Fantasy Before the Autumn Tithe

[timidAristocrat]

When you're dreaming, you think it to be your reality. You keep a layer of the real world in your mind, enough to keep your senses about you, but the fundamental understanding of how the world works is replaced by that of the dream. However, with dreams, you eventually wake up. Your mind realizes all the inconsistencies and reorganize your mind. But what if you were never to wake up?

Her eyes opened to a room that was not her own. A quiet space, a blank octagonal room of black slate walls. Her clothes replaced with a simple white dress, like something you'd see out of a cultish ritual. She stands, holding her head to stave off the disorientation. Breathing is the first thing to return to her, allowing the cool humid air to chill her lungs. She, a living thing, was not meant for this room, she is invasive, life in this space is an invasion as all that belongs here is death. Yet, by unholy matrimony and a deal further back than anyone could remember, life enters this body, though perhaps to say it invaded it truly would have been best.

She finally stood, legs shaky in this new form as she fully absorbs the space, and clocks the only additional item in the room. A large iron door, not dissimilar to those seen on bank vaults with a single phrase engraved above it. "Welcome to the Family." Memories are sparse, thin, but returning in a trickle. Her name is Calliope, but this is not her. This body is not her own, this room is not hers, and she knows of no family here.

She slowly approaches the door, her new form feeling unfamiliar on her skin. What more could she do but softly bang her fists upon the wall, and begin to call out. "H-hello??? Is anyone there? Please- p-please let me out-" Her body is smaller than she remembers. Much smaller. Is she a child? More important concerns like breathing are momentarily interrupted by this, as she brings a hand to her throat in concern. The voice of a young girl, it was indeed hers. How old was she before? Certainly in her 20's... beyond the crash she can't remember much. She winces, it hurts to think in here. Her breathing hitches, and in a panic, she begins hyperventilating, her hair moving up and down with her lungs, unnaturally so even if she doesnt notice. She needs to get out, and so she begins banging once more.

Beyond the door, and further beyond the basement it lay in, sat a world so innately different to the one this girl, Calliope, once knew that she would reject it at every turn had she been told of it before her untimely appearance. From the merchant docks in harbor, to the slums flooding by the coast, to the lavish mansions at the tops of the cliffs, one of which she stands in at this very moment. She, has found herself in Dunwich, the center of trade, commerce and magic here in the Crown Isle. Here in the highest cliff, with the most magnificent view of the city they helped make, stands Stelorana Manor. Calliope is but the newest addition to this grim troupe, souls pulled from their realities and brought to this singular place.

Welcome to the Family.

 

[ichthys]

The Manor was busy as of late, and Liza had been trying her best to avoid the stress of it. She hadn’t been expecting the visions when they came. Of course, every Stelorana reacted differently to receiving visions of their future, Benefactor-given child, Liza hadn’t expected her reaction to be such a rush of panic and joy. She hadn’t even thought of wanting one of the children brought forth from the Black Slate Room to be for her to raise into the Stelorana fold. But you couldn’t argue with the visions or the Benefactor. She wondered if anyone had ever even tried.

Qualms or no qualms, Liza had waited an appropriate amount of time –to collect herself and write down as much detail as she could from her vision– before she had rushed to announce the revelation to her family. It had taken such a long time; her normal, Gift-less mode of communication was not quick and clear enough but using her Gift to relay her message had involved a lot of stopping and starting as people needed to interject. People mostly meant her father, who had selflessly appointed himself her mouthpiece many years ago in times of necessity. It would have given her much amusement any other day, but she had felt too shaken that day. She recalls taking a deep breath and slowly and firmly reigning her chittering family to focus on the new task.

And now here they were, waiting. She was a patient person, Liza had often been told she was one of the softest Stelorana. But today, today, she was not feeling patient. She felt like a wheel threatening to spin right off its axle. The excitement and worry had her twisting her fingers together while she paced. The clock had counted down the hours and she had moved to the annex of the Black Slate Room to anxiously pass the time there once she had the thought that she might miss any sign of the girl begging to be released. Occasionally one of her family would come and keep her company, let her relax a little by giving her something else to focus on. She had confided in her parents her worries about being in charge of a new member of the family shortly after the visions started. They'd told her how it had been for them receiving her and Diana. And they made sure she knew she had the whole family to help. Granted, she didn't want the whole family. She was rightfully hesitant to even think it but she'd be grateful if Victoria avoided giving her parenting advice.

It was as she sat in front of the door, alone, at some forsaken hour of the morning that Liza heard the shrill and scared voice of a little girl on the other side of the door. She almost opened the door herself before realizing that would make the following interaction difficult. She'd vowed to herself not to possess the child, at least not until she was settled and calm and could understand, and agree. Liza didn’t care about Outsiders, but she refused to speak through her family without permission, it felt wrong. She feared making the poor girl panic for longer than necessary and rushed up the stairs to find the nearest family member. Luckily Jasper had been up pilfering from the kitchen pantry so she didn't have to run far. The way she rushed in and the look on her face must have been enough because the teen disappeared and she could hear shouts in a distant room. Soon enough there was a little crowd, and the door was opened, with Liza having been forced to the front. At this crucial moment, she entirely forgot all the times she had watched her cousins, aunts, and uncles do the very same thing. Try as she might all she could think of was how disorienting and terrifying walking out of that door into a crowd of strange —and some startling— faces had been and she felt woefully inadequate for the position she found herself in. But she still had a job to do, and do it she must. So she took a deep breath and looked at her father again before using her gift.

"It's alright, you're safe here. You're a part of our family now, child." She tried her best to not look frightened or worse, frightening, as she approached the small figure in the door, extending a hand as she spoke through her father. Knowing that the poor thing would just be in the white gown, Liza had brought a small, warm robe. It had been waiting by the Black Slate Room's door for a while, ready to be used.

 

[timidAristocrat]

Falltime was always pleasant for the family, though, I suppose it's always at least somewhat pleasant when you have the wealth and influence to force it so. The trees on the fringes of the manor starting to get that orange tinge to them. Landscapers in the family's employ quietly raking away whatever falls down covering only the furthest corners of the gardens. But, only the best for the Stelorana.

The good news was welcome to the rest of the family, at least the more amicable among them. Selysia being one of the first, trying to give as much advice to her niece as possible. Sigarda and Astrid were excited for Jenny to have a new friend, though, Jenny herself was still a little hesitant about the whole situation. Alexander seemed ambivalent. Victoria seemed to be at least mildly interested. Even Carmilla chimed in to give advice, though, it was only partially coherent as real advice.

But, excitement for the moment always wanes as the tire of finding the proper sacrifice wears on everyone else. Interest diminishes as the chance of any individual day being the moment in which he or she wakes from the long slumber becomes less and less. The inconvenient time of day, or well, morning so to speak, not helping much. Only a few were already awake, and some such as Victoria simply said they would meet her the next day at dinner if she didn't see the child as normal. This left Alexander (who oddly was already up, and dressed in day clothes), Selysia (who couldnt sleep from excitement) as well as her husband Daniel, and of course Liza's parents Olivia and William, as well as her sister Diana. Not to mention of course Jasper, likely kept up by his mother, as well as his cousin catching him raiding the pantry.

Calliope had been left in there for a while. Not the longest the family had left someone, that had been Jenny not too long ago. But it was still enough to rattle the girl, who now in her new body appeared hardly over the age of four. She was shaking, tears in her eyes and the collar of her shirt soaked through partially with sweat. Her breathing was shaky, and though it would have been hard to see from just her chest, she had an oddity about her, when she breathed in the silky brown hair on her head floated upwards as if underwater, floating back down to resting as the released the breath.

Callie hesitated to speak, practically falling forward into the arms of the woman waiting before her, feeling the warm robe draped over her which she instinctively pulls close to herself. Reasonably, she would turn to the man speaking rather than the woman possessing him, and in a soft shaken voice like a cat you tossed in the water and dragged back out she said "W-where a-a-am I? W-what happened t-to me?"

Selysia from the back gave a soft "awweee~" hugging up to her husband and leaning her head on his shoulder. The stone that makes up segments of her body being half covered by grey cloth, another odd visage. Not unlike the blindfolded man, or apparent priest in the back of the room. A colorful cast... but in such old clothing? Callie's mind was running too many things at once, she just... wishes she could get everything to simply pause.

 

[ichthys]

Liza let the girl fall into her arms as her family broke into murmurs and movement. There were more of them gathered than she expected at such an hour, which she found herself grateful for now that the biggest part of the moment was now coming to an end. She resisted the urge to hug the girl and instead looked to her father and nodded slightly before releasing her grasp on his voice. He cleared his throat slightly as he realized his voice was his again while Liza held the girl loosely, her hands holding the robe securely around her.

It was obvious the poor girl was handling this as well as most of the other Stelorana children, which was to say poorly. It wasn't worthwhile to hope that a Stelorana would find a way to make this process less painful but that's what you get for making deals of the kind their family had all those years ago. The best Liza could do now to help her new charge, her child, was to explain as much as she could as the girl became ready and hope she took to this life. She could easily recall how difficult the transition was, but she was sure the girl would manage. Giving the girl's arm a comforting squeeze, Liza helped her away from the door as William spoke.

"You're in Stelorana Manor, child. You've been chosen to join our family here." It truly was difficult to explain the whole process without causing more undue terror. How do you explain the nigh inexplicable? She could be told later after the shock had worn off. And Liza could handle the child, he was sure. "You needn't be frightened, we won't harm you. Can you tell us your name?" He asked, stepping closer with the help of Olivia, and smiling as reassuringly as he could.

Jasper was squished in the back with his parents and rolled his eyes at his mom's reaction, but the boy leveraged himself against his father's shoulder to try and get a glimpse of his new cousin. She looked so small wrapped up and held by Liza. He wondered what she could do, what her gift was. He wasn't sure if anyone else had noticed the way her hair seemed to float, like breathing. Neat, but he didn't think that was as cool as his how you could practically see through his skin. Daniel gripped his son by the arm when his gawking threatened to topple the three of them, giving him a cautioning look. But the boy's excitement at the new addition to the family was catching and Daniel whispered to Selysia. "She's a cute little thing, looks like Liza did when she was a little one!"

 

[timidAristocrat]

Selysia cooed as she watches what she perceives to be a tender exchange between mother and daughter take place in front of her. She squees happily at the idea that she looks like Liza, having to fan herself a bit to keep her from overloading at just how cute she was! She wishes she had more kids... But, Jasper is just fine for her! Reminiscing, she takes her son's arm and holds him nice and close. She's gonna be the first to offer to babysit.

The others in the room seemed a bit more reserved in their remarks, but were still happy to see all this going on. It reminds each of them of their own first day... Now to find out what this girl can do-

Not that they would have to wait long.

Calliope was always a nervous girl. In highschool she never joined any clubs, and in college her only friend was her roommate- and friend was a generous term. She tended to stay by herself, mostly due to her nerves. It was a hard thing to deal with, such crippling anxiety, so she had a coping mechanism, whenever she was overwhelmed... Callie squeaks as she's hugged, and quickly takes in a breath, her hair floating up- before suddenly, the young girl disappears!

Well, thats from everyone else's perspective.

When Calliope holds her breath, the world around her seems to freeze for the moment. Not a single blink, nor breath, nor slight sway. Is this a dream? Surely it must be... This can't be real, it cant! From the boy with the transluscent body to the stone woman, blind man, and- is that an angel? She shakes her head, lungs starting to burn. Callie knows if this is a dream, she can't wake up, but she can do the next best thing, finding somewhere to hide!

She rushes past the group, running up the stairs and only stopping halfway up as her lungs burn, releasing her held breath. Time returns- not that she's fully connected her breathing to the time thing yet, it's all just a strategy to keep her nerves down, and the moment she catches her breath from before, it's held again, and she continues rushing upstairs. She finds out soon that she was not only in a basement, but a sub basement. This space must be gigantic! She can't even find the next stairs up, and with all the running and breath holding she can't keep it up much longer and releases the hold once more. The young one scuttles behind a crate, breathing heavily and shaking. She just wants to go home...

 

[ichthys]

Liza flinched at the girl's reaction to her touch and released her gently. And then flinched as in the next moment the little girl was...gone. Liza looked at the space in front of her with confusion, and then panic. The child could be like Jenny, able to become invisible, so she reached her hand back to where it had gently held the girl and pursed her lips as it passed through the air with no resistance. The air in the room shifts as the others realize the girl has disappeared right from under their noses. Liza didn't bother trying to speak, she cast her eyes around the room and looked imploringly at her elders.

Losing a new child was not the worst-case scenario she'd imagined when Liza had spent the whole night pacing. It hadn't even been a scenario! She couldn't recall if anyone had lost their child before, practically right after releasing the poor thing from the Black Slate Room no less. Well, perhaps one of her fears had been realized! She'd made a mess of this whole thing. Still, the poor thing couldn't be let to just disappear, she had to be found. And before she could leave the grounds, she'd be in danger of getting hurt.

She was already up and rushing for the stairs —it seemed logical. From behind she heard her father give directions for them to start searching room by room. With just a word from Daniel, Jasper rushed towards a shadow and disappeared.

"Let's go together, in case we find her." Daniel offered with a look to his wife, his stiff bluish-black hand wrapped around her waist tightly. "I sent Jasper to lock all the doors. Hopefully, she'll be stuck inside. We'll find her, don't you worry!" He ushered Liza and Selysia ahead of himself, towards the stairs where the little welcoming party was already starting to disperse to search rooms. On the way up the stairs, he caught a glimpse of Alexander and left Selysia's side to catch up to him.

"I don't suppose you'd be any help in this situation, eh?" He raised his eyebrow almost accusingly. Perhaps with it being a newly gifted child, the man would be forthcoming! Though everyone knew Alexander liked to keep his secrets and play his little games with trite sayings about how the future is delicate or the like. Perhaps Daniel was panicking just a little, so he took a few stair steps to adjust his emotional state and his countenance and readdressed Alexander. "Would you happen to know anything? So this ends sooner than later?"

 

[timidAristocrat]

Selysia turns as she hears the panting from the stairs behind her, only noticing the girl for a second before she dissapears again. She quickly calls out to the family members around her. "This way! She's... teleporting perhaps? Calliope? Dear- please we're not going to hurt you-" She begins quickly moving upstairs, glancing around before stating "Someone let the night guards know, she might be able to teleport out the manor regardless... though surely she can't have gotten far?"

Alexander chuckled a bit as he was prompted, and shrugged. The behind a pair of red circular glasses were a pair of goat-like eyes, but still held a smugness in them, contrasted perfectly with his priestly garb "I can at least tell you, this isn't gonna be a disaster... Sooooo no future sight today. The Benefactor would tell me if I was truly needed." He stretches out and yawns "mnh- too much excitement for the night, I think I'm gonna get a stiff drink and head to bed, good luck finding my niece!" He waves to the group.

Diana seemed less than enthused by Alexander's disposition. She was an odd one, the family knew she never spoke, not once, but- Alexander as he focused in on him suddenly began remembering her just having said "You'd best be right, lest I choose to be putting your head on a stake over this..." She glares at him angrily. Alex huffed, shrugging knowing no one else heard that, and aloud stating "Threatening me by molding a memory of a conversation only works on poor people who don't know you." He wags his finger in the air before shrugging and heading on upstairs, knowingly passing Callie as he goes up.

The youngest Stelorana pulls her knees close to her chest, breathing in and out trying to control it- She had only just noticed how it effects her hair, and is trying not to think about it. Quietly, she speaks to herself. "Just... wake up... wake up Callie- y-you're gonna wake up any second now- a-any second now-...."

For the first time in forever, she can feel her eyes pricked by tears slightly. She hasn't cried since she was a little kid! Well... I guess she is a kid again after all. She sniffles, wiping her eyes. Unaware that the noise she was making had possibly alerted some of the family searching for her where the little one had gone hiding.

 

[ichthys]

A scared toddler teleporting around the Stelorana manor. If only the common folk knew how the frightful and mysterious family was spending their time! A macabre ritual the night before, a search through the house for a teleporting child to follow. What funny business those Stelorana get up to, yes. Still, teleporting could be dealt with! After all, Jasper would rather pop in and out of this plane than walk to and from his room to the kitchen. At least it wasn't invisibility. Liza didn't know how she'd have dealt with that! Though she was sure Astrid and Sigarda would have been happy to assist.

At least Alexander had said it wouldn't be a disaster! That had to mean something! Still, Daniel rushed to catch up to his wife, ignoring the spectacled seer.

Jasper had gone all around the manor locking each door he could. And had startled a few of the night guards while doing so. Once his task had been completed he reappeared back in the basement, the shadows abounded in the room everyone had hurriedly vacated. As he clambered up the stairs into the basement he paused, hearing everyone else ascending to the main level of the house in the distance. But there was some other noise closer by.

Jasper held his breath, trying to listen for the little noise he'd heard. He could swear he heard something coming from the corner where they had crates of who knew what stacked up. The nice thing about mansions like the Stelorana's is that there are always corners and doorways. And with the lighting in the house being what it was, well, once Jasper had adjusted to his new life he had turned this place into his playground! The house always had someone to bug for company and so many shadows. The crates were stacked so that the corner was obscured in darkness, with long cast shadows stretching from the farther crates into the void-like teeth. Jasper didn't need to move far, the shadow the lighting was casting from himself to the door he'd just come through was enough and he disappeared into it.

Not a moment later he appeared in the corner, crouched and with a hand pressed to the cool floor to steady himself. As the world came back into light he blinked, staring right at the little girl with floating hair. She was definitely not in a good state, tears were all over her little face and Jasper realized a moment too late that he, a small fourteen-year-old boy with translucent skin had just popped into existence right in front of her. He immediately rocked back on his heels, almost knocking himself over in an effort to undo what had most likely been fairly startling.

"It's okay! It's okay! Please don't disappear again! I promise I won't hurt you!" He rattled his plea off as quickly as he could, hoping that however she had disappeared she couldn't or wouldn't do it instantaneously.

 

[timidAristocrat]

Calliope was terrified. Wouldn't you be? Waking up from a car crash in some Victorian manor surrounded by an extra evil version of the Addams Family and being told this is where you belong? She was trembling already from the idea of it... Always such a scaredy cat, she never got over it- but maybe- maybe she can-

"EEEEP!!!"

Nope.

The moment Jasper appears from the ground she squeaks loudly, tears starting to roll liberally down her cheeks as she begins to cry in earnest. Diana blinks, looking up and towards the crying. She glanced to her sister, and adds a memory of Liza hearing the scream. Surely that should help.

Meanwhile Callie is hyperventilating. She's now and then holding her breath, something that has always helped, at least when things were reasonable, and she an adult. But neither were true now. From Jasper's perspective it was like she was glitching, each time taking a deep breath, and then suddenly moving as if teleporting in place. She finally gives up, and just sits there weeping. Poor girl.

Selysia sure thinks so, as she begins rushing up in the direction she can hear the crying in, unaware she's about to come head to head with a glitching toddler. Oh, and she drags David along with her. This woman's mom instincts are incredibly strong so she is straight Momma Bear running towards the crying little one.

Callie begins whimpering out "I-I...w-w-w-wanna g-g-go h-home i-i d-dont l-l-like it h-here-" She speaks between choked sobs that she just cant seem to keep down. "I-I c-c-cant s-stop c-crying a-and m-m-my b-breathing e-exercise i-isnt w-working-"

 

[ichthys]

Jasper grimaced at the scream but couldn’t hold it against her. The teen might think his scar was one of the more amazing, likely rivaled only by his cousin’s James or perhaps his Uncle Adonis’, but it wasn’t lost on him that most individuals found his appearance a little alarming. So he let himself roll back a bit so he was more hidden in the shadows and held up a hand, the least startling of his visage.

“Please don’t cry, I didn’t wanna make you cry.” Jasper now understood what his parents meant when they told him he was impulsive. Perhaps he should have considered this outcome. “I know it’s really scary, but you can’t go anywhere else. I promise it’s not bad here and most of us are nice!” Jasper was starting to ramble off platitudes in his own panic. Which was growing right alongside his curiosity at the odd spectacle of the girl glitching in and out. It almost hurt his eyes to try and process what he was seeing. It was like teleporting in place? It seemed uncontrolled and he wondered if she’d realized she was doing it yet.

“You’ll be okay. You’ll stop crying and it’ll all be okay!” Jasper could hear footsteps now. And he glanced around the corner of the crates to the doorway. “It’s okay to be scared and stuff, a lot of us were when this happened to us. Not me, of course, but the others were!” Jasper tried to smile, hoping it would help.

Liza stopped in her tracks as a memory forced its way into the front of her mind and she spun around, reaching for her sister. She wasted no time following Selysia and Daniel, hoping that the scream hadn’t been her little girl getting hurt in anyway. She didn’t know where the others had gone to, they had been up ahead and they hadn’t wasted time notifying them. But that didn’t matter now.

The four adults reached the area of the basement that the scream in Diana’s memory had seemed to come from. It wasn’t hard to hear the little sobs this time. Or the soft chatter that she recognized as Jasper. Poor girl, no wonder she had screamed.

She quickly made her way over to the corner and peered around the crates, hesitantly. She didn’t want to scare her again. She also had no idea what to say to help calm her down. The poor thing was a wreck! Liza looked over her shoulder for help from Diana and Selysia now, feeling more than out of her depth.

 

[timidAristocrat]

She kept holding her breath over and over, trying just trying to get a moments silence with her thoughts but she couldnt keep the sobbing from interrupting her. She used to be a crybaby like this, when she was little... I guess being little again means going back to some of those base instincts, and her instinct to cry certainly hasn't gone anywhere. The smiling and reassurance only helped so much. She was in a spiral, where her fear made her cry, which made her embarrassed, which made her cry, which reminded her why she was afraid-

"I-I-I d-dont c-care..."

She softly whimpers out, before taking one deeeeeeep breath, and holding it. She holds it as hard as she can, for as long as she could. It always had helped her in the past, but right now was doing only some of what she wanted. She takes another second, until it starts to burn her lungs, before letting the breath out fully and taking a few more slow breaths.

It was on that last time pause that the rest of the group had arrived, Selysia being the first- who calmly but in a very 'im your mother' tone says "James, please come over here." She knew its a hard place to be in coming here, everyone does. Perhaps she needs some space, or, needs her mother? Then again, simple to say that Selysia is a fair bit biased in this regard. She's always had a knack and love for motherhood.

With the adult's presence revealed by Selysia, and Callie too preoccupied with her breathing technique to care enough to wanna run away again, Sel gestures towards Callie at Liza, silently urging her forwards. Quietly, she herself starts to bring everyone a few steps back, tempted to step forward herself so that she could be Liza's mouthpiece, when a voice comes from behind them. "Don't worry, I went and woke her up." Alexander, who had previously stepped away was standing behind the group with Liza's personal assistant. A girl of near Liza's age, and a voice that the woman had apparently come to like. Not to mention, consent to use it.

The servant steps forwards to join Liza, as Selysia brings everyone back. Ah, though, Alexander having finished his work finally actually leaves to get that stuff drink he'd mentioned prior.

Callie sniffled, her crying having partially stemmed now that no one else was sitting here next to her. She has her knees pulled up to her chest, and was using the robe that Liza had given her when she left the Black Slate Room as more of a large blanket, curling it up around her for comfort.

 

[ichthys]

Jasper grimaced again, realizing he would not succeed in calming his new cousin down. He didn't know what else to do so he sat and chewed on his lip and watched the little girl sob, waiting for the approaching footsteps to arrive. While he watched her breathing, and her hair Jasper felt like he'd come close to puzzling out what her gift was. But that was, thankfully, when he heard his mother's voice. He heaved an exaggerated sigh of relief and wasted no time scampering over to Selysia's side, though he kept his eyes trained on Callie.

Liza felt relief roll over her at the sight of Jasper and Callie tucked against the crates. The poor girl was still sobbing but at least she was visible and in one place. Now if she could just get her to calm down, then it could all be a lot easier to deal with! Liza followed Selysia's urging, letting Jasper get out of the way before stepping toward the sobbing child. She paused as Alexander announced himself and smiled with relief at the presence of her maid, Jane. She squeezed Jane's hand as she came to stand next to her and gave her Uncle a grateful nod.

Liza would rather not overwhelm the girl again and she seemed to be easing up on the crying which was at least a start so she knelt at the edge of the crates and waited for her maid to settle in beside her. After sharing a glance, Liza turned to Callie and attempted to take a calming breath before using Jane as her mouthpiece.

"I'm sorry you're frightened. I know this is all very frightening and difficult. But, I'm here to help you. Will you let me help you, please?" Liza did her best to keep Jane's voice low and soft, hoping and praying interacting with the girl wouldn't set her off again. Liza wasn't sure she could handle that! The poor girl was at her wit's end from the look of her, and Liza was beginning to relate. She couldn't help but marvel at how tiny she looked curled up under the robe, and tried to ignore the urge to just scoop her up and run away from here with her.

She understood how terrified she was, how confused and disoriented. When she had woken up in the Black Slate Room she'd tried to cry and scream once her mind cleared and she began to understand that she was not herself anymore. But she hadn't been able to make a sound and that had only made her panic more. After that the story was much the same as the rest of the family, you scream or bang on the door until you're released into a world you can't make sense of surrounded by people you have never seen and are frightened of. And you have to assimilate somehow. Liza had been fortunate with who the Benefactor had chosen to give her to, Olivia and William were good parents and had helped her tremendously. She only hoped she'd be able to help Callie half as much, for both their sakes.

 

[timidAristocrat]

Callie was in... well probably the worst state she can remember. She hasn't cried like this in forever, though I suppose that's what you get when avoidance as a coping mechanism grows to that level. Nothing can tip you off like that if you avoid all of it. Staying in your room on Friday nights, halloween meaning a not so scary horror movie on tv, spending summer breaks cooped up. But now here she was, thrust into it all, the only chance she has to avoid it is when she holds her breath back and the world turns black and white. But her lungs hurt, her throat feels like its on its last legs to letting her do this, all thanks to her sobbing. She needs to make it stop.

Selysia would quietly pull Jasper over as he leaves his little cousin alone, pulling him in with her grey gloved arms, being careful to not let him touch any of the stone that makes up much of her arms. "Good job Jasper, you found her, that's all we needed sweetheart..." She did always tend to baby him, forgiving him of any and everything he did. Coddling may be a better term, perhaps its why he ended up so cocky.

Back to Callie, she scoots away as the odd woman who greeted her out of the vault and an unfamiliar maid begin closing in on her. Only the maid spoke, but the intonation was oddly the same as the man who had spoken to her earlier... like, it was the same person. She glances between the maid, and towards the woman. The look on her face, like it was her speaking, even if the words were coming out of someone else. She has seen odder things today...

"S-some help w-would...." Callie hesitates, she's never been good at letting people in, but she was cornered into it, both socially and physically. Or, perhaps that's just the excuse she's using, to let herself accept help in the first place. After all, this lady didn't seem malicious to her in the slightest. Maybe, just this once it'll all be alright. "I-I w-wouldn't s-s-say no t-to help... I-I guess..." Her stammering is slightly stopping, as she wipes her eyes with her palms, poking them out of the robe she's using as a blanket.

"I-I... I just d-dont understand... I-I wanna go h-home...."

"C-can you send me b-back? T-there's gotta be a mistake I-I dont wanna be here..."

A common issue for new Stelorana, if there was a way home, would anyone have stayed? Perhaps a few. Though, Callie was denying it to herself, she feels it in her gut, she had died hadn't she? Her car had been on the bridge during that collapse and, she remembers the cold waters taking her. Maybe this was her only other chance, before taking a gamble on if there was an afterlife, followed by if she was going up, or down.

"I-I at l-least... w-where am I.... h-how am I here? W-why does everyone l-look at me like they k-know me...?"

She hesitates, having a realization (incorrect as it might be) and in a soft scared tone asking as tears well up in her eyes again.

"I-I-i-is... t-this h-hell?" Her hair bouncing up and down as she starts to hyperventilate again.

 

[ichthys]

Liza felt her heartache as Callie started hiccuping out questions. She was grateful the child was calming down enough to accept her help though, and she let her stammer out her questions. She knew asking and processing everything was the hard first step. She let Callie ramble out her questions until she reached her final, damning one, and started to hyperventilate. That question seemed to be the one most new Stelorana came to, which was its own kind of darkly humored form of heartbreaking. Eager to stop the girl from another fit of hysterics Liza shushed her gently.

"No dear, not hell...but I'm afraid I can't send you back." Liza felt guilty for pausing after such a disheartening declaration but she was desperately trying to build a thought process, clamoring for the right words to answer with. "We're the Stelorana family, and you're one of us now, my dear. We all came here the same way you did." She wasn't sure that was the best way to answer that but it was too late now. Perhaps knowing that they had all experienced what she had would help her trust her a little more.

"I know how hard this is, why don't you come upstairs with me and we'll get you a glass of water and some warmer clothes?" She raised her hand gently towards Callie, offering to help her up. Liza wanted her out of this dimly lit basement and into a warm bed. Perhaps a space that looked more normal would help her feel more at ease. And Liza would be there to answer any more of her questions.

Jasper let his mother pull him into an embrace and discreetly placed his hand on hers. He wouldn't let others know it but he was fond of his mother's affectionate nature towards him. It was something he was young enough to remember lacking in his previous life. So he took great care to not discourage her antics. But he still put on like it was stifling and gross when she smothered him. "Do you think she'll be okay here, mum?" Jasper whispered, keeping his eyes on Liza, watching her extend her hand towards Callie. He braced himself to watch her disappear again, realizing he was holding his breath.

 

[timidAristocrat]

Okay.... okay! Right, this isn't hell. Thats... comforting right? Like that's the right response, to be comforted by this fact yeah? Well, mild relief at least found its way to her. She was only just about ingratiated by the news when the second less lovely bit of news finds its way to her. She can't go back. There is no way back. This is where she is, and whatever that damn room was, it's a one way door.

She freezes for a bit, staring at the floor in front of Liza for a bit, breathing very very slowly.

Calliope runs through everything in her mind, making sure she has it all right. Wherever she is, she's a member of a group called the Stelorana... She- uh... died and now is here. But here isn't hell, or any form of afterlife. It's like a new life, like... oh my god she got isekaied. Callie finally puts it all together, this is like her manhua where you get sent to another world- well, though this time the people aren't a troupe of two to ten cute anime boys to fawn over her. Instead its, uh... these people.

Weirdly, her little nerdy habits explaining this to her has calmed her a bit. There is no way back, because her time over there is done so to speak- mm... still doesn't sit right with her, but, she'll figure out her feelings on the matter later. Now that Callie's calmed down she's starting to realize how she's been shivering this whole time. The basement is cold, freezing even, and sitting on the even colder floor hasn't done wonders for her.

She quietly gulps as she hears Liza's offer, and nods, softly saying. "Y-Yeah... yeah that sounds good..."

The youngest Stelorana softly stands, her legs shaky right now. All the running, mixed with natural exhaustion from exiting the Black Slate Room, the holding her breath, all the adrenalin had kept her from noticing but her legs, and well, the rest of her body was all exhausted right now. She stumbles a bit, holding onto a nearby crate.

"S-sorry... my legs just..."

She doesnt finish the sentence, silently deciding in her mind that she didn't wanna be a bother.


Selysia hums as she hugs her son, nodding at his question. "I have a feeling she'll be just fine. Now, come on, let's all get back to bed. We can speak to the new addition in the morning." She speaks aloud to the remaining gathered family members, leading them out of the basement, and up to the main manor itself.

 

[ichthys]

Liza watched Callie in silence as she stared at the floor between them. The girl seemed to finally be beginning to process all the new information. And it was a good thing too, because she looked absolutely exhausted. Liza gently helped her new daughter to her feet, starting to rise herself as Callie stumbled and grabbed onto the crate. She smiled softly and before fully standing gathered the child up into a bundle, cradling her.

"It's alright. Let's get you to bed." Liza gave Jane a nod and the two stepped gingerly around the crates, joining the little troupe as they made their way back into the main manor. Liza sought Selysia's eyes and gave her a tired smile, mouthing her thanks before alighting the final flight of stairs to the first floor. She could feel the breathing of the little girl bundled in her arms as she walked up to the bedrooms, eventually followed by just Jane. Somewhere between picking her up and entering the main floor of the manor, the exhausted girl had succumbed to sleep. All the better really, she'd been through a lot. And they could deal with whatever else in the morning. Liza herself was starting to feel the hours spent up and pacing. The toddler felt like a boulder by the time she and Jane had crept into the room and laid her down. Liza took care to tuck her in gently, not wanting to wake her up. Then she and Jane crept back to their rooms, saying a quick, wearied good night.

The next morning was a sluggish one. Liza woke slowly and dumbfoundedly, her mind slowly reminding her of all that had happened the late night before. Quite a new experience to wake up knowing what is functionally your child is in the next room. How very stressful the morning just became. Still, there was the excitement of it all still lingering, muted under the worry and the urgency of last night. She quickly got ready and slipped into Callie's room after a quick knock on Jane's door. From the sounds down the hall and coming from down stairs it seemed most of the family was awake already. Hopefully she hadn't missed anything else exciting.

 

[timidAristocrat]

Callie hardly resisted as she was scooped up, her small form being perfectly easy to whisk off and away upstairs. She would stay conscious for at least part of the ride, but her eyelids got too heavy, her blinks each getting longer and longer before soon one blink was too much, and her little eyes stayed closed a soft snore starting to come from her. Before she slipped off to snoozetown, she saw glimpses of a beautiful lavish manor. The home of the Stelorana was gorgeous, with its gothic interiors and furniture. It was almost like she was all the way back in the early 1900's... Well, she can deal with that realization tomorrow.

Callie would softly hug up to Liza as she slept. Sure, she was a grown woman in her mind, but one who tended to sleep with stuffed animals. After all, they felt nice to hug! She would as a result, just by instinct hug up onto Liza until pried off, too tired to wake up from said prying, and sleep very well.

Liza exiting the girl's room would find a smiling Diana, who briefly invaded her sister's memories to have her recall a false conversation, after all, it's the only way Diana can speak since getting here. "She's wonderful sister. I'm very happy for you." With a nod, Diana headed off to bed, probably for the best before the sun rises.

The next day Callie would likely be late to wake up, given how exhausted she is, giving the rest of the family enough time to already be gathering in the sitting rooms, parlors, and especially the dining hall. The only time the whole family is together is for dinner, when Grandmother leaves her office. Otherwise, most have servants deliver food anywhere they need and eat it on the spot. Sometimes the direct families will have dinner together, as Selysia insists she does with her son and husband. But other members like Rosalyn choose to take meals in separate places alone.

Callie would roll over tiredly if disturbed, whimpering. "Mnnhn i dont wanna...." At most attempts to wake her. But eventually, after enough prodding and insistance, she would finally wake up. "Mh- Jess you won't believe the dream I had last night............" Her voice trails off as she comes face to face with the woman she thought was from her dream and her dream alone. She blinks a few times, staring at her, before throwing off the sheets to look at herself- yep! Still a kid! "Oh my god it was real..." She softly whispers to herself. She turns to Liza again and blushes realizing her rudeness "Ah- uh... sorry I... I just thought last night was all a dream-" She glances around the room, this... must be hers right? Oh! Speaking earlier of rudeness, she blushes again and asks "I-I also realize... I never got your name? What should I call you?"

 

[ichthys]

Liza gave a sigh of approval as Callie woke up, she didn’t expect the girl to sleep so soundly but it had been a struggle to bring her to wakefulness. She scooted back on the bed as Callie threw the sheets back, giving her space to verify her reality. She gave the girl a sympathetic smile and a small shrug. Yes, that was the way Liza had felt for the first few days.

“Unfortunately not, dear.” Truly until one gave up their grip on their past life, or whatever it was that happened before they woke in the Black Slate Room, this new existence felt more like a nightmare. But she couldn’t very well tell this girl that! She’d learn with time how to deal with what had happened to her. They all had. And in a variety of ways. Some believed this was an afterlife of sorts; some that their “previous life” wasn’t real, or that it was simply a place of existence before they arrived here where they really belonged. The Stelorana family had a great many beliefs about how they came to be, theories and ideas from the generations passed down.

“My name is Elizabeth, but everyone calls me Liza. You may call me whatever you feel comfortable with. And what should I call you? “ Liza was glad that she was calmer this morning than last night. But she hadn’t left the bedroom yet, so there was still the danger of another hysterical reaction to the Stelorana family’s oddities. And less than charming personalities. There were some members of the family that Liza was tempted to keep her newly bestowed child away from, least they cause her to panic again.

Jasper was up later than normal, but still early. The boy’s room had heavy curtains to block out all possible morning rays and even then he slept with a night mask on. His skin being translucent meant that the light bothered him when he was trying to sleep. He woke up to the sounds of birds chirping and floorboards creaking, not an entirely unpleasant way to wake up. He knew his mother and father would probably already be awake and downstairs, ready to greet the new addition to the family. And he also knew that meant that Selysia would be barging in to rouse him from sleep at any moment. So he darted out of bed and threw on a fresh outfit and teleported to the main parlor, greeting the family there and searching for his parents.

Adonis had spent the evening out on the town like he did frequently. He wasn’t out on family business this time though, but for personal pleasure. He had several establishments that he enjoyed frequenting and he had visited his favorite last night. The typical patrons of this place knew of him and were familiar with his family’s name; they knew to turn a blind eye to his presence too. Which was all the much safer for them. Adonis had returned to the manor in time for all the morning bustle, and he hid a groan behind a tight lipped grimace. His head was throbbing and his stomach was painfully empty, but he didn’t fancy the idea of dealing with the family in his alcohol beleaguered state. But he did fancy seeing what the newest member was capable of. He would have to check in his own daughter, and he didn’t welcome this task either. The Benefactor had it out for him giving him that one! Had it out for him by giving him a child at all! He’d tried to ignore the visions when they first came, and he’d nearly succeeded! He’d gone and disappeared into his typical debauchery in order to ignore the visions and did so until he’d ended up nearly sick to death and couldn’t escape them. He’d gotten a very good tongue lashing for his behavior against the family when he’d finally ‘fessed up. And he was still bitter about it. But he wasn’t able to truly alter the situation. Rosalyn was a capable child he’d give the Benefactor that, her gift was formidable and she’d become a great asset to the family. Granted, she’d need training, and an attitude adjustment. Though certain other family members were quick to point out how the Benefactor tended to give the child traits akin to the parent.

The manor was busy as he made his way inside through the side parlor. He had been hoping to avoid the more crowded areas of the house but alas it seemed everyone was home and milling about today. He grunted a greeting to the butler who was delivering someone’s breakfast, passing him and heading to the kitchen to help himself to some buttered toast. And a drink, his throat was impossibly dry.

James Richard had been up late the previous night working in the garden. Several years ago he’d been granted permission to take over the small shed in a far corner of the grounds to use for his work. It wasn’t a large shed by any means but it was large enough. And it was only a short wheelbarrow’s trip to the small cemetery plot that was also on the land. There were many former Stelorana buried there but also several now bone less corpses of those who got on the bad side of the Steloranas. And unfortunately that was partially James’ doing. He preferred being the one to lay them to rest, especially after he’d collected their skeletons for his own personal gain. His mother didn’t approve of his so called soft heartedness. But he considered it paying respect, circle of life and all that. He took their life, or assisted in mutilating their bodies after the fact, the least he could do was make sure they disappeared with some dignity.

But, given his late night work he had not been present for the arrival of his cousin and the family excitement following. He’d fallen asleep in the workshop-shed shortly after midnight after putting another experiment to rest. He tended to spend much of his free time in his shed, or walking the grounds and gardens. He enjoyed being outside, and even more so he enjoyed being away from his mother and younger sister. Though being so distant from the latter was more painful to him.

However, the shed was not well equipped for breakfast or washing up, so as the dawn finished its approach James made his way to the manor and back to his proper room to change into less dirty clothing and freshen up. His arms were covered in dirt, and it was a pain to scrub it out of the pores of the bone carapace coating his forearms. Still, he hated being covered in grime so he grabbed the cloth in the wash basin and set about scrubbing. It took him some time, and once he was satisfied that he was clean he combed his blond hair into a more presentable way and pulled his suspender straps into his shoulder as he left the room and headed to the kitchen.

 

[timidAristocrat]

Callie shifted softly in the bed, still not fully comfortable with her body yet. It l everything feels wrong... The incorrect scale, wrong coordination, wrong color hair and especially the name. "C... Calliope... I think? I... Uhh... It feels like that's my name but i know it wasn't- but i just can't remember it- Callie? No that's... That's a nickname- i just... I can't get it right..."

She sighed, pulling her knees into her chest as she nods. "Elizabeth... They're all Victorian names..." She mumbles to herself. The Manhua accusations are NOT being assuaged today. She blinks, pausing before adding "i... I meant to ask-" she glanced at Jane "Your- not Elizabeth are you?" She glanced to the woman in front of her, confirming "Is you-" she points back to Jane "but you're the one talking- but I can just... Tell you mean to be the one talking.... Why? What's... Is- is it like my hair?" She brushes her hair slightly, having last night noticed it's floaty nature.

Meanwhile in the interim, in a brief pause, dramatic silence, only to be interrupted by the low gurgling of an empty stomach. Her face blushes in slight embarrassment, maybe they should grab breakfast...

Speaking of breakfast that's exactly what Rosalyn is halfway through at this point, sitting in the Grand Dining Room rather than a parlor to do so. She chooses the spot mostly because of the sense of importance! Oh and it means she can antagonize her deadbeat father in the meanwhile.

"Oh my you're up early father, the sun hasn't even set yet" She calls out as Adonis slinks by. The Grand Hall is adjacent to the kitchen after all, and the easiest way in too unless you go through the servants quarters. "Off to start the day right with a bottle of booze, or did a kitchen cook catch your fancy?" All this from a nine year old girl, fucked up.

Speaking of fucked up, Rell! Younger sister to James slips into his room as he cleans himself up. "You know, mother doesn't approve of the garden work. She mentioned it to me yesterday night..." The curly haired girl sits down on her brother's bed. Her expression is straight and deadpan as always, the only trait she really inherited from her mother given her caramel complexion and otherwise less pointy facial features that James and Victoria share.

"Speaking of, she wants you to be here for brunch. Aunt Astrid and Sigarda are bringing Jenny for the meeting and she thought it would look bad on her if both her children didn't attend." There's Rell, never questioning her mother's will. Probably am extension of her fierce loyalty to the family, and Victoria installing herself at the family's head as an important image in Rell's mind.

 

[ichthys]

Calliope. It was a striking and elegant name. The older woman nodded slightly with a seated curtesy. As she tried to decide how to explain to Callie what to expect from the crowd downstairs, Liza rose from the bedside and smoothed out the front of her pale blue dress. At Callie’s observation and confusion Liza looked to Jane with a wry smile nodding at Callie’s quick thinking.

“Yes, it’s quite like that.” Liza said simply, giving Callie a smile before releasing Jane’s vocal cords. The maid shuffled slightly, finding her own voice again.

“I’m Jane. And it’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Calliope!” Jane held herself differently when Liza wasn’t controlling her voice, she was much less reserved in her movements, and more expressive. She brushed her fingers against her throat as she looked at Liza briefly and then to Calliope’s whimsical hair. “Liza and I will happily tell you all about her gift and help you with yours but for now we should get you ready for the day. “ Jane gave her own little curtesy and smiled widely at the toddler.

Liza and Jane were close, having practically grown up together. Shortly after Liza’s arrive her scar and gift became obvious and a solution was needed. One more universal than learning the hand languages and written communication that were the other available options. And so, a girl around her age was taken on strictly to act as Liza’s mouthpiece. Jane was a lovely girl to have around, and they got on well together, learning how to communicate without her gift, letters or often even hand signs. Liza considered Jane to be another part of her family.

Both women smiled as the sound of Callie’s stomach growling filled the silence. Jane motioned the child towards the room’s wardrobe, preparing to assist her in getting ready. Liza moved with her, beginning to explain a bit more about what to expect when they went downstairs. “Try your best to stay near us, but know that no one will harm you. No matter how odd or frightening they may appear….” Liza did her best to give Callie a good idea of what to expect, hoping to curb any panic that might arise. She let her know that some members of the family, like Jasper, the boy she’d met last night, had more noticeable abnormalities, like hers. And that no matter what she would not be in any danger and Liza would be right there with her. Jane watched Liza explain as much of the world the girl would be entering without overloading her, noting how she twisted her fingers every so often and seemed to sway in place for a heartbeat or two.

Adonis grunted as the sharp voice greeted him. Of course she’d have been lurking about. He gritted his teeth and put on a pained smile showing his fangs in a silent hiss.

“What need have I of poison to drink when I have your lovely words?” He felt no love for the sharp tongued girl, only annoyance. And the level of which depended deeply on how hungover he was. And today, it was greatly. He waved a hand to get the maid that was scurrying around moving in the proper direction, not caring at this point what he ate just that it was fresh.

James huffed as Rell appeared and made a point to ignore her. Her jab about his “gardening” earned her a bitter glare though. His thick brows were furrowed in poorly concealed irritation.

“Of course, we can’t make Mother look badly. How shameful that would be.” James returned his sister’s deadpan expression as he let his words fall, weighed down with sarcasm. He turned his back on the curly haired girl, ignoring the urge to say more, and hurried down stairs. She could follow him if she wished but he was in no mind to spoil the morning dealing with her “Mother May I” drivel. Rell had taken after their mother despite all his attempts at prevention, despite all the awful things they’d both done and endured.

He hated how they always won in the end. Their mother had a way of getting what she wanted no matter how hard he resisted. He didn’t intend to not attend brunch, he was starved, and he wanted to meet his new family member and congratulate Liza. But he loathed that simply by being there he’d had done what she wanted him to do. He hated being her pawn, and more than that he hated that he couldn’t help but be her pawn even when he tried not to. And what infuriated him more is that Rell accepted it, wanted it even. He couldn’t understand it and for that reason he couldn’t forgive her either.

“Anything else for mother dearest?” James quipped, turned to face Rell. His arms folded across his chest. He could hear the rest of the family down stairs, and could smell the food waiting for him. He was tired, hungry, and annoyed at being ordered around. He also wanted Rell off his bed, her just helping herself like she owned the place striking a nerve.

 

[timidAristocrat]

Calliope. She wasn't sure how to feel about the name. She knows it isn't hers and yet, its stuck in her mind, lodged in there with no sign of wanting to come free any moment soon. Every person she'd met in her past life, every time they spoke to her its all she can hear. Think not on the fact that she can't remember anyone else from that life's name either... It's all so... odd... so wrong! Yet, here she is.

She quietly listens to the explanation of Liza's gift and power, silently nodding along. It makes sense. Jane is her personal assistant, her mouth so to speak. She had a feeling that might be how it worked, an inkling of it. Plus they seem quite close to one another... wait why do they look at each other like that? Ah, the term gift came up- "gifts... is that... the boy who came out of the shadows... is that how he did that? Does everyone have one?" She can't remember last night too too well, it was a bit hectic.

Callie gets to skip getting that question on why they look at each other like that answered as they determined now would be the time to start getting ready for the day. Though, they did specifically say 'get you ready for the day' so to say, Calliope. "Ah uh- I can... get myself ready-" Well, probably not, getting used to a new self takes a bit, and coordination isnt gonna be one of her virtues at the moment- plus what's the point of being rich and having servants if you can't delegate basic tasks like getting you ready for the day to them?! At least it means she can talk while they're helping her get ready for the day.

At least they were gonna keep her safe. Her breathing hitched nervously at the idea of going out to meet the rest of the family. "C-can we just... take that slowly... maybe- uh... one per day?" Mmmmm no dice- after all, Grandmother had requested her presence. You don't say no to her.


Rosalyn gave a grin at Adonis as she watched her words bite into him. She has a lot of reasons to not like him, not the least of which being that he delegated her introductory years to the family to the maids and servants. Mostly given how preoccupied he was. Second was that, well, the more serious side of the family didnt respect him nearly at all, so to say, Victoria didn't. It made her feel superior as a result.

"Oh really? So all I need is to speak with you daily and you'll have your fill? I'm glad to know I'm having such a positive impact on your life. Not all of us can be so lucky as to have direct family intent to do such favors for us"

She hums happily to herself, continuing to eat her breakfast in peace, giving shit eating grins in the direction of her father from time to time. Just to remind him.


Rell sighed as James shows his consistent chigrin with their mother once more. "It would reflect on us both if the brunch plans fell through. We can't have that James. It's our duty to keep up appearances. Not to mention the reservation is already made and our names are on the list... Ah and what if Auntie Sigarda and Astrid think you're avoiding them?" A thousand reasons, just like always.

She gets off his bed, clearly intent to have him bend to mother's will. Rell did genuinely think what she was doing was for the good of the family. Perhaps she has too good of a heart? Hm, well if you saw some of the people she hurt you would think otherwise...

"Just, put on a nice shirt, I'm getting into a dress, and we can have a great brunch. Promise, you don't even have to talk..." Worst case in Rell's mind, James can speak to Jenny the whole time. The pair were kindred in their dislike for hurting others. Though, Jenny's new, perhaps she'll come around soon.

 

[ichthys]

Liza and Jane helped Callie find a dress that suited her and looked presentable enough for the day's events. The preparation didn’t take long, but Liza wished it had. She was getting more worried by the second. But she couldn't do anything but move forward and maintain expectations. Besides, she was pretty sure that showing her nerves would not be helpful to Callie. Callie was more talkative than Liza had expected her to be, and she seemed to be taking in all the information Liza and Jane had given her with some...calmness.

When Jane had finished combing Calliope's hair she stepped back, next to Liza, and smiled. "All done. Are you two ready now?" She gave Liza a meaningful look and Liza returned it with a chagrinned frown.

"Yes, let's get downstairs before they come and seek us out." Liza took a moment to check Callie's appearance and then gave the toddler's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Just remember, no one is here to hurt you. Though they'll likely speak with you." Which could objectively be just as horrifying she mused.

Liza had withheld much about Grandmother, mostly to assuage her nerves, but also because she didn't think any amount of talk could properly prepare one for the Steloranas, not truly. But as she led Jane and Callie downstairs and into the family's presence she wished she had could have done a better job at controlling her nerves. She pressed her palms into her sides, desperate to fidget. When her foot hit the last stairstep she prayed that this brunch and the upcoming dinner would be smooth and less harrowing than she felt it to be.

______
Adonis sneered back at his daughter before deciding that a seat farther across the room was more comfortable. The velvety high back of the armchair was comfortable! But it also faced slightly away from the little brat currently casting him nasty glances. He was loathe to admit that he could see her resemblance to him, that was the biggest problem. Damn the Benefactor. He thought as the maid finally delivered his light breakfast.

He'd always thought that Victoria was the worst parent in the family. Everyone knew how she had raised James and Rell. But, Rosalynn's comment had been a reminder of how abysmally he'd parented: not at all. He'd thrown himself into his pleasures and his family tasks like his life had depended on it. Anything to be out of the manor, away from the child who looked a little too much like himself and acted too much like himself. He found himself casting glances towards Rosalyn, studying her features. She was nine but she carried herself with that superiority and haughtiness of a far older woman. He tried to ignore the color of her eyes and hair and the shape of her facial features while he focused on just how alike another particular family member she had become.

Damn me, he thought. But what else did he expect? He'd neglected her, just as she insinuated. It was all true. He was a coward and a selfish man. And why did he care now? He had given up his right to tell her what to do the very night he'd opened that vault door. He'd handed her to the nanny and maids with barely a second glance. She had been so small. Perhaps if he were a better man he'd have felt a sort of parental protection in that moment and would have stayed with her. Perhaps he would have taken her under his wing and raised her, taught her about their family, and helped her find her place. Perhaps....but he was just a selfish man and it was too late to begin pretending he was otherwise. He closed his eyes and turned his face towards the window, feeling the morning sun. He didn't care, did he? No! Of course not...he was just full of liquor and self-loathing and she was a pain.

______
James kept his mouth shut in a tight, colorless line this time. Letting Rell coo all her orders and little remarks. Her promise meant nothing to him anymore, and he knew better than to believe that he'd get through this day without speaking to certain people. He didn't dislike any of his family, except his immediate family, and the comment about his aunts was just irritatingly unfounded. But he had years of learning silence and when to be silent. So he let her order him about like their mother's parrot. He refused to speak, he simply gave her a narrow-eyed nod and did his best to fall back in line. He was more brazen with Rell than he could ever be with their mother, and he knew that once he walked downstairs all the irritation and bravado he was feeling bolstered by would disappear like mist.

He ignored her then, double-checking his outfit and then quickly exiting the room for the final time. He didn't care if it wasn't a good look to walk away properly chastised, he just wanted to be able to breathe. And as soon as his back was to her he let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding so tightly, his throat protesting as he gulped down air. He started down the stairs, his hand disheveling the hair he had just combed. He would wear a nice shirt, but his hair would be how he wanted it. He fought the urge to turn his head to check for Rell's presence behind him as he reached the bottom of the staircase, angry that he still cared. He missed how life had been all those years ago. But he wondered if they'd ever been that good.

 

[timidAristocrat]

If you were wondering perhaps why Callie was dealing with this situation so well... It's cope. She's trying to cope as best she can right about now and is doing her absolute best despite not the best of circumstance. She's trying her best to keep it all together, and is helped by the calming aura of the two women present.


This doesn't mean that she's entirely easily accepting the help from them both. It's a bit embarrassing to be helped with such basic tasks. Though it's quite relaxing, and after a bit of Jane brushing her hair she could practically feel herself drifting off again. She was brought back to the waking world by the horrible reminder that she would in fact be expected to interact with all these other people. Jane and Liza were the only two she was currently comfortable with, though she can't explain why, and given how scary the unknown variables of meeting new people are, this little shut in is none too happy. "d-do we have to? I- maybe they can just come here? One at a time..." She takes a few breaths, but is likely dismissed as she's led to start leaving the room.


Without thinking much on it she found herself nearly hiding behind Liza the further from the room they got. By the time they were at the bottom of the stairs she was practically clinging to the woman's skirt hiding fully behind her as she quietly does her breathing exercises.


-------


Rosalyn gave a 'holier than thou' shit eating grin in the direction of her father as she finished eating. A servant quickly takes her plates away as she stands and stretches.


This routine of antagonism has been going on for years. Originally when she was little she had tried to impress him, but after he came home one day drunk out of his mind and saw him in such a pathetic state, she gave up. He wasn't someone worth trying towards. So she looked elsewhere, Selysia, Juniper back when she was still with us, but most recently Victoria.


Now Victoria hadn't shown much interest in Rosalyn yet, her gift didn't yet match with her skills. But that's didn't seem to matter too much to her, she saw those goals as a place to aspire to, and has been working extra hard to meet them.


"Well Father i have my day's tutoring lesson, want to sit in on this one?" She paused, before chuckling "No no, you might learn something by accident... Byee~" waving him off as she exits the room to leave him alone. Man these two are real pieces of work aren't they?


-------


Speaking of a piece of work, Rell sighs as she goes to her adjacent room to quickly change, stepping out in a nice bright yellow dress. She stands in her brother's doorway as he leaves his room, following behind him.


"Thanks for coming at least. I do really appreciate it. Mom's out front, we're taking the car today isn't that at least a bit exciting?" She hums, stepping out front to a readied up car with a chauffeur out front. Yes, it does look like a model T. But probably more important is the woman sitting inside. A very tall lady in a very conservative red dress with a wide brimmed matching red hat that kept the top half of her face concealed in shadow. The unshaded bottom half of her face showing her mouth currently holding a cigarette at the end of a long holder. "James, Rell" she addresses them both before turning back down to her lap wherein lay a ledger book. Seems even now on her way to a family event she was in the throughs of work.


Rell nodded back to Victoria at the acknowledgement and said "Mother" in turn. Glancing to James in hopes of him at least greeting her. Once all of them were inside, the engine started and the journey began, taking them off and through the winding streets of Dunwich.

 

[ichthys]

Liza could feel Callie crowding behind her. She was worried the poor thing would trip as nearly into the back of Liza’s dress as she’d gotten. Before Liza led them towards the parlor she paused just long enough to give Callie an encouraging smile and reach out a hand for her to hold. It wouldn’t do for the poor thing to hide behind her skirts all day, though she could understand the urge. She needed to show a brave face in front of the family but Liza didn’t have the heart to ask such a thing of her. And she didn’t think Callie could be more brave than she was being. And Liza was proud of the girl for that.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be with you the whole time.” Liza whispered from behind Callie as Jane met them. Satisfied that at least they’d all weather the day together Liza glanced down the hall towards the main parlor and started that way. She wasn’t sure where her parents and sister were, but she hoped that they would be able to spend a majority of time with them today. Liza wasn’t sure who all would be home today and who was out. She knew that Sigarda, Astrid, and Jenny were going to a brunch out in the city with Victoria and her children. She didn’t know who else was meant to be attending that event.
______
Adonis frowned at Rosalyn as she made her vicious goodbye. He didn’t bother making a retort. Though he would’ve been interested to know what she was learning if his head wasn’t swimming. He actually had no idea who was teaching the child he’d been given responsibility of.

He finally let himself relax into the chair with a stifled groan. Now that Rosalyn was gone he could show a bit more of his pain. He pressed his fingers into his eye sockets, willing his headache to recede. It was in this less charming but likely more self accurate state that Liza walked in, tailed by a small, frightened looking child whose hair seemed to be carried by its own source of wind. Adonis frowned and leaned farther back. He didn’t speak, but watched as Liza led her little troupe through the parlor to where other more amiable members were gathered. He didn’t blame her. Still, he gave the small child a slight wink as she passed by, his yellow serpentine eyes red rimmed from sleeplessness and drinking.
______
James followed his sister out to the car, giving her an uncertain look at her comments about excitement, and appreciation. He wasn’t sure why she appreciated his presence. He couldn’t accept that she felt even an inkling of the way he did towards their mother. Not with how she pandered to her every order. It frustrated James to no end, and he wasn’t sure today who he was frustrated with. Rell, for bending to their mother after everything; their mother for well, everything; or himself for being so frustrated. He was still mad at being forced to attend this event. He would’ve gone on his own! He loved his family, or most of them, and Sigarda and her wife and Jenny were some of the family he enjoyed time with. He was mostly frustrated that Mother hadn’t given him the choice to make himself. He had to do things for appearance sake. For her sake. He was frustrated over all and had been for a long time. And today he was sad on top of it. He wanted to apologize to Rell, but not so soon after she had helped corner him into an afternoon with Mother.

“Mother.” James murmured as he climbed into the back of the car. He had noticed the ledger and again his lips disappeared into a tight line. He was nearly a fully grown man, twenty-one years old, and yet being in Victoria’s presence made him feel like a toddler again. Desperate for attention, scared of failing. James settled into the seat and glanced at Rell, trying to relax his face with a smile. He wasn’t sure it worked very well.

As they drove through Dunwich James kept his eyes on the passing world outside. It had been a while since he’d been out for a more normal visit. He glanced back at his fellow passengers once or twice before growing weary of his temperament eating at him in the silence.

“So. Who all will be joining us today?” He asked quietly. He knew it wasn’t right of him to be so angry and belligerent. He also knew it didn’t help. He’d tried rebelling once or twice when he was younger. It was hard to do when your mother could read your mind.

 

[timidAristocrat]

Calliope squeaked in surprise when she heard Jane- or, well, Liza speaking behind her. She needs to fully connect the fact that Lizas voice always comes from without, rather than within herself. But she softly nods at the message and takes a slow breath.

I mean surely after all the rest of the family is gonna be like Liza right? A little odd but nothing too strange... She turns to the left and notices there Adonis- and upon seeing his snakey eyes she squeaks in fear taking in a sudden breath and holding it. She would move from her mother's rear to quickly in front of her, no longer in Adonis's line of sight. She slowly takes a breath, before softly saying "a-ah... Sorry-" to Liza. Far as Adonis knew, he just saw the new girl notice him and plip out of existence.

Callie hesitates, pausing before peeking around the corner again to see if Adonis is still there. Presumably he is, and once again she blips away. Callie chews her lip nervously before looking up at Liza "s... Sorry i just... I'm not used to the... Y'know... Those eyes-..." She goes quiet for a bit before asking "who's he?" Upon asking that a brief realization crosses her mind, does she have a new dad? I mean she has a new mom- uh- oh god she quietly realized she just called Liza Mom in her head- that aside... Does she have a new dad too? If so does he know about Liza and Jane? Callie is a former fanfiction and manga reader she knows these things-
__________

Meanwhile Rell is uh.. oh boy she's sure trying her best to keep things together. Mostly just in how she's just keeping smiling and hoping to elevate the vibes. This is something she is very very bad at- and it shows!

Maybe she can defuse some tension by striking up conversation?

"It's been a very pleasant summer so far hasn't it? Not long until fall now..."

Victoria continues to write in her ledger, glancing to Rell before out at the window. "yes i suppose it has." She curtly states before promptly returning to her work. Really Rell, trying to talk about the weather was your ace? At least your brother seems a little better at this as he strikes up a different chat asking who will be present.

Victoria hums before closing her book and putting it away. "Your aunts Astrid and Sigarda as well as cousin Jennifer. I'd invited Octavius and Vivian but there's a fair chance they won't be attending... Hmm- ah and Harris and Miriam i had originally invited but they inquired as to if their mother was as well and, you know your aunt Carmilla can't be taken anywhere these days" she sighs as if it was some inconvenience. "So any of them may arrive, but likely just the former of the set. Were you hoping for someone in particular?" Ah, there it is. She asks these kinds of questions all the time, she says it to get the question in your mind so you think of the answer. Luckily, her mind reading only works upon eye contact- but if you look away, it means she knows you're likely lying to her anyways. A proper lose lose.

Either way, they began pulling up to a wonderful white building with large windows overlooking the cliffs onto the city. It's called the Snow Chapel, a fairly upscale place for most of the city as evidenced by it's ornate decorations and immaculately dressed wait staff, but middle of the range for the Stelorana, as casual as a Sunday ihop.