if I were you. You're what they call "class 'S' breeding stock.""

"And," Said Taran, his voice getting a little higher. "What does that mean?" His face clearly expressing the fact that his world have been upturned as he was struggling to make sense of his new reality.

"It means we drink." Alphonse clapped one hand on Taran's shoulder, in an attempt to be comforting. "Remember, we're here to find out about Hunter activity, so try to relax, and let me do most of the talking, if anyone asks, you're my apprentice. you will buy a pint from the bar, and drink it slowly. Here's five pence, it should be plenty." As Alphonse began guiding his apparently innocent companion to the bar.

Doing as his... mentor bid, ordered a drink, mostly trying to not draw attention to himself. After the liquid was poured in a mug, he took a swig of it, copying the motion of other men that he saw around the tavern doing. It took a second, but the brown liquid stung every corner of his mouth. His gut told him to spit the foul mix out. He could feel his face scrunch with distaste, but finally, he was able to get it down. "Why," he whispered under his breath to Al. "Did you tell me to drink that, are you trying to poison me?" But he let the topic drop, takening to pretending to drink, rather than doing the deed.

"So's," Said a voice on the far side of Alphonse. "I don't think I've seen the two of you 'ere before," There was a man, perhaps in his late thirties sitting at the bar, his drink, Taran noticed, was small and amber. It looked a lot better than what he was forced to drink. "The name's Teegan, who might you be?"

"Name's Al, this is my apprentice Taran. I thought this might be a good place to find a few weaker nasties to blood the boy on. Place doesn't seem to have too much trouble about."

"That'd be because you just missed it," Said Keegan. "There were a couple 'ol blood suckers running about here. But we chased them off," The man downed the amber liquid like it was water. "A couple of the 'ol boys went chasing off after them. Ya know how new hunters can be. Even some of the old ones. Off towards Castle something or other. But if you ask me, the kids can have their fun. People like us are too old, better to stay near the tavern,"

"You might be too tired for a good romp, but I've got to look out for the future generation. Sounds like a good chance for the boy to see hunters in action in large groups. We might be late for the action, but if we head out soon, we might at least catch some good stories." Alphonse downed his pint in one large draw. "But we can't very well be riding out in the dark drunk, we better stick around for awhile. Mingle with the locals." Alphonse elbowed Taran and walked over to a nearby table, another drink in hand.

Taran took his tankard with him, following Alphonse to one of the nearby tables. "I don't want to finish this," he whispered, sitting down, holding up the drink. "Why couldn't I have gotten what he was having?" He said, gesturing towards Keegan. "And, what now, that idiot basically just spouted everything we were looking for in a single breath,"

"Everything we were told to look for. There are other sights to see." Alphonse broke eye contact with Taran halfway through his sentence, following the swaying hips of a serving girl. "How do you feel about losing your cherry? I've got the gold for it, and they'll be gentler than the witches will," he said the last part in a hushed tone.

"Lose my what?" he said. His eyes following Alphonse towards the girls...rather...ample...ample hindquarters. He could feel his cheeks flushing red and decided to take a large drink of his ale to avoid answer the question. It was a mistake, and he once again felt himself fighting to keep the bitter drink down. "I-I do not think the witches would be...unkind. But... I'd rather...wait?" Personally, he didn't really care, marriage or not, but he felt very uncomfortable with Alphonse orchestrating the whole thing. When it did happen, he wanted it to be...special. With...maybe a candle. Taran would at least like to know the girl's name beforehand.

Alphonse shrugged. "To each their own. My advice, take your agency where you can get it. It's scarce enough as it is. Besides, we might be fighting monsters tonight, you wouldn't want to leave this world regretting not having a grand experience when you could have had it for a few coins, right?" Alphonse took another drink. "Also, put that marriage idea out of your head, it's a pretty lie at this point."

"You can't know that," said Taran, looking down at his mug. "Just because they just use you doesn't mean they'll use me," He pushed the liquid away. "Besides, I think you're just stalling. And I don't think that the Mistresses will like that very much,"

Alphonse let out a long sigh. wobbling a bit, the drink had apparently gotten to him. "Look, I'm not trying to destroy everything you believe in or anything. It's just that....everything you believe is dead. Right? You're not in your old village anymore, I just want you to know what you're getting into. And I complain a lot. These girls can help you out, figure out all the stuff that we have to deal with. I'm just trying to look out for you on the parts that they don't understand so well."

"I understand it just ....fine," he said, "Come on, we are going back now...you're being..weirder than usual," With that he walked with Alphonse back to the camp, where the witches were waiting. "Well," He said, walking over Lorelai and Alexina. Before being asked he said "I've learned three things tonight. The first, ale is horrible. The second, a group of hunters is tracking a group of vampires to a nearby castle. And third, apparently both of you want to mate with me," with that, he walked off to where he had set up his tent.

Lorelai's eyes widened at the mention of the third thing Taran had evidently learned tonight. "Wait...what?" She looked over to Alexina. "I'm pretty sure my preferences are...well known?"

Alexina's eyes were wide at the final thing as well...a hint of red on her face as she lifted her hand to her mouth to somehow hide her surprise. When Lorelai spoke to her she cleared her throat. " Um... Apparently not?" Looking back to the boy who retreated back to his tent then to Alphonse.

Lorelai turned her gaze to Alphonse, her surprise quickly being replaced with an expression of mild amusement. "Alphonse." Her voice was sickly sweet. "Where would little Taran have gotten the idea that me and Alexina wanted to...mate...with him?"

Alexina was already coming to the same conclusion before Lorelai spoke, Taran did not seem to be the one who would think up that kind of thing, let alone speak it. "Surely it wasn't you?........Alphonse... You would know better than to corrupt such a youthful mind?"

"Oh, sure, blame the cockslave for informing his brethren as to his ultimate fate. I'm going to bed." Alphonse attempted to stumble to his tent.

He didn't quite make it.

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

@Aerandir We'll get that other collab started tonight.

Also, witches involved in the Ruvina expedition! I thank you for your patience and hard work. I'll only need a bit more blood work from each of you to finish up.

pop onto the pad as you're able if you would. I'll be on after about 7pm CST until what is likely an unholy obscenely late hour.

@SillyGoy I hope to see you there! Our schedules haven't matched up yet. Don't make me eat you! I'll do it! I'm shutting up now...

Thanks again!

Amongst the Lonesome- A return to Santa Somabra [Fantasy Noir]

The air of Lorelai's apartment rang with characteristic whack of training swords. The furniture had been cleared to the side, and Lorelai and Shaun circled each other in the middle of the living room. Every so often they'd cross their wooden blades in a series of rapid strikes, parries, and attempted ripostes. Shaun was an imminently talented swordsman, one of the reason he's been chosen nearly three centuries ago. Lorelai was a practical compendium of the art, it was a secret passion of hers, and though she hadn't had opportunity to practice as much as she'd liked over the years she'd gotten plenty more than the average mortal ever could.

"Your stance is impeccable as always Mi'lady." Shaun said between small, controlled breaths.

"Flattery will get you everywhere Shaun. Yours in excellent as well, as expected." Lorelai could simply over power the man with her inhuman strength and speed if she'd like, but that wasn't exactly conducive to training now was it?

They crossed 'blades' again. the flurry of faux steel between them had begun when Shaun had thought he'd notice a hole in his mistress' defenses, but every action began in the mind, and Lorelai was cunning. The trap had closed, resulting in an exchange that left Shaun more and more off-balanced with each rejoinder, until Lorelai's sword found its way to his throat.

"Well done Mi'lady, I see that opening was naught but an illusion, closed up as easily as it was found." Shaun bowed and took the training swords to the closet to replace them in their proper places. "I have to ask though, mistress. What has you in the mood for training this evening?"

Lorelai carefully considered her response. As tempting as it was to go with the old fall back of 'fuck you, that's why' she decided if she couldn't confide in Shaun she couldn't confide in anyone. "The inconsistency of mortals...their hearts to be precise."

---

_{The previous night, Lexi's apartment}

"You're a vampire!?" Lexi's face was shocked at Lorelai's revelation. "And you just killed Jamie!?"

Lorelai examined the girl's face. She'd expected Lexi to be concerned that she was a vampire, most people seemed to be, but Jamie's death was a matter of course right? "More like made him kill himself, I'd hate to dirty your apartment, that would make me a poor guest after all. He was going to hurt us, and while I wasn't exactly afraid I didn't particularly like the sentiment in his eyes."

"So you killed him." Lexi's face had gone white. "Just like that? Without a second thought?"

"Why would I think twice? The first time told me everything I needed after all." Lorelai tried to explain herself calmly. "If he could generate the willful desire to hurt you, he could do so again. Why allow that to occur? I've grown...fond of you, which is a rare thing for me."

Lexi wondered at the fact that Lorelai's words still had the power to make her heart race after listening to her calmly confess to killing a man. "T-thank you I think?" She shook her head. "I-I need time to process this...c-can I call you when I figure it out?"

Lorelai felt a small, and unfamiliar pain in her chest. "As you wish Lexi." She turned and entered the apartment from the balcony that had played host to this...disappointing conversation. After she'd gotten dressed in her own clothes again she turned to the blonde. "I've left my number on your bedside table. Take whatever time you need, but do inform me if you do not wish to continue our interactions."

Lexi's eyes, which had followed Lorelai's eerily quiet movements throughout, settled on hers briefly before looking away. "O-of course."

---

_Present

Shaun nodded as Lorelai explained what had transpired. "So you've become infatuated with this young woman then Mi'lady?"

"It would appear so." Lorelai admitted. "I just need something right now to clear my mind, and shake off this unwelcome melancholy."

"Perhaps now's the time to get serious about allying yourself with the syndicate ma'am." Shaun ventured. "Some work might serve as a distraction while you wait for this...Lexi to reply to your most generous affections."

"You're quite right I think." Lorelai's eyes brightened as she remembered something she'd decided not too long ago. "Especially considering I know what I want from this Madam Bloodbloom."

"Have you settled on something then ma'am?" Shaun's eyebrow arched.

"Yes, I've realized that my un-life has become entirely too comfortable." Lorelai explained. "If I'm to regain hold on my passing time I must struggle for something. I'm going to place this Bloodbloom atop the city you see, just to do it. All I'll ask is to be showered with affection, and to be kept entertained during the interim."

"Showered with affection? Surely you don't think she'll...'shower you with affection' Ma'am." Shaun doubted the self-styled fairy queen would put out at the asking.

"Not what I meant you miserable old lech." Lorelai rolled her eyes grinning. "I merely want to ensure that I'm appreciated. Gifts is mostly what I mean, and to be invited to parties, gatherings, and meetings. I want to meet new and formidable people as well Shaun."

"Well...I think she'll certainly pay you, but gifts ma'am?" Shaun was still unsure. "It's simply self evident why you should be brought into the inner-circle quickly of course."

"Shaun...gifts...a paycheck. You can pop my bubble as easily as I can pop your head. My bubble will come back Shaun." Lorelai narrowed her eyes at the man.

"Of course ma'am. I'm sure you'll receive plentiful displays of your new patron's awe at your many and varied talents." Shaun grinned. If his Lady had found something to be excited about far be it for him to dissuade her.

Lorelai's eyes brightened immediately. "Me too! I'm excited Shaun! Set up a meeting at her earliest convenience." She strode towards the door. "I'm off to shop for an outfit better suited for the meeting, and to eat of course."

Shaun's smile was wide and genuine as he watched the back of his mistress disappear out the door. Somabra had been the right decision after all. He didn't particularly care about the specifics of what was to come, but if she was smiling again did it really matter?

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

Taran x Yamamoto

It had been decades since the two had met, and long journeys for each. Yamamoto's footsteps lead from pearl harbor, to midway, and eventually to his death. Taran had stared into the abyss itself, and harness its deadly hellfire.

"We meet again you horny old lech." Taran's gaze was hard. "Do you remember whatt you did to me?

Yamamoto simply nodded. Stepping forward his hand came up to cup the man's cheek, now rough with stubble.

"I-I haven't been able to get it out of my head..." Taran's eyes fell at the sweet sensation of Yamamoto's hand. "I ended up a cockslave...just like Alphonse said."

Yamamoto pulled Taran into an embrace. "So many women, and none of them ever tasted as sweet." A single tear rolled down his cheek. "Al's dead now, Lorelai finally got to him I think...I wasn't there."

Yamamoto pulled away and looked deep into the man's eyes. Taran had come far, he was strong now, no trace of the naive boy he'd joined with so many years ago. Who stood before him was a man, strong and in his prime. Yamamoto's heart swelled with pride.

"Take me now you horny old goat, and when you ask what I say when I feel good, I'll scream it from the rooftops!" Their lips met, and they painted the sky with their love.

More Yamamoto! <3