PUPPET MASTER

Lian Koeman Dark Witch / Hostess at Ware 207 years old

[elio-del-vecchio]

"Oh, well that's easily remedied," Elio responded, pleasantly surprised by the witch's forwardness. He gave her a curious glance, one eyebrow arched as he asked, "What's your usual?"

[liankoeman]

Lian wondered which part the deity planned on remedying. A drink was a good start. "Champagne normally but for a Wine Festival, my pick would be a Merlot," she answered. Their eyes fell to the drink in the deities hand and nodded towards it. "Mead. That's a curious choice. Is it the drink of the gods?"

[howellmaxen]

The voice was calm for someone who thought they needed stitches. Admittedly patients came with a variety of ailments paired with an extraordinary range of emotions that they projected. A gash that hadn’t hit anything major with such a demeanor wasn’t unheard of, but he’d want to check her medication list to make sure she wasn’t on anything that would make her placid in the face of injury. Of course she could be on medication that she wasn’t subscribed but he’d do a vitals check and have a conversation with Ms…Koeman, the clipboard read. Lian Koeman.

“Stitches, let me be the judge, but I promise if it comes to it I’ll make the stitches seamless.” Over the years the doctor had kept abreast of his stitching techniques and ability to draw blood as not to incur the unrelenting mockery of the nursing staff. Nudging a stool close to bed with his feet, he made light footwork with getting the table over that way to. 

“Now let’s see.” Gloved hands gently took her arm pulling back the scarf, noting it looked deep enough to bleed and clean enough to be almost intentional. “Ms. Koeman, now this does look like it needs stitches, but let’s clean it a bit. Why don’t you tell me how you got this while I clean you up?”

[liankoeman]

It wasn't the first time she had to use her blood for a spell or concoction. The sight of blood didn't worry her but when the bleeding hadn't stopped, she knew that she would need intervention. He seemed concerned by her demeanour but Lian thought he might be glad that she wasn't in hysterics over a cut. The cut still looked deep when the scarf was removed and she sighed. "Stitches," she complained.

"It was just a silly accident while cooking. My cat got under my feet and scared me," the witch answered, keeping her tone calm. The only creatures she had dealt with recently were the dead so there was plenty to be scared of. "I jumped and accidentally sliced into my arm." It had hurt at the time but after spending a few hours in the waiting room, she had gotten used to it.

Lian glanced down at it with a frown. Stitches might leave a mark on their skin, unlike the potions she normally took to heal herself. "This is going to sound incredibly vain of me, but I hope it won't leave a scar."

[nakatomi-ayumu]

"Not normally? So you're really never tried anything before?" Ayumu looked at Lian rather incredulously. It was not common for individuals in their line of work to be completely clean, after all. They observed Lian for a moment as if they were trying to assess them and the type of drug they might enjoy.

"You seem like the sort who would need some loosening up. In all the ways. So I think you'd really enjoy some MDMA," Ayumu winked and magically produced a pill with a smiley face stamped on it from their pocket, something they had snatched off one of the roving drug trays.

[liankoeman]

"I didn't say never but when I do, it comes in teas and potions. Not little pills," they answered. While some of their co-workers would prefer to be under the influence, Lian liked to maintain control so she didn't hurt someone with her magic.

Lian was not surprised by the spirit's choice but they were grateful it wasn't a hallucinogenic. Holding her hand out, she waited for the pill to be dropped in her palm. "And how long would this take to kick in?" she asked, knowing that Ayumu was likely an expert already. The witch inspected the little pill for a moment before she swallowed it down with a sip of wine. "I probably should have asked if I can drink with it," they mused, knowing it was too late now.

[elio-del-vecchio]

"You're curious... but nervous," Elio murmured aloud, leaning in towards the witch and smirking. He had always been bad about ignoring the itch to read someone's emotions, even if he was willing to avoid their thoughts. The mention of Ware would have been an easy topic to switch to politely, but Elio had little desire to reminisce his experiences there with a stranger. "What's on your mind?"

[liankoeman]

Normally people were more subtle about the magic they used without asking permission but parties like this helped them forget. It was one of the view instances where you didn't have to hide. Lian had thought a deity would have some decorum so she tried not to look so surprised at the blunt question. "Wouldn't you like to know," the witch answered, playing it off with a laugh as she gently tapped the deities nose. "I only share that kind of thing with people I share my bed with and you haven't even bought me a drink yet."

[liankoeman]

[judassamara]

They were glad that they had guessed right, feeling like they were getting a good sense of the person in front of them. Not everyone was keen on giving up their blood, essentially their life essence, just for the sake of it. His time with restricted access made him appreciate what he had.

At the mention of the ferris wheel, his gazed turned in its direction. The additional comment quickly drew his attention back to her. "I don't-" he begun, but they were right. Judas had been purposefully burying themselves in work to distract from his thoughts. Was it that obvious? He let out a small sigh before offering an equally small smile. "Okay. But I don't have the time to wait in that huge line up, so I'm going to pull rank and get my newest VIP to the front of the line." He stood straighter again and offered them his arm.

[liankoeman]

The witch had shared her blood with vampires before but in this environment, saying yes once could open you up to the attention of others. Lian only gave her blood to those she chooses, or saving it for rituals. She wondered what kind of person he chose to drink from or was any partygoer in with a chance.

Judas had been observant but she had been watching him too and not just tonight. Gossip moved quickly around Ware which helped so she knew that Judas was alone tonight. "I would love that, how very sweet of you," Lian replied, taking his arm as it was offered. "Is it true it's a photobooth too?" they asked. "I bet people are getting caught on camera in all sorts of compromising positions."

[elio-del-vecchio]

Elio quirked an eyebrow at how the witch's emotions suddenly went blank. Curious. When someone blocked him-- knew to block him, it always made the deity curious as to what they had to hide.

He turned more fully to look at the woman before him. He knew he could force his way past her magic no doubt, but that would have been rude. And admittedly quite selfish, he knew, considering his lack of right to invade her privacy as much. Instead he simply gave a nod. "I am. It's not my taste in music either, but for one night I don't mind. The drinks aren't bad either," he responded, thinking of the several glasses of mead he'd had already. Not a typical drink for most partygoers, but seemingly always available for Elio if it meant a deity was kept pleasant and willing to contribute to the evening's festivities. "The music isn't much different from what is usually played on their dance floors though... Is this your first time at the Rubicund?"

[liankoeman]

Lian had never been comfortable around deities. They were the god's and she was actively trying to defy the gods when she meddled with magic. Those thoughts needed to be locked away and so their barriers quickly locked into place to stay as neutral in his presence. Their shoulders straightened as the deity turned to observe her further. They didn't address it, pretending to watch the show above them instead.

She caught his nod from the corner of her eye and relaxed just slightly. "The wine is good," they agreed, lifting a glass of a dark merlot. "It is actually. It never seemed like my vibe and I think I was right," the witch answered. "I normally spend my time at Ware." In fact, she had rumours about a deity coming in on her night off. Now she had to wonder if it was this one.

[eijiremington]

“I don’t know about that, I’ve never been known for my elegance.” Eiji chuckled, “But thanks. Do you ever miss any parts of it, the circus?” He asked. “Maybe there’s something else you could teach me that doesn’t require using actual muscles in my body.” He only partly teased. Something about Lian teaching him something reminded Eiji of the dream. Lian and Emmett had been good parents. It had been nice to live in that moment for a little while.

Eiji was glad of their humour and he chuckled. “What do you mean? The neon green doesn’t suit me?” He teased. “I’d say if I can hide pills from my father, I can hide them from the cops, but I don’t think he was really paying attention anyway.” Eiji replied with his usual dark humour and cast them a smile as they tugged him closer. “I’d love to.”

[liankoeman]

"I do, I miss a lot of it. I think I miss the elephants the most though." The world had changed a lot since her day's in the circus but she still missed being part of that strange little family. There were a few things that came to mind and it would be nice to have a reason to see each other more often and for something leisurely for once. "I think the muscles in your body could use it. Perhaps we could take a yoga class?" she suggested. "Or I could teach you to cook?"

"I think we both know it is not. Blue would suit you much better." Lian doubted that his father paid much attention to anything other than himself. The man seemed so self absorbed and it had cost him the best things in his life, his children. For now, they could keep Eiji safe from the party and hopefully the police. When he was close enough, her arm wrapped around his waist with a small squeeze. They were both solitary beings so she knew he must be lonely too. Lian didn't want him to feel that way if he could help it. "Maybe for the next event, you can be my date and not my bartender?"

[nakatomi-ayumu]

Ayumu was glad that their employees did not need telling to present themselves to a certain standard at any sort of party anymore, and Lian was definitely one of the best ones. The dark witch had an eye for fashion and making themself look the best. It was a skill that could not really be taught.

"Do you? Are you not the sort to indulge in these party favours? Have you never wanted to try? They're having a lot of fun," the spirit pointed out as a couple who were clearly inebriated stumbled past them in a drug hazed stupor. Such party favours were not something a spirit could indulge in, unless they possessed someone, of course.

[liankoeman]

They turned their back on the perfomance to focus on their boss. The spirit felt unpredictable but Lian had learned they enjoyed attention and that was easy to give. Her fingers gently played with their jackets like she would any client at Ware. "Not normally no," they admitted. "I try to keep a clear head."

Drugs were for people who wanted to lose control, Lian didn't feel so inclined. If they let go, truly let go, then they weren't sure they could reel it all back in again. "What would you suggest I indulge in?" they asked. Lian would likely not partake but she was curious to know if Ayumu indulged as well.

[will-rogers]

He looked up at the performers with the wonder of a child as they moved above the masses. It was a beautiful show that was going to waste on most. "The glow alone is enough to mesmerize, but the way they move is almost transcendent." He'd have to see what they looked like when the colors grew more intense after the drugs had kicked in. For now he was painfully sober and only one beer in.

"Did you ever want to become one?" He'd followed in his own mother's footsteps by spending a good portion of his life as a teacher before retiring to a less taxing occupation. He looked the witch up and down, noting her lithe form. He chuckled, glancing back at the cages. "I don't think they feel like bait. Maybe birds who watch the chaos from above."

[liankoeman]

It was either a trick of the light or maybe the performers were elves with the beauty aura's turned up to a hundred. With all the drugs being pumped into the patrons, Lian wondered if the acrobats would become nightmares for them. "Maybe that is their purpose. They'rer here to mesmerize us," the witch mused. Lian had a bad habit of assuming the worst in situations but the man beside her seemed to be the polar opposite.

"I did train as one but then I found out I was a witch," they answered. Her family had to leave the circus when they found out so Lian could learn to control her magic. They hummed in thought and finally nodded. "I think that's a much nicer way to think about it. They might pick our bones clean after though. I've seen that Alfred Hitchcock movie."

[judassamara]

She seemed so calm and collected, like she was just watching the entire event and had no interest in partaking. Still, their outfit was well put together, far more on theme than some of the others he'd seen so far tonight. "You're not wrong. I'm hoping to have an excuse to bring them back for another performance at a later date, hopefully more people will be able to appreciate it."

"With your blood, or the company you keep?" he asked, feeling like it might also be the latter. "As long as you're finding some way to enjoy yourself. If there is anything I can get or provide you, please let me know."

[liankoeman]

"I hope that you do. I'd make sure I come see the show," they answered, watching the acrobats move seamlessly above them. It was a shame that the others were missing a show. The witch chuckled, giving them a coy smile. "A little of both," they admitted. Part of her job was to appear exclusive so she couldn't be giving blood away to every vampire in sight.

The sentiment made the witch turn to the vampire, wondering if it would be worth getting to know them. Judas had been a nuisance to Artemis plans so the dark witch decided it might be worth getting into their good books. "Hmm, how about some company on the ferris wheel?" they suggested. "I don't have anyone to go on it with and it seems like you need company."

[eijiremington]

“No, probably not.” Eiji agreed as he settled beside his aunt. “I offered to join in the performance but apparently my talents were better used elsewhere.” He joked, lifting up the now empty tray that had once held a multitude of shots and an a-ray of party drugs. “I’m a glorified drug dealer now, apparently.” He added with a small chuckle. Eiji paused for a moment, he hadn’t seen his aunt since Christmas, but it was clear he had interrupted something. “You look like you were deep in thought, sorry I interrupted.”

[liankoeman]

"If you ever want to learn, I could teach you," she offered, watching a performer move from one trapeze to another with ease. Glancing down at the tray, they frowned. "I know that's a crime but I think it's even more criminal that they forced you into that dreadful uniform," the witch sighed, gently tugging on his sleeve. While she wasn't impressed in the circumstances the club was putting him in, they didn't think a raid on the club was likely tonight. "If the cops show up, make sure you dump them and run," she suggested, only half joking.

Lian reached back out for the sleeve she'd tugged and pulled Eiji closer. "Don't be ridiculous, you're not interrupting. I'm happy to see you," they promised. "Do you want to watch some of the show with me?"

[judassamara]

They'd put in extra hours the past few weeks to ensure they were fully stocked up on everything they needed. Sure, the clan was hosting the event, but he was one of the managers. It was his job to make sure things went smoothly from start to finish. They were frequently checking in with various staff to get them whatever they needed or assist as necessary. Normally, he might have wandered the crowd, handing out drinks or keeping an eye on things, but they didn't want to see things they might regret later. Instead, he would spot people who were standing separate from the crowd and check in on them. When he approached the dark witch, they seemed content, watching the show going on above them.

"I doubt it, but it's there for those who do," he replied. He had met with the acrobats a few times in the days prior as they organized the performance. "Some people are here for the wine, and not the vampires." For the lack of collar she wore, he guessed she was one of them.

[liankoeman]

The dark witch knew who had joined her immediately and the outfit gave away that he was here for work, rather than pleasure so they relaxed. This particular vampire was easy to recognise. Judas Samara had been a menace to the Artemis group for years, always finding a way to get in intertwined with the group. They should have died a few times over but they continued to survive.

"They're missing one hell of a show." Lian supposed she should be glad that they would at least be getting paid for their time and hard work. It still felt like a waste of their talent when they weren't being watched. "There's quite a few here for the vampire's," she commented, seeing the flashing red collars light up on the dancefloor. "I like to be a little more exclusive with that."

[ofwisdcms]

LEILA IDLY WANDERED THROUGH THE RUBICUND. It was the first year she wasn’t holed away in the emergency room for the festival, and she was intent on enjoying it. That is, until she watched a particularly enthusiastic man with a flashing LED collar be led down a hallway, his neck already stained crimson.

She had gone in search of another drink, which is how she found herself on the balcony, wine glass in hand. She returned the woman’s smile, resting her forearms against the balcony rail.

“That seems to be a fair assumption,” she hummed her agreement, casting a glance down to the crowd. They moved as an amorphous mob, laughing and dancing, blissfully unaware of the spectacle overhead. “I think that's often the way of it.” Leila looked up as one of the acrobats dangled from their cage. A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Most people never bother to look up.”

She sipped from her glass. “I can’t imagine attempting half of those contortions on the ground, let alone suspended over a dance floor.”

[liankoeman]

It seemed like she had found a companion who was planning on observing the party rather than partake, much like dark witch. There was enough going on to entertain herself so no need to let a vampire drain her dry.

Lian leaned forward as well, wanting to get a better look at the display above them. They had spent years watching their mother doing the same tricks. The death defying feats would make everyone gasp in shock and awe as her mother always found a way to stay in the sky. "It's a shame," the witch sighed.

The performer dropped down into view, giving them an up close view of the show. Lian waved to the acrobat, enjoying watching them waver for just a second before moving on to wow the crowd. "Life has a way of making you keep your head down but everyone should look up once in a while. That's where the stars are."

"It's not as complicated as it looks," the witch mused, watching the position's change with precision. Lian had trained alongside her mother for the first thirty years of her life so she had some experience with it. "I think the hardest thing to gain is the confidence to do it without a net. It is a long way down after all."

[will-rogers]

"With all the candy going around, I doubt it." Will had yet to partake himself, but he had seen the way that drugs flowed just as freely as the alcohol. It didn't take long for any of the party goers to get into the groove as they say. He leaned over the balcony, watching those above and below. It was like being in the middle of a fish bowl in an earthquake- everything around them pulsed with life, but Lian and Will were still in the midst of all of it.

He watched a particularly tricky flip being performed in midair, wondering for a moment if the performers were vampires, humans, or something else entirely. The whole troop had an otherworldly quality about them from the way their skin practically glowed to how easily they moved about. It did look a bit like magic. "Are you enjoying the show at least?"

[liankoeman]

"That's a shame. Under some of that candy, I imagine the performance would be even more captivating." Or maybe the witch was just a little old school still and enjoyed the simpler things, like the circus. There was a vivid contrast between the party above and below and she followed the wolf to the edge of the balcony and surveyed the crowd. From up on the second floor, it made the crowd look almost hypnotic with the pounding beats and swirl of movement on teh dance floor.

When her companion spoke again, her eyes drifted up to watch the performers. She couldn't tell if they were elves or something else but they had another hypnotising aura surrounding them but maybe that was the intent. "I am," they agreed, watching the acrobats move seemlessly in the sky. "My mother was an acrobat and she would have loved this. Well, maybe not all the vampire's below. No one wants to feel like bait hanging over a shark tank."

[elio-del-vecchio]

“It is,” the deity agreed with a shrug. “But I can’t fathom the entertainment is for the vampires’ sake. Knowing them it’s for the other patrons such as us to admire and help distract— especially for those who might find themselves uneasy at times from the sheer number of vampires congregating in close quarters.” Elio thought the acrobats certainly made for a hypnotizing sight— perhaps relaxing and distracting for anyone letting a vampire feed off them or who overdid it and was laying down to recover. “Have you been enjoying yourself?”

[liankoeman]

There was a sudden spike in the witch's anxiety before they quickly shielded herseld with a barrier charm. They didn't need a deity delving too deeply into them. "Perhaps but when I look around, the vampires are the only one watching them. It's just another show that's been put on for them." The event was just an excuse for vampire's to drain the life out of patrons. This year was interesting though and the witch was curious to see if the new rules would be upheld.

"Not really," they admitted, remembering to at least appear sheepish about the admission. "I'd normally just enjoy the dancing but Vampire's have dreadful taste in music," they replied, laughing softly. "Are you enjoying the festival?"

[nakatomi-ayumu]

"Good evening, gorgeous," Ayumu said as they slid up alongside the dark witch. "You're looking lovely today." They looked up at what Lian was looking at, the bodies hanging contorted high above them.

"Hmm... I don't think so either. They're much too distracted down here, but I'm sure they appreciate your appreciation..." they chuckled. "Are you having fun, my sweet?" Ayumu had a V.I.P. table somewhere, but there was something about being amongst the crowd on the main dance floor and that was why they were there.

[liankoeman]

She should have known that it would be the spirit, they were very skilled at sneaking up on them. "As are you, very colourful," they replied, reaching out to flick one of the colourful tassles on their coat. Being one of Ayumu's employees was why they had put so much effort into dressing up anyway. They always needed to looked their best if they represented Ware.

It was a shame that the talent was wasted on people who would never appreciate it. "Not as much fun as you surely are. I see a lot of party favours going around," they hummed, knowing that Ayumu's supply lines might have something to do with that. "I know I'm still young to you but I feel too old to be down there amongst the crowd."