Lady Maria

Arthur smiled slightly as she spoke. “Perhaps so,” he said. Though his lost children and his wife were never far from his mind. He gave a soft chuckle as he spoke. “Only in small doses,” he said, smiling slightly. “One on one like this is different than something dreadful like a party. I don’t fancy those very much.” He nods. “They have fights in the basement,” he said absently. “But I tend to avoid those.”

“Well, small one on ones are not really very different from larger parties. All you need to do is treat each smaller encounter as if that is all you will need to deal with.” she explained lightly. “Personally I love large parties, I have wanted to host one for centuries but never had a chance, I am hoping here I may be able to indulge.” Her eyes widened, “Fights!? Whatever for? Surely the leaders here cannot condone that?”

Noah didn’t want Desmond dead. Even if the man were to choose to come after him against better judgement, Noah wasn’t about to put him down for it. Not today or any time soon, anyway. Desmond had his chance at the Blood Moon and he had made no attempts, so he knew in the end the vampire’s goal wasn’t to try and kill him. But revenge came in many shapes and sizes. Just because Desmond couldn’t kill him didn’t mean he didn’t seek revenge. 

All things considered, Noah didn’t feel much at all for Desmond. Of course he felt terribly over what had happened to him, but that was far in his past, a very distant memory, and he wasn’t about to beat himself up over it. If Desmond didn’t care to know him, it was no skin off his back. “I’m not that concerned with him,” Noah admitted as Maria spoke about giving the man time. “He can choose to do whatever he wants.” 

His eyes shifted over towards her, his shoulders lifting the slightest bit. “I’m an open book,” he said simply, a twitch of a smile touching the corner of his lips.

“Then, for the moment, perhaps that is for the best.” Desmond certainly needed time to come to his own conclusions about what to do next; Noah’s lack of investment (sad as it was to her) could be just the response needed to take any pressure off of him to make a decision. And that way, if he needed her, she could more than happily offer advice that came to mind or even just lend an ear. The important thing was that, despite her initial concerns for the pair, things could yet work out well.

Maria raised an eyebrow at his response and chuckled despite herself, “If that is how you would wise to describe yourself than far be it from I to tell you any different.” she said, shaking her head slightly. “So, in spite of all this unpleasantness that has recently come out, might we still consider one another friends?” she asked, raising her glass to him just slightly. That was the one of the deciding factors in her coming here after all.

She would hate to lose a friend to hold true to Desmond and (knowing him) he’d find a way to blame himself for her decision regardless.

He made a frustrated sound at her advice partially because it was so sound. Still, it hardly seemed that easy to him, especially in this issue. “I generally don’t have a problem adapting to the new. But new in this case seems to mean trying to forge a relationship with someone I’m not certain deserves it.” Even more complicatedly, Desmond didn’t hate being a vampire so it wasn’t as though he could resent Noah for that. He could certainly hate him for slaughtering his children though, that was unforgiveable. But if Noah hadn’t attacked him he wouldn’t be here now, wouldn’t have experienced all the things that he had. That was another facet of why this was so complicated. “I’m glad to hear that, at least.” Desmond sighed, always pleased when one of his fledglings was going to stay near him.  

“Indeed.” Desmond needed more Scotch for this so poured himself another generous amount. “I’ve been thinking that I’ve hated his face without knowing him for centuries, yet from what little I’ve heard of him, he seems to be a respectful and honorable person. It seems only fair to give such a person a chance. I also don’t hate being a vampire, though I do despise the manner in which I became one. It isn’t as though I require the guidance of a sire any longer, either. Yet every time I look at him I’m reminded of what he took from me.” He shook his head and took a drink. It was the closest to rambling he’d likely ever come but it was a prime example of how confused he clearly still was about this. “I’m aware of that. I have no intention of abandoning those who need me.” 

This was starting to become equally as frustrating and exhausting as it usually was so he leaned back against the couch, starting to feel more tired than angry. It was good, then, that Maria was talking and telling him about Noah instead of him having to continue to try and pick his way through his tangled emotions. He inclined his head a little when she complimented him. Ironically, it was because Noah had not been a sire to him that Desmond strove to be an excellent one. That once again played into how complicated this all was. Desmond’s eyebrows rose slightly as he listened to her story. “Wounded? I wasn’t aware an Original could be wounded.” Not that that was the point, but still. “Did he help you solve the issue with the young vampires?” 

Maria could recall a handful of occasion in which she’d found frustration in Desmond’s logic against her emotions; this was perhaps the first instance she could think of in which the latter had made itself apparent to her. “Then, perhaps, you should take the time necessary to think over what it is you want from Noah, if anything at all. Desmond, there are plenty of our kind who has naught but ill-thoughts towards their Sires. While it may be sad perhaps that is the conclusion you will arrive at. Or even simply feeling nothing at all.” She smiled, “I would not leave you to this dilemma alone, more than my Sire, you are my friend, and this is a difficult thing you are having to try and work through.”

“In that same vein, while you may not wish to consider it you may have something in common with him in regards to losing a part of yourself to a more beastial intent and then working back towards humanity. Not to say you have both had the same experience of it, far from it, but look at yourself now in comparison to who you were then. The ability to change is not outside the realms of possibility, even for old fossils like us.” she told him, a small smile to accompany the wry tone at the end of her words. “Well, if seeing him reminds you of that then the only way to move past that may be to engage him in conversation, see where your feelings go and, as a last resort, there is nothing wrong with simply avoiding him, this is a large town after all.”  

Maria smiled at him, she only spoke the truth, it was not until she encountered a few other vampires in her years alone that she realised just how blessed she’d been to have Desmond be the one who found her all those years ago. “Due to carelessness he admitted. I think by this point he was more actively involved in the fledglings he created and that may have been his undoing.” she explained. Maria sighed and glanced away, taking a sip of her own drink this time, “I did. And I do not regret it, the younglings were beyond seeing sense and would be a danger to the humans of the town and countless others beyond that, even our own kind.” That did not mean she enjoyed it; Maria strove to save lives, not take them.

“What sort of appeal?” Chloe questioned, her nose twitching thinking about the cold. She hoped her question wasn’t coming off rude, she was actually just curious to see why someone would enjoy winter. “I’m all about that sunshine.”

“Well, there is always an element of nostalgia to it for myself. I grew up with wonderfully snow-capped winters and being fortunate they hold memories of brisk walks and warm fires, close to the ones I love.” she said, “There is something... intimate about winter.”

Arthur smiled faintly. “I suppose that’s the definition of bittersweet,” he said. He smiled slightly once more and headed out into the street. He gave a little chuckle. “I don’t socialize very much, to be honest, so I wouldn’t say I have a haunt. But Purgatory does have very good wine.”

“It is indeed. But perhaps we are allowing the past too much influence on us right now; the present has hope after all, and we may yet enjoy the evening ahead.” Though if she’d suspected a night out she’d have dressed up a little more, “We should work on changing that, you seem very sociable to me.” she smiled, “Ahh, well good wine is always an excellent start. What an odd name though, are they a club which caters towards supernatural? I have never experienced such an establishment before.”

Zinnia noticed the change in the woman’s demeanor and smiled a little. “I understand,” she said. She couldn’t always sense if someone had a spirit attached to them, but sometimes she could sense it around them like she could smell perfume. But with someone of this age, she probably had a lot of ghosts in her past, both literal and not. She laughed. “Why not? I promise I’ll eat it all. Or we could always invite some wolves.”

Maria smiled, it wasn’t that she thought the other’s words disingenuous, but it was hard for her to think another understood, truly understood, what it was she was barely mentioning. Maria knew Desmond did, but it was unfair to judge others by his standards. A small chuckle escaped her, “Well, so long as you promise to ensure all the food and drink is cleared by the evenings end then perhaps I should begin planning. And provide they’re good people I do not see why not, it would be a pleasure to meet them.” She’d never understood the animosity some held between species, surely they needed to be close to one another now more than ever?

Coralie smiled at the new voice, humming quietly in acknowledgement. The front page read Emily Brontë, copyright 1975; over one-hundred years since the author herself had published under a pseudonym, and died not long after. It was longer still before Wuthering Heights would come to be appreciated as a classic, and not shunned for its depictions of gender inequality, and general savagery.

“Scandalous is very apropos.” She agreed, finally looking up from the book to take in whoever had approached. She spoke like she knew, and Coralie was eager to discuss in kind. “I believe it was published under Ellis Bell, and critics were baffled. There isn’t an inherently good character in this book, it’s…well, refreshing, but not everyone felt that way at the time.”

Her grip on the book tightened, more lovingly than anything else. “It’s much better received today, yeah? We’ve come a long way, though there’s still much further to go.”

“Why yes, I believe that is the case.” Maria agreed with a nod, “A more accurate reflection of the world than can be seen in most novels, especially those of the period.” Far more concerned with strong men doing their heroic deeds and changing the world. “Anything new shall always be met criticism. To say the novel is perfect would be far from true but I am a firm believer in its merit to challenge our assumptions of society.”

She smiled, “Indeed, now it is a common sight on many a-high school syllabus. Indeed, but the progress thus far gives me hope that more shall come, even if they will not be easily won.”

“And where do you work, exactly? Don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t seem like someone who actually works here. Unless you own this place?” Teo asked curiously. As she spoke again, he looked back in the mirror, studying himself as he nodded eventually. “You know, I might just take all of it, and trust your advice.” He agreed. He was no good with suits, and clothing, overall- his husband used to be the go-to person for that. Now, he wore whatever he could find. “Green’s okay, I guess. Dark red, maybe. I haven’t really gone as far as figuring out my favorite color.” He admitted, smiling eventually as she asked for his name, so subtly. “My apologies for that- I’m Teo. I should’ve introduced myself before asking for advice.”

“Oh, no offence taken,” she smiled, “I work as a doctor in the hospital here, though I have been practicing medicine for over six centuries now.” Maria explained, “Had things remained as they were for women in those times I would still be considered unfit to fulfil that role.” Stepping to the side so she could have a better look at the man Maria nodded, “I think you will look stunning, heads will turn all-round.” Listening as he continued she thought for a moment before deciding, “Green is a good choice, though darker shades usually, but I think a dark red would suit you very nicely.” Bowing her head slightly as he introduced himself Maria responded, “A pleasure to meet you, I am Maria, and I do not mind being asked for advice at any time.”    

There was something about bookstores; something even better about small, privately-owned bookstores. It was in the smell of dust and paper, and they way odds and ends could be found tucked in various corners, or wedged on unlikely shelves. Coralie loved it when there were as many tables stacked with crooked book towers as there were bookshelves. She loved it when the edges of the pages were turning yellow with age, and the corners were dog-eared and well-loved. Coralie loved bookstores.

Which is why it was no surprise to find her spending a late Thursday evening at Wicked Good Books, tucked back in the stacks with her fingers running lightly along the spines of the fiction section, a content smile on her face. It was just the right kind of quiet, only the occasional shuffle and ring of the front door’s bell to signal other customers coming and going breaking the silence. It left room for her to wonder; wonder about the new town she’d found herself in, and all of the little pieces she’d explored that made it what it is.

And how this was probably one of her favorite pieces so far, in the running with the historical museum, and the university. For the first time since she’d arrived, her shoulders dropped, the tension eased, and she pulled a book off the shelf, just getting lost in the intro to an old Brontë novel when the ring of the bell pulled half of her attention.

Maria enjoyed reading, of course she hadn’t learned until after her vampiric life had begun but there was so much escapism in the written word and living the solitary life among humans (as she had for many centuries) reading was a habit she’d picked up and never put down.

Examining the small book store she smiled, it was quaint, and moved through the space trying to think what she could add to her collection for a little perusal this evening, coming to a pause when she saw a young lady holding a Brontë novel.

“Those were rather scandalous novels once upon a time,” she said with a small nod towards the book, “The sisters write under male pseudonyms to increase their success chances, the world being a very different place back then.”

Basking in the summer heat, Chloe laid on the grass in the park, turning to the person beside her. “Every single day of the year should be summer. Don’t you agree?”

Maria chuckled lightly as she moved to a nearby bench and delicately perched on it, “Oh I do not know, I find winter has an appeal all its own; though right now the sunshine is most pleasant.” Provided she kept her ring on.

“Let’s have us some fun tonight.” Or at least the tamer kind of fun he had to practice more in this town. “You ever played two truths and a lie? I’ll buy us some rounds if you’re into it. What do you say?”

Maria raised an eyebrow, “You are aware that alcohol has a very limited effect on our kind?” she asked him lightly, “Though if you are determined to engage in the game I suppose it could be an excellent way to get to know one another.”

“You talk so fondly about those times, it’s almost like you miss it.” Teo could never do the same thing. He always saw both sides of the old times, both the good an the bad. And, that simply made him live more freely in the current moment, enjoy these times without reminiscing of something that was long gone. “That might be useful in the office, you’re right. It would be good enough to have the suits for the courtrooms only.” He fell silent, again, as she examined the color. “Blue shirt, blue suit? Would it not be too… well, blue?”

Maria smiled, “Oh I suppose I do, some parts. Others not so much, if things had not changed I would not be able to work in the position I do now. But there are some small aspects of the past I will forever miss, even if only a little.” she told him. Maria chuckled softly, “Oh no, not together, this shirt would be paired with black trousers I think, no jacket needed and would be formal if worn as is or you could undo a button and roll up the sleeves to be more casual. For a suit you would want a white shirt beneath.” she told him, “Do you have a favourite colour, Mr?” she trailed off slightly, realising despite the offered help she’d yet to learn the man’s name.

“I don’t know what to expect, Maria. Something. Anything, really. For him to seek his revenge or shut me out or talk to me in more than two syllables or something.” He didn’t follow her gesture to sit; instead he moved, pacing a bit. This wasn’t something he was familiar with. With Teo, the man had lingered at his side, hadn’t requested anything from him or expected anything in return. They’d functioned well together until they went their separate ways. With Ian - he was still figuring it all out. He gave the boy company and instructed him on how everything worked, as a vampire and in Hollow Grove, but Ian was still young, still needed that guidance. Desmond didn’t need anything from him, and he didn’t have anything really to give. 

Noah’s eyes shifted towards her as she continued, speaking of all that Desmond lost in the night that he was turned. As if Noah didn’t already know and wasn’t familiar with the pain of loss. As if Desmond was a unique case. He didn’t respond to her question, not that she gave him much of a chance to, but of course he knew what it felt like to lose a loved one. A wife, children, his life, an understanding of how everything in the world worked. Of course he knew what Desmond went through - he went through the exact same thing. But what was he supposed to do about it now? 

“I’m not planning on going anywhere. He can come to me if and when he wants to. That doesn’t mean I’ll have anything to say to him when he does.”

“He does not want revenge Noah, I have enquired into that already. Desmond has others who rely on him, I could not in good conscience let him progress with a question that would only lead him to die.” she gestured slightly, “You are his Sire, and an original of our species; I doubt he would succeed.” Maria paused a moment before adding, “And the reason for that is he is honestly still in a form of shock and does not know what he wants to say.” And she would not rush him on the matter. Coming to terms with such a thing cannot be easy and she hoped from this discussion Noah would be willing enough to let him have that same time. Then, when the other reached a point of understanding himself, he could progress with that conversation.

“It may not be a case of you needing to say anything at all,” Mara told him softly, watching as the other paced across her kitchen, “Perhaps he may simply wish you to listen, to tell you he wants to never speak with you again and then be on his way or request something else, I do not know.” she sighed, “For all I think I know his mind I cannot predict what might come from his musings.”

“But, in the meantime,” she paused, as it considering her words carefully before continuing, “Should you wish to speak, about Desmond, about anything, then I shall remain an open ear. You are a friend of mine, difficult as this is I do not want to lose a friend for it. But please, I know it is not in your nature, but might you consider being a tad more open with me?” Communication, it could change everything.    

A Sires relationship. Noah wasn’t sure he understood exactly what that was. A friendship forged between the vampire who turned another? Something more? Something less? Noah had spent time with some of those he was responsible for turning - forged something of friendships with them - but he wasn’t sure any of them went to the extent Maria seemed to have with Desmond. A familial bond, or something close to it, by the way she spoke so highly of the man. Noah couldn’t pretend to comprehend it, a relationship that came from such complex starts. Most vampires weren’t forged from happy times, after all. 

“I have tried,” Noah spoke bluntly, jaw clenching tightly. It was frustrating, this…whatever it was. He’d given Desmond time, he’d tried to make amends, but none of it truly seemed to make a difference. And now to have Maria asking him for patience…? He could have very well said nothing at all to the man, let him do whatever he pleased, forget he existed at all. But he hadn’t. He tried time and again to make conversation, to bridge the gaps, and he got nothing in return. A few sharp words, angry glares. What he was then and who he is now were two very different things, but if Desmond refused to see it, there was only so much he could do about it.

Noah breathed out a slow breath, an action not entirely necessary but calming none the less, as Maria reached out to him. “What do you want me to do?” 

Maria sighed, pulling a tall bar-stool from under her kitchen island and elegantly seating herself upon it, gesturing for the other to do the same should he wish. “And did you honestly expect to make great strides so swiftly? It has struck me, some time ago, you are not an overtly emotional man Noah. Desmond lost much more than his life in his turning- and I am not projecting blame for that right now.” she added swiftly, “Merely stating the fact. Have you ever lost a sibling? A parent,” she paused, licked her lips and glanced down slightly, “A child.”

“It is not a wound that closes, not fully.” she finished after a moment, taking another sip of her wine. “And he is struggling now he has a figure to paint as the instigator of that pain. I am not saying I expect a grand relationship to form, truth be told I highly doubt it. But I think he needs this. And you are a good man, so I have you give him what he needs if you merely have the patience to wait until he comes to you once again.” Maria was confident he would, she had spoken over the matter with Desmond and while he was still reeling at the discovery she held no doubt that the matter was finished to his mind; when he was more accustomed to the information, then sense could be had.

“I would ask you, to please wait. He will come to you again, for what exact reasons I cannot be sure, I have never been where he is, nor where you are. But, whatever it is, it is something he needs.” she finished quietly, “And he has given me everything so I cannot refrain from asking your clemency in the matter.”

“Isn’t that the whole point of retailers?” Teo responded, with a hint of sarcasm in his tone, watching as the woman jumped to the searched of the suits so easily. And he allowed her to do just so- he wasn’t the biggest fan of getting help, but, with something like this it was always the best option. “Both, I would assume. Both for work and work related events.” He paused, for a moment, before eventually agreeing and walking over to the suit she was examining. “And how does it look?”

“Sadly so in these times. Centuries ago it was more their own respect and value for their craft that led others to pay higher amounts.” she sighed, “Still, there is some glamour to be found if one looks hard enough.” Maria nodded, “Whole suits and some shirt and pants combinations should see you expertly equipped for your needs,” she assured him. Maria paused a moment, examining the colour against him before nodding, “Yes. I think you would look very handsome. For a shirt alone I would suggest a light blue, help make you pop.” she chuckled, “In either slim or muscle fit of course to emphasis your physique.”