A Meeting of the Minds

[Herald_of_Fate]

The Ambassador, with his charge in tow, landed gracefully on one of the balconies on the eastern side of the Estate, releasing her hands slowly. His sapphire eyes scanned the moonlit countryside for a moment, clouded by his own thoughts and feelings. Anabel's faith in him seemed to be wanting, he'd discovered a power he never knew he had, and he would soon have to depart as per his Mistress's orders for Xexoria without the benefit of knowing all the answers he sought. "I apologize for acting so...rudely," he said, looking over his shoulder at his guest. "It is a very stressful time. Through that door behind you, you will find one of the guest chambers. You may bathe at your leisure and the chest of drawers in the corner is full of clothing. Simple fare, but I trust you'll find something to your liking." He sighed, a deep sound that seemed to rise from his toes and echo through his body. "If you'd prefer to feed first, you'll find prey has been provided." He nodded toward the glass door, a shadowy figure kneeling by the threshold.

He turned to gaze at her, taking the time to fully drink in all of her features. She had open, honest eyes; it struck him how very pretty and full of life they seemed, despite the lack of life within their bearer. Her form was pleasing, subtle but elegant curves in all the places that a man would appreciate. But there was a strength and boldness to her he could not help but admire. "I need a moment...to gather myself. Then, if you wish, we may talk." Eijin tried to maintain an air of control.
But his resolve was shaken in many ways. In truth, he wanted to remain and speak to her but he dare not delay her freshening up any longer.

[Skylar]

The journey to the estate was swift and freeing. Both attributes she could appreciate greatly. Her hand eased from his and as he scanned the country side, she merely stood in silence and watched him. Something weighed heavy on his mind, his aura to her screamed of it.

She listened to his every word intently. Glancing behind her at the items he listed. When the last word dripped from his velvet tongue, she also watched as he examined her, taking the time to do the same to him. Through parted lips she drew in a quiet breath, wetting her lips to a shiny luster.

“Your apology is dually noted and accepted Eijin.” Her dialect was perfect, his name rolling off her tongue like silk. “Take your moment, and I will take mine.” She nodded her head slightly to him, and turned into the room, disappearing into the room where clothing was suppose to be.

She wasted no time in bathing, the soul purpose to get clean, which was exactly what she did. From head to toe she quickly washed, dried and applied a subtle scented lotion to her flesh, more for the scent of course. She had chosen a dark crimson dress, simple with no design. It wrapped around her body, hugging her womanly curves seductively, yet tastefully as well. She allowed her long charcoal locks to trail down her shoulders and back, and worried not about foot wear.

Being satisfied with her attire, she glanced to the room that held the human. From across the room she could hear it’s heart pumping blood through its veins, her mouth watering with anticipation. She silently opened the door and let herself in, making quick work of draining as much from the human as possible. She was famished, and she drank her fill and then some. Feeding was something she personally never took joy in and she only fed when needed.

Within mere minutes She was back on the balcony, staring at the star filled night. A gentle breeze carried her hair around her shoulders, tossing it in every direction. This place was beautiful, and she felt safe. Leaning down, she remembered the necklace she bore around her neck. She gazed down at it, the massive inscribed A staring back at her. Surely it meant something - a piece of her puzzle, a portion of her past? She closed her eyes, trying to remember anything that might allow her to even answer one of the questions she had been asked.

[Herald_of_Fate]

Eijin sat quietly. dangling his hands over the balcony's ornate banister, watching as tiny arcs of electricity leapt between his fingers. The Ambassador turned as she stepped out to join him, the sparks extinguished. He opened his mouth to speak but at the sight of her, he found the task of speaking beyond him. The raven-haired warrior lowered his eyes, trying his best to look away from the way her dress conformed to her body, the scent of the lotion she had chosen that reminded him of orchids and fresh jasmine, and the beautiful shine of her eyes as they looked at him. Eijin took to a moment to gather himself. "You look...remarkable. I still do not know what to call you..."he stammered. It was unlike him to be so nervous in anyone's presence, never mind a stranger. He finally raised his blue eyes to her, a softness to them that seemed foreign from them before. "I hope you found all pleasing to you. You seem to have had quite a rough time coming here. Is there anything I can do for you, anything you need?"

She intrigued him, not only as a woman but also as the apparent source of his new power awakening. He wanted so badly to gain answers, but a surface brush of her mind yielded little more than static as if a storm raged within her mind. He leapt onto the balcony banister, sitting on it lazily. "I believe Anabel means to have you as a member of her House, though in what capacity is not for me to know. Tommorrow night, though, I must leave for Xexoria. I..wish to ask if...if you would come with me."

[Skylar]

His momentary loss of words caused her to look away for a moment. Such an odd connection she felt with him, with no apparent reason. She was, to say the least, enthralled with him. She dangled on his every word as he spoke. It was a gift really, she could ignore every word and still look as though she had taken in every last one. Truth be told, with him, she truly did listen. His voice seemed to resonate in her body with each syllable. It was pleasing....

“Thank you Eijin. Your words are, too kind.” She moved over toward him, beside him actually, and leaned against the banister. “I suppose you should call me something that starts with A. I assume this necklace is mine.” She twisted it around her finger, looking again at the inscribed letter. Her mind then wondered to his words. Did she need anything? There was so much she needed, so much she wished to know, and wondered if there would ever come a time when those memories would be hers once more...

His eyes caught hers as he asked her to travel with him, to a land unknown, which is no better then the situation she was in. However, the thought of being here without him caused a knot to form in her stomach, a bad feeling she didn’t particularly like. “If it is your wish for me to accompany you Eijin, I would be honored.” She didn’t ask what for, what his business was there, it didn’t really matter to her. A chance to see the country, to learn about this place might ignite a spark deep within. A chance she could not let slip by her.

She placed her elbows on the banister and sighed heavily. To be lost was one thing, but to be lost within ones self was completely different. Laying her cheeks within her palms she thought of what it might mean to be a member of this house. Nothing really came to her which was all the more frustrating. “What is a member of the house?” She felt foolish for asking, but the softness of his eyes told her she needn’t ever feel that way with him. The corners of her lips perked slightly as she averted her eyes from him back to the sky.

[Herald_of_Fate]

Eijin chuckled at her question, more from his own chagrin at recent events than anything else. " Service to Lady Anabel, living by the rules of the house..." he breathed. "Mostly being the Mother's eyes and ears." He smiled at her acceptance of his offer. He didn't much like the idea of going alone. But he had to warn her. " My business there will be dangerous indeed. Vampires have been inexplicably going feral. I go to find out why. And how it might be prevented from spreading." the Ambassador said quietly. " You may need to defend yourself though I will protect you as well as I can." He wanted to touch her, to feel the being behind that voice. But he worried about her reaction. " Will you be capable?"

He slipped down from the banister, stepping behind her. Eijin didn't wish to endanger her. And any newcomer would be viewed with suspicion, if not downright blame for the feral plague. If she remained, there was little telling what Anabel would do. And the warrior didn't mean to find out or leave her. "Thank you...Angel?" The name seemed to fit and popped into his mind unbidden. " May I call you that?"

[Skylar]

Although her memory was stricken, she was not ignorant to many things. To be apart of the house would mean family, safety and comfort. Things that many of their kind never had the pleasure of knowing. She shoved that thought aside until later when it was more of an issue...moving onward to the one at hand.

“I am sure I can handle myself if need be. However I would be lying if I didn’t say I am unaware of any prowess I may possess.” She looked him in his eyes when she spoke. She had no intentions of lying, and wanted to be clear on that fact.

When his lips parted once more the most beautiful sound escaped them. Angel. “Yes...” With that simple word she turned to speak to him, then all at once....


Like a bolt of lightening it flashed through her mind, crippling her to her knees with an earth shattering scream. Wine and humans gathered round for a feast, the sound of horses in the back ground, a white gloved hand reaching toward her....


It was gone.

Crumpled, she knelt upon the balcony, trying to make sense of what she had seen in her mind. Her eyes held tightly closed taking note on every minute detail. Slowly, her hands came to her face and she shook her head. “Forgive me, I’m not sure what happened.” She quickly helped herself back to her feet and tossed an embarrassed look toward Eijin.”Perhaps I have had enough air for now.” With a nod, she excused herself and went back inside, taking a seat on a couch that looked plush and comfortable. As embarassed as she was, she wished deep down he would follow her.....

[Herald_of_Fate]

The Ambassador was pleased by her response. True, while she may lack the sort of powers so many here possessed, a vampire was still a vampire. The basic attributes of increased speed, strength, agility, and durability applied to her just as they did him. And he could always teach her to use these gifts to her advantages.

Then it hit him, much as it did her, her screaming mind sending a shockwave capable of being felt by most in an immediate vicinity with a psychic affinity. Images, jumbled and blindingly vivid, scorched in his head and Eijin rocked on his heels a moment. Just as suddenly they were gone and he shook his head. A flash of a face, a white gloved hand, dark hair...he didn't recognize the person but he could feel a shiver creep down his spine. There was something to be feared in his eyes, a darkness that even creatures of the dark knew to be a step beyond. He watched as Angel retreated inside, his hand reaching to her as she departed. Had these flashes come from her mind? And if so, was she connected to this being?

He hesitated for a moment, unsure of what exactly had transpired. Would she wish to be alone? He sighed and strode into the chamber, joining her on the couch and taking her hand comfortingly. It was amazing how soft it was, the delicate fingers, the skin tinged by the blood from her recent meal. "What just happened? I saw a person in my mind, standing as if he were staring out at me..." he whispered, confused as the memory began to grey at the edges. It was as if it were slowly slipping out of his head. "The more I think of it, the less I remember...white gloves and dark hair...did you see that too?" He wanted to hold her close, to tell her that all would be well. But Eijin wasn't sure. It had seemed a violation of his mind, his normally stalwart psychic guards obliterated. He drew her to him, raising her chin to him with a fingertip. "Don't worry...whatever force has brought you here or may hunt you now, all of my powers and that of this Family will protect you."

[Skylar]

She felt him take the seat next to her, but her face was once again in her palms. Gently, he took her had, and she did not refuse. Still, she did not look him in the eyes, ashamed perhaps, embarrassed most definitely. That was until he spoke, and the shock of his words spread ‘cross her features like wild fire.

“You....you saw that?” It was all she could manage to stammer out to him at the moment. She knew she was not touching him, although close to him, how was it he was able to see whatever that was that scorched through her mind? “Yes, I saw it also.” Her voice was so innocent, the look of fear in her eyes, a look their kind didn’t often have, let alone share.

In truth, she wasn’t worried about being protected, wether she should be or not. She wanted to know who she was, how she got here, and for that matter, why she was here. But with his finger beneath her chin, she could not refuse to look into those haunting eyes of his that seemed to burn into her own.

Reaching up, she placed her fingertips on his forehead and gently ran them down his face, caressing his jaw line and chin. “Thank you.” Her voice was barely audible, but she knew he would have heard her. The right side of her mouth raised in a half smile as she glanced away before speaking again. “I feel as if I have known you all my life. Even we had, I’d not know that now, though. I appreciate your kindness, and your willingness to make me comfortable in your home Eijin. Especially in this, seemingly greatest time of need for me.”

[Herald_of_Fate]

He still held her hand as she spoke, confirming what he had suspected. When she touched him, he found himself closing his eyes at the sensation, those delicate fingertips bringing a slight blush to his face. He was a being not accustomed to such caring. Eijin knew hardness, knew coldness, knew the feel of the lash, the cut of the sword, but he almost never felt such softness, such warm emotion in his life. "We'll find the answers. And we'll find them together." the Ambassador whispered, admiring her smiling profile. "For now, however, perhaps it is best if we keep this experince to ourselves until we discover what exactly we're dealing with. There seems to be a great deal of malice in that being...and until we find out why, we will not know whether or not to perceive him or her as a threat."

He realized that he still held her hand and, suddenly embarassed, nearly released it. But he found he wanted to hold it, wanted to touch her far more than he had already. Would she flinch away from the circle of his arms? Eijin decided to take his chances, drawing Angel to him on the couch and taking her into his arms. His hands did not wander; he merely held her, not even using his strength, leaving her free to break free. If she chose to. He hoped she wouldn't. "We needn't worry for now, Angel. We are in the safest place in Kalmarden and we will be on the road to the answers we seek tomorrow night."
It struck him how sudden this drawing to her was, if it was natural. But it didn't bother him. It felt right and that was enough.

[Skylar]

He seemed intoxicated. She watched him curiously, drawn to his actions, his speech. She couldn’t help but smile at the gracious yet odd being that seemed to jump at the role of being her protector. Perhaps it was simply his nature, what he was bred to do, she however had a hard time buying that scenario.

Without warning, he wrapped his arms around her gently placing her upon his lap. Shocked, she became rigid for a moment, wondering what she may have done to warrant such actions. A man lost in the desert wishes only to drink. To feel the cool liquid quench his thirst, to savor every last drop of it’s goodness. Perhaps Eijin was thirsty as well. Perhaps his life was dry, and his thirsts went unfulfilled.

Still she watched him, even after his words ceased. A quiet twinkle in her eye accompanied by an impish grin. “I agree.” Her calming voice broke the silence at last. “There is no need to worry anyone over my visions. In truth, I am not worried. In due time it will all make sense I’m sure.” Her words flowed smoothly without missing a beat.

“Whenever you are ready, I shall also be ready.” And there she sat, her head upon his shoulder trying to piece together the dream like moment she had accidently shared with him. It was funny though, while he felt malice, danger....she did not...Although, that would also be something she would keep to herself...

[Herald_of_Fate]

Holding her in his arms, Eijin felt the stresses of the last few days melt from his shoulders, as if a weight had been inexplicably lifted. His duties were, at least for the moment, forgotten and he found himself relaxing more than he had in quite some time. There was a soothing quality to her presence that set him completely at ease. As much as he didn't want to let her go, he knew he must. It would be dawn within the hour and the sun would be unforgiving. Or did he? He gazed at the windows around the room, noting the heavy drapes and shades. With a flick of his hand, he sent a wind through them, forcing them closed against the coming morning. He considered inviting her to his own sanctum underground. Would Anabel be angered? He'd never gave the slightest inclination of being attracted to a woman. The Ambassador's duty was to act as Anabel's wrath where she could not and no being could be considered immune. So he'd never thought to take a mate or even a companion. Besides, he abhorred many of the twisted women who became Anabel's playthings, given to flights of dark fancy and sadistic urges. Eijin's nature taught him reverence for life; indeed, even when striking down Anabel's enemies, he prayed for their souls, though most of them had been lost long ago. He feared what Anabel would attempt to turn Angel into and he shuddered a bit. He'd learned of Blythe's fate and knew it was, even if indirectly, Anabel's own fault.
She'd indulged Blythe, making her a monster bit by bit, then cast her aside in favor of Sophita, who was a monster she found more intriguing. Little wonder it had ended as it did. Would his attempt to claim her as bloodmate sway Anabel? Would she be angered and attempt to turn her legions upon him for such an act?

"Angel...I fear what may come of you becoming a member of this House. Anabel may be Mother to us all, but she is a creature most cunning at the art of corruption and seduction," he said softly. "Her chosen are often made monsters controlled solely by her whim and desire for her favor. I do not wish that fate for you...I want to protect you. There may be but one way. I believe she may allow such a thing. I wish to become your bloodmate. Until you decide whether to accept or not, you cannot be claimed by another for one cycle of the moons."

He risked much to even ask this of Anabel. But he had given her his life for over 3 centuries, cut down countless of her enemies, and never failed a task she'd asked of him. Eijin had become a legend in his own time, the Sword Arm of the Mother, the Killer of Four Winds. The very mention of him sent fear through most of the creatures that crept through the dark, though few realized the seemingly mild Ambassador was the man behind the myth. Even if she did decide to punish him for his suggestion, there were few in her employ that could enforce such a punishment. Kraven, perhaps. Rakhaev, maybe. Her herself, most likely. But she might see it as benefical to reward him for remaining in her employ rather than risk him going rogue.

"Understand that I know I am a stranger to you. You may refuse if you wish. But I've seen what she's capable of. And though I serve her, if I can do this one thing, can save one soul, perhaps it will make some small amends for my blood-stained hands."

[Skylar]

After his words had ceased, she said nothing. Instead in less then a blink of an eye, she was across the room, fidgeting with the trinkets that adorned a beautifully crafted shelf. Word by word she replayed the conversation in her mind. Oddly enough there were a few points that annoyed her, and while she thought it best to bite her tongue, she thought with as honest as he had been, it would only be respectful to offer him the same favor.

Turning toward him, she allowed her gaze to linger on him for a moment. He was indeed an attractive creature, and thus far, she found herself mesmerized by his presence. With those thoughts being noted, she introduced to him her thoughts.

“I do not worry about the prowess she may or may not hold over me. That is, I have yet to be submerged into this world yet, and all things come at a price. I’m willing to pay for the lessons I need to learn to unearth the mystery of who I am and why the fates saw it fit to release me here.”

Silent foot falls carried her back to him. Upon the large arm of the couch she took a seat, leaning toward him, closely. “I will take into consideration the offer you have so graciously placed before me. And by the last cycle of the moon, I will have an answer for you.”

Her fingers trailed down his cheek, wrapping like ribbons around his chin to bring his eyes to her. “Understand though, whatever blood stains your hands is not my burden to carry, and has no room on the choice that I may or may not make.” There was a serious edge to her voice that had not been presented yet. She refused vehemently to allow his trials, his demons to choose her destiny. And while her words did not come across hateful, they were straight to the point.

She slid the tip of her nose across his gently, offering him a sweet pointed smile. She had no ill will toward him for his words, in fact, she was grateful that he was comfortable enough with her to share such things. She was sure that regret was something few of their kind had. Him hinting towards him would set him apart in her mind, something she wouldn’t soon forget.

[Herald_of_Fate]

The strength with which she responded was admirable and little room to refute. Eijin found himself worrying less about her due to it. The Ambassador hadn't been sucked into the heartlessness that seemed to come with the Mother's favor. It was something few took note of with his duties as Ambassador and assassin keeping him away from Kalmarden quite a bit of the time. He attributed it to a strength of mind that came from his advanced age and his lineage. His father had been among Anabel's first brood and had been quite powerful, which was the only reason he'd gained the freedom to leave her sphere of influence for Gil-Dreil. After that time, Eijin had found nothing else about him, though he suspected that his father no longer walked the known world. These thoughts were swept quickly away as Angel's hands and then her nose touched his. How she'd managed to disarm his normally closely guarded demeanor was beyond him. He fought the urge to kiss the ruby red lips so tantalizingly close to his own, glistening like dew-kissed fruit. Damn, she was intoxicating. Eijin felt himself losing the battle against her drawing, edging closer. His lips met her softly, tenderly, allowing only a fraction of the true passion he felt to slip through this lingering moment of contact.

No, he should not be doing this...could not, not when his mind needed to be clear, not for his own sake but for the sake of the upcoming mission and Angel's as well. He drew away, his eyes avoiding her. "I should go..." he whipsered, his voice coming nearly breathlessly. "I apologize for being so forward, Angel. And for making my pain your burden. 'Tis my cross to bear, not yours." He rose to his feet. "I will await your decision. And hope I am so lucky that you might accept. If you have need of me, I will be in my chambers in the western catacombs. Take care that you announce yourself to Zazielio. Sphinxes have a terrible habit of using their telepathy to play games with strangers. Makes him the best guardian I've ever had."

With a lop-sided grin that made him appear almost boyish, he stepped to the door and left the room, descending into the torchlit recesses of the catacombs beneath the House proper. As he approached the door to his chambers, a mellow, almost sing-song voice greeted him mentally. "Zazielio waiting long has been, to see his Master home again. Welcome, welcome, Windcutter." The Sphinx unfolded from his predatory perch as Eijin slipped into the door. "You smell of perfume and outdoors, of riding winds across the moors." His tawny coat, lightly blending to auburn along his back, caught the dance of the firelight, his face that of a young boy of perhaps 15, marked with deep crimson spots and stripes like a kabuki mask. His wings, a brilliant gold fading to canary yellow, were folded as he stretched, his liger-size body dominating the corner of the poshly decorated chambers. "Tell Zazielio of the things he scents from worlds above this firmament." The Ambassador patted the monsterous creature, setting the Sphinx to purring and baring his sharpened canines in pleasure. "I'll tell you more before we depart tomorrow, Zazielio. If we have a visitor, do not, I repeat, do not toy with her. In fact, could you go and find the Mother and tell her that I wish an audience before we depart?" Eijin sank into a mass of huge pillows that srved as his bed, drew an ebony quilt over him. He was exhausted and the Sphinx's habit of rhyming grated on him. He'd discovered Zazielio in the menagerie of a vampire who had been plotting against Anabel and targeted for elimination and had taken him as a companion while still a cub. Sphinxes were an odd sort, feeding not just upon flesh but the soul energy of their victims,as well as using a high level of telepathy to communicate and stun prey. They, as well as their natural enemies, Drakes, had been hunted to near-extinction in most of the mainland but under Anabel's rule of Kalmarden, had made something of a return. Though he was sure that Anabel knew of the creature's presence, he could not recall her ever having been in Zazielio's presence.

[Skylar]

She allowed her lips to linger on his for a moment, lids closing ever so slowly her hand caressed his cheek until his lips parted ways with hers. It was adorable, the way he fumbled over his words. It seemed to her as if she unnerved him slightly, brought him out of his element, and yet he was drawn to her. She couldn’t hide the smile on her face as he excused himself from her room.

She offered him nothing more then a nod and watched as he slipped out. She noted his warning about his guardian and sank back down on the couch. A sigh escaped her lips as she began to wonder when she would be meeting with more members of this house. Surely the place was a buzz about her arrival, as it seemed such a big deal to draw a crowd.

Nimble fingers twirled the necklace back and forth. Angel, the name given her now. Funny how she fell from the heavens, was damned for all eternity, soulless, and the name he chose for her was Angel. She chuckled quietly to herself, glancing around the room at the paintings that adorned the walls, and the trinkets that were more then likely old artifacts from the family.

Alone with nothing but the silence and her thoughts, she tried to remember more of the flash back she had, had. She couldn’t shake the though of the white gloved hand, so much about it felt familiar to her, and it was peaceful. She lay her head down on the arm of the couch and closed her eyes. She wasn’t sure if she had fallen asleep, or just lost in her thoughts, either way time was passing quickly.

[Herald_of_Fate]

The Ambassador tossed and turned, his planned rest plagued with images of Angel in his mind. The sight of her skin laid bare before his eyes, the beautiful feel of her lips on his, the feather soft touch of her fingers on his face...it was maddening and alluring all at once. He finally simply lay his blue eyes upon the earthen ceiling above, wondering if she felt this wild passion that coursed through him. Most likely not, he chided himself, you are a stranger to her. A kind and benevolent one but a stranger nonetheless. She'd made no qualms about his swift and less than graceful exit, had not come to join him below. What a fool he was. He turned onto his side, angry with himself over the lack of self control she seemed to inspire. Eijin prided himself on being a creature in complete and total control over his thoughts and actions; the very nature of his duties demanded nothing less. Among many under Anabel's command, the raven haired warrior was recognized as perhaps the most calculating and logical mind within her inner circle. And yet this woman, this Angel, made him little more than a babbling buffoon acting on impulse, his thoughts of consequences pushed aside. Try as he might, he could not drive her from his mind. It was all he could do not to return to her, to tell her how badly he wanted to hold her again, to know the peace of her resting against him.

He sat up in the dark, brushing a hand through his hair in frustration. Madness, he thought, this is madness to be so shaken by anyone. Eijin drew himself into a cross-legged position, taking the prerequisite deep breaths. He cleansed his mind of thought, entering the state of meditation in a few moments. The air in the room became still as death as he rode the wave of higher consciousness, his surface thoughts blank, his deeper ones still filled by visions of Angel's face. Rathr than seking to escape them, he dove deeper, losing himself in their pull.