la matanza

Novia — 262 — Werewolf Lifeguard and swim teacher at DeadLift Gym; loves children, dislikes vampires; a diligent little solider

[rogerdeakinsdp]

Ana de Armas in Anabel (2015)

[celebsinstagram]

[toniguerrero-blog1]

gym buddies

[novialobo]

toniguerrero:

“And tigers were meant to kill gazelle. That doesn’t exactly reflect morally on them.” She couldn’t control her mode of survival as much as any other predator could control theirs. It was against everyone’s nature to surrender their own survival for that of those beneath them on the food chain. Furthermore, there was much more to the story than most people knew but it wasn’t her job to convince a blinded animal that it was blind.

When Novia questioned her manners, Toni laughed. That wasn’t something she expected. “Oh, I’m very good at pretending to be nice and welcoming. I just find no reason to do so. It’s not like I actually care if this workplace is ‘warm’.” She looked up at the lifeguard, a smirk on her lips. “Age old wisdom has told me that there’s no point in holding my tongue. Life’s too long to hide behind a fake smile. Repressed emotions and lies aren’t healthy.”

“Seeing as though we were once human are we not held to our morality? Or was that lost the moment you became a vampire...” For Novia, the answer was yes when it came to vampires. The darkness that overcame them eventually. She knew her own believes but the confirmation from an original vampire would concrete them. “Are you so far gone that you’ve lost all complexity and reduced your own comparison to that of naturally existing animal who might I add does not play with their food?” 

Perhaps it was poking a hornets nest with a stick, but in fairness the vampire had been the one who’d entered the pool. Novia had years of pent anger from her past slowly boiling over now. “Games and teasing are just as toxic...”

[novialobo]

chaseofthesea:

Chase bobbed idly in the deep blue of the water, legs dangling lazily as he hovered at the pool’s edge. He was surprised that the brunette had chosen to join him, but then again, he’d never gone out of his way to talk so much before. While he had no issue with the other residents in Ashbourne, he had been very aware of the threat some posed to him and his kind. But now that half of his people had been wiped out anyway, it was time he learned more. Made allies. Friends, even. “Novia? That’s a lovely name,” Chase mused. “Well, I’ve been ducking in and out of Ashbourne for about ten years, I think. But I have a more permanent home now, on the outskirts of town. But what about you? How did you come to be the gymnasium lifeguard?”

She smiled, a polite thank you. “What business do you have in Ashbourne, if I may ask?” The town was small, and yet big. It had its closeness and air about it but Novia knew the secrets beneath its feigned innocence. For a moment she wondered about her company and what may bring a human back and forth to the city. A lawyer, a businessman? “I’ve been here for a few months. Outskirts of town, as well. Maybe we’re neighbors.” She raised an eyebrow mischievously. “I tend to travel a lot, but I wanted to find a place to settle and found a friend..” She moved her legs lazily in the water. “That is very simple, Chase. I mostly enjoy watching over children and I believe everyone should learn how to swim.” 

[novialobo]

profanidad:. 

The camera caught his eye. He wondered if she was a professional photographer or a casual one, but didn’t pose the question. “The best brews we can offer,” Desmond shot back with a practiced charm. “Top shelves are for alcohol, the lower ones are for… special requests.” He quirked a brow at her. “Depends on what you’re in the mood for.” He looked over her shoulder for a moment before motioning towards two strangers at the corner seated on comfortable armchairs. Their eyes were open, but glazed as they stared at the ceiling, into nothing; the smile on their faces was languid. They seemed to be in a world of their own, somewhere far away from there that only existed in their minds. “Special request,” Desmond said, tapping his fingertips on the counter. “So what is it you’re looking for?”

Novia followed his motion, her eyes laced with curiosity. The patrons seemed to be far gone and their haze was attractive after days of battling against berserkers. Memories of a time when she’d escape from her troubles in a similar fashion flashed behind her eyes. “Will that help with forgetting the horrors of the past couple weeks?” Her smile was sad, but it was a joke nonetheless, she would bait even if his answer was yes. “It’s strange, I’ve never felt more at home than in this town but I’ve never felt more unsafe...” She placed the camera on the counter, wanting to hopefully take a few shots of the beauties behind the bar later. “I can’t believe some of the things that have happened, can you?” It was quite obvious these things were safe to speak of given the bubbling brews and patrons mindlessly smiling nearby. 

[toniguerrero-blog1]

gym buddies

[novialobo]

toniguerrero:

Toni hummed, as if actually considering Novia’s comment. “Yes, clearly she has a reason to hate me. I was obviously somehow the cause of the death of her beloved sibling despite not having sired any vampires in the first few hundred years of my life, long after her change.” Toni would never understand such a blind hatred for her kind. Maybe it was programmed into them the same way it was programmed in her to feed on blood? Maybe Helena was just so bored in her pointless existence that it was all she had to hold on to? Toni didn’t know but it was an eternal pain in her ass.

“Will there be plenty of reasons for me to never see you smile, pup? Or are you actually a sheep under that wolf fluff, simply following the Great Alpha’s teachings?” Toni teased, unable to help herself. She could see how tense the woman was and how much she probably wanted nothing more than to tell her off (if not rip her head off in general). Fortunately, the woman seemed smart enough to know picking an actual fight would do her no good. Not in this form. Not in any form, if Toni was feeling less modest.

Novia didn’t want to take the bait; the wolf should have held her tongue. After all these years she had learned it would have been best to do so but the vampire was obviously here for such a conversation. “Your sole purpose and creation was to kill. Is that not enough reason to hate? Or have I miss heard the story? Were you the special exception when raiding the Belvoir’s enemies? A vampire who does not kill? ” Her questions ended with a click of her tongue, disapproving. “And we were bred to kill you, to hate you. It is natural.” 

Her face stayed stoic “You have given me absolutely no reason to smile in your company. Given your age, I’d expect you’d be better at falsifying a welcoming and warm social setting especially in the work place. It’s ill fitting.” 

[thelovejournals]

I will love you if you have a child, and I will love you if you have two children, or three children, or even more, although I personally think three is plenty, and I will love you if you never marry at all, and never have children, and spend your years wishing you had married me after all, and I must say that on late, cold nights I prefer this scenario out of all the scenarios I have mentioned. That… is how I will love you even as the world goes on its wicked way.

Lemony Snicket, The Beatrice Letters (via gorgossiumwrites)

[anadearmasupdated]

ana_d_armas: 🍂🍁

[profanidad]

He caught sight of her from the corner of his eye, waking from his daze. He’d been more distracted as of late, as if his mind wasn’t in any one place at all times. Scatterbrained. Desmond continued to try and figure out how to amend his situation, but it wasn’t as easily done as said. He’d regretted many of his past actions, but no more than that which led to his powerlessness. Now creatures fell like flies and he was but a burden to his family and friends. Why had he done that?

The witch walked the distance between himself and the new patron. “How can I help?” He tried his best to look friendly rather than sullen, but he couldn’t be sure it’d worked.

@novialobo

[novialobo]

The recent events had left Novia tired, but she knew staying cooped up in her home would leave her tired in bed dwelling on dark thoughts. She needed to stay out of her home and with her camera in hand, she hid behind her lens. Capturing lies, painting false stories behind the smiles of strangers to leave reality behind for the moment. The wolf found herself in a bar and the beauty of the the epicure seemed to perfect to leave behind. She rested the camera on the counter as a tired man approached her. The residents of Ashbourne seemed to wear the same tired features now a days, though perhaps for different reasons. 

“Tell me about the brews you have behind the bar.” She wore a similarly sullen smile. 

[novialobo]

chaseofthesea:

Chase sensed that his question had shifted the lifeguard’s mood, and his smile faltered slightly. He hadn’t considered any painful memories that Novia may have been harbouring, and instantly felt guilty that he had brought them up. His Nevma tingled faintly in his veins, and the desire to improve her mood encompassed his thoughts. But of course, he couldn’t connect with her as he did with his own kind, so the offer of a sympathetic smile would have to suffice, for now. “Well, we’re all very lucky to have you looking after us then.” 

Chase dove underneath the still-blue surface once more before quickly emerging. Still too soon. He would have to return to the ocean tonight, he knew. He could feel his bones weakening with every hour he remained on land. But he would ignore that for now, focusing instead on getting to know the woman that watched him so often. “I don’t think I’ve ever introduced myself. I’m Chase,” He called.

“That’s a sweet thought, thank you.” The smile was genuine even if the conversation stemmed from dark thoughts. Perhaps one day she’d be more willing to share her stories. The wolf was getting older, she should not hold them so closely and locked away for they had happened years ago but still it was difficult to share unless she was asked directly. Novia decided to remove herself from the tower and join the swimmer. 

“It’s nice to meet you Chase. I am Novia.” She let her feet dangle in the water, finding no harm in relaxing for the moment. “Have you been in Ashbourne very long?”

[toniguerrero-blog1]

gym buddies

[novialobo]

toniguerrero:

Toni chuckled at the wolf’s response. It wasn’t hostile per se but it was obvious the wolf was less than eager to entertain her. Regardless, her lovely co-worker was just going to have to deal with her presence. “I’ve got nothing to do,” she responded, splashing her feet as her eyes scanned around pool. “Doesn’t look like you have much to do either so why don’t you just enjoy my company? I guarantee it’s more interesting than gross pool water.” Toni didn’t make it a hobby to annoy werewolves but considering she hadn’t been able to visit one location in Ashbourne without encountering one, she figured it was time she adopted a new hobby.

 “I hear you’re the interim beta around these neck of the woods. Are ya screwing Lenny?” She quirked her brow, wondering if that would prompt an entertaining response from her. “Not that that’s a bad thing. That woman needs a good fuck. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smiling and I’ve known her for over nine-hundred years.” 

It seemed there was a cockiness that came with death, or perhaps it was just a trait of the vampiric curse. Find something to do. But Novia held her tongue. It seemed hostility came naturally in the presence of any vampire, despite their status. Memories of her past boiled to the surface. “I’d rather focus on my job. Thank you.” The wolf kept her eyes forward, on the small ripples in the water caused by the filtering systems. “It’s far more entertaining.” 

The commentary received a sigh. Why had she decided to bring this business into their place of work; into the human world? “I haven’t the slightest clue what you’re on about, truly.” Whatever rumor the vampire heard was news to Novia. Landon, despite being absent was still beta. Novia, acting or not would never hold that title in her lifetime. Her closeness with Helena was pure and of course that friendship was her lifeline to the pack but Toni’s question was insulting. Although, it seemed vampires couldn’t disassociate power and sex. “There are plenty of reasons for you to have not seen her smile, Antonia .”

[novialobo]

[novialobo]

leon-hastings:

“Not a fan of reflecting,“ he retorted with a scoff, Leon scooted over to give her room lest they both fell in the water. Novia was in her twilight years but has proven herself worthy to be in the pack, he only knew fragments about her and her closeness with Lenny was something he appreciated– his sister could use someone to be there for her. “I just wanted some time to relax before we head out later again you know?” And to prove his point he gave a tired grin. " And you?” 

She was thankful he made room. If only because she technically forced her own company. “Unfortunately, I am not that strong. I can’t seem to stay out of the past.” The smile was sad but her words were truthful. It was one of her worst habits but she was getting better. She nodded in understanding, she was tired too. Her stamina was only so much and after watching the sun rise, her plans had been to sleep until she was needed again. “I watched the sunrise, I find that relaxing but I was on my way home to sleep. Do you believe we’ve almost finished?”

[novialobo]

helenahastings:

“Next week, or whenever we’ve confirmed the end of this shit.” Helena sighed and she opened the door, feeling the bite of the October wind on her cheeks when she stepped outside. Her clothing was thin, worn simply as a formality. It, like her human skin, would soon be shed for something more primal. With teeth bared she’d roam the woods. Novia’s question made her turn her head, considering. “I’ll walk ahead, keep an eye out.”

Novia placed the rifle in the passenger seat. “Alright, I’ve got your back, darling.” This time though, she did not go to embrace her friend. It felt foreboding to say a short goodbye in such a situation. The wolf entered her vehicle and watched as the other changed; following her lead in the direction of the forest. 

[novialobo]

helenahastings:

How many of the Ulrcih’s ancestors had she been personally responsible for slaughtering? Their entire lineage was plagued with disease, she’d at one point expressed her desire to clean their family tree– to rid their species of such a prevalent source of destruction. “I hope so.” Helena had told Novia earlier of the children’s toys that sat in front yards, stained and soaked in blood that only she could see and smell– sets to taunt someone as sensitive as she. Their fingers interlocked and her heart swelled at the thought of such a strong partnership. The head and the heart. “I want to teach all those that are able how to change at command. The young wolves will learn to fight. I don’t want to be unprepared again.” Green eyes shifted towards the door, “Shall we?”

She nodded once more, in agreement. It’d be simpler learning to change from the originals. They had the most knowledge of their species after all. For a moment, Novia pondered how lucky she was to have stumbled into this friendship. She felt guilty to be so far into her life as a wolf without the talent of changing on command. In Pripyat, she had dragged out her lessons in order to avoid fighting but now she could see how important the skill could be. It was a defense, not always an offense. “I can help set up a training times. I’ll learn as quickly as possible for you.” Her eyes followed the woman’s to the door and her grip tighten on the weapon. She’d been reluctant to get a car, but was thankful for it now in her human form. “Are you riding with me, or am I meeting you at the hill?” Novia would need to hide away on high ground to take any successful shots and stay out of danger. 

[novialobo]

helenahastings:

“I’m not on good terms with the Ulrich’s, but I think this makes for an exception.” Wolves were territorial creatures after all, and the very presence of the Hastings pack in Ashbourne infringed upon the freedoms of the other wolves. She respected their disdain for her, and as a result, didn’t make excuses to get in their way. Helena wondered if sending Leon would be more effective, he was always better with people. She nodded as Novia voiced her thoughts, before groaning. “We’re already having enough problems with a series of murders. Entire families are being wiped out, definitely vampires.” She reached over, rubbing at Novia’s shoulder. “You’re going to be doing a lot of drifting in the next few weeks.”

Novia nodded, “They’ll have to make the sacrifice. No doubt their family was effected as well...” And they knew better than anyone about the disease that ran through the wolves’ blood. She’d heard the stories of the Ulrich’s since joining the Hastings pack. “Perhaps that issue resolved itself.” It was a hopeful statement but the bodies of vampires had been found littered within the tree’s zone. The woman’s touched was welcomed with a heavy breath. A pause in the stream of thoughts and plans running through her mind. Slowly, a hand found it’s way on top of the wolf’s. There was an urge to press lips to her knuckles, but suddenly that felt too intimate for the situation and the younger wolf settled by pressing her cheek towards the warmth. “The weeks will go by quickly and we will thrive again; be able to focus on maintaining peace and protection.”

[lhzthepoet]

Some people are born to raise wolves not run from them.

[novialobo]

Midnight Excerpts #38 // L.H.Z

(via lhzthepoet)

@helenahastings @landonxhastings @georgiehastings @lailarenaud @adelynnrenaud @willxtorres @leon-hastings