[center][h1][color=0072bc]Joryldin Nailo[/color][/h1][/center]

The blackout shades of his dorm were still pulled tight, just like every other dorm on the block. Joryldin spotted a few nervous sets of eyes peeking out of their windows, human and vampire alike. The rumor had spread quickly, and nobody wanted to risk being in the way of what seemed to the fledgling like two goddesses of death. 

Joryldin shivered in the freezing Autumn air. He was more than ready to simply go inside, but a sparkle of red caught his attention. The flag on his mailbox was up. It had to be some more elective paperwork, he thought. Either that or some other school documents for himself and Dakota. It's not like the painting could have been delivered, or even fit in there, and nobody else had the address.

He strode over to the mailbox and gave the little door a quick tug. It made a quiet [i]pop[/i] as it swung open, like the cork on a wine bottle. When Joryldin bent down to peek inside, he was met with no form of papers or envelopes at all. Instead, he saw a neatly wrapped parcel, tied together with twine. There was no tag on it, no return address... nothing. Entirely confused, he removed the parcel with utmost care. He closed the mailbox and lowered the flag with his elbow, then made his way into the dorm.

Dakota was nowhere to be seen, which worried Joryldin to no end. No way in hell was he about to call her and tell her what to do, but he didn't like the idea of her being out during such a dangerous time. He didn't want to meddle in her business, and wouldn't dare imply that he had any sort of authority over his partner, but nonetheless felt responsible for her safety.

There was nothing to be done about it for now but wait patiently for her to return. In the meantime, Joryldin dropped himself onto a couch like a sack of rocks and inspected the parcel further. A faint sound of clicking glass and sloshing liquid could be heard among the darkness. Joryldin never bothered to turn on the lights, as they didn't make much of a difference to him anymore. 

Joryldin reached down under his collar. A high pitched [i]plink[/i] rang out as a string looped around his chest snapped. From under his shirt, the vampire pulled an ornate dagger. It was the most expensive item he owned, and the only thing he had from his original family. The weapon was emblazoned with all sorts of superstitious symbols from a bygone age. The handle resembled a gilded cross wrapped in rose stems, with a ruby blossom in its center. Its silver blade was engraved with beautiful wave patterns. The knife was meant for one purpose and one purpose only. Killing vampires.

Of course, all of those things were just ancient superstitions from well before even the Blood War. None of it actually worked. Joryldin knew the weapon's significance, but didn't much care. It was nothing more than a memento to him. That, and right now a letter opener.

A quick flick of the wrist was all it took to open the package. It's strings were cut through like empty air. As the paper unfolded, flashes of ivory, gold, and rose shone before Joryldin's eyes. A note fluttered out into the air, which he caught and read immediately.

[color=9e0039]From Mom with love! <3[/color]

Joryldin had so many questions, but settled for figuring out what was actually laying in his lap. He unfolded the beautiful white silk to reveal an immaculate ensemble that put what some of he nobles were wearing last night to shame. Gold trim lined the edges of a white jacket with a sturdy collar. Beneath that was a bright red shirt with coattails that made it almost resemble some sort of royal robe. Further buried in the parcel were several accessories, which seemed to sparkle even in total darkness. Finally, hidden in a roll of paper at the bottom were three vials of blood.

OK. This was too much.
He tied his dagger back in its place over his heart, then pulled out his phone.

> [color=0072bc]Hi mom, I got your package safe and sound. Thanks for the awesome gift![/color]
> [color=9e0039]Oh, wonderful! I knew you'd probably probably packed nothing but old ratty clothes, so I figured I'd send you something special! :D[/color]
> [color=0072bc]It's definitely special. I've got one question though.[/color]
> [color=9e0039]What's is it, dear?[/color]
> [color=0072bc]HOW!?[/color]
> [color=0072bc]Like, what!? How did you get my dorm address so soon? How in the sun's name did you get a package all the way to a different country in one day!?[/color]
> [color=9e0039]Magic. ^-^[/color]
> [color=0072bc]... Fair point.[/color]
> [color=0072bc]Another question, though, where did you find clothes like this? How did you afford them? They look like they cost more than a ticket to your shows.[/color]
> [color=9e0039]The same way you 'found' and 'afforded' most of your old things; and I never ask you about that, do I? ;)[/color]
> [color=0072bc]You stole this!?[/color]
> [color=9e0039]No! Nooo~ I [i]borrowed[/i] it from the dressing room of the male lead of my next performance. :3[/color]
> [color=0072bc]Mom, you're gonna get fired if they find out, and how am I supposed to be able to wear this if it's known to have been missing?[/color]
> [color=9e0039]It's fine, you won't get in trouble! It's the most recent high end piece from... oh I can't remember the name of the designer. It's the same lady who wrote that "Magic and Fashion" book everyone is on about. Besides, they couldn't fire me if they wanted to! There isn't another woman alive or dead who can sing the Aria of Sorrow like I can! ;P[/color]

Joryldin heaved a sigh. Widow Nailo's incessant use of emojis was grating, but he didn't have the heart to correct her. Literally.

> [color=0072bc]You never change, do you? You're going to give that producer an aneurysm, I swear. Thanks again for the awesome gifts, and best wishes for your show this weekend![/color]
> [color=9e0039]You're welcome dear. Remember to drink enough, alright? I know you're still not comfortable with biting, and I don't expect you to suddenly be ok with doing it to a stranger, but remember to take care of yourself.[/color]
> [color=0072bc]I will. Love you mom.[/color]
> [color=9e0039]Love you too dear. <3[/color]

Joryldin closed his phone and tossed it over his shoulder. It took him four full minutes to figure out how to even get the preposterously complicated outfit on, and not even supernatural speed could help with those nigh-on impossible buttons. Still, when all was said and done, it fit him perfectly. The whole thing was so damn gaudy, but he came to realize it would probably go a long way for his reputation. 

He uncorked one of the vials and had a quick drink. This time, it wasn't much more of a sensation than having really good food. Not fasting for days on end before having any sort of sustenance will do that. He put the other two in the fridge and sat himself down to play an old favorite, some good old Call of Duty: Wolf War 2. It was an ample distraction to pass the time while he anxiously awaited his partner's return.