Fantasy Vampire Soulmates IC

[JustAlexandra]

Scotland.

Whether you arrived today and have been scrambling or you arrived a few days early to sightsee, you're finally here. Clutching the invite to the ball, you ask yourself is it really real? A real ball, like they used to do back in the day? Certainly better be, because travel isn't cheap.

Donning your nicest attire, you make your way to the address printed on the card. You're dropped off at a dead end road, but there's a cobblestone pathway towards the castle in the distance. The outer appearance of the castle walls might make you question if you're in the right place, but the lights strewn alongside each side of the pathway urge you forward. As you get closer, you hear music, and once you step inside the large open doorway, you realize that you're definitely in the right place. There's beautiful crystal chandeliers above you, burning candles everywhere and even ice sculptures. People dance and mingle before you.

And it's your turn to join them.

Written by apolla ​

 

[Autumn_Leaf]

• 1
• 2

• .
• Scotland

  The Castle Main room
  

  outfit

  An Attempt
  

  tags

  
  
  
  

code by opaline

Yeva Petryk

❛ The Rat ❜

Yeva held her glass of red zinfandel close, her arms wrapped tight around her body as if to shield herself from the weight of the evening. She stared down at the swirling liquid, the deep crimson mirroring the bitter, sweet ache in her chest. Dark brown strands of hair fell over her left shoulder, cascading gently onto her bicep, as she muttered under her breath, "I can't believe family is doing this... Is ridiculous... I look ridiculous." Her voice barely rose above the hum of conversation, tinged with frustration.

Her eyes drifted lazily around the room, scanning the extravagant décor and the laughter that filled the air. The music grated against her nerves, out of place in the elegant surroundings, but she’d long since learned not to voice her displeasure. Her parents found her opinions tiresome enough, and the last thing she needed was her siblings’ sharp tongues. She sighed softly, her gaze turning inward. "Family… Heh, strange thing to say," she whispered. It had only been three years since her transformation, yet each day felt like an eternity. One family traded for another, and the weight of that was still raw. She could still hear the heartbeat of every human in the room—so close, so unmistakable. She could feel it in her chest, an unnerving rhythm that made her heart race in response. "лайно" She cursed quietly, her instincts thrumming under her skin.

The room began to swell with more people, more humans. The thudding of their hearts echoed, louder now, over the dissonance of the music. Her tongue grazed over her teeth, the sharpness of her fangs undeniable. With a slow breath, she tried to center herself, drawing back the instinct that clawed at her from within. The hunger. It still rattled her, especially when surrounded by so many innocent targets. Her siblings had years to master their control, while she was still stumbling her way through. Lightly tapping her boot against the floor, she bit her lower lip, her frustration growing.

She placed the glass down on the nearest table with more force than necessary and turned to slip away from the crowd. "Fresh air might help me..." she murmured to herself, her words barely audible. She weaved through the room, her movements smooth, but that didn’t make her presence unnoticed. Not with vampires. Never with vampires.

 

[JustAlexandra]

Tobias took a deep breath outside the castle. The forest smelled like pine, and he was a bundle of nerves and excitement. He loved parties, but this was different - not knowing anyone who was going was a bit unlike what he was used to. The whole thing has his body buzzing, but he enjoyed the feeling. Hopefully this was going to be a night to remember.

He had originally told his mom that he didn’t want to go when word got out about the party. It was a lie, he had wanted to go - really badly, too. A flight to scotland wasn’t exactly cheap, though, and he definitely didn’t have the funds to make that work out. He made money working in the cafe, but he had been aggressively saving and he wasn’t exactly willing to take out a fat chunk of change for a party, no matter how cool it would be. When he found out that the party would be fully-funded for those who attended, he couldn’t help but go. His mom supported him, wanting him to travel while he was still young, so here he was now, standing infront of a fucking castle in Scotland.

The driveway was strung up with lights, light enough to see where he was going but not so bright that it was obnoxious. It seemed there were already quite a few people inside, from the noise coming through the open doors. He took one last deep breath before walking in.

It was already packed inside, but still with breathing room for everyone. So many new people, seemingly from all over the world. Different types of clothing, cultures, skin tones, hair, along with the lighting, music, the smell that permeated the room - good, but strong. It was a lot to take in all at once, and Tobias loved the overstimulation. He took a look around, spotting a bar with a bartender on a nearby wall. A drink sounded great right about now.

He walked over to the bar, flagging down the bartender. “Hey,” he smiled at the man - he was attractive, and Tobias was a flirt, but figured he better save it for someone not stuck behind a counter all night. “Can I have a -,” he paused, considering his options. On a sign behind the bartender said something about a special drink for the night, a red drink with some kind of blood-red berries floating in it. “Let me get the special,” he said with another smile, “Please.”

 

[queanbean]

⥽ Ciara ⥼
The smallest act of rebellion and apparently many layers of misunderstanding had led Ciara to this moment. She scraped her jaw off the ground and followed the light at the end of the drive. Just a few weeks ago she'd had a little spat with her mother over the silliest thing; why hadn't she met a nice boy yet? Dearest mother, if I'm honest, I'm not sure I want to spend my life with a boy. As if she could actually say that. She shook her head, remembering. What impeccable timing the invite had, to show up at what was apparently the peak of her youth. Regardless of the silly circumstances that preceded her arrival, she could hardly be upset about ending up at a party like this.

"Pardon..." Ciara dips her head as she squeezes past a small group standing by the door. With strikingly pale skin in contrast with inky black hair and eyes, and easily clearing six feet tall with her heels, there's little doubt she's left an impression just by entering. She's no stranger to parties like this - though maybe not at this scale - and is well versed in etiquette. She finds a small group quickly to avoid being stuck floating lifelessly alone in the sea of people. A murmur of greetings goes around the small circle, made up of two similar-looking brunette girls, a short red-headed woman, a blonde man just about her own height, and now herself. "Evening..." She integrates gracefully and lingers while her gaze drifts over the crowd.

The electricity of excitement and anxiety sprawling across the estate is infectious. A server passes by with a tray of drinks and she takes one, hiding a feeble smile as she sips.

mentions: n/a
interactions: n/a
location: ballroom
mood: fascinated
current outfit: glamour✻ᶜˡᶦᶜᵏ
⥽ ⑅ ⥼ ⑅ ⥽ ⑅ ⥼ ⑅ ⥽ ⑅ ⥼ ⥽ ⑅ ⥼

Spoiler: Text only

The smallest act of rebellion and apparently many layers of misunderstanding had led Ciara to this moment. She scraped her jaw off the ground and followed the light at the end of the drive. Just a few weeks ago she'd had a little spat with her mother over the silliest thing; why hadn't she met a nice boy yet? Dearest mother, if I'm honest, I'm not sure I want to spend my life with a boy. As if she could actually say that. She shook her head, remembering. What impeccable timing the invite had, to show up at what was apparently the peak of her youth. Regardless of the silly circumstances that preceded her arrival, she could hardly be upset about ending up at a party like this.



"Pardon..." Ciara dips her head as she squeezes past a small group standing by the door. With strikingly pale skin in contrast with inky black hair and eyes, and easily clearing six feet tall with her heels, there's little doubt she's left an impression just by entering. She's no stranger to parties like this - though maybe not at this scale - and is well versed in etiquette. She finds a small group quickly to avoid being stuck floating lifelessly alone in the sea of people. A murmur of greetings goes around the small circle, made up of two similar-looking brunette girls, a short red-headed woman, a blonde man just about her own height, and now herself. "Evening..." She integrates gracefully and lingers while her gaze drifts over the crowd.



The electricity of excitement and anxiety sprawling across the estate is infectious. A server passes by with a tray of drinks and she takes one, hiding a feeble smile as she sips.

 

[apolla]

It felt strange, being here. Not only was Lucy in Scotland when she'd hardly ever left her town before, but she wasn't currently surrounded by noise. Whether it was the TV, Robbie's music blasting through the house, or the constant influx of people through her house, Lucy was used to a constant stream of something. But here in the hotel room that had been completely paid for, it was quiet. Well, mostly. She'd ended up turning on the TV just for background noise, because the silence was making her anxious. More anxious than the idea of a party full of strangers? Almost. Lucy wasn't the type of girl to venture outside of her comfort zone very often, and this was definitely doing so. She'd traveled to a whole other country for fuck sake.

Getting ready slowly over the course of the day, Lucy kept checking the invitation, checking and double checking the time on it and even the name. As though it would change at some point, and she'd look at it and realize the invite was meant for someone else entirely. But it didn't happen: her name remained. Lucille Vaughn. Staring down at it for the umpteenth time, Lucy sighed and shook her head before folding it again and tucking it back into her suitcase. Reaching for her purse, she started for the door of the hotel room, pausing when she passed the mirror and taking a step back to look at her reflection. The dress she'd thrifted wasn't anything special, but she'd done some touch ups on it to make it a little more modern considering it'd been a little... cringe when she found it.

Lifting a hand to tuck a few stray strands of hair behind her ear, she glanced up at her high bun before she smoothed out some imaginary wrinkles on the dress before starting for the door again. Stepping out into the hallway, Lucy paused and suddenly shot back into the room, crossing to her suitcase and snatching the invite out of it. Just in case. The girl always overprepared, and she tucked the invitation into her small purse before she left the hotel room for good this time. A car she'd ordered waited for her downstairs, and she slid into the backseat, giving the address from the invite that she'd memorized. Twisting her fingers together in her lap, her anxiety grew as they got closer, especially when she saw the large castle looming in the distance.

Thanking the driver, Lucy got out, spotting the lit up pathway nearby that led towards the building. "Well... I guess this is the way." She whispered to herself before starting off down the path, her eyes continuously studying the building as it got closer and closer. The outside didn't look exactly run down, but it didn't look brand new, either. However, it was clearly lit up from the inside, and she could hear music and the murmur of voices coming from beyond the entrance. Still, she hesitated for a long moment before she finally made her way to the entrance, her lips parting in a surprised gasp when she saw just how decorated the inside was as compared to the outside. For a second she forgot how to move, but when someone else cleared their throat behind her, she quickly remembered and moved.

Her eyes will wide with wonder as she ventured further into the place, she ended up with a glass of champagne in her hands, sipping at the bubbly liquid for some courage. She could feel her cheeks warming, feeling as though someone was staring at her, though she didn't see anyone. Trying to tell herself that she was reading too much into being in a new place surrounded by people she didn't know, she shook her head and turned around. Unfortunately, she didn't see that she was about to run into someone until it was too late, and she let out another gasp when she did just that. "Oh-" Stumbling backwards, she tilted her head back-- and back some more-- to look at the woman she ran into. Thankfully, she hadn't spilled any of her own drink, though she wasn't sure about the other womans. "I'm so sorry. Did I spill your drink on you?"

--------------------
Tags: Ciara ( queanbean )

code by g o l d i e l o x x

 

[animegirl20]

Clara stood there on the cobble pathway in awe, looking at the castle. The whole thing felt like a dream, and she was wondering if she would wake up soon or if this would suddenly turn into a nightmare and she would wake up screaming. But no, this was not a dream; this was reality. Clara was in Scotland going to a ball in a castle. Why? Well honestly she had no damn clue. When she got the invitation she thought it was very strange and was going to ignore it. Why the heck would anyone invite her to a ball all the way in Scotland? Totally and utterly weird. When she told her friends and family, they seemed excited for her and thought she should go. Clara couldn't understand why her family and friends didn't think the whole thing was odd. When she told them she wasn't going, her parents understood it was out of her comfort zone, but her friends, on the other hand, thought she was crazy. They told her there was no way in hell they were letting her miss out on such a rare and fun opportunity. She and her two friends went back and forth on the situation, and soon enough, they managed to bully Clara into going; they even helped her get a dress for the occasion. Though truth be told, a part of her did want to go. It sounded almost like something she would read in a book, it's just that the whole situation was intimidating.

Clara stood there lost in thought, and for a hot second, she turned her back to the castle, ready to leave and forget the whole thing. But before she took a step, she turned her head and looked back at the castle and then looked down at the ground. "Damnit," Clara grabbed on to the skirt of her dress with both hands. "I always do this..." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "No," Clara opened her eyes. "Not this time." Clara lifted her head and turned around to face the castle. "I'm going, and it's going to be a fun time." Clara lifted her dress a little and continued down the cobblestone path. "It'll be fine. It'll be totally fine." As she continued on her way, different scenarios of what could happen started playing in her head, and she just became more and more nervous with every step she took.

Finally, she made it to the doors of the castle. She looked at them, suddenly having the desire to run for it. But at the same time, she was honestly excited. Clara finally went in, and when she stepped into the ballroom, she was in total awe. Her face brightened as her eyes took everything in. She looked around, stunned at how beautiful and elegant everything looked. It really felt like she had stepped into a painting. There were so many people dancing, drinking, eating and talking. Clara couldn't help but smile in excitement. "Oh, I want to paint this moment so bad." Suddenly, she felt someone bump into her and noticed she was in the way and quickly moved so people could come in. Her cheeks went red from slight embarrassment. "Way to be a space case," Clara mumbled to herself. As Clara was trying to move out of the way, she suddenly bumped into a couple dancing multiple actually. "Sorry, sorry, sorry." Clara somehow managed to get on the dance floor and quickly made her way to where the table with food and drinks was. Once she made her face was burning, and all she wanted to do was go somewhere and hide. She was so happy to be wearing a mask. Clara glanced at all of the dancing couples. A Part of her kind of wanted to dance, but the chance of someone asking her was, she was sure, slim. "Pfff, like that'll ever happen," Clara said to herself, slightly amused by the thought. Clara looked at the food that was on the table and decided she would just stay there for now and sample.

Interactions: No one
Mentions: No one
Outfit/Hair: Attachments

 

[CHUUYAS_HAT]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

Aelius Alex Winters

Drawing Stereo Hearts

The halls in the very castle a ball was taking place in were emptied, hollowed, and dried-except for one. Aelius was lingering behind the dark frames, not knowing if he was going to be forced to the main room or not. To see the light; it cast a daunting misfortune on him. He did not want to see the devilish humans go on about, happily singing and drinking away like they deserved to be here. It was a mere chore for the royals to even host this, for he still needed a true love. True love can't be forced, so why force a party? In any case, he was joining in for the whole soulmate thing because he didn't want to be the only one without one.

His footsteps were sold as quiet, and with his approach came the noise. The doors to the ballroom were waiting for him, and his slender fingers hesitated to push it open. After a soft sigh, Aelius brought up enough courage and let the doors unwind. A vast space full of...a creature he was no longer filled the place. He inhaled, taking everything in. A soft, jeopardizing melody started to play on one side of the area, a small motion for people to gather and start to dance. He clenched his fist. He should approach someone, but as he looked at everyone once more, who?

Aelius navigated through the crowd, using any loop-hole he could find to avoid being touched. Dear god, he absolutely hated contact that he didn't give first. At one point, there was a half-drunk woman asking for the bathroom and it's location, and he had to shrug her off and tell her to go who knows where. The counter for food and drinks seemed to have been filled out, as seats were starting to be hard to find. He did not linger there for too long, because soon a tail of blue caught his eye. The color varied from just turquoise to Columbia blue-not that he took art class or something, Aelius had great attention to detail. Yet, the owner of the simple dress was a person who scored their face with a tantalizing mask.

She seemed to have muttered something, and he realized; she was alone. Alone and the perfect victim. She had almond skin and rosy lips-a great image if he did have to say so himself. But looks weren't everything. Aelius just needed to get a way for this human to be wrapped around his finger. He brushed off a few parts of the jeweled attire he wore, before coming close.

"You seem to walk in the shrouds of loneliness, when all else are enjoying themselves. If you wish to entertain yourself, I don't mind taking your hand in perhaps...a dance?" His right hand curved forward, a glove covering to ensure nothing all that was going to happen.

Interactions: animegirl20

 

[taliaangeni]

Aleksandr
Aleks sighed as he gazed at the castle, its windows and lawn aglow with light and pulsing with music. Mother had outdone herself this time. Her parties were always extravagant. Though, then again, what vampire gathering wasn’t?

When Aine called, he had nearly refused to return home … wherever that was at the moment. With each passing day, he felt the sun’s pull growing stronger, whispering his name like a distant promise. All the world had ever known was war. He had grown up in war-torn Russia, though his life hadn’t been entirely miserable - his family’s wealth had shielded him from the worst of it. Now his life revolved around traveling and spending time with family, trying to find meaning in why he was chosen to live this prolonged life. The family helped. They brought him joy but it wasn’t enough anymore.

In the end, after the call with Aine, Aleks' mind was made. This was his goodbye.

With his hands tucked into his pockets, he strolled leisurely into the castle, weaving effortlessly between the unsuspecting humans. The blood rushing through arteries called to him. Being as tonight was his last night, Aleks hadn’t drank. He was going to go out with a bang.

He was almost to the castle when he spotted a familiar form. Yeva. A genuine smile spread across his face the first he had felt in weeks.

“Sestra,” he called, his voice lighter now. When he reached her, his gaze lingered, a genuine smile forming. “Looking wonderful, as always.” As for himself, he’d hardly made an effort with his outfit for his mother’s party. A black shirt, jeans, Converse sneakers, and a leather jacket completed his ensemble. Mother would beat him over the head as soon as she saw him.

[sestra = sister]

 

[Peckinou]

Qinvell Vinskelta
Interactions: Yeva Autumn_Leaf Aleksandr taliaangeni
Parties were events that Qinvell was quite fond of attending, especially events that had quite exquisite company, Qinvell had taken her first drink for the night downing a glass in record time before setting it down on the tray of a server that was passing by. She was wearing a suit, a secret message to the guys that she would be the one wearing the pants in any relationship that involves her. But her thoughts were more so focused on finding a friendly face, or a face that she was highly comfortable with harassing and making very uncomfortable. A brief scan of the room and she was able to find the shorter Vampire girl Yeva, making a futile attempt to escape her, Qinvell however wanted to rectify that feeble escape attempt, going on to speedily and stealthfully follow close behind her.
​

And just when Qinvell got into range of she pounced on her, strangling her in for a hug from behind as she plopped her head on Yevas shoulders before then saying in a sing song voice, "Heyaaa, Yevaaaa." there was a smug smile on Qinvells face as she spoke perfectly content with her ambush on her fellow Vampire. Still content with the embrace she began to ask "Trying to make an escape so soon? Not having enough fun? Haven't found any exquisite luxuries that you want to prey upon?" by exquisite luxuries she meant people, less obvious to others probably but more obvious to the other vampires. Still though she had come here on a mission, that being to bother Yeva, and that mission was going to be brought into full motion one way or another and she refused to allow the girl to escape her clutches.

That was until she noticed the other Vampire that she was all too familiar with, Alexsandr, ah, she must not have noticed him when she was so focused on catching her prey for the day. Her eyes turned to her Vampire brother for a moment as she delivered him a knowing smirk and saying "Heyyyyy, Alley, dressing all drab as usual? you're defiantly not going to win any favor points with those type of garments." A short reminder to him that Mother and Father would definitely not approve of his choice of outfits. However, her teasing was merely that, simple teasing as she had no interest in snitching on him, she was sure that Mother would find out anyways as Qinvell doubted he was making any effort to keep out of her sights.

 

[2amSnow]

Samantha's eyes drifted down to the plane ticket she held tightly in her dainty, scarlet-manicured fingers. Having flown for what felt like thousands of times, she wasn't nervous about the flight itself. Though, she'd never gone out of country before, and never flew this long. Sam curled up to the window in her cramped seat, looking out into the endless pool of clouds blanketing the city lights beneath them. She drew her knees in and tucked them into her chest, letting her arms rest comfortably around them.

There was just one thing missing on this new journey of hers. Wyatt.

Sam and her little brother were an infamous stir of trouble together, a fearless force to be reckoned with. Fresh out of high school, the two looked for the meaning of life in Boston hotel rooms, in the bar seats of run-down diners, and spontaneous car rides across state lines for no reason other than that they just wanted to. Sam just wanted to figure out who she was, and Wyatt, well, he was just happy to tag along most of the time. Now he wasn't here to accompany her and make her laugh on this different kind of adventure. He surely would have told her she was nuts for going and that it was all probably just a ploy to kidnap gullible people like her, never to be seen again. But here she was anyway, sitting on a flight to Scotland, heading to a ball that she didn't even have to pay to attend.

You're loony, Psycho Sammy, she could hear his voice in her head now.

When it finally came time for her to adorn herself in her gown, Sam found herself deep in mixed emotions. She had been looking forward to this---but she was anxious about being around people. She'd left the party scene a little over a year now. She looked forward to the wine she planned to numb her nerves with. Before leaving her hotel room for the night, Sam painted on a rich red lip and batted black onto her lashes. Her hands wore several rings of different gems and pendants, but all having one thing in common: silver.

Taking a deep breath in, like she was trying to summon confidence along with it, Sam stepped up the cobblestone path with her black heels, crafted with a thin ankle strap. She was a bit shaky on the uneven pavement, not a regular wearer of heels. She wore a matching black dress that fell down just below her knees. It had long sleeves and the cling of the dress flattered her figure, highlighting her curves. About to step into the liveliness of the party, Samantha stopped to adjust the tightness of her heel's buckle. She bent down to fumble with the thin, cool metal, propping her foot up on a rock to get a better handle on it. Adjusting it to her liking, she then smoothed out her dress and brought her sea of wavy red hair in front of her shoulder. Then stepping forward, she joined the enchanting ensemble of the ball, invitation in hand.

 

[queanbean]

⥽ Ciara ⥼
Of course, Ciara had to be mid-sip when the minor collision occurred. She managed not to spill nor drop her glass by pretty much blocking the slosh with her face instead. Ciara raises a gloved hand to her chin and wipes away the sparkling droplets, smearing a small smudge of dark peachy-nude lipstick into the corner of her mouth in the process. She turns around to the shorter woman, hearing her apology. "Ah, no. It's alright." She doesn't smile, but her expression and tone isn't unkind. The bump was completely understandable, given how crowded the room was becoming and how overwhelming this kind of situation could be. As if to validate her point, Ciara reaches out and touches the blonde woman's shoulder, steering her slightly out of harms way as two men have a lively conversation oblivious of their surroundings and nearing their vicinity. Taller than them, she takes a small bump instead and shoots down a devastating, empty glare when they finally notice they aren't all alone in this huge, noisy ballroom after all.

Safety restored, Ciara's touch drops from the girl's shoulder. "Are you alright?" A tilt of her head conveys she means in a broader sense, beyond the stumble. She briefly turns to accept a napkin from one in the group she'd been loitering with, dabbing her glove and throat, though a small bit of glimmering dampness remains.

mentions: apolla
interactions: lucy
location: ballroom
mood: tepid
current outfit: glamour✻ᶜˡᶦᶜᵏ
⥽ ⑅ ⥼ ⑅ ⥽ ⑅ ⥼ ⑅ ⥽ ⑅ ⥼ ⥽ ⑅ ⥼

Spoiler: Text only

Of course, Ciara had to be mid-sip when the minor collision occurred. She managed not to spill nor drop her glass by pretty much blocking the slosh with her face instead. Ciara raises a gloved hand to her chin and wipes away the sparkling droplets, smearing a small smudge of dark peachy-nude lipstick into the corner of her mouth in the process. She turns around to the shorter woman, hearing her apology. "Ah, no. It's alright." She doesn't smile, but her expression and tone isn't unkind. The bump was completely understandable, given how crowded the room was becoming and how overwhelming this kind of situation could be. As if to validate her point, Ciara reaches out and touches the blonde woman's shoulder, steering her slightly out of harms way as two men have a lively conversation oblivious of their surroundings and nearing their vicinity. Taller than them, she takes a small bump instead and shoots down a devastating, empty glare when they finally notice they aren't all alone in this huge, noisy ballroom after all.

Safety restored, Ciara's touch drops from the girl's shoulder. "Are you alright?" A tilt of her head conveys she means in a broader sense, beyond the stumble. She briefly turns to accept a napkin from one in the group she'd been loitering with, dabbing her glove and throat, though a small bit of glimmering dampness remains.

 

[Autumn_Leaf]

• 1
• 2

• .
• Scotland

  The Castle
  

  outfit

  An Attempt
  

  tags

  
  Peckinou taliaangeni 2amSnow

code by opaline

Yeva Petryk

❛ The Rat ❜

Eventually, Yeva slipped outside, the cool night air brushing against her pale skin like a whispered reassurance, grounding her in the moment. She took a deep breath, letting it settle in her chest before letting her gaze wander over the estate. People were still pouring in—mostly humans, their pulses thrumming like a melody only she could hear. Their arteries called her name, a silent, maddening chorus, but out here, under the open sky, the temptation was easier to ignore.

It had been too long since she’d last fed. The hunger gnawed at her, a quiet but insistent presence, though the act itself still felt... wrong. She was getting used to it—had to—but that didn’t mean she liked it. Sooner or later, she’d have to make peace with what she was. Her mind wandered, considering the possibility of finding someone who deserved her fangs, someone with karma knocking at their door, waiting to collect. Maybe she could be the collector tonight.

Then, a familiar scent hit her, distinct even among the sea of perfumes and colognes. A sibling. Aleks.

It had been some time since she’d last seen him, yet even now, despite his sharp features and ever-watchful stare, his presence was an immediate comfort. Unlike her, he didn’t bother dressing the part, something that made Yeva just a bit envious. "Brat." Her voice lifted, full of warmth. "Spasibo! I would say same, but I think your outfit choice might just be putting you on Mother and Father's shit list, da?" She shot him a playful jab, rolling her shoulders as if to shake off the weight of the evening. "What I would do to not be here right now… but we both know how they like their appearances" she sighed, absentmindedly tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Then, without warning, she was grabbed. A head rested against her shoulder, a familiar voice dripping in mischief. Qin. Of course. Yeva resisted the immediate urge to elbow them in the ribs, her expression shifting as she tensed under their grip. "I am getting some air, Qin." Her voice cooled, all warmth gone, as she struggled to wiggle free—but to no avail. Qin was always persistent. She took a deep breath, exhaling her frustration before finally conceding with a defeated sigh. "Is been a bit since I have fed." she admitted, though the words barely left her lips before a scent washed over her.

Bitter and sweet.
Earthy.
Enticing.

Her eyes flicked toward the source. Black heels. Red lipstick. Redhead. Human. A slow, familiar heat crawled through her veins. The same feeling that always came just before she sank her teeth in. Her hunger stirred, whispering in the back of her mind. Her fingers twitched at her sides. Just one taste—

She side-eyed Qin, a wicked glint in her gaze. "I have been thinking of starting new diet, actually." She tilted her head slightly. "You think vampire blood tastes just as good, eh?" Before they could respond, Yeva struck—her fangs pressing just hard enough into Qin’s arm to send a jolt of surprise through them, but not enough to break skin. The reaction was instant, as she knew it would be. Once Qin loosened their hold, Yeva wasted no time slipping free, taking a small, triumphant hop back to face them both.

"See you two inside soon? We dance?" She tossed the word out carelessly, despite having no real interest in it. A bold-faced lie, but who cared? She just needed to move—to get closer to whatever had just called to her in that crowd.

Her gaze flicked to Aleks once more, smirking. "You better put on something nicer before Mother and Father wring your neck" With a teasing bow, she turned on her heel, lifting the hem of her skirt slightly to keep nimble as she hurried across the cobblestone. She was near her target in moments.

Yeva’s pupils dilated, drinking in every small movement as she approached—predator to prey, drawn by instinct, by curiosity, by something she couldn’t quite place. She moved in from behind, swift, but then slowed, pulling back the intensity just a touch. Taking a second.

Then, gently, she reached out and tapped the woman’s shoulder. "You like the scenery?" she asked, voice smooth—calculated. A subtle approach.
[Brat=Brother]
[Spasibo=Thank you]

 

[animegirl20]

Clara honestly was quite satisfied just standing by the table and eating while people watching. It was actually quite entertaining. A part of her wish she could just be at home in the comfort of room in her pjs and watch the ball on the tv or something. Though at the same time being here was pretty surreal even if she didn't have the nerve to speak to anyone. More and more she became aware of just how crowded this place actually was and it was a little bit uncomfortable. She popped a shrimp in her mouth as she thought about her two best friends. She really wished they were here right now. She smiled to herself imagining what they would be doing if they were here. They probably drag her on to the dance floor and make her dance with them. Suddenly a voice pulled her from out of her thoughts.

"You seem to walk in the shrouds of loneliness, when all else are enjoying themselves."

Clara looked to the side and saw a really hot guy next to her who seemed to be speaking to her. Before she could get her brain to think straight so she could give some type of response he continued and asked her if she would like to dance with him. Her eyes widen slightly, stunned. "Dance? I uh..." Clara hesitated slightly, this really had caught her off guard. Sure she kind of did want someone to ask her but she didn't think it would actually happen. She forced herself not to let her usual instincts take over when ever a cute guys poke to her, which was mumble something incoherent and walk away. She tried to fight the blush away that was creeping on to her cheeks but she failed. Clara gave him a small smile. "Y-Yeah sure." Clara was really stepping out of her comfort zone tonight and she loved and hated it all at the same time. She place her hand on his as she tried to ignore all the butterflies in her stomach and a tiny alarm bell going off in her head.

Interactions: CHUUYAS_HAT

 

[CHUUYAS_HAT]

CODE BY SEROBLISS

Aelius Alex Winters

Drawing Stereo Hearts

Aelius practically drowned in triumph when the girl accepted his offer, and soon he swished her over to the middle of the clearing where everyone else was dancing to the romantic-issued music. His left hand wavered down to her hip, and soon he was propelling himself backwards and forwards continuously in a smooth rhythm. Step one to the right, step two forward, step three back, and all over again...

The instructions rolled through his mind with ease, and his eyes did not look away from the madam in his grasp. "The name I go by around here is Sir Winters, however viewing you brought me to realize that I want only you to call me Aelius. The pleasure was mine, meeting you. I'm sure it has already cured my damp heart. My curious is peaked-what is the title you go by?" Aelius delivered the whisper in a cool tone, twirling her by a finger up top before getting back into the same moves as before.

The music player seemed to have already got the hint, because the song started to shift into a new genre. With a shake of his head to brush off any loose strands that covered his face, he swiftly let his hand glide out of her grasp so that they stood palm to palm together. Perfect position. Then, with a faint glimmer in his eyes, he swished her around, making sure she buckled underneath him and tipped backwards as he pulled her with a small yank towards himself.

"Your movements amaze me, you act like a swan when dancing like this," He cooed slightly. Almost like a swan, a swan that I'm lingering around to toy with and hunt on.

Interactions: animegirl20

 

[2amSnow]

Striking blue eyes swept the room to better soak up her surroundings. No one seemed to be checking for invitations, so Sam folded it up and tucked it into the clutch she held. It was certainly gorgeous here, a romantically lit ambiance hung over the crowd of attendees and the flicker of the lit candles cast shadows across the faces of people brushing past her. Sam walked deeper into the crowd and her brain must have associated the sound of party chatter with alcohol because her mouth started to salivate at the sight of it. She was craving a glass of red wine, or maybe a cocktail. She hadn't yet decided if she was going to draw out her tipsy or if she wanted to just cut to the chase.

Deciding on the wine out of pure convenience, Sam lifted the glass from the tray of a server passing by. She brought the crimson drink up to her lips and felt the heat coat her throat as it went down. Then she walked back towards the outskirts of the crowd, instead hugging the open space close to where she'd first entered. She wasn't big on tight spaces but she enjoyed the atmosphere, the attention to detail in the decor. She let her eyes drift down to her glass as she swirled the liquid around in it. She looked back up, letting herself enjoy the view of the Scottish estate. Raising the cup to down another sip, Sam felt a tap on her shoulder.

"You like the scenery?" A rich, feminine voice came along with it, and she thought her ears picked up on a Ukrainian accent.

She quickly turned around, clumsy in her step as her red waves fell behind her shoulder with the sudden movement. A sip or two of wine sloshed out of the glass down onto the ground. She steadied herself and balanced the glass in her hand. "Shit." She cursed, her gaze down at her feet. "Sorry, I'm just easy to startle." Sam apologized to the stranger before her eyes finally looked up into the woman's eyes. Taken aback by the darkness of them, she blinked and looked away, letting out an awkward chuckle. "I-It's all really beautiful." She looked around once more before turning back at the woman, now taking in the rest of her features. She was slightly shorter with dark brown hair, and was adorned with lip and nose piercings, tattoos, and large ear gauges. Sam's heart pounded in her chest. "How about you?" The candlelight illuminated sky blue eyes, a stark contrast to the darker ones that studied her.

 

[Daylight Fantasy]

T

he bedazzled jewelry that hung around their ears and neck swayed as they walked against the patterned wall. Chikara lingered at the edge of the grand ballroom, indifferent to the noise and commotion happening around him. With a glass of wine that they haven't taste since they'd received it, instead to swirl the red, translucent liquid around the container, Chikara stared off into the distance deep in thought. Usually Chikara would pass at parties and events such as this as they weren't fond of the big commotions that usually take place when they attend but apparently Mother and Father persuaded them that this was somehow different from the rest.

Well, Chikara had no room to complain now that they were already suited up and accessorized enough to have blended in with much of the crowd. Their hair were clustered together into a ponytail, a rare sight to see as they prefer to hide their "clear" vampire features under it. Looking around the crowd of people having a joyous time, Chikara felt a sense of unease yet pleasant relief of the lack of aggressiveness in the vicinity. Frowning a little, Chikara strode to the nearest hallway as their hair flowed ever so gracefully behind them, hoping for some piece of mind. However, before they allowed themself to leave, Chikara quickly finished the contents of their glass and plopping it down on a table nearby.

"The wine is nice."

"what edition is this wine, i wonder?"

chikara faulkner

location:

The Ballroom

outfit:

interactions:

n/a

Spoiler: uncoded

The bedazzled jewelry that hung around their ears and neck swayed as they walked against the patterned wall. Chikara lingered at the edge of the grand ballroom, indifferent to the noise and commotion happening around him. With a glass of wine that they haven't taste since they'd received it, instead to swirl the red, translucent liquid around the container, Chikara stared off into the distance deep in thought. Usually Chikara would pass at parties and events such as this as they weren't fond of the big commotions that usually take place when they attend but apparently Mother and Father persuaded them that this was somehow different from the rest.

Well, Chikara had no room to complain now that they were already suited up and accessorized enough to have blended in with much of the crowd. Their hair were clustered together into a ponytail, a rare sight to see as they prefer to hide their "clear" vampire features under it. Looking around the crowd of people having a joyous time, Chikara felt a sense of unease yet pleasant relief of the lack of aggressiveness in the vicinity. Frowning a little, Chikara strode to the nearest hallway as their hair flowed ever so gracefully behind them, hoping for some piece of mind. However, before they allowed themself to leave, Chikara quickly finished the contents of their glass and plopping it down on a table nearby.

"The wine is nice."

 

[JustAlexandra]

It only took a couple of minutes for Tobias to get his drink, and he thanked the bartender, tipping him somewhat excessively. He was in the service industry himself, and more than that, this party seemed to be a bit fancier than what he was used to, and he didn’t want to be seen as lesser than.

He looked around the room, drink in hand. He was the sociable type, but found himself intimidated at the thought of walking up to a stranger in this environment. He had been to plenty of parties, but never alone like this, and to add to that - another country, in a castle. He didn’t even know who could have invited him - not that he could have found them in this crowd, anyways.

He took a sip of his drink, surprised by the flavor. It was sweet and fruity, but with some kind of underlying flavor he couldn’t put his finger on. Must be something native to Scotland, he figured, taking another sip. Damn - it was strong, too. He felt warmth spread in his body - not enough to have an effect, yet, but just the presence of alcohol making itself known.

Tobias pushed himself off the counter, making his way through the crowd. He scanned the crowd, most people either in their own conversations or dancing, and he took a sip of his drink as he squeezed through a group. There were so many different people here, speaking other languages. He wished he knew something other than english, but he had never done that well in English class in the first place, let alone learning another language.

As he made his way through, still scanning the crowd, he bumped into someone, sloshing his drink over the edge of his glass and landing with a splat on his shoes. Black, luckily, but not water-proof. He felt it going into his socks. “I am so sorry,” he said to the woman he had bumped into, “I should’ve been paying more attention,” he said, realizing he had interrupted her conversation. He turned to the other woman who was there, “My bad,” he said with a nod, “My name is Tobias, can I get either of you a drink in apology?” he asked with a cheesy smile on his face, hoping to win them over.

(Interactions: apolla queanbean )

 

[Autumn_Leaf]

• 1
• 2

• .
• Scotland

  The Castle
  

  outfit

  An Attempt
  

  tags

  
  2amSnow

code by opaline

Yeva Petryk

❛ The Rat ❜

Yeva rolled her shoulders back, clasping her hands behind her as she offered a warm smile. Sam’s blue eyes were captivating—almost hypnotic—their depth pulling her in like the tide. But more than that, it was the steady rhythm of her heartbeat that ensnared her, a melody only Yeva could hear, thrumming just beneath the surface. The flickering candlelight bathed Sam’s sharp features in a golden glow, accentuating every delicate curve and angle.

"Vybach! It is my fault," Yeva admitted with a soft laugh, an attempt to absorb the weight of the girl’s embarrassment. She waved a hand dismissively, playful, reassuring. "I came in a bit..." She hesitated, searching for the right word before snapping her fingers. "Hot?" A teasing grin curled at the corners of her lips.

The hunger gnawed at her, a slow and creeping sensation, but for now, she could ignore it—push it into the background, at least for a little while. She adjusted the hem of her skirt, ensuring it sat just right before shifting her weight slightly. "Eh, not quite my style," she admitted, her tone light but edged with honesty. "Mother and Father do love their extravagance, but if we are being honest? I would much rather be in my bedroom." She punctuated the thought with a small, exasperated eye-roll before straightening her posture again.

As a passing servant weaved through the crowd, Yeva’s hand shot out with effortless grace, plucking another glass of wine in one smooth motion. She brought it to her lips, the earthy notes coating her tongue, warm but unsatisfying. It was no substitute for what she really craved, but it would do—for now.

"My name is Yeva. Yeva Petryk." She extended a hand, revealing sharp, jet-black acrylics that gleamed under the low light. Her dark eyes traced Sam’s face with quiet curiosity before tilting her head slightly. "And what about you? What has brought you here tonight?" Her voice was smooth, inquisitive, with just the slightest hint of something else—something keen, something hungry.



[vybach=sorry]

 

[2amSnow]

Sam returned the young woman's smile, a bit of relief at the stranger's kindness over her stumble. The way Yeva spoke, like she was letting Sam in on a secret, like her words were meant to be savored, captivated the sapphire eyed girl. She was caught in the low, steady cadence as she tried to focus on the clinking glasses, and the distant hum of music.

"Oh, so you live here?" Sam bravely asked, realizing now that she was talking to one of the children belonging to this massive estate. She did think the place was beautiful, intimidatingly huge, but beautiful nonetheless. A small part of her knew the soft lit ambiance of the evening complimented her combination of pale skin and copper hair.

Sam hesitated only a moment before sliding her hand into Yeva’s. Her skin was cool, almost unnervingly so, but her grip was steady, confident.

"Samantha Hollis," she said, her voice coming out softer than she intended. "But it's really just Sam." She corrected, mustering up a slightly stronger tone.

Yeva’s gaze was heavy—not in a suffocating way, but in a way that made it impossible to look away. It sent a slow, curling heat through Sam’s stomach, though she wasn’t sure if it was nerves or something else entirely. Yeva’s voice was like honey over ice—smooth, rich, but edged with something cool, something deliberate. The lift of her accent wrapped around each word, softening consonants, stretching vowels just enough to make them linger in the air between them.

She cleared her throat, shifting her gaze from Yeva. Needing something to do with her hands, Sam tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear and lifted her glass. "As for why I’m here?" She let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head. "I'm not even sure why I'm here..."

Sam glanced around the liveliness of the event, her eyes sweeping over the well-dressed people mingling amongst each other. There was no denying how out of place she felt, though the pull she felt to come---all the way to Scotland to attend this ball, was enough to get her passport updated. Maybe getting out of the haze of the city for a while would be a good thing. Someplace nobody knew her; if she hadn't already given out her name out of instinct, maybe she could have re-invented herself for the duration of her stay.

"Your parents must have quite the reach," she brought the glass up to her lips before letting the warmth coat her throat again. "My invitation found me in the states. And I think maybe I just needed a break from the world." Another sip, savoring the bittersweet taste of the crimson drink against her tongue before flashing Yeva a wry smile.

"And, well… who am I to turn down free wine---in a castle, in Scotland?"

 

[Autumn_Leaf]

• 1
• 2

• .
• Scotland

  The Castle
  

  outfit

  An Attempt
  

  tags

  
  2amSnow

code by opaline

Yeva Petryk

❛ The Rat ❜

Yeva let the warmth of Sam’s hand seep into her skin, a stark contrast to her own unnatural chill. It clung to her like an ember in the dead of winter, a touch so small yet so potent that it sent a weightless thrill curling in her stomach. Anticipation. Excitement. Dangerous things, things she had to swallow down and bury beneath the practiced stillness of her expression.

She watched Sam closely, devouring every detail—the subtle way her lips skimmed over her teeth when she spoke, the restless flick of her gaze as she took in the room. Yeva had seen that wariness before, worn it like a second skin. Hesitant. Reserved. Was Sam merely cautious, or was there something deeper? A quiet guard raised, a defense against something she wasn’t even sure was a threat yet?

Yeva’s mind flickered back to her parents. Their reach, their games. Were they simply entertaining themselves with a fresh curiosity tonight? Or was this another ploy, something woven beneath the surface, waiting to be unraveled? With them, nothing was ever straightforward. She, still young by their standards, was often left grasping at shadows, unable to see the full picture. "Well, Just Sam," she repeated, dragging out the vowel with a teasing lilt, the corners of her lips quirking upward. Mocking? Maybe. Testing? Absolutely.

"My family does have quite the reach," she admitted, voice airy, as if the weight of that statement wasn’t pressing down on her shoulders. "As to why?" She rolled her eyes with an exaggerated shrug, but there was something restrained in her tone, something deliberately unsaid. "Anyone’s guess. When you are wealthy and..." Her words stilled, just for a moment, like she was biting back something that threatened to spill. "Old," she finally settled on, flashing a playful smile—one that deliberately kept her fangs hidden. "You find new ways to entertain yourself, da?"

She let the thought drift as her attention shifted to the dance floor, her dark eyes tracing the movement, the vibrant swirl of silks and lace blending into a blur of color. "Free wine and... Tak, this castle," she echoed, rolling the stem of the glass between her fingers. She took a slow sip, the red liquid clinging to her lips, staining them slightly as she savored the fleeting indulgence. "Its isolation from the city is nice..." she mused, voice soft but laced with something heavier. "But I do miss it."

For a brief moment, the illusion cracked. The scene before her blurred—not with wine, not with hunger, but with memory. The candlelit figures on the dance floor shifted, replaced by another image entirely—one from long ago. The ghostly waltz of her mother and father, their movements precise, elegant, effortless. An echo of something long past. Something she wasn’t sure she mourned, but still... something that lingered.

Her grip tightened around the glass, fingers curling with the pressure, pressing just to the edge of breaking. Not again. Not here. She let out a slow breath, unwinding the coil in her chest, slipping the mask back into place. Her expression softened, warmth returning as she turned back to Sam, lips curling into something light, inviting.

"Maybe I give you a tour soon?" Her voice dropped to something almost intimate, conspiratorial. "This castle holds so much... I’m sure you would enjoy it." She shut her eyes briefly, her smile holding just long enough to appear effortless before she let the moment breathe.

And just like that, the game was back in motion.


[Tak=yes]

 

[animegirl20]

"Your movements amaze me, you act like a swan when dancing like this,"

Clara looked at him, slightly stunned. "A swan?" Then suddenly, after a moment, a small laugh escaped her. "Ha," She couldn't help it, the way he had been speaking was kind of strange, it was kind of cool, but some of the way he worded things was kind of funny. She laughed a little more. Suddenly, any nerves and shyness she was feeling faded. "Sorry, sorry haha it's just.....the way you talk. It's a little funny. I mean, come on, 'Sir Winters'? Who even talks like that anymore? There's no way you always talk like that. Though I guess it is a little cool and it does fit the setting, I suppose, but haha. You really don't have to talk like that if this is um...fake." Suddenly, a sudden wave of shyness came back, she really hoped she hadn't offended him, she hadn't meant to. She glanced away from Aelius with a slight blush on her cheeks. "Sorry, I'm not making fun of you or anything....not really."

Clara glanced back up at him with a slightly nervous smile, then glanced away. "It's Clara, by the way. Clara Marie Francis....." A strange feeling came over Clara, but she wasn't quite sure what it was. The way he looked at her almost sent a chill down her spine, though not totally in a bad way. He had been charming and really nice so far, but his eyes had a hint of mischief in them, though it could have been just her nerves making her paranoid. Her friends always thought she was overly cautious when it came to guys. They always told her she needed to take more chances, so that's what she was going to do, even if it meant ignoring the tiny alarm bell in the back of her head that seemed to have gotten a little bit louder.

Interactions: CHUUYAS_HAT

 

[taliaangeni]

Aleksandr
Yeva was a whirlwind. She was there one moment and gone the next. Something must have caught her nose - the bloodhound that she was. Her parting words asking for a dance later, Aleks knew it would never happen. Sometimes words were just that - little illusions of the humanity they no longer possessed.

“Qin.” Aleks had never been onboard with that particular nickname. He glanced down at himself before replying, “Drab?” He pinched the jacket he was wearing, “This is all the rage in America.” He shrugged when they mentioned favor points. “Not what I’m here for but it brings me some joy to know you’re still invested in my fashion choices.” With a small smile and nod, “See you inside? We’ll dance.”

On his way inside, Aleks let his fingers trail over a dangling rope of lights, a window shade, the rim of a wine glass resting on a corner table. The dark red liquid made his mouth water, his eyes sharpen with hunger. He scanned the room, noticing a few people stumble into each other. Was it the wine? They could be taken down easily. All it would take was a smile, a few well-placed words,and then herd them where he wanted. The castle had many rooms and some were made specifically for loud…food.

Coming to his senses he turned from the room. A memory surfaced, faint but distinct, of a bottle of wine from the 1800s. If memory were correct, father had a shipment in the cellar.

Weaving through the crowd, he slipped out of the room and made his way to the cellar. It didn’t take long to find the right crate. He pried the nailed lid open, and at the sight of the black glass bottle inside, he nearly wept. It was old and barely touched except to be put in the crate itself. The label still clung to the black glass, red cursive letters with gold edging painted the paper saying: 1877 - Jacob. Aleks had no idea who Jacob was, but years ago, he had opened one of these bottles. Five remained.

Aleks returned upstairs and only took a few steps before swiping a wine glass. With few people around to notice, he casually tossed the existing wine over his shoulder and tore the cork from the bottle with his teeth.

The aroma drifted up, rich and aged—like a fine wine indeed.

He poured himself a glass and, maybe too quickly, knocked it back in one go. The warmth spread through him, bringing a flicker of life back to his undead veins. He exhaled through his nose, savoring… Jacob.

With the bottle in one hand and the refilled glass in another, Aleks took off to find his siblings and parents.

 

[apolla]

It would be Lucy's luck that she comes to a fancy party like this, full of beautiful people and the most elegant decor she'd ever seen-- and promptly bump into somebody. God, had she even been here half an hour yet? She didn't want to know the answer to that question. Already feeling that familiar gut twisting sensation of anxiety start to build up inside her, Lucy held her breath until the woman turned around. Recognizing a kind tone when she heard it, Lucy felt her anxiety ease some, though there was a voice of doubt in the back of her head commenting on the fact that the woman didn't return her uneasy smile. Snapping inwardly at that voice to shut up, Lucy opened her mouth to say something else.

But she was cut off as the woman reached for her shoulder, starting to move her in another direction. "What-" It only took a few seconds and a quick look around for her to understand. "Ohhh. Thank you." There were more people here than Lucy was used to, and while she didn't exactly think down on herself, she did feel as though she were of a lesser calliber than some here. They were just so pretty, and she was-- well, she was just Lucy. When they were out of the danger zone, Lucy glanced back up to the woman at her question, feeling her brow furrow some. "I- yeah, I am, thank you." She tried to give the woman a reassuring smile, though Lucy couldn't help but feel as though the question went deeper than just an in-this-moment question.

Watching her dab at her glove and throat with the napkin she aquired, Lucy frowned again. "Really, god, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean-" Only for karma to bite her in the ass. Just as she'd bumped into this woman, someone did the exact same to her. Only this time Lucy's drink did spill, her eyes widening and her lips parting with a gasp as she stumbled forward. Automatically reaching for something to hold onto, she felt her face warming again when she realized she'd grabbed onto the other woman. "Sorry!" Quickly letting go, Lucy glanced down at her champagne covered dress before looking over her shoulder when she heard a male voice. "It's okay." She told him, leaning to the side some to set her now mostly empty glass down. "I think maybe drinking isn't in the cards for me tonight." She shook her head, then looked back up at both of them. "I'm Lucy. Are you two having a good night?" She paused, biting down on her lip. "Well... before playing bumper cars."

--------------------
Tags: Ciara ( queanbean ); Tobias ( JustAlexandra )

code by g o l d i e l o x x

 

[2amSnow]

Sam tilted her head, letting the hum of the music settle beneath her skin, a soft undercurrent to the conversation unfolding before her. Yeva’s words had a way of slipping into the spaces between Sam’s ribs, curling there, leaving an impression she wasn’t sure she should want. It was in the way she spoke, in the carefully placed pauses, in the teasing lilt that danced just on the edge of something deeper.

Something sharp.

Sam had met many people who enjoyed playing with their food. She had a feeling Yeva wasn’t the type to waste time with such indulgences—not unless she found it particularly entertaining.

And yet, there was something restrained in her, something carefully leashed. Like a coiled thread waiting for the right moment to unravel.

Sam let a slow smile cross her lips, tipping her glass to her mouth as if the motion gave her time to parse through Yeva’s words, to dissect them without appearing too eager. The wine was rich, smooth, and just distracting enough to keep her from lingering too long on the way Yeva’s eyes flickered with something unreadable.

"A tour?" Sam echoed, setting her now empty glass down with a light clink on the table adjacent the two women, fingers tracing the rim absentmindedly. "Well, I can’t say no to an offer like that. I imagine you’d be quite the guide."

Her voice was gentle, as it always was, but the lure of curiosity threaded through each syllable. A part of her wanted to lean in, to press, to pull apart the carefully woven tapestry of Yeva’s mask just enough to see the stitches beneath. But there was something about the way Yeva held herself that warned against such things.

Not yet.

Sam knew better than to pry where she wasn’t invited.

Instead, she let her eyes flick across the dance floor, watching as silk and lace blurred together, a swirl of bodies lost in the kind of effortless grace Sam had never quite managed to master. She had always been too deliberate, too aware of her own steps. Even now, in a place where she had no footing, she remained poised, steady.

"What do you miss most?" Sam asked after a pause, her words light but laced with intent. "About the city, I mean. Isolation has its appeal, but it's also, well...isolating. I imagine a place like this could start to feel like a very gilded cage after a while." She hesitated before she asked her next question, "what draws you to stay?"

There was something expectant in the way she looked at Yeva, though it was hidden beneath the gentle nature of her expression. Sam had spent years learning how to ask questions without making them feel like demands. It was a careful balance, an art in its own right.

She let the silence linger between them, waiting to see whether Yeva would fill it—or let it settle like dust on an untouched floor.

Either way, Sam was patient.

She could wait.

 

[queanbean]

⥽ Ciara ⥼
Ciara lifts the back of a hand to her lips to stifle a mild chuckle. Without the sparkle in her eyes, her words are barely readable as humor, "Usually it takes at least a couple hours before bumper cars fire up. There must be something in the air tonight." Her gaze briefly lingers on what is left of the liquid swirling in Lucy's glass, "Or the punch." She offers the blonde woman extra napkins she'd collected from the table; Thank God champagne is colorless. Although, with all this liquor spilling, she's beginning to wish she'd worn closed-toed heels instead. A slip is not in her cards for tonight, if she can help it.

Minor chaos aside, Ciara shifts her attention between the two, offering each of them a brief but deliberate moment of acknowledgment. When it comes time for introductions, she moves to extend a hand—then pauses, glancing down at the damp glove still clinging to her fingers. A soft, amused huff escapes her as she pulls it off, folding it neatly over her arm before offering her bare hand instead.

"Ciara." She greets them with an easygoing smile, shaking Lucy’s hand first, then Tobias'.

"It's nice to meet you both. Tobias, I'll take you up on that offer but not as an apology." There's a warmth to her words, a reassuring softness. "Accidents happen." Ciara comfortably idles with her arms crossed at hip-height. A finger on the bare hand taps the slope of her hip to the music that is mostly drowned by the voices between them and the band.

"Do... either of you happen to know what this party is about? I was thinking it's just a gala of some kind but even for that it seems a bit over the top." Her dark gaze flits to the genuine manor decor all around. This doesn't seem like some rentable facade. She's seen her fair share of showrooms. Yet, despite feeling real, there's a feeling of uncanny oppression lurking in the shadows of those high arches.

Her head tilts slightly as she continues with a slow scan of the room. There are people chatting, people dancing, plenty of flirting already. Something feels fluttery in the pit of her stomach, but identifying the feeling is a lot easier than identifying its cause.

mentions: apolla JustAlexandra
interactions: lucy, tobias
location: ballroom
mood: curious
current outfit: glamour✻ᶜˡᶦᶜᵏ
⥽ ⑅ ⥼ ⑅ ⥽ ⑅ ⥼ ⑅ ⥽ ⑅ ⥼ ⥽ ⑅ ⥼

Spoiler: Text only

Ciara lifts the back of a hand to her lips to stifle a mild chuckle. Without the sparkle in her eyes, her words are barely readable as humor, "Usually it takes at least a couple hours before bumper cars fire up. There must be something in the air tonight." Her gaze briefly lingers on what is left of the liquid swirling in Lucy's glass, "Or the punch." She offers the blonde woman extra napkins she'd collected from the table; Thank God champagne is colorless. Although, with all this liquor spilling, she's beginning to wish she'd worn closed-toed heels instead. A slip is not in her cards for tonight, if she can help it.

Minor chaos aside, Ciara shifts her attention between the two, offering each of them a brief but deliberate moment of acknowledgment. When it comes time for introductions, she moves to extend a hand—then pauses, glancing down at the damp glove still clinging to her fingers. A soft, amused huff escapes her as she pulls it off, folding it neatly over her arm before offering her bare hand instead.

"Ciara." She greets them with an easygoing smile, shaking Lucy’s hand first, then Tobias'.

"It's nice to meet you both. Tobias, I'll take you up on that offer but not as an apology." There's a warmth to her words, a reassuring softness. "Accidents happen." Ciara comfortably idles with her arms crossed at hip-height. A finger on the bare hand taps the slope of her hip to the music that is mostly drowned by the voices between them and the band.

"Do... either of you happen to know what this party is about? I was thinking it's just a gala of some kind but even for that it seems a bit over the top." Her dark gaze flits to the genuine manor decor all around. This doesn't seem like some rentable facade. She's seen her fair share of showrooms. Yet, despite feeling real, there's a feeling of uncanny oppression lurking in the shadows of those high arches.

Her head tilts slightly as she continues with a slow scan of the room. There are people chatting, people dancing, plenty of flirting already. Something feels fluttery in the pit of her stomach, but identifying the feeling is a lot easier than identifying its cause.