purity & peace

Eleanor Throne twenty seven, UN Ambassador Angelic messenger & archangel of the light

[theangel-maeveaukland]

This was like one of her nightmares coming true. Except it had been Laney who had been taken into the darkness instead of her. The Reaper was playing a dangerous game by taking her but he was still the one winning, pushing all of them around like pawns that he had complete control over, ruling them all with their fear. Maeve could not help the shaking of her hands and out of an emotion that she couldn’t really place, fear and a need for security, she grabbed onto Ellie’s hands. It only helped the shaking a little. But Ellie would solve this. She always did, both her and Roan. “I’m sure Lincoln will tear the city apart until he finds her.” Surely her bondmate would stop at nothing.

[elliethrone]

Ellie could sense that the shaking of Maeve’s hands was only an outer manifestation of how she felt within, reflected within Ellie herself. None the less, putting Maeve’s needs before her own, she squeezed back, hoping that her touch could bring some relief and perhaps a little peace to the blue blood. They all needed it. But if a healer, someone who could put the broken back together was worried, then surely it showed how desperate times and measures had come to. “I have a feeling he will.” Ellie replied, trying to let a small smile grow on her lips. The reaper was playing a game with them all, Lincoln more than everyone else. Ellie could hardly wonder how she would react if it had been Roan who was taken. She would have ripped the reaper limb from limb, giving her own life in the process. “One of us will find her.”

[rhysxaldicott-deactivated201607]

There’s something about the politeness ever present from her that has always set Rhys’ teeth on edge. Failure. It’s a distinct sense of failure that curdles his stomach and leadens his limbs. You’d think he’d be used to it by now, but no, he’s not. It still stiffens his bones, grinds his teeth at the ease that which she portrayed so impeccably. Though, truly, what else could he expect from the uncorrupted, from one which God bestowed gifts that hadn’t automatically placed a person in the shadows, under the rays of darkness. She was unblemished and he       he displayed the stains of transgressions. 

Clenching his fists, he mentally counted       one, two, three       until releasing his hands and letting out a huff of held breath. Just another day, he prompted, reminding himself of what he could tolerate. She was only another of his kind, one that he did not have to overexert in false modesty, even if she was above them all. 

“Right.” He nodded, eyebrows scrunching inward as his lips protruded out. “Our leaders mental state is inimitably fine. And Aamon doesn’t have any desire whatsoever to become Regis.” Scoffing, he was rewarded with a reminder of how doltish his kind could be. They all believe in something, in someone, and the payment of that devotion was ignorance. Blindly defending the actions of the person or materialistic item for the sake of holding onto something, to keep them afloat while the Earth drowned. 

[elliethrone]

Ellie tried not to think badly of any of her species - ever, even if the temptation to was always there. She tried to believe in their goodness, in the potential they could hold as people, but at times, it became taxing - forcing her to flood her mind with good and pure memories, tales of a better time. This moment was one of those as she struggled to reconcile the words that were leaving Rhys’s mouth with the potential for light she saw within. Perhaps it was better just not to think about it, to accept the situation as it was - but she refused to allow herself to be dragged into that negative frame of mind. Light was always the strongest force on earth. It was the tool of God, how he had wielded the archangels, the mightiest of them all, to which she belonged. Relying on him for strength, she turned towards the man in front of her, formulating a reply within her mind.

“I assure you, Roan is fine.” As well as he could be considering the circumstances in which he found himself in. She doubted anyone else would hold up as well under pressure, that if they cared as much as Roan did, they too would find themselves having trouble sleeping at night, or pondering the future of their species. She too found herself doing the same, wondering what might happen to them all next, if they would survive this without any more casualties. Somehow, she doubted that was possible, but continue to hope in the best. What other option did she have? Yes, it only served to increase the pressure and burden on her shoulders, but it was pain she was willing to endure for her own. “I only hope Aamon realises that there are bigger concerns at play.”

[theangel-maeveaukland]

Maeve’s attention was diverted from the crowd when the video screens started to play. She then watched the video of Laney being slowly tortured in horror and as the humans around her soaked it in like it was the next big thriller. They had no idea and she could not blame them. Ignorance truly was bliss. At least for now there was no panic though Maeve felt her stomach start to tighten in fear. Now her and Laney had never never been close, never being anything remotely resembling friends but she would never wish what was happening to her right now onto anyone. She hadn’t even known that she was missing. Had any of them? How long had Laney been gone for, tortured by the Reaper? It made Maeve sick to the stomach to think about.

Her heart pounded widely in her chest as her frantic gaze searched among the crowd for a familiar face. And then a rush of relief came through her when she saw someone and not just anyone. Gabrielle. She could do something right? “No I haven’t I’m sorry,” Maeve gasped as she looked up at Ellie. “Laney…”

[elliethrone]

Her hopes were dashed and her heart shattered as Maeve confessed she had not caught sight of her bondmate. Ellie told herself that all was fine, that nothing was amiss. He, like her, had to have seen what was happened - he was contacting Axel, organising a search, making sure they did everything possible within these next two days to locate her. This would not be the end of Laney...it couldn’t be. She was too strong, too vibrant not to survive this. And had too many more cycles to live. “She’ll be okay.” Ellie said, hoping there was more conviction in her voice than she felt within. She had to persuade her people that everything would solve itself, that they could outsmart and defeat this reaper - prove that the vampyres were still a force to be reckoned with. “Roan will be searching for her.” She continued confidently. “We will have her returned.”

[evanxmirallegro-blog-blog]

Evan thought about the word forgiveness. He didn’t forgive. He didn’t forget either. That’s just who he was. Evan hadn’t forgiven anyone for a long time. Mistakes cost, he knew they did. Just what they cost, well, that depended on certain things, but they cost something. If he didn’t forgive Briar for anything, he wasn’t about to forgive anyone. That wasn’t the type of person he was. He just smiled at Ellie, knowing that she probably knew that he was not the forgiving type. 

He wondered what was on her mind. Was she thinking about all the mess that had been going on. The Reaper… and the deaths. And what was to come? Or was she trying to have a good evening? She was probably thinking of both, he probably thought, of course, he knew that she wanted to believe that nothing was going on. Evan felt like he should know more. Like he was out of the loop on what was going on. 

He nodded at her statement. Evan knew that it was completely true. Part of him wondered if she wanted what he forced himself to do. If peace and quiet was something that everyone wanted. Or if perhaps being isolated was just his was of keeping himself sane. “That is true,” he smiled. “I hope it lasts too,” he agreed with her second statement. “Have you done much here?” Evan questioned. “I actually don’t have another set. I just wanted to use the time to practice a bit, but it was not anything serious.”

[elliethrone]

To Gabrielle, forgiveness meant everything. It was part of everyones cycle, regardless of species, to seek and to grant forgiveness at one time or another. She was sure that soon their creator would forgive them - or grant that blessing to the good, the ones who had remained pure of heart and obtained redemption for their sins. She hoped she could count herself among the light, that she had not fallen prey to the darkness carved in their nature, that she remained as their Lord had intended her to be - wholesome, a bringer of light, the definition of grace. What would he see when he saw Evan? A loner who purposely isolated himself? Or a man of talent and skill who used his gifts to shape society? Her heart hoped it would be the latter. 

“Only just arrived actually.” She shrugged, smiling lightly at the vampyre. Tradition was something she and Michael always followed when they attended this, from the years of its creation. It reminded her of the frost fairs they had on the Thames during the Little Ice Age. Simpler times, perhaps better times - with less sorrow and more happiness. “Maybe you could give me a tip or two of what to expect.” She was sure it would be changed, caution had been warned widely, with so many expecting tragedy to strike. Please be wrong, she longed desperately. Let us have a little slice of happiness. “Still, this is a pretty big event.”

[purestmichael]

Roan smiled at her laughter, smiled at their intimate moment. Michael fell from Heaven with her to live an eternity of these moments, and yet darkness and loss and trial so frequently interrupted their time together. “I’m always lucky you’re there.” Roan replied softly, his arms wrapping around her waist to pull her in and pressing his kips to her shoulder. This was what they deserved: a senseless happiness. They had selflessly fallen from Heaven (at Gabrielle’s prompting), to be granted the responsibility of leading home their fallen brothers and sisters which turned to burden as cycle by cycle, they failed. He pulled away slightly, his arms not loosening, to look at her playfully, still smiling. “Have I ever, in however many years, failed to show you a good time? When I’m supposed to.” Other than the 400 Ball, he wanted to tack on the end. A night jovial in the past, turned into a horror that apparently still haunted Lincoln. They had a love that many blue bloods both admired and detested, that much he knew. Those who had lost their own bonded abhorred their gentle touches, the secret stories and emotions and understanding that they shared simply by being who they are. And with every passing cycle, Roan became even more assured that one day Gabrielle would be taken from him and thrown into the abyss where he imagined all lost fallen angels live out eternity.

He brought one of her hands down from around his neck and took it in his own with a light squeeze. “Ring toss? I really feel like now that I’m 30 that this year’s going to be my year.” For longer than Roan knew that he was a stagnant leader of an ancient species, he’d been trying to beat the ring toss, and every year at least one of the three rings doesn’t make it over the stick (though usually two or three didn’t make it), and every year Ellie has to hear about how sure he is that the game is rigged, of his delusions of grandeur concerning the trick… their first carnival together he’d told her he’d win her a plush teddy. But he’d not managed it, and now ten years later he’s not sure that he wants to give her whatever stuffed animal it is he one day wins. 

“Unless you want to get a drink on the way? Hydrate up, maybe a bit of alcohol would improve my ability to beat their crooked odds, who knows.” Roan began to walk, his hand still clasping Ellie’s, and he couldn’t help but smile. If their first few hundred years hadn’t been ruled so heavily by advisors more of their lives on earth could have been like this moment. 

[elliethrone]

“I’d say you failed pretty badly when you kept staring at me after you remembered and I stormed up to you and told you to leave me alone. Although, in your defence, I wasn’t myself.” The memories of innocent times were still enough to draw out a smile. When her biggest problem had been passing exams and whether she would be made head girl (naturally, she was, it wasn’t as if they could refuse that title to the Queen of the blue bloods). Roan had been there too. Older than her, he was the guy who every girl pined over and longed for. The talk of the school was often what Roan would be doing, before Lincoln stole the hearts of many. Ellie had never seen the fascination, often rolling her eyes at the way he did everything. And then came the time when he appeared to lose interests in all other girls except she. Without consideration for his feelings, she had told him she was never going to date him. How she came to regret those feelings less than two years later when it was her own turn to remember the truth. What she wouldn’t give to be sixteen again.

“Nah. Thirty means you’re getting old. You’ll lose all your good looks.” Ellie teased, her bondmate being the only one who knew how to draw out her playful side, the side that wasn’t covered by a sunken depression, who could focus on nothing but sin, misery and misfortune. In essence, it was an act. She was only pretending to be this girl. Her heart was still breaking, her body torn in every direction as she attempted to save the masses - and failed. But if he couldn’t see her hurt, then she knew her ruse was working. She knew she could continue it for every cycle to come, until her end or the redemption of them all. There were no prizes for guessing which one would come sooner. “And I’ll have to wait another cycle to get my plushie.” Part of her was tempted to add a jest on the end, to tease him that she would find another to win it for her, but she stopped. It was dangerous to joke about her leaving around him. There was no letting each other go.

“I don’t think drunk you will have any better chance at winning.” She laughed, bumping against him as she squeezed his hand, their steps in unison. “Tell you what, I’ll buy you one in consolation.” She said with a smile, gesturing at the ring toss in front of them.

[briarbramblerose]

Briar smiled with a casual, confident mien that was entirely put-on. It was easy and effortless. “One can only hope,” Briar said. She was charmed by the sentiment, though she didn’t believe it for a second. It wasn’t that she thought Eleanor was lying to her; Briar didn’t doubt the depth of her sincerity. But Gabrielle, though well-loved and highly respected, wasn’t the Coven’s ultimate authority, and Calixte had no reason to believe the Clave would endanger their own for her sake. It was a simple cost-benefit analysis, and Calixte wouldn’t fault them for it.

Calixte kept these thoughts to herself. She wouldn’t openly contradict  Gabrielle, who wanted to believe the best of everyone. It wasn’t likely they would come to an agreement.

“Don’t worry about me,” she said, lightly touching Ellie’s hand. Gabrielle had more important things to occupy her time. “I have no fear of him,” she continued boldly, “nor of death.” Calixte held the same darkness within her now as she had at the dawning of time, but she had learned to use it rather than be used up by it. She was not valiant, perhaps, but dauntless, unflinching. “Come what may. I’ve made my vows; I intend to keep them.” This time, she added silently.  Words were worth little - and her words were worth nothing to those who knew her - but Calixte hoped she’d left Gabrielle with a favorable impression.

Briar stood and smoothed the skirt of her dress. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go track down Evan. I hate to leave you like this, but I can’t get him on the phone.” Despite her outward implacable calm, Briar had been badly shaken. She wouldn’t be able to relax until she saw that her bondmate was unharmed.

[elliethrone]

Ellie let her words hang, resting as they settled between the pair. She could see Calixte was doubtful, although concealing it well. She meant every word - and she was sure Roan would never refuse a request of hers. The respect they held for each other was too strong - or so she hoped. She had never been given cause to doubt it, anyway. And in these times, the strength of the bonds between them all needed to be forged from iron to prevent collapse. Could she say that for every relationship within the fabric of their community? No. Peace had allowed their members to drift away, some into solitude and isolation, others onto a path of sin - which had ultimately led to their own destruction, she suspected others had secrets still concealed. The last time they had been strong was in Roanoke, when tragedy forced them to bing together. 

“Then you are extremely brave.” Ellie was not sure if she feared the reaper or not - she knew she was supposed to. It was the logical thing to believe. She knew she was afraid of the toll he might take on her people, on Michael - the one she held dearest in her heart - but upon herself? She had already strained herself until she tore at the seams, spread herself so thin that she might fade away the next day...there was no punishment he could inflict upon her that would hurt more than the burden she had braved for five thousand years. No. There was only one person in existence who struck fear into her heart. He was the same person who she pledged her love to in every cycle. When Calixte told her she intended to keep her vows, Gabrielle saw the truth in her eyes and heard it in her voice. She believed her. She had been faced with her test - and passed. All that Gabrielle could see was raw strength, a force to be reckoned with.

They would need that in the days to come.

Nodding at her words, Ellie flashed a final smile at her, hoping that Calixte felt the same way she did - that their interaction had been positive, a step in the right direction as far as trust went. “Don’t worry about me. Go and find him.” 

[vivaciousrobicheux]

Victoire enjoyed her job most the time, this past month had been the least enjoyable she’d had in quite some time. But then again she didn’t think anyone in the Blue Blood community had enjoyed the past few weeks. And if they had then they weren’t Blue Blood at all, instead something much darker and evil. As both Blue Bloods and Angels they had all done unspeakable things in the name of war, they had fought against brother and sister, killed in the name of their Father and sacrificed themselves in the name of another. None of them were completely innocent, except for maybe the Angel that stood before her now and her bondmate, but they certainly didn’t deserve what they were being forced to witness and endure. 

So Victoire couldn’t help but silently and not so silently agree with Ellie, she did deserve a break; she needed a break from it all. She assumed that Axel had been busy with everything recently too, but she hadn’t taken the time to ask him - she hadn’t really asked him much of anything the last time she had seen him. Self absorbed. That’s what she was. But she didn’t care. “It cannot be helped.” She sympathized with Ellie. “It is not the Clave’s fault. Nor your own. Everyone must do their part during times of crisis and disaster; I … we’re just doing out part and gladly.” 

There is was, the truth - or perhaps just a fraction of it, for Agares wondered if there was much more that the Queen hid from her, though such was her right. Even if Vic felt otherwise. It confirmed Vic’s original thoughts, that Ellie felt the same way she did - or similar at least. There was a feeling in the air, and her stomach, that gave her the impresion that something was going to happened soon. Very soon. Vi nodded in understanding. “And that’s where me and you differ, you stay sober to deal with the problems and right now I am drinking to avoid them.” 

[elliethrone]

“I am glad to know that you can still be counted upon in these hard times.” Ellie spoke nothing but the truth. In order to stand united, to band together, their community needed rocks to look up to, for examples to be set. She and Michael were one - although had there ever been a time in peace or in war where they weren’t? Axel and Victoire were another. Both high ranking members with a stake in politics, their support would be relied upon more and more in the coming days, or so she believed. If only Ellie had known the division that ran between the couple, perhaps then she would have been less willing to trust. But where others saw darkness, she could only see light. Sometimes it blinded her, even if her intentions were the purest. 

“No one is to blame for this.” No one but the reaper - but that explanation did not settle easy upon some, she knew. Even the humans could sense something was amiss - Ellie had spent many hours soothing the other representatives from around the world and their newly elected Conservative Government that the situation could be brought under control, secretly trying to warn them all to stay away. It was forbidden for one to have a stake in Politics - the election had passed Ellie by with little remarks - but she would be damned if she let them through more human lives away through their actions. Even humans had the right to survive the aftermath of the looming battle Ellie could be sure was coming.

“Maybe I’ll indulge in one later.” Only if nothing happened, which she highly doubted, the reaper had always been one with a flare for dramatics. And this? So many blue bloods and humans alike coming together? This was a feast for him - he would be unable to resist the temptation of ruining more lives. Inevitable, if you asked her. “Is there anything I can help with? I’m here for you to unburden upon.” She offered.

[briarbramblerose]

“How awful. Poor Azrael,” Calixte murmured. She’d never found Laney pleasant or agreeable - Azrael treated her with open antagonism and Calixte returned it in kind - but Briar understood her importance to the Clave. Abaddon and Azrael were the darlings of the Blue Bloods. They were dark counterpoints to Michael and Gabrielle. Not Uncorrupted, not untarnished: the vampyres looked to the pair and saw theirselves. There was nothing docile or meek about the twin Angels of the Apocalypse, and this attack struck at the both of them.

It was a message: I am become Death; I have no equal among you. Look what I have done to even the most formidable of you.

The meaning was clear. Nothing and no one was beyond the Reaper’s grasp.

“Taking her was a gambit. He’ll unite the whole Coven against him,” Briar remarked. Of course, she reflected, that could be his game - to use the search for Laney as a misdirection, keeping the Blue Bloods occupied while he arranged pieces on the board. It was what Calixte would’ve done in his place. “Whatever he’s planning, he wasn’t forthcoming with me. I don’t know what he wanted - a pair of eyes inside the Coven, I expect,” she said. And if he couldn’t get it from her, it was possible he would approach someone else.

“I walked away, and he didn’t try to stop me. He didn’t so much as lay a hand on me. Maybe he wanted me to sound the alarm, or he’s saving my death for some public spectacle.” Briar didn’t know why he’d allowed her to walk away unscathed. 

Maybe she just wasn’t worth the effort. 

[elliethrone]

Gabrielle had to admit, the reaper was far more intelligent than they gave him credit for. He seemed to know everything before it had begun, their weaknesses, how they would react - where they would be hit hardest. Taking Azreal...it was risky as Calixte rightly pointed out. They would move heaven and hell to find her - she was too precious to lose. To her, they were all precious. But others...others would not share the same point of view. Gabrielle doubted people would be quite so keen to launch a rescue mission if the woman before her had been stolen. Grudges ran deep within the community, even those five thousand years old. “We’re strong when we’re together.” She remarked, more to herself than anyone else. 

Gabrielle wondered if the reaper saw them all on a chessboard - each one a player he needed to assemble and move into place. What was her role? Clearly, Calixte had been marked down as the traitor. A snake in their midst. One to report, spy, to turn to darkness. Her refusal reminded Gabrielle of the very reason she had torn off her wings and fallen to earth - to save her species. To help them lead a better existence, to choose the path of the light and one that would eventually lead to salvation, rather than eternal damnation. Calixte had played with the fire thousands of years ago, perhaps she recognised its danger. Either way, her honesty and her choice touched Gabrielle in a way Calixte would never fully realise the extent of. It proved Gabrielle had been right. All those cycles ago, while people whispered she should be cast out or had her blood burnt, she had refused. Her faith was well founded.

“I’m not sure if I want to know what’s coming next.” She admitted, even if that option had been available to her. What could be worse than the innocent slaughter of blood - both blue and red - and the kidnap of one of the highest ranking members of their community? She dare not even consider the possibilities. Glancing over the sweeping blonde to ensure that Briar was fine and was not concealing any hidden injury, she concluded that she was telling the truth. “I don’t think he wants to kill you. He would have done it then. He doesn’t need publicity - not after what he did today.” That was as far as she could conclude, anyway. “We wouldn’t let him, anyway.”

[helenofsteele]

She looked so– healthy.Beautiful and healthy, even better than the pictures would have suggested. Helen wasn’t intimidated easily, too headstrong for such a thing, but standing in front of a woman that wore her face better than she ever could, it was hard not to criticize oneself. Her eyes were so much more alight than hers was, she had a healthy glow, while Helen looked pale as a ghost. She understood nothing of this, and it was almost frightening, if Helen were scared of anything.

She let out a short laugh at the statement, weak shoulders rising and falling as she went, but hoping the woman wouldn’t take it as mocking, simply as– laughing at the situation they were in. Helen didn’t really know her, although she’d seen her before Eleanor had, she didn’t actually know her, no matter the resemblance. It didn’t help that this new experience resulted in Helen’s head to become more and more troubled, and her knees weak from the heat, but she kept on, still. “I think I would have remembered meeting you.” She shrugged in an “I know what you mean” sort of way, letting the woman know she’d remarked the resemblance as well. For once, Helen wasn’t sure of what to say.

[elliethrone]

Searching for an explanation for the phenomenon that stood before her, Ellie could only think of her creator. He had intended for this to happen, for them to meet. But why create a living doppelgänger? What was possibly to be gained from that? It was clear that this girl could not be ordinary. Ellie had lived for five thousand years, been a Queen in her own right, watched civilisations rise and fall, had watched humans as they stretched beyond single strip agriculture to placing on of their own on the moon. And yet, in that entire time, she had never met someone who resembled her quite as much as the person before her. And she didn’t even know her name.

Ellie couldn’t help but pick up on the fact that she seemed to be suffering from well, something. It was warm, but not warm enough to justify the struggle her body seemed to be under - knees shaking slightly. “Are you alright?” She found herself compelled to ask, instinct taking over a more logical course of action. Part of her wanted to run away, erase the image of this woman from her mind, but a stronger part of herself was drawn towards this stranger, wanting to understand who she was and learn her story. Biting down on her lip, Gabrielle figured she would be safe enough introducing herself. “I’m Ellie, by the way.”

[briarbramblerose]

Briar looked up and blinked, startled out of her thoughts by Gabrielle’s approach. “Oh, Ellie. Hello.” She smiled politely, though it began to slip into a frown as Briar processed what she’d heard. She noted Ellie’s solemn and consolatory tone; it was rare that others treated her with concern or offered her comfort - and rarer still that Briar was willing to accept it. “I’m sorry?” she said hesitantly, almost afraid to ask for further clarification. “I’m not sure what you mean. Find whom? Has something else happened?” Briar asked, though she knew without question that it had. 

Briar’s first thought was of Ivory. Would she be targeted because Briar had spurned the Reaper’s offer? Would he target Evan? Briar wasn’t prepared to leave it up to chance. The Reaper would not slip quietly into the night and give the Blue Bloods a reprieve. He was sure to be lurking in the shadows, observing his would-be victims and biding his time until he decided to act. No amount of bloodshed nor suffering would placate him; the Reaper would continue to kill until he was stopped.

“Gabrielle, the Reaper found me,” Calixte said plainly. She was known as a deceiver and seducer of men. As Briar Devereux, attorney-at-law, she traded on her ability to lie and manipulate, and she had gained a reputation as one of the most successful lawyers in London. Her kin mistrusted her for good reason, and they seldom took her at her word. But Calixte wanted there to be no doubt she spoke the truth now. “He appealed to me for help. I don’t think he expected me to say no.” In truth, Calixte had surprised even herself in her refusal. But once the question had been posed, she had made the only decision she could live with. “His sales pitch was rather lacking,“ she added dryly.

[elliethrone]

The words that she had chosen to reassure Briar only served to confused - Ellie could see that now. Which made her wonder, what had she been referring too? “Laney.” Ellie answered, exhaling with a sigh and the hopelessness of the situation. “The reaper sent us a rather graphical image.” She still felt sick inside thinking about it. “ He’s been torturing Laney. And he’s given us two days to find her...or, well, I don’t really want to think about what will happen once those two days are other.” She could imagine the end result: death. And that was simply a fate that the blue blood community, the clave and she would never accept. Laney deserved to live. “People are out scouring the city now.” She just hoped they wouldn’t reach her too late. Too many people would be hurt by this, she was such a central part of their community.

Ellie’s lips had been filled with questions of what had happened to her, until the blonde answered the unsaid question. From the moment she used her divine name instead of the one she went by in everyday life, Ellie knew the situation was dangerous. Sitting up straighter, she turned her body towards Briar, giving her full undivided attention - something, judging by her words, she deserved. But the words that came from her mouth, the tale she told, was not one she expected. “Help with what?” Ellie was caught between dying to know and wishing to distance herself from what ever atrocity the reaper wished to commit. But what could he possibly need Calixte’s help with? And how hard had it been for the lawyer to say no?

Gabrielle could still recall the early days upon earth, when the angels had scattered, some massing with Lucifer and others choosing the path of the light, to carve out a new society in a barren land. Calixte had not been one of them. Lucifer’s greatest supporter, Gabrielle had been shocked when she turned up on their doorstep, pledging her allegiance and swearing her loyalty lay with them. For Gabrielle, forgiveness had never been a choice - it was simply the only option, one she gave willingly, trusting Michael to be the caution out of the pair. But no one needed to have worried. Calixte had been true to every word she had spoken that day - never given reason to doubt her loyalty, even if she had become a perfect stranger to many over the years. “He didn’t hurt you did he?”

[vivaciousrobicheux]

Vic shifted her gaze from Ellie down to her cup, but then quickly brought it back up. She wasn’t ashamed of lying to the Queen, she had been for lifetimes now after all, and she had complete faith that her face was an expert at keeping itself in check by now. She didn’t need to hide. “No. Don’t be silly. We’ll find each other eventually, if he hasn’t stumbled across me in an hour or so I’ll ring him. We have all day.” She shrugged as if it was nothing, at to her it wasn’t. “He’s probably got caught up talking to someone himself.” Vic smiled, in a gesture to their conversation, feinting that it was important to her, that she was enjoying it - that she was happy. 

Anyone not paying attention would have missed the awkwardness behind the shrug, the controlled way her words were delivered and the tension in her body as she clearly dismissed the topic. It was more than obvious tat Ellie had ulterior motives for not drinking, and that something was bothering her. “What’s wrong?” Vic asked, turning her body to face to other as she rest both elbows on the small table to throw her best look of concern towards her friend. “And don’t lie to me, I know you better than that…” And she liked to think she did. 

[elliethrone]

Ellie saw no reason not to believe Victoire, not that she had even considered that her words could be anything than truthful. Not from someone who had dedicated so many of their lifetimes to helping their species, a loyal supporter of the clave - and someone she knew Roan trusted, which would always count for something. They wouldn’t spend so much time together if he did not feel she could be trusted. Nodding at Victoire’s words, Ellie sipped at her water. “Good. You two deserve to have a break for once. You’re always so busy. Although I will admit, mostly the fault of the clave for keeping you so busy.” Today was supposed to be a break - for everyone, which included two of the hardest working people there - and certainly two of the ones with the greatest responsibility. Both she and Roan had agreed they all deserved a break - including themselves.

Her first instinct was to lie, no matter how unsettling it felt to do so - especially to someone who she knew to be someone worth trusting. But there was too much, her shoulders were too burdened. It wasn’t just the events that transgressed over the past few months, but the life cycles before that - and how could that be explained? How could she possibly convey how exhausted she was? How hopeless she felt from time to time? How her ability to love and care was becoming her downfall. It was killing her. “I can’t get the feeling out of my head that something will happen.” It wasn’t a lie. Not really. “So I want to stay sober so that everyone else can have fun and drink. That way, at least they’ll be someone in a high position who can take control if things get out of control.”

[daisycallowys]

Gemma Arterton for Un-Titled Project

[evanxmirallegro-blog-blog]

He smiled lightly at her, feeling almost an uncomfortable feeling between them. Perhaps because he really didn’t want to be here, or talking to her. Evan nodded at her statement. “Forgive me then, Ellie.” They didn’t have many conversations, but Evan preferred it that way. He preferred to stay away from trouble, drama and the people that seemed to always be around the Blue Bloods. Granted he probably caused the problems and drama that he was thinking about with how he reacted around Briar, but still. Evan only cared that he didn’t have to deal with that many people on a daily basis. 

Despite never really getting to know Ellie, there was something that made him like her. Perhaps because she trusted him and maybe she shouldn’t, but it was probably because she was a kind and caring person. The exact sort of person he normally did not care about because he preferred people that he could not care less about hurting. 

“Oh, I did. I had a small set earlier today, but it was only a little one. Music is something I only practice when I have spare time, and I rarely ever have the time,” Evan said with a smile. In a past cycle, he had been a musician, but that felt like forever ago. “What about you? Just enjoying the weather?” He asked, pretending to care– that was something he was really good at. Evan smiled at Ellie. “It’s quite a busy day however, I wouldn’t be surprised if more people started to show up later.” Looking around at the park, he watched all the people that had shown up. He wondered about their problems, if they cared at all about them now, or if even when they were having a good time did their worries darken the light in their minds. Evan had no idea. His problems seemed miniscule compared to what was going on around his people now. He almost hoped that nothing bad would happen, but he doubted that was the case. Something was bound to happen here and he knew it.

 “It seems like a nice night though, perhaps it’ll stay that way.”

[elliethrone]

“Nothing to forgive.” The words slipped easily from her mouth - the same fated words she had spoken so many times throughout their turbulent history. In the beginning, all there had been was forgiveness - or at least, searching for it. They (but not she) had been cast from heaven and sought nothing more than redemption and a path back to heaven. Forgiveness had been a driving factor in their motivation to defeat Lucifer at Rome - but even that had not been enough, there were condemned to live out every life on earth. Over time, some had stopped looking for forgiveness, started to accept a new reality, to sin and to believe in flaws. And yet she still forgave, time and time again. Perhaps it was her gentle heart, or a type of weakness, unique to her. It was a rare occasion when Gabrielle did not forgive, when she sat judging on Fortis Valerius Incorruptus. Then they burnt.

Never a burden she carried with her lightly. But they all had their roles to play - that was hers, acting as God when she was not one. The power to decide who lived and who died was never one taken lightly. And a figure with a heart darker than she would surely use to their own advantage. And yet sometimes she craved the isolation Evan had carved out for himself over timeless cycles, each one distancing himself further until he became like a stranger. He flourished - she could still recall attending a set of his a lifetime or two ago, out of courtesy if nothing else. She had to bribe Roan to attend, force him to look like he was interested. It must be captivating, to be able to express everything in a way that was larger than words. “We’re all fated to live full lives, one way or another.” It was easy to nod at his question. “Enjoying the peace and quiet, while it lasts.” She wondered how he felt about, well, everything. “You should get a good appearance at your next set then?” She questioned lightly. “We can only hope.”

[rhysxaldicott-deactivated201607]

Throwing his cigarette onto the ground, crushing it under the weight of his boot, he exhales in relief. The festival, the park, all the decorations and refreshments were set up to enliven the crowds. Give peace to squelch the remaining enmity that had arose from such disastrous days prior to these. Rhys, on the other hand, never felt reassured until he threatened his own life by plucking a cig between his lips. A nasty habit, Faye had told him so continuously but he was indifferent, shrugging it off. If his lungs didn’t kill him, then it would be his own mishaps that did. His life was never coveted, but he would always have another cycle that his habits might not spark in. 

Turning, he decided to locate another bar stand, grab another beer before having to return to his own musical performances. Rhys had not made it two steps when a smaller frame crashing against his only to bounce away as quickly as it came. He blinked, once, and then let his eyes fall onto who had collided into him. “There is no reason to apologize,” the words are brittle, broken only by his uneasy laugh. What are the odds? He thinks on the little importance of his own life and then clashes with her, Ellie, beloved by all. “Might watch out next time.” He pauses, lips twitch. “Roan would go deranged if you were hurt      Well, even more so than he already has.” 

[elliethrone]

It was funny how easy a smile could turn to a frown, a laugh to the furrowing of eyebrows - which was exactly what Ellie was trying to suppress. At first, she had been genuinely pleased to see it was Rhys she had collided with - better him than a perfect stranger, she figured, even if he had been one to withdraw from the clave and their idealistic standards in recent years - until he had accused her bondmate, Roan, Michael, one of the uncorrupted as deranged.If Rhys had been toeing the line before (she could still smell the musky and cough inducing smell of cigarettes) then he had definitely crossed it on that occasion. Ellie did not give him the dignity of a quick reply, considering the words she might speak and standing up a little straighter, even if it was no match for his own height.

“I’ll try to keep my eyes facing straight ahead.” The uncorrupted angel replied cordially, keeping her tone straight, polite, but firm. There was no reason to start an argument where there was hardly cause for one, but the indifference and ignorance in his tone sparked anger within. Insults to her own person she could stand, even to the institution, rules and history that she represented. But the other half of her soul? It felt personal. “There’s no need to be concerned over our leaders state of mind. I can assure you, he’s perfectly fine.” In truth, she could see the point behind his words - there was no telling the lengths Roan would go to if something bad were ever to happen to her (there would be no stone left unturned in London if she had met the same fate as Laney) but that was a truth she would never admit.

[evanxmirallegro-blog-blog]

Social events were not something that Evan normally felt like he had to partake in. Sometimes he just liked to be around himself and no one else. Sometimes being around anyone, including Sienna was too much. Sometimes he just liked to think alone for a few moments and not care about anything other than his own worries and problems. Of course occasionally he had to leave his studio apartment, his studio in general and do something other than mope around. Lately Evan seemed to be avoiding everyone and everything altogether. The spring awakening was something that Evan was partially looking forward to. Even though he was not that big into music, he did manage to talk himself into a small two song performance earlier in the day of the festival. 

There was something about the spring air that made him feel a little better. He’d been avoiding everything about the world he was supposed to live in. There was too much drama, too many unanswered questions, and Evan was tired of having to think about them. This was fun, this was light hearted, and he needed this. Like Koji always reminded him, he needed to get out and have fun. (But one could argue that Evan did have fun, just not the sort of fun that normal people thought about.) Part of him wondered if he would run into any of the other Blue Bloods, and what he would say to them if he did run into them. He wasn’t really in the mood to have his ear talked off about the events that had happened in the past few months. 

Sighing he looked around, deciding to take his cello back to his apartment and then return to the festivities. Lost in a thought about a new watercolor he was starting next week, he didn’t think to watch where he was going. Before he knew it, he had run into someone. The apology was a voice he recognized: Ellie Thorne. He looked up, and smiled. “Oh, don’t worry about it. I completely was not paying attention to where I was walking. How are you doing this evening, Miss Thorne?” Evan knew he needed to be polite. 

[elliethrone]

“Oh no, please call me Ellie.” It was instinct that made those words leave her lips, instinct and hundreds of years. Back when Empires had been all the range and formalities were put in place, Ellie had hardly been able to escape official titles. Born into privilege and wealth with each cycle, Ellie was noble at countless times in her life - a Lady, Countess, Duchess...the list continued. At one point, she was even related to a string of the French royal family and was addressed as ‘Princess’. Luckily, tradition had fallen on hard times and since her last cycle, first names rather than surnames were commonly used - which suited her perfectly. It made her feel more down to earth, an equal. She could be Ellie, not Gabrielle, the archangel. Although that mark would brand her for life.

Meeting Evan’s eyes, she broke into a smile. While Evan was not one she could claim to know well, she held a place in her heart for every blue blood, especially one who had proven their loyalty from the beginning. Unlike his bondmate. Ellie wondered whether the tryst still separated the two or if there was hope for reconciliation. She would expect the first option but hope for the second. Happy endings were so hard to find in a world cruel as this, that a bondmate was one of the last remaining connections to heaven. It set them apart from humans, reminded them of who they truly were and their purpose in this world. That was her perception, although she supposed a loving relationship certainly helped her see things from that angle.

“I’m surprised you’re not taking part in this event.” Ellie began. From the little she knew about Evan in this cycle, she could recall that he was a patron of the arts - a great artist in so many aspects himself. A poet, perhaps? All the facts were so easily jumbled up in her mind, confused with five thousand years of history. It seemed though he was sticking to tradition. Thousands of years ago, their species had been the one to shape human civilisation. They designed great buildings, moulded sculptures, gave an ugly world its beauty back. And this time and place was one in dire need of the beauty of times past.

[briarbramblerose]

The Spring Awakening Festival at Hyde Park was an annual tradition. The outdoor carnival reminded Briar of the Feast of Fools and other medieval celebrations, feast Days that were sanctioned by the Crown to keep the the throng placated and to provide a reprieve to the otherwise miserable and difficult lives of the common laborers. It was a form of crowd control to keep the people from revolting.The Spring Awakening Festival was, in essence, a May Day celebration, repackaged and divorced from its pagan roots for the Brave New secular world. The spirit of the festival was to hail the dawning of a new season. It was a time for merriment and it represented an opportunity to mingle with the masses at an event the Coven was not responsible for overseeing. Many Blue Bloods were sure to be in attendance, and that was cause for concern.Briar was surprised the festival hadn’t been canceled outright given recent events, but she supposed it fulfilled the same function as the festivals of old. The city officials needed to appease the citizens of London and to give the people something to soothe the panic.Humans had such short memory for these things; little time had passed since the attacks that had gripped the city. In spite of the heightened security presence, Briar knew there would be little the police could do if the Reaper decided to stage another attack.Briar was still shaken from her encounter with the Reaper. She had regained her composure, though not her enthuisiasm for the festival. Ivory was here somewhere and so was Evan, and probably two dozen other Blue Bloods Briar could name off the top of her head. She’d already informed Roan of the possible danger, but she’d chosen not to leave. If something were to happen, perhaps she would be there to help.She seated herself on a bench in the rose garden and watched Red Bloods flit by her, laughing together and enjoying all the festival had to offer. “This wasn’t the kind of night I was hoping for,” Briar muttered to herself.

[elliethrone]

The trailer was still the topic of discussion for the vast majority of red bloods who spilled in and out of the festival, remarking on what a creative film maker the writer must be. Some tried to guess his identity. If only they knew the truth - then they would run. Run far enough away where the reaper couldn’t touch them - but was that even an option? Certainly not for species. Blue bloods were never scared into submission, even by the reaper itself. Even when perhaps it was the best course of action to take. But who said the suffering would ever end? Surely not until this beast was defeated. And there was not to even be talk of giving in until Laney was recovered. Not quite dead - but hovering on that line, Ellie could only hope Roan and the rest of the clave discovered her before it was too late. But London was a city growing larger by each day - and she could be anywhere. No. The reaper had probably placed her some place to spite the clave - perhaps a place they considered sacred, or thought safe, or even a space Lincoln and Laney had once shared. Find her, she prayed. 

As she reached the edge, the crowds began to filer out, humans drawn to where the action was happening, where the stalls and bars were the thickest. Perhaps they thought there was safety in numbers. Yet, as far as they were concerned, this event had gone off without a hitch. They knew nothing of the truth. Such blissful innocence was so hard to capture in this damned world. Ellie hated them for it. She was jealous of them for it, part of her wishing she could be in their shoes. Wasn’t the world so simple when you thought humans were the only species occupying it. But a simple life was not one she was ever fated to lead. No - she had been brought into the world time and time again in order to change it, to improve it, to carry out her creator’s work where he was absent. She was a messenger, but a messenger to whom? That was the underlying question. 

Spotting a distinctive blonde sat in isolation, Ellie couldn’t help but make her way towards her. Perhaps it would have been wiser to leave the event, to go home where she knew she was safer, but something impulsive kept her here. She wanted to be close to her people, even to the people that were not hers, in case tragedy might strike again. Surely the reaper wouldn’t let them leave until death had ensued? That was his purpose, his ultimate motive. Blood would spill. Sitting down beside Briar, Ellie couldn’t help but smile sympathetically, assuming she was talking about Laney. “Don’t worry, we’ll find her.” She promised, even if it was not one she knew whether she could keep. “Everything will be okay.” If she kept repeating those words, would she begin to believe them?

[vivaciousrobicheux]

Glancing up at the approaching voice, she recognized it before she even set her eyes upon the familiar face of Eleanor. A friend; for all sense and purpose. There was a look in her eyes that Vic knew all to well, forced happiness pushed upon features that were not used to lied they were being asked to portray. She however was now an expert at such things, and so spread an easy smile across her features as her Queen approached. “It would appear the luck is all mine, I have been lost here for hours. I always seem to forget how big this festival gets. So much for meeting Axel here - I’ll never find him.” She lied coolly, knowing full well they had made no plans to meet, nor that she waste her time hunting for him; if they were to find themselves in each others company at this event it would be because he was searching for her or by pure coincidence. 

Turning her attention to the drink Ellie carried she frowned, “Please tell me that not water?” She asked, shaking her head disapprovingly as she attempted to quickly change the subject. “All these bars stocked with almost every drink from around the world, and you’re drinking water? Ellie I’m disappointed!” She thought she understood the other womans logic though, and she wondered perhaps if she too had the same sinking feeling in her stomach as Agares had.

[elliethrone]

There was no doubting Victoire was a dear friend to the clave - to their whole society. And Ellie knew Roan held her talents and dedication in high esteem, finding her the best to work alongside with. Those two appeared to be genuine friends. Yet, Ellie could find it within herself to consider that something was a little odd - perhaps amiss. Or perhaps she was looking for flaws where they were none, cracks when the object was whole. Too used to fragility, she told herself, to people flaunting the rules and betraying their own. Everything is what it looks like at face value. Perhaps if she told herself that enough times, it would become true. One could only hope. 

“You could try phoning him?” Ellie suggested. “I don’t want to intrude on you two - if you planned anything.” She had been meaning to say date - but the word sounded so odd. They weren’t lovers sneaking out to see each other, but weathered partners who stood testament to five thousand years of history. Ellie swallowed uncomfortably, not wishing to lie about why she had chosen to stay sober, but at the same time, unwilling to admit the full extent her worrying transgressed. “The night’s young.” She replied carefully, a casual shrug thrown in.