Watch Me (V Please)

by **Aello** on April 1st, 2011, 1:11 am

"Thank you," Aello said. "We appreciate your helping us." The young spiritist flashed a weak smile as her bird flew back onto her right shoulder. Yune was chirping merrily, seemingly in agreement. Gabriel's hands had wrapped themselves around Aello's arm. He was leading her across the room. Now where could he be taking us? Aello wondered.

A few moments later, Aello was seated at the table. There was a glass of red wine before her. Aello ignored it though. She was never much for wine. But you should at least have a sip, shouldn't you? Just so you don't seem rude. Aello extended her right hand towards the glass. She lifted it delicately between her fingertips. She twirled the glass. She had always seen people making the drink twirl like a whirlpool before they tried it. Something about it enhancing the taste or something.

The edges of Aello's cheeks had turned a light pink, and her eyes seemed to flash happily. Or perhaps it was with a certain level of embarrassment. "Thank you," Aello said as she lightly placed her glass back on the table. She was absently running her right index finger around the rim of her glass as she crossed her right leg over her left. You shouldn't drink it. If what Cassandra says is true, then perhaps it is best you be at the top of your game. Alcohol will surely keep that from being the case, so perhaps, you should merely pretend to take a sip or two, just so you don't seem rude. Aello lifted the glass again, "so how did you get that stalker of ours to go away?" Aello inquired as she tipped the glass towards her. "Even if it was only for a little while."

The man poured himself a glass of wine as well, and took a sip. "Well you know how men are when they see someone larger than themselves, don't you?" Gabriel inquired. Aello felt herself nodding, even though she wasn't certain as to what he was referring. Gabriel smiled a shy smile as he took another sip of wine before lowering his glass again. Unlike Aello, he cupped the bottom of the glass in his hand, his index and middle fingers wrapped around the stem. He seemed to know what he was doing... and she, she seemed so clueless. "Well, my dear Aello, men size each other up before they go in for the kill. When he realized that he couldn't possibly defeat me, he turned around with his tail between his legs. Of course, that was just before he muttered something about getting reinforcements, which is why he shall be back." There was a slight pause, before he added, "or so it seems."

Aello gave another nod as her cheeks continued to grow a light shade of pink. She lifted her glass of wine as delicately as she could to her pale lips. She tipped the glass over, until she felt the warm, dark red liquid lick her lips. She held the position for a few seconds, allowing the wine to wash over her bottom lip before she lowered her glass again. "It is a bit strong," she said, before placing it on the table with a low clanking noise.

Gabriel frowned, he had never found it strong, but for a young girl, perhaps it was. "Yes, it can be on an empty stomach," he commented before taking another sip from his glass of red wine. Aello watched him. His movements seemed so fluid, so delicate. So very practiced.

Yune chirped again, pulling the girl out of her trance, if only a little bit. "So Gabriel, what is it that you said you do again?" Aello asked. "You know, besides protect girls from their stalkers?" Gabriel chuckled slightly. "I work for a blacksmith." He sure doesn't look like he works for a blacksmith, Aello's mind commented. But the thought was soon washed away when she looked into his blue eyes. It was as though his eyes kept her from thinking; from remembering. They made her feel so warm and welcome, like everything her brain said, and Cassandra may remind her of was total and complete rubbish.

Aello could easily get lost in those eyes.

Aello stared at them in silence for several moments until Gabriel cleared his throat. "So what is it that you do Aello?" he asked. "Oh... well, we don't really have a job. We're more travelers than anything else." The man nodded again. There was another short silence.

"Gabriel, you said before that you knew a place where we could be safe, what makes it so safe?" Aello asked. The man smiled, his eyes seemed to flash. "The fact that I am there Aello. The fact that my friends are there."

"Do you have many friends?" Aello asked. "Are they as nice as you?"

Gabriel nodded. "Even nicer." Aello smiled, she couldn't imagine anyone being nicer than he was being. At least, she couldn't think of anyone being nicer than he off the top of her head. But if such a person existed, he or she must be positively wonderful. After all, Gabriel seemed as close to perfect to Aello as a person could possibly be.

"Do you think you could take us to the safe place?" Aello asked as she gently pushed against the floor with her feet. "Take us to meet all your friends?" The seat screeched across the wood floor. When it was a few feet away from the table, Aello got up and crossed the room, she retrieved her things before turning back to Gabriel. "We would really like to meet them," Aello added as she awaited his response.

The man nodded as he slowly pushed back his chair and got to his feet. Gabriel crossed the room and opened the door. He waved her outside. Aello gave a slight nod before she walked out the door. He closed the door behind them. When he had, Gabriel reached for Aello's right hand, and weaved his fingers through hers. They felt strangely warm. "Whenever you're ready," Aello said as he began to lead her through the city streets.

Just be careful, and remember what the ghost told you.

OOCI officially hate hypnotists. I may go on a rampage and kill them all. >.<

Ohh and sorry the front of the post is kind of jumpy- I figured with her brain, Cassandra, and then the hypnotist's muddying her brain, she'd lose track of some time, hence the jumpy-ish writing.

Also, I hope I wrote Gabriel out ok, and didn't overstep any boundaries. *Nervous Face*

by **Verilian** on April 12th, 2011, 12:11 am

Gabriel led Aello through the streets of Ravok to the outer rim of the city holding Aello's hand all the way, only letting go when they were forced to split because of some obstacle in the way. The entire trip Aello would note that she did not spot any sign of her mysterious stalker. Perhaps Gabriel had been telling the truth when he said he'd driven the man off. Or more likely, though Aello had no way of knowing this, it was the hypnotic djed flowing between their clasped hands soothing the overgiving induced hallucinations that was keeping the mysterious man away. As Aello and Gabriel made their way through the city he tried to make small talk with her, also helping to sooth her and make her feel safe. Gabriel seemed to be an encyclopedia of Ravok trivia, pointing out things Aello likely never knew about random buildings and landmarks on their way to the docks.

"That building was once a massage parlor, but the owner was forced to close down when the House of Immortal Pleasures began stealing his customers. Now he works there as a manservant!"

"That building was once a bakery. They claimed to have the best blueberry muffins in all Mizahar. Rumor has it Rhysol himself came to taste the muffins. Seven days later the owner went mad and poisoned a dozen customers before eating the last muffin himself and ending his life. As the story goes, his spirit still resides in the building today, waiting to serve poisonous muffins to anyone who dares purchase the place. After two seasons of tenants turning up dead, the NHC pronounced to building condemned, but nobody has had the courage to tear it down."

It went on like that for most of the trip, and while Aello may or may not have been interested in the trivia, she did find Gabriel's voice pleasantly soothing. Any doubts she had about coming with him seemed to fade away as he told her about this building or that alleyway. Gabriel seemed every part the gentleman he seemed to be and by the time they reached the docks she was beginning to forget all about Cassandra and why she had come with him. At least, she was forgetting till Cassandra took control of her legs and nearly made her fall down, a sharp reminder that she could just as easily fall into Gabriel's trap if she didn't keep her wits about her. Gabriel was quick to catch her before she hit the ground though, and if he had any suspects about why she'd fallen they didn't show on his face.

"Careful now. Wouldn't want to go all this way to keep you safe only to have you fall and hurt yourself."

He easily lifted Aello back to her feet, though she could have done it herself, and gave her a charming smile before turning around and motioning to a fairly large building that looked like some sort of warehouse. They were in a less populated part of the docks, an area usually reserved for the poor and the homeless. Of all the structures in their immediate surroundings, the warehouse was clearly the largest and best kept of them all. Aello could see light coming from the crack around the door, but other than that there were no windows or anything else to reveal what was inside.

"It doesn't look like much from the outside, I know, but I promise you it is the safest place you'll find outside the temple itself."

Gabriel pushed open the door and Aello's senses were hit with a wave of pleasurable sensations. A warm breeze came from the door and with it the scent of delicious foods cooking somewhere within. The soft gentle music of some stringed instrument met her ears, and her eyes were met by a most unexpected sight. The inside of the building rivaled that of the House of Immortal Pleasures in luxury. A pool was cut into the center of the floor, filled by the waters of Lake Ravok. To the right of the pool was a small stage where a dark hair woman wearing the most beautiful dress Aello had ever seen was playing the harp. Two women were swimming in the pool, while another sat at a table near he stage sipping a sparkling drink in a large glass and eating what looked to be duck or something of the sort. To the right of the pool was a small sitting area, bookshelves filled to the brim lined the wall of that section, and also there was a small closed off section from which Aello could smell the food cooking. On the stage aide of the warehouse were other doors, though there was no indication as to what was behind them. All manner of finery filled the building from beautiful rugs to fine candles and chandeliers to whatever else one could think to find in he palace the warehouse appeared to be. Several other women lounged about, Aello could see nine in all, some reading, some talking, and others just relaxing by the pool. Attending these women were three men of varying appearance, but all very handsome and all with bright beautiful blue eyes. One of these men approached as Gabriel led Aello inside.

"Ah, Leonardo, so good to see you again my friend."

"And you, Gabriel."

Leonardo walked up to Aello, flashing her a princely smile and taking her hand in his. He had the same beautiful blue eyes as her escort, but he was a bit older and had darker hair than Gabriel. Still, he struck a handsome image and Aello could not be charmed by his deep voice and shining smile. "And who is this lovely lady you've brought with you," Leonardo asked as he gently raises Aello's hand to his lips, giving it a soft kiss before letting her go. Gabriel watched all of it in respectful silence, but if Aello looked she might detect just a hint of jealousy in his eyes as she interacted with the older man. Aello could understand why if she took the time to think about it. She had only just met Leonardo and she already felt more drawn to him than she had to Gabriel throughout their entire time together.

"This is Aello. A man has been following her and I told her we might be able to help her."

"Of course. Our master's house is sanctuary to any woman who needs it. You may stay as long as you like. Gabriel, please show Aello around. I must attend to business in the city."

Leonardo bid them farewell the exited the way they had come in. If Aello watched him go, as did Gabriel, she would see what could only be the portrait of the "master" Leonardo had mentioned hanging above the door. There hung the image, painted in fine colors with great detail, a stately figure dressed in finery fit for a king. He held an ornately carved walking staff in his right hand, each finger adorned with expensive looking gemstudded rings. His left hand, just as lavishly adorned hung at his side next to what looked like a finely crafted sword. The man had long black hair and dark blue eyes. With Leonardo gone Gabriel introduced Aello to he other two men, Michael and Navikal. Michael was handsome, had short brown hair and of course blue eyes, but had little else to mark him as particularly unique. Navikal was a tall broad shouldered man with a long mane of blond hair. His arms were adorned with the wind marks of a Drykas. All three men were immensely charming, and it was only Cassandra's subtle jab to the brain that reminded her to be on guard around them.

"As Leonardo said," Gabriel explained, "This is the house of my master, and a sanctuary for any woman in need of aid. We will provide you with anything you'd like, be or food and drink, literature, relaxation, pleasurable company.. Whatever your hearts desire, we will provide. Feel free to meet with the other ladies, they are all refugees from one thing or another just like yourself. Or if you need rest, simple choose one of the rooms to your left and you may sleep in comfort for the night."

The three men left Aello to herself after the tour, and she was free to do as she pleased. If she questioned the men about anything having to do with their master or any details on how they operate they would simply walk circles around the question and eventually leave Aello completely satisfied with their answer, yet having learned nothing at all if she later thought about it. As Gabriel said, all the women seemed to be hiding from one problem or another and were more than happy to tell their story. Each of them had been brought there, for whatever reason, by one of the four men. According to them the women were allowed to stay until their situation was resolved, then sent home. A few of them, however, were offered jobs at the masters estate. Of the nine women in the warehouse, only one had been offered a job and that was the one playing the harp. Her name was Felicia, and she was to go with Leonardo later in the spring to meet the master himself.

OOC :

by **Aello** on April 12th, 2011, 3:57 am

Aello walked towards the pool, and then headed right, towards the bookshelves. They seemed to stretch all the way to the ceiling. Aello followed the dark wood frame with her eyes. They seemed to sparkle as she glanced over each of the volumes, quickly enough to take in the sight of each and every one on the highest rows, before making her way down again. It was a cursory glance though, just enough to take everything in, without fully taking it all in, in the sense that she couldn't so much as begin to recite the names of any of the books.

Aello extended her right hand toward the shelves, and ran them over the spines of a few of the books. They were smooth, made mainly of leather. "This is such an amazing collection," she whispered, "never in all of my years have I seen so many in one place." After a few moments, Aello's fingers came to a rest on an older looking, leather bound volume. Aello plucked it from the shelf, and turned to the first page. It read:

An Account of the Circumnavigation of Mizahar

by Captain Kenabelle Wright

Third Edition published by the University of Zeltiva, 486 AV

Preface to the Third Edition

PFT. Who reads the preface anyway? Aello wondered, as she turned the page to chapter one, it read: Who can say where a story really begins or ends? Everything that happens is inextricably interlaced with what has happened before it, and perhaps only the gods can assign a true point of beginning.

But, when one has decided to accept the responsibility of chronicling certain events, one is obliged to start somewhere. This document represents my attempt to record the details of the voyage of the [[Seafarer]] and its circumnavigation of Mizahar, and so perhaps the best place to begin is with the decision that led to the ship's construction.

By the mid-440s, the Zeltivan trading routes stretched as far as Novallas to the north, and around the southern coast of Eyktol to the shores of Syliras at the edge of the Suvan Sea. However, beyond these boundaries, the world was much less well-known. Visits had been made to the western shores of the Suvan Sea, and travelers from beyond occasionally arrived, but information regarding most parts beyond was sketchy at best, and no voyage had touched vast parts of the former realms of Suva...

"Boring," Aello whispered as she shut the book with a loud clap, and put it back on the bookshelf. Yune chirped a few times in her ear, "now that you mention it Yune, it is about lunch time," Aello whispered as she crossed the room to the small table where the woman was sitting. Aello pulled the seat opposite the woman out, and plopped down. She felt no need to ask if it was alright with the other woman to sit there.

Yune hopped off Aello's arm and onto the table. She chirped a few times. The woman looked up at them, but only for a moment, before going back to her food. "So what's your name?" Aello asked, "and how long have you been here?" There was no reply at first, but perhaps that was because the woman was still chewing. "Ianira," the girl replied, before taking another bite. Aello simply nodded as she watched the other woman eat. She had always hated that- watching other people shoving tasty looking food down their throats. All it did was make Aello notice her stomach rumbling all the more, and increase her level of jealousy.

Aello sat quietly for another moment. Perhaps there is something to eat in one of those bedrooms Leonardo and Gabriel mentioned? Aello gulped as the woman took another bite, "come along Yune," she whispered as she offered the bird her right hand. When the bird hopped on, Aello pushed her seat back, and got to her feet. "It was nice meeting you," Aello commented, a she crossed the floor to a large wooden door. The door had been left ajar, so the girl nudged it open with her shoulder, and walked inside. As soon as she had, she shut it behind her, and looked around the room in awe.

"Damn, those guys know how to decorate," Aello whispered as Yune flew off her hand and onto the edge of the bed that was directly in front of her. It was a rather large bed, more than likely a queen sized one. A deep red-colored dust ruffle fell to the floor from beneath the mattress. Strewn atop the mattress was a deep red cover. It appeared as though it were cotton. Piled in the back of the bed was a mountain of red, yellow, and white decorative pillows in all shapes and sizes. Some were squares, others circles, and even one was a triangle. More regular pillows, which Aello was used to seeing atop a bed, were hidden at the back. The girl would have to dig through the pillow mountain to reach them. Behind the bed, Aello could see a large dark wood head board. It appeared to be mahogany. Carved into it was a series of birds- swans, egrets, hummingbirds, all soaring through the sky. Shooting out of the corners of the bed's wooden frame were four large wooden posts, that closely resembled the columns one may find in front of a temple or government building. From these posts hung a canopy of sheer, light yellow fabric, which accented the red covers perfectly. "Wow," Aello whispered, as she noticed that they had been artfully draped to the side- tied to the posts closest to her with a red ribbon. They seemed to part for her, inviting her in.

Aello didn't fight, it, she walked over to the bed and put her things down on it, so she wouldn't have to carry them any more. They seemed to sink into the bed as she looked up at the top of the canopy. Through the fabric, she could just make out the ceiling. Aello stepped back and looked up, strewn across the ceiling was a series of clear crystals. They were all about the same size- although they were dangling from pale silver chains at different heights. Somehow the crystals seemed to glow, to twinkle. They reminded the girl of the stars in the sky. Of Lhavit.

To the right of the bed was a small night stand. It was made of the same type of wood as the bed frame. The night stand had a small, square top, perhaps two and a half feet by two and a half feet. Just below it was a single, small drawer, from which four long legs sprouted. Although the legs began at different ends of the square, they all met in the middle. They seemed to be wound together at the center by a serpent, which had been carved into the wood. Its eyes were flashing- two beautifully cut red rubies which sent a chill down Aello's spine. Below the snake, the wooden legs parted, and reached outwards in four separate directions- north and south east, and north and south west. The edges of the legs curled, like waves. Sitting atop the table was a small glass vase, from which sprouted a single red rose. In front of the vase was a small card, which had been folded in half, and a white plate strewn with five large, chocolate covered strawberries.

Deciding that she wanted to read whatever the note had to say, Aello walked over to the small table, and plucked it from beneath her finger tips. The card was small, a simple white with a border of gold. It was folded in half, horizontally. Nothing was written on the outside, and thus, the girl turned to the center fold. The note read simply: make yourself at home. A chill shot up the young spiritist's spine as she placed the card back on the table. She could feel someone's eyes watching her, as she picked up a chocolate covered strawberry by its thin green stem, and lifted it to her lips. The ghost is back, Aello thought, as she wrapped her mouth around the strawberry, and sunk her teeth into it. The chocolate cracked, and then melted in her mouth, around the strawberry. The chocolate was dark, smooth, subtle, the strawberry rather sweet. Its juices squirting into her mouth, and tickling her tongue. Liking the taste, Aello took another bite before putting the half eaten fruit back on the plate.

Aello turned around, as she licked semi-melted chocolate and strawberry juice off her fingers. "Cassandra?" Aello whispered, knowing that the ghost was lurking somewhere, although she could not see her. There was no answer, instead, there was a low knocking on the door. Aello's eyes grew wide, and her heart began to pick up the pace, now who could that be? Aello wondered, as she called, "who is it?" But no one came in, or called out their name.

"That is rather strange," Aello whispered, as she walked around the side of the bed, to where the drapery had been left open for her. She pushed past her things, and hopped onto the bed, careful not to jump onto any of her belongings, or Yune. She pulled the nearest decorative pillow off the pile, and lay her head down on it.

There was another knock on the door. "Yes?" Aello called, as the words, don't call to him! reached her ears. Aello rolled her eyes. That ghost is always ruining a good time. She really needs to lighten up a bit, and let the living actually LIVE. "Come in," Aello called. The door swung open, but only a little, just enough for Gabriel to peek in.

As soon as Aello saw him, she felt all the more calm. Aello sat up, "hello Gabriel," she said. "Did you need something?"

OOCThe stuff Aello read was taken directly from the lore page.

And sorry this is such a blah post.

I tried to make the room as nice sounding as possible... I think I failed. But um... the other side of the bed I didn't mention, if you want to get into that.

P.S. If you don't want Gabriel to come in, just tell me and I can edit the post.

by **Verilian** on April 21st, 2011, 2:58 am

Whatever you do, don't believe a word he says.

Gabriel peeked his head around the door, perhaps checking to sure Aello was decent before pushing the door open and entering. He left the door open just a crack as he took a few steps into the room, and Aello could feel Cassandra settling somewhere deep inside her. Gabriel glanced about the room, as if he were checking to make sure they were alone, before he approached the bed. She would note that he had changed clothes in the brief time they were apart, and was now dressed in all white finery, with shiny black leather boots and black gloves. He no longer carried his sword, though there was a small ornate dagger tucked into his belt, more for show than any practical use most likely.

"Are you finding anything okay? Was there anything you needed? We could wash your clothes for you if you like. He have some things you could wear until then."

Gabriel seemed nervous and he kept glancing back toward the cracked door. He took a few more steps closer to Aello then stopped again. "Or.. If you are hungry we could have something brought to you. Did you like the strawberries?" Gabriel shot a final nervous glance at the door then sat down on the bed next to Aello. His voice was just above a whisper when he spoke next.

"Aello, I have a confession to make." Don't listen. "My reasons for bringing you here were not... Entirely unselfish." It's all a game. "You look like a woman who can handle herself. You probably could have dealt with the man... But when I saw you. Aello.." You are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Blah blah, he's trying to fool you! "You were the most beautiful creature I ever laid eyes on. I just.. I had to speak to you, and when you said you were in trouble I knew I had to help, even if you didn't need me to."

Gabriel reached out and gently stroked Aello's cheek, desire plain in his eyes before letting his hand fall to rest lightly on Aello's thigh as he inched just a bit closer. "I promise you though, I won't let anything happen to you. That man will never find you here." Despite his speaking of troubling things, or perhaps in spite of it, charm seemed to flow by the gallon from Gabriel. Even his eyes seemed to twinkle, though that had little to do with his charm. Gabriel was reading Aello's aura, searching for signs of emotion. If she seemed willing, his hand would move further up her thigh and inwards. Convenient and romantic harp music from outside the room would just so happen to start playing at that exact moment, and a just as convenient gentle breeze would blow through the room, causing the curtain like fabric around the bed to fall close, obscuring then from view. Any voices in Aello's head, particularly ghostly ones, would be drowned out by sound of their passion.

...if Aello was not receptive, or after they were done, Gabriel would eventually climb out of the bed and put on/and or straighten his clothes then make his way to the door. He would pause, looking back at Aello with a loving smile and say, "If you need anything else, just let me know."

OOCIf you wish anything else to happen between the two of them like say.. Aello tries to kill him or something just ignore that little scene or whatever and feel free to attempt any action you would like. Oh, and the room was good. Better than I would have described it. I can tell a good story, but when it comes to stuff like describing a room or somebody's outfit i suck at that.

by **Aello** on April 21st, 2011, 4:01 am

"No, there was nothing else one could possibly need," Aello replied. There was a slight pause, "and the strawberries were lovely. Would you like one?" Gabriel shook his head. He was still speaking to her, and although Aello could hear each of his words, she wasn't processing them. Nor was she processing the things Cassandra was telling her. The only thing she seemed to notice was Gabriel's hand on her right thigh.

It was warm, and far larger than Aello's own hands. It seemed to wrap itself around her thigh, his fingers digging lightly into her flesh. It sent a tingling sensation through the length of the girl's leg, as she simply sat and stared at it. The edges of her cheeks were turning red, and they felt hot. What is it doing there? Aello wondered, despite the fact that she didn't really care. She liked how his hand felt, how possessive it made him seem.

Aello bit her bottom lip as her heart began to pound in her tiny rib cage, and her breath caught in her throat. "Aello?" Gabriel whispered as he inched his hand a little higher, closer to her hips. As soon as he said her name, Aello looked up, and into his deep blue eyes. "Sorry..." she stammered. "What... what are you doing?"

"Shhhh," was all Gabriel said as he continued to inch his hand up the length of her body, rubbing in small circles. Why are you letting him touch you? Cassandra hissed. Aello jumped up in the bed. Her gaze turned away from Gabriel and towards the door. "Aello, what's wrong?" he asked, with sad-filled eyes.

"Sorry... nothing..." Aello stammered, as she looked up at Gabriel again. Her hands had wrapped around his, giving him a small, reassuring squeeze. Don't do that, you're sending the entirely wrong message!

Gabriel smiled, "if you say so," he whispered, before closing his eyes, and leaning in to give Aello the lightest of kisses on the lips. Of course, Cassandra wasn't having it. Cut it out! Aello's cheeks continued to redden, to grow warm. She inched back a little and away from Gabriel.

"Sorry, um... perhaps we are a far more tired than we had originally thought," Aello stammered. Gabriel opened his eyes and pulled back. "Oh, of course," he said, a little pink lining his cheeks. Perhaps Aello had embarrassed him. The hypnotist straightened up before walking towards the door. He stopped there for a moment, "enjoy your rest. I'll come back to check on you later... to make sure everything is alright."

Aello nodded. "Thank you Gabriel!" she called. As soon as the door had shut behind him, she hissed, "are you happy now? He's gone!" There was a slight pause. "Now would you care to tell us what that was all about?

OOCFirst of all, thank you, and secondly, ggaaahhhhhh I suck at mushy-ish scenes. Also, if there is a problem with how I rped Gabriel or Cassandra just tell me and I can edit.

by **Verilian** on April 30th, 2011, 7:06 am

Cassandra's response to Aello was sudden. She did not speak, did not show herself, but instead filled Aello's mind with memories. It was a vision, but unlike the ones Cassandra had shown her in the past this one was crisp, it was clear, demonstrating the increase in power and control Cassandra had gained since their last encounter. Aello now saw the world through Cassandra's eyes, in her minds eye, though she was still able to see what was going on around her in the real world as well. In her mind she was out on the street. A man was with her, a man with blue eyes. They were walking together and Cassandra was very happy.

"Ready, my dear? We just need to make one stop before we go." Cassandra giggled and gave Nathan a kiss. "Oh Nathan, anything for you!"

This part Aello had seen before and the memory sped ahead, skipping the boring walk down the street and the ravosala ride to the docks. All of it seemed vaguely familiar to Aello, even if the surroundings were somewhat different. The memory slowed down when the couple reached a small building and Nathan knocked on the door.

"What is this place, Nathan?" Nathan turned and kissed his wife to be, knocking on the door again. "It's a surprise, my love. I promise it will be wonderful." After a moment or two the door opened and a man peered out. He looked like he could be Nathan's brother, having the same hair and eyes, but Cassandra had never met the man before. "Come on in, hurry, they'll be here soon." Nathan smiled again, his blue eyes so entrancing even though it was just a memory, and led Cassandra into the building. Three other women were sitting inside, and Nathan let go of Cassandra's hand to talk with his associate for a moment. Cassandra was a bit confused but tried to make the best of the situation, attempting to make small talk with the other women. "So.. what is this place? Do you girls work here? Nathan told me he had a surprise for me." One of the girls giggled and another one stood up, circling Cassandra and examining her. "I don't get it. Why would Nathan choose you over me?"

Cassandra was confused, and when she questioned Nathan about it he gave her some off the wall explanation that made no sense but Cassandra still accepted it. They waited a bell or two when finally a boat arrived outside the building bearing a handful of passengers. Three humans, an Akalak, and a Nuit. The men began discussing something with Nathan and his companion. The argument turned heated. The humans and the Akalak were furious while the Nuit seemed please, but then the Nuit said something that silenced them all and the others left. All the while Cassandra watched in confusion. Nathan and the Nuit shook hands then the Nuit departed. When Nathan finally spoke to Cassandra again it was not a happy conversation. He led her to a private room, a small bedroom in the backside of the building. "Darling.. I love you, you know that? When I first met you I thought you surely had to be a goddess, for what mortal could possess such beauty." Nathan leaned in and kissed her. His lips were warm, soft.. he smelled so good. "I want you to do something for me." "Anything," Cassandra whispered in response as his hand worked it's way beneath her skirt. "Just promise me that in the morning you will not question me. Promise me that." His hand had reached it's warm destination, his lips met hers and she was lost in his words, not taking the time to consider their meaning. "I promise, Nathan." Cassandra didn't know what she was promising, but she didn't care. Nathan kissed her again, Aello could practically feel his lips herself, and then he lowered her onto the bed and...

The memory stopped, Aello's mind was her own again, except that Cassandra was still in there and she was speaking. That night sealed the spell. It didn't really matter what he did to me after that, I was completely enthralled. He sold me to the Nuit the next morning, and not long after that they formed a partnership.. The Nuit and his blue-eyed servants. Aello felt a strange sensation and then suddenly Cassandra was absent from her mind. She didn't stay gone for long though, as she quickly appeared at the foot of the bed. "We have to figure out a way to take care of these men and free these girls. And we have to do it before he gets what he wants from you, because if that happens.. well, it'll all be over then."

Cassandra moved to the door and peeked out, looking for where Gabriel and the others were then turned back to Aello. "They know about me.. I don't think they know I'm here with you but they know about me and are protected somehow. That's why I can't fight them by myself. I can help you any way I can, but ultimately it's up to you Aello." Gone was the powerful and confident ghost, and all that remained was a helpless girl face to face with her worst nightmare all over again. But there was determination in Cassandra's voice. Even if she didn't believe she could take them on her own, she would do anything to help Aello accomplish what she could not. Cassandra vanished, joining with Aello again, and while she could feel the ghost's presence in her body Aello knew she had control. Whatever you want to do, I'll support you.

The night passed in peace and after a while all the girls went to bed as well. Wherever Gabriel and his friends went, they were no where to be found. After a while Cassandra suggested Aello get some rest, they could deal with the hypnotists in the morning. When Aello finally did fall asleep her rest was one of the best she'd ever had. Aside from the bed being amazingly comfy, the moment she closed her eyes and started to drift off she was overcome with a wonderful feeling of peace and serenity. No dreams or nightmares plagued her sleep, and before she knew it somebody was knocking at her door. "Aello. Aello it's me, Gabriel. I brought you breakfast.. pancakes with syrup and eggs. May I come in?" Gabriel paused for a moment before entering, bearing a tray with afforementioned meal upon it, and brought it to Aello's bedside setting it on her nightstand. "I trust you slept well, my dear?" You should kill him now while he's not expecting it, before he tries to put his spell on you again! "I didn't know if you liked coffee, so I also brought you juice." The food looked delicious. As he said there was pancakes, a cup of warm syrup, eggs, a steaming cup of coffee, juice, some sugar and some creams all just waiting for Aello to eat. Gabriel waited patiently, seeming unsure if he should leave or sit down. Don't buy in to his nervousness, it's all an act, just like last night.

"If you would like something else I could bring it to you..."

by **Aello** on April 30th, 2011, 11:37 pm

"We will come up with something Cassandra," Aello whispered as she slowly lowered her body onto the bed, so that it was all lying flat. Her head rested on a plush pillow that smelled faintly of the outdoors, and some sort of flower that Aello remembered from some time during her travels, but not the name. Soon enough, the girl fell into a long, dreamless sleep, only to be awakened by Gabriel's bringing her breakfast.

When the scent of sugar and freshly baked pancakes reached Aello's nostrils, she scrunched her eyes shut before opening them very slowly. A small smile crossed her lips, as she whispered, "that smells lovely." There was a slight pause, "thanks for bringing breakfast, and providing a warm bed... that was the best sleep we've had in a long long time." Aello's eyes seemed to sparkle playfully as she sat up and began to survey what Gabriel had brought to her. There was so much to choose from. Delicately, Aello lifted the fork out from under the left side of the plate. The silver felt cold beneath her fingertips. She brought the fork over to the plate, and pressed it into the edge of a pancake. She broke off a small piece, and lifted the steaming item to her lips. A moment later, she had pushed it inside, and begun chewing. The food was warm, soft, almost fluffy. It tasted buttery. Within seconds, she had finished chewing, and had swallowed her food.

Another small smile crossed Aello's lips. "That's quite good," she said. "But, you know what you would make it even better?" she asked, as she leaned a little closer to Gabriel, giving him a slightly better view of her body. She extended her right hand, and pressed it lightly into his left cheek. His skin was warm, her fingers ending just before his eyes began. Her thumb extending to the edge of his lips. She moved it slowly, up and down, and could almost sense him relaxing a little bit. Sense how much he liked it; how much he wanted her to keep going. He seemed to be closing his eyes, allowing her touch to fill him. He remained silent, "fresh berries," she finally answered her own question. "Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries... whatever you can find. They always go so well with pancakes, don't they?"

Aello removed her hand from Gabriel's cheek, and it was only then that he seemed to open his eyes. The edges of his cheeks were red, and he seemed... saddened by his loss. Or perhaps it was slightly embarrassed, Aello could not tell. Gabriel cleared his throat, "yes of course. I will go get some," he said as he got up and walked out the door, shutting it tightly behind him. Thank goodness he is gone. Who knows if the ghost can hear us like we hear her.

"Are you sure that is wise Cassandra?" Aello asked. "After all, we are in their lair. They hold all the cards here. They are in control." There was a slight pause, "there could be many more of them, and the women... are always under their spell. Who knows where their loyalties lie. Not to mention, there isn't exactly a place to stash his body when he falls." There was another slight pause. "It may be best for us to wait until he tries to move us. When their forces are divided, and everything is slightly more... chaotic. Especially when you consider the fact that it is far easier to wield the bow than the dagger. That there is more room for bows and arrows in the streets... but of course, Gabriel could always dodge, as with anything, and there are so few shots... but those could always be regained."

There was a long silence, "so it is best not to miss the first time around," Aello added.

"But of course, if he does try anything stupid, we could always end it your way," Aello continued with a sick smile. "We could always gag him before we kill him, just to make sure no one hears him scream, and if worse comes to worse, we could always drag him under the bed." There was a slight pause, "after all, it is best to maintain a plan B. Isn't it?" There was another slight pause, "and there is a dagger hidden under the folds of this dress. Resting upon the thigh. It would only take a moment to pull it out, to thrust it repeatedly into his chest and spill his blood." Aello's eyes sparkled as she continued to reveal her thoughts to the ghost, "and it'll be easier now, don't you think? When he can't quite use his hands." A small laugh erupted from the girl's lips, but was soon put out when she heard footsteps coming from behind her door. She wasn't sure if it was Gabriel returning with her fruit, or someone else, so Aello thought it best to fall silent, and simply wait.

OOCMy pc is enjoying this way too much.

P.S. Should I have rped something wrong just tell me and I can edit.

by **Verilian** on May 3rd, 2011, 12:53 am

"The only way he is going to move you is if he thinks he has you... And the only way he'll think that is if you let him have you..."

Cassandra had left Aello's body again when Gabriel left the room, seeming to prefer to talk face to face than in Aello's head. She was certainly a different ghost than Aello had met before, seemingly considerate of Aello's well being instead of just taking her body and using as she pleased, an act that Aello wasn't entirely certain she could resist if Cassandra did decide to revert to her old ways. So far though the closest thing Cassandra had done to that was when she spoke through Aello's lips at the start of the whole thing, when they were outside Gabriel's doorstep. Since then Cassandra had allowed Aello complete control, only interfering with words rather than possession. When the footsteps sounded outside Cassandra vanished, hiding within Aello once more.

The footsteps Aello heard were frantic, the sound of someone running, and the moment the door swung open Aello knew it was not Gabriel. A woman, extremely beautiful with long white hair that shimmered with just a hint of golden blond rushed through the door and pushed it shut behind her, panting heavily. She was in a silk nightgown, he quality of likes Aello had never seen, likely provided to her from the seemingly endless wealth of the blue-eyed men. The woman listened at the door for a few breaths before spinning around to face Aello. Terror was displayed plainly on her pretty face, which had shimmering scales in a tiara like pattern on her forehead. The girl, for she appeared to be no more than sixteen years of age, glanced frantically about the room before her gaze finally settled on Aello.

The girl rushed across the room, stopping a hairs breath from the bed. Her voice was as frantic as her expression, "Please! You have to help me! Aello! ..no.. Cassandra! You... no.. what..?" The terrified look on her face suddenly shifted to one of confusion and then her violet eyes seemed to glaze over as if she were no longer seeing Aello in front of her, but something somewhere else. When she spoke again her eyes were still glazed and her voice was barely above a whisper. "Two souls sharing one body... one Aello.. spiritist.. a human.. One Cassandra... Cassandra a...." The strange girl gasped and slowly sank to her knees, staring at Aello with that glazed look. Somewhere inside her Aello could feel the ghost shift uneasily, but her attentions were quickly brought back to he girl as awareness came back to her eyes and she spoke again, once more frantic but perhaps less so than before. "Aello please, you have to help me, us.. All of us! I saw you! He doesn't have you like the others, like he had me! You are here to save us, I can help you do it, but only if you tell me to! Order me to help you save us, please I beg you!"

Well this girl is certainly strange, Cassandra silently commented as the girl looked up at Aello pleadingly. She was very beautiful and had an allure about her unlike anyone Aello had ever seen, despite her apparent craziness. If Aello had never doubted her sexuality before she might find herself doing just that as she looked down at the irk. Her gown was low cut, displaying the marks on each of her breasts. On her right was a beautiful shimmering lily, on the left a wine-red stain in the shape of a chain. The distressed girl reached out taking Aello's hand in her webbed fingers and looked up into Aello's eyes. "Please, I don't want to die, tell me to serve you and I can help you get us out of here."

by **Aello** on May 3rd, 2011, 3:19 am

"What in all of Mizahar do you mean by that?" Aello inquired, as her eyes widened. Gabriel can't be heading back this way already, can he? Aello wondered, as the sound of hurried footsteps reached her ears. Within seconds, a frenzied Konti woman was barreling through the door, seemingly out of breath. "Um... hello?" Aello muttered, a little startled, as her eyes glanced up and down the woman. It has been awhile since we have seen one of the women with scales. Kontis, aren't they?

Aello swallowed the clump of saliva that had gathered in her throat, as her heart began to pound in her tiny rib cage. She was staring at the woman, listening, allowing her eyes to follow the length of her slender frame, up and down, over and over again. From the woman's eyes to her feet. But after a few rounds, they settled on the marks that lingered on her breasts- what appeared to be a red stain in the shape of a chain, and a lily. Do you think those are tattoos? Or something else? Aello wondered, as Cassandra's thoughts became known to her. "You're telling me," Aello whispered her response, not realizing she had spoken aloud, the Konti seemed to stare at her for a split second, as though wondering what she had just said. After all, she was standing right in front of Aello, she had to have seen her say something.

Aello's brows had furrowed, and much like the Konti, she had fallen silent. Not even her mind appeared to be filled with its usual level of thought as she simply stared, and considered how out of place this woman seemed. How this could change everything that she and Cassandra had plotted all along. Do you think she is telling the truth Cassandra? Should we trust her? Do you think we need magic for this? Auristics? Or should we keep from using it, so we don't overgive and make ourselves more vulnerable to whatever these hypnotists have in store for us? There was a slight pause, can you sense where her loyalty lies? If what she claims is true?

Deciding that she would more than likely have to say something, so as not so seem rude, Aello began with, "how did you know the name of the woman who sits before you?" There was a slight pause, as she tapped the edge of the bed with her right hand, inviting the girl over. "Come, sit, let yourself relax if you need to. Take a minute, and then explain who you are, and how you have come to be here." There was another slight pause, maybe her actions... when she continues to speak will make this easier on us. "Why they took you if you know? What those marks are, and why you're begging us to order you to help. Surely, you can make your own decision to do so, if that is what you wish to do, right?"

There was another pause before Aello added, "and no one is going to die. At least, we don't think so." There was another pause, "well none of us anyway. The hypnotists perhaps, should they try anything stupid. But no one else." And we will most certainly get out of here, as tempting as it is not to leave.

OOCSorry this is a blah post, and yay for crazy Kontis with Ranuri and Divination.

by **Verilian** on May 6th, 2011, 12:04 am

The konti readily accepted Aello's invitation to sit, taking a moment to collect herself. At the same time Cassandra piped up in Aello's mind. I.. will find out if she can be trusted. Her voice was hesitant, but also seemed slightly annoyed. Aello felt Cassandra slip from her body while in the same instant saw a look of surprise come over the konti girl's face, her body tensing defensively. Her head tilted to the side, she appeared to be listening to something. "I'm Nima. A pleasure to meet you Cassandra." Though Nima spoke out loud Aello knew it wasn't her she was speaking with. Cassandra had possessed her and was conversing in her mind. Nima's expression turned confused. "But I don't understand. Why are you here.. Oh. But what? No. Um... I think so. But shouldn't you be...... ...Yes ma'am, I understand. ....okay... Okay, I will." An instant later Aello felt Cassandra's presence within her again and the ghost mentally whispered, We can trust her. The konti seemed to be recollecting herself again before she finally shook her head and looked back at Aello.

"Sorry.. Cassandra said I should answer all your questions now. My name is Nima, Gabriel bought me from a breeding pen in Sunberth and took me here. I have been a slave my entire life, Gabriel said I was beautiful and he was going to save me. It didn't matter though, just buying me would have been enough. I knew your name because I know everyone's name, and sometimes other things. These are gnosis. This one is Ranuri, mark of Nikali. It tells me the desires of anyone I touch and makes then my own. I can resist it, but it is very hard. That's why I need your help. If you want me to help you then it will make it easier for me to resist what the others want. And this one is the mark of Avalis. It let's me see the past.. that is how I know what they are going to do to us. I saw it while he was.. While he was with me. I saw him talking with the others. The master is coming in two days, he is going to take me, and Alaina, and Gabriel hopes he will take you. And then I saw further.. Another girl. Gabriel was standing next to her, and it was snowing outside. She had the most beautiful brown hair.. they scalped her and took her hair. The girl died and they gave the hair to the Master. That's what they want with us! Our bodies, or parts of them! They want my eyes! They are going to kill is all, Aello! The girl didn't even fight back, she just let them do it and then she died. I don't want that to happen... I don't want to die.."

Nima fell into quiet sobs, leaning against Aello for support. Cassandra stirred again and Aello could sense her unease, but when she spoke her voice seemed almost sad. This is why we have to stop them... This is what they do. He wanted me for my hands.

In her mind's eye Aello could see it all playing out, her eyes one with Cassandra's in the memory. Cassandra knelt in front of Nathan, a dumb smile plastered on her face. The nuit was there, and Nathan seemed to hesitate, but after a sharp look from the undead beside him he sighed and pulled out a long, sharp sword. "Please darling. Hold out your hands for me so I can measure them for your gloves." Cassandra was in a trance, completely under the hypnotists spell, and held out her hands without question or protest. Nathan took a deep breath then touched the blade to her wrists, his arms shaking. Slowly he lifted the blade and lowered it again, lining up for the slice. He took another deep breath, the Nuit was beginning to look annoyed, and then he raised it down high. Cassandra didn't so much as flinch as the blade came down, separating her from her hands, and merely kept her wrists held out in front of her. Blood poured from the stubs where her hands had been and her arms began to shake, not out of pain, but because her body was going into shock.

"Burn the body and scatter the ashes."

It was an old wives tale, a practice believed to prevent a person from coming back as a ghost. Clearly it did not work. Cassandra continued to kneel, her arms shaking more and more as they grew weak from loss of blood while Nathan stacked rotten wood about her. Somewhere in the back of Cassandra's entranced mind she seemed to realize something was wrong, but it was too late. The logs were set ablaze and it wasn't until her flesh had burned and the last of the life was leaving her that her mind became her own again.. And then all was black.

I was his first... it was years before I could understand what had happened, and years more before I was strong enough to start trying to do something about it. As Cassandra's voice faded and Aello became aware of her surroundings again she found the Konti girl staring at her. She had stopped crying, though tears were threatening to swell up again in her eyes, and she was holding Aello's hands. Though the spiritist may not have known it, the Konti's touch had allowed her to feel everything Aello had just felt, and anything she was feeling now. "Aello, will you help us get out of here?"