Post by :: Pandie :: on Aug 12, 2009 0:29:04 GMT -5
Ocaeron
Pandora LeAmour
Raistlin Majere
Symphony De Madrid
-it was the middle of the night and he had woken in a cold sweat, these images stuck in his head, the look in their faces, the sounds, the death.. he'd gotten up, got dressed and gone for a walk. Of all places he found himself at the well again. He didn't know why, it just seemed peaceful, he sat down on the ground, his back to the wall and watched the stars in the sky-
Pandora woke from her DayDeath a half hour earlier then usual. Her mind alert and focused on those within the Tower. Actually, the place seemed rather quiet this evening, and she didn't fail to notice that Mathas for once wasn't waiting impatiently for her. It had been right to send him away. Tonight's agenda was relatively simple. Hunt. Of course, there was always something unexpected to attend to, but at least she had a plan.
Slipping from her bed, Pandora set about getting herself dressed. She dawned on a simple gown consisting of a single layer, colored in the deepest of blues. Matching slippers were placed on her bare feet, and to top off the outfit, she struggled her fingers into lighter shaded blue elbowlength gloves. Her hair remained down, freely so. Tonight she simply had no patience for pins.
Tonight she wasn't going to bother trying to lure out the evildoers that might be lurking within Tranquility. Instead, she had decided that she would travel to a larger realm nearby tomorrow eve that promised easier hunting grounds. The treat from the insane captive was enough to sustain her through the night, but Pandora knew that she would need a serious hunting ground tomorrow if she wished to retain enough lifeforce to see her through the rest of the week.
With a simple drop, she landed on the balls of her feet, her left hand placed squarely on the stone floor beneath her to balance out the weight. A quick glance around indicated that the Meeting Room was empty, and she slowly rose to her full height. With a single hand, Pandora tucked her hair behind her right ear and traced the outline of her lips with the tip of her tongue.
She debated checking in with her niece first to see if they would be needing anything from outside Tranquility walls while she was out, but hadn't entirely decided on it. After all, it wasn't her job to provide for them. Besides, tonight she would venture out of the walls of the Tower. Tomorrow, tomorrow she would hunt. That was plenty of time to check in with the queen.
She took her time gathering her cloak from William and slipping from the Tower. Now that Nightworld was not permitted an extended stay there, the place was quiet like it had never been before. No wonder she needed to get out.
-he shifted his back a little against the stone of the well and sighed. The village had been quiet through the day recent;y, now at night it was as if nothing had moved at all. He had to admit, against all better judgement he had actually started to like it here. Perhaps because it was so far away what he was used and in a way what he was running away from for so long now-
Her footfalls were silent, as with most vampires. In truth, she wasn't certain how to make noise anymore while walking. It had been a long time since she bothered mingling in the world of the living. Instead, Pandora often perfered locking herself up surrounded by other beings such as herself. Of course, it helped that they feared her.
With the tower so empty these days, Pandora had forced herself, against her better judgement, to venture forth, but now that she was out of the Tower, she had absolutely no idea where to go from here.
Her mindless wandering led her along the path that led to every landmark within the small realm. Eventually, she ended up somewhere within the square itself. Good lord, the last time she had stepped foot in teh square was when she was torturing the local smithy. She had apparently susceeded because he was nowhere to be found these days.
The Tavern loomed up ahead, and without consciously deciding to, Pandora headed towards it. She couldn't drink anything there, since the Tavern hadn't yet begun providing blood for the undead, but it was a place where Pandora could be alone and yet surrounded by people. Just the chatter of others would give her something else to think on rather then her own issues, and damn did she have a lot of them.
A single gloved hand pushed open the door of the Tavern and Pandora slipped inside, her eye's having little need to adjust to any changes in the light. Afterall, the Tavern was just as dark as the night outside.
She took notice of Obsi working behind the counter, and gave a brisk nod, not bothering to pause in her stride. If she stood still long enough, the shapeshifter would undoubtedly hurry over and try to escort her somewhere. She was a good girl, but she was too quick to obey her master that Pandora tried to avoid her.
The tavern wasn't nearly as busy as she had originally thought it would be. Shame, really. perhaps it'd pick up. At least there was one good thing about the quietness of the Tavern.. There was no shortage of seats.
With her hood still draw up to cover the majority of her features, Pandora shuffled through the assortments of tables and chairs that littered the Tavern until she came to one of the few that provided a chair against the wall. It was always what she perfered, so that none could sneak up behind her. Not that many bothered with it.
The four wooden legs of the chair squeeked along the stone floor as she drew it away from the table and settled her short form down. Well, she was out of the Tower.. Now what...
*A large bottle was resting at the edge of the bar, far away from any other object. Its contents seemed to cause the glass to shimmer a dull crimson hue. The label long since faded by the passage of time. The cork was made of bone and leather. Despite it sitting in plain view, it seemed to have gone unnoticed, as if it were invisible . For a brief instant, golden orbs flickered unnoticably inside the bottle, the hourglass shaped irises staring at the few occupants.*
Aye, with all the other bottles stacked behind that small counter, it seemed a pointless passing of time to actually study each in turn. Pandora herself didn't even so much as glance at them. They were, afterall, of little importance to her. Actually, if we're being honest here, not much within the Tavern held any interest to her, least of all the bottles. It wasn't like she would drink from them anyways.
Her eye's danced around the few occupants of the Tavern thus far. The tables looking frolong and lonely as they waited some poor sod's company. The tavern was usually the perfect place to practice appearing mortal, but this evening her heart just didn't seem to be in it. Did she even have a heart? There had been plenty who swore on their life she lacked one completely. Of course, they weren't here anymore to grudge her for it.
Folding her gloveds hands in her lap, beneath the surface of the table, Pandora was careful to keep her cloak hood drawn up until she was certain there was no one within the Tavern that would recognize her. The last thing she needed was broadcast that the old and pale was out of her cage, so to speak.
When Pandora's eye's met with every form, none of which knew of her, she felt herself relax. Unlocking her fingers, she then drew her arms upward until she reached the helm of her hood. Very carefully, she pulled the black fabric back until it fell to rest along her shoulders. Her hair was anything but striking, but then again, Pandora had never been a beauty.
Her eye's then turned once more towards the Tavern's counter, watching until she would be able to catch the tender Obsi's attention. With a single stiff nod of her head, Pandora gave the usual signal that she was ready. Obsi didn't need to know any more then that. She'd undoubtedly fill Pandora a glass of some contraption or another, knowing she wouldn't drink it. It was simply a prop to support the illusion of a frail young girl drinking alone in a tavern. Usually Pandora could snag a meal or two just by pretending to be exactly what she appeared to be. A young woman alone.
The bottle in the room seemed to shiver, and Obsi suddenly went stiff, her eyes stared directly in front of her. She reached for a glass, and went around the bar, making her way to Pandora with an empty glass, and the ancient bottle in the other. As she approached, Pandora, the air seemed to become chilled, and the candlelight around her seemed to dim.
With her eyes still fixed in front of her, she gracefully set the glass in front of her and placed the bottle carefully in the very center of the table. She seemed very eager to release her hold of it, and swiftly left the table. Once back behind the bar, Obsi came back to her senses, and began to reach for yet another glass, and another bottle, as if she had a lapse in her memory as to what she was doing.
The bottle in the center of the Table seemed to give off a cold chill that seemed to be akin to that of the grave, its aura was dark, evil, and seemed to be filled with hatred. For a moment, it seemed as if it were laughing, and daring Pandora to remove the cork
It was easy to sense that something was off about Obsi. She didn't bow, she didn't call her Master and she certainly didn't chatter away like she usually did. Pandora took it all in stride, just figuring it was something almost human. Something that, Pandora obviously wouldnt' understand. She watched as the shapeshifter placed the empty glass down on the table, and practically releave her other hand of the bottle. Odd, yes. But Obsi was an odd one.
She'd never once brought an entire bottle to Pandora's table before. Hell, Pandora's never had to pour her own drink before! She watched, expressionless, as Obsi made her way back to her protective bar, and then turned her attention back to the bottle infont of her. Oddly enough, it felt like it was watching her. Obsurd. Her mind just playing tricks on her, it had to be.
So convinced it was her own workings of a madwoman, Pandora meant to prove her point. She withdrew a single hand from beneath the table and reached out towards it. Before her fingers even curled around the bottle, she found herself pausing, hand in midair. Enough of this, she mentally scolded herself and quickly closed the remaining distance until her gloved fingers locked around the neck of the bottle. Drawing it towards her, Pandora then used her other hand to reach for the cork, giving it a twist. When that didn't work, she tugged... The bottles opened somehow, she knew this!
The cork had proved to be quite difficult, yet it slowly gave way. The dark laughter seemed to echo in Pandora's mind, growing louder as she struggled with the cork. As if some unseen force had suddenly acted upon the cork, it popped from the bottle, skittering to a halt somewhere beneath one of the tables. The scent of Elvish blood slowly wafted through the air. The temperature in the air seemed to grow even colder still, and the candles about Pandora nearly extinguished themselves.
From within the bottle, a black fog began to pour over the table and collect itself into some mishappened mass. At the Very center of the black smoke, two detatched golden orbs stared menacingly, their Iris' shaped in what appeared to be golden hourglasses, and were staring deeply into the eyes of Pandora .
The subtle noise of the tavern seemed to drift away in the presence of this fog, the silence only broken by ragged breaths, and a hoarse whisper
She should have known... His presence wasn't exactly welcoming, and even the sensation stank with him. Dammit, she should have known. Pandora refused to glance around her to see how the patrions of the Tavern were taking this sudden change. It was never wise to take her eye's off of Raistlin.
Her mind quickly filtered back to the last time she had saw him. He had accompanied her to one of Enchantica's Masquerade balls that she had been hosting. So busy, was she, in greeting and mingling with the guests that he had ultimately resulted to casting a sort of bubble around the two of them so they could converse without inturruptions or fear of being overheard. And she had been sitting there, like a fool, inside that damn bubble, when he disappeared. Years ago. Had it really been that long?
Of course, Pandora had waited for him to return. She waited a day. A week. Month. Year. She checked the Archive Room periodically for any signs that he had been up to his usual mischif. Never anything. And then, eventually, so angry with him, she had left and returned here to Tranquility.
Her eye's blinked as she came back to herself, and the look in them was anything but friendly. Her face remained expressionless, but it was mighty difficult to erase the emotions in her pale blue eyes. What the heck was he doing here? And why now? Her voice, quiet, monotoned.
She should have just smashed that bottle the moment Obsi started acting weird. She wouldn't have, but still it was a comforting thought.
The golden eyes shook, and a distant laughter echoed manacingly off the very walls of the tavern. The tiny flames of the candles sputtered, almost extinguished themselves for an instant, yet clung to life, shedding what warmth they could offer in the presence of the archmage. The smoke churned before her, its misshapened mass slowly began to take a humanoid shape. Slowly, the smoke gave way to reveal a golden hand clutching a cedar staff, and slowly retreated to reveal black robes with golden runes, slipping underneath the sleeves as it slowly disappated, revealing a frail, withered figure of a cloaked figure, his cowl hiding his features from those within the Tavern, yet leaving the eerie eyes floating in darkness. Thin, white strands of hair escaped the darkness of his cowl, and rested lightly on his chest. The black smoke slipped into the darkness of the cowl, and the archmage sat before Pandora, whole. He took several moments to catch his breath, the health of the man before her seemed frail, able to be broken with the slightest breeze
Slowly, the mages hand slowly moved to take hold of the bottle still clutched in Pandora's hand, took it from her, and slowly poured her a small amount of its contents into the empty glass, its thick, dark red liquid slowly escaping the neck of the bottle.
With the bottle free from her hands, Pandora instantly returned them to her lap. Both eyebrows arched, as she hadn't yet mastered the ability to raise one without the other, as she simply watched in silence whilst he poured and talked. A gift.. For her... After disappear for so long? After losing her artifact? After...
Her train of thought was instantly cut off at the smell that came from the bottle whilst he poured. Oh, it was tempting. She hadn't had any in so long.. So so long.. No.
Pandora actually shook her head briskly to clear the dire longing that suddenly seemed to take hold of her. She struggled to remember that they were in the presence of mortals and thus she needed to act accordingly.
Plastering an all too fake smile on her face, Pandora deliberately propped her elbows on the table and leaned towards him, her bottom raising off the chair so she could reach the maximum distance at her given height. Her voice, was a little loud, and dripping in delight.
Then the tone in her voice dropped considerably, no longer loud enough for anyone outside the table range to hear. It suddenly matched the look in her eyes.
The corners of her lips twitched as she struggled not to smirk, but rather to keep that fake pleasant smile plastered in place.
Symphony was not technically supposed to be in the tavern. She wasn't technically supposed to be wandering off my herself either, not with that deranged madman around. But she wasn't exactly the sort to do what she was supposed to, not out of contraryness, but out of general lack of caring. And because she liked to see what other people would do...
This night her Disquite was only slightly acting up, causing her to get only a few uncomfortable glances as she slipped in. She knew she was playing with fire, but...well, she had discovered that she qutie LIKED playing with fire...and with Hajia. It provoked certain wonderful, mysterious feelings.
Pandora was in the tavern. That was...odd considering she had her servant murdered the last time she'd done that...so Symphony immediately went over to investigate, nodding impassively at the other man.
A hint of danger flashed in his eyes. They seemed to look as if he were smiling, taking pleasure in the way she squirmed and resisted the contents of the bottle. His hand slowly relinquished his hold of the staff, which seemed to support itself where he had left it. His finger beckoned to the cork, which propelled itself through the air, and rush to his hand. With the cork in hand, he quickly put a stopper on the bottle, sealing off the majority of the scent that seemed to have an affect on Pandora. He was about to respond to her when he felt a presence approach. The mage made little to no acknowledgement of the newcomer, his eerie golden gaze focused on Pandora. Slowly, his hands raised to his cowl, exposing his white hair draping around golden features, a mocking smile.
Slowly, his golden gaze flickered for a moment to the woman standing near him, looking at her with slight interest with his eyes of time as they seemed to glean many secrets about her. He gave Symphony a knowing smile and a small nod of his head and returned his attention to Pandora, his gaze piercing through the forced smile
It was impossible not to notice the glint from Raistlin, giving the fact that she was staring at him so intently. It irritated and delighted her that he knew her well enough to detect the stubtle changes. It was a challange to keep her eyes on him and not stray to the drink that litterly should have been screaming her name.
The quick arrival of the construct, hell any arrival of the construct would have instantly captured Pandora's attention, but she couldn't afford to give it away. Not with Raistlin sitting so bloody close, with that tempting drink between them.
With her thoughts distracted on this, it took her a moment to realize that Symphony was in the Tavern. She had been instructed not to visit the Tavern again ever since the last time she stepped foot inside.
She choose, first, to address Raistlin, knowing that Symphony wouldn't go anywhere until she had her say. Now that there was an audience, however, Pandora forced her voice to sound light.
She made no attempt to reach for the glass. Insead, she quickly settled back down in her seat, and locked her fingers together in her lap.
Eye's still on Raistlin, she spoke almost causally to the construct. As if everything was perfectly alright.
Perhaps she should have stayed in the Tower. There was no Raistlin there. There was no construct that had way too much curiousty for safe measures there. A simple night out was turning into a nightmare. Next time, she'd listen to William. Next time, she'd pick up a book instead of dare venturing from her home.
She turned her eyes, vibrant green and seeming to have some sort of internal fire, to the newcomer. Her voice was even, unaccusatory.
The black robes rustled as he shook with what seemed to be laughter, the sounds escaping his throat seemed to be more like a coughing spasm. The golden orbs locked upon Pandora's and he nodded slightly
His eyes suddenly tore from Pandora's to stare at his hand, an irritated expression washing over his smiling face as he began to run his long nails over his golden skin, his golden gaze suddenly turning to the newcomer for a moment, as if he had already known the answer to the unspoken question as to why the mysterious sensation seemed to wash over him undetected by his golden skin that protected him from many charms and spells. He placed his hands into the folds of his robes, and focused his mind to block out the itching sensation that plagued him, not wanting either to find any pleasure in his discomfort. His breathing slowed, and his breath rattled in his lungs
Oh this night could not get any more distracting. Whilst Raistlin and Symphony seemed distracted by each other, Pandora collected her control. She even turned her pale blue eyes to study the Tavern, having not been able to hear a single word whilst looking at Raistlin.
Absentmindedly, she reached out and placed the gloved fingers of her hand around the glass, sliding it forward. She did not, however, take a drink immediately. She was too busy controlling her anger, and disappointment of both Raistlin's sudden arrival and Symphony's disreguard of a direct order.
Her eye's returned to the two of them, and Pandora casually settled back into her chair, such a mortals gesture she was proud of. The full glass remained on the table, this time closer to her then to Raistlin, and she pressed her brightly painted lips together in a small smile. Leave it to Symphony to get directly to the point. Perhaps she could kill two birds with one stone... Symphony would love to study such a powerful mage...
Idly, whilst she sat and watched, Pandora began picking the gloves off her hand, one finger at a time. When one pale hand was finally free, she lowered the glove to the table infront of her, and began working on the second. She probably should have introduced the two, but they were clearly getting on just fine without her.
Free of the second glove, Pandora placed it on the table to join the first, and reached out with bare hands for the glass once more. She began tracing the rim with the tip of her index finger, still not saying anything. Actually, suddenly she seemed much more relaxed. More.. pleasant. So much so, infact, that she didn't even reach up to tuck the stray strand of hair behind her ear as it fell over her cheek. These were the last two she expected to run into here, but damned if they weren't entertaining.
She turned her gaze back to Pandora. She did not seem to need to blink as much as a normal person, and oh, did she look entranced by the other woman, as much as that blank face showed anything. IShe half raised a heavily gloved hand--she had stolen the smith's forge gloves, but did not place it to her face.
Once again there were no inflections in her voice, only frank curiousity.
The itching that ran over his body was overwhelming, yet he forced his features to remain nonchalant, though with his jaw clenched tightly, there was an unmistakable look of deep concentration on his features. He was thankful for a moment, that he did not have to respond, as he seemed to be fighting off the overwhelming urge to itch himself profusely. It reminded him of the time Pandora had poured itching powder in his robes.
He simply nodded to Symphony in recognition, too intent on using his disciplined mind to not scratch at himself incessantly (sp). He sat quietly, listening to the two women in silence, his hand slowly closing over the staff at his side that seemed to stand on its own
The frankness that the construct spoke in was always unnerving, though Pandora never showed it. Ever since Symphony had stated she wanted to closely observe Pandora's every move, the vampire struggled not to show anything when she was around.
At least, that's what she was struggling to pretend to be. Given the length she existed, it should have been much easier, but the seclusion in the Tower had limited her abilities a wee bit, not to mention that with her animal to call gone, her powerbase wasn't the greatest.
The plan: Get them interested in each other, be it curiousity or simple hate. Stir up just enough trouble that they begin fighting. Escape.
Her eye's strayed to Raistlin and by the clenching of his jaw it was easy to see that Symphony's presence wasn't exactly welcomed. She enjoyed it so much so that Pandora actually flashed a genuine smile, the corners of her lips slipping into a smirk.
Her Disquiet actually seemed to intensify. If he itched before, well...other people had suffered worse than just itches by being around her. Even as the barmaid came with her drink, it slipped from trembling hands. She looked quite embarrassed by it and uttered and oath and went to fetch another. Symphony merely dropped her hand, and went to take a seat between then two, observing them both.
WAs it a lie? Or did she really believe it? At either rate, it certianly wasn't true tonight. She observed Raistlin.
She couldn't think of any more tactful way than that to ask without being obvious
Raistlins' discomfort eased slightly as his attention was brought back by Pandora. He nodded slowly in response to her inquiry. The itching over his entire body was maddening. If it had not been for his intense mental training at the towers, he would have been reduced to a squirming mass upon the floor of the inn, his frail body thrashing to and fro in an effort to relieve himself of his irriation, and was determined not to let the effects show upon his demeanor. Slowly, his clenched jaw eased slightly, and he was master of himself once more.
Having his attention brought from one to the other, his golden orbs flicked towards Symphony, curiosity slowly washing over his calm features. He took a rattled breath before responding, his voice weak and raspish, barely audible over the background noise of the Tavern
He found himself intrigued by this new possibility for newly gained prowess, and he was determined to find out, even if he had to lock himself up in the great libraries of this realm and pour through tome after tome to find it
Pandora's eyes instantly glanced around at the surrounding crowd of the Tavern, just to ensure that no one heard what Symphony was saying. The construct would never seem to learn that we do not talk about thing's like that where mortals could hear. Pandora feared if the woman didn't learn, and quickly, she would have to restrict the woman's outings.
Luckily, the noise level within T2 this evening was just loud enough so that their voices didn't drift all that badly. No faces turned towards their table, and Pandora returned her attention to the two seated with her. She lifted the glass filled with the 'gift from Raistlin's travels' and brought it to her lips. She had meant only to take a small sip, but the moment the bloodwyne touched her tongue, swished around her mouth and slid caressingly down her throat, all thoughts of a small sip vanished.
That one small sip turned into a long sip, and then a never ending pull that left the small glass empty. When there was nothing left in it to enjoy, Pandora slowly lowered it back to the table, watching the cup instead of the two at her table whom were conversing. The tip of her tongue slipped between her lips to erase any lingering proof, and without fully realizing it, Pandora traced the rip of the glass with the tip of her finger before popping that too into her mouth.
As Raistlin's voice broke into her own sweet dream, Pandora slowly lowered her hand back to her lap, hoping neither of them had caught that. She could sense his curiousity towards Symphony, and suspected the moment Symphony discovered just who this was, she would be equally if not more fastinated. Pandora did what she seemed to do best. She observed silently, a blissful smile on her lips.
His intensity sparked her intensity; for she was nothing without the input of others.
She was not wearing a dress but simple workman's clothes, and tugged down the collar to reveal the crescent there.
And witout further ado, she turned her attention fully back to Pandora. If he wasn't nightworld, he held no interest for her.
Raistlins lips curled into a thin lipped smile, his gaze flickered with slight interest at the marking upon her neck, slowly putting together pieces of a puzzle, the larger picture still eluding him for the time being. He would definitely have to pour through some tomes to find the answer that he desired or perhaps...
His gaze flickered over to Pandora, who had been looking about the Tavern cautiously since they began this conversation. His golden orbs stared at the empty glass in front of her. The thin smile widened and he nearly laughed. He would extract some information from Pandora, and find out what he wanted to know later..
He said nothing to spark Symphony's interest in him, allowing her to take little interest in the archmage. He preferred it that way, not many knew of his talent in the art, and it appeared to him that Pandora didnt speak very often of him. Slowly, he placed the bottle he held in his hand onto the table, and relaxed into his chair, willing himself to hold completely still despite the strange affliction that still plagued him
Pandora LeAmour almost groaned aloud. Of course Raistlin didn't know about the mark, because he had disappeared long before Pandora enforced them. He was, currently, the only one in Tranquility that didn't have the mark when he should have.
The feel of the constructs undivided attention crept through her. Her voice dropped considerably so that she was barely whispering. With luck, they'd both hear her. With luck, no one else would.
She had almost said powerful. It was not wise of a Master of the City to admit someone is more powerful then themselves. It was, in effect, almost as if signing their own death warrant. Not something Pandora had any intention of doing.
The vampires power rolled around her skin, as if a blanket that caresses. Mortals could never sense power, so really Pandora didnt' need to keep as closed a grip on it, and yet she stared directly ahead, centering herself. It was like reaching deep inside yourself and finding the fist that held one's power. Slowly, she mentally tighened those fingers, until even the soft hum of power seeped deep inside her.
Then and only then did Pandora focus on the two at the table once more. She knew perfectly well Raistlin wouldnt' much like being called old. Or for outing exactly who he was. He looked rather smug about himself, which was why she spoke at all to begin with.
Flashing a knowing smirk in his direction, she then turned back to Symphony.
Her eyebrows raised as she felt--what? rage? yes. Fear? Perhaps. Greed? Definitely. She turned and smiled quite pleasantly at him, and even her disquiet diminished ever so slightly.
And quite suddenly, without warning, she concentrated all of her disquiet onto Raistlin, giving the master and the others in the tavern a break. She couldnt' make it go away, but she could direct it. At the same time she lunged for him, but his quick reflexes kept him out of the way--but he got hit by a full thirteen points of damn creepy odd vibeness
But she missed and only caught herself from spilling out of her seat at the last moment, looking around. NO one seemed to be watching them, thankfully, either too drunk or too busy to care.
Raistlin was about to speak, chastise Pandora for calling him old, his attention had been shifted from Symphony to Pandora, his mouth had opened as if to say something, his brows had furrowed, and his temper was beginning to flare. From the corner of his eye, he saw Symphony strike at him as if a viper, felt the strange ability wash over him as if it were drops of heavy rainfall pouring onto him. He tried vainly to shake off the sensation, and nearly fell victim to the touch of his attacker. Pulling back away, his hand leaving the cool wood of his staff, he withdrew his hand to his body.Seeing her look around gave him time to compose himself, his golden orbs stared at Symphony as if they were icy daggers. His raspish, weak voice escaped his lips once more
His gaze fell back to Pandora, still fighting that odd sensation that seemed to be concentrated soley on him, his body twitching several times
Alright, so she had managed to be respective and proper when Raistlin appeared. She had managed to remain respective and proper when Symphony appeared. But the two of them, right then and there, was too much for her to take, and Pandora had to clamp a hand over her mouth to muffle the gutwenching laughter that threatened to escape.
With her free hand, she managed to reach behind her and grab hold of the material that composed her cloaks hood. Quickly, she yanked it on, and tugged it low so that her eye's weren't visible. It was too risky to allow anyone in the Tavern to see the bloodstained tears that were brimming in the corners of her eyes.
Her shoulders shook beneath the darkened cloak, a sideffect of holding that bubbling laughter in. For the longest moment, Pandora couldn't even respond to Raistlin's comment about her choice of company. With her painted lips pressed firmly together, Pandora grazed her lower lip with the tip row of her teeth.
Finally, when she was able to retain a little bit of control, she used the back of her hand to brush along her cheeks. Her voice came out weighted with amusement.
His name all but croaked, and Pandora had to actually cover her mouth with her hand again, muffling the sound of her laugh.
This time she felt heat as she grabbed for him again, missing just by bare inches. If she hadn't been trying to look inconspicuous, she would have made it as she glared at Pandora. She did not know why she was so upset, having never quite understood that, and taking it rather personally that she was laughing.
She turned those eyes back to Raistlin.
But...she looked confused even as she uttered it, as though unsure if that really was her soft voice coming out.
Pandora LeAmour
Raistlin Majere
Symphony De Madrid
-it was the middle of the night and he had woken in a cold sweat, these images stuck in his head, the look in their faces, the sounds, the death.. he'd gotten up, got dressed and gone for a walk. Of all places he found himself at the well again. He didn't know why, it just seemed peaceful, he sat down on the ground, his back to the wall and watched the stars in the sky-
Pandora woke from her DayDeath a half hour earlier then usual. Her mind alert and focused on those within the Tower. Actually, the place seemed rather quiet this evening, and she didn't fail to notice that Mathas for once wasn't waiting impatiently for her. It had been right to send him away. Tonight's agenda was relatively simple. Hunt. Of course, there was always something unexpected to attend to, but at least she had a plan.
Slipping from her bed, Pandora set about getting herself dressed. She dawned on a simple gown consisting of a single layer, colored in the deepest of blues. Matching slippers were placed on her bare feet, and to top off the outfit, she struggled her fingers into lighter shaded blue elbowlength gloves. Her hair remained down, freely so. Tonight she simply had no patience for pins.
Tonight she wasn't going to bother trying to lure out the evildoers that might be lurking within Tranquility. Instead, she had decided that she would travel to a larger realm nearby tomorrow eve that promised easier hunting grounds. The treat from the insane captive was enough to sustain her through the night, but Pandora knew that she would need a serious hunting ground tomorrow if she wished to retain enough lifeforce to see her through the rest of the week.
With a simple drop, she landed on the balls of her feet, her left hand placed squarely on the stone floor beneath her to balance out the weight. A quick glance around indicated that the Meeting Room was empty, and she slowly rose to her full height. With a single hand, Pandora tucked her hair behind her right ear and traced the outline of her lips with the tip of her tongue.
She debated checking in with her niece first to see if they would be needing anything from outside Tranquility walls while she was out, but hadn't entirely decided on it. After all, it wasn't her job to provide for them. Besides, tonight she would venture out of the walls of the Tower. Tomorrow, tomorrow she would hunt. That was plenty of time to check in with the queen.
She took her time gathering her cloak from William and slipping from the Tower. Now that Nightworld was not permitted an extended stay there, the place was quiet like it had never been before. No wonder she needed to get out.
-he shifted his back a little against the stone of the well and sighed. The village had been quiet through the day recent;y, now at night it was as if nothing had moved at all. He had to admit, against all better judgement he had actually started to like it here. Perhaps because it was so far away what he was used and in a way what he was running away from for so long now-
Her footfalls were silent, as with most vampires. In truth, she wasn't certain how to make noise anymore while walking. It had been a long time since she bothered mingling in the world of the living. Instead, Pandora often perfered locking herself up surrounded by other beings such as herself. Of course, it helped that they feared her.
With the tower so empty these days, Pandora had forced herself, against her better judgement, to venture forth, but now that she was out of the Tower, she had absolutely no idea where to go from here.
Her mindless wandering led her along the path that led to every landmark within the small realm. Eventually, she ended up somewhere within the square itself. Good lord, the last time she had stepped foot in teh square was when she was torturing the local smithy. She had apparently susceeded because he was nowhere to be found these days.
The Tavern loomed up ahead, and without consciously deciding to, Pandora headed towards it. She couldn't drink anything there, since the Tavern hadn't yet begun providing blood for the undead, but it was a place where Pandora could be alone and yet surrounded by people. Just the chatter of others would give her something else to think on rather then her own issues, and damn did she have a lot of them.
A single gloved hand pushed open the door of the Tavern and Pandora slipped inside, her eye's having little need to adjust to any changes in the light. Afterall, the Tavern was just as dark as the night outside.
She took notice of Obsi working behind the counter, and gave a brisk nod, not bothering to pause in her stride. If she stood still long enough, the shapeshifter would undoubtedly hurry over and try to escort her somewhere. She was a good girl, but she was too quick to obey her master that Pandora tried to avoid her.
The tavern wasn't nearly as busy as she had originally thought it would be. Shame, really. perhaps it'd pick up. At least there was one good thing about the quietness of the Tavern.. There was no shortage of seats.
With her hood still draw up to cover the majority of her features, Pandora shuffled through the assortments of tables and chairs that littered the Tavern until she came to one of the few that provided a chair against the wall. It was always what she perfered, so that none could sneak up behind her. Not that many bothered with it.
The four wooden legs of the chair squeeked along the stone floor as she drew it away from the table and settled her short form down. Well, she was out of the Tower.. Now what...
((Ocaeron disappears))
*A large bottle was resting at the edge of the bar, far away from any other object. Its contents seemed to cause the glass to shimmer a dull crimson hue. The label long since faded by the passage of time. The cork was made of bone and leather. Despite it sitting in plain view, it seemed to have gone unnoticed, as if it were invisible . For a brief instant, golden orbs flickered unnoticably inside the bottle, the hourglass shaped irises staring at the few occupants.*
Aye, with all the other bottles stacked behind that small counter, it seemed a pointless passing of time to actually study each in turn. Pandora herself didn't even so much as glance at them. They were, afterall, of little importance to her. Actually, if we're being honest here, not much within the Tavern held any interest to her, least of all the bottles. It wasn't like she would drink from them anyways.
Her eye's danced around the few occupants of the Tavern thus far. The tables looking frolong and lonely as they waited some poor sod's company. The tavern was usually the perfect place to practice appearing mortal, but this evening her heart just didn't seem to be in it. Did she even have a heart? There had been plenty who swore on their life she lacked one completely. Of course, they weren't here anymore to grudge her for it.
Folding her gloveds hands in her lap, beneath the surface of the table, Pandora was careful to keep her cloak hood drawn up until she was certain there was no one within the Tavern that would recognize her. The last thing she needed was broadcast that the old and pale was out of her cage, so to speak.
When Pandora's eye's met with every form, none of which knew of her, she felt herself relax. Unlocking her fingers, she then drew her arms upward until she reached the helm of her hood. Very carefully, she pulled the black fabric back until it fell to rest along her shoulders. Her hair was anything but striking, but then again, Pandora had never been a beauty.
Her eye's then turned once more towards the Tavern's counter, watching until she would be able to catch the tender Obsi's attention. With a single stiff nod of her head, Pandora gave the usual signal that she was ready. Obsi didn't need to know any more then that. She'd undoubtedly fill Pandora a glass of some contraption or another, knowing she wouldn't drink it. It was simply a prop to support the illusion of a frail young girl drinking alone in a tavern. Usually Pandora could snag a meal or two just by pretending to be exactly what she appeared to be. A young woman alone.
The bottle in the room seemed to shiver, and Obsi suddenly went stiff, her eyes stared directly in front of her. She reached for a glass, and went around the bar, making her way to Pandora with an empty glass, and the ancient bottle in the other. As she approached, Pandora, the air seemed to become chilled, and the candlelight around her seemed to dim.
With her eyes still fixed in front of her, she gracefully set the glass in front of her and placed the bottle carefully in the very center of the table. She seemed very eager to release her hold of it, and swiftly left the table. Once back behind the bar, Obsi came back to her senses, and began to reach for yet another glass, and another bottle, as if she had a lapse in her memory as to what she was doing.
The bottle in the center of the Table seemed to give off a cold chill that seemed to be akin to that of the grave, its aura was dark, evil, and seemed to be filled with hatred. For a moment, it seemed as if it were laughing, and daring Pandora to remove the cork
It was easy to sense that something was off about Obsi. She didn't bow, she didn't call her Master and she certainly didn't chatter away like she usually did. Pandora took it all in stride, just figuring it was something almost human. Something that, Pandora obviously wouldnt' understand. She watched as the shapeshifter placed the empty glass down on the table, and practically releave her other hand of the bottle. Odd, yes. But Obsi was an odd one.
She'd never once brought an entire bottle to Pandora's table before. Hell, Pandora's never had to pour her own drink before! She watched, expressionless, as Obsi made her way back to her protective bar, and then turned her attention back to the bottle infont of her. Oddly enough, it felt like it was watching her. Obsurd. Her mind just playing tricks on her, it had to be.
So convinced it was her own workings of a madwoman, Pandora meant to prove her point. She withdrew a single hand from beneath the table and reached out towards it. Before her fingers even curled around the bottle, she found herself pausing, hand in midair. Enough of this, she mentally scolded herself and quickly closed the remaining distance until her gloved fingers locked around the neck of the bottle. Drawing it towards her, Pandora then used her other hand to reach for the cork, giving it a twist. When that didn't work, she tugged... The bottles opened somehow, she knew this!
The cork had proved to be quite difficult, yet it slowly gave way. The dark laughter seemed to echo in Pandora's mind, growing louder as she struggled with the cork. As if some unseen force had suddenly acted upon the cork, it popped from the bottle, skittering to a halt somewhere beneath one of the tables. The scent of Elvish blood slowly wafted through the air. The temperature in the air seemed to grow even colder still, and the candles about Pandora nearly extinguished themselves.
From within the bottle, a black fog began to pour over the table and collect itself into some mishappened mass. At the Very center of the black smoke, two detatched golden orbs stared menacingly, their Iris' shaped in what appeared to be golden hourglasses, and were staring deeply into the eyes of Pandora .
The subtle noise of the tavern seemed to drift away in the presence of this fog, the silence only broken by ragged breaths, and a hoarse whisper
Its been... ages Pandora....
[/b][/u][/center]She should have known... His presence wasn't exactly welcoming, and even the sensation stank with him. Dammit, she should have known. Pandora refused to glance around her to see how the patrions of the Tavern were taking this sudden change. It was never wise to take her eye's off of Raistlin.
Her mind quickly filtered back to the last time she had saw him. He had accompanied her to one of Enchantica's Masquerade balls that she had been hosting. So busy, was she, in greeting and mingling with the guests that he had ultimately resulted to casting a sort of bubble around the two of them so they could converse without inturruptions or fear of being overheard. And she had been sitting there, like a fool, inside that damn bubble, when he disappeared. Years ago. Had it really been that long?
Of course, Pandora had waited for him to return. She waited a day. A week. Month. Year. She checked the Archive Room periodically for any signs that he had been up to his usual mischif. Never anything. And then, eventually, so angry with him, she had left and returned here to Tranquility.
Her eye's blinked as she came back to herself, and the look in them was anything but friendly. Her face remained expressionless, but it was mighty difficult to erase the emotions in her pale blue eyes. What the heck was he doing here? And why now? Her voice, quiet, monotoned.
"Sire Majere. Quite the enterance."
She should have just smashed that bottle the moment Obsi started acting weird. She wouldn't have, but still it was a comforting thought.
The golden eyes shook, and a distant laughter echoed manacingly off the very walls of the tavern. The tiny flames of the candles sputtered, almost extinguished themselves for an instant, yet clung to life, shedding what warmth they could offer in the presence of the archmage. The smoke churned before her, its misshapened mass slowly began to take a humanoid shape. Slowly, the smoke gave way to reveal a golden hand clutching a cedar staff, and slowly retreated to reveal black robes with golden runes, slipping underneath the sleeves as it slowly disappated, revealing a frail, withered figure of a cloaked figure, his cowl hiding his features from those within the Tavern, yet leaving the eerie eyes floating in darkness. Thin, white strands of hair escaped the darkness of his cowl, and rested lightly on his chest. The black smoke slipped into the darkness of the cowl, and the archmage sat before Pandora, whole. He took several moments to catch his breath, the health of the man before her seemed frail, able to be broken with the slightest breeze
Why thank you Pandora, I do love to make a memorable entrance....
Slowly, the mages hand slowly moved to take hold of the bottle still clutched in Pandora's hand, took it from her, and slowly poured her a small amount of its contents into the empty glass, its thick, dark red liquid slowly escaping the neck of the bottle.
Ive brought you a gift... Its from a time long since forgotten by today's scholars, yet not aged by time itself....
[/b][/u][/center]With the bottle free from her hands, Pandora instantly returned them to her lap. Both eyebrows arched, as she hadn't yet mastered the ability to raise one without the other, as she simply watched in silence whilst he poured and talked. A gift.. For her... After disappear for so long? After losing her artifact? After...
Her train of thought was instantly cut off at the smell that came from the bottle whilst he poured. Oh, it was tempting. She hadn't had any in so long.. So so long.. No.
Pandora actually shook her head briskly to clear the dire longing that suddenly seemed to take hold of her. She struggled to remember that they were in the presence of mortals and thus she needed to act accordingly.
Plastering an all too fake smile on her face, Pandora deliberately propped her elbows on the table and leaned towards him, her bottom raising off the chair so she could reach the maximum distance at her given height. Her voice, was a little loud, and dripping in delight.
"A gift for me? Oh, how delightfully unepected!"
Then the tone in her voice dropped considerably, no longer loud enough for anyone outside the table range to hear. It suddenly matched the look in her eyes.
"Planning to poison me already, Majere?"
The corners of her lips twitched as she struggled not to smirk, but rather to keep that fake pleasant smile plastered in place.
Symphony was not technically supposed to be in the tavern. She wasn't technically supposed to be wandering off my herself either, not with that deranged madman around. But she wasn't exactly the sort to do what she was supposed to, not out of contraryness, but out of general lack of caring. And because she liked to see what other people would do...
This night her Disquite was only slightly acting up, causing her to get only a few uncomfortable glances as she slipped in. She knew she was playing with fire, but...well, she had discovered that she qutie LIKED playing with fire...and with Hajia. It provoked certain wonderful, mysterious feelings.
Pandora was in the tavern. That was...odd considering she had her servant murdered the last time she'd done that...so Symphony immediately went over to investigate, nodding impassively at the other man.
"evening Pandora. Why are you out at the tavern tonight?"
[/b][/u][/center]A hint of danger flashed in his eyes. They seemed to look as if he were smiling, taking pleasure in the way she squirmed and resisted the contents of the bottle. His hand slowly relinquished his hold of the staff, which seemed to support itself where he had left it. His finger beckoned to the cork, which propelled itself through the air, and rush to his hand. With the cork in hand, he quickly put a stopper on the bottle, sealing off the majority of the scent that seemed to have an affect on Pandora. He was about to respond to her when he felt a presence approach. The mage made little to no acknowledgement of the newcomer, his eerie golden gaze focused on Pandora. Slowly, his hands raised to his cowl, exposing his white hair draping around golden features, a mocking smile.
Slowly, his golden gaze flickered for a moment to the woman standing near him, looking at her with slight interest with his eyes of time as they seemed to glean many secrets about her. He gave Symphony a knowing smile and a small nod of his head and returned his attention to Pandora, his gaze piercing through the forced smile
I assure you, I have not tampered with it... but my word would mean little to you these days it would seem... I simply decided to bring you a momento from my travels...
[/b][/u][/center]It was impossible not to notice the glint from Raistlin, giving the fact that she was staring at him so intently. It irritated and delighted her that he knew her well enough to detect the stubtle changes. It was a challange to keep her eyes on him and not stray to the drink that litterly should have been screaming her name.
The quick arrival of the construct, hell any arrival of the construct would have instantly captured Pandora's attention, but she couldn't afford to give it away. Not with Raistlin sitting so bloody close, with that tempting drink between them.
With her thoughts distracted on this, it took her a moment to realize that Symphony was in the Tavern. She had been instructed not to visit the Tavern again ever since the last time she stepped foot inside.
She choose, first, to address Raistlin, knowing that Symphony wouldn't go anywhere until she had her say. Now that there was an audience, however, Pandora forced her voice to sound light.
"Travels. Is that what thy calls it these days?"
She made no attempt to reach for the glass. Insead, she quickly settled back down in her seat, and locked her fingers together in her lap.
Eye's still on Raistlin, she spoke almost causally to the construct. As if everything was perfectly alright.
"Symphony. What brings you to the forbidden pub? An emergancy, I hope."
Perhaps she should have stayed in the Tower. There was no Raistlin there. There was no construct that had way too much curiousty for safe measures there. A simple night out was turning into a nightmare. Next time, she'd listen to William. Next time, she'd pick up a book instead of dare venturing from her home.
"You...hope? I do not understand, why would you hope for an emergency?"
She turned her eyes, vibrant green and seeming to have some sort of internal fire, to the newcomer. Her voice was even, unaccusatory.
"There is no emergency. I was looking for Master Hajia..who are YOU?"
[/color][/b][/u][/center]The black robes rustled as he shook with what seemed to be laughter, the sounds escaping his throat seemed to be more like a coughing spasm. The golden orbs locked upon Pandora's and he nodded slightly
Aye the word does seem to fit... as traveling through ti...
His eyes suddenly tore from Pandora's to stare at his hand, an irritated expression washing over his smiling face as he began to run his long nails over his golden skin, his golden gaze suddenly turning to the newcomer for a moment, as if he had already known the answer to the unspoken question as to why the mysterious sensation seemed to wash over him undetected by his golden skin that protected him from many charms and spells. He placed his hands into the folds of his robes, and focused his mind to block out the itching sensation that plagued him, not wanting either to find any pleasure in his discomfort. His breathing slowed, and his breath rattled in his lungs
I am, Raistlin Majere, Master of the Past and Present... and who might you be?
[/b][/u][/center]Oh this night could not get any more distracting. Whilst Raistlin and Symphony seemed distracted by each other, Pandora collected her control. She even turned her pale blue eyes to study the Tavern, having not been able to hear a single word whilst looking at Raistlin.
Absentmindedly, she reached out and placed the gloved fingers of her hand around the glass, sliding it forward. She did not, however, take a drink immediately. She was too busy controlling her anger, and disappointment of both Raistlin's sudden arrival and Symphony's disreguard of a direct order.
Her eye's returned to the two of them, and Pandora casually settled back into her chair, such a mortals gesture she was proud of. The full glass remained on the table, this time closer to her then to Raistlin, and she pressed her brightly painted lips together in a small smile. Leave it to Symphony to get directly to the point. Perhaps she could kill two birds with one stone... Symphony would love to study such a powerful mage...
Idly, whilst she sat and watched, Pandora began picking the gloves off her hand, one finger at a time. When one pale hand was finally free, she lowered the glove to the table infront of her, and began working on the second. She probably should have introduced the two, but they were clearly getting on just fine without her.
Free of the second glove, Pandora placed it on the table to join the first, and reached out with bare hands for the glass once more. She began tracing the rim with the tip of her index finger, still not saying anything. Actually, suddenly she seemed much more relaxed. More.. pleasant. So much so, infact, that she didn't even reach up to tuck the stray strand of hair behind her ear as it fell over her cheek. These were the last two she expected to run into here, but damned if they weren't entertaining.
She turned her gaze back to Pandora. She did not seem to need to blink as much as a normal person, and oh, did she look entranced by the other woman, as much as that blank face showed anything. IShe half raised a heavily gloved hand--she had stolen the smith's forge gloves, but did not place it to her face.
"I am Symphony De Madrid--no, I have taken to call myself Symphony Galateid. NO...title. Pandora, are you angry? You know wrath is one of the greatest shortcomings."
Once again there were no inflections in her voice, only frank curiousity.
The itching that ran over his body was overwhelming, yet he forced his features to remain nonchalant, though with his jaw clenched tightly, there was an unmistakable look of deep concentration on his features. He was thankful for a moment, that he did not have to respond, as he seemed to be fighting off the overwhelming urge to itch himself profusely. It reminded him of the time Pandora had poured itching powder in his robes.
He simply nodded to Symphony in recognition, too intent on using his disciplined mind to not scratch at himself incessantly (sp). He sat quietly, listening to the two women in silence, his hand slowly closing over the staff at his side that seemed to stand on its own
The frankness that the construct spoke in was always unnerving, though Pandora never showed it. Ever since Symphony had stated she wanted to closely observe Pandora's every move, the vampire struggled not to show anything when she was around.
"If thee causes little trouble this eve', Symphony, it is of no concern to me. I am but a patrion here, just as everyone else."
At least, that's what she was struggling to pretend to be. Given the length she existed, it should have been much easier, but the seclusion in the Tower had limited her abilities a wee bit, not to mention that with her animal to call gone, her powerbase wasn't the greatest.
"I see thy presence is embraced by my dear archive Majere. Please, sit child."
The plan: Get them interested in each other, be it curiousity or simple hate. Stir up just enough trouble that they begin fighting. Escape.
Her eye's strayed to Raistlin and by the clenching of his jaw it was easy to see that Symphony's presence wasn't exactly welcomed. She enjoyed it so much so that Pandora actually flashed a genuine smile, the corners of her lips slipping into a smirk.
"Do you not agree, Sire?"
[/b][/u][/center]Her Disquiet actually seemed to intensify. If he itched before, well...other people had suffered worse than just itches by being around her. Even as the barmaid came with her drink, it slipped from trembling hands. She looked quite embarrassed by it and uttered and oath and went to fetch another. Symphony merely dropped her hand, and went to take a seat between then two, observing them both.
"I don't cause trouble, Pandora. It merely follows me. But my Disquiet IS getting calmer."
WAs it a lie? Or did she really believe it? At either rate, it certianly wasn't true tonight. She observed Raistlin.
"Are you....do you have the mark of the crescent?"
She couldn't think of any more tactful way than that to ask without being obvious
Raistlins' discomfort eased slightly as his attention was brought back by Pandora. He nodded slowly in response to her inquiry. The itching over his entire body was maddening. If it had not been for his intense mental training at the towers, he would have been reduced to a squirming mass upon the floor of the inn, his frail body thrashing to and fro in an effort to relieve himself of his irriation, and was determined not to let the effects show upon his demeanor. Slowly, his clenched jaw eased slightly, and he was master of himself once more.
Having his attention brought from one to the other, his golden orbs flicked towards Symphony, curiosity slowly washing over his calm features. He took a rattled breath before responding, his voice weak and raspish, barely audible over the background noise of the Tavern
I have not heard of this Mark that you speak of, at least, tell me, is it unique to your lands?
He found himself intrigued by this new possibility for newly gained prowess, and he was determined to find out, even if he had to lock himself up in the great libraries of this realm and pour through tome after tome to find it
Pandora's eyes instantly glanced around at the surrounding crowd of the Tavern, just to ensure that no one heard what Symphony was saying. The construct would never seem to learn that we do not talk about thing's like that where mortals could hear. Pandora feared if the woman didn't learn, and quickly, she would have to restrict the woman's outings.
Luckily, the noise level within T2 this evening was just loud enough so that their voices didn't drift all that badly. No faces turned towards their table, and Pandora returned her attention to the two seated with her. She lifted the glass filled with the 'gift from Raistlin's travels' and brought it to her lips. She had meant only to take a small sip, but the moment the bloodwyne touched her tongue, swished around her mouth and slid caressingly down her throat, all thoughts of a small sip vanished.
That one small sip turned into a long sip, and then a never ending pull that left the small glass empty. When there was nothing left in it to enjoy, Pandora slowly lowered it back to the table, watching the cup instead of the two at her table whom were conversing. The tip of her tongue slipped between her lips to erase any lingering proof, and without fully realizing it, Pandora traced the rip of the glass with the tip of her finger before popping that too into her mouth.
As Raistlin's voice broke into her own sweet dream, Pandora slowly lowered her hand back to her lap, hoping neither of them had caught that. She could sense his curiousity towards Symphony, and suspected the moment Symphony discovered just who this was, she would be equally if not more fastinated. Pandora did what she seemed to do best. She observed silently, a blissful smile on her lips.
His intensity sparked her intensity; for she was nothing without the input of others.
"It...is unique, Master Raistlin, but...not uncommon. I assume, since neither of you answered--because of pride? confusion? fear?--that you do not."
She was not wearing a dress but simple workman's clothes, and tugged down the collar to reveal the crescent there.
"Therefore, I'll not likely be needing to observe you."
And witout further ado, she turned her attention fully back to Pandora. If he wasn't nightworld, he held no interest for her.
Raistlins lips curled into a thin lipped smile, his gaze flickered with slight interest at the marking upon her neck, slowly putting together pieces of a puzzle, the larger picture still eluding him for the time being. He would definitely have to pour through some tomes to find the answer that he desired or perhaps...
His gaze flickered over to Pandora, who had been looking about the Tavern cautiously since they began this conversation. His golden orbs stared at the empty glass in front of her. The thin smile widened and he nearly laughed. He would extract some information from Pandora, and find out what he wanted to know later..
He said nothing to spark Symphony's interest in him, allowing her to take little interest in the archmage. He preferred it that way, not many knew of his talent in the art, and it appeared to him that Pandora didnt speak very often of him. Slowly, he placed the bottle he held in his hand onto the table, and relaxed into his chair, willing himself to hold completely still despite the strange affliction that still plagued him
Pandora LeAmour almost groaned aloud. Of course Raistlin didn't know about the mark, because he had disappeared long before Pandora enforced them. He was, currently, the only one in Tranquility that didn't have the mark when he should have.
The feel of the constructs undivided attention crept through her. Her voice dropped considerably so that she was barely whispering. With luck, they'd both hear her. With luck, no one else would.
"Sire Majere is the one that cast the protective barrier around our fare home, Symphony. He is much too... old, to force a mark upon."
She had almost said powerful. It was not wise of a Master of the City to admit someone is more powerful then themselves. It was, in effect, almost as if signing their own death warrant. Not something Pandora had any intention of doing.
The vampires power rolled around her skin, as if a blanket that caresses. Mortals could never sense power, so really Pandora didnt' need to keep as closed a grip on it, and yet she stared directly ahead, centering herself. It was like reaching deep inside yourself and finding the fist that held one's power. Slowly, she mentally tighened those fingers, until even the soft hum of power seeped deep inside her.
Then and only then did Pandora focus on the two at the table once more. She knew perfectly well Raistlin wouldnt' much like being called old. Or for outing exactly who he was. He looked rather smug about himself, which was why she spoke at all to begin with.
Flashing a knowing smirk in his direction, she then turned back to Symphony.
"Do you see anything you like, child?"
[/b][/u][/center]Her eyebrows raised as she felt--what? rage? yes. Fear? Perhaps. Greed? Definitely. She turned and smiled quite pleasantly at him, and even her disquiet diminished ever so slightly.
"Oh...oh yes, I see something that I like indeed...I see... a wonderful opportunity. Something that I desire VERY much."
And quite suddenly, without warning, she concentrated all of her disquiet onto Raistlin, giving the master and the others in the tavern a break. She couldnt' make it go away, but she could direct it. At the same time she lunged for him, but his quick reflexes kept him out of the way--but he got hit by a full thirteen points of damn creepy odd vibeness
"I'll have my baby yet!"
But she missed and only caught herself from spilling out of her seat at the last moment, looking around. NO one seemed to be watching them, thankfully, either too drunk or too busy to care.
Raistlin was about to speak, chastise Pandora for calling him old, his attention had been shifted from Symphony to Pandora, his mouth had opened as if to say something, his brows had furrowed, and his temper was beginning to flare. From the corner of his eye, he saw Symphony strike at him as if a viper, felt the strange ability wash over him as if it were drops of heavy rainfall pouring onto him. He tried vainly to shake off the sensation, and nearly fell victim to the touch of his attacker. Pulling back away, his hand leaving the cool wood of his staff, he withdrew his hand to his body.Seeing her look around gave him time to compose himself, his golden orbs stared at Symphony as if they were icy daggers. His raspish, weak voice escaped his lips once more
I hope you were trying to swat a fly away from me, otherwise I will have something brighter than mere candles to read my spellbooks with...
His gaze fell back to Pandora, still fighting that odd sensation that seemed to be concentrated soley on him, his body twitching several times
You sure do keep interesting company these days Pandora...
[/b][/u][/center]Alright, so she had managed to be respective and proper when Raistlin appeared. She had managed to remain respective and proper when Symphony appeared. But the two of them, right then and there, was too much for her to take, and Pandora had to clamp a hand over her mouth to muffle the gutwenching laughter that threatened to escape.
With her free hand, she managed to reach behind her and grab hold of the material that composed her cloaks hood. Quickly, she yanked it on, and tugged it low so that her eye's weren't visible. It was too risky to allow anyone in the Tavern to see the bloodstained tears that were brimming in the corners of her eyes.
Her shoulders shook beneath the darkened cloak, a sideffect of holding that bubbling laughter in. For the longest moment, Pandora couldn't even respond to Raistlin's comment about her choice of company. With her painted lips pressed firmly together, Pandora grazed her lower lip with the tip row of her teeth.
Finally, when she was able to retain a little bit of control, she used the back of her hand to brush along her cheeks. Her voice came out weighted with amusement.
"Nothing more then I kept years ago, Majere."
His name all but croaked, and Pandora had to actually cover her mouth with her hand again, muffling the sound of her laugh.
This time she felt heat as she grabbed for him again, missing just by bare inches. If she hadn't been trying to look inconspicuous, she would have made it as she glared at Pandora. She did not know why she was so upset, having never quite understood that, and taking it rather personally that she was laughing.
"Why do you laugh, Pandora? Are you mocking my attempts to earn your reward? Is your pride so great we are to be mere playthings? Well I intend to get your reward..."
She turned those eyes back to Raistlin.
"Humans must sleep, Master Raistlin. I would check twice the lock on your door, lest your threat be the last that you utter."
But...she looked confused even as she uttered it, as though unsure if that really was her soft voice coming out.
"There isn't much that I wouldn't do for what I want...call it pride or envy, whichever you wish, and so therefore you should count yourself luck you are worth more to me alive than dead."
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