out of the black

Location: Great Bear Valley Time: Early April 2021

“What kind of bird is that?” Zinnia asked. She could recall the birds her mother told her about – crowned eagles, falcons, ospreys and splendid owls that stalked the night – and the few that she had come across independently. 

But, while on a daytime walk through Great Bear Valley – which honestly looked better when covered in a thick layer of snow – she had spotted a new species of bird making itself at home on some nearby tree branches. “It doesn’t look like a bird of prey.” Shame.

* ╱ 𝙅𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙇𝙚𝙞 𝙏𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙤𝙧

• when: January 2021
• where: Ace of Angels Club
• with: @everilse·

 Jian leaned against the wall of the club, as the two shared a smoke. He looked out at the ‘scenic view’, while blowing smoke rings. Just ahead of the club, he could see the massive amounts of trees that lined the perimeter of the town. However, just behind the trees, he could see the beginning of the town.

 Being a vampir, he had impeccable sight and sense of smell. Deep in the woods, he could sense the fledglings that lurked just outside of town. Heads bobbing up and down, trying to not be seen through the crowded areas - gnawing to snatch up a drunken bystander before they go peruse into town. Jian noticed they were almost awaiting his queue. The premature vampirs thought Ilse to be weaker than she actually was. “It’s funny you mention not being easy to kill, when I count four hungry progenies that wait to ambush you.” Jian took a chance at uttering the ‘harsh’ words, but he had a feeling Ilse would appreciate the clearness. “Luckily, I know enough to actually warn them. I have a feeling you don’t tend to roam alone.” After thinking about it, Jian thought it would be appropriate to follow up a slight ego boost. 

 Jian, flashing bloodborne eyes and using vampiric energy to communicate to the hungry group, urging them to move on. The fledglings were quite respectful, but some of them weren’t afraid to show their disdain for him denying them blood. It was a bit humbling, a feeling he was unused to as he’d gotten used to his life as a vampir. “Since we’re being open and honest. Yes, I am one of the worlds most dangerous predators. A day walker, a bloodsucker, ..Jian the captivating vampir at your service.” Jian smirked as he curtsied in jest.   

 Jian took a deep drag of the cigar before turning away to ash. With a nod of his head, he asked “Impressed?” 

“Not everyone can be as young and eagle eyed as you, I suppose,” Ilse said in a flat tone, looking out to see exactly what Jian was talking about. They were gangly, hungry, lustful little vampirs fledglings. Always too enamored with their own thirst to decipher if their next meal would be their last. Ilse was surprised that he would even care to warn her- if it were her, she would have simply walked inside without a word, left him to his own devices. 

☼  i.w.

* ╱ 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙨

●︎ when: january 1st, 2020 ●︎ where: elysium, rapid city ●︎ with: @everilse·

“couldn’t agree more.” all commentary was left until the end, paired with a raised brow in pure fascination. he appreciated a cutthroat tongue in a sea of senseless flatteries. but those who desire to be left alone often clash in the pursuit of a covert life. the frustration was blatant and he could only smirk at her trait.  that earned the blonde a vantage point best left alone. he was only compromising for her question. “find out for yourself,” he said, closing his eyes. a touch like lighting was placed on her exposed left hand and he pushed for his thoughts to transcend into hers. he wasn’t invading hers, only allowing her to see what he wanted. a scorched and barren land, raw bodies impaled on rotted wood stretched in infinite rows, the woes and cries of victimless villains flood the ear in tragedy. it was not a vision of the future. it was a reverie and his holiest intentions. 

he regained sight on her features, releasing the illusion and exposing her to a slice of life. not of his nature, of a scheming desire to bring death on earth. she could deduce he’s a twisted bastard with a sick sense of humor or, “do you wish to know more of my thoughts?”

* ╱ 𝙅𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙇𝙚𝙞 𝙏𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙤𝙧

• when: January 2021
• where: Ace of Angels Club
• with: @everilse·

    Smirking as he grabbed the cigar, impressed - Jian thanked Ilse. “So, what brings you to this side of the dumps?” lighting his cigar. Leaning against the building, blowing smoke - Jian enjoyed the night. Chatting with Ilse was a good way to pass some time. The clubs’ atmosphere has a tendency to become daunting and depressing. A break of scenery was much needed. 

  Jian was confident in his ability to protect himself, but what would be the harm of increasing his arsenal? Obtaining a werecreature as an ally would only be beneficial. Her relaxed persona could mean that she’s one hell of a threat. Vampir’s position themselves at the top of the food chain, but if other beings aren’t on their side it would never work. “Tell me something, do you have like, a ‘clan’? Or like, what do you call it?” Jian asked Ilse.    

Ilse’s eyes moved away from Jian as she put the cigar to her lips, lit it, and pulled in. “Oh, I wouldn’t want to bore you with that. Let’s say I’m looking for a shiny and delectable distraction,” Ilse lied, looking at Jian once again. In truth she was tailing a “client,” but she had lost him in the flashing lights and beautiful bodies, so it made sense to stick around and enjoy herself before turning in for the evening. Not that she would be going to sleep, but it was the thought that counted. Ilse could tell that Jian appreciated the break, and it was much more quiet and still out here, in the crisp night air, than it was in the steamy club. 

* ╱ 𝙅𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙇𝙚𝙞 𝙏𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙤𝙧

• when: January 2021
• where: Ace of Angels Club
• with: @everilse·

  Slowly tracing his hand down his abs, gripping the bill Ilse blessed him with - Jian explored the bill further into his jock, exposing his manscape and some of his shaft as if to say “Thank you.”. Jian flashed a kittenish smirk before leaning in again. “haha sorry for the show, I gotta keep performing. The names Jian, and I adore different.”

 Jian sensed her abnormal vibrations and scent. “She can’t be vampyr. I can feel how last her blood cells are moving together. She smells sweet, but what is that hint of canine?” thoughts that quickly ran through his mind. Jian slowly fathomed the notion that this world inhabited all sorts of beings. Fearless, he had nothing to be afraid of finding out, this lead him. 

 Dancing in his spot, Jian ‘seized up’ Ilse. Her seemingly disinterested, disposition intrigued him. He thought to learn more about this beautiful, scented being and what hidden traits is left unseen. 

 “You wanna’ go outside with me to catch a smoke?” Jian asked in an attempt to know more. 

Ilse couldn’t help herself as her eyes trailed down to the slightly concealed bulge underneath Jian’s jockstrap. “Ilse,” she said gently, still transfixed with the young man. Ilse was intrigued by him but her outward demeanor did not betray this in the slightest. Ilse always had trouble expressing emotions that weren’t pride, anger, or loyalty. 

☼  i.w.

* ╱ 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙨

●︎ when: january 1st, 2020 ●︎ where: elysium, rapid city ●︎ with: @everilse·

he nodded at the request, stepping out from the darkened corner, mild mannered in how he conducted himself. he wasn’t in the mood for idle conversation or drunk spirits and would pick cold indifference happily. he could afford to let her know the former ‘elysium’ was bought out and renovated through his pockets, yet what purpose would that bring? his intentions remained in pretenses, walking the masses as a lone philanthropist and mogul, an eccentric business man with a lucrative vision and eyes. “then please, share your discoveries.” 

the woman’s general stance did intrigue him. standoffish personas in the midst of festivities never failed to stand out. passing crimson colored eyes made sure to leer in her direction, sniffing out the air for an elusive scent. repulsed at their findings but nonetheless, smart enough not cause a commotion or pick a losing battle. which led him to one assumption, the once revered beastly foes sent to balance out the nocturnal prestige… “what’s not to like?” he contested, “attentive indeed. well, the renovations caught my attention - thought i’d pay a visit to old friends. what’s your pursuit in elysium?”

the longer she stood there with him, the more she got the sense he was a bit older than he looked. only in the sense that young men were quicker and more impatient. he was willing to play a long game of sorts, even with a conversation, as he sized her up. ilse had played this game before, and she wanted to see how this match would turn out. “i think you and i both know well, i don’t need to impress you,” she told him, smirking just a bit. 

☼  i.w.

-

* ╱ 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙨

●︎ when: january 1st, 2020 ●︎ where: elysium, rapid city ●︎ with: @everilse·

he racked his debauched mind for a proper answer. she detected him and remained indifferent by the parlor trick. perhaps astarte could sleep soundly knowing he truly was growing ‘rusty’. glorious were the centuries where he could pave a city’s entire grounds without being spotted. what possibly granted her such insight? 

“don’t mind me.” he wouldn’t waste her time, or his - pleasantries weren’t his strong suit either. “the corner we’ve chosen offers a good read of the room. don’t you think?” he averted his eyes back to elusive after show. corner booths barricaded by dark tailored-suited man, hiding frenzied feedings taking place. performers garnered most attention, a cheap trick that’s worked throughout the ages. the night’s premiere inspired it’s prime critics, he figured they deserved lee-way to do as they pleased. he wondered if she could pinpoint that or any other defiant behavior. 

“if you don’t want me to mind, don’t stand behind me,” ilse told him, turning around to look at herakles. he was careful looking, put together, different. but in what way, ilse couldn’t figure it out.

* ╱ 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙨

●︎ when: january 1st, 2020 ●︎ where: elysium, rapid city ●︎ with: open !!

after accepting damnation, his heart strung acutely for clusters of chaotic, lustrous energy. where night reigns and dissolute thoughts remain. yearning for decadency in words and movements, a rhythm to be worshiped, he sought out human investors and partners to propel his vision in the right direction. the buzzing consistency of rapid city settled for the perfect section. he had no apprehensions, only eager to witness the efforts and calls from the crew so neatly acquired.

baál, in his signature swagger, warped time to his limit to observe the compounds leisurely. crossing the rooms with only a few strides, bodies around him moved painstakingly slowly. some of the dancers, featuring blood red irises, stayed neutral to the illusion, throwing leers at him while he reciprocated with a crooked grin. the animosity surrounding him was palpable but it made for a thrilling tale. to be thrown in the bowels of awe-stricken men, baál’s own enthralled state followed let the eyes of another, so steadily on his, go unnoticed. the masses suddenly resume in normal commotion, and he shifted by the light to their side in mere seconds.

ilse always kept to herself, although it wasn’t for contempt of company. she simply knew what she wanted and took every opportunity to have what she desired. if that meant going to a place like ELYSIUM on her own, then so be it. ilse had no plans to speak or be spoken to, but suddenly she felt a shift in the air, like the aftertaste of a particularly hoppy beer. it was barely perceptible, and she couldn’t exactly tell what it would bring, but then someone was beside her. 

“I suppose I just want something simple.” 

The florist sighed at Vik’s updated stance; it was the busiest time of their calendar year and he seemed to insist on requiring a more personalized service. He had every intent to buy up the whole place but there was no sophistication in just offering chaotic bouquet with no clear message. Floral language was something that he’d delved into very passionately, appreciating the secret and sweet nothings shared between petals and stems. Was he trying to declare something or rather re-declare? Did he want to note his openness or his hope for their future? What about favorite color schemes? A five minute pit stop had turned into a half an hour ordeal of Vik eyeing the same bunches of brightly colored flowers, refusing to even make eye contact the pesky overused red rose. 

“What speaks to you?” Vik’s attention turned to his fellow Valentine’s Day prepper, happy to go into a small debt at the hands of freshly cut flora. Perhaps he would find a fellow romantic who understood his plight or a desperado in search of the perfect bloom to offer words they didn’t have. “What says… I love you, but I’ve always loved you. Hundreds of years, turmoil, angst, joy and adoration. I just don’t know if lilies really speak so readily— What do you think?”

Ilse knew she didn’t belong in the florist, yet she always seemed to find herself in curious places where she did not fit in. Usually people didn’t strike up a conversation with her, and it wasn’t out of fear, but rather she liked to be in the background for most of the time. Ilse liked to watch for a long time before she made any kind of move. 

* ╱ 𝙅𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙇𝙚𝙞 𝙏𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙤𝙧

• when: January 2021
• where: Ace of Angels Club
• with: open

  Jian stumbled a little before regaining his composure. He was well over his limit, but far from embarrassed. “Hey, sorry miss. Maybe fate brought us together.” Combing his sweat moist curls out of his face, Jian cocked his head - staring at the woman. He’s never seen her in the club before. Her presence, although annoyed was unfamiliar. In a ‘strip club’ this typically meant one thing. 

  Leaning close to the woman’s ear - Jian whispered “My name’s Mousey, what’s your fantasy?” 

 The question was not meant to be answered. Jian smiled flirtatiously and began moving his body like a snake in the club strobe light. His body tight and toned, oiled to show off his defined muscles. A couple at a near by table began letting loose a loud wolf whistle. The lady of the couple ran over with a wad of bills clenched in a waving fist. Dancing along the driving beat, Jian moved his hips in fluid strokes. Under the lights - his gorgeous face was all shadowed planes and angles, making his look more mysterious. 

 Jian dropped to the floor in front of his ‘new client’, and began doing what might as well be ‘sex push-ups’. His head back, arms pushing himself up off the hard floor and rolled back down with his hips. He looked up with each hip thrust, his body moving sinuously to the fast and dirty song. Making his way back to the woman’s ear, Jian let out “you smell different..” 

Ilse could smell the alcohol soaked into Jian’s skin and resting on his breath. She didn’t know if a human would be able to smell it, but from where she was sitting it may have been possible. “Fate brings everyone together, depending on who you put your faith in,” Ilse told him. She watched him with a careful gaze as he looked quizzically at her. Ilse wondered what he was thinking, and why he was suddenly so enamored by her rude comment. 

where: corins

when: February 2021

with: open

* ╱ 𝙅𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙇𝙚𝙞 𝙏𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙤𝙧

• when: January 2021
• where: Ace of Angels Club
• with: open

 Drunk - slowly losing the ability to function himself. Jian’s vision grew hazy, everything got louder than it should be. His chest showing a bit of muscle while his abs were exposed by his half shirt. He wasn’t wearing boxers or briefs either, instead just a pair of red leather shorts with the ‘seat’ cut out, and a devils tail attached. They fit him amazing, the clients couldn’t miss the bulge in the front, or the exposed cakage in the back. Looking around, he could see a ‘customer’ groping a dancer - but Jian could not think clearly to remember the johns name. He’s definitely seen him before. He watched as the john lightly took hold of the dancers neck, bearing a feverish grin - exposing his fangs. The dancer in a haze, Jian noticed the collar around their neck. A collar represented being ‘owned’.

 A john can ‘purchase to own’ a specific dancer, for however long their money goes. Jian squinted to focus his eye site, brushing off the encounter and focusing on obtaining another drink. Jian loved when Ace of Angels’ got new bartenders - they didn’t know that the dancers were supposed to be limited to three drinks for the night. They were supposed to place x’s on the dancers hands to track the drinks. Jian had seven x’s on his hand, losing count after his fourth. He was sure to get in big trouble by the boss, but at the moment - anything to feel alive.

 Jian stumbled as he made his way to the bar for his next drink, squeaking as he tripped and fell into a passing ‘customers’ chest. Jian looked up at them, trying to focus his blurred vision. 

Ilse wasn’t going to act like she didn’t love places like this. The lights were exciting, the dancers even more so. The way the music pulsed through her, loud and obnoxious (depending on how good the DJ was, that is) was enough of a cover for her to go largely unnoticed. Ilse knew that she often garnered attention, and it was almost always unwanted. Why was it that people saw someone alone and felt the need to be their instant companion?