FunnyGuy

Avalia

Time: Late Afternoon
Location: Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction: @13org Ayita

When Ayita's feet stopped moving with the rhythm of the music, Darius initially mistook it as her being awestruck by the mention of the mysterious and exotic land known as America. He smiled cheerfully, ready to share more about his home, but…

Why was she still hanging on his mention of America? His own eyes widened as the answer to that very question came to him. The cheerful smile on his face died so swiftly. Slain by Ayita before she could even utter a word. The two of them might have stuck out a bit as they stood there as still as statues amongst the slow sway of bodies that danced around them.

Ayita broke the silence with a question, but he failed to answer it aloud. Aniva-what? Seven clans? He was speechless. Why was he speechless? Is this not what he was looking for? Or was he in doubt? He had been wrong before. Artemis had turned out to not be a human despite her appearance. Maybe this was the same…

His mind was racing with reasons why the woman he now held in dance was NOT a human, but her next words only pushed this doubt away while inviting even more questions in the same instant.

"No… No, I'm not… But wait." Darius shook his head as he felt a mix of both disbelief and... joy. He couldn't keep himself from smiling at her even with her loom of anger. "Please tell me that you're really just like me. I don't know what you mean by seven clans, but I am from… I'm from America. Earth." Darius couldn't believe it. He finally found another human. After almost two weeks in this strange world, he found something… No, he found someone who could give him a sense of familiarity. Unfortunately, he would soon find out that he had less in common with this human than he assumed. The land they claimed as home was the same, but the ideas of home they longed for couldn't be more different. For now, though, Darius was deeply and genuinely happy.

Avalia

Time: Late Afternoon
Location: Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction: @13org Ayita

Darius was relieved to find that his partner's words rang true. Despite her admission of not being familiar with these dances, her footwork and movements adapted well as he led her. Their exchanges of smiles and brief laughter made the dance all the more exciting. He might have almost basked in ignorance and let himself remain oblivious but her curiosity of him struck his own curiosity of her.

Ayita's words were playful, and though Darius could not judge her tone as genuine or not, he did enjoy the thought of being such a mystery to the woman in his presence. He could be anything or anyone for that matter, but Darius felt it better to just be himself. He had lived in the shadow of his late older brother, John for most of his life. He tried to be just like him, sometimes a better version of him, or even try to find a comfortable place in the shadow John cast.

Honesty. True honesty. Why not? Darius smirked at his dance partner and her mention of his initial bold statement.

"Mr. Savage is bold indeed Ms. Curiosity. But since you asked, then I guess I should be polite and answer. Who am I?" He asked rhetorically and said so with a mysterious flare… for dramatic effect of course. "Have you ever heard of the faraway land known as America. It's okay if you don't. It's not really known by many Avalians, but it's where I was born and grew up before arriving here… in Roshmi. It's such a different place, but also has it'sown beauty to it. You wouldn't believe the things that are there and the things that aren't." Darius' crimson eyes lit up with excitement as he introduced and spoke of the mysterious land he came from to who he thought was an average Avalian that would be enamored by the place that many humans called home.

Avalia

Time: Evening
Location: Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction: @13org Ayita

Ayita's response to Darius' provocative statement was a piercing stare that actually managed to intimidate him a bit…. Okay if we're being honest it intimidated him a lot.

Holy fuck was she about to kill me?! Darius thought with raised eyebrows. She must really be an elf... that thinks I'm a demon. Well, mystery solved then! Darius put on a smile to his current dance partner as soon as her demeanor lightened up.

She actually seemed to be rather friendly, and a bit transparent about her feelings when it came to dancing. He hung onto her words a bit before speaking.

"I can lead no problem but…" Darius leaned in some. "I'm not the most familiar with these dances either." He whispered with a smirk. He leaned back as he took the first steps to the slow and pleasant music. "And don't worry about what to say or do while you're with me. I may look like a noble, but I think most would agree that I'm definitely a savage." He chuckled as he figured that could be an odd thing for someone in this world to hear, but he figured he could play fast and loose if it eased up this interaction.

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Night
Location: New Paeonia
Interaction with: @Tae Maeve

"And you wound me just as much. 'Were we positive that there were no hunters present at the exhibit?' Of course there were hunters... as well as one of those hounds." Alexander spoke with a hint of venom in his tone. Acquaintance or not, he did not find Maeve's meddling entertaining. He had captured more blood cattle from the college campus, but potentially lost the clan members that were meant to feed from them. "I don't mind you being impartial to my war with those militant hunters, Maeve…"

The tension in the car seemed to rise as Alexander faced the witch. His face was cold and that of the monster responsible for the devastation of so many lives over centuries.

"...But do not fuck with the livelihood of my clan. I don't want to be your enemy, but I can be if my clan and goals are threatened." If his previous words had a hint of venom, these had a full dose. He enjoyed his relationship with Maeve, but in his long life, he learned most relationships had an expiration.

As the sports car arrived at the metallic gates of the walled community of New Paeonia. Alexander flashed a devilish grin.

"Thank you again. For your company, Ms. Brannigan." Alexander exited the vehicle, but gave his acquaintance a few more words as he walked away. "I do hope we can continue this Maeve, but that's up to you isn't it? Enjoy your night." Alexander departed with those words. As the gate of the dimly lit community opened up before him, he took notice of the large box truck that had been trailing behind Maeve's vehicle. "Perfect timing." Alexander spoke before entering the community. His home.

New Paeonia was a community that operated like a miniature town. There was even a prison. At the moment, the sidewalks were dimly lit by streetlights and populated by members of the community.

"Greetings Alexander! How was the exhibition?" One vampire asked as he passed.

"It was... interesting."

"Alexander has returned!" A younger voice, announced from a distance. The box truck drove by, headed for what many called "the farm" where it would be unloaded. Those inside would be unpacked, screened, and then questioned thoroughly before assuming their lesser roles in the society.

Alexander continued calmly down the sidewalk, but his face became icy as a cold expression formed on it. His eyes met the pensive face of one of his most trusted. Olivia Amarante. He could already tell she had bad news. Tonight is turning out to be quite something...

Avalia

Time: Late Afternoon
Location: Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction: @13org Ayita

"Myra?" Darius was pretty sure he had just witnessed Myra's head briefly poke up over those on the dance floor while he moved to follow his second slip of paper. It slowly floated in the direction of his next dance partner. She seemed fine. Maybe just checking up on me. I hope everyone is doing okay. He did not expect to split off from his group so quickly. Even though it was unlikely for any rebels to act against his company, he couldn't help but worry a bit. Sure, Myra was an apex predator in the wilderness of Avalia, but where did she stand in the presence of a sea of masked strangers with hidden motives?

"Good evening, I'm Ayita. It's a pleasure to meet you." The female voice captured his attention from his thoughts. Her tone was polite, but there was hesitance. Like when one was afraid they might be saying the wrong phrase or word. His scarlet eyes looked upon the elven woman that looked as if she was wrapped by the beautiful star-filled night sky. He gave a welcoming smile.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Ayita. My name is Darius." He decided to go with a single bow this time around to make things easier before extending his hand out to Ayita. As he looked upon her, he keyed in on her appearance. More specifically her race. Azriel had said there were humans in attendance and that they would likely disguise themselves as elves. He couldn't help but wonder if this woman was by chance a human like himself.

"And no, I'm not an elf. Nor am I from this land" Darius stated boldly. What the hell was he thinking?

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Night
Location: Ember Grove University
Interaction with: @Ithradine Volfango, @Tae Sorrel, @Milkman Finn

---

"Intercepting multiple Ember Grove Police Department calls from Ember Grove University."

"Fuck." Sean's phone had been buzzing nonstop for the last ten minutes with notifications from headquarters. His hands gripped hard on the steering wheel while his eyebrows furrowed intensely. His SUV swerved into the parking lot and screeched to a halt. The scene was as bad as he thought it was.

People were running for their lives...

Vampires covered in their blood...

Bodies scattered across the pavement…

Shattered windows…

Smoke and flames…

Sean sighed as he flipped a small switch beneath his steering wheel that activated a high-frequency whistle that would be like a blaring dog whistle to both werewolves and vampires in the vicinity of the campus library. The closer one was to the SUV in the parking lot, the harsher the effects.

He jumped out of the vehicle with not one, but two different rifles in hand and his tactical facemask equipped. Sean had to act fast. No breaks. No pauses. He quickly got down into the prone position with the larger of the two rifles while setting the other down beside him with his sights aimed at the fleeing art exhibit guests. Silent controlled shots hit their marks, and one by one witnesses went down, each twitching as they did. The fired rounds appeared as quick flashes of a white beam of light.

This weapon was an electroshock rifle developed by Operation Humanity meant to be used for nonlethal purposes against werewolves in while in their humanoid forms and witches as they often cast wards for general protection. This was a weapon that was by no means meant for humans, but Sean had to act. He couldn't have so many witnesses to the supernatural, especially not to the shit show he had just stumbled upon. He activated thermal imagery on his mask in order to catch sight of any others attempting to flee but only saw those debilitated by the constant high pitched ringing coming from the SUV.

"Good." Sean set the "nonlethal" electroshock rifle aside before grabbing a hold of the very lethal semiautomatic rifle equipped with a silencer and loaded with a magazine tightly taped to another. One filled with UV rounds, the with silver round. He'd start with UV first. He didn't bother with backup, Operation Humanity was probably sending as many grunts and trucks as they could to the university campus. Sean just had to hold his own till then. Remy and Angel were nowhere to be found, but his focus kept them from his thoughts. The here and now was the mission. The erasure of this incident from the public and the erasure of every creature of the night involved. He squeezed the trigger twice, putting down the first of several vampires.

Avalia

Time: Late Afternoon
Location: Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction: @Tae Azriel

With Darius' commitment to his goal challenged once more, Malgormuun prepared to give the human a few words to keep his confidence up. If he became too disheartened or doubtful, he would become nothing but a liability.

However, before Malgormuun could speak, Azriel gave Darius some comforting words. Eyes of amber and crimson locked as the angel gave him needed words of both encouragement and generosity. She seemed to understand his difficulty in the thought of having to harm or even kill others, but she also did not shy away from the reality of the option. He managed a smile, but it still lacked some confidence.

"Thanks." He wasn't sure what else to say as he was just glad he could get that off his chest and have someone be understanding. This thing he was choosing to do. This path. It was going to be tough, but he had to realize he was not alone in this. There was a small part of him that still believed in the chance of things just playing out as perfectly as he wanted it to. With everyone agreeing to leave, the rebels giving up, and the DROMs being destroyed. If only that could be the reality. "If it does come to that… Then I would definitely want you to be there to help me." Darius said with his weak smile as the music started to slow down and quiet. The first dance was ending and Azriel was leaving him with so much to think on. It was a hard subject, but this wasn't a game or some fairytale. Real lives were at stake and he had to make a commitment. Everyone else at his side did, right? Everyone who directly fought against the rebels. Kol, Malgormuun, Airdan, Azriel, and even Aklenroth. They had different motives but were all aiming towards a similar endgame.

"Again, thank you…" His smile grew as he was beginning to appreciate their meeting. Darius found this dance to be both reflective and enjoyable. "...for the whole thing. And also keep that smile up. I think your next partner will enjoy it too." Darius gave Azriel a slow twirl and while wearing a bright smile to assure her of his better mood and to encourage her to keep smiling. He would remain positive and smile until the time came where he couldn't afford to.

Avalia

Time: Late Afternoon
Location: Roshmi Grand Hall
Interaction with: @Tae Torvi

---

Umber almost found it impossible not to expose his delight of Torvi's feelings as they surfaced. So many loved yet so many perished. He could see all of those who were snatched away by death. He could feel the love that was now smothered in grief and pain gush from off of her as if she was made only from it. NOW… Now, he understood her feelings about death. It was not an end, but a destination where she could reunite with those she loved so dearly, but…

What… What is this I feel? No. It couldn't be… How am I so lucky! To find another with that... fire! Rage! It's buried deep. Locked away. Powerful... but still it pales to hers... Torvi… As much as I would love to see your rage unravel onto the Lich King, I'd much rather witness you suffer in the torture of undeath. I would bargain you would be even more entertaining than General Faister…

Umber's dark thoughts hid behind his charming exterior. Unfortunately, Torvi found his talk of death to be unfavorable. She did well not to show it. She was good at this, but her feelings would always betray her to him. He had unsettled her. A slip of the tongue.

Even then, Umber kept cool. Aklenroth wasn't the first to rule Avalia, and he wouldn't be the last. As rulers came and went, Umber would continue to indulge in the pain and suffering that naturally made itself available. He was prepared to exist as long as his pleasures did. He would break those with weak hearts. He would twist those with burning ones.

"Celebrated. Yes. Even if I'm not considered a loved one, I would hope I would be honored in giving you your wanted celebration." Umber answered Torvi pertaining to death before smiling humorously. "Perhaps that was too morbid. I would rather hope to possibly see you and Vaeril… side by side." Umber managed a wink before releasing Torvi from their dance with a graceful bow and freeing her from his grasp.

Despite hearing some kind of commotion on the other side of the dance floor, Umber's gaze shifted towards Azriel as she unknowingly pulled his attention. He had just noticed it. A terrible thing indeed. She had lasted longer than all of the others, but even so, she had just reached what might be the beginning of the end. From her, he felt a flame. One that he loathed due to his inability to control it. It was but a flicker, but it would grow in time. All because of this human. One he considered being weak and breakable. Was it he who sparked it? This wild flame known as ambition...

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Night
Location: Enroute to New Paeonia
Interaction with: @Tae Maeve

"You tease me Maeve…" Alexander said as he kept his eyes forward while wearing a smile. He found her words to be playful jests, but also a faraway fantasy he could possibly enjoy. "And I don't think any woman is prepared to become one of his brides." Alexander only let loose a chuckle, leaving the statement afloat and mysterious.

Bzzzt! Bzzzt! Bzzzt!

Alexander grabbed his phone and answered immediately. His smile faded away just as quickly.

"I assume you're calling because there's a problem with the Rolls Royce."

"No, that's being handled right now." Sasha, the female vampire that had been tasked with cleaning the paint off of the windshield answered Alexander while watching another put a wet mop to the paint on the windshield. She winced a bit as her companion committed what might be an unspoken crime towards the luxury vehicle. "There's a lot of commotion coming from the exhibition. From what I heard when we went in to grab cleaning supplies, the exhibit-"

"It's fine, Sasha." Alexander hung up and returned his phone to his pocket. There was nothing more he needed to hear. The wasted preparation was a thorn in his side, but at least he didn't have to personally kill Demetri and Charles. A sigh escaped him before a smirk formed across his lips. He looked at Maeve from the corner of his eye. "Apparently the exhibition ended poorly. Did you happen to have a hand in this Ms. Brannigan?"

Ember Grove - Reboot

Time: Night
Location: Road 69
Interaction with:

---

Sean sped down the road in a black Operation Humanity owned SUV muttering every now and then about what Trotter had said. The last thing he wanted to be when he signed his contract with Operation Humanity, was a babysitter.

The SUV was equipped with a communications unit that pushed out relevant information across different stations. Sean was tuned into the station that provided information on Ember Grove.

"Intercepting Ember Grove University fire emergency from local units… Assets are active in the area and a WCD picked up a single howl. Need available hunters and mock fire unit to respond immediately."

"You've got to be kidding me." Sean grabbed his phone and dialed Angel…. Voicemail. "Of course. And I'm 15 fucking minutes away." Sean stomped the accelerator pedal, attempting to cut the 15 minutes down and mentally prepared himself to put down a werewolf.