The blood of the covenant

Mathias Dubois 28 (give or take 813 years)

[renard-levett-blog]

Reflections || Ren & Mathias

[renard-levett-blog]

Ren was more pleased to see Mathias enjoy his meal than he was enthused to eat his own, glad that Mathias was enjoying himself. “There’s no need,” he lifted a hand, not sure how to explain how picky he’d become with food to someone who didn’t know him well. Most of the people he regularly went out for food with were aware of his particularities. Then, the expectant look on Mathias’ face killed any excuse Ren had been forming before it had time to grow. “Of course,” he agreed nearly automatically, accepting the fork from Mathias, though he hesitated before he actually raised it to his mouth, nose wrinkling in slight distaste. “It’s not to my taste,” he admitted, once he’d swallowed the bite he’d been given. “There’s nothing wrong with my meal, I just rarely eat food any more. A quirk, I suppose,” he explained, sending Mathias a small and slightly embarrassed smile.

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

There was something really weird about the way Ren behaved at the table, acting as if he wasn’t interested in the food, and then agreeing to try it so suddenly... Mathias frowned in response, more so when it turned out that he didn’t really like the food at all. “Why... why did you eat that? You know I wasn’t trying to make you, right? You only had to say no and that was enough for me.” In fact, that Ren didn’t like it meant he ate it only just to appease his lover. Of all the things he was crazy about over Ren, this new little trait was not one of them. He valued a certain level of autonomy in his lovers, especially ones that did not fear him for either his vampire abilities or his status within the community; until this moment he had not considered Ren, the man who denied him information when they first me tup several weeks ago, fit in that category. 

[renard-levett-blog]

Reflections || Ren & Mathias

[renard-levett-blog]

Ren’s shoulder raised in a shrug, not sure he disagreed. “You’re probably right. But there isn’t much there for me anymore either. I think I would feel like a foreigner,” he explained, not that he thought he would convince Mathias on the matter. Their conversation continued until the food arrived, and both of them paused to allow it to be served. It smelled good enough, and looked fairly appealing, and though Ren knew himself well enough to know he wouldn’t eat a full meal, he could see himself eating more than he regularly did. “No, I can’t say I have,” he shook his head, lifting his fork to carefully try a bite. It wasn’t terrible, though still over-salted for his tastes. Better than most places at least. “How is yours?” He asked the other curiously.

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

Mathias was quick to attack the meal before him, taking at least one bite out of each dish before Ren even picked up a fork. He lived for this kind of food, things that reminded him of better days when he wasn’t separated from his son and trying to manage in an unfamiliar world. “What a shame then,” he commented, taking a pause in his own meal to watch his dinner partner with his own food. The vampire’s face wasn’t anywhere near as enthusiastic as he thought it ought to be, but it occurred to him the problem could be the particular dish. “Wonderful. I see you don’t really care for yours, and I’m sorry about that. I hope your dislike is simply over that one dish. You can share mine if you’d like. Really, try it. I swear the potatoes are really smooth and gentle. I know the Americans really enjoy their cheese but there is something about a cream that is more... refined,” he insisted, lifting a small bite of the gratin up on the fork for Ren to bite. It wasn’t a command really, just a suggestion with physical enticement and a dash of hope for Ren to actually enjoy himself tonight on this little date. For some reason tonight going well seemed especially important. 

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

Mathias & Nicholas | hurt

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

“Perhaps you have just met at the wrong time.” Nicholas stated. Though knowing the both of them he honestly thought it would be unlikely for them to ever get along. They were just too different. “Of course, you’re the most civil man I know.” he said. Nicholas shook his head. “It’s not like that. It was a one time thing. We’re not a couple. She’ll probably send me away because she doesn’t want to see me because of Antonia. But I have to try.” he explained. “She won’t be happy about this look.” he agreed. “I suppose in the end one always becomes the monster people expect them to be…”

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

“Oh Nicholas, this whole conversation is one denial after another. While I do admit you seemed to care about your mystery ex-fiance, at least from what you said anyway, when have you ever denied yourself whatever you really wanted? Even now, you were engaged and you chose to sleep with Kaden anyway. That alone tells me that you really wanted her above all else... and with that in mind,” he sighed, clearly not happy with what he was saying as Kaden was not the woman he would’ve wished for his son. “You still want her, even if you aren’t saying so. And if she could sleep with you despite your engagement, well, you were what she wanted too. Don’t kid yourself Nick, you’ll both probably give in and wind up together again.” Mathias moved his hand as if he was waving away the other vampire’s comments. “So clean up and move on. She talked about you having tried to kill her before, so obviously she already knows about your dark side. Stop the excuses and go get the girl. For now anyway.”

[renard-levett-blog]

Reflections || Ren & Mathias

[renard-levett-blog]

Ren chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “It wasn’t that, don’t worry. I’m just often caught unaware by how quickly time seems to pass. Especially these last few decades,” he noted, wondering if Mathias felt the same way. He was older after all, but Ren had always been a little set in his ways, and adaptability wasn’t normally his strong point. “It’s been awhile,” Ren admitted, a little wistful when he thought about his home country. “I worry now if I go back it won’t be anything like it is in my memories. I have a more permanent house near Montreal, and at least the language there is correct,” he explained, shrugging a shoulder. He ordered the Navarin D’Agneau when the waiter brought their wine, though he knew he likely wouldn’t eat more than a few bites. The wine itself was good, though for the price Ren couldn’t say he was surprised, and he smiled at Mathias’ compliment. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I drank far too much wine when I was human.”

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

Mathias was the polar opposite, but perhaps because he had to quickly adapt himself to life as a vampire. He had no relationship with his makers, as he tracked them down and killed them in the years following his change, and everything he learned was through trial and error. There was something about having to redefine your own foundational morals and standards that made any new obstacle easy to navigate; he already did the hard part, why should he struggle with simple things like new foods and ways of living? “I think that’s a silly reason not to go back, but I guess you are the one who misses out. I can’t say it’s exactly the same but I like it, especially my home because it’s so old world at least aesthetically.” It had modern touches but it certainly didn’t look like it was built in the last 200 years. Mathias shrugged at that, replying, “I don’t think too much is possible anyway.” Their conversation continued for some time before the waitress returned with their food to which the vampire greeted her with a cry of delight It smelled so amazing, like something that would’ve been made for him back home even though this particular state didn’t seem to have much of an authentic French influence. “Have you been to this restaurant before at least?”

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

Forging Magic Steel | Oliver & Cora & Mathias

[cora-ebben-blog]

“That’s fine.” Cora hummed, swiping the bowl away back into the kitchen. She couldn’t help but flush guiltily when Oliver spoke, not intending to exclude him. “Just friends,” Cora replied breezily, before Mathias had a chance to speak. “Actually, Oliver, you can grind up the herbs? I have a food processor, or an old mortar if you’re feeling nostalgic.” Either one did the trick just fine, the former being faster. Cora enjoyed using the pestle, however. Magic was about physical work just as much as it was mental.

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

The comment she made felt like a stab to the heart, especially after the situation with Ren. If he considered things logically, he might realize she was only trying to make things less awkward for Oliver, but he was sensitive tonight. Still he did his best not to respond negatively or make the situation more awkward for the warlock. “Ah, okay, good.” He pulled him arm in close, sort of cradling it in his lap as he watched it heal rapidly before his eyes. The two of them were busy and he was just... there, waiting for progress to be made and sort of dreading the impending test on his skin. 

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

Mathias & Nicholas | hurt

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

“That’s what I love about her.” Nick said, he would continue to defend Kaden. He cared too much about her. “Well. I think you’re right about that.” he said as he mentioned the mark. He didn’t really want to think about it. “Thank you.” he said. He wondered who Mathias would have started to care about. It seemed rather unlike him. OR maybe it wasn’t and he just didn’t really know him anymore. But he was still glad with the promise he made. He looked at the dead humans that surrounded them. “I need to go to Kaden.” he then said. “I need to talk to her.” he muttered. “Next time we see each other, I’ll bring my daughter to meet you. Alright?” he suggested.

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

“I’m not trying to convince you not to like her, Nick, no need to concern yourself about our.. distaste for one another. It’s very superficial anyway, on my end. I don’t actively hate her, and whether she hates me or not based on our one interaction is frankly irrelevant to my life. I can do civil,” he promised. Mathias did his best not to react to Nick’s plans, despite what would be obvious disapproval of the couple if he felt free to do so, and managed to keep a blank, unmoving face. “I look forward to meeting Olivia,” he agreed then gave the other man a lingering look, assessing his appearance. “I suggest you brush your teeth first. I can’t imagine you will manage to keep your hands off the witch, and I doubt she wants to kiss you with the taste of death on your tongue.” 

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

Forging Magic Steel | Oliver & Cora & Mathias

[cora-ebben-blog]

“Exactly what I was thinking, Oliver.” Cora nodded to the warlock. She didn’t exactly agree with his use of the word curse, choosing to believe this act was penance. Too each their own, however. The witch squared her shoulders before padding into the kitchen and ducking into a cabinet. After some rustling, she produced a large glass mixing bowl, perfect for what they needed. Returning, she stopped in front of Mathias, bowl held out almost like an offering. “If you’d be so kind, mon couer.” Cora’s eyes held his, and she smiled softly. It was interesting to see this side of Mathias, one she hadn’t uncovered yet. Cora felt a near overwhelming urge to kiss him in that moment, but didn’t feel proper in front of Oliver. 

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

Mathias watched his lover with interest, intrigued by the plans being made. He had no idea how any of the herbs or power worked for that matter, but he felt like he could learn a thing or two tonight. As Cora approached him, Mathias held out his arm and bit his wrist, pulling away so that he would tear the skin and widen the wound. “As you wish, gorgeous.” Holding his wrist over the bowl, the blood began to spill into the bottom until it was covered with a thin layer of the bodily fluid. By then the wound had begun to seal itself and the flow slowed to a halt. “Good enough?” he asked. “I can add more if you need it.” 

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

Mathias & Nicholas | hurt

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

“You got al that from one conversation with her?” he asked a little skeptical while raising his brows. He did an attempt to whipe his mouth clean. Mathias’ presence was actually soothing him. “She is pretty amazing once you really know her.” he added. He listened to Mathias’ arguement and knew the mark made it impossible for him to ever join them again. He slowly nodded. He knew he wasn’t the same person he had been since their first time together. He had seen too much, experienced too much to just blindly follow orders at this point. “I suppose you’re right.” he said in a low voice. The urge to kill another human was rising again. 

“Vous avez raison, ils ne sont pas ma famille. Mais vous êtes. Je ne veux que vous. Permettez-moi d'être à vos côtés et je vais éviter le reste. Permettez-moi de convaincre ma fille de vous rencontrer et venir avec nous. Et nous allons vivre isolée mais ensemble.”

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

“Can you blame me? She seems to wear her emotions on her sleeve.” Or maybe he was really good at reading people. Or both. Mathias shrugged and said, “Maybe, but I’ll have to take your word for it. I don’t believe she would be civil around me now, not after your mark.” Frankly, he wasn’t sure how Nicholas managed to be civil around him either, but they both seemed to be equally as forgiving as the other. “Oui, je voudrais aller partout avec vous.” Mathias didn’t even think twice before making the promise. The only thing that held him in his current little home was Nicholas, and the amazing time spent with Cora. Ren was amazing too but things were a little strained between them at the moment. “Je dois quelqu'un d'important pour moi que je prévois de rester en contact avec , mais rien ne pouvait me empêcher de vous soutenir Nicolas. Tout ce que tu veux.” He had meant what he said before, they were the kind of family that chose to be together, and he was choosing it again now. 

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

Mathias & Nicholas | hurt

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

“That ‘hunter of mine’ wouldn’t hurt me.” he said. That wasn’t entirely true but as long as he wouldn’t hurt one of her brothers he was pretty sure she wouldn’t harm him like she maybe once wanted to. “You really don’t like her do you?” he asked Mathias. “She doesn’t like you either.” he added. Nicholas’ head shot up at that comment. “What do you mean by that?” he asked. “I thought I was banished forever?” There was a glimmer of hope in his voice. Could he take Olivia and join the nomads once more? Leave this all behind and start over with his first family? That seemed like such an appealing solution at this point. Nicholas snarled at the firm grip of his father around his wrist but didn’t fight it to prevent a broken bone. Even when it would heal it would still hurt. Even though the physical pain might be a pleasant distraction from the aching in his chest at this point. He looked at Mathias and even though he still looked rather bewildered, his eyes turned back to their normal blue color. “You on the other hand have always been my family. Right?” he asked his sire. “Est-il un moyen pour moi d'être à vos côtés à nouveau?” he asked. “Or has the mark taken that away forever?”

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

Mathias let out a little laugh at his comment, “It would be just like her to bend her own rules when it suits her.” Not that he knew very much about her but that was the impression she gave him. Mathias was evil for killing hunters but Nick, who did the same thing for very many years, killed his own family (which is a thing even he did not do) and who knows what thereafter, was somehow immune from her distaste. “I’m not surprised, I did kick her out of my hotel room when I felt like our argument over you wasn’t going anywhere,” he sighed. Honestly, just thinking about the conversation exhausted him. The look in his eyes was so hopeful, it broke his heart to have to say no, so instead he decided to convince him against it. “Be honest with yourself, Nick, you don’t really want to be a part of the Nomads again. They are not your family anymore, and you said it yourself before you agreed to the punishment, you did it for your new family here. Whatever is going on with your fiance and Kaden, I’m sure you’ll pick one of them at last and maybe the dynamics will change but they are still in your heart, and still in your family. No matter what,” he did his best to express how he felt about Nick. “Vous êtes à côté de moi maintenant , ici , aussi longtemps que je reste . Peut-être que cela ne suffit pas, mais mon cœur et moi-même est tout ce que je dois offrir,” he promised.

[renard-levett-blog]

Reflections || Ren & Mathias

[renard-levett-blog]

It was odd to hear a mention of Nicholas from Mathias, and be reminded that he was Nicholas’ sire, but he chose not to mention it and simply nod sympathetically instead, his own opinion of Nicholas rather poor. It would be a shame if Nick managed to ruin their dinner without even being present. “Of course, I’m glad you asked,” Ren told him, smile a little bashful. “I’ve been well. A situation resolved itself recently, so I’m fairly relieved,” he continued, but anything further was interrupted by the arrival of the waiter, bringing with him menus, and Ren ordered himself a glass of a red wine he was fond of, turning to the menu curiously when the man had left to get their drinks. Reading through was slow going, but he recognized most of the dishes, though when he was human he had been too poor to consider eating anything like what was served at the restaurant. Still, there were a few that he thought would be less offensive than most modern food was, at least with any luck. “Occasionally, the inflation still catches me by surprise,” he chuckled as he caught sight of the prices, and to Ren it felt like yesterday that a dollar had the purchasing power that a hundred did now,

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

His own drink order was basically a copy of what Ren ordered. In all his years of drinking, Mathias didn’t really have a favorite of his own, he only knew the color of wine most appropriate for the meal he planned to order. “I don’t really worry about that too much, in all that time the value of my money has increased as well, so I’m fairly certain I’m better off now than I was back then.” He changed the subject quickly as he realized it sounded a little braggy to himself, “Ah, but enough about me. I can’t believe how good this place looks. Even before I flew in to New York, I hadn’t been home in France for quite a while. How long has it been for you?” When the waiter returned he ordered two of his favorite dishes, a simple coq u vin and a side of gratin dauphinois, two things he hadn’t eaten in several years at least. He held the wine glass delicately by the stem as he took a sip from it, flashing Ren his brightest smile. “You have great taste,” he complimented.

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

Mathias & Nicholas | hurt

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

Since all Nick’s hunter senses were on, he instinctively reacted with a growl as Mathias seemed to want to get in between him and his prey. Of course Mathias seeing him like this could be added to all the things that were currently going wrong in his life. “I’m feeding, since when are you opposed to that.” he snarled. It wasn’t personal, it was simply the state he was in. “Let me see. My fiancé turned her humanity off and slept with a bunch of other dudes. Then I slept with my best friend which is also her best friend. Now we’re not engaged anymore and my friend thinks it’s best we don’t see each other. That’s about the shortest summary I can give you.” he said, obviously miserable. The fresh blood was still dripping from his chin and he was on the edge of turning it all off. “Seems like I lost two families in one week doesn’t it?” he said, reffering to the mark and how it made it impossible to ever return to the Nomads. “Don’t worry about me.” he added. “I’ll be fine.” he said emotionless while tossing the human on the pile of others. 

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

“I’m not opposed to feeding, I just think such reckless behavior is likely to get that hunter of yours on your trail. I don’t think her limited perception of the world would be very forgiving of this kind of behavior.” Perhaps it was mean to use Kaden and her wishes against him, but he obviously cared more than Mathias approved. Of course he might not have said that if he knew what happened between them; the news that he had slept with the witch, cheated on his fiance with the one woman that was off limits, that was an unpleasant shock. Mathias did his best not to react, keeping his face very passive. “I resent that, you are still my family even if you are no longer allowed to hunt with us.” He reached out and grabbed Nicholas by the wrist, a grip tight enough to break bones should the other man resist too much, in an attempt to keep him from leaving. “Don’t pull this woe is me bullshit, Nick. You’re stronger than this! Those two aren’t your only family.” He had some mystery daughter still, and wasn’t she worth keeping it together for?

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

Mathias & Nicholas | hurt

Nicholas hadn’t meant to get on Mathias’ radar but it was probably rather hard not to do so. He was completely out of control. He had lost the biggest part of his family all in one day. And Nick wasn’t known to handle loss very well. He just made his nineth kill and counting. He was this unstoppable force of nature. He was completely drunk on blood. His eyes different shades of red, black and blue. His mouth was covered with the red liquid. At this point he truly looked like a monster. He couldn’t stop. It was either this or shutting off his humanity all together. He only took a break from sucking dry his next human when he heard a sound. “Show yourself.” he growled.

@theoriginalnomad

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

The link between maker and progeny was a strong one, made stronger by emotions and proximity to one another. For this reason, Mathias was generally at his strongest when he was around the other Nomads. He began to feel a change earlier in the day, not in himself, but in someone he was connected to. A quick phone call to the other Nomads in the area narrowed things down, and he proceeded to hunt down the only one it could be, Nicholas. When he finally found the other vampire, his eyes were totally vamped out and his mouth was smeared with blood; Mathias was alarmed by the sight and while not surprised that his son would behave in such a way, he was concerned about whatever might have triggered this response. “What the hell happened?” he asked as he stepped out into Nick’s view. “Would you let that human go and talk to me, Nick? I don’t understand what kind of situation you could've gotten yourself into in the few days it’s been since we last spoke.” Mathias approached, close enough to pull his son off of the human, should the need arise.

[renard-levett-blog]

Reflections || Ren & Mathias

While Ren couldn’t say he’d minded that most of their time spent together had been in one of their apartments, he also found himself looking forwards to a night actually out with Mathias. He hadn’t minded the suggestion of a restaurant, and though he doubted he’d eat much of the food, he enjoyed the atmosphere of the lovely French place that Mathias had chosen. Ren had arrive first, and been seated at a table table that was fairly secluded, enough so that they would hardly even see any of the other diner while they were enjoying their own mean. Or, while Mathias was, in any case. 

He hadn’t been waiting long before he saw the other vampire approaching, and Ren stood automatically, smiling widely. “It’s good to see you,” he told him, leaning into press a quick kiss against both of his cheeks. “How have you been?” He asked, gesturing for Mathias to sit before doing the same himself across from him.

@theoriginalnomad

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

Though most of their interactions had been hookups, Mathias found himself interested in something more, if his possessive nature wasn’t hint enough. He thought fondly to Ren’s birthday night, to the words he spoke in that foreign language, and he just knew Renard felt something too. In hopes that they could explore such potential feelings bit more, he decided a real date was the proper way. He invited him to a lovely restaurant over the phone, French, to remind them both of their former home. Ren was already there when he arrived, seated at a relatively private table. The small kisses he was given as a greeting only lifted his mood more, and Mathias returned the smile in greeting. “I’ve been okay, just a little exhausted emotionally thanks to some stuff with Nicholas, but otherwise I’m just fine. How about you?” he asked. The vampire took the empty seat at the table, immediately pulling the menu open in front of him. There was so much traditional French food here, he could already tell he was going to enjoy the meal. “How about you? Thanks for agreeing to meet me here, by the way. I felt like I needed to see you out of a bedroom setting,” he half joked. 

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

Forging Magic Steel | Oliver & Cora & Mathias

[cora-ebben-blog]

“Ooooh, kinky.” Cora couldn’t help winking at Mathias, before watching him walk a short distance away. Turning back to focus on the real matter at hand, she listened to Oliver dutifully, nodding along with his words. He seemed to know a great deal, and she was eager to learn. Maybe after all this they could get together to show each other some tricks. Cora certainly had a few up her sleeve. “That’s good, but I think adding some vampire blood to the herbs would help, too. You said this vampire was related to you, right?” She tossed her head over her shoulder to glance at Mathias. “If we have the blood of a relative, it might make it stronger.” Sure, she was spitballing, but her gut instinct told her it would be a smart move.

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

Mathias nodded in response, but added, “Yes. Nicholas is my progeny.” Thought he spent a whole lot of time apologizing or feeling guilty for the various things the boy did to other, he cared deeply for his son; his feelings were only amplified when Nick was actually behaving or not trying to hate him so much. This weapon would hopefully only improve their relationship, as weird as that sounded, because they would finally have a blank slate. He held up his arm, simultaneously unbuttoning the small one at his wrist and rolling the sleeve up to his elbow. “Seriously, take whatever you guys need for this,” he offered. 

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

Nicholas & Mathias | The mark of Cain

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

Even when it was over it didn’t really feel over. The pressure of the blade disappeared but the pain didn’t. All he could do was lay there, like he had just received the worst beating of his life. He was covered in sweat and gasping for breath. He could hardly feel the lips of his father on his forehead and the words sounded like those of someone far away. He didn’t know how long he remained on that table. Even when Mathias had removed the straps he couldn’t find the strength to move. He didn’t know what he had imagined but he had never thought it to be this bad. All he wanted at this point was to get out of here. To go home and sleep. And to make sure kaden would never know he had been gone in the first place. He struggled to get up and when he did he almost immediately lost his balance and needed to take a hold of Mathias to regain it. He was burning with a fever caused by the pain and the magic. Everything around him felt like a feverish dream, a hallucination. “I-I need to go…” he managed to say. There didn’t seem to be much left of his vampire strength at this point. He felt weak and vunerable. Almost like a human. But Mathias had kept his word. He hadn’t killed him. He briefly looked down at the horor that now covered the left part of his chest and would do so for all eternity. “Dites aux autres, ils ont eu leur revanche.” he said weakly. “Tout malgré entre nous se termine aujourd'hui. Je vais vous tenir à votre parole, père. S'ils se cassent pour vous, je vais y mettre fin. Et cette fois, je ne manquera pas.” And with that all the last energy seemed to be drained out of him and he had no idea how he would get home but he would try even if it would kill him.

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

“Bien sûr. Je pense que ce soir est une bonne première étape,” Mathias agreed, nodding his head. He did his best to help Nick get out of the apartment, despite the fact that he didn't seem to want very much from him. The vampire did his best not to be hurt by it, seeing as his son had a very legitimate reason for not wanting to be around him right now. Using his cell phone, he made a quick call, and just a few moments later a large black car appeared from around the corner. "Mon chauffeur vous ramener à la maison. Soyez prudent." Despite any hesitance or argument, Mathias managed to get Nicholas into the car and close the door behind them. Though he did not know where his son lived in this city, he was certain it was not close enough for an injured man to walk or ride the subway. The car took off, disappearing with him inside just as fast as it had appeared.

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

Forging Magic Steel | Oliver & Cora & Mathias

[cora-ebben-blog]

Cora’s heart softened for Mathias. This went beyond a simple member of his nomadic tribe or whatever it was he lead. The tone is his voice made that obvious enough. Leaving the rest of her many questions for later, she nodded once, sharply. “I’ll mark you, if you like. Give you a pretty flower tattoo?” Cora teased, trying to bring some light into the conversation. Her eyes brightened as Oliver explained exactly what she was thinking, grateful they were on the same wavelength. “Yes, perfect. I wasn’t sure exactly what to have on hand, but I’ve got some fresh vervain, myrrh, and yarrow. Among some other dried herbs.” She liked to keep well stocked in herbs, but having never tried a spell of this nature, it would be nice to have Oliver’s input, especially since his magic was so grounded in healing. Cora definitely wouldn’t have attempted this on her own.

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

“I’d rather have a compass, actually, but we can worry about prettying it up after we are sure the thing works. We have all night for a little fancy scarification session.” Thankfully, the design he had in mind was not particularly big or complicated, nor would it involve removing much skin at all. He could probably do it to himself, but would prefer her touch over his own in all things. Mathias held the scalpel out for one of them to take, then retreated back towards the couch where he had been waiting for Oliver to show up. “I’ll just be over here, you guys have magic to do and I’d only get in the way,” he explained his motion.

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

Nicholas & Mathias | The mark of Cain

[nicholasjohnson-blog]

“A picture…” Nicholas repeated. “She’ll frame it.” he joked. A few hours. He supposed he could live with that. What was a few hours in eternity? He nodded slowly. Afraid that if he spoke now that he would sound afraid and he didn’t want his father to hear him sound afraid. Nick swallowed as Mathias started to draw the symbol, which was of course painless but the start of something that would never leave his chest again. Nicholas thought it was best to not look at it all. To just keep his eyes fixed on the night sky. He would see it once it was done. When he would see it happen it would probably only be more uncomfortable. Even the French words didn’t truly seem to console him tonight. “It’s hurts me more than you.” he repeated in English. “Isn’t that what parents say before they beat up their child?” he said almost scoffing. “Thank you.” he added. Not wanting to be completely rude. He took a deep breath knowing that it was about to begin.

The moment the blade hit his skin there wasn’t only the pain of being cut but also a burning sensation. Like it was on fire. Nicholas gritted his teeth. He wasn’t exactly a lovable vampire so he had been tortured multiple times through out his long life and he could handle some pain. Even when he would be hurt he would always be able to throw a joke or sarcastic comment in the mix. But it didn’t take him long to realize that this was different. He groaned and the more the mark progressed, the more it felt like his heart was on fire. He started to struggle, to fight the leather straps around his body and to fight Mathias who used his elbow to keep him in place. His own screams sounded like those of someone far away. The pain made his vision go black and the burning sensation seemed to spread itself throughout his entire body. Drops of sweat had appeared on his forehead, now calling out in pain with every single movement the blade made. He was gasping for breat at this point. All he could do was wait for what seemed to be the longest moment of his life to be over. And then for a moment he thought to be sure that this would kill him. This couldn’t be just the pain of a mark, this must be what dying felt like. 

[theoriginalnomad-blog]

In total the mark took approximately thirty minutes to do, but it was agonizing all the while. At first Nicholas seemed to be handling the process like a champion, gritting his teeth to keep from making any sounds. But then the screams began, such agony like he’d never heard from another vampire. Generally their kind was resilient and able to withstand a whole lot because they usually healed, but this was different. He thought to last night, when Cora had used the scalpel on him to test it, how red hot the pain felt on the skin of his wrist. Even now that it was healed, it was like the burn of the blade was in his nerves, still stinging and making his arm tingle right down to the tips of his fingers. When he finished he immediately tossed the items aside on the side table so that his hands were free to release his ever suffering son. “Tu étais si brave, mon fils,” he whispered as he leaned in to untie the first of his wrists. Mathias leaned in and pressed a kiss over his forehead, a mere brush of lips. “Je vous remercie.” Those words were not nearly enough, but all he could do now was prove his honesty in return. The rest of the leather straps took less time to remove now that he had the hang of things, and he left the fabric to fall to the floor each time until the outdoor space was left looking a bit like a bdsm situation than one of familial ritual.