caveat emptor.

Alexander|Vampire|Psychopath “I’ve been trying to tell you something, but you never understand. I feel like we’ve been going around in circles. You look at me like I’ve become a stranger on the street, a skeleton that’s hiding in your closet. I see you next to me but still you feel so far away. Where did we go wrong? I guess this is a part where you look at me and say ‘goodbye’. I’ve been around the world and I have seen so many things, I can’t even tell you where I’m going. But no matter where I’m heading and no matter what I do, I see you next to me. What can I do when you’re gone? When it feels so wrong? What can I say to make you wanna stay? So what can I do, don’t leave me this way. ‘Cause it feels so wrong, stop all these games because I just can’t say goodbye.”

[aviciousantique]

[aviciousantique]

Scene of the crime | Daniel & Alexander

He remembered her here in the lobby of the C S Hotel, light as a bird in the duffel he had brought her in. He remembered the way her blood had tasted, too, but above all, he remembered that he had known, even then, that consequence must follow for his clandestine evening with Charlotte. A cocky Kromer seemed as likely a consequence as any. Had he been anywhere but Camden he would have stalked the hunter for a time and destroyed him, but in this town, up was down, and the Kromer would have his own consequences to deal with if he killed a vampire. Here in Camden, where strange compounded strange, and all the supernatural creatures and their antitheses lived shoulder to shoulder, a centuries old vampire and hunter with vengeance on his mind could actually sit down and chat, like businessmen negotiating a deal. Being a creature of blood and death himself, he found the situation he had instigated faintly nauseating, though he was sure it would be amusing.

It wasn't the same room he had left Charlotte in. He would have enjoyed the symmetry, but it would have been too small for the potential altercation, and too intimate for the outcome he was after. He had reserved the suite instead, with its sitting area and meagre kitchenette. Though it was late for tea, he brewed a pot, and that was symmetry enough indeed.

At that moment, he was certain that Violet was finding Charlotte. He had instructed Violet to to have a conversation with the woman until his meeting with Daniel had completed. If she didn't hear from him by dawn she was to kill Charlotte (a fail-safe he was sure would prove unnecessary). He wondered what mask his little liar would choose to meet the woman who might one day replace her.  He might enjoy watching that as much as his repartee with the Kromer.

When the water was done he watched the tight curls of oolong blossom into leaves, and, his eyes on the door, poured the fragrant liquid into two cups. Charlotte had refused tea from these very cups, he wondered if the Kromer would do the same.

[aviciousantique]

Hm.

[s-aiden]

You think you’re much funnier than you actually are, Lamkin.

Maybe it never left. 

Oh, it is. We need a third person for our halloween costume. I can’t imagine you’ve ever not taken yourself seriously. But that’s what it’s worth. We’ll trade, alright Captain?

[aviciousantique]

I don't need your validation to amuse myself, Scarlett.

Prove it.

You want me to humiliate myself, and my recompense is your permission to give you a gift? Absolutely not. You and I, alone. Dinner and the opera. The way it was intended.

[aviciousantique]

Hm.

[s-aiden]

I haven’t. But you don’t have to know that. 

Wow, I leave for a few weeks and you’re a new man! Clarity? What is it that I’ve been unclear about? 

It’s never worked like that before, but whatever, I can’t run. I’ll let you give me a present if you settle a dilemma myself and Steph are having. 

[aviciousantique]

Well, you mustn't be ashamed about preferring the companionship of children. I'm sure you have much in common.

For a moment, in spite of, or perhaps because of your distress, you showed a glimmer of clarity regarding your nature. I wish it would return.

No, you can't run at all. Let me. I'm honoured. Although I'm certain it's suicidal to get between you in Steph, I shall do my best to help you.

[aviciousantique]

Hm.

[funandgamesfalstead]

Wha— Oh. I apologise. Now that you mention it, that is true.

I know it isn’t. And I’m surprised how many people don’t see it for what it is. 

You never will, because I don’t threaten, I don’t argue and I don’t make enemies. I’m an imp. My talents lie elsewhere. 

[aviciousantique]

I'm certain they don't want to see it for what it is. I, on the other hand prefer you this way. Better an imp than a fool.

And I'm sure business is 'booming'?

[aviciousantique]

The cartouche | Isis & Alexander

[isis-khalid-deactivated20140120]

The minute Alexander had said she was familiar, Isis had racked her brain to put a name to the vampire in front of her. It had been a welcomed change that he actually recognized her from the bust she was oh so fond of. If anything, Isis knew she didn’t look exactly like it, since her true form was something she kept to herself. But the face she had now modeled and resembled the bust as well, and Alexander had just been one of those who actually admired it. She had dressed in just a simple white dress, something elegant and familiar as she placed one of her few kept jewelry pieces from her era. It wasn’t often that she got to enjoy someone’s company who probably knew more about herself than she did. Isis glanced over at her bag, sitting by the front door and carrying her most prized possession. There had only been three other people in this time that had actually gotten to look at it, but Alexander had a way with words, and if Isis wasn’t already damned, she’d sure as hell be under that vampire’s spell any day.

The woman picked up her bag, heading down to the shop that was owned by Alexander. She had a couple things for him, not wanting to tear away anything he held dear. And that was flattering enough that he’d want to give it to her. Though she knew how society had been completely enamored with her civilization, and she couldn’t blame them. Her country had been the powerhouse, the one that ruled them all. Shaking her thoughts, Isis stopped when she reached the shop, looking in the window for a brief moment. The things he had collected over the years were gorgeous, she’d admit that. As someone who had lived through most of the ancient civilizations, she knew how to appreciate them. Pushing the door open, Isis glanced around once more for Alexander. She bit her bottom lip briefly, admiring the cameos that had been placed meticulously around the store. “Alexander, you have got some fine treasures, don’t ya?” she said that mainly to herself, though if Alexander had been anywhere near her, she knows he’d have heard it.

"I have to admit, I’m pretty damn impressed," the smile on her face was genuine, and she had always prided herself on being proud and knowing not to take things by face value alone, but the store was something she was interested in, and having someone to talk with was just the icing on the cake. "I’m glad this little thing was arranged. I’d hate to miss out on talking to someone who actually had a clue for once in his life." She kept her tone light, heading towards the vampire and looking at the wooden lamb, "Who knew that a vampire would immerse himself in a bunch of old stuff," Isis wrinkled her nose, only teasing in the slightest manner. "So are you more into foreplay or do you like to get right to the point?"

[aviciousantique]

He inhaled as she entered the office; a reflex, typically he would examine the elaborate collage of scents a woman effused -- perfume, hormones, desperation, blood, fear-- and leverage the knowledge to his advantage. Here it felt suddenly too intimate; immediately following the inhalation he brought the Champagne to his nostrils, letting it burn the secrets of her scent away.

She was a mystery indeed. It was clear that she had sculpted herself, both in physique and persona over the centuries, but unlike the little masks the rabble wore, hers was clearly crafted and significantly less obvious than "virgin" or "whore". In his own life, he had realized that there were only two states of being: affectation and carelessness. Affectation was an art, a pure and sincere form of expression. It took him time and effort to build the charm that trapped his favorite kind of victim. She, too, must have a favorite kind of soul, and in some way or another her appearance and manner reflected it.

He gave a self-satisfied smile as she admired the display, only moderating it slightly as she approached.

"I had hoped you would share my interest in a quality bas-relief," he watched her as she glanced at the wooden lamb. In truth he didn't care for keepsakes from his past. If he tried to remember everything and every moment of his life with one trinket or another he would be buried in them by now. Nevertheless, there was the lamb, and he liked the idea that he could commodify the thing he had the most of: time.

He resisted the urge to make a joke -- leave it to a succubus to think of every interaction in terms of sex-- it felt petty, and for once he was as hungry for knowledge as he typically was for pain.

"Shall we mix the two?" he proffered one of the glasses with one hand while touching the box holding the cartouche in the other, "I've always found that an exchange proceeds more smoothly when lubricated with alcohol and good conversation."

He opened the box, the cartouche, small but gleaming, revealed. His smile mirrored its effulgence.

"How are you finding Camden?"

[aviciousantique]

Hm.

[s-aiden]

I told you, I have a new theatre buddy. 

You asked, I answered. So let’s not pretend the whole conversation wasn’t orchestrated so such a statement, like you’ve just made, could be used against me. 

Ugh, I hate you. I don’t want you to buy, steal or kill anything for my birthday! It’s just another day, nothing special.

[aviciousantique]

Oh do you? Have you found a man over the age of five with a penchant for musicals?

I have no intention of holding your little episode against you.  If anything, I'd prefer that you showed some part of the clarity you demonstrated then.

If you didn't want a gift, you shouldn't have given me your address. There are some things even you can't run from.

[benjamincorbett]

Hello Camden.

[benjamincorbett]

Yes?

[aviciousantique]

Camden is certain to disappoint or exhaust you. In all probability, it will do both. Why did you leave?

[aviciousantique]

Hm.

[daddy-come-home]

That is…oddly insightful and kinda creepy….I like you. 

It’s fine, man. We all get like that sometimes. I mean, it was just yesterday that I poured salt in like six peoples coffees because they were being asses. Their reactions were priceless.

[aviciousantique]

'Creepy' defines my oeuvre. I'm flattered.

They're lucky. I'd be more inclined to adulterate their coffee with ground glass.

[benjamincorbett]

Hello Camden.

It feels so good to be back!

[aviciousantique]

Wait.

[aviciousantique]

Hm.

[daddy-come-home]

Is it the fact that for once not everyone in this town is either drunk or stoned out of their minds?

[aviciousantique]

It's a shame, really, that existence is so utterly painful for so many that it must be viewed through a haze. If they had any idea of its value or its brevity, they would horde every moment of clarity and stick themselves with pins to stay awake.

Forgive me -- I'm in a ghoulish mood.

[aviciousantique]

Hm.

[dontcallmestephanie-blog]

I take it that your vampy senses are tingling? 

[aviciousantique]

Perhaps it was just my premonition of you, Steph. A pleasure as always.

[aviciousantique]

Hm.

[funandgamesfalstead]

Is that a threat? “You will come and go like my facial hair”? That’s… original. No, really, I’ve heard so many, but never that. I have no idea where you come up with these.

[aviciousantique]

A shave. You could use a shave as well. I'm sure your Tom O'Bedlam routine endears you to many, but it isn't necessary here.

If I ever find you worth threatening, you won't have to ask.

[aviciousantique]

Hm.

[adayum-mernick-deactivated20131]

Oh good. You’ve got two things right. I think you’re the first to ever actually recognize me as Adam besides my siblings.

[aviciousantique]

Your voice lacked his subtle menace. I once made the mistake of taking a gustatory interest in one of his shop girls. Not something I care to repeat.

[aviciousantique]

Hm.

[s-aiden]

You get what you get. But like I said, I always meet quota. Your doubt is heartwarming though and so out of character.

Are you going to copy everything I say?

There are no costumes, anywhere. It’s a shame, because I really wanted to spend my night dressed as a virgin. I guess I could just dress as you instead? 

[aviciousantique]

I don't doubt that you can make quota. It's just a pity I haven't seen you enjoy anything more substantial than an usher.

Thank you. I do prefer your open hostility to your whining about what a terrible daughter you were.

If you want me to buy you quality clothing for your birthday, Scarlett, all you have to do is ask. I had something else in mind, but that's much simpler.

[aviciousantique]

Hm.

[nick-brewster]

I always try. 

If I had some good spirits, they’d be even better.

[aviciousantique]

Of course you do.

Is that a request?

[aviciousantique]

Hm.

[adayum-mernick-deactivated20131]

You realized how incredibly attracted to me you are?

[aviciousantique]

Oh, I've always known that.

You seem a little jovial to be Arthur. Adam, I presume?