If Looks Could Kill

Post by **Tree** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 11:24 pm

Ashleigh glanced up to the woman, considering him, looking to darryn. She didn't want to leave him. period. She considered the girl though.

" one hair out of place, ill intent even hinted at, and I will insure you are pleading for death for a thousand hours before I'll even consider granting it."

She purred faintly, leaning over and kissing Darryn's temple.

Even the slightest bit of worry, call for me. Do not hesitate. Swear to me.

she pleaded slightly, kissing his lips lightly before moving from the room. she had to attend, least she ruffle too many feathers for her absence.

Post by **Sushi** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 11:43 pm

Darryn just nodded. The good news was that the woman bore no ill will at all. She honestly was just there to attend the man now sleeping again.

Right now, people were slowly beginning to arrive. They were all making their way to the ballroom. Some of the more important people were already there and dancing, especially if they were from the hosting clan. There was also the father-son duo from Egypt, and a woman from Canada. Within the half hour, everyone else should have arrived. If nothing else, it was a good chance to assess mating prospects *ehm*.

(( Damian

Except the green part is white:

<a href='http://www.thecastlecloset.com/i/mensVe ... tunic6.jpg' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>http://www.thecastlecloset.com/i/mensVe ... ic6.jpg</a>

<a href='http://p.lefux.com/61/20100810/A2719000 ... asks_3.jpg' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>http://p.lefux.com/61/20100810/A2719000 ... s_3.jpg</a>

Yes, it's a masquerade. ))

Post by **Tree** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 11:54 pm

she felt like being nice. Hence the reason she was dressed the part. And she was who she was, and such. But do you realize how hard men are to shove off of you when their is twelve or so of them? Gosh darn the damned powers that be that put her incharge of a sought after seat!

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:12 am

Damian laughed faintly as he barely touched her palm.

"Even though there was a baby born and a takeover, it seems that most of the air is filled with suffocating chatter about you."

He smiled faintly from behind his mask, as they turned in a circle. Well, there was a lot of chatter about 'them' too, but that was beside the point.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 11:54 am

" They claim woman are the only that gossip, but the men here like to do so even more. I fear a fair face and a bit of power is all it takes to catch the courts eye."

All was spoken in an off handed almost friendly banter. It made one wonder how she could go from off the handle hot tempered, to docile little kitten so quickly.

The woman was not shy as the pair finished the dance at hand, sighing as she politely declined the offer to dance more. Her mind was somewhat (ahem) else where, but she was not letting on in any way. She did not care for dancing... so.. yeah.

Dress:

<a href='http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u284 ... dnevik.jpg' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u284 ... vik.jpg</a>

Mask:

<a href='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7tppBDlAe0/T ... /maskw.jpg' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7tppBDlAe0/T ... skw.jpg</a>

And she wants me to tell you, she's still wearing her crown and cuff -_-

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 4:37 pm

That was alright. Damian was alright to continue hobnobbing and brushing elbows. Eventually, there came a point when some, well, servants brought in tables. They set it with bountiful food. Goblets with wine mixed with blood, delicious foods - both comfortable and exotic.

"Sit at my right hand?"

Damian asked graciously.

Darryn, meanwhile had woken up. His head was reeling. He looked at the woman, asking vaguely what was going on. She was explaining to him patiently.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 4:51 pm

Ashleigh agreed to do as asked, even seeming genuine about it as she settled at the table, eating enough to be polite, but not enough to satisfy, rather careful with what she consumed, all of it tested before consumption. She wasn't the only there with a tester, after all.

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 4:57 pm

As there was dessert brought out with fresh dessert wines, Damian got up. Why? Well, because someone had actually just walked in... clad in a green wool cloak and the broach of a favorite. Damian excused himself for the moment, hissing at Darryn. However, Darryn seemed not one tenth as hysterical as the woman chasing after him, telling him he HAD to get back into bed.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 5:01 pm

Ashleigh glanced up, politely excusing herself and following after. Darryn was up, that was a duty more important then formalities. Which is why Ashleigh was soon beside Darryn, glancing to Damian.

Are you okay? <-2Darryn.

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 5:31 pm

Darryn glanced to the side, actually speaking out loud to the servant that was pushing the cart that was about to start the serving.

"Stop."

That was all the man said. And then, Damian actually shoved Darryn a little - not hard at all. Darryn took stumbled two steps back, and his hood fell down. The man with tuberculosis didn't look so well - even though the lower half of his head was covered with a cloth to keep him from spreading germs. The man was staring directly at Damian. No, he wasn't staring. The sunken, dark red eyes were glaring at the man even as he coughed.

I'm trying not to die.

A couple people passing by glanced up, but that was it. No one thought anything of the happening. Well, except for the servants, who were slightly alarmed. Why should they stop? Was he just trying to get on Damian's nerves, or...? Damian did have a slight temper that was boiling behind the small action.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 5:36 pm

That's a nice idea. I like that one.

She replied softly, trying to convey a point in her tone as she considered Damian. She wouldn't let him harm Darryn further, but she also was aware of what was at stake to cause a large scene at this moment.

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 5:54 pm

The two brothers just stood like that for a long moment, glaring at each other. Damian, however, eventually eased. He looked to Ashleigh then, lifting two wine glasses. He offered one to the woman.

"Come, let's go back to the dinner. Obviously Darryn is still ill down to an inflamed brain."

Suddenly, before Ashleigh could even move, Darryn spoke. His words came in a rush. However, if the sincerity was feigned... well, he was a lot better at that than his brother was.

"I'm sorry, M'lord. You're right. I was far out of line and out of mind. Please, I beg your forgiveness. Are you so gracious that I can sip from your chalice?"

Damian stiffened, staring at Darryn. His feathers were obviously ruffled by this. At the basic level, Darryn was asking to drink from his cup. That wasn't such a big deal in that Damian wouldn't have to drink after him if he didn't want to. However, there were many nuances and secondary meanings. But, there were many people watching curiously. If Damian said no, it wouldn't make him look so good - even if it was his prerogative.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:02 pm

Ashleigh as silent now, hand lightly resting on Darryn's shoulder. Her eyes were locked on Damian though. She knew the ins and out of such a thing, but she also wondered one thing. One large thing was swimming around her head, but she did not even pay it any mind as she waited.

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:28 pm

Damian glanced around the room, frowning. He didn't like the position that Darryn was putting him in. The man leaned over slightly, handing the spare glass to Ashleigh and then placing the freed hand on Darryn's head.

"Have you learned from your mistake?"

Darryn inclined his head. Damian nodded then, placing the goblet into Darryn's hands.

"Then drink, my favorite brother."

He removed the cloth from around Darryn's mouth.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:32 pm

Ashleigh watched the pair closely, lightly helping Darryn up to his feet and he held the glass. she continued to be just a watcher though, not interfering, merely offering support to her Lover, and keeping a close eye on Damian.

She'd not touched what was in her glass for the time being.

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:00 pm

Darryn paused as the glass reached his lips. However, as he drank, his eyes connected with his brother's over the rim of the glass.

Damian just stood, watching the man condescendingly. Then, when the glass was emptied, he reached to lay a hand on Darryn's shoulder.

"It pleases me that your heart lies with our family's."

Darryn glanced at Ashleigh for the briefest of moments.

This thing can kill a person.

What he meant was suddenly cast into obscurity, as the man suddenly spit out the last mouthful of bloody wine that he had held, spewing it across Damian, who jerked back, tearing off his mask and wiping to try and keep it from his mouth. Suddenly, everyone was staring. Darryn growled, narrowing his crimson eyes.

"My heart is with MY family. Yours can burn with yours, those liars and murderers!"

Damian lunged now. Darryn ducked. Then, there was a collective crashing of glass. Everyone just dropped their wine glasses. Why? Well, Damian had caught the side of Darryn's throat when tearing off the green cloak, spilling just a tiny bit of blood. The scent was on the air... and it was clear that something in the wine was derived from it. The fruity scent had covered the distant smell so much that Darryn himself hadn't even been sure until he tasted it, but in the end a vampire always knew his own blood. The last thing you wanted to drink was this man's blood.

However, this caused a unique problem. Damian, for however long it would last, WAS the head. Darryn had just challenged him, called him out. So, stepping in at the moment would more than discredit Darryn. However, it wasn't an entirely fair fight. What harm was there in a little... evening of the odds?

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:10 pm

Ashleigh only moved once. And the way she did it would not be caught in the movement between the brothers. Everyone was focused on the pair, and she had finally fallen by the way side. it was not even a thing that could be traced back to her.

She pinched, only one spot. But it crippled the aggressive half brother that sought out his younger sibling. their was no hesitation in the way she dumped her wine upon the floor, perhaps it was good she'd not trusted?

Either way, once it was dumped, she dropped the glass, watching Darryn and Damian closely. What would darryn do now that damian was at his disposal?

Good girlfriend/fiancee for restraining yourself and not just killing him. Good girl for just watching and discreetly 'aiding'.

For those watching, it would look like Damian was simply defected, or submitting to Darryn's calling-out.

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:44 pm

Damian knew, however. The man looked up at Ashleigh, furious. He even started to move towards the woman - even if he was very crippled and lower in physical take. However, he was grabbed by Darryn. That man might be willing to take one heck of a beating for himself, but notice that every time that Damian had stepped to harm Ashleigh, the amoeba Darryn suddenly grew a backbone.

This caused an actual fight, though it was kind of a sad one. It was quick, though tense. There was vampire in Darryn. That was why Ashleigh shouldn't be surprised that the man did it. He killed his brother, if only to try and save his own life (or maybe just hers?). The first thing that became obvious was the sheer lack of movement. One of them was clearly dead. It just wasn't apparent which one.

Then, Darryn moved. He stood up. However, he was obviously very wounded. Blood was surging from his lips with every attempt at a breath. He was drowning in his own lungs. His burning eyes drifted around the room of leaders. Man, his actions had been one hell of a political move (though it hadn't occurred to him that it was). He just saved all of their lives... and then killed the head of his own clan.

His thoughts were much simpler than that. Darryn just didn't want to be in the room with all of these powerful (and kinda scary) people. He almost made it out too, before he collapsed and passed out. There were several natives that hesitantly moved closer. They wanted to help him because they didn't want to deal with the entire line being dead. However... they hesitated.

People weren't sure it was such a good idea to rush to the aid of a profusely bleeding person - not when that person was clearly suffering from tuberculosis.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:49 pm

Ashleigh looked to those surrounding her. Okay, perhaps what she was about to do was a bit of a thing Darryn might be irritated later, but better irritated and living, then dead and happy. Sorry.

She stepped in him, mask removed as she moved to Darryn, glancing to the hesitant help.

" Help him. "

There was no room for question in her tone as she glanced to the few escorts from her own clan, instructing them to come aid him also, already moving with the others as they started.

When the soft buzz of what was going on between the two of them.. well, then she spoke.

" He has taken his brother's promise, he is to wed me."

It was enough to get the rest to leave her alone as she carefully watched and guided those that tended Darryn now. She knew no fear of this illness, she'd rather die helping him, then live watching him die.

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 8:04 pm

Darryn was taken to his room this time. They all lay him down. He wouldn't wake up for a very long time. Battle wounds... it seemed to have caused a major resurgence. Let's see how long until someone tried to feed the man. He would ball up into a ball that couldn't be pulled apart before very long just from sheer hunger.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 8:07 pm

Ashleigh was the one that braved feeding Darryn. He latched on overly eager to her wrist. She watched how eagerly he took from her, feeding herself while he attempted to drain her.

Eventually he fell away, sleeping on.

This happened several more times over the days, ashleigh the only one coherent enough to deal with all the clan BS while Darryn was out of it, tending to him adoringly.

She was half awake when darryn would stir.

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 8:25 pm

Darryn woke slowly. The man groaned, sitting up slowly, hating the feeling of it. He mumbled something about feeling like he had been hit by a freight train. However, perhaps he was only half awake as he slipped out of the bed and went to bathe - the first time in forever! Maybe that would help him feel better (after all, he was doing far better as his body had refused to let him wake up this time).

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 8:38 pm

ashleigh let him slip away to bathe, having the room completely bleached clean so to speak while he bathed, having fresh and clean everything, including her and her attire, sitting on his bed and waiting.

*Dress pending will be sent in IM *

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 8:48 pm

Darryn returned after a while, slowly walking in. He was holding his head as he sat down on the side of the bed. He had a terrible headache. Was he awake yet? Try pinching him?

The man was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a dark blue button down shirt. However, the sleeves had been rolled up to his elbows, and it was hanging completely unbuttoned.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 8:51 pm

Ashleigh slowly guided Darryn to his bed, kissing his temple.

" How are you feeling?"

she asked gently.

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:15 pm

Darryn's blue eyes lifted to her as he sat there.

"I feel like my respiratory system has been resurfaced, and my head filled with Draino."

He was rubbing at his temples now, trying to sort out things that happened to him recently. In all honesty, he just wanted to breakfast... but... he still had that feeling he was forgetting something important.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:17 pm

Ashleigh hesitated, moving to the door and motioning in the woman holding the cart full of food, rolling it inside for Darryn to eat. the woman quickly excused herself, and Ashleigh sighed, looking over Darryn, speaking lightly.

" You killed Damian.."

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:34 pm

Darryn choked on the roll, coughing violently. It was harsh on his tender lungs.

"&*(@^*(#$%&(*@#^&@#(&%*(#@%&*@^(%#(%!!!!!"

DARRYN! Yeah, it could be heard quite a ways from this room. Several people stopped to glance that way. Either someone was getting banged or someone was getting whacked - no one was too concerned either way.

Darryn suddenly lost his appetite, which was probably not so good. He just sat there, rubbing his temples more.

"Oh, I remember now..."

He just hoped that it had been a bad dream.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:36 pm

Ashleigh sighed, moving and kissed Darryn's cheek softly.

Love....

She ventured, feeling badly.

" I could not get more involved then i did..."

She offered faintly, looking down slightly.

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:53 pm

Darryn nodded slowly, eventually just glancing up at her.

"I know..."

He thought about it.

"You're why I did. Well... and some of me. He sent me out on a near suicide mission just so he could kill off..."

The man didn't even finish. He just climbed under his blankets, sitting there with his legs crossed and his face just half peeking out.

"They are going to eat me alive."

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:56 pm

Ashleigh considered him, feeling not a small amount of guilt as she crawled up to him, kissing him, shaking her head.

" Your doing well so far."

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:12 pm

Darryn did not emerge from the blankets, just looking at her for a long moment. Then, he opened the blankets enough to tug her in with him.

"...So you're telling me that I need to go back to sleep... forever."

Great.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:14 pm

Ashleigh laughed slightly, snuggling and kissing him.

" Our you could get out of bed with me at your side, get married, we could then disappear, and they'd fight it out for who was incharge in our absence?"

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:28 pm

Darryn blinked a few times, staring at her. Then, he opened the blanket just enough to peek out and cast a glance around the room before closing it back up and looking at Ashleigh again.

"Can we do that?"

It was asked in a whisper.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:32 pm

Ashleigh smiled, nodding slowly, leaning and kissing him, snuggling to him.

" I'm just glad your well."

Post by **Sushi** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:52 pm

Darryn looked down at himself now.

"I guess I AM alive, huh?"

He said it like he was just now discovering it.

Post by **Tree** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:56 pm

" Well, and mine."

she purred softly, snuggling and kissing him.

Post by **Sushi** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:13 am

Darryn sat there for a while. Then, ever so slowly, his hand emerged from the blanket to snatch a biscuit and pull it in so that he could eat it.

Post by **Tree** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 11:41 am

" You better eat more then that."

Ashleigh chided, otherwise leaving him be.

Post by **Sushi** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:51 pm

Slowly, Darryn dropped the blanket.

"So, do you think me horrible? Killing my own brother..."