Little Huntress ~Battle of "Right and Wrong"~

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

"The roof should be some place quiet and private enough. Come on, it'll be just you and me."

The elevator doors opened on the top floor of the hotel and he led her to a door marked roof access. Once on the roof Greg looked up at the stars in the early morning sky. It was getting close to sunrise, maybe an hour or two away. The moon was a silver sliver in the sky.

"Yeah, this will do nicely," He looked back to her, "Feel better?"

"Thank you..." She told him, "I... I could hear them and see their stares and... I guess perhaps the madness even touches me. At least the rage that comes with it."

Greg frowned, he didn't like the sound of anything especially something as nebulous as madness affecting her. He wished he could wave a magic wand and protect her from it. "That was something, probably for the best though. Those guys down there...they were thinking...different boss same business, and you're going to change all that."

" I had little time to think on it all when mother made her announcement and Emily jumped to be an adviser." She replied, "I chose not to call for a culling... hunting down and wiping out any and all that might have been a problem or a threat. I want things to be different since the family I have brought around me is different."

"No need to be all brutal dictator with them. Just lay down the new law on them, and if they step out of line then drop the hammer on them." He took her in his arms and held her looking out over the darkened Boston skyline. He place a kiss on her cheek adding, "You can do this. Me, Emily, Darren, even Batai will help you carry the burden."

"Let's stay up here for a while."

---------------------X

IC: Darren Cross

Darren left Bishop. He had taken another dose of the Juniper antidote, and had a air-clearing chat with the man he regarded like a father, in even the worst of ways.

He returned to the ballroom after Rayna's announcement. The vampires came to him, asking what her decision to not purge the community actually meant. In case she changed her mind they offered evidence on their fellows (insert rivals or old enemies) or defended themselves from such accusations. He tried to tell them he had no idea what they were talking about, but none them listened. Instead they had shifted their venom to eachother. With the rising heat in the discussion it was easy for Darren to slip away.

He saw Emily in the corner and crossed over to her, "Emily, What the hell happened? What's all this about cullings?"

 

[Asa]

Rayna

She turned towards Greg and smiled pulling him tight to her hugging him hearing that she still had all of them to help her. Curling in close she felt much better as the stress began to fall away she knew mother would deal with it and a culling may be the last thing the council called before they left as she dismissed that thought just as quickly as she moved her face to look into his eyes and press a passionate kiss to his lips.

I know there are going to be a few things that will be presenting themselves for the next few weeks or months and I am glad I have all of you to help keep me sane in all of this.

Emily

She shook her head and shrugged glaring at the elitist vamps as she stood near Darren watching Mother talk with the strange group of people who walked in.

Rayna overheard and saw some of the stares and mumblings about her being around a wolf and all of that and ... to say the least she snapped and pointed out how nice she had been but if it would take a culling to make the city run as smooth or smoother than it did with Bishop she would cull the the lot of them. She then took off looks like to the roof with Greg after Mother stepped in and told Greg to help her calm down some and that she would deal with this. They took off and then the doors opened and bloody lady walked in with that group and dropped to bended knee and Mother gave them some orders while you were getting mobbed by those petty little freaks. Cliff notes version any questions?

Mother

She quickly had Ember and her mate and their pack to round up everyone and send one at a time into the next room with Ember her mate and Mother to be questioned then some were sent out and separated off with part of the pack to wait in another room for Rayna and her Advisers at their convenience and no one else. The council seemed almost pleased at Rayna's outburst and how she was a bit more willing to explain things to everyone in a pure level of command Mother had been right about her and Maxwell and all of his former associates were luckily dead wrong.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

"Let's stay up here for a while."

She smiled up at him pulling him in tight and burrowing within the comfort of his arms. A comfort Greg gladly gave. His hand slid through the dark luxurious veil of her hair to cup the back of her head.

"I know there are going to be a few things that will be presenting themselves for the next few weeks or months," She told him, "And I am glad I have all of you to help keep me sane in all of this."

"I'll make you a deal I promise to keep you sane if you promise to do the same for me."

----------------------------X

IC: Darren Cross

"Emily, What the hell happened? What's all this about cullings?"

"Rayna overheard and saw some of the stares and mumblings about her being around a wolf and all of that and ... to say the least she snapped and pointed out how nice she had been but if it would take a culling to make the city run as smooth or smoother than it did with Bishop she would cull the the lot of them." She told him, "She then took off looks like to the roof with Greg after Mother stepped in and told Greg to help her calm down some and that she would deal with this. They took off and then the doors opened and bloody lady walked in with that group and dropped to bended knee and Mother gave them some orders while you were getting mobbed by those petty little freaks. Cliff notes version any questions?"

Darren glanced over to Mother talking to a stern looking young woman and rolled his eyes, "Oh Terrific, Bloody Ember is here, probably lamenting the lack of bloodletting and carnage right now." He glanced over to Emily, "Be sure to keep Greg away from her. An unaffiliated werewolf like him, she'd likely bite his head off and spit it out without a second thought."

When she looked over to him, he ignored her and instead bowed in deference to Mother.

 

[Asa]

Rayna

Nodding and smiled.

Deal... I know that my being made commander of Boston does not exactly fit into the "normal" life you all were going for and I am sorry about that but I am glad you all are not running as fast as you can in the other way. I want you and Darren to someday to see the primal beauty that you both possess within what you call think of as beasts and diseases.

She looked away falling silent not wanting an argument or anything like that over the most honest words she could tell them about how she saw them.

Emily Ember and Mother

Ember looked over seeing Darren with a ghost and snorted but was quickly halted by a stern glance from Mother and nodding the rest of the pack following her eyes and then back to Mother.

Mother took little time at all and had the ones that could be a problem separated and awaiting Rayna with some of the pack guarding them with orders to kill any who try to escape. Walking back with Ember into the ballroom and spotting the reaction between Darren and Ember she chose this moment and friction between Darren and Ember to begin the introductions.

Darren Emily and Batai please come here... I will allow the advisers meet the enforcers first while your new commander calms their rage for now.

Emily thinking quickly hearing Mothers words mentally called for him

Batai... you need to get here... some sort of introduction time.... quickly

Ember... You know Darren

Ember glared as her mate snarled slightly only to get silenced by Ember for now. Mother seemed to growl as well at Ember's mate in warning.

This is Emily... she is perhaps the most level headed of the advisers and will more than likely keep your work to a minimum if at all possible and this...

Ember bowed slightly

Batai... late husband of Rayna... Feline shifter... warrior peacekeeper and voice of reason. Creator of their tribe and the creator of my peoples tribe as Legend goes were born of the sparks brought about the clashing of two moon swords wielded by the first peoples of the snowlands... Rayna's ancestors. Swords used to represent the protection by the people of ice and snow for one they called Blood tooth legend holds to mean a vampire who protected them from the demons who sought to wipe them out. The blood tooth was also advised by a young ghost of innocence. If I were to believe in legends and could I remember what part of it could possibly tie another vampire and a wolf to it I would think we are reliving a most auspicious Legend.

Mother lifted a brow at this and looked to Batai to see what he could add if anything and wondered if there was anything to this interesting turn of events.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

"I'll make you a deal I promise to keep you sane if you promise to do the same for me."

"Deal..." She nodded with a smile, "I know that my being made commander of Boston does not exactly fit into the "normal" life you all were going for and I am sorry about that but I am glad you all are not running as fast as you can in the other way."

"I'm not saying I like it, but I would never run away from you, Rayna." Greg shrugged, "If I had to I'd follow you straight to hell to be next to you. You're not actually planning on becoming commander of hell next are you though."

"I want you and Darren to someday to see the primal beauty that you both possess within what you call think of as beasts and diseases."

Greg looked away, "Sometimes you can't fix everything, Rayna. Sometimes you just have to let it be the way it is..." He looked back at her then, "...And yes I realize that's a case of the pot and kettle syndrome coming from me."

She looked away not saying anything more. She was far better at accepting the way things are than him afterall. "Let's do something as normal as we can tomorrow...you know between running a secret society of vampires in Boston. Just sit and watch a lame movie for a couple hours....just to keep things a little sane."

----------------------------------------------X

IC: Darren Cross and Batai

"Be sure to keep Greg away from her. An unaffiliated werewolf like him, she'd likely bite his head off and spit it out without a second thought."

Apparently Mother had seen the glances between him and Ember. "Darren Emily and Batai please come here..."

Darren scowled at the thought of coming closer to Ember but followed Mother's orders. Emily called Batai and frustrated he popped back into the banquet hall.

"I will allow the advisers meet the enforcers first while your new commander calms their rage for now," She said.

Darren shook his saying sarcastically, "Terrific."

"Ember... You know Darren,"

"You know we've met before Mother," Darren told him allowing his annoyance to get the better of him and show in his tone before her.

The Vampire/Werefeline hybrid and her flunkies glared at him, but Darren didn't particularly care about that.

Mother growled low at them all, a reminder to stay civil.

She introduced Emily next and then Batai.

But it appeared Ember knew him already. Darren looked askance at him as Ember actually said in a tone of deference, "Batai... late husband of Rayna... Feline shifter... warrior peacekeeper and voice of reason. Creator of their tribe and the creator of my peoples tribe as Legend goes were born of the sparks brought about the clashing of two moon swords wielded by the first peoples of the snowlands... Rayna's ancestors. Swords used to represent the protection by the people of ice and snow for one they called Blood tooth legend holds to mean a vampire who protected them from the demons who sought to wipe them out. The blood tooth was also advised by a young ghost of innocence. If I were to believe in legends and could I remember what part of it could possibly tie another vampire and a wolf to it I would think we are reliving a most auspicious Legend."

Batai's eyes widened, "You know of our songs, our dreams, our tales...are you of the Iledresoi or perhaps of the Anudresoi? Tell me do you walk the sacred path with our spirit brothers and sisters, or are you merely a knowledgeable outsider and is truly the Iledresoi a lost and forgotten people."

 

[Asa]

Ember Mother and Emily

Ember nodded to him as Mother and Emily looked on amazed.

My people were of the combatants Daughters of Rage and Sons war. Your people I believe were the mediators and peacekeepers though you all knew as well how to fight... Both peoples guarded the Blood Tooth with the Swords of Moon... Balanced by the Spirit of innocence... So does that make the Wolf We smell the scent of and Darren the moon swords... Nothing like this happens without all pieces falling into place... And who is the Blood tooth we protect now? Myself and my mate lead this pack all within it are embraced through need to protect a dying were brethren or by unique accident such as in my case as well as my mates.

Emily was not sure about this Spirit of innocence but with everything Ember was saying its about the only thing that fit her within this little family.

So you were embraced by a vampire... how did they get past the teeth and claws if I may ask that.

Ember looked to her and laughed. My sire found what she thought was a simple street tough orphan... it was not until after she had begun the process of embrace that either of us found out that I was a werefeline. It was a most interesting few days for both of us.

Mother simply nodded remembering those few days as she could not help but smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Rayna

She laughed and nodded.

That sounds wonderful in fact I will ask Bishop to deal with the morning meeting and send me a recording of it so that I can help you all adapt for a bit before diving in to all of this... I am sure mother would accept one day for me to take to relax after all of this.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

"Let's do something as normal as we can tomorrow...you know between running a secret society of vampires in Boston. Just sit and watch a lame movie for a couple hours....just to keep things a little sane."

"That sounds wonderful in fact I will ask Bishop to deal with the morning meeting and send me a recording of it so that I can help you all adapt for a bit before diving in to all of this... I am sure mother would accept one day for me to take to relax after all of this." She laughed and nodded at that, and Greg chuckled with her. For the moment, all their cares and worries were held back by the magic power of laughter. But laughter only plies its magic for a moment, and Greg fervently hoped this moment would last a bit longer.

He much preferred Rayna when she was smiling and eyes sparkling with laughter.

-------------------------------X

IC: Darren Cross and Batai

Batai's eyes widened, "You know of our songs, our dreams, our tales...are you of the Iledresoi or perhaps of the Anudresoi? Tell me do you walk the sacred path with our spirit brothers and sisters, or are you merely a knowledgeable outsider and is truly the Iledresoi a lost and forgotten people."

Ember nodded, "My people were of the combatants Daughters of Rage and Sons war. Your people I believe were the mediators and peacekeepers though you all knew as well how to fight... Both peoples guarded the Blood Tooth with the Swords of Moon... Balanced by the Spirit of innocence... So does that make the Wolf We smell the scent of and Darren the moon swords... Nothing like this happens without all pieces falling into place... And who is the Blood tooth we protect now? Myself and my mate lead this pack all within it are embraced through need to protect a dying were brethren or by unique accident such as in my case as well as my mates."

"You are of the Anudresoi, I thought they were all dead in the feuding, but you say you are vampire also...." He shook his head in disbelief, "...I did not know such a mix of the two races could be possible."

Apparently Emily aggreed, "So you were embraced by a vampire... how did they get past the teeth and claws if I may ask that."

Ember looked to her and laughed. "My sire found what she thought was a simple street tough orphan... it was not until after she had begun the process of embrace that either of us found out that I was a werefeline. It was a most interesting few days for both of us.

"Interesting is one way to put it," Darren snorted crossing his arms, "The Regency suite upstairs still hasn't been repaired."

 

[Asa]

Rayna

Turning a little she looked out over the night time skyline and smiled. Feeling the breeze and being happy about it was so rare for her for so long. She had grown so tired of this lingering existence till she found her way back here and the entrance of Darren Greg and Emily into her life and now all of this she really didn't know what to make of it all just that she was happy for the first time in a very long time and it did not matter that she had been dropped into the seat of power as long as she had them she was happy and that was really all that mattered.

You and Darren will have to join me at this little blues dive I visit whenever I am here.

Turning back to Greg she smiled and rested a hand on his cheek letting the peace and calm of his eyes envelope her once more.

Emily Ember and Mother

Mother simply shook her head at Darren's grumpy snorted words but remained quiet they would all have to work together and she needed to see how that would play out in calm times and combative so she stepped back to observe.

Ember glared and snorted right back at Darren as her mate snarled low. She did not let him make any move beyond his snarl. They would work with him but would not answer to the pompous one who thought himself better than his family and kind.

Emily however was quickly over it and dis just as she felt was needed.

Ember... Get over it... Darren is just being Darren... wait till you meet Greg. You... mate boy... Sir snarls a lot You are not scaring anyone and anyways there is absolutely NO reason to try scare intimidate or pick a fight with the people you work with K.

Turning sharply expecting to see a smug smile on Darren's face and planning on squashing that quickly.

As for you Darren... Like it or not you are right back in the thick of this vampire family drama as an adviser and protector of a woman you love... so ya know what... GET OVER YOURSELF...

In fact all of you GET OVER YOURSELVES and GROW UP! For a bunch of beings that have lived a hell of a lot longer than I have your act like a herd of bickering whiny 5 year olds... Sheesh

Blinking she then realized her outburst as she noticed she had the attention of every supernatural being in the room. Deciding not to look weak in front of them she looked around to even the others that were there and snorted...

That goes for all of you including the two of ours that are not in here Greg and Rayna...

Dusting her hands off with a satisfied nod she smiled looked back to mother who she would swear for a split second looked like she wanted to bust up laughing

And Mother is is... Lighten up life can be a barrel of laughs in any century you just gotta let yourself laugh....

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

He much preferred Rayna when she was smiling and eyes sparkling with laughter.

Looking out over the city's nightline Rayna said, "You and Darren will have to join me at this little blues dive I visit whenever I am here."

"Sounds good," Greg agreed, "I love the blues. My whole life before you came around was a blues song."

She turned and placed a hand on his cheek looking into his eyes. Greg pulled her in close to him and placed a brief fluttering kiss upon her lips. "Are you feeling better from the antidote yet, Rayna?"

-----------------------------X

IC: Darren Cross and Batai

"Interesting is one way to put it," Darren snorted crossing his arms, "The Regency suite upstairs still hasn't been repaired."

Mother shook her head and Ember glared and snorted back at him. Her mate snarled, but was smart enough not to make a move here.

"Ember... Get over it... Darren is just being Darren... wait till you meet Greg." Emily put in, "You... mate boy... Sir snarls a lot You are not scaring anyone and anyways there is absolutely NO reason to try scare intimidate or pick a fight with the people you work with K."

Darren smiled smugly towards them as Emily then turned to her wrath upon him, "As for you Darren... Like it or not you are right back in the thick of this vampire family drama as an adviser and protector of a woman you love... so ya know what... GET OVER YOURSELF..."

"Emily," He said plaintively.

But Emily wasn't done yet, "In fact all of you GET OVER YOURSELVES and GROW UP! For a bunch of beings that have lived a hell of a lot longer than I have your act like a herd of bickering whiny 5 year olds... Sheesh."

She had said outloud and everyone in the banquet hall turned to stare at her.

"Uhhh...Emily," Darren said as she blushed wide eyed as the realization of her outburst came over her.

Still though give her credit she doubled down and added, "That goes for all of you including the two of ours that are not in here Greg and Rayna..." She glanced over to Mother saying, "And Mother is is... Lighten up life can be a barrel of laughs in any century you just gotta let yourself laugh...."

And Darren did, as did everyone. She was right of course. Being immortal made people grow gradually more petty and brooding.

He nodded to her, "Sometimes someone needs to remind us to just laugh."

 

[Asa]

Rayna

She smiled nodding.

Yes I am feeling much better Greg. Should we get back yet? I think I can hear Emily all the way out here...

She laughed a little and snuggled in close against him with a smile fingertips tracing over his chest as she still stared out over the city.

Rayna Emily and Mother

Emily couldn't help but laugh as well.

Laughing or no laughing I am serious all of you seriously need to lighten up. New commander new family new advisers... things have changed around here so get used to it or get out cause I really don't want to see anyone flip out and start killing anyone even you all.

Ember raised a brow at the ghost child and her mate tensed but thought better of making a move as even he could see the tinge of darkness that faintly whisped through her.

Mother for the first time that any of them had ever nearly ever seen was actually laughing. Her face seeming to emit its own light that many had not seen since Draven embraced Rayna.

I knew I chose well for My daughters adviser when I chose you Emily...

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf

"Are you feeling better from the antidote yet, Rayna?"

She nodded smiling up at him, "Yes I am feeling much better Greg."

He kissed her forehead before adding, "Good."

"Should we get back yet," She asked, "I think I can hear Emily all the way out here..."

Greg chuckled, "Yeah, we should probably go down before she gives your new subjects fits of apoplexy." He walked over to the door for the stairwell access. "After you, my beautiful and sexy queen."

-------------------------X

IC: Darren Cross

He nodded to her, "Sometimes someone needs to remind us to just laugh."

She laughed as well with them, "Laughing or no laughing I am serious all of you seriously need to lighten up.

Darren smiled wishing he could give her a hug in appreciation for the gift of laughter she gave them. "You're right, but things aren't quite that simple...***** gets complicated the longer you live it." He shrugged though, "Things have changed, and change always makes things more complicated, Emily. People will try to cling to the old ways despite that because its the only way they know."

Emily would have none of that, "New commander new family new advisers... things have changed around here so get used to it or get out cause I really don't want to see anyone flip out and start killing anyone even you all."

Mother put in, "I knew I chose well for My daughters adviser when I chose you Emily..."

"Well..." But Darren trailed off as Greg and Rayna returned to the banquet hall.

 

[Asa]

Mother and Ember

Mother motioned to Ember that they should go tend to those being held by her pack. Knowing that Greg would need to take time to handle the existence of ones like Ember and her pack. The three of them nodded and exited leaving the new commander and her advisers to their own devices for now.

Rayna and Emily

She heard Emily as they walked back into the grand ballroom and could not help but chuckle a little.

There is no need to worry about my snapping and killing anyone without proper reason Emily and I would prefer not to have to kill anyone and they all know that.

She smiled reaching a hand to Darren wanting to make sure he was alright. Pulling him in close to her along with Greg she smiled.

Lets get out of here I think I might want to go somewhere tonight to relax like home and then tomorrow maybe that little blues club across town.

She smiled and glanced around seeing the room had thinned a bit as she looked for Bishop needing to ask him to take the morning meeting for her so that she can give her advisers a little time to take it all in.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf and Darren Cross

"Well..." But Darren trailed off as Greg and Rayna returned to the banquet hall.

Greg followed Rayna over to them nodding to Darren and Emily and Batai, even Mother and Bishop. A woman and Man he had not met before. Just more bloodsuckers looking to kiss up to the new boss no doubt.

"There is no need to worry about my snapping and killing anyone without proper reason, Emily," Rayna said to Emily after overhearing her before, "And I would prefer not to have to kill anyone and they all know that."

She reached out and Darren took her hand as she pulled him in close. Not to be left out Greg put his hand on Rayna's shoulder. Together the three of them stood there, quiet for a moment. Darren smiled and kissed her on the cheek as Greg kissed the other.

"Lets get out of here," She told them.

"I'm all for that," Greg replied, "It's late and I really don't want to sleep here in vampire central."

"I think I might want to go somewhere tonight to relax like home." She agreed. "And then tomorrow maybe that little blues club across town."

"I know the place," Darren nodded, "It's a sanctuary for all the not so human people in town. The food's not that great but the music is excellent." He smiled to her, "Its a date, first thing tomorrow night."

Greg yawned, "Okay then, let's head home. I could use some sleep. Even with being a werewolf I'm not really a nightowl like you vampires are."

They got a car from the hotel parking lot and drove back to the town house. Once inside Greg stretched and yawned, "Well, I'm gonna hit the sack, and in the morning I'll treat everybody to a big breakfast, okay?"

 

[Asa]

Rayna

She pulled them both close and smiled. While she was a night owl she was rather tired and couldn't wait to get home and relax till sleep reclaimed her. Hearing Darren comment about the Blues club she was curious about his knowledge of the place and raised a brow looking to him. It was a little dive she tended to go to when in town having known the very mortal musician who played there and called it home.

A very few of our kind have been known to go there... Though I doubt you would have been one of them. How do you know of the place... most of our kind avoid it due to the fact that it is... protected...

Curling up in the car with Darren and Greg she let her eyes close tracing fingertips along their legs as she mentally let it all go and did what she could to relax. Once they arrived home she smiled walking in she really was growing tired. She then heard Greg talk about a big breakfast and smiled... at least he would have lots of leftovers to take to work with him.

That sounds wonderful Greg...

She turned from them and walked to the bay window and sat down staring out at the moon smiling softly. Emily looked from them to her and wrinkled her brow wondering if everything was alright or what was going on.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf and Darren Cross

They got a car from the hotel parking lot and drove back to the town house. Once inside Greg stretched and yawned, "Well, I'm gonna hit the sack, and in the morning I'll treat everybody to a big breakfast, okay?"

"That sounds wonderful Greg," Rayna agreed sitting down at the bay window looking up at the early morning stars.

"Go get some sleep Greg you got alot of work in the kitchen ahead of you when you get up." Darren said walking over to sit beside Rayna at the window.

When he was gone he whispered into Rayna's ear, "I don't think he remembers that he's the only in this house that can actually eat food." He chuckled, "I suppose we'll just have to put it in our mouths and pretend to eat it to make him feel good."

 

[Asa]

Rayna

She smiled but only half hearing Darren. It was all finally fully sinking it. From killing her last blood relative and having her freedom halted with the mantle of command of Boston. She traced a finger over the necklace. Her time with Batai was the closest to settling down she had ever been since her embrace and living in that ancient house with her sire. This was all so overwhelming.

Her eyes closed as a blood tear fell landing on the necklace as she just watched the sky. She could feel Emily watching over her and looked over.

I'm fine Emily... just taking it all in and trying to process everything that has happened.

Darren is right Greg get some sleep I am fine I will be turning in in a bit as well.

She moved to lean back against Darren. For the first time in a long time she was feeling a little overwhelmed and finally letting the pain of having to kill her own sister gain the acknowledgement it demanded.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf and Darren Cross

"Darren is right Greg get some sleep I am fine I will be turning in in a bit as well."

Greg went upstairs feeling a little jealous that Darren was spending time with Rayna without him there, but he was too tired to stay up more than a few minutes. So he went to his bedroom and literally collapsed atop it. Within a few minutes he was sound asleep.

When he was gone he whispered into Rayna's ear, "I don't think he remembers that he's the only in this house that can actually eat food." He chuckled, "I suppose we'll just have to put it in our mouths and pretend to eat it to make him feel good."

They sat there in the window watching the city in the hours before waking up. Watching the stars fade and the sky lighten with the slow gradual approach of the dawn. Darren enjoyed this, this moment, just sitting here in perfect contentment holding Rayna in his arms and not saying a word, but watching the world go by, safe and happy.

Dawn eventually came and people on their street awoke and went about the start of their days. Time rolled on and finally they heard Greg rushing back down stairs. He stopped when he saw them.

"Did you two stay on the window seat the whole night?"

Darren chuckled, "It was just for a few hours, Greg."

"Well you two better get off those lazy asses and help me make breakfast," He said with a teasing laugh, "How do you want your eggs?"

 

[Asa]

Rayna laughed as Greg commented about them getting up and helping him as she walked into the kitchen and looking through all of what they had she then turned to him and smiled.

I will need one of you to run to a whole foods market to get Barley for Tsampa. beyond that I should have enough here to make a few dishes from home. Might be nice to introduce you all to stuff like what Selena and I grew up on.

There was something very different... Emily watched her she could see something about her was... not quite right but was not sure how to explain it or translate it. She would have to see it Batai saw it later or if the guys could see it. Not when she was there though something told Emily that she would not respond well to the questioning and revelation.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Gregory Wolf and Darren Cross

"Well you two better get off those lazy asses and help me make breakfast," Greg said with a teasing laugh, "How do you want your eggs?"

She and Darren both laughed rising up from the window seat to follow him into the kitchen. He opened the fridge and he and Rayna looked inside at its contents.

"I will need one of you to run to a whole foods market to get Barley for Tsampa," Rayna announced, "Beyond that I should have enough here to make a few dishes from home. Might be nice to introduce you all to stuff like what Selene and I grew up on."

"I'll go to the store for you Rayna," Darren put in.

"If you're going out Darren, pick me up a few things too," Greg said moving things around in the fridge searching, "We'll need more eggs, some bacon, sausage...we atleast have milk here..." He opened the half gallon of milk to sniff it and quickly put the cap back on his face screwing up in disgust at the expired milk. "...Milk, Darren, definitely get more milk too."

Darren nodded, "Got it," He glanced over to Emily, "Want to come along, Em?"

 

[Asa]

Emily

She nodded and was quickly standing by Darren.

Yeah lets go.

Her eyes remained somewhat on Rayna until they left. She walked along with Darren quiet but milling over hot to piece together what she was picking up from Rayna.

Rayna

Before they left she wrote a short list including diakon beef and pork. She began milling around her mind seeming on some sort of overdrive as she rambled on and on about fixing things and having to try to piece it all together with more western ingredients than eastern but it was understandable as Greg was the only one in the house that ate actual food but she could still fix it as even vampires could appreciate the scent of good food.

Flitting around the kitchen she was putting things together and chopping up some veg only to cut her hand in her actions on;y to stare at the cut as it not even realizing it was her that was bleeding. She then stared at the knife and fell back into a memory or something as she laid it down and shook her head.

Greg...

Falling silent she went back to tending to the food she was beginning to prepare.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Darren Cross

Darren and Emily reached the grocery store at the end of the street, passing by the authorities cleaning up the crashed cruiser of the police officer Batai had used to kill Maxwell. The policemen that had worked for Bishop and would soon learn they worked for Rayna now made certain everyone was told the cover story of gang violence run amok.

Eventually they reached the whole foods store on th corner of Eighth and Hamilton. Darren set about collecting the items from Greg and Rayna's shopping list using the sound advice of Emily netting a few discounts on brands and two for one deals. The two of them figured they saved somewhere around a third of what they would've paid for all of it without such smart shopping.

While waiting for the bus alone at the bus stop, his arms full with five bags of groceries Darren asked, "Em, ghosts are more attuned to changes in people's auras than anyone. Did you feel anything off with Rayna before we left?"

------------------------------------X

IC: Gregory Wolf

Greg hadn't realized they had let the stores of food in the townhouse slip so low, but he and Rayna were making the most of it. He had turned on the radio and were listening to morning radio show where the DJ's were actually funny and played some good upbeat perky music to groove to as they cut vegetables.

He had decided he'd make them all omelettes when he glanced over to her and cried out, "Hey, Rayna...Rayna....Stop...you're bleeding...You got blood all over that onion."

He took hold of her arm and pulled the knife from her hand. Placed it in the sink to clean later. "Are you okay? Let me see your hands. You cut yourself. Is it deep? Let me get you a bandaid."

He rushed to the bathroom and pulled out the first of three boxes of band-aids. "One thing being roomates with a vampire teaches you its to never be out of band-aids. Reduces temptations for Darren that way." He told her returning while peeling one for her finger.

 

[Asa]

Emily

She didn't like looking at the wreck remembering what Batai did. No matter if it was technically a good thing. She helped him with the shop and talking with the old couple who ran it. Once they were waiting for the bus she actually almost found it funny since she could just poof home but she didn't it was nice still doing as she would if she were alive. Then he asked her... what changes she noticed in Rayna.

Umm well the darkness from the party and the execution of her last true blood relative... yeah there is a change. I can't pin point it though... its a weird shift all around her... I don't know if its a good or a bad thing... She could just be processing everything I mean she did kill her flesh and blood sister.

Rayna

She just stared at him for the longest time... her eyes empty as she watched him move to get the bandaid and wrapping it around her finger.

Everything is fine Greg... no need to worry... Everything is fine... Everything will always be fine... especially for Selene... She get so cranky when she doesn't get a good nights sleep... When will they be back with the food we have alot of work to do... Selene would always mortal and pestal the Barley for Tsampa... Maybe you could do that job now... or maybe Darren...

She then fell silent again and went back to cleaning up the bloody mess and back to preparing the food as it nothing had happened.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Darren Cross

While waiting for the bus alone at the bus stop, his arms full with five bags of groceries Darren asked, "Em, ghosts are more attuned to changes in people's auras than anyone. Did you feel anything off with Rayna before we left?"

"Umm well the darkness from the party and the execution of her last true blood relative... yeah there is a change," She replied, "I can't pin point it though... its a weird shift all around her... I don't know if its a good or a bad thing..."

He nodded, "Do you think it could cause be dangerous to her?"

"She could just be processing everything," She told him as the bus arrived and he stepped aboard, "I mean she did kill her flesh and blood sister."

He sat down as the bus started moving down the street towards their neighborhood again. Darren wanted to ask more but couldn't reply to Emily without looking crazy to all the other people on the bus and getting kicked off it.

-------------------------------X

IC: Gregory Wolf

He rushed to the bathroom and pulled out the first of three boxes of band-aids. "One thing being roomates with a vampire teaches you its to never be out of band-aids. Reduces temptations for Darren that way." He told her returning while peeling one for her finger.

Rayna watched him as he placed the band-aid over her cut finger. "Everything is fine Greg... no need to worry... Everything is fine... Everything will always be fine... especially for Selene... She get so cranky when she doesn't get a good nights sleep... When will they be back with the food we have alot of work to do... Selene would always mortal and pestal the Barley for Tsampa... Maybe you could do that job now... or maybe Darren..."

"Selene," Greg asked as she went back to work on the vegetables, "Your sister, Selene. The Selene, that broke Darren's heart and tried to poison you, that Selene?"

He took hold of her and held her close in his arms, "Everything is going to be okay, Rayna. You got me and Darren and Emily and Batai...you have a family now...its new and it may get a little dysfunctional at times, but we're here for you."

 

[Asa]

Emily

Darren might be able to answer her directly but if in her rambling on about what all this could be if she hit on something he could cough or something that seemed to be his and Greg's way to "comment" or point out something she says.

I mean Selene was her big sister and sibling rivalry aside sisters are sisters I am sure its the same on some level with brothers but thats a bond thats hard to damage no matter what so this has got to be hard on her. Besides that it seems to come and go... thats why I think its a processing issue... She is in her own way coming to terms with it all and coming out of that Scary dark place her aura was in during the whole fiasco with Ivy and Selene and Maxwell and all of that.

She stood there thinking...

Oh and NONE of you should let Bishop fool any of you... his aura changed seeing his sister and you laying there poisoned. Yeah he was worried about you but when he saw her that bad off something stabbed him hard and he didn't like it or her being that bad. She was clearly baby sister and that still deep down means something deep to him. That is why I get soo sick of the macho bullshit from you about not needing help when clearly you do or the boo hoo woe is me from Greg... I swear Rayna had better kick both of your asses out of that mentality soon or maybe I will have to.

Rayna

Curling into his embrace her mind was clearing as if some fog was rolling out and clearing vision and visibility. Her eyes closed as she nuzzled close to him she didn't care if what she was about to say would upset him or bother him she was going to keep telling him the truth about her love of his other side till it finally sank through that stubborn wolf skull and all the way to his heart.

In the spring to wake up and feel wolven arms around and the smell of the hunt lingering on both of us after a stunning full moon... It will be good to have that back after so very very long.

Before he could protest if he was even going to she leaned up and kissed his lips softly and slowly pulling back went back to work on the food.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Darren Cross

He sat down as the bus started moving down the street towards their neighborhood again. Darren wanted to ask more but couldn't reply to Emily without looking crazy to all the other people on the bus and getting kicked off it.

Eventhough Darren was the only person on the bus that could hear her he noticed Emily lower her voice as if to prevent eavesdropping. "I mean Selene was her big sister and sibling rivalry aside sisters are sisters I am sure its the same on some level with brothers but thats a bond thats hard to damage no matter what so this has got to be hard on her. Besides that it seems to come and go... thats why I think its a processing issue... She is in her own way coming to terms with it all and coming out of that Scary dark place her aura was in during the whole fiasco with Ivy and Selene and Maxwell and all of that."

Darren made a small nod that he got that. Emily could and would talk your ear off, but it was one of the things Darren found endearing about her....usually.

"Oh and NONE of you should let Bishop fool any of you... his aura changed seeing his sister and you laying there poisoned. Yeah he was worried about you but when he saw her that bad off something stabbed him hard and he didn't like it or her being that bad. She was clearly baby sister and that still deep down means something deep to him."

Darren made a small cough to that. He knew his sire was a complicated man, and his feelings for Rayna was equally complicated. The talk with him last night had aired out alot of the baggage he had with Bishop. It hadn't healed it, only time and perspective could do that, but it was out between them now.

Emily continued, "That is why I get soo sick of the macho bullshit from you about not needing help when clearly you do or the boo hoo woe is me from Greg... I swear Rayna had better kick both of your asses out of that mentality soon or maybe I will have to."

He quirked an eyebrow at her at that. Greg was the whiner. Darren never whined. He had problems and occassionally voiced his struggles overcoming them, but that was hardly whining, now was it?

--------------------------------------X

IC: Gregory Wolf

He took hold of her and held her close in his arms, "Everything is going to be okay, Rayna. You got me and Darren and Emily and Batai...you have a family now...its new and it may get a little dysfunctional at times, but we're here for you."

He kissed her cheek as she curled into his arms nuzzling against his neck.

Then she said it. "In the spring to wake up and feel wolven arms around and the smell of the hunt lingering on both of us after a stunning full moon... It will be good to have that back after so very very long."

Greg's brows rose on his forehead as he looked down to her eyes. She leaned up and planted a quick kiss to his lips going right back to chopping the vegetables.

Greg shook his head, "Rayna I'm not..." He thought better of it and returned to his own prepwork. He decided he'd make them all omelettes.