#writtenspirits

[themusecollection]

@writtenspirits

If there was one thing Mina prided herself on, it was being organized. It was a skill that had served her well as a teacher, particularly during events like PTA meetings and conferences. Even though hers was a small classroom of 3rd graders, there were still countless odds and ends to tie together for a successful evening with the kids and their parents. Wanting to go the extra mile since it was the first meeting this year, she’d made a few batches of gingerbread cookies and chocolate truffles for everyone to share as they talked. Setting the last tray of them down on the sign in table by the door to her classroom, Mina took a moment to run down her mental checklist.

Snacks? Laid out. Desks? Cleaned and ready. Student files? Alphabetized and ready on her desk. Room? Free of debris, tidy, and smelling like lysol. She ran a hand down her festive green dress, smoothing imaginary wrinkles, before turning to her own daughter. Meghan was a trooper when it came to parent-teacher meetings, as she had to stay as long as Mina herself did most often. Just then, the little redhead was tying a string of jingle bells to the stuffed bear she’d brought, telling him all about what she wanted for Christmas. It was enough to make Mina smile as she made one last round of the room. 

She was lucky enough to have few problem children this year, only a handful that needed any special attention or acted out. For the most part, she’d been lucky when it came to her students, more often than not finding she had fast learners rather than slow or stubborn. Truthfully, she knew all children were gifted and made it a point to find the bright points in each of them to help them through the year and beyond. Even then, it was hard not to have favorites, and her mind drifted to a few names in her folders: Kelly Sharron, Lucas Vega-Fleming, Catherine Ford...all particularly notable this year. As the clock rang out 7, Mina sat down behind her desk and felt excitement bubble through her in anticipation of bragging on people’s children to them. Meghan took up a seat at the snack table, ready to enthusiastically pass out treats to everyone who came through the door.

[themusecollection]

For Markus: 31, 7, 45

31. Describe a scenario in which your character feels most comfortable.

There are very few thing that make Markus truly uncomfortable. As long as he can be himself, and probably have a drink, Markus is in his element. Especially if there’s a pretty little thing to woo.

7. Does your character have recurring themes in their nightmares?

Most of Markus’ nightmares revolve either around his turning or the loss of his wife and children during a raid on his village. The former was violent and initially unwanted and obviously changed his life. The latter, however, shook his world while he was still mortal and had more of a lasting impact on his personality and overall outlook.

45. What does your character believe will happen to them after they die? Does this belief scare them?

Having been born a Viking and lived as a renowned warrior, Markus is of the belief that he will go to Valhöll when he eventually dies where he will spend his days drinking and celebrating until Ragnarok. He looks forward to such a glorious end.

[themusecollection]

For William: 17, 30 and 45

17. What was your character’s favorite toy as a child?

William had a set of tin soldiers that he played with, setting up mock battles and strategizing his way across the battlefield of the living room. He also had a stuffed toy Scottish Terrier that he carried with him everywhere, like a security blanket. He eventually had the dog cleaned and displayed in his library, and the tin soldiers are in his office.

30. What does your character find repulsive or disgusting?

People who either can’t or won’t be logical; loud chewing sounds; the word ‘ain’t’; those who don’t seek to overcome their weaknesses; cowards; shredded wheat (be sweet cereal or be nothing).

45. What does your character believe will happen to them after they die? Does this belief scare them?

William, too, is agnostic, though his views are a little less grim than Claire’s. If anything, he’s a believer in some kind of cosmic energy that one returns to upon death no matter what kind of life one has led. It neither comforts nor scares him, as it simply is.

[themusecollection]

For Claire: 26, 29 and 45

26. How does your character behave around children?

She’s definitely out of her element around kids. It’s not that Claire doesn’t like them, but given the berserker bit, she’s always been extremely wary about having any. She also wasn’t really around any kids growing up. As a result, there’s always a lot of internal conflict going on when she’s around any, and she doesn’t know what to do. 

29. What did your character dream of being or doing as a child? Did that dream come true?

Being raised as she was, Claire never really had a ‘dream career;’ being a socialite was all she really knew, and she was okay with that part of her life. If anything, she dreamed of being free of her mother, and that came true at least.

45. What does your character believe will happen to them after they die? Does this belief scare them?

Claire’s agnostic, borderline atheist, and doesn’t believe in any kind of afterlife. When one dies, one simply ceases to exist, and she’s perfectly all right with that.

[themusecollection]

Inhale.

Exhale.

The breath left Claire’s mouth in a controlled, slow stream as she mentally checked her stocks one more time. Two butterfly knives sheathed against her thighs, one bowie knife on her calf, and a beretta strapped to her hip, just in case. Guns were messy, loud, and easy to trace, but she never went to a job without accounting for emergencies.

She stepped out of the stairwell, opened the heavy door, and stepped into the club proper. The pulsing sound within was like a solid wall of music, and though she’d anticipated the noise, the sheer volume of it made her pause nonetheless. Dressed in what her brother had always called her “street clothes,” Claire had no trouble blending into the mass of bodies packed into the space, though she did garner a stray look or two as she passed the bar. Standing an average 5′ 5″, Claire had an athletic build that looked undeniably good in the tight pants and leather jacket she’d donned. Granted, they were plain and she picked them for work purposes, but she was a fan of the adage “flaunt what you’ve got.” 

Tonight was not a night for peacocking, however, and she pursed her lips at the attention. Deciding it might be best to get a drink and blend further until she found her target, she did just that, leaning against the far end of the bar to order a gin and tonic. Mercifully, by the time her drink had returned, she’d spotted the man she was here for and wouldn’t have to endure the predictable conversation of those around her. The man had been stupid enough to lounge in one of the private sections on the upper floor, which were very nice, but very empty. He must've forgotten there was safety in numbers.

Absently running her tongue over sharpened canines, Claire grabbed her drink and polished it off in a neat gulp before pressing her way to the steps that led upstairs. She'd have to lure the man somewhere truly private, but that wouldn't be difficult. Then it was just a matter of disposing of the body, which was why she had two underlings in the car outside.

She knew the guard at the bottom of the stairs, and it took only a minutes' flattery for him to let her pass. This is almost too easy, she thought, almost disappointed at her target came into view around the corner.