Post by Pandora LeAmour on Aug 3, 2009 22:50:02 GMT -5
Pandora LeAmour
Mara Saoiji
Location: The Tower
Time: five hours after sunset (10pm)
She turned herself around in circles. Grumbling slightly. Her eyes narrowed between two trees that seemed to call to her soul. Her brows lifted slowly. Pacing forward a few steps, she traced her fingers over the trees. Her Elvin features defining her thoughts into personification.
Turning to squat down she noted the imprints of different shoes. They all seemed to be going into the forest. What was in there? She had only heard that Pandora could be found here. She had not an inkling as to what really laid within. Her heartbeat pounded, thudding against her chest. Oh stop it you silly shrew. You're alone these days becaue you chose it! Mara had stayed and made a name for herself within Enchantica. Defending Frinn and others against the Sea Wolf that threatened. Getting herself into a little trouble.
Her hair clung to her form as she took a few steps closer to the trees that seemed odd to her. Following the tracks she had found. She felt the earth shudder and it whispered to her... Go forth, be warned..
She pushed on without a second thought. She wanted to know how Pandora was doing. Wanted to know what kept her so secluded these days. She never seen her in the Tavern in her usual chair w ith her foot hiked up on another. She didn't find her within the libraries burying herself in stacks of books. She also didn't see her hunting. ..She knew Pandora would show not a single thread of emotion, but she knew that her seeking her out for communication would be key. IF there was anything that She could do for Pandora, such as carrying messages, something anything. She would without hesitation.
She stepped past the point of interest and her hair shrank a little.. Her nails retracted and painted themself. Something was stripping her of her attributes. Her magic.
Her brows rose high as she eyed over her shoulder. Another thing of protection...a barrier or sorts? A magical stripping device? ...A time warp that took anyone back to when they were close to beginners? She knew not, but her senses went back to just being able to read people. Frowning at her lack of skills past that point. But she wasn't afraid. She was proud of her weilding skills, her skills with a sword were far beyong magic they were in her soul..
Walking on through the forest she came to the trail, the whole time she kept her mind blank. She didn't want anyone knowin' she was coming before she reached her destination..wherever that was..
Pandora had long since grown worried of her Animal to Call. Tathar Seregon had not been around for weeks now, and had even missed the passing Moon Phase. It wasn't like him at all to be absent for so long. Had she finally driven him away?
Her face, an empty mask, gazed out at the archway that led to and from the Meeting Room, not entirely seeing the stone structure at all. Her mind recanted the last conversation she had carried on with her Animal to Call. Did he not know that in his absence, she was not at her strongest power. When he was missing, her powerbase was wounded. And what of the other wolves?
Tathar had not yet chosen a lupa and thus even though Pandora LeAmour was not a Lycan, she held that position simply because they were seeing each other. Utterly impractical, and not all of the Wolves were pleased with it, but it was what it was.
Until their Ulfric returned to lead them, it had been Pandora who kept the small pack under way. Master of the City, Lupa to the pack, and Vampire certainly had been keeping her busy.
In his absence, Tathar had obviously learnt how to sheild himself to her call. With all Wolves, because they were initially her animal to call, she could think of one and be able to sense, see, or a word that hadn't even been invented yet for the sensation of it all, exactly who she wanted. She had tried, more times then she cared to count, to sense Tathar but the moment he felt her presence, he would slam his sheilds back into place, and leave her frustrated and quite frankly, pissed off.
Suddenly Pandora's attention was distracted from her own tormented thoughts as one of the Guards cleared his throat to capture her attention. When her eyes focused, she spotted him standing just under the Archway, bowed low. Her voice, empty of all emotions, drifted out to greet him.
As the guard shiftled futher into the room, his lips began moving. Pandora had to focus her attention moreso to be able to catch the last little bit of what he was saying before it registered. Someone new had crossed the protective barrier. It only ever tripped up when the traveller was someone that required her own attention. DayBreak's simply didn't have the powers that would cause the barrier to flare forth it's goal.
Pandora placed her gloved hands back into her lap, her head giving a single brisk nod.
Her purple skirts seemed to float about her form with grace. None anyone but of nobilty seemed to have. But she was not a noble. She only carried herself with high reguard. Lifting her hand to pull her hair over her right shoulder she eyed the dark forestry around her. The trail was lined with a wooden like fencing. Boulders sat at the begininng. Was this a community? There was a feeling of peace. A feeling of wellness. Her brows rested themselves in comfort as she wound her way, into what looked to be a village.
Her head turned everywhich way possible. She bit her lip.. She could see a square with what appeared to be shops. In another direction there seemed to be a well, and a garden...To the opposing directon was a castle. Squinting she could make out guards. Her mind leapt forth, but to avail no readings. Chewing on the inside of her lip she walked forward as if something propelled her. Shifting her weight she moved on into the village passing the square, she looked up to a tower that rose. It was dark, and had little windows. She smiled slowly. Pandora, if that is your home, I'm glad to see you've set yourself up rather nicely. Continuing on the trail she veered off in the direction of the Stoney tower. It was dark, and the world was quiet. Nodding to those who she had passed that appeared to be wearing a cloak of dark green. Not extremely fashionable, but it must have served a purpose.
Upon reaching the tower door she paused for a moment. Her eyes following upon a small hole that seemed to be an eyeslit. Another definition to protect those of the Night. Fair enough.
She lifted her pale hand and knocked upon the metal of the door. Her voice was soft as a small man opened it with haste. He didn't even have to ask her before she spoke.
At the sound of his sharp intake she froze then corrected herself.
She felt her heart pause weith it's beating. She kept her eyes downcast. As she was unsure if Pandora would even care to see an old accquaintence. With her newly found home, and relations she might not have the time. Maybe this was a mistake. Maybe she shouldn't bother her, but it was too late to run now.
She stood awaiting for the choice.
Pandora had focused all her attention on listening around the castle, for the sound of the travellers arrival. She hadn't dared to allow her mind to wander once more. If there was someone new afoot, the last thing the Master of the City needed was to find herself distracted when they arrived.
Because of this, it was easy to hear the rap of the door and the shuffling sound as William unbolted it and pushed the old wooden thing open. She too had heard the woman's words, and the way William had reacted to it.
Any other day, Pandora LeAmour would have scolded someone for actually using a nickname instead of her proper title when they came to call upon her. For any other person, she would have relished it. Instead, Pandora slid an already awaiting polite smile upon her face. She recognized the voice before they were even escorted into her home.
Jason would undoubtedly escort Lady Saoiji down the Tower hallway and to the archway of the Meeting Room. Afterall, he knew if someone did not escort her in, it would fall in his own shoulders for having disobeyed a direct order.
An aquintince from Enchantica. She hadn't seen many from her stay there. She hadn't really wanted to. In all truth, Pandora had avoided Enchantica like it were the plague and she a simple mortal. Too many painful memories to ever return. She simply didn't care to risk a runin with Raistlin. Ah, but she did miss the days of playing friend.
Pandora thought 'metal' and felt her own sheilds slide into place. Mara was a mortal, and a mortal that already knew she existed, but one that did not know of the new powers Pandora posessed. Why, she was simply a Vampire back in the day when she met Mara and the other residents of Enchantica. It would not bode well to allow them to see just how much power she had come into, or how much she had gained from her Animal to Call.
The power eased deeper into her very being. As if it were a ball in her palm, and her finger's clenched around in a tight fist. Her lips remained at the ready in a painted smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, which cast upon the empty space beneath the Archway.
She had only stepped in the door when a huge man, compared to her body stepped forth. Lifting her eyebrows as he rather politely, had asked her to follow him. The man at the door receeding to his keep. Nodding she pulled the gloved from her fingers one by one. Starting with the thumb.
As she stepped her boots tapped against the stone flooring of the tower, moving down the hallway lined with some Lanterns/torches, and doors that were guarding them. She figured they lead somewhere to a library, a sort of torture room and her quarters. She could smell her. Her senses throbbed with the scent. She wondered how long it would take for her old friend to notice the change within her. The powers she had herself, come to lay claim. They weren't master level. But they were Scholar levels. Mara was now in her late 30's in human age, looked to be 27 still, and was really several hundreds of years. A pup to pandora. But none the less, had seen far too much for one person to handle. Visions of when she had turned a blind eye after finding a victum from Pandora...She knew what she was, and the person she had chose deserved all that he got.
As she stepped into the Meeting room. Her eyes didn't immediately flare up with shine, but her heart beat went soaring. She watched as the Guard took his leave to return to his post and left her and Pandora.
Her skin tingled. She could feel her strength, her brows rose only a hair and then settled into their place...She smiled widely, hers matching her eyes as she took in Pandora for a moment. Still as beautiful as ever.
When she noted Pandora with full reguard. She noticed the smile that seemed half real. Her insides seemed to squish together, was it her job to greet new comers? And that was the only reason her smile was in place?..Her eyes.. their deep. Troubled.. Something was wrong. She had known her far to long to be wrong.
She moved in closer her dress of deep purple was trimmed in black velvet..it had been a dress Pandora and herself had drawn out. But never found a seamstress to make it, She had. Within the last few years found plenty of drawings Pandora had made for her wardrobe, including a black one, that seemed laced with a dull red. Giving an appearance of flames sprawling up from the skirts.
Putting her memories aside, she slowly slid her form into a bow.
Pandora gestured absentmindedly with her left hand, the pale blue glove waving in the well lit light of the Meeting Room.
She didn't need to hear a single word Mara had to say, to be honest. Pandora was perfectly aware of the new changes within the woman's life. She didn't show any of this knowlege, however. Let her tell it in her own sweet time.
Pandora lowered her gloved hand back to her lap, beneath the surface of the table. Her smile never weavered but never grew either. It had been so long since Pandora entertained anyone. At least, anyone that needed to see a side of her that didn't belong to the Master of the City. No no, no one these days seemed the need to see anything other then the Master.
Without shifting her gaze from the woman's face, Pandora studied the gown in which she was dawned in with perp. vision. It certainly did turn out well. Of course, she knew exactly what gown it was. A Vampire didn't have as terrible a memory as a mortal. Good or bad, every memory of her past was as if it all happened but the eve before. The gown, being one of them.
When she finished studying it, Pandora returned her full attention back to the woman's face. She would not meet Pandora in the eye, for the only two people whom had ever done so and not been captured by them were Raistlin and Tathar, and each only a couple times before. Of course, the NightWorld Council could as well, but they didn't really count in her book.
Pandora knew she looked exactly as she had last Mara saw her. A Vampire never really got to change their looks, and they certainly didn't age. Though her appearance was the same, Pandora LeAmour was not. Much had changed, they simply weren't visible on the surface.
She hadn't really come on business. She had come to see how she faired, what things had happened. What brought her here, what her non life was about.
It was soft, gentle. Pandora probably didn't experience too many peoples emotions first hand. But Mara made no execption. She only hoped. Tucking her matching gloves into a hidden pocket where her blades had rested before she had left them at the door. She moved to hold a chair directly acrossed from Pandora, where she always chose to sit when in the tavern. But before she seated herself she looked to Pandora's face again.
She gestured with a nodd towards the chair. She didn't know if she should sit. And her Manners had never changed. She was polite in nature, that had never waivered.
She turned her face square with Pandora, and before Pandora could answer, she moved around the table, lookin behind her to see if the guards were peeking. Noting that they were keeping their eyes full on. She swallowed slowly and stood right beside her.
Her hand without fear brushed Pandoras cheek. Not in a sexual manner. But in care. She knew it wouldn't mean much to the Vampire. But she was no more scared of her. Respectful of her abilities to render Mara into a forever sleep. But never feared her.
Her hand dropped to Pandora's gave it a light squeeze. She had wanted a hug. She fought the impulse but unable to decide to listen to herself. She scooped herself down snd wrapped her arms about her frigid form. Then with small haste retreated and moved back around the table to the chair she had indicated before.
Holding her eyes closed for a moment as memories flooded her, a tear dared itself a path down her cheek. Finding it's last destination upon her satin dress.
She paused for a moment regainng her control. Touchin' Pandora had sent her into the past. It was a demise she was willing to risk. Dangerous to most. But it had meant everything. There had really only been a few that Mara had cared for. Pandora, the fiesty red headed vamp that never let a single person get the best of her. And Faeren. Whom had captured her heart and never came back to her. She frowned at the thought of him She had never settled with anyone else. She had never had children. Never knew a lovers touch. All she had was what name of her she had made.
Her eyes fluttered up without faulter. Pandora seemed troubled, she could feel that much. What was wrong? Had someone hurt her?..Had she kept herself from knowin somethin' of happiness? Only time would tell..
Pandora didn't like that Mara approached her. She didn't like that the woman placed her hand against Pandora's cheek. She didn't like when that same hand reached down to squeeze her own, and she most certainly didn't like that the woman actually embraced her. Worst of it all, was the look that flickered across the faces of the two guards that stood within the Meeting Room. She couldn't have them thinking what Mara had done was acceptable. Then again, they had seen her appear intimate with many before, both male and female. But only on her own accord.
She remained riggid and made no move to return any of the touching gestures. Pandora LeAmour was no longer one to care for touching. Infact, nowadays she only wished to be embraced by one person, and even that one had left her. She would never again embrace anyone simply to embrace them.
Her voice, suddenly seeming harsh and demanding, called forth across the room towards the guards, ordering them to stand on the other side of the archway. Her eye's remained glued to them as both didn't even hesitate before backing from the room to follow their order.
She could have dropped her voice, but the two guards stationed there this evening were both Lycans. Whether she whispered or shouted, they'd hear her words all the same. So, instead, Pandora's tone was normal. Or at least, as normal as she ever sounded these days.
She never really realized how much of herself had changed over the years. Once, when she could fake normal human behavior as well as the next, Pandora had loved to converse with others. Now, it had simply been too long that she couldn't even appear normal, human. This is why she rarely ever left the comforts of the Tower. With the upcoming festivities, Pandora would need to begin classes on human behavior immediately. She had wanted Tathar to teach her, but that was a little impossible to do when he wasn't here anymore.
His bed had grown cold. Her heart, colder. She would have Bertha begin lecturing her this very evening. Right now, however, it did little good. Pandora couldn't pretend to be the soft gentle woman if she wanted to. If you know to try is to fail, there is little point in trying at all.
She remained Master of the City. Unemotive, cruel, direct. Nothing like the girl Mara once knew. It was all she knew these days, and she perfered it much over allowing anyone in. Even immortals felt pain. Pandora did not care for it in the slightest. She had experienced enough in her life, and more then enough in her unlife.
Keeping her eye's cold, expressionless, and that ghosting smile plastered on her lips, Pandora simply remained seated in a straight unnatural position in her chair, watching Mara.
She slowly slid herself into the chair. Frowning at her impulsive reactions which left Pandora to order guards from the room. She looked down. She knew that was unacceptable. Whatever she was here was someone extremely important. Now she had left an uncompromising situation for her to deal with. Rubbing her temples with her index fingers, she continued to stare at her lap.
She straightened her back. Her eyes showing how tired she was. She needed some rest before she couold visit with her friend.
Her eyes came up to meet Pandora's dead on. The Mahogany swirls seemed to melt, but the pain seemed to linger all the same. " Your charms haven't changed...I dare to say."
She looked about her..and then back to Pandora..
She looked behind her at the guards she knew had her scent on her. But she looked back in Pandora's direction.
Pandora listened as Mara apologized for her forwardness. She continued to listen as the mention of the Festival came from the woman's plump lush lips. That one had surprised her, to be honest. The festival was still in the beginning theory stages, and thus no one was supposed to know of it just yet. Apparently rumors did travel rather fast.
Pandora continued to watch, eye's unblinking, chest unbreathing, as Mara then asked to stay there, within Pandora's very home. Normally this was not permitted. Afterall, Pandora was in the process of evicting EVERYONE from the Tower. It had become a sort of shelter for the unearthly as of late and Pandora did not like it in the least.
A woman's home is a woman's home and those that prided themselves on their isolation did not like to have to share their dwelling with others. Pandora had reached the point where she had decided either everyone goes, or she goes. Home just didn't feel much like home anymore these days. And so, just the eve before, Pandora began issueing orders for those NightWorlders to evacuate her Tower.
The NightWorld Quarters would be cleaned out, and perhaps made into a private quarter for... Well, who knows really. The only thing that mattered was that she would no longer house a safe place for other NightWorlders. There was no reason why those staying within the Tower could not earn a wage and pay for their own residence. There were homes within the village made especially for NightWorlders and it was high time they began using them.
So, when Mara inquired her unnatural request to be allowed to stay within the Tower, Pandora found it quite unsettling. People just don't invite themselves to stay at someones home. They hint for an invitation, or they make other arrangements. Too often these days folks were simply assuming they could stay within the Tower just because it housed the meeting room of the NightWorld.
The exaustion in Mara's eye's gave Pandora hesant answers. She considered allowing the woman to stay for one night, and one night only. Enough time for the woman to get a good night's rest and then she would be forced to join the rest somewhere else within Tranquility.
It was the realization, the ever untrusting nature of Pandora that kept her from offering an answer. It had been years since Pandora LeAmour had saw Mara. Years is a long time for many thing's to change. Mara had always been kindhearted, but one could pretend to remain so when their innermost thoughts were not. It was simply impractical, and all too dangerous, to allow people that Pandora didn't know personally well enough to know they posed no threat to stay so close to her own resting place.
But then again, there were enough guards stationed around the tower to ensure nothing got out of hand.
She made no note on the woman's wish to converse. In truth, Pandora had no idea when she would have enough free time to talk of anything other then business. It was hard enough to find the time to travel outside of Tranquility for a natural hunt, let alone time to sit around idly chit chat.
If Mara arrived back at the tower to seek her out, and she was not in a meeting, she would entertain the woman with pointless chatter. If not, then that was that. Pandora wasn't feeling particularly friendly these days. She was just so tired of people leaving. So tired of watching the world go to hell in a bucket. And she was poorly taking her frustration and anger out on anyone whom crossed her path since Tathar wasn't here to bear the blunt of his own tidings.
That one word was filled with enough force, enough weight, that the guard who had previously escorted Mara in was suddenly hunched over under the archway in a low custom bow. He remained hunkered over, his voice seeming muffled at the position.
Pandora pushed her chair back, the four wooden legs groaning in protest as they slid across the stone floor. She placed both gloved hands on the table, palms down, and pushed herself to her feet, her gaze returning to the woman seated at her table.
Mara Saoiji
Location: The Tower
Time: five hours after sunset (10pm)
She turned herself around in circles. Grumbling slightly. Her eyes narrowed between two trees that seemed to call to her soul. Her brows lifted slowly. Pacing forward a few steps, she traced her fingers over the trees. Her Elvin features defining her thoughts into personification.
Turning to squat down she noted the imprints of different shoes. They all seemed to be going into the forest. What was in there? She had only heard that Pandora could be found here. She had not an inkling as to what really laid within. Her heartbeat pounded, thudding against her chest. Oh stop it you silly shrew. You're alone these days becaue you chose it! Mara had stayed and made a name for herself within Enchantica. Defending Frinn and others against the Sea Wolf that threatened. Getting herself into a little trouble.
Her hair clung to her form as she took a few steps closer to the trees that seemed odd to her. Following the tracks she had found. She felt the earth shudder and it whispered to her... Go forth, be warned..
She pushed on without a second thought. She wanted to know how Pandora was doing. Wanted to know what kept her so secluded these days. She never seen her in the Tavern in her usual chair w ith her foot hiked up on another. She didn't find her within the libraries burying herself in stacks of books. She also didn't see her hunting. ..She knew Pandora would show not a single thread of emotion, but she knew that her seeking her out for communication would be key. IF there was anything that She could do for Pandora, such as carrying messages, something anything. She would without hesitation.
She stepped past the point of interest and her hair shrank a little.. Her nails retracted and painted themself. Something was stripping her of her attributes. Her magic.
Her brows rose high as she eyed over her shoulder. Another thing of protection...a barrier or sorts? A magical stripping device? ...A time warp that took anyone back to when they were close to beginners? She knew not, but her senses went back to just being able to read people. Frowning at her lack of skills past that point. But she wasn't afraid. She was proud of her weilding skills, her skills with a sword were far beyong magic they were in her soul..
Walking on through the forest she came to the trail, the whole time she kept her mind blank. She didn't want anyone knowin' she was coming before she reached her destination..wherever that was..
Pandora had long since grown worried of her Animal to Call. Tathar Seregon had not been around for weeks now, and had even missed the passing Moon Phase. It wasn't like him at all to be absent for so long. Had she finally driven him away?
Her face, an empty mask, gazed out at the archway that led to and from the Meeting Room, not entirely seeing the stone structure at all. Her mind recanted the last conversation she had carried on with her Animal to Call. Did he not know that in his absence, she was not at her strongest power. When he was missing, her powerbase was wounded. And what of the other wolves?
Tathar had not yet chosen a lupa and thus even though Pandora LeAmour was not a Lycan, she held that position simply because they were seeing each other. Utterly impractical, and not all of the Wolves were pleased with it, but it was what it was.
Until their Ulfric returned to lead them, it had been Pandora who kept the small pack under way. Master of the City, Lupa to the pack, and Vampire certainly had been keeping her busy.
In his absence, Tathar had obviously learnt how to sheild himself to her call. With all Wolves, because they were initially her animal to call, she could think of one and be able to sense, see, or a word that hadn't even been invented yet for the sensation of it all, exactly who she wanted. She had tried, more times then she cared to count, to sense Tathar but the moment he felt her presence, he would slam his sheilds back into place, and leave her frustrated and quite frankly, pissed off.
Suddenly Pandora's attention was distracted from her own tormented thoughts as one of the Guards cleared his throat to capture her attention. When her eyes focused, she spotted him standing just under the Archway, bowed low. Her voice, empty of all emotions, drifted out to greet him.
"Come in, Jason."
As the guard shiftled futher into the room, his lips began moving. Pandora had to focus her attention moreso to be able to catch the last little bit of what he was saying before it registered. Someone new had crossed the protective barrier. It only ever tripped up when the traveller was someone that required her own attention. DayBreak's simply didn't have the powers that would cause the barrier to flare forth it's goal.
Pandora placed her gloved hands back into her lap, her head giving a single brisk nod.
"Very well. Inform William that he will be receiving an uncloaked individual and that they are to be promptly escorted to me."
[/u][/center]Her purple skirts seemed to float about her form with grace. None anyone but of nobilty seemed to have. But she was not a noble. She only carried herself with high reguard. Lifting her hand to pull her hair over her right shoulder she eyed the dark forestry around her. The trail was lined with a wooden like fencing. Boulders sat at the begininng. Was this a community? There was a feeling of peace. A feeling of wellness. Her brows rested themselves in comfort as she wound her way, into what looked to be a village.
Her head turned everywhich way possible. She bit her lip.. She could see a square with what appeared to be shops. In another direction there seemed to be a well, and a garden...To the opposing directon was a castle. Squinting she could make out guards. Her mind leapt forth, but to avail no readings. Chewing on the inside of her lip she walked forward as if something propelled her. Shifting her weight she moved on into the village passing the square, she looked up to a tower that rose. It was dark, and had little windows. She smiled slowly. Pandora, if that is your home, I'm glad to see you've set yourself up rather nicely. Continuing on the trail she veered off in the direction of the Stoney tower. It was dark, and the world was quiet. Nodding to those who she had passed that appeared to be wearing a cloak of dark green. Not extremely fashionable, but it must have served a purpose.
Upon reaching the tower door she paused for a moment. Her eyes following upon a small hole that seemed to be an eyeslit. Another definition to protect those of the Night. Fair enough.
She lifted her pale hand and knocked upon the metal of the door. Her voice was soft as a small man opened it with haste. He didn't even have to ask her before she spoke.
"..Mara Johanna Saoiji, I am lookin' for Pands..."
At the sound of his sharp intake she froze then corrected herself.
"..Pandora LeAmour.."
She felt her heart pause weith it's beating. She kept her eyes downcast. As she was unsure if Pandora would even care to see an old accquaintence. With her newly found home, and relations she might not have the time. Maybe this was a mistake. Maybe she shouldn't bother her, but it was too late to run now.
She stood awaiting for the choice.
Pandora had focused all her attention on listening around the castle, for the sound of the travellers arrival. She hadn't dared to allow her mind to wander once more. If there was someone new afoot, the last thing the Master of the City needed was to find herself distracted when they arrived.
Because of this, it was easy to hear the rap of the door and the shuffling sound as William unbolted it and pushed the old wooden thing open. She too had heard the woman's words, and the way William had reacted to it.
Any other day, Pandora LeAmour would have scolded someone for actually using a nickname instead of her proper title when they came to call upon her. For any other person, she would have relished it. Instead, Pandora slid an already awaiting polite smile upon her face. She recognized the voice before they were even escorted into her home.
Jason would undoubtedly escort Lady Saoiji down the Tower hallway and to the archway of the Meeting Room. Afterall, he knew if someone did not escort her in, it would fall in his own shoulders for having disobeyed a direct order.
An aquintince from Enchantica. She hadn't seen many from her stay there. She hadn't really wanted to. In all truth, Pandora had avoided Enchantica like it were the plague and she a simple mortal. Too many painful memories to ever return. She simply didn't care to risk a runin with Raistlin. Ah, but she did miss the days of playing friend.
Pandora thought 'metal' and felt her own sheilds slide into place. Mara was a mortal, and a mortal that already knew she existed, but one that did not know of the new powers Pandora posessed. Why, she was simply a Vampire back in the day when she met Mara and the other residents of Enchantica. It would not bode well to allow them to see just how much power she had come into, or how much she had gained from her Animal to Call.
The power eased deeper into her very being. As if it were a ball in her palm, and her finger's clenched around in a tight fist. Her lips remained at the ready in a painted smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, which cast upon the empty space beneath the Archway.
She had only stepped in the door when a huge man, compared to her body stepped forth. Lifting her eyebrows as he rather politely, had asked her to follow him. The man at the door receeding to his keep. Nodding she pulled the gloved from her fingers one by one. Starting with the thumb.
As she stepped her boots tapped against the stone flooring of the tower, moving down the hallway lined with some Lanterns/torches, and doors that were guarding them. She figured they lead somewhere to a library, a sort of torture room and her quarters. She could smell her. Her senses throbbed with the scent. She wondered how long it would take for her old friend to notice the change within her. The powers she had herself, come to lay claim. They weren't master level. But they were Scholar levels. Mara was now in her late 30's in human age, looked to be 27 still, and was really several hundreds of years. A pup to pandora. But none the less, had seen far too much for one person to handle. Visions of when she had turned a blind eye after finding a victum from Pandora...She knew what she was, and the person she had chose deserved all that he got.
As she stepped into the Meeting room. Her eyes didn't immediately flare up with shine, but her heart beat went soaring. She watched as the Guard took his leave to return to his post and left her and Pandora.
Her skin tingled. She could feel her strength, her brows rose only a hair and then settled into their place...She smiled widely, hers matching her eyes as she took in Pandora for a moment. Still as beautiful as ever.
When she noted Pandora with full reguard. She noticed the smile that seemed half real. Her insides seemed to squish together, was it her job to greet new comers? And that was the only reason her smile was in place?..Her eyes.. their deep. Troubled.. Something was wrong. She had known her far to long to be wrong.
She moved in closer her dress of deep purple was trimmed in black velvet..it had been a dress Pandora and herself had drawn out. But never found a seamstress to make it, She had. Within the last few years found plenty of drawings Pandora had made for her wardrobe, including a black one, that seemed laced with a dull red. Giving an appearance of flames sprawling up from the skirts.
Putting her memories aside, she slowly slid her form into a bow.
"..Pandora...It has been rather too long.."
[/b][/u][/center]Pandora gestured absentmindedly with her left hand, the pale blue glove waving in the well lit light of the Meeting Room.
"None of that, child. Please, come in."
She didn't need to hear a single word Mara had to say, to be honest. Pandora was perfectly aware of the new changes within the woman's life. She didn't show any of this knowlege, however. Let her tell it in her own sweet time.
Pandora lowered her gloved hand back to her lap, beneath the surface of the table. Her smile never weavered but never grew either. It had been so long since Pandora entertained anyone. At least, anyone that needed to see a side of her that didn't belong to the Master of the City. No no, no one these days seemed the need to see anything other then the Master.
"What brings you to my humble home, my friend?"
Without shifting her gaze from the woman's face, Pandora studied the gown in which she was dawned in with perp. vision. It certainly did turn out well. Of course, she knew exactly what gown it was. A Vampire didn't have as terrible a memory as a mortal. Good or bad, every memory of her past was as if it all happened but the eve before. The gown, being one of them.
When she finished studying it, Pandora returned her full attention back to the woman's face. She would not meet Pandora in the eye, for the only two people whom had ever done so and not been captured by them were Raistlin and Tathar, and each only a couple times before. Of course, the NightWorld Council could as well, but they didn't really count in her book.
Pandora knew she looked exactly as she had last Mara saw her. A Vampire never really got to change their looks, and they certainly didn't age. Though her appearance was the same, Pandora LeAmour was not. Much had changed, they simply weren't visible on the surface.
She hadn't really come on business. She had come to see how she faired, what things had happened. What brought her here, what her non life was about.
"..I missed you.."
It was soft, gentle. Pandora probably didn't experience too many peoples emotions first hand. But Mara made no execption. She only hoped. Tucking her matching gloves into a hidden pocket where her blades had rested before she had left them at the door. She moved to hold a chair directly acrossed from Pandora, where she always chose to sit when in the tavern. But before she seated herself she looked to Pandora's face again.
" May I?"
She gestured with a nodd towards the chair. She didn't know if she should sit. And her Manners had never changed. She was polite in nature, that had never waivered.
She turned her face square with Pandora, and before Pandora could answer, she moved around the table, lookin behind her to see if the guards were peeking. Noting that they were keeping their eyes full on. She swallowed slowly and stood right beside her.
Her hand without fear brushed Pandoras cheek. Not in a sexual manner. But in care. She knew it wouldn't mean much to the Vampire. But she was no more scared of her. Respectful of her abilities to render Mara into a forever sleep. But never feared her.
Her hand dropped to Pandora's gave it a light squeeze. She had wanted a hug. She fought the impulse but unable to decide to listen to herself. She scooped herself down snd wrapped her arms about her frigid form. Then with small haste retreated and moved back around the table to the chair she had indicated before.
Holding her eyes closed for a moment as memories flooded her, a tear dared itself a path down her cheek. Finding it's last destination upon her satin dress.
" I nay come for business, or because I had been asked to.. "
She paused for a moment regainng her control. Touchin' Pandora had sent her into the past. It was a demise she was willing to risk. Dangerous to most. But it had meant everything. There had really only been a few that Mara had cared for. Pandora, the fiesty red headed vamp that never let a single person get the best of her. And Faeren. Whom had captured her heart and never came back to her. She frowned at the thought of him She had never settled with anyone else. She had never had children. Never knew a lovers touch. All she had was what name of her she had made.
"..I do not care of your title, or your residency..Everyone deserves even if just a few moments to relax and speak with an old accquaintence...I came for you and you alone Pandora..."
Her eyes fluttered up without faulter. Pandora seemed troubled, she could feel that much. What was wrong? Had someone hurt her?..Had she kept herself from knowin somethin' of happiness? Only time would tell..
Pandora didn't like that Mara approached her. She didn't like that the woman placed her hand against Pandora's cheek. She didn't like when that same hand reached down to squeeze her own, and she most certainly didn't like that the woman actually embraced her. Worst of it all, was the look that flickered across the faces of the two guards that stood within the Meeting Room. She couldn't have them thinking what Mara had done was acceptable. Then again, they had seen her appear intimate with many before, both male and female. But only on her own accord.
She remained riggid and made no move to return any of the touching gestures. Pandora LeAmour was no longer one to care for touching. Infact, nowadays she only wished to be embraced by one person, and even that one had left her. She would never again embrace anyone simply to embrace them.
Her voice, suddenly seeming harsh and demanding, called forth across the room towards the guards, ordering them to stand on the other side of the archway. Her eye's remained glued to them as both didn't even hesitate before backing from the room to follow their order.
She could have dropped her voice, but the two guards stationed there this evening were both Lycans. Whether she whispered or shouted, they'd hear her words all the same. So, instead, Pandora's tone was normal. Or at least, as normal as she ever sounded these days.
"Please, sit, child, and tell me what you have travelled all this way to talk of."
She never really realized how much of herself had changed over the years. Once, when she could fake normal human behavior as well as the next, Pandora had loved to converse with others. Now, it had simply been too long that she couldn't even appear normal, human. This is why she rarely ever left the comforts of the Tower. With the upcoming festivities, Pandora would need to begin classes on human behavior immediately. She had wanted Tathar to teach her, but that was a little impossible to do when he wasn't here anymore.
His bed had grown cold. Her heart, colder. She would have Bertha begin lecturing her this very evening. Right now, however, it did little good. Pandora couldn't pretend to be the soft gentle woman if she wanted to. If you know to try is to fail, there is little point in trying at all.
She remained Master of the City. Unemotive, cruel, direct. Nothing like the girl Mara once knew. It was all she knew these days, and she perfered it much over allowing anyone in. Even immortals felt pain. Pandora did not care for it in the slightest. She had experienced enough in her life, and more then enough in her unlife.
Keeping her eye's cold, expressionless, and that ghosting smile plastered on her lips, Pandora simply remained seated in a straight unnatural position in her chair, watching Mara.
She slowly slid herself into the chair. Frowning at her impulsive reactions which left Pandora to order guards from the room. She looked down. She knew that was unacceptable. Whatever she was here was someone extremely important. Now she had left an uncompromising situation for her to deal with. Rubbing her temples with her index fingers, she continued to stare at her lap.
"..I appologize for being to ...forward..."
She straightened her back. Her eyes showing how tired she was. She needed some rest before she couold visit with her friend.
"..I have heard of a festive event that is to be held here. Rumors travel fast..and though I do not know all the info I would like a chance to visit with you further....No titles.. If that means I have to act as a servant.. I shall"
Her eyes came up to meet Pandora's dead on. The Mahogany swirls seemed to melt, but the pain seemed to linger all the same. " Your charms haven't changed...I dare to say."
She looked about her..and then back to Pandora..
"..I would like to ask that I stay here, in the tower with you..and do not fret of someone finding me and makin' a meal...I just wish to stay here, I am rather tired from traveling.."
She looked behind her at the guards she knew had her scent on her. But she looked back in Pandora's direction.
Pandora listened as Mara apologized for her forwardness. She continued to listen as the mention of the Festival came from the woman's plump lush lips. That one had surprised her, to be honest. The festival was still in the beginning theory stages, and thus no one was supposed to know of it just yet. Apparently rumors did travel rather fast.
Pandora continued to watch, eye's unblinking, chest unbreathing, as Mara then asked to stay there, within Pandora's very home. Normally this was not permitted. Afterall, Pandora was in the process of evicting EVERYONE from the Tower. It had become a sort of shelter for the unearthly as of late and Pandora did not like it in the least.
A woman's home is a woman's home and those that prided themselves on their isolation did not like to have to share their dwelling with others. Pandora had reached the point where she had decided either everyone goes, or she goes. Home just didn't feel much like home anymore these days. And so, just the eve before, Pandora began issueing orders for those NightWorlders to evacuate her Tower.
The NightWorld Quarters would be cleaned out, and perhaps made into a private quarter for... Well, who knows really. The only thing that mattered was that she would no longer house a safe place for other NightWorlders. There was no reason why those staying within the Tower could not earn a wage and pay for their own residence. There were homes within the village made especially for NightWorlders and it was high time they began using them.
So, when Mara inquired her unnatural request to be allowed to stay within the Tower, Pandora found it quite unsettling. People just don't invite themselves to stay at someones home. They hint for an invitation, or they make other arrangements. Too often these days folks were simply assuming they could stay within the Tower just because it housed the meeting room of the NightWorld.
The exaustion in Mara's eye's gave Pandora hesant answers. She considered allowing the woman to stay for one night, and one night only. Enough time for the woman to get a good night's rest and then she would be forced to join the rest somewhere else within Tranquility.
It was the realization, the ever untrusting nature of Pandora that kept her from offering an answer. It had been years since Pandora LeAmour had saw Mara. Years is a long time for many thing's to change. Mara had always been kindhearted, but one could pretend to remain so when their innermost thoughts were not. It was simply impractical, and all too dangerous, to allow people that Pandora didn't know personally well enough to know they posed no threat to stay so close to her own resting place.
But then again, there were enough guards stationed around the tower to ensure nothing got out of hand.
"Very well. Jason will escort you to a room for the evening. You may rest there. There is an Inn in the Square that will provide you with a well cooked breakfast come morning, and I am sure they have a room available to accomodate you for the remainder of your stay."
She made no note on the woman's wish to converse. In truth, Pandora had no idea when she would have enough free time to talk of anything other then business. It was hard enough to find the time to travel outside of Tranquility for a natural hunt, let alone time to sit around idly chit chat.
If Mara arrived back at the tower to seek her out, and she was not in a meeting, she would entertain the woman with pointless chatter. If not, then that was that. Pandora wasn't feeling particularly friendly these days. She was just so tired of people leaving. So tired of watching the world go to hell in a bucket. And she was poorly taking her frustration and anger out on anyone whom crossed her path since Tathar wasn't here to bear the blunt of his own tidings.
"Jason."
That one word was filled with enough force, enough weight, that the guard who had previously escorted Mara in was suddenly hunched over under the archway in a low custom bow. He remained hunkered over, his voice seeming muffled at the position.
"Master."
"Escort Miss Saoiji to one of the empty cots in the NightWorld Quarters, and station a guard nearby for her. We do not need anyone getting any ideas with fresh meat in tow. Likewise, you will need to have a guard escort her to the Inn come morning so that she may find a decent breakfast. Have them set her up a room there, and bill it to my account."
Pandora pushed her chair back, the four wooden legs groaning in protest as they slid across the stone floor. She placed both gloved hands on the table, palms down, and pushed herself to her feet, her gaze returning to the woman seated at her table.
"Rest well, child."
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