Ayanna Cadeyrn

• Ayanna Cadeyrn • 34 • Keeper • Human • I'm strong because I've been weak I'm fearless because I've been afraid I'm wise because I've been foolish.

[ailes-de-fleurs]

A Word Of Caution | Wolfgang & Ayanna (. @wolfgangarcturus.)

Restless feet traced a track in the sand, pacing from one side to the other. She had sent the Blood King a message, in her personal capacity, to request a meeting with him at the shores of the lake. Now, closer to the tree line, all Ayanna had to do was wait. However, the restless energy made it impossible for her to calmly sit in one place. 

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Wolfgang:

Nadya‌:

This wasn’t good. Nadya could practically see the wheels turning within Ayanna’s head as her gaze bounced between her and Wolfgang. Clearly she was trying to make sense of the situation, but couldn’t understand exactly what she was looking at. Shit. Perhaps she shouldn’t have moved as quickly as she had, but the keeper had surprised her. She stood there in silence, awkwardly looking back at the blonde in the doorway, unsure of what to say really. Pretending like she belonged wouldn’t exactly work, because it was crystal clear that she didn’t. There was no logical explanation as to why Ayanna had caught her invading the personal space of the Blood King that didn’t sound awry. At least to parties with opinions like Ayanna certainly would have. 

She didn’t miss the way the keeper eyed her while she spoke, clearly pointing out that she was in fact the main reason why she felt it wasn’t a good time. Nadya reached up to tuck a few loose braids back behind her ear before she glanced in Wolfgang’s direction. She was torn. She could excuse herself as a way to remove the main cause of the awkward tension, but that would mean leaving Wolfgang to Ayanna’s line of questioning. Just from the look upon the blonde’s face it was certain that she was going to interrogate on the matter. But not excusing herself while two tribunal members wanted to speak would just be more suspicious… She softly cleared her throat. ‘’Should I… leave you to it then, Lord Wolfgang?’’ she finally questioned, turning towards him as formally as she could, yet her eyes were soft and apologetic of the situation. She truly didn’t want to leave him to this.

@ailes-de-fleurs​ @wolfgangarcturus​

Rather than excuse Nadyas presence… proximity… he choose avoid the subject altogether, acting like it was nothing of any consequence, too trivial to be mentioned. Since Ayanna had decided to continue the polite fiction of attributing her concern of interrupting him… them… to his advisors ever growing stack of reports, he smiled broadly and ran with that vein. “When do I not have Kellen after me to stay aware of every little incident that goes on inside and outside my kingdom?”

He sprawled back in his chair. “Unless the rations issue is something that needs be discussed privately…” He looks quizzically at the blonde then nodded over his shoulder at the brunette. “…I don’t see a need for you to leave, Nadya. If you like, you can wait on the couch and we can continue our conversation afterwards.”

He pushed to his feet and took a few steps towards the keeper then leaned on the end of his desk, fingers wrapped around the rim, legs crossed at the ankles, effectively forcing her to focus on him rather than split her attention between him and the artist. If Ayanna pressed the issue, he had a ready excuse for Nadyas presence, perhaps not her proximity but most definitely a legitimate concern. “You were saying something about the rations?”

@ailes-de-fleurs​ @brazen-tenacity

So, the Blood King was going to pretend like nothing was amiss. Okay, well, Ayanna could play along. She chuckled, “The ever efficient and diligent Kellen.” Though she was indulging Wolfgang, she didn’t lose sight of Nadya from her peripheral vision. The discomfort was clear on the young human’s features. There was something bigger at play, which Ayanna planned on figuring out soon.

The Keeper shook her head, when Wolfgang looked at her for confirmation - about the nature of the discussion - while addressing Nadya. Him offering Nadya a seat there while the two discussed work matters, only added to Ayanna’s suspicions. Ayanna glanced at Nadya, briefly, before turning her attention back to the man she had come to have a discussion with.

“Yes... about the rations... Anton informed me that the eastern corner of the basement in the Town Hall is not in the best condition. I’m worried that it might cave in. He said that the construction team would need about a week to fix that portion. So, that presents us with storage problems for the blood.” While the blonde sounded all professional and focused on the discussion at hand, she didn’t forget that Nadya was still present in the room.

(. @brazen-tenacity. @wolfgangarcturus.)

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Heather‌:

Heather’s head snapped up as soon as they heard the familiar voice.  Relief coursing through their body.  “No I should have looked and I’m sorry.”  If they had to bump into someone, they were glad it was Ayanna. 

They had always looked up to Ayanna, and Heather didn’t want to give her one more thing to worry about.  They knew she already had a lot on her plate.  So Heather quickly waved off any concern, “Oh I’m okay, woke up early so I was trying to see if there was anything I can do to help around here before I could go out to the fields.”  It wasn’t exactly a lie, but Heather didn’t want to start telling her about the recurring nightmares they’ve been having lately.

“But what about you?  It really is pretty early still.”  Heather wanted to make sure that the Keeper wasn’t suffering from lack of sleep as well.

The change of emotions was quite evident on their face. However, when they insisted that they were okay, Ayanna decided not to push the subject. For now. There was no point pestering someone who didn’t want to discuss whatever it was that was bothering them. So, smiling, she replied, “Oh okay... keeping busy is the only way to kill extra time, sometimes. Isn’t it?”

“Ah, you know me... I had things to do before heading to bed. I’ll probably catch a few hours before the sun towers right above us. Noon isn’t too bad a time to start the day.” The blonde laughed at her own joke, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

She looked around at the sellers winding up for the night. “Ummm, there doesn’t seem to be too much to do here,” mused Ayanna, looking back at Heather. “If you don’t mind me as early morning company, let’s go get a bite to eat?”

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Wolfgang:

He had to smile at her small laugh at Reginmunds behavior. She didn’t realize exactly how deep this fracture ran. How Rayyad’s obsessiveness nearly cost Reg his life three times and how deeply, almost pathologically jealous Reg was. His possessiveness far outstripped his normally calm, cool logic. He had absolute trust in Wolfgang… though his lovers confused reaction to Noahs scent tested that trust… but anyone else showing interest in the king was met with a terrifyingly quiet warning from the pale brunette.

When the conversation turned back to rough, brooding Ragar, he couldn’t help but agree that most of his childs issues lay with what happened and were firmly placed at the doorway of the Museum, never mind that he was the one who threw his lot in with the rebellious human interlopers and it cost him some of his children. At least Milena had seen to sparing their lives, even if it meant Wolfgang had to place a noose around his own neck for the upyr to yank on when the time suited her purposes best. Hopefully it won’t cost Ayanna her life. He had grown quite fond of her plucky determination. Perhaps he could find a loophole which could sever that rope.

He tilted his head and contemplated the idea of an all female tribunal. Unlike some of the human tribes, vampires were egalitarian in their choices in children, picking only the strongest didn’t always mean the largest male so the idea wasn’t a farfetched one. “Milena might find me a lazy lion but Kellen is like the ocean that relentlessly wears away the cliffs under the capital, fully accommodating at first but ends with you drowning if you don’t learn to swim quick enough.” He barks out a joyful laugh. “Let’s just say it was good that I learned to dog paddle quickly… my brothers chose to ignore her and her guidance and it cost them their lives.”

He glanced over at the ax and sighed, running his hand through his hair. “I suppose I should finish this task and you your run.” His smile twisted in amusement. “Whether or not you meant to help me out of my funk, you did more than this poor log could accomplish.”

 @ailes-de-fleurs​

While Ayanna had never seen the ocean nor learnt how to swim, she did get what Wolfgang was saying. “You’re a smart man, Wolfgang. Smarter than some give you credit for. I always had the doubt that it wasn’t just brute strength that helped you take over as king. And, I know that you don’t much enjoy Kellen burying you in paperwork, but the fact that you put up with it shows that you value her counsel.” The blonde gave the King of vampires a smile.

At the mention of her run, she expelled a sigh. “Yes, I think I should. Got to keep in shape, after all,” she brushed it off with a chuckle. Her thoughts were her own to ponder over, there was no point hinting to the man that there was a deeper reason behind the run around the town. Offering Wolfgang a friendly smile, she replied, “I’m glad I could be of help. Though, this is the second time I’ve found you... trying to find solutions with wood. Next time if something is bothering you, you’re most welcome to come over to my house or the office.”

Tying her hair up in a bun again, the Keeper nodded to the Blood King, and started to walk away. “See you at the Tribunal Meeting!” She called over her shoulder.

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Heather‌:

Heather woke up with a start, heart beating a bit too fast for comfort and sweat lightly caking their skin.  It was a nightmare, one that seemed to repeat every time they laid their head on their pillow.  After looking out the window, Heather determined it was that awkward time in the morning - too early to go out to the fields, but too late to go back to bed.  Not that they wanted to continue the dreams tonight anyway.  So Heather decided to get dressed and head downstairs, carefully tiptoeing past Nadya’s room in case she was still in there.  Heather hoped she was, at least.

Heather took some time eating their breakfast, hoping to waste more time in the morning, but the sun still probably had a small while until it rose completely.  As much as they hated the thought of traveling while it was still dark, Heather decided to head to the Town Market.  The idea was that maybe someone would be offering a quick job that Heather could do after being in the fields.  A job that could tire them out completely and hopefully sleep better without any nightmares.

They carefully followed the familiar path to the Town Market, trying to keep watch of their surroundings.  Once they were there, Heather hoped it was too close to sunrise to run into any vampires.  They were so worried about looking over their shoulder to make sure no one was surprising them from behind, that they forgot to look in front of them to see them bumping into someone in plain sight.  Immediately, Heather looked towards their feet and apologized.  "I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!“  They quickly rambled out, careful to not make eye contact 

Another night spent doing rounds of the town till her feet ached, and her mind tired out. Something in her gut told her that something was off. Somewhere she was missing something in the grand scheme of things. Nothing that the blonde did satisfied her. Perhaps she should just take it easy a few days and then sit back down to strategize. But, another voice in her head said, what if she was too late to act, like the last time?

Ayanna had just Town Square, the dawn minutes away from shedding the light grey of the sky, when she ran into someone. She’d been trying to decide if she wanted to head back home and rest, or go to Jarold’s to take a bite, and didn’t realise that she’d stopped in the middle of pathway. “Oh, I’m sorry-” the blonde began with an apologetic smile, till she recognised who she had inconvenience, “Heather?”

Brows furrowed, the Keeper looked down at the young Wicked who seemed to recoil into themselves. “Hey, it’s okay. It was my fault, I stopped abruptly.” Ayanna smiled warmly at them. “Are you... okay?” She asked after a moment, concern creasing her brow, as she put a comforting hand on Heather’s shoulder.

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Wolfgang‌:

Nadya‌:

Of all possible nights, this had been the one Nadya had chosen to not leave the Manor. Normally, she would have taken to the streets already, in search of the next subject of her portraits. After waking up though, Reginmund and herself had found Wolfgang hard at work in his office, running through a pile of paperwork Kellen had clearly managed to sneak into his chamber. It hadn’t been an uncommon sight, but they’d both wondered how much sleep he’d once again gotten. Wolfgang may have attempted to hide it, but both of them had noticed his restless behavior as of late. Reginmund had an appointment with some builders, which is why he had stepped out, but Nadya had promised him she’d attempt to coax their love to open up about what had been bothering him.

She’d been very inconspicuous about it at first as she’d propped herself onto the couch Wolfgang had placed in his study, absentmindedly flipping through the pages of one of Reg’s books. It hadn’t lasted. She’d eventually placed the book aside, stood to her feet and moved around the desk to where Wolfgang was seated. She propped her hip up against his desk beside him, folding her arms as she looked down at him as he worked. Her tone was gentle as she spoke. ‘’Wolfgang.. do you need to t–’’ she was interrupted by the ajar office door swinging open and that’s when her gaze rose and met the confused stare of Ayanna.

It took her mind a beat too long to realize the situation. A second too long to catch on to the compromising position she was in. 

I’m in Wolfgang’s office… propped up against his desk… behind his desk even… I’m right beside him.. The Keeper just walked in!

She pushed herself away from the desk, straightening her stance as quickly as she could. ‘’Ayanna…’’ she uttered in casual greeting.

@ailes-de-fleurs @wolfgangarcturus

So deep in sorting out the conflicting information between a handful of reports regarding a possible blood doll den at an abandoned estate not far from the shores of the lake, he didn’t notice Nadya lingering after Reg gave him a quick peck on the cheek before leaving for his meeting. The headache he’d had for the last couple of days had not subsided in the least. He wasn’t worried that things might have gone south back home but had to plan as if they had and that involved addressing the loyalties of those vampires who lived here in Sanctuary. If this den existed, it would be a complete violation of the laws. It was one thing to turn a blind eye to consensual feeding but addiction and enslavement meant that he would definitely have to take action… and involve Ayanna and possibly the wicked representative depending on who was in the den. And this sort of thing would sway opinion, support, especially if the families involved sided against him.

He muttered under his breath and was nearly startled when she leaned against the desk and had began to speak, breaking him out of the monomaniacal focus on the paperwork. He glanced up at her as her plush lips parted then frowned when she stopped abruptly. What? He followed her eyes and realized Ayanna was standing there, fist upraised as if she was frozen in the act of knocking on his office door. He blinked in confusion for a moment at his lovers sudden awkwardness then it hit him… oh, yeah, could see how that could be mis-… okay, correctly interpreted.

Fuck.

He put the papers down and closed the folder. No point in accidentally spilling the beans on something that may be nothing but a group of enterprising humans creating a blood brothel. Rather than worsen the situation with some sort of half baked lie that would cheapen their professional relationship, he chose to shift in his chair to face the keeper and ignore the awkwardness and tension caused by the artists presence next to his desk and the speculative glare from the blond. “Hello, Ayanna… did I miss a meeting? I’ve been catching up on some paperwork… Kellen the ever vigilant and her magically appearing reports.” His fingers drum on the thick stack jammed in the stained and age worn folder.

@ailes-de-fleurs​ @brazen-tenacity

Nadya was standing way too close to Wolfgang for it to be anything formal, that much was clear as day to Ayanna. Her abrupt movement only added to the building suspicion. Wolfgang’s blink of confusion too didn’t go amiss, even though, Ayanna was sure she looked equally - if not more - confused as him.

Was Nadya trying to solicit Wolfgang? Zion had informed her of Nadya’s dealing with the vampires, but was she so stupid as to approach the King himself? And... what about Wolfgang, was he involved? Her mind raced at break neck speed, as she stood there looking awkwardly between the two of them.

Her mind slowly caught on, Wolfgang as well as Nadya had said something. Raised brows as well as hand lowered, a strained smile stretching across her face, Ayanna replied, “Hello, King Arcturus-child.” Turning to Nadya she acknowledged her with a nod, and added, “Nadya. This is a pleasant surprise.” She let her words hang in the air for a few moments.

“Sorry, I was about to knock, but a draft of wind swung the door open before I could.” Stepping in, the blonde replied to the vampire’s question. “You didn’t miss a meeting, Wolfgang. I needed to discuss something with you about the rations. But, it seems like this isn’t a good time...” Though she was eyeing Nadya, clearly hinting at that, she added, “Kellen’s buried you in work already.”

(. @brazen-tenacity. @wolfgangarcturus.)

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Wolfgang‌:

“I don’t doubt that Yadi would think fondly of the time we had to share and deliberately leave his behind so that is probably a very good suggestion. Reg gave me a funny look when I got home and made me bath after he smelled his brother on me.” He grinned and shook his head. “His frown was so deep I couldn’t even tease him about it.”

His smile slipped a little at her question about Milenas power base back home in her own territory. “Honestly, she keeps me at a distance… nothing like Gabes casual-friends-who-are-enemies attitude towards me. She pries at my head looking for any advantage but I guess that is just her leadership style. If you’re asking if I have any spies watching the museum to see the comings and goings…” His lips curled into a smirk. “…I decline to answer. But I promise that I don’t interfere with her network.”

“As for someone interfering with mine…” He sucked in a breath. “I can’t even…” His hands mimed shaping a ball of dirt or clay. “… feel the edges of what is going on. Until I have more to work with… “ He grunted and shrugged then laughed at her earnest description of his peoples enthusiasm. “Remember that most volunteered to come here so you aren’t getting a truly representative group. Hell, if Ragar would come out of his room, I’m sure he’d beg to differ with that opinion of me.”

“We can only hope that it’s just a dead vampire lying in a ditch somewhere and not something bigger than that.” He grinned flatly then frowned slightly in concentration, looking away for a moment. “I haven’t decided. Either Rayyad or Kellen… though I may take my son back with me. I know that my advisor is very levelheaded and practical so I’d have her advise regardless if she leads or follows. I suppose we’ll see what the situation warrants here if I do need to take a walk.”

@ailes-de-fleurs

From the Vampire King’s words, the blonde surmised that there was some sort of animosity between the two blood-borns of his. And, that Rayyad probably fancied his blood-sire? Why else would he enjoy sharing a cloak with Wolfgang, and practically ‘crawl under [his] shirt’? That would definitely irk Reginmund. But, was it common among vampires to like their blood-sire like that, Ayanna wondered. And, what was Rayyad doing kissing her then? Oh she could feel a headache building. However, she gave a small chuckle in response to Wolfgang’s words, so as not to arouse suspicion.

As the conversation switched to Milena, Ayanna managed to get out of her head and focus better. She laughed softly while Wolfgang described his and Milena’s dynamic. The blonde rolled her eyes playfully when he refused to make a comment about potential spies watching the museum. “Of course,” she chuckled.

That was another thing to add to her list of worries, now, it seemed. The stability of Wolfgang’s position. His words were not inspiring any confidence. “I’m sure he’s upset only because of the recent... incidents,” she offered with an encouraging smile. If she knew one thing about the Vampires’ second-in-command, was that he was loyal to a fault. He’d never go against Wolfgang, or so she hoped.

Nodding, Ayanna thought that it’d be interesting to see Milena and Kellen interact. Not that she was expecting clashes, but both were really strong women, their interaction - in positions of power - was sure to be very interesting, to say the least. “Good to know. Hopefully it won’t come to that.” She smiled optimistically. “Though, I’m looking forward to an all women temporary-Tribunal,” the Keeper added with a smirk. 

“Now... should I leave you alone with that axe?”

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Close encounters | Nadya, Wolfgang, & Ayanna

(. @brazen-tenacity, @wolfgangarcturus.)

There was going to be a delay in the blood ration distribution that week, due to the repairs in the basement. Ayanna thought she’d inform Wolfgang about it herself, so that the two of them could work out a solution together, and keep the situation under control.

In addition, the Keeper thought she’d check up on how he was feeling. The last time she’d met Wolfgang outside the Tribunal Hall, he had seemed very stressed. While she knew if he had any update on the situation, the Blood King would’ve informed her. So, the silence meant that he too hadn’t received any news. So, it’d be a good idea to just go and check up on him.

However, she didn’t know that she’d be in for a surprise as she stepped inside his office, a place she was very familiar with. Nadya Amiel definitely didn’t belong there.

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Jaael:

“Not so unexpected, just… some assumptions. Mostly about Kaheer being, well. More than a friend, I guess.” She winced. “The mistake doesn’t bother me, really, but he’d find it awkward if he heard. So I feel I have to correct it when I hear it, for his sake.” Ayanna was right, though. People were always prone to gossip, and seeing things that weren’t really there. Anything was fair game, as long as it sounded intriguing enough, brought a little colour and drama to the day-to-day. And she supposed with how close the two Wickeds always were, it was a pretty natural conclusion to draw—if a slightly invasive one. 

Jaael was surprised at the offer. She lived farther than Ayanna, closer to the wall than the center. “Are you sure? It’s a bit out of the way, after all…” She trailed off, grinning as Ayanna deposited her water into the Wicked’s bucket, without pause. Clearly, the Keeper’s mind was made up. “If you insist.” It must only take anyone a few minutes with Ayanna to understand why she was so respected by most everyone, and the care she took with the citizens made her position seem a natural fit. Jaael admired her more each time they met. Nodding, she adjusted her hold on the bucket. “It’s going very well, I think. I have a new schedule though, to account for the Envoy position, and—it takes a bit of effort to just pass on by, when I see them working outside,” she admitted. “Not that I’m not working, as Envoy, but—it’s different, that’s all. I’m adjusting.”

“Oh damn! I’m sorry.” The embarrassment that the Keeper felt at her people’s behaviour was evident in the way she cringed. She knew how Jaael must be feeling. People needed to occupy their time with something better. Alas! Gossip always helped make existence more...bearable, in some people’s opinion. “I totally understand. I’ve been in your place. Way before I was the Keeper. It’s good that you’ve clarified it. Though, don’t be surprised if not all of them accept the truth. That always happens.” She lowered her voice, in a conspiratorial whisper, “Some of them still think there’s something more between Zak and me.” She offered the Wicked a lop-sided smile and shrugged.

Nodding, Ayanna replied, “Of course, I’m sure. It’s no problem at all. Walking is healthy. We’d just need to take a small detour. Need to give this water to Inka.” With that she began to pull the bucket up again, and soon was lifting it out of the well and untying the rope. She listened to Jaael, and realised how they’d found themselves in similar positions. “I definitely know how you feel. Honestly. It’s difficult to see the hunters go out in search of game, while I need to stay. Not only does it make me feel bad for passing the burden, but it is also a little frustrating sometimes. I’d love a good chase.” There was a wistful smile, that soon faded with a sigh that followed. “Let’s get moving?” She adjusted her grip on the bucket as she gestured to the Tribe District.

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Wolfgang:

Wolfgang had truly begin to admire the human Keeper over the time that they have worked together. She seemed half-immune to his bluster, especially when she saw that it rarely led to any physical confrontations and those only with his own hardheaded people. His confidence in her was again proven well-placed when he could tell that she gave the matter serious thought and realized the weight of a mere missing messenger. He was caught off guard by her reaction to Rayyads potential injury, the emotion flitting across her face, the catch in her voice. Putting it down to concern on behalf of the blood borns relationship to Wolfgang, he waved a hand dismissively. “He suffered less than I did… he practically crawled under my shirt to avoid the light.”

His lips crooked into a sarcastic smirk as his hand dropped to his waist. “Milena and I haven’t discussed anything concerning what happens outside of Sanctuarys walls. I’m not sure what power she has over her own people back home, crown or no crown.” He sucked in a breath only to snort dryly.  “The most I’ve done is expanded the no-hunt zone to a reasonable distance around the city, mostly because I’d rather not have to deal with the human hunters looking for game having to keep from being prey themselves.”  

Her smile was genuine, even he could see that she valued the information, and the trust he put in her to keep it solely as a factor in her decisions and not a knife to twist in his back. She was more like his kind than she’d probably admit. Rayyads own behaviors were so reprehensible because they were sly and hidden, attempting to assassinate his brother rather than challenge him in the pit. “I doubt that our soot queen would lift a hand to help me unless it was also offering a set of shackles for my wrists.” He barked out a soft laugh then he shrugged. “I can’t imagine it being a threat to my people… more like a threat to my communications network or to me as the current king.”

Oddly enough, he felt better after voicing his concerns to Ayanna, more so than he did after taking out his frustration on the log. “When I get anything back, I’ll make sure to keep you informed. I’ve kind of grown fond of some of you breathers and I’d hate to see you get fucked over because I couldn’t handle my own people…” He scratched absently at the stubble on his chin. “I may need to head home for a couple of weeks if I don’t like the answers I get, knock a few heads together.”

@ailes-de-fleurs​ 

Why did she feel the worry, or the subsequent relief, for Rayyad Wolfgang-child, the blonde couldn’t fathom. She was endeavouring to untangle her feeling with regards to Rayyad when she’d run into Wolfgang. But, her reaction to hearing his name had not inspired any hope of finding solace anytime soon. She managed give a smile and nod, when Wolfgang told her that his blood-born had escaped almost unscathed. “I guess you should carry an extra cloak next time onward,” she suggested kindly.

“Yes, that’s an interesting thought,” Ayanna hummed. Though, that made her wonder why Gabriel and Wolfgang had not reached some sort of agreement when they had begun to get along. “We have no idea how her subjects at the Bone Court have taken to the news of the change... Do you have any idea about that?” The Keeper hoped that he’d be willing to share if he had heard something. “That was a wise decision. Thank you,” she added with an earnest smile. The last thing they needed was humans being hunted right at their door step. Though, that meant there was a long way to go to achieve absolutely no hunting of humans. But, for now, something was better than nothing.

While she laughed at his joke about the soot queen, Ayanna had faith that if the time came, Milena would extend her support even if indirect and paltry. However, she didn’t point that out to Wolfgang. Her brows creased the next moment, though. “To you as current king? Stars forbid!” She was genuinely worried. Wolfgang was a reasonable person, even if he hadn’t been so forthcoming in the beginning. She worried what would happen if he fell. “I sincerely hope it isn’t a threat to you. You’re well admired by your subjects, from what I have noticed.”

“Thank you, Wolfgang. It'll be a great help. I wish you the best of luck. Once again, I hope it’s just some sort of miscommunication.” She offered him a smile again. Her brows dipped, and she replied, “Oh! So... who do you plan to leave in charge while you’re gone?” It’d be good to know who she would have to interact with in the meanwhile.

[rose-red-sinner-blog]

Told You So

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Zion‌:

“My mistake. Not the sort of control I meant. I could control myself, but my desire to use my control is lacking.” Zion chuckled at her own twisted humor, “Ayanna, you are smarter than I usually credit a human to be.” The timbre of her voice was music to the vampire’s ears. She could feel the frustration between her breath, a rise that Zion lived for.  

“Trust is a big thing for me. You have no idea.” For Zion to trust her, it meant that her walls would need to come down. These walls, forged by the harshness of her human life, treated with the burning of blood lust; were anchored too deeply to let just anyone in.

“Pity you can’t return the favor, but I imagine you can count on your hand the amount of trustworthy people in your life. It’s the fatal flaw that exists among all species. Again, you are smarter than you get credit for.” Zion turned on her heel ready to leave, but one more promise needed to be initiated, “One more thing… You keep my name clean of this. The last thing I need is to be torn apart for betraying my kind.”  

While she didn’t have the patience to appreciate the vampire’s twisted humour, at the compliment Ayanna tipped her head in a semblance of thanks. She was fraying at the seams, and this wasn’t the best time to be jovial. She’d, probably, make up for her tight responses the next time. For now, Zion would have to put up with her.

“I understand that it’s a big deal to put your trust into someone,” she replied in a solemn tone. She felt a smidgen of guilt that she couldn’t return the trust that Zion had placed in her, but it wasn’t that easy. She had just turned to part ways too, when Zion spoke up. “Of course, Zion. Why would I risk your safety? You have nothing to worry about.” She offered the vampire an honest, reassuring smile, the first smile she had spared ever since she met Zion that evening. “Have a good night, Zion. And, thank you,” she added earnestly before walking off into the opposite direction. 

[zak-the-teller-blog]

Peace and Quiet| Ayanna

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Zak:

Her laughter was the best medicine. Every note set his joy on fire, an unquenchable spark of life. It was infectious the way they playfully tugged at each other. “You shush and take the compliments like you own them. “ Zak smoothed his clay smeared palms over her shoulders as he smiled into her eyes with that boyish, goofy grin, “With all the weight resting on your shoulders, you deserved to be doted on. Who better than the absolute best guy you know…?” He winked playfully before giving into her embrace.

“You know I do not even have to try to be the absolute best.” Zak returned the hug with genuine affection. He squeezed his arms around her, “You are not so bad yourself.” The woman before him was literally the best person he knew, the best friend he was always thankful he had.  “You did save my life. You may not have realized that, but you saved me in every way that I needed to be saved.”  

“You are probably sick of these carvings. You must have like….” He chuckled, “I don’t know, hundreds?” He had made them for her all through childhood into adulthood. Knowing her as he did, she probably still had every single one. “How has everything been, politically speaking? I am getting better with my talents.” He casually threw it out there. It wasn’t a lie. The new arrival had given him no choice.  

“You know the new girl, she knows what I can do. She could be a problem.”

Ayanna rolled her eyes but nodded, and took the compliments because she knew they were honest compliments. Though, she was sure her friend gave her more credit than she deserved. As his hands smeared clay over her shoulders, the blonde just laughed and pulled him into a hug.

“Thank you,” she replied with a laugh to his jovial comment about her not being so bad herself. However, when he thanked her, she clicked her tongue in disapproval. “What are friends for? Zee, you know you don’t need to thank me for it. I’m just-” the usually controlled blonde’s voice hitched with emotion, “- glad that you’re okay. I don’t know what I’d have done without my best friend.” Giving him a tight squeeze, she let go of him.

She gave him a light shove. “I love these carvings, okay? They are some of my most treasured possessions.” She sounded like an uppity upyr as she spoke with her nose up high, as if talking about the material wealth that she owned. But, for the Keeper, such things were what she cherished the most. She loved those little carvings and always had space for them in her pack, even when they were wanderers. 

Though as the conversation turned towards work, she wondered what he was getting at. Nodding, she agreed, “Yes, you do seem to be doing pretty well.” His revelation, though, made her snap into alert mode. “Odalis? I’ll keep an eye on her, if you think she’s going to be trouble. Though, what makes you say that? You tried to read her mind?” She asked in an even tone, but her mind was racing.

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Wolfgang:

“Feel free to request as many of my hunters as you need if you have to lock up one of my people. I suppose Milena would look at that as the fox guarding… well… the fox.” He chuckles darkly then glances down at his hands when she pointed out the burns. “Ah… no. I was out too late with… one of my children and he didn’t bring his cloak.” Should he?… this situation may affect them all in a very short time… He grunts in frustration then embeds the ax handily into the wood. 

“Listen… it may be nothing but…” His lips twisted and his brow furrowed as he tried to figure out how to couch his concerns without causing a panic. Being well informed meant that even the small things could be a part of a larger web of action… reaction. He rubbed his face and sighed. “You have a right to know as a member of the tribunal. The messenger from home is overdue, days overdue.” He raised his hand. “This was from protecting Rayyad from the sun. We couldn’t wait any longer.”

His arm dropped to hang loosely by his side. “I’m sending a couple of hunters home to find out if it’s just a lost runner or something more. I’d like to think an upyr hunting band got lucky and caught him or her flat footed rather than something more ominous but I won’t know until my people get back.” 

The flickering light from the torches in the vampire district barely penetrated the darkness yet it appeared to deepen the shadows around his eyes, make his pronounced cheekbones seem even more gaunt. “I’m not ready to jump to any conclusions however I can’t see any good reason for this.”

@ailes-de-fleurs​

The blonde chuckled. “Yes, I’m sure Milena won’t be in favour of that,” she agreed, bobbing her head in a nod. Truth be told, Ayanna herself wouldn’t be in favour of the same race of guards as the prisoners. However, it was one of the things doing rounds in her head ever since the jail was restored. It was not a one-stop solution for a crowd as diverse as that of Sanctuary. That was a thought for another day, to be shared with the Head Builder, perhaps.

“Oh okay... That’s unfortunate. I guess, you both hadn’t expected to be out that late. Happens to the best of us. It’s recent though, it seems...” It wasn’t a question, a mere observations. The burns would otherwise not last for long given the vampires’ healing capability. Why had he stayed out for long, though, Ayanna couldn’t help but wonder.

However, the suspense didn’t last for long, for Wolfgang seemed to be in a mood to divulge. The frown upon his brow didn’t spell anything positive, and the blonde steeled herself for bad news. The news was inconsequential, if looked at in human terms. Delays were expected. However, this was no ordinary human messenger who was late. It was a vampire, and the King’s messenger. The Keeper’s eyes widened at the revelation. Her mind raced in different directions but it all came to a screeching halt for a moment when he mentioned Rayyad. There was a flash of worry across her features, gone before human eye could even think about catching it. “I hope he’s okay,” she said with a slight strain in her voice. Damn Rayyad Wolfgang-Child! There was no escape from him even in this conversation.

With a deep inhale, Ayanna re-focused her thoughts on the issue at hand. “That’s a possibility... though, I’d have liked to think that the the rivalry between the races would’ve subsided now that you and Milena are working together but... I know it isn’t that simple” She shrugged. The blonde was aware that humans were still being hunted outside the safety of Sanctuary, by those supernatural beings still in their own territories. So, it was not so unimaginable that things between the vampires and the upyr were the same as well. 

Wolfgang looked so weighed down that Ayanna felt bad for him. “This is a cause of concern. I really hope it’s just an unfortunate delay and not a big cause of worry.” She paused, then offered him a small smile. “Thank you for informing me. It means a lot.” It meant that she needed to speed up the process of securing the humans in Sanctuary if anything were to go wrong. “You know you have my support, Wolfgang, even if it doesn’t mean too much, in the greater power dynamics of the world. I’m sure Milena will support you too, in the event that this is a threat to the vampires.”

[rose-red-sinner-blog]

Told You So

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Zion:

“You think I haven’t told her that?” Zion wasn’t all that surprised at the keeper’s disregard for Zion’s ability to ponder the many troubling outcomes. “Being a vampire, I know how hard it is to resist latching onto a vein. Though I may not like living a deprived life, there is a need for it. On the outside it is hunt to kill and kill to kill. Gluttony at its finest. What happens when the vampires effectively exterminate the entire human population?”  Zion had to smile fondly as she muttered beneath her breath. Nadya was all to a familiar thorn in her own side. Yet, there was a bit of admiration there between the annoyance.  

The last demand hit her conscious harder than she had anticipated. Of course, she would want the name, “What if I told you it was me? Would you leave well enough alone then?” Zion felt the weight of betraying her own kind then. It was more than she realized it could be and Kellen’s words were the only thing keeping her calm and collected in front of the human.  

“Who am I kidding. I think we already established that my only talent is killing. You know better than to believe my lie. The Vampire who was feeding on Zak. She is no threat to this place. Nadya does her homework when she selects clients. Turned me down.” Zion chuckled at the thought of being included in this ring of fire. “Kirra.” the name slipped more easily from her tongue than it should have. “Now I am the betrayer. If the others find this out….I will be dealt with. You understand that to give you this information, I must trust you completely. Do you give me that same trust in return?”

“No, I think you weren’t too... effective in cautioning Nadya,” replied Ayanna with a stony face. The vampire had just voiced the reason why the whole convergence had been essential. The blonde had anticipated an end of the human race, given the pace at which the two predator races were using up their resources.

The moment the vampire suggested that it might be her, Ayanna scoffed. She just couldn’t help it. “After all this time, you really think I’d believe that. You’ve made it amply clear, multiple times, that you aren’t sure you would be able to control the urge if you got a fresh vein. And Zak is still alive. So... try again, maybe?” It was clear that Ayanna was not in a mood for games. The harshness in her tone, the sarcasm in her voice were quite unlike the usual friendliness she treated Zion with.

Kirra. The name stuck in her mind like a poisonous prick. Ayanna knew she needed to find this Kirra soon, else she won’t be able to rest. Though, she didn’t leave just then. Zion had something to say and she was going to extend the vampire the courtesy of hearing her out, after all that the latter had done. “Thank you for trusting me completely. It’s... a big thing,” she replied, with a humble bow of her head. “I will not lie to you, Zion. I wish I could extend you the same amount of trust. I don’t distrust you. But, I don’t trust you as much as you trust me. But, this,” she gestured between the both of them, at their meeting in that pace, “is definitely an improvement.” The Keeper paused. “As I promised, no harm will come to Kirra. And I owe you a favour within the laws of Sanctuary.”

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Jaael:

Jaael laughed, but quietly, and her smile was warm. “Why doesn’t that surprise me to hear, from you? Please, be my guest.” She swept an arm out, as though the well was somehow now her territory to welcome others to—which was all sorts of playful, really. Although she was still adjusting to… so many things, it seemed, somehow Ayanna’s smile helped her breathe easier. Knowing the other woman was around and willing to help her settle into her role with the Tribunal was extremely comforting—not that there would be anything frightening about facing meetings with the Bone Queen and Blood King alone—oh no, nothing intimidating about that.

“No, no trouble, really. I’ve had a few… unexpected conversations.” Her cheeks warmed as she recalled one misinformed (but well-meaning) young woman who’d asked where her friend was—as though she and Kaheer typically moved as a pair, or something. Presumptuous, and only partly accurate—they could exist apart from each other… Really, they could... “But nothing bothersome at all.” She didn’t feel the need to express that she’d volunteered herself, in this. “Nothing I can’t handle.” Jaael hesitated. “I do need to find a way out, though, or I’ll be eating at midnight. Do you mind if I walk you to, ah… wherever it is you’re headed?”

The Keeper chuckled, tossing the bucket into the well. She waited for a few moments to let it fill before starting the pull it back up. Jaael had this warmth about her that made her approachable. Apparently a little too approachable, for it seemed like the people were queuing up to approach her for favours. “Unexpected conversations? I hope you don’t mean intrusive conversations? Humans are a nosy race, after all,” she replied with an apologetic smile, embarrassed on behalf of her fellow humans. Though, when she insisted that she hadn’t been bothered, the blonde nodded and let the matter drop.

“Oh sure! In fact, I’ll escort you to your house,” Ayanna suggested, catching the bucket that had reached the surface. “I am assuming you’d come here to fetch water for supper but, got busy?” Her brows raised, she looked down at the empty bucket that the Wicked had, and poured the water from her bucket into Jaael’s. “Give me a moment, and we can leave.” She threw the bucket back in to fetch another pail of water. “How has work been? Anton tells me construction is in full swing again, now that the weather has cleared up.”

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Wolfgang:

So absorbed in his task, he had not realized she was there until her warm, moist breath carried her words to his ears, his nostrils. The pounding of her heart nearly deafened him, his anxiety amplifying every sense beyond reason. If he had been any other… younger… vampire, it would have driven him into a fit. Rather than respond immediately with words filled with venom that she had not earned, he sucked in a lungful of unneeded air and let the ax hang from his fist, staring at the half-hewn log.

Finally, after a moment that lasted an eternity to him, he turned to face Ayanna, taking in her disheveled, sweaty appearance and desperately cheerful smile. “To be honest, it’s the only thing I can utterly destroy and get thanked for it rather than get put in one of Sanctuary’s jails.” He smiled a thin-lipped grin, trying to mask the emotions roiling through him.

He rolled his hand half-heartedly and tried to focus on the conversation. “It’s good to see that you’ve gotten over that cold… one of the benefits of being dead is you don’t really have to deal with that but the sunburns are the worst.” He still had a few red spots on the backs of his hands from desperately clutching the cloak around him and his child as he and Yadi made the dash back to the manor. The foolish one had not brought his own cloak and Wolfgang was forced to share his own or watch him die.

@ailes-de-fleurs​

It was a welcome respite from her thoughts. Though, her mind could’ve travelled, as it had been off late, and made a connection between the man before her and the man occupying her thoughts, but luckily that didn’t happen. The run had helped, and as she stood there catching her breath, she managed to keep her focus solely on the old vampire.

Something was wrong. It was evident in that thin-lipped grin of his. It was also evident in the fact that he was chopping a tree. While she did chuckle at his joke, she didn’t miss the fact that he intended to ‘destroy’ something. There was something troubling the King of Vampires. “We still need to fortify those jails enough to retain someone with your strength,” she countered in the similar vein, offering him a light playful smile.

“Ah yes! The cold... Anton almost refused to work with me one day. He didn’t want to catch it and be incapacitated by it. It’d have delayed his precious work,” she regaled with a roll of her eyes, although it was evident that she didn’t mean it bitterly. “No sniffling at the Tribunal meetings either,” she added with a chuckle. “Though, yes sunburn is a huge issue for you all... Ill fitting cloak?” She asked, glancing down at his hands with eyes narrowed in order to focus in the dark.

[ailes-de-fleurs]

Odalis‌:

Odalis walked, mostly silently, with the human Keeper as she navigated through the streets with some ease. She was paying more attention to the ways the streets wound and bent than she was her exact words. She wanted to know how Sanctuary was set up; she wanted to know how each street turned so she wouldn’t get turned around once again. 

At the questions turned her way, Odalis shook her head in the negative. “No one has been unwelcoming,” she replied, though she was also not certain that she would unload her woes on the other woman if others had been particularly belligerent. She was glad that her words were true: people had either kept a polite distance –– something she didn’t blame them for –– or were perfectly polite. No one was lining up to be best friends… but then again, neither was she. She was still finding her bearings… she was still trying to find where she belonged. “What is it that you do here, by the way? All I know is that you were part of the company who saw me when I got here.”

The silence was of no issue. Ayanna wasn’t a very chatty person, even if usually amicable. So, silences she was definitely comfortable with. The streets of the human district of Sanctuary had no real plan. They were haphazard, winding this way and that, and sometimes ending up in a dead end. It was not how the town –– that they had re-inhabited –– originally was. However, over the centuries, it had become that way, and when they were settling in, it didn’t seem like much of an issue, so they didn’t spend their energies reworking on the streets when their energies could be put to use somewhere better.

“That’s good,” she replied with a nod, giving the Wicked a smile and continuing their walk. A little boy was playing with a round stone, near the door of one of the houses they were crossing, who greeted Ayanna with a cheerful smile. “Hello, Tippy. That is a very pretty stone you have there! Say hello to your papa from me,” the Keeper replied to him brightly, as they passed him, with an affectionate ruffle to his unruly red hair. Hearing the question, she turned her attention back to her supernatural companion, with brows slightly raised. “I... am the Keeper. I manage the affairs of this town. I am responsible for the welfare, progress and safety of all the humans in Sanctuary."