Author: Gabriel, Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2018 11:10 AM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

A mismatched couple they were; the thought of it made him chuckle inwardly. Gabriel was a man born into an extravagant life and had everything set up for him, yet he was reckless and greedy. Paulina was a woman that had to endure the harsh living beneath her mother and was lead to believe that she didn’t deserve happiness. But the two did share one thing- the need for freedom. It was a chanced encounter that they met, but some would think that fate had played a hand in that. She was a quick study and before long, the two danced in harmony on the balcony. Time seemed to stop for them for a bit before they decided to venture away onto the beach.

Gabe seemed pleased to watch her enjoy the comforts of the water as it crashed onto their bare feet. His arm snaked around her as she drew nearer- it was still pretty strange for him to get used to, but it felt also nice. Looking towards her, Gabe rolled his eyes and grinned. “Someone has discovered a sense of humor, I see.” She was slowly opening up from the shy and underconfident girl he had met back in that forest. Little by little, she was getting accustomed to things in the civilized world.

“Hm, I have so much to teach you about sarcasm…” Gabe ventured more into the ocean, letting slowly going under until it was waist deep. “I’m not used to dressing fancy, never been one to like it.” He thought about something before answering her- he was sure it wasn’t out of malicious from his dear sister that she had said that. “No, she knows that you aren’t used to how things were when she questioned you about your life. Since we are stuck here, it would be better for you to understand how things go here. My folks may think that I just kidnapped you or something, otherwise.” That wasn’t exactly how things had played out; if anything she was the one that reached out to him in the first place. Somehow he didn’t think they’d understand that he took a random job to go and kill some baba yagas for the hell of it and then snatched her up. He fell back a little into the cold waters and let out a gasp as he let himself get submerged before backstroking.

“Eh, never cared for these clothes anyhoo.”

Author: Paulina, Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2018 10:33 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

When their faces met and nuzzled against once another Paulina felt a lump in her throat. Her breaths were shallow and her heart was rapid. Her bi-colored eyes closed throughout the affection but opened just a bit when he began to tell her how beautiful she was. The witch held a confused look on her face. She hadn’t ever thought of herself like that nor did she think of the other things he said.

Their bodies came together as he began to teach her the moves of a real dance. At times she felt like she was holding her breath as she struggled to get some things right where other times she caught on quick enough. Soon she was moving on her own with him without too much hassle. A grin was shown up at him. The chest contraption did make it hard for her little pounding heart though. She made that known very well. “I would prefer not at all but I suppose if I must.” She wasn’t about to get on Esme’s bad side. “A lady I must be.” She said it with a bit of a sass and a shake of her head which sent her black locks in different directions.

“Okay, good. I will wear this chest contraption but the torture devices for ones’ feet I will not.” She gave an affirmative nod as she smirked towards him. At least he was willing to help her get out of those. They were horrid little things. She didn’t even have to ask if it would be alright to run away from the party. It didn’t interest her and it didn’t interest him. Even if it was a party for Paulina she would much rather be with Gabriel. “Alright…” Her voice was quiet as they sneaked around all of the guests and made their way outside. “Finally,” Paulina said with some relief as she kicked the shoes off with no regard for how much silver they had been.

The witch didn’t bother to pick them up as she hurried to catch up to him. The sand felt weird on her toes and she stopped a few times in awe of how it felt. It was cold thanks to the night. The sand caressed all around and in between her toes. His voice snapped her out of the moment and she smiled as she ran to catch up to him. Water splashed up but it was very clear she didn’t mind being wet a bit.

“It does feel good.” She took his arm now and put her head into his shoulder. Her bi-colored eyes looked up to the moons and smiled towards him as her eyes looked at him now. “It’s nice here… You know when you aren’t getting slapped about by Esme.” It appeared like Paulina had jokes as she quietly chuckled and slowly moved her arm down so that her fingers could lace with his. It was an odd sensation but she liked it.

“If it makes you feel any better… I like you in your monkey suit.” She had heard him call it that once before and honestly it was a funny name to her but if that’s what they wanted to call it. "Esme said something about making me a lady before your parents got home… Does that mean they won't like me as I am?" She was curious but it didn't appear like she was worried about it. For Paulina, it was normal for people not to like her.

Author: Gabriel, Posted: Mon Jul 9, 2018 9:51 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

His ways of the past weren’t much of a mystery if one was to listen to how others in Kurayo would speak of him. Gabriel was a man that did what he wanted, whenever he wanted- earning the ire of many of the elites especially with his appetite for their daughters. He was reckless and therefore very dangerous for all of those around and close to him. Despite that, he was just another person in this world, with both strengths and weaknesses. Paulina had seen much of the former and now the latter was becoming undone before her.

“No, she’s a pain in my rear, but she wouldn’t have pulled that dirty stunt.” The siblings didn’t hate each other, but they did have many differences and were constantly at odds with one another. At least Georgia was kept out of their spats. Gabe didn’t think much of his relationship with Paulina- of course, they had some…intimate moments. Okay, a lot of them, but he also had originally planned to keep things professional between them. But things didn’t work out like that.

Instead, something else came from it, something that he didn’t see coming and certainly neither did she. Keeping her in his arms, he quietly listened to her soft voice as his face nuzzled her head with ease. You do look beautiful, those that say otherwise are just jealous, like your hag mother and her friends. Even now, merely thinking of them gave him a shiver. They were ugly, but inside and out. The thing that fueled nightmares in children everywhere, and even some adults. He started to teach her, slow and steady and move things along when she started to get the hang of it. She was a quick study and before long she was moving on her own accord. He smiled at the chest contraption comment, “At least you won’t have to wear them often. Not sure how others can fit into it and breathe.”

The shoes made him burst out in laughter, “Okay, fair enough. I’m sure I can make sure that they won’t be anywhere near your feet again, Paulina.” He looked back inside where the party was and smirked, “Hey, let’s get out of here…” He led her by the hand and tried to be as stealthy as possible as he led her around the festivities and headed out the door. Knowing his sister, he was sure that she had an eye on him the entire time, but he didn’t care. He led Paulina into a short walk onto the beach close by. “There we go. You should be okay to take the sticks off now.” He released her and undid his boots and walked towards the water barefooted. “Come over, the water feels great and will help your feet.”

Author: Paulina, Posted: Sat Jul 7, 2018 11:41 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

The witch blinked a few times at Gabriel. After all the talk everyone had about him these were the words that he chose to share with her. For a few moments, her heart was lit up and a smile came to her face despite how small it was. She felt happy and at peace finally. “I will try not to be afraid anymore.” It was hard for her especially since she didn’t know how she felt completely. The witch knew she wanted Gabriel and that she felt colder when he wasn’t with her. That was enough for her to know she wanted to be around him more.

“I think she did too… Esme isn’t so bad even if she did send that man after us…” Though she had a nasty streak in her blood that much was sure. Paulina didn’t dare cross her but it did look like she cared for Gabriel on some level. Enough to make him see that he and Paulina cared for each other even if they didn’t see it themselves.

She stayed close to him and kept her face close to his chest. She could hear his heart and it made her feel more at ease for reasons she could not understand. His hand calmed her as it stroked her hair and she took a deep breath at his words. “I believe you.” For better or worst. She didn’t know any better or else she probably would have questioned if he could completely change his ways in a split second like he had.

They separated and he took her hand as he explained to her just how people saw her. “That is weird but I accept it.” She had never been given compliments her whole life until Gabriel showed up. Even then it had seemed like hollow promises until they had been together longer. He showed her how to dance and she got a funny look on her face a few times as she tried to watch her feet and him. Eventually, she got confident enough not to look at her feet and her eyes met his. “Are you sure?” She tilted her head. “Because I cannot breathe well in this chest contraption your sister has on me.” She was sure that sounded funny but she didn’t want to ruin the moment either.

Finally, she kissed him back and gave a smile. “I suppose the chest contraption isn’t too bad…” She rolled her eyes as she thought about it. “But I am not putting on those pointy sticks… not on my feet. I refuse. I won't do it for you nor will I do it for Esme. They hurt and I fall in them." She showed her stubborn side as she tilted her head off to the side.

Author: Gabriel, Posted: Fri Jan 5, 2018 12:24 AM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

If one got to spend half a day with Gabriel, it would have soon became apparent within an hour or so of learning how he was. He certainly wasn’t one that was open about his feelings for one thing and another thing was plain to see in how he was handling the situation with Paulina. The werewolf only knew of feelings such as lust and anger. The latter had came out because of the man that laid his hands rudely onto her. It struck a nerve in him for more than just that reason. And it didn’t help that she was…afraid. He hadn’t seen this side of her before, but it was clear that the reason had been because of him. She had seen him tear her clan apart before and she hardly batted an eye, but she was more fearful of him when it came to what they faced now.

Gods knew that he was too, even if he didn’t want to admit it. His awkward replies, along with drying throat and somewhat shaking were evident. Still he followed through with what he had to say. She seemed more receptive when he took her by the hand and nothing unsettling came of it for her. “I know some things more than you, but I’m still at a lost when it comes to…this. What I do know is that you don’t have to be afraid while I’m around or worry when I’m not. But I know what you mean- my bed lacks the warm you provide, even if it meant just laying right next to you.” It was odd that he didn’t associate such a thing with just sex only but their situation was just that- odd.

“I liked it when it was us together. Didn’t know how dull life was until we were parted. I’m sure that Esme did it because she picked up on it first.” Gabe couldn’t help but to wonder if she set this whole thing up… though he doubted that she had the man do as he did from the look on her face. But right now he didn’t worry about it any further. It helped even more when she came towards him. “No, you were told that about those old cronies that couldn’t compare to you, in looks or smarts. They wanted to keep you down to feel important, that’s all.” Gabe was shocked to hear that he helped her without knowing it. While he did free her, he let Paulina into a world that she knew nothing off and would have to be taught plenty about it. It looked as though he would have a thing or two to learn as well. But they could do it with each other.

His arms hugged her tightly and petted her dark hair to comfort her so. “You will remain, I promise.You don’t have to worry about being tossed aside. I won’t do that to you…” He wasn’t sure if it was a true promise, but he would try for both their sakes. Gabriel felt strangely comfortable while she was in his embrace but he broke away to notice her words. “You are beautiful and men like him…and myself will let you know just how much. Some are much more subtle and respectful than others.” At least he hadn’t thrusted himself upon her like that fool had when they first met. It was supposed to be all business until lust took over and they used their time to escape on other means. “Alright, I can show you.” He took her by the hand with his own while the other fell onto her side. “Bring your foot forward and to the side, and I will move mine in the opposite side, just think of us moving in a circular motion to the rhythm of the music.” He started her slow and corrected her if there was a mistake, which fortunately weren’t that many, to be honest. As they danced, he quickened the pace, little by little while watching to make sure that she was comfortable with it. His eyes watched her silently the more she got familiar with the steps.

“You look ravishing tonight, Paulina.”

He threw out a charming smile and went in to kiss her upon the lips.

Author: Paulina, Posted: Mon Dec 4, 2017 5:13 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

She could hear the confusion dripping from Gabriel’s words as she opened up to him. It was confusing for her as well. There was shock mixed into all the emotions as he told her that he wasn’t about to throw her away. Her bi-colored eyes watched him as he scratched the back of his head. He was nervous… He probably didn’t know how to go about what she was telling him. She didn’t know either but she let it all out regardless.

As soon as Paulina had let out that she was scared and what her fears were she listened as his voice drifted off. He leaned against the railing of the balcony and she stood closer to the doors of the ballroom. The distance between them seemed so cold at the moment and she didn’t know why. Was it was the awkwardness? Or was something bad coming? The bog witch felt her heart beating hard against the walls of her chest. She had never felt it do something like this… Never for something so civil.

Paulina’s hopes sunk for a bit as he told her that whatever she had heard was mostly right. That if he could have he would have changed their relationship to a more business-like if only because of how he was. It took a bit of time for him to come out and tell her that… She was just glad he was being honest with her. Her mouth was dry now as she thought the worst was coming. However, the worst never came.

His eyes had lost the anger in them as she studied them. His movements caused her to take a tiny step back if only because she herself was uncertain what was happening. These were her defenses at were falling down around her. It was a colder place once they were gone but Gabriel was a source of warmth as he took her hand and held it. Her eyes drifted down to it and she listened to the words he spoke. “I’ve asked so many questions and doubted so many things because I don’t know this world Gabe…” Her voice was soft as she spoke. “I’ve never known a companion like you or what could become of this… or what even this was. I just know that when I’m alone at night now… the bed feels empty and cold. It doesn’t feel the same if I don’t have you here with me. I can learn all I want about the world but it isn’t the same world without you.”

Finally, she gripped his hand back just as gently as she left her perch. She hugged herself to him around his waist as she buried her face deep into his chest. Her fingers gripped onto the fabric on his back and she closed her eyes as she inhaled his scent. “I need you to… even if I don’t act like it… Even if I don’t know what is going on at times… I would rather you be there with me when I learn. I was always told I would be nothing… that I would be thrown away. I was scared of that even more so than I have ever been. I numbed myself to that pain by just accepting it but… I was more scared when I thought you would do the same to me. I don’t care if that’s how you were but all I do care about is now.”

She shook her head a bit and smiled up at him. “For all of my faults and problems you haven’t ever questioned them. If anything you’ve taught me and were patient even back when you first brought me out of Feeorin. I never thought I would have any of that. I didn’t even know it existed to be honest. I expected to be treated slightly better than I was but that isn’t what you did at all. It’s slowly broken down all of my defenses I’ve built to keep myself alive. I’ve given myself a weakness whether or not I wanted to. I’ve always hated myself but you even if you don’t know it have taught me to accept myself. And I’ve got a growing pit in my heart when you aren’t with me but Esme says that it is just me missing you. I’m not used to that at all.”

She separated herself from him just a bit so she could look up at him. “That’s what scares me the most… That something would happen to you or that you would throw me away. I don’t know if I would learn to function outside here and I would probably end up back in Feeorin because it’s what I know… I just want to be with you.” She gave him a tearful smile as she hugged him again and put her lips to his cheek. She slid down and let her forehead to his cheek so she could watch the scenery through his hair over the balcony.

“I never thought someone else would do that like they did in there… Mainly because of how I’ve felt about myself. However, even I know that what he showed me wasn’t really how to dance.” There was a chuckle but she kissed his neck and his shoulder. “I would like it if you taught me… if you wanted.”

Author: Gabriel, Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 10:35 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

While Gabe and Paulina went to work their stuff out, Esme called over some of her men to go and escort the gentleman that the witch had been “dancing” with off their premises. She also instructed them to send him on his merry way the only way they knew how. It was a pain, but she wouldn’t let the likes of a lower man insult her family, even if it was Gabe.

Meanwhile Gabriel looked at Paulina strangely as she backed away from him. That…wasn’t normal for her. And neither was her question that seemed to come south out of nowhere. “What kind of question is that?” It didn’t take much to figure though that she’s been hearing things about him, none of which was in a positive light. “I’m not going to throw you away…”, he responded, scratching the back of his head. This was an awkward conversation that he hadn’t plan on dealing with at all. Was there anything to really worry about?

She seemed to feel better for just a bit before she was haunted by whatever upsetted her. Gabe felt uncomfortable as he paced around a little. He never had to deal with this before with any woman he’d been with, Paulina was a much different case. It was suppose to be a professional relationship between the two and it was at first. And then things got complicated. “Look, I don’t know what or who’s been telling you things, but… “ He halted when she admitted that she was scared and didn’t want to lose his company. All the werewolf could do was lean against the railing and look to the moon as if he could pray for it to help him out in this situation. It was agonizing to say the least.

“Whatever you’ve been hearing…is likely true. I’m not known for being a one-woman man. It’s one of my many vices, but at the top of the list regardless. Had I known that we’d be led down this road, I would have kept every between us business like.” it took him a bit of time before he could look at her and get something off his chest. “You’re not the only one scared. I’m the sort to lust after people, not love them. But it’s different with you, Paulina. I don’t know whether I was trying to kid myself and deny it or what. But you aren’t like the other women I’ve seen and been with.” Any sort of anger from earlier had receded from his very core and he slowly approached her. “I hadn’t dreamed of getting bored, much less tossing you away. I do need you, but not as my witch.” The look in his eyes was sincere as he reached for her hand to grasp it gently.

“I just need you, Paulina. Magic or not.” 

Author: Paulina, Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 8:52 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

Paulina was so distracted she didn’t even notice Gabriel enter the room. She was too busy trying to keep her mind off the man. It was so odd but it didn’t feel the same way with Gabriel. What did that mean? Gabe grabbed her to be playful all the time but it was never like this.

However, she perked up once she heard his voice. Though the color of his face and the expression he had was making her cower for a moment. Though she realized that he wasn’t upset with her. “Gabe…” Her voice was soft as he picked the man up by force to drive the point across.

Though apparently, he struck a wrong chord with the man. “Just for tonight right? Like always?” The guy laughed it off as Gabe dragged her away and Paulina gripped his hand and threw a look at him. She wanted him to let it go. They didn’t need to make more of a scene at the moment.

Once they were out on that balcony she stepped away and she hesitated towards him. It was perhaps the first time since they met that she had ever done so. Her lips trembled for a bit as she shook her head. “Gabe…” There seemed to be a question looming as she looked away for a moment. “When you get bored of me are you going to discard me too?”

Paulina still had it in her head that she was only just his witch. She didn’t know how Gabe felt mainly because he kept it under wraps so well. Esme’s words did nothing to help comfort her. Her bi-colored eyes came back up to him and she gave a tiny smile before the worried look came back. “I don’t want to be alone anymore Gabe. I’ve always been alone but you gave me company… I don’t want to lose that even if you do get bored of me.” Her hands went to her waist again as her fingers fidgeted around each other. She was nervous primarily about rejection.

“I’m scared Gabe,” her voice trembled a bit. It was the first time she had ever shown fear. The fear of being back in that place she had grown up in. It wasn’t just an actual place but a place inside her mind to escape to when she had to ignore the pain. She hadn’t been there since she was saved by him and now she was afraid of him leaving her behind. Paulina who had always been so strong with her walls had them practically crumbling at the thought. The most emotion she had shown since she was rescued maybe because she had just discovered the emotions herself.

Author: Gabriel, Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 7:55 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

He knew that his sister had been spending the last two days with Paulina, teaching her as much as she possibly could to prepare for the party. But his time of interaction with her, even saying so much as “hello” or “good night” had seemed fairly limited. What was Esme’s angle in this? She was always scheming and he knew that his sister wanted to annoy him to some degree. Whatever it was had to do with this whole party nonsense, and despite figuring that it was what she wanted, Gabe had not choice but enter this damn trap, so he too prepped himself for coming event.

The evening of the party was here and he was still in town, awaiting for his sister to come help him with collecting more wine from across town. The party wasn’t suppose to start for another couple of hours, and he stood by the market with bottle after bottle after bottle in hand. It was already bad enough that he was in this monkey suit. “Where the hell is she?”, he muttered to himself as he watched a couple pass him by. It wasn’t until the woman ushered the man to hurry up for they were late to Esme’s that he groaned loudly.

That bitch.

Gabriel hurried over to the house where sure enough she lied to him. The lively music and company made it rather difficult to spot either her or Paulina. He quickly went into the ballroom and searched about, placing the bottles on the refreshment table so that his hands would be free to wring his dear sister’s neck. Speaking of which, he saw her standing out watching someone. “Esme!”, he growled at her but as she turned around, he noticed that there was dread written across her face. “You need to take care of that”, she said, pointing over to the couple she was eying. He turned and immediately grew red in the face as he saw Paulina with another man. Perhaps it wouldn’t had been so bad if his hand wasn’t on her ass, acting like she belonged to him.

Had this not been a social thing, then he would have marched over there and laid his fangs into that fools’ neck. But he couldn’t, not after it was likely known that he was back in town and despite he not really one to care for the rules, he knew that it was the only way to survive for now. Instead he walked passed his sister over towards them. “Don’t..say…anything!” Pushing past the crowd, he made his way over to them and tapped the man over the shoulder. “What is it?” he asked as his head turned only for Gabe to grab him by the collar with both hands and raise him up from the floor.

“Find a new dance partner, she’s with me”, he growled menacingly before lowering him back down and straightening out his shirt. “Now off you go.” Gabe didn’t bother to watch him and he looked to Paulina, seeing how beautiful she was. It was like looking at a different person but then he took her by the hand and led her away from the dance floor and scurried to an unoccupied balcony, all the while Esme glanced over to them with a small smirk. Once he closed the glass doors, he turned to the witch and sighed. “Damn her, I wonder what goes through her head sometimes… anyway, are you okay?”

Author: Paulina, Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 4:55 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

She nodded just a hair as she thought about it. Though she didn’t know her own feelings she supposed that Esme would know her brother better than she did. What caught her attention though was a reference that she did not get. “But… I’m no Belle I’m Paulina…” She misunderstood what Esme meant and her brows knitted close together as she realized that wasn’t what the woman had meant. “I have a lot more to learn… about life on the outside.” Her interactions had almost purely been with Gabriel who had learned her habits.

Once the glaring had stopped and she had paused to take the moment in Paulina frowned a bit. “I didn’t mean to glare at you… I just hate her. It is entirely possible that she ate my father. I haven’t told Gabriel that but it is my suspicions that he probably found out about me and tried to take me away. Evidence here or there of it but never really solid on if that was what happened to him. I know nothing about him aside from his heritage as an elf. I resent her very much so.” Her voice was soft as she told Esme more about herself. She hadn’t told Gabriel because it hadn’t felt important even though to Paulina it very much was.

Paulina had looked at Esme enough to tilt her head once she saw the smile on her face. That kind of smile was a plan about to be hatched. She didn’t know what it was but she left it in Esme’s hands. As long as she didn’t plan on hurting Gabriel there was no reason to get in the way of sibling banter. What she didn’t realize was it involved her.

She was a bit shocked at having her own room. She hadn’t remember the last time she hadn’t shared Gabe’s bed. Though to go along with whatever was brewing in Esme’s mind she went along with it. The bed was more comfortable than anything she was used to.

When the day of the ball finally occurred she stood next to Esme rather nervous. Her outfit made it slightly hard for her to want to hyper ventilate at the amount of people in the one room. She was nervous. Esme had brushed and pinned up half of her hair leaving the rest to cascade down her back. They were finely groomed black curls now instead of the dreadlocks that Paulina had shown up with. Her hands were laced and placed in front of her waist as her thumbs fiddled with each other nervously.

Her magenta colored dress had been hand picked by Esme and the seamstress who made it. It was a tight corset-like dress that was a sweetheart design around her bust. Wide straps were off her shoulders and hugging to the top of her arms. The more you looked at the top of the dress one would realize it looked like it was weaved from flowers. Though Paulina was slightly hiding it the dress dipped down her cleavage just enough. The skirts of the dress were high in the front and cascaded to the floor down the back. She had slippers that matched on her feet as she was too nervous to walk around in the woman contraption they called “heels”.

She wore the same shade of magenta gemstones around her neck and on her ears. Her blue and brown bi-colored eyes darted around the room as she watched everyone. “But what if Gabe comes and we’re busy?” She was still unsure of what Esme’s grand scheme was but she nodded and followed her about the room. She was so small compared to everyone. True to Esme’s words all eyes seemed to be on the odd woman.

After a little bit as man came up to her. He was taller than Gabe which frankly almost scared Paulina. She was without her magic but after a bit she calmed down and he took her hand and kissed it gently. Her eyes darted to Esme for a minute in shock. “Can I borrow her to dance?” He asked Esme with a smirk.

“I don’t know how…” Paulina mumbled out at him.

“It’s easy I promise.” He stole her away and showed her how to place her arms. What surprised her most was when he practically grabbed her bottom. Her face flushed softly but she sucked it up mostly because she was still looking for Gabe. The man taught her the steps and she was slow to pick it up at first because her mind was elsewhere.

Author: Esme, Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 9:50 AM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

“Doesn’t sound like he’s treating you like a possession or a tool from the sounds of it”, Esme admitted after some careful thought. No, if he had, he wouldn’t be treating her as he was. She had grown up seeing how he lured women into his web, use them and then leave. Perhaps some were lucky enough for an encore but it was a rarity. In Paulina’s case, it was abnormal for her brother to be so…affectionate. That word and him did not go together well in the same sentence without a “don’t” in between.

“They lied to you, likely out of jealousy. A little fixing up and you’d be the belle of the ball…I don’t there’d be a man alive in this realm that would resist you. My brother has taste, so there’s your prove in that.” At least now the brushing was coming to her much easier than the combing through Paulina’s thick locks. She hadn’t lied- the woman was already pretty and given some time and tending towards, she could find eyes all over her. Of course, Gabe likely wouldn’t like it. He was pretty much the jealous sort.

She looked at her as she glared and was taken back some but the feeling receded and she shrugged. That thickheaded idiot would never freely admit his feelings, and it looks like Paulina was unable to do so.

Such words left her lips, but the moment they finished, a scheme hatched inside her head and she smiled a bit proudly at how they could see whether his feelings were genuine or not. “There is, but I understand if you don’t get it. It’s much easier to show than to tell. Lust and love are two sides of the same coin and all. Some people just don’t know the difference…but… perhaps there’s a way to get my older brother to see between those lines…

“Oh Gabe!”, she called out and moments later, he walked in. His eyes darted between the two women- some concern for Paulina and disdain for his sister. “Oh don’t give me that look. I just wanted you to know that there will a party held in celebration of your return and to welcome Paulina here.” He looked at her with some confusion before she went to usher Paulina out of there. “It’s in two days, big brother, and I have to get Paulina prepared for it so she’ll have her own room and everything.”

——

The days passed by quickly and before they knew it, the interior of the manor was transformed into a magnificent ballroom and was filled with beautiful and charming guests. The air was filled with a soft melody from the band., Esme, with her hair pinned up and in a scarlet party gown had Paulina close by her. Her dark eyes sought out for her brother, who was surely looking for his little witch. This game of hers was about to get even more intriguing as she had told her brother some false news about the timing of the bash. Oh he would show up a bit later here, but for now she would help Paulina get acquainted with their neighbors.

“We should go and mingle for a bit. Gabe will show up at some point soon”, she reassured her.

Author: Paulina, Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 8:26 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

It was weird thinking of how to describe Nettlebane. “It gives me enough power so that I can stay in Kurayo. Without it, I can’t protect myself here. My magic isn’t good at protecting… It is good at destroying so it takes extra magic and power to be able to do the wards needed to stay in Kurayo. It is a dagger especially made for those with my talents… Gabriel got it and told me not to pry into the hows.”

Paulina shrugged just a bit. “I’m a tool meant to be used. I may be a woman but I am also Gabriel’s witch. I sold my soul to him for the freedom he granted me. For better or worse anything was better than that village.” She didn’t see it like most saw it. Gabriel saved her and even though he owned her he did not harm her. No, he took good care of her and presented her with presents. He gave her everything she needed to live.

Her hair was finally started to untangle despite the many broken combs. “Yes, I was always told I would be too ugly for men to see. That’s why they branded me so no one would look at me.” She closed her bicolor eyes. “Yet Gabriel looked. I wasn’t expecting it and I didn’t care. I wanted out.” She tilted her head perhaps a bit too much as she thought. “It was the same for months and then it wasn’t too long ago it felt like it was changing. Something was off.” It was clear she was confused about it as well.

Esme’s question was met with a glare but not because she asked it. “She was the one who suggested and led it. When she found out I hired Gabriel to kill them she about poked my eye out. The only reason she didn’t was because he stopped her.” She took a heavy breath. “Honestly I don’t know the difference… Somehow I don’t think he does either. So even if he did we both probably wouldn’t even realize it. We would just keep going in the same circle we have been for months.”

After a few moments of silence, she looked back. “How would one find out if someone was interested or had deeper feelings… if they were blind themselves?”

Author: Esme, Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 10:42 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

What the devil was her brother doing in Feeorin Forest? It was hardly the place to pick up girls for him and he didn’t express that much interest in magic. Then again, she couldn’t very well say the same for Paulina. She did seem like she wasn’t from this world, or more so not used to the customs of modern civilization. Esme did feel a little bit sorry for her getting roped up in whatever Gabriel had strung her along with. There was a great deal of women here alone whose hearts had been broken by him- who knew how many more existed outside the island.

“Nettlebane?” She wasn’t sure what about the forest here would affect her, aside from the old tales of back when Parvpora had deities. But that was the least of her worries as she listened while combing the woman’s wild locks. There was a part of her that thought there was some good in her brother, that he was capable of caring for someone other than himself. It was already amazing that he took this much care of Paulina but something was still wrong.

“Yes, in a way. He normally sleeps with them and then leaves. The fact that he hadn’t done it to you yet is…curious." Tossing yet another broken comb away, Esme moved to get a brush and tended to her hair some more. “I take it that you two have been spending time together, in that degree? Gabe’s reputation is notorious around these parts, but I don’t think I’ve seen him do things for you for anyone else though.”

“I take it that your mother was the one that did those things to you?”, she asked, tilting her head. “I guess what I mean is that you are a special case with Gabe. Maybe he has deeper feelings for you other than his typical lust.”

Author: Paulina, Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:49 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

“I’m from Feeorin.” Paulina would have looked up but Esme was fighting with her knots and it was taking everything not to turn around and yell. “I didn’t know oils could do that for hair…” She would have suggested it if she had known. She was all for less pain even if she could stand a lot of it. She blinked a bit as she thought about wearing the pretty dresses that Gabriel had gotten her. If she could understand all the strings and complicated things she indeed could.

“I see.” She tilted her head a bit as she thought about it. The thing with Gabe was enlightening at best. He took care of her and gave her everything she wanted. “When we came to Kurayo… The forest hurt. So he got me Nettlebane and told me not to ask how he got it. He didn’t want me to hurt.” In a way, she had a feeling that Gabriel hadn’t kept many around.

Then her blue and brown eyes peeked up at Esme with a curious look. “Doesn’t Gabriel like everyone he uses?” She couldn’t separate the two. She didn’t even know what the hell was going on. “What does that mean?” She sounded so confused. “I know he is nicer than where I come from but I also know that isn’t hard to do. Back home I was used as a voodoo doll, I was tortured, I was branded… Gabriel saved me.”

Author: Esme, Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 9:20 AM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

“Where in the devil are you from?”, she asked bluntly as she continued to work through the dreadful knots. Gods, this had to have taken years for her hair to get as bad as it was. Just what did that idiot get himself into this time? Esme was starting to wish that it was Gabe’s hair that she was combing through- a little bit pain would be what he deserved. “No offense to your mother, but she sounds like a real bitch.” The amount of combs that broke seemed outrageous but fortunately she was making some progress with Paulina’s hair. “Probably should have sent you into a bath and used oils on your hair first, but that’s hindsight for you” At least the brushing portion would be much easier, right? When she spoke of chest contraption, Esme couldn’t help but to laugh a little before shaking her head, “Oh you mean the corsets?” She pointed out to one of them in the pile. “I’ll show you how to work one in a little bit. And the dresses too.”

It was obvious that Gabe had to have traveled far to find this one, but she was yet unsure why he cared about this particular woman as much as he did. This would surely be the first time she’s heard of him being a one woman man. “You’ll learn. My brother seems keen on keeping you around, so if you are going to be a part of the setting, then you will have to learn everything that needs knowing. Gabriel doesn’t exactly know what he’s doing, it takes a woman’s touch.” She started to straighten out the black curls that came from the undone knots while point out some of the things that he got her like the dresses and the different types of makeup and worse of all, the shoes.

From the looks of it, it seemed like Gabe got her a mismatch of things that women liked without really putting any true consideration until what she may have liked personally. “He might be foolish sometimes, but I suppose even he has redeeming factors. You’d be the first woman he brought home…technically speaking. And even more so, the first he kept around for however long you two known each other. Guess he must really likes you then.”

Author: Paulina, Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 9:53 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

Paulina looked up at Esme as she ordered Gabriel out. For a moment she was a bit uncomfortable but she just kept a watchful eye on the woman. “Because they are tributes from Gabriel. He got them for me as gifts but I don’t know what to do with them. The dresses are too complicated.”

Once Esme asked her about a comb she shook her head. “Mother never let me have anything.” She got up and moved over to the bed before letting her begin to comb out her hair. She yelped only the first time because she wasn’t expecting it. “I never knew it was considered bad for it to be so.” She thought about it. “Gabriel didn’t like my dress either… said rags won’t do. But I don’t understand all the strings… and the chest contraption.”

She flinched whenever a comb broke but she took it the best she could. “Mother never wanted anyone to look at me… so I might not know what a lot is.” Paulina knew that her knowledge of the outside world was limited but she was at least willing to learn. Gabriel didn’t know where to start or was too busy. “Gabriel was the first one to care. He set me free. What I do know is… He chooses things in the colors I like."

Author: Esme, Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 9:34 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

She knew next to nothing about the woman that accompanied her brother, but she knew him quite well. Gabriel didn’t like to be cooped up for long long and would try to break out. But she outsmarted him in every way and blocked any and all exits with guards constantly on alert. Really, if he just accepted the situation he was in, this would have been all the more easier. But as the days went by, he didn’t seem too shaken up so Esme thought of the next big thing- Paulina. She was very important to him, even more than any other woman he would have a minor fling with. It looked as though she could use her to keep the leash tight on him then. Wearing a simple green dress, the lady of the house watched from the window as the two were lead back to their little hideout to collect their things. She watched while drinking a glass of wine as she schemed on how to best try advantage of his weakness.

When they returned, Paulina took it upon herself to take her things and start stacking it by the time Esme came inside. “Leave us”, she said, the command thrown out at Gabriel who looked at her like she was crazy before yielding and looked to his witch before leaving the room. She knew that he wouldn’t go far without her so there was no worry about him.

She moved over to the pile of things Paulina assembled before looking at it rather strangely. She figured that Gabe had got her all these things, yet they looked as though they hadn’t been used ever. Dresses, jewelry and accessories, hair products…they all looked brand new still. “Paulina, was it? Why do you have all these things gathered like that?” She looked back to the woman and really got a good look at her for once. She was pretty, but she could see that some of it was hidden away. The first thing was her hair before she singled out a comb from the pile. “Do you know what a comb is?”, she asked, not out of spite but out of genuine curiosity as she gestured for her to sit on the bed and she got behind her and started to work on getting rid of the matting hair, starting at the ends of her locks. “This might hurt a bit…gods your hair so tangled…” She tried to fix it as painlessly as she could try, but the hair was too much for her and then before she knew it, she went through a few of the combs and was just now working on the next one.

Author: Paulina, Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 8:44 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

Paulina frowned a bit and looked up at him. “What those witches did to me will never be topped… and I’ve only top you a scratch of the surface to my suffering.” She held onto him but her voice was oddly calm despite discussing her pain. But still she kept him close and she chuckled. “I didn’t think you cared about me in such a way.” They had never really discussed how he felt about her. He doted on her but she never really had much of any kindness before so she wasn’t understanding it. “I would think that you could just get another witch.”

Her bi-colored eyes watched his as he explained his family to her. “So you are much like me.” Not that she would have ever gotten to lead the clan of witches but she was the daughter of the leader. “I may not know what a brother is but I know dangerous things.” She listened about Nemesis and nodded. “I felt the power off of him its why I didn’t cast any spells. It would have been pointless on a man like that.” She pushed her head into his chest where she often found an odd comfort.

–

A few days had passed since their imprisonment had begun and finally, Esme let them out to collect their things. They had supervision of course because Gabriel was already planning his escape. They were watched by hawk visioned men as they loaded up all these belongings to bring back. Paulina was by far the weirdest as she shooed off the house help. “You don’t know.” Her bare feet pushed up as she grabbed all the still brand new things Gabriel had got her and brought it to their room. It was spacious and big enough that she could remake her pile.

She did it meticulously and Gabriel didn’t bother to stop her. She had fancy dresses, high-end jewelry, everything a woman could want in that pile but still, she wore something a little bit better than rags. She just didn’t understand. Her hair was still dreadlocked but she kept herself clean. She put golden brushes and combs into the pile not knowing what they were. All of the things that Gabriel had doted on her with were special to her even if she didn’t know what they were.

Putting her spellbooks up on the shelf she paused to take a look at her pile once it was done. She wondered if everyone had a pile like she did.

Author: Gabriel, Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 7:17 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

At least Paulina was safe, that was the good news. The bad news just happened to be everything else. He watched her come up to him and apply the medicine, which made him wince like the dickens, but in time it would help assist him healing from what his sister did. Gabe frowned when she reminded him about her deal with his sister’s room. He couldn’t blame her after what her mother and the other ugly hobbits did to her since birth.

“I’ll be fine. She barely coated any on that dagger. She wasn’t going to kill either of us. I should have called her bluff.” Think back though, she only wanted him alive. Paulina would have just been a casualty to make that happen should he had continued to refuse. The thought alone made him take back what he just said. “Trust me, the last thing I expected was to be back here, and under the same roof as her.” Sighing, he kept quiet for a long time in thought as he had to come to terms with what all of this meant. There was no escape from this- if Esme didn’t contain him, Nemesis would get him again. And if he didn’t, the enemies he had made in this city would make sure he didn’t leave alive. On all sides, he was royally screwed. “Don’t be too sure of that. Her royal highness down there is crafty and have too much of a vivid imagination when it comes to punishment. I’ve seen too many fools flayed by her hands alone. I don’t want to swim in that head of hers when she thinks of these things.” He shuddered just thinking about it while leaning his head against her. “She knew that by making me think you were in danger, she played me right into her hands.”

He groaned again, “She was always smarter and a couple of moves ahead of me. I would have thought everyone would have been happy when she was in charge of it al.” Gabe took a sharp sigh at it before he looked to Paulina’s eyes, it was better if she knew what kind of situation he got her into this time. “Crazy family doesn’t describe the half of it. You are looking at the former heir of the Byrkyn family and its many fun and exciting enterprises, including the Silver Kiss brothel house and more dangerous things. He gave her a sad smile, “And that man that carried us here was Nemesis Volkov. He’s even worse than Esme. Probably worse than anyone in this forsaken city. Carries both vampire and werewolf blood in him and his family’s not to be trifled with either. Right now we are in the middle of the ocean in a canoe without a paddle and sharks all around us…”

Author: Paulina, Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 5:50 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

If there’s one thing that Gabriel had learned from their time together it was how to make Paulina happy. At first, he had gotten her jewelry, dresses, and other things of that nature. Stuff that would make any woman be wooed on sight but not Paulina. She would tilt her head at it, be appreciative of it, and set it down in a pile that he had gotten. It took him a while to realize that she was happiest when she had ingredients and spellbooks. However, everything he had gotten her still had the ribbons attached to it if she hadn’t used it. It wasn’t dusty either which meant that Paulina took care of the things he got her. She just didn’t know how to process them. She wasn’t used to new dresses or jewelry. She was hardly used to freedom.

“They had lots of good things in the market today,” she plopped herself on the floor in front of an arcane circle. Her black hair was tied up with red ribbon keeping it off her shoulders. Her dress was thicker than most but she came from a warmer climate. She had a canopic jar tied to her waist belt and her dagger sheathed next to it. She opened some of the books that Gabe had bought her and was quiet. Paulina was always sort of the quiet type. She never really had much to say until something caught her eye.

She was pouring blood into the circle when Nemesis cleared his throat her hand immediately went to the canopic jar and dagger but by the time she had reacted the vaewolf had Gabriel in his hands like a puppy. When she realized she was in a tight position and Gabriel was struggling she weighed her chances of winning against an opponent like Nemesis. She figured she had a very low chance from the aura that came from the man. The way he held himself wasn’t like the rabble that she dealt with on the regular. So she decided to cooperate. She flashed Gabe a frown as she knew she couldn’t really do anything about it.

Once they got to the manor she flinched as Gabriel was slapped. It had to be the first time she ever saw someone get the better of Gabe. Paulina made a face and utter a few words as the guards came. It was an ancient language of the Fey. A phrase that Gabe would probably have known well by now. “I am not afraid.” After all of the things that Paulina had been through this was hardly even on her list of top moments.

She found herself in a room with a child. “Who are you?” The girl approached her and asked. It made Paulina back up but she found the door against her back. She had a thing about children. Maybe it was the nightmares she had from the days of living with the Baba Yaga but she couldn’t deal with children well. However, right now her main priority was making sure that Gabriel would be alright. If she just dealt with this and behaved then he would have better chances.

“Paulina,” her name left her lips. Soon the child was getting her to play with her. It was different and interesting all at the same time. Paulina had never had a childhood. She had never had toys or anything of that nature. She had been a living voodoo doll since the day she was born. It was weird at first but eventually, she asked the little one to show her how to play. The girl looked at her weird. Who didn’t know how to play with dolls?

“Didn’t your mother and father get you dolls?”

“No… Never.” It looked like it shocked the little girl at first as she showed Paulina how to play.

Once Gabe opened the door Paulina shot up but the little one managed to beat her to Gabriel. She waited until she was gone before running over. She turned him all around and checked out his wound. “I’m fine. Just…” She looked at the child’s room. “You know how it makes me.” She sat him down on the bed and pulled something out of the satchel on her side. “I can smell wolfsbane are you alright?” She began to apply something into his wound. “It’s going to sting but it should neutralize it.”

After a moment to breathe that he was alright she pushed his hair back and put her forehead against hers. “Don’t scare me like that. For future reference, it would be nice to know you have a crazy family so I don’t get blindsided.” There was a smile and a laugh but it was all to lighten the mood as she hugged herself to him. “I am fine by the way… I have dealt with much worse… Nothing anyone could do to me will ever be on the level of what they did to me. You know this.” She kissed his forehead again.

Author: Gabriel, Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 5:18 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

Perhaps he should have been safer and more cautious but that wasn’t Gabe’s style. Had he known what was going to happen though, he would have considered it more. But the last few weeks of being in Kurayo felt good. All he had to do all day was eat, sleep and spent time with Paulina. Seemed like the easy life for him, especially when she raked in all the coin they could have. It was perfect for him since he didn’t want to return home, not that she knew anything about it. It was a dreadful experience to even think about home, his family or his sister.

Gods helped them if she found them.

They spent the day in the marketplace, buying more supplies while he kept a wary eye every once and awhile as if he was being watched or something. His reputation had irked a few powerful men around these parts but to be fair, he didn’t receive a “no” from the females of their families so what was the big deal? Aside from that, he was his charming self as he accompanied her getting more supplies and food and such. When they were done, they headed back to his hideout by going through the alleyway before slipping into the entrance that camouflaged with the rest of it.

“Well, that was promising.”, he said as he fell onto the couch with the large pouch of silver they had yet to spend. “The markets around here are great for finding a lot of things you needed. That and they have the best meats.” He was feeling hungry but he would throw the deer steaks onto the fire in a little bit. Right now he wanted to enjoy a little nap first. But then someone cleared his throat and Gabe peeked with one eye before he was thrown into pure shock.


“Ne…me…sis…” His face froze as he saw that damn devil come into the house and before he could warn Paulina to run, the vaewolf pounced and took him by the scruff of his neck, painfully. “Can we talk about this? What did I do?”, he said in the middle of his ‘ows’. Nemesis shook his head before his eyes darted over Paulina. “I’d suggest you come with us. Esme wants to see the two of you.”

“No! To hell with that!” There was no way he was going back home, especially if she was there. The realization came to him of why Nemesis came- she had asked for him to do this. That meant…she knew that he was here and that Paulina was with him.

Shit.

“Let’s go…and no funny business, girl.”

He led Gabe out of the house and took the two of them to the house, dragging him as he attempted to flee the closer they got. Inside, he was tossed over towards Esme’s direction and he tried to give her a grin. “Hello sis! What’s going on…” She cut him off with a vicious slap across his face. “Take her to the room upstairs. I’ll be seeing her shortly.” Her guards escorted her up to the second floor into a room prepared for her. “What are you going to do with her?”, he asked as he felt the burning pain of his cheek.

“Depends on you, dear brother. You know where you belong…just accept it.”

“No!”, he bellowed, “I’m not dealing with this crap…” Gabe wouldn’t be pulled back into this life- not when he was at his happiest. “You’ll have to kill me, Esme. And we both know you won’t.”

“No…but I have no qualm killing that whore of yours”, she shrugged, which angered him. He went to charge at her, but Esme quickly pulled out a dagger from her back and cut his arm. The blade itself hurt but there was a seething burning sensation that followed behind it and it was enough to make him groan in pain and hold his arm as it slowly intensified. “Thank you Nemesis”, she offered and the vaewolf smiled and bowed before taking his leave.

“What’s wrong, brother? It’s only a teeny bit of wolfsbane…”, she said as she wanted the pitiful display he put on. Gabe cursed his luck, knowing that he should have expected this foul play from her. She learned too much from Father, after all. “Now if you want to see her again, preferably with skin attached, then you will stay here. She can to as far as I care. Now hurry up and choose…”

Gabriel would have spat out a no, but the burning continued and he could see the wound not healing. Dammit. If he didn’t give Esme her sought for answer, then he was sure that she would kill Paulina and then what? He wouldn’t really have a reason to continue on with his merry life and would be stuck here regardless. “Damn you. You promise me that no harm will come to her then.”

Esme circled around her brother and placed both hands on top of his shoulders, and even now he could barely feel her dagger pressed onto him. “Fine. go and see her. She’s up in Georgina’s room.”

As soon as she said that, he cursed his luck- she wasn’t planning on hurting her after all. It was all a fucking ruse.

He rose up and felt the pain subside for now and he made the journey up to the room she was in. In there, he could see his youngest sister playing dolls with her. The girl was around five with pretty blonde curls and bright blue eyes. “Gabbie!”, she said when she caught sight of him. Dropping whatever they were doing, she charged right at him and he caught her in a hug. “How are you doing, Georgina?” “Fine! I made a new friend!”, she squealed, pointing at Paulina. “Aye, she’s a good person to have as one”, he admitted before putting her back down. “Now you go and see Esme. Think she has some sweets for you!” At the sound of that, she was off in a hurry and he closed the door before leaning against it.

“You okay?”, he asked, losing the enthusiasm from before. “That wicked witch down there was my other sister, Esme. Charming isn’t she?”

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 4:35 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

“A bit harsh, no?” As intriguing as her idea was, Nemesis had to speak his peace against her determination. It was perhaps a bit too extreme. “I understand how you must feel about him, but you can’t cripple your family’s future by taking his manhood.” But the thought still made him chuckle. Perhaps there were other ways of making the boy see the light, and he was sure that Esme would be able to do that. She was a bright girl after all.

“Those fools won’t touch him, you or anything that belongs to your family. I will see them burn myself if necessary but first thing’s first, Gabriel must be found.” Nemesis finished his drink and and thought for a few moments. There were some safe houses that were established by her family, but perhaps there were some that only the boy knew of. It was very possible and then he started to think of some of the hideouts that he had used when he was a boy. There were plenty of times where he would listen to his father complain about how rowdy and disobedient he could be as a boy and ran away from home. Of course he would be found and punished. The vaewolf could once recall accompanying him in searching for Gabriel one time and he was found in an abandoned home. The tricky part was that it was deep in the city and its entrance was difficult to pinpoint.

Nemesis frowned a bit when she mentioned his mates before standing up and petting the top of her head. It was soon replaced with a little smile however. “No charge, think of it as a gift. I’ll be back soon.”

Leaving the establishment, he took to the innermost part of the city and laid and wait before he spotted someone of Gabe’s appearance accompanied by a smaller woman. Keeping his distance, he watched them until they indeed went to the very house that he suspected and waited until they got cozy enough before he made his presence known…

—-

It wasn’t long before both of them were in his custody and were at the Byrkyn Manor. Despite the pleas of his captive, Nemesis led the two inside where his sister was waiting for them with crossed arms and her personal guards on either side.

Author: Esme, Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 4:08 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

Esme smiled before wiping the blood away from her face; she knew that he personally didn’t mind the sort of mischief she had been up to. As far as she cared, she could faintly hear the boys in the back having their way with the fool. His corpse would soon be discarded into the the waters of the port and no one would find his fishbait tail again. It had been a practice that’s been done for many years now and she would make sure it wasn’t traced back to her hands. But her mind went into other matters and despite being annoyed by the question, she knew that Nemesis was right. She and Gabe had been butting heads for so long ever since he was suppose to take the mantle of Head of the Byrkyns but he didn’t want the responsibility.

The damn fool- all he wanted to do was fuck around and be carefree like a druid.

No one could quite understand his logic but to say that their father wasn’t pleased was an understatement. She had to pick up the pieces while the jackass ran around and did absolutely nothing with his life. Well, now that he returned to Kurayo, that was going to cease.

“No, but I’ve had enough of his antics. My brother will learn one way or another. Even if I have to make him an eunuch to get my point across.” Crossing her leg, she contemplated what she wanted him to do- Nemesis could very easily drag his sorry ass back home and she could take it from there but there was another matter that she’s been hearing from those that had witnessed him already. “Yes, there has been no forgiveness. Rickon and Klaus have yet to forgive him for laying down with their wife and daughter respectively and I have them breathing down my neck ever since. If they learn that he is out on his own, then they will seek to get him first. At least if I have him, they’d be less willing to go after him in a house that supports yours, Father Volkov.” She used his title in respect since she greatly needed his assistance in this ordeal and she prayed that he would be able to do it soon.

A soft sigh rolled from her lips before sipping at her drink. “No”, she said flatly but then leaned forward and smiled, showing her canines a bit. “But from what I’ve been hearing, he has some woman with him. In fact, she’s been with him longer than any I’ve ever heard. I think he is housing her somewhere and if you could bring in both of them, then I can handle the rest. So, may I inquire your services? We can discuss terms of your reward in the meanwhile.”

She pulled back and her plump lips curled up, “Though I have a feeling it's nothing that can be sought out here. I know how loyal you are with your mates, after all.”

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 3:46 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

Nemesis could tell that he had come at an interesting time from just observing her right before he pointed at her cheek after she kissed his. There was some blood on her face, and he was sure that it wasn’t hers. Esme was young but very vicious, even by werewolf standards and part of that was his own doing for helping to teach her from a young age. She was like a granddaughter to him, perhaps even more like a daughter in some ways. He followed the madam into another room where they could discuss the matter she had had further.

The drinks arrived shortly after she revealed his reason for coming here and at the mentioning of her brother’s name, he gave a somewhat dramatic sigh. “I see…but does that really surprise you that he still didn’t come home?” For all his gifts and advantages in life, Gabriel knew exactly how to squander them all for short term pursuits of women and quick ways to establish wealth. Patience was not the young man’s strong suit and that was proven many times. Nemesis couldn’t understand what motivated him to be such a screw up but at least their father left his business in the hands of the girl.

“You are right to call me, the boy will get himself killed, especially in these parts. He still has a few enemies from the times he found himself in some of their daughters’ beds”, he started to chuckle before sipping at the wine brought to them. “If not with their wives…Regardless, it is bad for business to keep him off his leash. Do you have any sort of idea of why he is back?” He had hoped that it wasn’t to spite his own flesh and blood- the fallout between the siblings had shook some of the city to its core and now after all these years, he had returned. Obviously something had changed and he had a feeling that Esme wanted him to find out.

Author: Esme, Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2017 10:49 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

To say that Esme was highly displeased with one of her clients that attempted to not only pay one of her best girls, but to also try and have his way with her right after telling her that was an understatement. Fortunately the attack alerted her guards quick enough to stop him before it was too late and now he sat across her desk with a broken nose and some bruised ribs. Despite looking very young, her eyes bore right through him as anger seeped through her chest with every exhale and inhale. “Please, let me explain!”, he cried out for the umpteenth time but just like the rest, those words fell on deaf ears. “You think I’m going to let you simply get away with what you did?” Her tone was hushed but didn’t lack the rage she was trying to contain as her slender fingers drummed across the surface of her desk. It seemed like more and more of her clients were getting too tempted by lust to learn that there was a line that shouldn’t be crossed.

“Let’s see, you broke…oh I don’t know…about four to five rules easily.” Her eyes went to the two guards that stood closely by him should he try anything stupid before rising up to her feet and took out a pair of daggers from the drawer. “Please, you don’t have to do this…” Esme circled around and gave the signal for the men to restrain his hands and place them onto the desk. She ignored his cries as she plunged one of the daggers into the back of his hands; the damning screams that pour from his gaping mouth didn’t deter her as she used the other one to start flaying his fingers. “You forced yourself on Vicky. You refused to pay. You made me waste time on you, and you expect mercy?” She pounded the crimes he committed on her turf over and over as she continued to torture him right to the point where Darla came in. “My lady, Lord Volkov is here”, she said, ignoring the scene and turned away when Esme ceased the punishment. “Give him to the boys in the back. They’ll have some fun with him… “ She headed off while that bastard was dragged to a fate worse than death.

Arriving in the grand hall, her anger gave way and she smiled at Nemesis. “It has been, Nemesis.” She stood up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek before leading him to a private room. Along the way, she instructed the help for some drinks to come their way and showed him to his seat before taking hers. “I pray that you and yours are doing well. I wouldn’t have called you if I could handle this myself. But it’s about my brother, Gabriel. He’s in town but he has refused to see me and I can’t find him.” It bothered her since their big fight so many moons ago that her dear old brother had strayed away from his duties. He was suppose to be the next in line of controlling the family, but now that title and power fell onto her lap. Still, Gabe was very important to have around and even more, a liability for their enemies should they learn that he was out on those streets, doing who knew what or whom.

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2017 10:17 PM, Post Subject: Seeker [P,R]

It had been a few nights since Nemesis had obtained a letter from another noble house, one that he had known for a great while now and kept a friendly tie towards. The Byrkyns were highly known for their infamous brothel but there was also they had their hands in the pockets of some of the most ruthless gangs that preyed on those at the docks and the lower districts. Of course, they kept their faces clean about such matters and only a few individuals truly knew what was going on behind the scenes. One of them was the current madam of the Silver Kiss House, and the woman who had sent for his presence tonight. After making sure his wife would be content for the next few hours, the alpha left the manor and trekked into the inner city. More and more he could see the humans that dared come here, at their own risk of course. It seemed as though over the years, they had come by the droves, flocking to this lovely island despite its citizens’ discomfort. Particularly the wolves of Kurayo weren’t pleased to have the very beings that once ran them off from their previous homes and hunted them down like animals.

But it seemed like things were changing, as they’ve always done but a blood feud that ran that deep wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. He especially wasn’t too thrilled by this growing intrusion but he kept his focus on the lavish establishment that came to view. Smirking to himself, Nemesis entered and soon found the worker at the counter bowing before him as he approached. “Lord Volkov, we have been expecting you. Please wait one moment, and I’ll go get the Lady.” He shooed at her with a hand while he looked around. The interior looked as beautiful as the first time he set foot here hundreds of years ago. Back then, the woman’s great-grandfather had been in charge and this place was a central hangout for the powerful as they met and enjoyed the services offered here. He observed some of heads of lesser vampire clans and a few of the werewolves that could afford the service being whisked away by women and even men draped in silky robes into respective rooms. It didn’t take too long before his hostess had arrived and nodded.

“You wished to see me, Esme? It’s been quite awhile since I’ve seen you.” He wondered if she was in trouble or if she needed anything. As long as it was within reach, he didn’t mind assisting her and her family.