PUNISHER

[hoaxwings]

Starter for @travlerschampion​

Meet and greets were somewhat normal within the armory. Lately, Atlas was all about them since they provided a avenue to avoid his sisters. It was strange to say the plural version of the word considering he had just gotten used to just having one and all of a sudden the holidays brought back the other one from the dead. Something he was still struggling with. At least this time it had gone rather quickly and it hadn’t been dragged out. Which left him to have some time to himself which he took full advantage of and walked over to the nearest cafe. All he needed was a shot of espresso in order to get his day started. His hands placed inside his front pockets as he had placed his order and now was waiting to be called up to pick it up, “Decent day wouldn’t you say? – the weather has been rather kind.” 

[travlerschampion]

he was still unsure as to why the group of misfits that ran the armory were of interest to them. if he had to hazard a guest he figured it was something to to with the woman that currently ran it.  another of her blood, on of three if his counting was correct. so why she had extended his services to the man and not the woman at the head was beyond him. but his mistress had insisted and thus it would seem that a partnership was to be had. it was still unclear if he knew of said partnership but if nothing else he would find out . he waited next to the one they called atlas campbell as he made his order. markos still unclear as to how or why anyone would willingly drink the putrid stuff that was coffee in this time. he tried and even with the over sweeten pastries added too it the stuff was unbearable. teas were his preferred beverage. “ you are starting  our topic of conversation with the weather?” brow raised in question he had assumed the other would want to get into the whole mess of it that was markos playing helper. with a sigh he looked out the window. “ it looks fine, the seasons here leave little to be desired.” he missed his first home pre being killed for his traveler abilities.”do you drink this every day?”

[travlerschampion]

ofxpressicns​:

Marcel had gotten the letter, rumblings of someone wanting to see him. He didn’t know why /.,he was always dragged into something but he was. He came alone, letting Gia know where he was in case he didn’t make it back. But if the man was crazy enough to leave a note, he wasn’t afraid. “I’m here. You got my undivided attention. Now let’s get to the part where you try and kill me or bring me into your scheme,”

“it  is  a  marked  improvement  from  your  office.”  markos  grinned,  it  amused  him  how  highly  these  creatures  thought  of  themselves.  but  when  compared  to  many  of  the  others  currently  loitering  about.  marcel  was  an  marked  improvement,  though  a  bit  peevish.  “  are  you  often  approached  with  schemes  and  the  like?  i  would  think  they  would  over  look  you  and  move  straight  towards  your  maker  for  this  sort  of  thing.”  he  could  be  wrong  it  was  after  all  his  observations  of  the  residents  that  brought  about  this  assessment.  “  there  is  no  scheme  i’m  afraid  or  at  least  none  that  you  will  be  able  to  aid  in.  there  is  however  a  favor  in  which  i’ve  been  requested  to  ask  and  in  return  a  favor  will  be  extended.” 

[travlerschampion]

gravedrawn​:

“that…. makes sense.” there was a lot of lack when it came to katalina’s knowledge of her family history, but there was the undeniable gap that her grandmother was called katherine pierce and yet her power’s name was nadia petrova. her mom had only been married once, and that was to gilbert. so, another name made the most of all sense. “well everyone talks about her in abject horror, it’s funny but also confusing and i don’t like being confused.” it made her feel dumb, and katalina hated feeling like an idiot. “so i want to know why. why is everyone afraid to so much as talk about her? i don’t care if she was some kind of nefarious bitch, i also don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing, i just want to know why.”

markos smirked at her vivid words, “ nefarious perhaps and all depending on whom you speak with. that is the thing about learning from others rather than the source. the view will be skewed depending on the encounter. “ they were all fickle in that regard. how quickly some could forgive the sins of those they loved and cared about. but would quickly crucify those who; committed the same sin but yet they werent villains. markos was sure the record would show him as a villain to some but the few that saw him that way really weren't his concern. “ katherine is a force of nature. i too don’t think it is a bad thing to do what one must in order to survive. especially when those hunting you will stop at nothing to destroy you.”  he let out a soft sigh looking past a face that seemed to be closely reminiscent of a lifelong past. “ women aren’t often revered when they are strong. a woman's strength is often feared, as it should be because when she knows herself she can be a force. katherine knows herself, is unapologetic in that knowledge and there will always be those who fear it for one reason or another. this much has not changed over the centuries, and it's so unfortunate. what little reverence we have towards her and women in general.”

[travlerschampion]

demartcl​:

interest shot through tristan, he always kept his ear about listening for foes and allies swimming about the world. it was the same reason he extended casual conversation even when he found it tedious, to find connections to be used in the future. it was curious when the connections found him. “a mislead journey doesn’t make it a wrong one.” he responded, keeping his wits about him as he typically did. “i may agree with her, though i’m hardly impartial.” and he was CURIOUS to which the man called his mistress. “who would you be serving?” if it was someone of interest tristan would recognize the name, he was certain. 

“nor should you be these are perilous times. impartiality is a luxury that most can not afford.“ no matter how they might boast otherwise. he could respect him in this aspect. markos couldn’t afford any impartiality not with so much at stake and on the line for them. “in the first century  most called her gifted, those who actually witness her power thought her a goddess .” he began moving to take a seat at a near by bench. a far off look on his face as he spoke. “ she was betrayed by a person who loved her, deceived by one who envied her and lied too by one whom she trusted.” looking towards the vampire he smiled, “ and even they could not break her, could not silence her. and she has returned to right the wrongs  against those who follow her and those of her blood. qetsiyah of sparta but most knew her simply as qetsiyah.” 

[zillace]

OA Zidan & Stuart Scola || FBI 5x14

[travlerschampion]

@hoaxwings

[travlerschampion]

markos was still unsure what his mistress believed the benefit was to offering up an understanding with this vampire. his connections and loyalty to those who had killed her the first time was hard to ignore. however, he knew better then to ask question of her, especially when so much of their plan was already in motion. he had left a letter to meet in the woods. it was secluded and with no full moon out and about it was the perfect place for a demonstration. “ thank you for meeting me marcel.” he called feeling the other presence as his back was towards him, markos was facing the fire head on. hands stretched out over the flames. “ i trust there is no need to infer how important it is that this meeting is kept quite for the moment.  @ofxpressicns​

[gravedrawn]

“So here’s the thing, I have this vivid memory from childhood of my mom telling me stories about my grandma, and then my dad laughing. Not in a funny ‘haha’ way but more like a funny weird type of way. Like my mom was a crazy person telling the story.” Kaya mused. “The thing I don’t get is why he was so weird about it.” She considered for a moment. “Tell me— do you know anything about Katherine Pierce?” | @sanguishqsstarters​

[travlerschampion]

“ i knew her by another name.” he offered a smile playing on his lips. they had been in love once, perhaps it was more lust then love. whatever the case the product of it had brought about their daughter nadia. markos had watched after them, katherine and nadia both on the other side. and now it would seem he would have a chance to meet one of his grandchildren. taking a seat next to her now; markos kept his eyes focused on the scene of ducks swimming in the pond. “ youre question is too vague, there is something you want to know about her, yes? what would you like to know?”

[ofsalemfate]

Orion had known that leaving the coven was going to cause some kind of culture shock, but God, he hadn’t been ready for all of this. The gala was an overwhelming start to his time in McKinley, but the days following Christmas had proved fairly fruitful. He had found a job, Ileana was safe, and what more could he really ask for? The best part about being out of Salem was being able to openly practice magic, and he couldn’t stop himself from absentmindedly using his powers to stir his coffee. He didn’t care about the looks he might get in the cafe, he was finally free. ”I’m think I’m getting better at this,” he mused.

@sanguishqsstarters​

[travlerschampion]

“it’s  a refreshing change isn’t it.” came the deep voice.  markos didn’t think he would enjoy this second go around at life quite so much. granted, he did so in the hopes of helping his people. he grew so accustomed to isolation enuring his torture in silence. death had not been the end for him, hell too hadn’t been his end. as a dark lighter he used what gifts he’d been given back all in service of his mistress. but it was rare days; days like today. when he could take the time for himself. enjoying the simple pleasures, like a cup of black coffee and cheese danish. he didn’t know how something so sweet could be considered breakfast food but he didn’t ask. he kept his eyes straight ahead as he took another sip . “ you should enjoy it that feeling you have now.” he replied realizing his words he looked over to the witch, “ and feel free to ignore me, i’m far off in my own thoughts.”  

[diviinus]

It was flashes of images, hauntings. Similar to what happened when his wife passed. But this was different. For one it wasn’t her face he was seeing– or not seeing. Voices and faces that he could see so clearly one second and then the next he couldn’t recall. It had him shooting up from his bed– or the couch rather. He was still in his outfit for the gala. His head was pounding and his body felt weak in a way. It was strange, he didn’t remember drinking a lot but this felt like the worst hangover in his life. How was it possible that he had blacked out? Groaning he fell back onto the couch. Trying to ignore the throbbing of his head, the pounding of it. Till he realized that the pounding was coming from his front door. “ Alright!” he growled. Pushing up from the couch he sluggishly made his way to the front door. Throwing it open, “Is there a reason you’re pounding at my door like the goddamn police this early in the morning.” he assumed it was morning, he assumed it was the day right after the gala but in truth.. he wasn’t sure of the time or the day. “ What is so damn important?” || @sanguishqsstarters​

[travlerschampion]

he knew the man would have no recollection of what happened that night.  this was the reason he had ended up on his door step, to make sure  that there would be no recollection nothings that could link back to qetsiyah. hearing alaric bellow from the other side of the door only had markos knock that much harder and lowered. until the front door flew open and he was now greeted by the man in question. he wasn’t taken aback by the others gruff greeting, instead he offered up a smile. “ ah forgive me, i thought this was my friends home it would seem i got the wrong apartment.” smiling apologetically markos took in the other man’s appearance. “looks like you had  a fun night at the gala huh? “ markos peeked over his shoulder  as he made his next inference.”you don’t have ms. fell hiding in their do you? not that i blame you she is a looker.”  there was a method to his madness, he wanted to provoke him... wanting to make sure that the effects of the spell had taken root. he was up surely they must have.  “ not that i blame you, she looked good enough to eat in that dress.”

[travlerschampion]

nghtmqred​:

“Is this one of those situations where I’m going to need to fight my way out. “his gut told him that it would be. Whatever the aim it wasn’t just talking. If it was, he wouldn’t have followed him, waited to get him alone and – her presumed locked them both in here. Scoffing, Alaric crossed his arms eyes bore down on him. “ The door is locked, I heard you lock it the minute you came in. I’ve spent enough time with vampires and wolves to know that you aren’t either of those. My guess is some kind of warlock, seeing as you aren’t trying to keep your voice low– which means you placed a silencing spell on the room. How am I doing so far?” it was a rhetorical question because Alaric was nowhere near being done.  “ I don’t care what plans you and your mistress have in effect. That’s not my problem. And I don’t need or want some vague promise of reward. It doesn’t interest me.” he was tired, sick, and tired of literally having to deal with every supernatural creature coming to the town he lived in and running it a muck. And his patience for the whole endeavor has officially run out. 

And he would have said as much if it weren’t for the fact that the room was now starting to spin. He shook his head trying to focus on the man in front of him. “ What the hell did you do,″ he growled. Pouncing towards him but his feet felt like they were weight down.  He didn’t bother asking again instead, he acted. Reaching for the gun hidden is the waistline of his pants. Alaric took a fist full of his shirt, holding the gun just under the stranger’s throat. “ Get out of my way, I don’t want to kill you.” his words seemed so far away almost hollow. Like he was in a chamber, Alaric shook his head again trying to keep whatever magic was working through him. Gritting his teeth his grip tighten as he fought to keep standing. “ Stop this.” 

In a fair fight, Markos was sure that he would have his work cut out for him. He'd watched Alaric and those close to him for some time now. Where they went, who they were closest to, and whom they didn't keep taps on. Each person a potential pawn or enemy piece. Expertly moving in a game of chess few of them were aware of; fewer still knew how to complete it. Distractions were coming that would allow him and his mistress to work with little oversight.

While those who thought themselves power players were busy in one area; they would be casting the net in the other. Alaric just so happened to be the first to be caught. The man surprisingly could hold his own against a vampire and werewolf, but there was no weapon he'd be able to use fast enough that would disarm Markos' magic. None that he knew anyway.

Markos remained unmoved by the man's grip on his shirt. Brandishing his gun and holding it against his throat.

"I am not afraid of death. When it comes for me the final time I will welcome it with open arms." he placed his hand over the one Alaric used to hold his weapon. Magic pulsated through the two where their skin met. " Unfortunately for you that is  not today, and most certainly not by you."

Pity, it might have been an honorable death if Alaric was his executioner.

"I'm afraid the wheel is already set in motion." his voice was low as he let his arms wrap around the man as his weight and Markos magic bore down on him. " In time all will be revealed to you, for now it's time for you to sleep." with that he pushed his  magic more rendering Alaric Saltzman unconscious.

Three knocks came, as Markos undid the lock with his magic. Two figures enter the bathroom.

Jax and Aurora:  travelers, two of his most trusted. Slowly Markos stood, turning to face them, " Take him to the circle and prepare his body for the rites. Use the cloaking spell so no one sees or tracks you."

"And our Lady?" came Aurora. Jax a brawny man had already lifted the limp body of Alaric off the ground throwing him over his shoulders as if he weighed nothing at all. Looking to Markos expectantly.

" She will arrive anon, now quickly.

Markos started chanting in tandem with the other two, the hint of their magic wrapping them  up. Hiding them from sight as they moved out.Markos didn't stop chanting until he could no longer feel their presence. Rolling his shoulders, he fixed his tie before departing the washroom. 

One down, two more to go.

[travlerschampion]

nghtmqred​:

Alaric wasn’t a believer in fate. Hell, he wasn’t even sure that there was a god at this point. But he couldn’t deny that sometimes there were just forces greater than his understanding, perhaps forever would be. He didn’t know who this man was, but the intent radiated from him. A sense powerful enough that allowed the human hunter to know that he was being followed. Leading him away from the ballroom, away from those he cared about. He never sobered up so quickly, every muscle in his body was tense and ready. Unsure of what he would be facing but he would face it head-on. He kept his face clear of any indication of his own panic– his heart ramming against his chest. Fear swelled in him in that familiar way it did. Fear wasn’t a bad thing; it was what you needed to survive, warning you to tread carefully.  Moving to the wash basin, Alaric let the warm water run over his hands. Pumping a few squirts of the liquid soap into his palm. “Never much of a bible reader myself. So it doesn’t mean much to me,” his tone even as he shut the water off. 

“I’ve always been the man who appreciated cutting through the shit and getting straight to the point. “ he stared the other down unafraid. His hands clenched into a fist at his side. “I’m not interested in whatever riddle you’re trying to sell me.” blue eyes hard like stone his gaze bearing down on the dark figure. “Shift.” 

“nor have i, “ he admitted, “ but its stories compelling. almost to the point of foreshadowing. the human version of fortune telling if you can decipher it.” markos knew that this would be no easy task. insisted that she might be able to appeal to one of the younger miscreants running around town. far more pliable then a human hunter that had death following him like a stink. putrid  and fowl that completely tainted him. it was a bad omen in his opinion; he had been marked by death over and over . the balance had to be repaid and markos fear was that it would be his mistress that would have to pay it.  it was a argument that she quickly dismissed but it wasn’t so easily forgotten on his part.

“is this how you typically handle situations. hitting your way out.” markos didn’t move, not yet. even though he could, there was no way for the human to unlock the door. to surpass him or his power he currently kept at bay. “ perhaps if you knew how to read the room better you would know fighting me will serve you little in this situation. but it need not be a dire one alaric.  there are plans set in motion that can not be undone. a balance that needs to be restored. “ he matched the others stride, but where alaric was tense. similar to that of a trapped animal wanting to pounce. markos had an air of calm confidence that would unnerve most.

“you are a human surrounded by the supernatural. killed and brought back to life with unnatural magic. do you think their wouldn’t be a price to pay? that you could avoid death with out paying the toll? it will come for you as it will all of us. but my mistress, thinks you are worthy of a more natural gift and she’s willing to offer it too you.”

[travlerschampion]

starter for @nghtmqred​​

with those either distracted by their new company they acquired for the night, or mingling and drinking  amongst each other  he had watched the other slip out of the ballroom. his mistress had given him a task  and now it was time to follow it. markos followed behind alaric. matching his pacing as he watched the man disappear into the restroom following a hairs breath behind him. with his magic he locked the door. wordlessly mouthing a spell to silence the room. there could be no interruptions. markos posted himself against the wall near the sinks. watching when alaric finally emerged.

“ you have been weighed, you have been measured and you have been found wanting.”

he spoke the words slow in a thick draw. observing the other curiously. “ its a passage from your bible  in daniel i believe. ‘god hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting’.” he chuckled at how little people really knew. “ some think it  good to be found wanting. in your case, it can be.” 

[eternalxbarbie]

Klaus and Stefan’s manipulative actions had put some kind of fire in the blonde that had remained at bay since she had flipped her switch. Not anger, like they had surely wanted, but now devious wheels were turning in her head. Even with no humanity to hold onto, Caroline’s control freak nature was bred so deep into her that she wasn’t capable of letting go of the reins for even a moment. That entire concept was out the window now, however, and she was on a tear. Drinking tequila like it was water was probably not going to help the circumstance but compelling bartenders to keep the shots coming was too easy. She shot a sidelong glance at the newcomer that joined her, raising an eyebrow. “Really wouldn’t sit there right now, but hey, it’s your funeral.” 

@sanguishqsstarters​​

[travlerschampion]

“ i’ll keep that in mind.” markos could tell that the young vampires emotions were off. which didn’t bother him, it stood to reason that it would be far more beneficial for him in the long run. his time observing them all-- watching their habits. seeing who was close with whom. it seemed at the heart of it, caroline forbes seemed to know or know of just about everyone in this town. he took the seat she’d warned for him not too. “ club soda with a splash of ginger bitter.” he ordered. letting his arms rest against the bar top, he didn’t look at her as he spoke his next words. “ alaric saltzman? do you know if he’s coming to this little... event his daughter organized.”

[mytvjunk]

[originclalpha]

“This place is TRIPPY,” Cordelia commented, it was a little bit cold yeah but she wasn’t the type to care. She would freeze to death in a short dress if her only option were hideous pants. With a world so out of whack a girl needed something to stand by, and for Cordelia that was fashion. “Last two ‘big fun’ holidays ended in screams and tears?” Though she had been lucky enough to miss them, or be too hung over to remember. “But sure, let’s have another. There’s no way this could go wrong, right?” | @sanguishqsstarters​

[travlerschampion]

“ if you felt that much apprehension about tonight, why come?” markos had heard of how quickly events unfolded. he had made sure to do as much research as he could before he and his mistress came back and mingled with the rest. he was certain that they would come out of any dire situation on unscathed. so he couldn’t imagine what might happened to those not as powerful as they were.  “ wouldn’t it be better to enjoy your night, the night is still young.”

[ofxpressicns]

Marcel had been working in his lecture room, finishing up taking down the evidence for an assignment he was showing his class when he heard footsteps. “Office hours aren’t happening right now,” He stated, not checking to see who it was. | @sanguishqsstarters​

[travlerschampion]

“i’m hoping now is a better time  .” heavy footsteps halted as he stood in front of the other well dressed man.  he’d sought him out earlier in the week and had be rebuffed about his  office hours. markos was hoping the more open and public setting would change the others mind.  “you seem clever enough to tell me who cast the purification barrier around that quaint little town? “ hand clasped behind his back he took a step closer. “ and before you think of lying to me may i point out that i am not your enemy. in fact i’d say i’m far from it. i think we could be useful to each other.”

[emergcd]

“See, the problem is this.” Jo began. “If you under-dress, your bosses notice and it’s the way wrong kind of attention cause they think you don’t care and you don’t care but they don’t get to know that. But then you over-dress, and the wrong kind of attention resumes cause no I don’t want to dance with you, cause I might twist my ankle in these heels and me being a doctor doesn’t mean I personally enjoy being in pain.” She rambled, only to finally realize she had been rambling. “Sorry, that was a lot of words. Feel free to ignore me.” She encouraged enthusiastically. | @sanguishqsstarters​​

[travlerschampion]

markos chuckled softly listening to her ramble on for a moment. he wasn’t entirely sure what she was going on about but it was rather endearing to hear. it was the first genuine laugh he had all night, set to task by qetisyah the moment they arrived. she was a welcome distraction,even if he couldn’t enjoy it for the whole of the evening. “no need for apologies, i’m actually rather intrigued by the ramblings” he offered with a smile. “ though i find it hard that anyone would be able to ignore you when you look rather stunning. i’m sure your fellow colleagues will be quite taken with you. you said you’re a doctor, may i ask what your specialty is?”