PopeAlessandros

Wit and Wiles: The Means to an End ~ PopeAlessandros x PrincessOfMyBedroom

Elistro, youngest prince of the kingdom of Veil, marches out of the great hall to a chorus of laughter. Normally unperturbed by the scorn of others his cheeks flush red in anger at his family's actions. It was one thing to be teased by one or two of them, but all of them at once is more than he can bare. The slap of his feet on the wooden floors echoes through the halls as he storms through them, every servant who hears the noise vacating the path before him least the catch his attention in this temper. El is not a violent young man however he has been known to whip the flesh of a servant's back with his tongue should the mood take him and the servant not know any better.

The servants cower in their little alcoves as he passes, the flowers in their vases almost seeming to shiver at his passing. It isn't until he is in his craft room that he seems to calm, coming to a halt in the middle of the room and simply breathing hard, his eyes darting about at all of his simple works. The room is half the size of his bedroom, the walls full of paper, inks, paints, sculpting tools, and various other artistic mediums. His anger however, instead of abating, only seems to grow. With a cry he topples easel with his current work on it to the ground with a loud crash. His fit does not stop there. Over the next half an hour he moves like a typhoon through the room, ripping, cracking,shredding, crushing everything he can.

It isn't until the whole place looks quite a mess, many of his old works now splashed with new colors that ruin the picture or run full of tears from angry slashes with scissors, that he collapses in the middle of the room into a fit of sobs. El has not felt like this in a good long while, his aspiration and hopes normally quite low and without that glimmer that makes them noticeable to others. 'However today, I was a fool, a complete fool. . .I should know better by now. . .' He curls in upon himself, smearing ink and paint all over his cheeks and hair as he buries his had in his mess spattered arms. His shoulders shake as he continues to cry, trying desperately to calm himself, to remind himself that none of it really mattered to begin with.

It takes another half an hour for the anger and sorrow to fade enough for him to seek out the nearest bathing chamber. A servant who had spotted the mess he was had sprinted ahead and be the time he arrives a hot bath is already in the making. The normal wooden floors are replaced with tile and stone and at the light slapping sound of his bare feet most of the servants scatter, leaving only those who are on duty in the bathroom there to tend to the prince. There was a time where the servants held great sympathy for the youth, and tried to help him when he was in this mood far more than they are doing now, but as they years went on and it became clear that their attempts to talk to him only really made him feel worse, they took to helping him silently, and hoping that it would be enough.

Shucking off his clothing he climbs into the large wooden tub, the near scalding water feeling good on his skin. Like most royalty he is not bothered by servants seeing him in any state of undress, though for him it isn't because he sees them as less than he, the prince simply has grown use to it over the years. That and he is actually a little proud to show off his body. Of all things his siblings can claim, he is by far the most lovely of the children, mixing the grace and beauty of their mother with the firmness and strength of their father. He is not the strongest, nor the prettiest, but he is the perfect bland of both, and everyone knows it.

He simply sit there for a time, the water up to his neck once the water is done being added, the little stool keeping him from being completely under water. In town a bath this size could wash an entire family at once, but here in the palace it is standard for a simple royal bathing, or a guest or the royal family. After a time, he begins scrubbing at his skin with a clock laid across the side and a servant moves in to begin washing his hair. Unlike his brothers he's let it grow out beyond the current style for men, though it is not as robust as his sisters' and far less styled. The girl works carefully, having done this often enough to know how to deal with the prince's hair, and by the time she pours the bucket of clean water over his head to rinse out the soaps used he is done with his body.

A servant had grabbed him some fresh clothing and once he is out and dried helps him into his normal evening wear, the black poet shirt left open in the front, the white riding pants fitting snugly. Elistro does not actually wear anything to bed, but the evenings find him quite often out of his bed until the wee hours of the morning, working on one thing or another. A servant holds up a dark blue haori, brought just in case he wants it, and with a soft sigh El slips it on. He manages a nod to the servants in thanks for what they have done before leaving the clean-up to them, as all royals do. Once in the hallway, the steam rising from his body making it almost look like he's on fire, he begins walking slowly through the halls, wondering what to do with himself.

'That was very stupid of me. . .' he grumps, his eyes on his feet as he walks. It is now clear that the prince is not longer ready the tongue lash the first person to cross him so the servants go about their business in their normal fashion, only acknowledging him enough to bow as they pass one another. 'Both what happened in the hall, and what I did to my room. Dear spirits, I hope there's at least a few things left for me to use. . .I know I can get all new stuff, but that will take a couple days at least. The good stuff, the stuff I'm good with, most of it comes from other countries. We are not an artistic bunch here in Veil. . .What happened in the hall is more than enough to confirm that fully. . .' He does use some local suppliers, for certain items, but then again, sometimes it's the cheap stuff that makes a piece turn out right.

Coming around a corner in the middle of berating himself for trying to get his family to understand him a little better he spots something that he feels just might brighten his evening. Recently they had gotten in a new influx of servants and among them were a few beauties, and while he would never dream of demanding one to his bed, the idea of night spent with a lovely in his arms is enough to bring a smile to his face. Most of the palace staff knows of the youngest prince's preference to take servants to bed rather than going and finding a companion for the evening in town, and for the most part most he sets his eyes on do not mind joining him for a tumble. He has overheard many whispering about him being quite a gentleman in bed who gives rather than just takes.

At the end of the hall a young serving girl, likely around his age, is trying desperately to carry a load she is obviously not use to carrying and twice while he watching her she drops her baskets and has to spend several seconds scooping the clothes back into them before trying to go on. Finally as she drops in a third time he moves forward and without a word helps her. She doesn't even look up, stuttering out thanks. It isn't until she looks up that she realizes just who it is who is lending her a hand. She goes pale as a ghost and begins stuttering apologies. He waves a hand, smiling faintly. “No need to be sorry. I helped because I felt like helping out. Such a lovely flower should not be overburdened so.”

She turns brilliant colors and whispers softly, “I am honored highness to hear your words.” He smiles, taking one of her baskets and motioning for her to lead the way. Once they are unladen and the servant back in the hallway, bowing and thanking him, El makes his move. He is not forceful in his advances, however she seems a little too frightened to do much more than shake her head and look away. He is sweet and gently, using one of his oldest techniques to slowly begin wearing her down. Despite her reluctance it does not seem like she's frightened, simply uneasy and not sure what to do, unwilling to make a mistake by making a rash decision.

When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

A small ripple of upset runs through all present as Enasi basically pouts like a stubborn child and figuratively just throws his hands up in the air in defeat without really getting the point. Seishu has never ending patience when it comes to the little ones in his realm, but for childish adults he has none, even if he's in love with him. He exhales long and slow through his nose, and Rue recognizes the tumblers falling into place behind the guardian’s eyes. 'He's not mad, but he's gonna do something, and I don't think we should be around for it, because when these two start up, things get way too real way too fast sooo' Carefully the fairy reaches around and scoops up Rasha, quickly scooting back off the bed. He motions with his head for Inui to join him as he circles around the bed.

Inui, who does not recognize Seishu's moods all that well just yet looks confused for a moment before slipping off the bed. For his part Seishu is simply staring at his counterpart, his expression mostly unreadable. Very softly he whispers, “Everyone, scat. Doc, leave a sedative.” They almost look like nightmare denizens as with very little hesitation they all do as they are told. Harper is the last to leave, making sure to catch his guardian's eye and trying to convey just a little bit at least how upset he is that it has come to this before closing the door behind them.

With a slow exhale Seishu finally drops his gaze from Enasi's face. “I am not trying to pick on you, and I'm not trying to treat you like a child. You are no fool, though you are foolish sometimes, and right now just happens to be one of these times.” Looking back up his expression has changed. No longer is it nearly unreadable, his worry, confusion, and hurt is clear upon his face. However instead of stating what he wishes to speak about he whispers softly, “Here or in Our World, your choice. They are waiting, so do not think on it too long.”

~*~*~*~*~

In the hall the group mills about a bit before Cho heads back to the kitchen, only making a pit stop at Seishu's room to grab up the rest of the dishes. Starla tags along to help, telling Finn that she'll head to the garden and see what she can do with it. Finn agrees to meet her there. Crios heads off to go check on his patients while Rasha, Rue, and Inui take up the vigil with Harper, all three sitting close together against the wall opposite the room holding their guardians. Looking up at the rabbit man, his arms crossed as he leans against the wall, Inui whispers, “Do you think it'll be okay?” Harper glances down, his eyes sharp. Despite all of his misgivings Harper is sure things will turn out. He trusts his guardian, and Lord Enasi would never do anything to irreparably damage the realm or thing beings in it so as the general manages to pulls a smile and nod at the little faces now all turned up at him his is completely sincere in his confidence.

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

The delight spreading across Aoba's whole continence makes the demon smile wide. He loves seeing Aoba so happy and the sight seems to remove some of the funk he's been stuck in for so long. He hums and nods, letting out a barking laugh as the angel all but pounces on him, returning the hug with one hand as the other slips behind to keep him from falling over. Burying his face in Aoba's neck he gives it a kiss before letting him go. “No problem Little Mouse. It was my pleasure.” His gaze shifts from the angel to the sprouts. “It is a good feeling to have accomplished something like this. I've grown a few things before, but mostly in pots and flower boxes, to test the skills I learned from my books.” He tilts forward on to his knees and brushes his fingers gently over one little half unfurled leaf. “So adorable at this size. . .”

His keen eyes do not miss the blush however he decides not to tease him about it. 'He gets enough teasing from Dani these days. . .' Kuro stays crouching and looks around at the plants while he explains that they need to be careful about not picking the wrong things, and to be careful where you step. “I water every morning before sunrise, but we'll have to keep an eye on those plants that require more water, maybe water them again just as the sun is going down.” Licking his lips he looks over as he feels his brother rushing in. “And keep an eye out for bugs. If we get bugs we'll have to either start spraying pesticide, which will change the flavor a little but keep the plants safe, or we'll have to be very vigilant in keeping the bugs off ourselves. There are other means, but I would need to go over my mental records for them.”

Kuro decides not to honor the smaller demon's words with word of his own, instead scooping up a dirt clod and whipping it at the older male. When Dani whips around for a fight however Kuro says to Aoba, “Now, let's get this weeding done so we can get to town, hmm?” At the thought of going to down Dani's mouth snaps shut and instead of attacking he hops on to a fence post to call out instructions as to where the weeds are while the other two get to work. The little brother does his best to ignore this and sets to work with tempered zeal, careful not to let his energy out least it poison the lovely little sprouts.

~*~*~*~*~

The next time Fenrir has time to look at the mirror he finds them once more tending the planted area, however this time he notices them skipping some of the little growing bit. 'Oh, those must be sprouts! I wish I could zoom in with this thing. . . .' He smiles softly before tucking the mirror away. The morning had been quite harrowing with several angels coming in with injuries directly inflicted by high level demons. The strikes seem completely sporadic, and the angels fought back like hell, however with the lull a little earlier in the week they had thought the attacks abating for a while. 'But in the past two days we've had more attacks than we care to count, and in such an unpredictable pattern that the casualties on our side have been more than on theirs. . .' He shakes his head, scooping up his bag to go help out on the floor. Despite his less than hate type feelings he's been growing for those defending little Aoba, Fenrir's hatred of the race in general grows with each wound he treats.

~*~*~*~*~

Once the weeding is all done Dani lets out a whoop and begins flying around the farm in big looping circles and Kuro is tempted to whip another clod at him, however as he and Aoba make their way over tot he pump to wash up he thinks better of it. 'If he tires himself out today then I can bathe alone with Aoba tonight. . .' He smiles at the idea. The “family” baths are fun in their own way, however since Dani's arrival he's had very little time alone with the angel. A part of him is tempted to loose Dani and shoo him back to hell, but at the same time he knows he's better off with the little beast around. 'Keeping Aoba safe is the priority, and with him around there isn't much we can't handle. . .' He shudders to think of the things he can't handle, and prays that the day those come along will be a long way off.

A Bloody Murder

As he's never heard about “Hitting on” someone, Rei looks quite confused at the phrase and wonders if his words some how acted as blows against the man. However as the prince continues to smile and seems quite please at the concept the fae keep his thoughts to himself and turns around to face Alessandro fully. He continues listening, watching with curious eyes as the man seems to drop into deep thought over his final question. The beginning of the youth's explanation does not help the fae at all as he's never been embarrassed as far as he can recall, nor has he ever been nervous since starting his new life. 'Perhaps this is one of those things that will simply never make sense to me. I can see that there are many things they take for granted that I lust. . . .Do not get. . . .' However as he goes on and things he can better relate to come up and he goes from confused about one thing, to confused about yet another thing.

'Falling, and about to hit bottom. I understand that. I have dropped from some damaging heights before and got a feeling deep inside that were highly unpleasant. . .However, if dressing like this makes him feel like that. . . .How does clothing make one feel like falling? I just. . .I do not understand. . . .' His brows furrow as the prince goes to address his servant and he quickly sorts out the important fact of everything the boy told him. 'Dressing up like that makes him feel negatively. It is unpleasant for him' With a faint not to himself he looks up just in time to hear the servant say that the prince must leave him behind. He doesn't quite get the rest of the conversation, other than the fact that Alessandro has no younger brothers, and he watches the prince leave with a blank expression. The servant goes to close the door behind him before stopping. He just remembered that the bodyguard was still in the prince's room.

Pushing the door back open slightly he looks to the smaller male and says with slightly more strength in his voice than what was there when addressing the prince, “Sir, if you would, I don't think it right for you to, um, wait here in the prince's room. . .” Rei stares at the youth, trying to figure out what is right or wrong about being in someone's room, but as this is not Alessandro he does not voice his queries and instead exits the room silently. Once the door is closed the servant casts one last glance at the tiny male before moving off to some other task quickly and quietly.

Once more Rei's interpretation of things runs in his own favor and while the prince was ordered not to bring him with, Rei was not ordered to not come of his own volition. So he does just that. Careful to stay out of sight of eyes that may get he or the prince in trouble he makes his way into the main hall unseen by all bot the normal staff who look far too meek to think to tell the king he is there. He watches the last bit of the exchange from a corner, the noise in the room making it impossible to hear what was said up in the dais, then slips around to a side door and is in the garden before the prince and what he presumes is the suitor he's suppose to be meeting even get there. Carefully he slips into some of the deeper foliage he will be able to move around in freely and watches as the two of them emerge.

'They are walking close together, so if she tries anything I will have to react quickly' He glances back towards the castle. 'With so many visitors today, and so short a time around them, I did not have a chance to check the feeling of the room. There may be yet another in there, ready to finish up what the other failed to do earlier' Despite the serene surroundings Rei is as keyed up as ever, though if anyone could actually see him he would look perfectly relaxed. His hand is on the hilt of his blade and while he does not like throwing his weapon he is nearly as deadly with it at a distance. His magic trickles out and though it takes a good thirty seconds, covers the entire garden in it's web like tendrils and allows Rei to listen in more easily to the strolling couple.

The Truth Behind The Blaze ~ PopeAlessandros x tenebrae16

The waves of the demon's desire to destroy him is like a pungent odor permeating the hallways, but despite the feeling of standing in toxic burning gas Lai manages to not lash out at the sickeningly unpleasant feeling, keeping his stance and gaze at least moderately respectful. He does have a bit of respect of the demon. I mean, after all, he's fought his nature hard enough that the children show no sign of being corrupted. Demonness aside, he also runs a tight ship as the saying goes. His job here is not something just anyone can do, supernatural or otherwise. His breathing slows ever so slightly as the demon lets slip that he's not actually here by God's grace. 'Well, that is one question answered. However even if he doesn't, the children must. . .' His thoughts are confirmed moments later as he admits he is here in secret, and that the children pray.

'He must really keep himself sealed up. The children surly pray for him, and if God has ever looked to them, even once, then He has likely had to cast an eye upon Xephos here. It's inevitable. How can he plan to stay hidden with the little ones praying for him every night, or at least near it? That is an interesting accomplishment to say the least. . .Keeping Yahweh's eyes from him in His own home. . .' His eyes follow the demon as he prepares to leave, keeping his arms crossed and his tongue still. He really does not want to goad the demon into attacking, and it's clear that despite his own restraint and respectfulness, not to mention usefulness, he seems to only grow more and more ready to make good on that threat to put an unholy bullet in me. . .'[/i]

His teeth flash for a moment at the red glow in the demon's eyes followed by the implication that God cares not for him and this place, however after that near silent whisper he calms and returns the words with a bow and near silent words of his own. “That will do just fine. I am here to serve. Thank you, Father. . . .Good night.” Having said his bit Laisander slowly makes his way back towards “His” room. This demon priest gives him constant things to think about, bringing up questions he never thought he'd be asking, and feelings that do nothing but confuse him. 'I am still constantly on edge around him, and he around me, but as he grows more and more tense as time passes, or so it seems, I grow more and more tolerant. Perhaps it is part of what makes our races so different. We are naturally more accepting. . .' The cool stone hallways hols a warmth he does not notice most of the time, but as his thoughts travel here and there he can feel it seeping into him gently, making him smile.

He is however drawn out of his thoughts as he hears a faint sobbing from somewhere up ahead and after a moment of letting his energy out to scout ahead he realizes what it is. With a faint smile and more than a little guilt he hurries up and comes to the door of his room, finding a now familiar figure curled up on his bed. He has taken to wondering why Javier seems so attached to him, however the more obvious answers as to why a human would cling to an angel so swiftly and completely do not require much thought and seem likely in the little one's situation. Quickly he slips into the room and over to the bed, not hesitating to scoop the boy up and hold him close. Javier seems startled for split second but as soon as he sees those soft eyes looking down at him the boy wraps his arm firmly around the angel and sobs happily into his collarbone.

“Hush hush little one, it's,okay, I'm here. I was just saying my good-nights to the Father and asking for some prayer. . . .” He sees no reason to lie to the distraught child who simply laughs a little in his crying and clings closer. Carefully Lai lifts Javier up and begins walking him back to his room. While he can sense where the boy rests his head he stops and asks him anyways. Javier hives him basic direction between ever more infrequent sobs and with a sigh he continues on. Sensing that Xephos is not too far away he slows his steps. 'The last thing I need if for him to simply come across me in the boy's room. He already fears I have some evil plot to do something to them, finding me in their rooms so late at night. . .' He slows down just enough that by the time he and the demon meet he will be a little ways from the youth's door. Javier yawns wide, beginning to nod off, blissfully unawares of the possible conflict his little late night check-up on the resident angel may yet cause.

Lost On Course To Tomorrow ~ PopeAlessandros x ShadowRaeper

Yeah, moderate to overly populated, depending on which city one is in, and perhaps even some smaller cities here and there full of people who don't like all the tech :P Hnnnn. . . .Segregated(kinda) rich and poor could add some interesting dramas, depending on where your character falls on the scale *Grin* Sounds good to me. No matter where your guy falls on the scale I can see quite a few interesting dramas that can be added to the tale.

Hmmm, I think we should have one of the techs be something that makes sure even the poor parts of the cities stay relatively clean, and something that efficiently gets rid of all garbage. Super recycling and stuff, so we're not dealing with a Wall-e type issue too :p . . . .I gotta stop now or I'll go on a really long in depth rant that we may find we don't even keep later so, yeah :P

I think we got some good ideas on the setting. . . How about a couple plot ideas before moving on to characters? Just some things we think would be fun to play out, nothing too in depth :P

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

When the prince glances away Akito can feel his heart beginning to try and race again, however he carefully controls his breathing, trying to force it to calm. 'I have no idea what he's thinking, so I should stop fearing the worst every time. . .That's part of my problem around here I think. Living on the constant threat of being killed, you always expect the worst first. That's how you stay alive. . .' Akito stutters at the word “death” wanting to quickly dispel the idea that he'd actually kill without checking first but the prince moves right on so all he gets out is a mumbles, “Not kill. . .” and a few off squeaking noises. He swallows hard when the prince actually asks him a question and despite the deep flush that runs rampant across his cheeks at the question he manages to get back enough breath to respond fairly quickly.

“No, highness. I was tense but very aware of your presence. . .” His words are quiet and he looks to his feet, trying desperately to relax even if only a little bit. Somehow simply talking about anything but serious matters with the young man seems to send the soldier into a nervous breakdown. 'No, not anything but' he muses. 'More anything about . . .”Us”. . .And it may have just been a kiss and a hug, but that's still more. . .Except for those times the whores went the extra mile to try and convince me, but they knew to back off when I gave them “that” look, but I can't. . . .I can't look at the prince like “that”. . . .That would be so rude and I know we'll eventually have to and I'd rather him not thinking I'm going to kill him. . . .'

"I guess I should've expected something like that from a soldier.”

The line strikes him harder than it really should, he knows that, and the prince didn't even say it in a mean way. However those few words are enough to bring back the soldier's mask and Akito reverts to looking at his feet, all traces of his flush fading in a matter of moments. He nods at the information on the servants, glad that he'll at least have a few seconds to compose himself before facing them. 'I wonder if the prince will just walk in. . . .I know some couples do that. . . .' As Hiro stands Aki straightens up, ready to follow. “I can hear her coming a mile away, and even if I don't hear her, I will smell her.” His eyes snap up. “That is not an insult, it's just, the fragrance she wears, it's one of my favorites.” He shakes his head slightly, not really having anything to say at the moment, his mind having kinda shit down because of what the man had said. He remains at attention, a stance he didn't even notice he slipped into moments ago, and waits for the prince to decide on what to do next.

Wit and Wiles: The Means to an End ~ PopeAlessandros x PrincessOfMyBedroom

I will hopefully get to it soon. I promise to do my best :P

New Eyes and an Old Soul

James' more animalistic tenancies do not go unnoticed by the elder vampire and despite the need to break him of them Dorian keeps his distance as he waits for the young one to finish feeding. He winces internally as he drops the human into a heap and lets out a faint sigh. 'I know they are just food, but if we are not careful then they will die, and we will once more fall on to the list of threats in this world. Humans are just now beginning to think of us as no more than myths, but a slue of murders is more than enough to convince even the more forward thinking individual' He shakes his head slightly before turning his attention to the newborn's words.

Almost as if it was his own Dorian can feel the passion racing through the youth and a part of him can not stop the smile that creeps to his lips. 'So much fire, it is quite beautiful actually. Very refreshing. Now is only we could direct it to a more constructive avenue' He nods gently, reaching out and snaking an arm across the little one's shoulders and directing him deeper into the alley. “Very good on not draining him Little One.” he murmurs softly, walking along slowly. The night is not exactly young, but they still have time before they must return to the inn to sleep for the day. Running his fingers gently through James' hair ha asks softly, “Would you care to head out of town for a bit. Perhaps for a run to work out some of that stirring passion I feel rolling around in there?”

Wit and Wiles: The Means to an End ~ PopeAlessandros x PrincessOfMyBedroom

I think since your character is suppose to catch my character doing something it makes sense for me to start, but if you want to you can :P Is up to you.