Pleasure in Exile {Closed}

[LoganDarkHolme]

he slipped into the truck, waiting till she joined him he pulled the brake and slipped the truck into Reverse, pulling from his driveway he sighed and eased his way into traffic, Once he got onto the highway he shifted through the gears and wound the truck up setting the cruise he glanced over at her

"it'll be about 2 hours, give or take traffic, " a muscle twitched in the back of his neck and he wrung the wheel in his hands before he turned the radio on low, AC/DC's Highway to hell was on the radio and he snorted at how appropriate he thought the song was. Lilura and Dev talked off and on as they traveled, outside of an accident and some dumb drivers things were quiet, as Dev turned off they passed a sign "welcome to Hereford, population 900" Dev tensed again as old memorys came flooding back and he buried them deep as his beast roiled then settled. he downshifted as he pulled into a gas station and parked off to the side of the building, killing the motor he popped his door and got out of the truck he stretched and looked around.

"well, here we here, little podunk town" he pointed up a hill "the school i went to as a child used to be up top there, they tore it down about 7 years ago to make way for a newer and bigger school"

he hooked his thumbs into the beltloops of his jeans and looked around, trying to hide the pained look on his face

"i suppose we could ask around? or could just walk around, see if any of your hoodoo voodoo picks up anything strange...my skins crawling just being back here so im not sure how useful ill be until i can settle down..."

 

[Asa]

Turning to him she placed a hand on his cheek and began talking softly. To any looking at them it would seem she was being affectionate and caring while he would hear the soft chant and the calming power beginning to flow from her to him. She knew that if the witch was still around she would see someone who was immune to her curse on him and that should peek her interest or anger... either way she might tip her hand and reveal herself. Her soft chant was a mix of her native ancient tongue and English as she had just become to used to the language of the realm.

Song of Bast... soothing... sensual sway
Calm the feline calm the man
Song of Bast ~Words in native tongue~
Feline strength and peace
~Native language~
Song of Bast Calm the feline calm the man.

Her eyes closed for a moment then opening for a brief moment it was as if Bast's eyes were looking into his before returning to hers.

There that should help I hope Dev. Now... lets go exploring. We should have her attention or any other magical beings attention.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Dev was looking around, he felt the air stir and looked at Lilura an instant before she put a hand on his cheek, without thinking he kissed her wrist but the air shimmered around her as she spoke, a shudder ran through his body and he exhaled a slow controled breath as his skin tingled, his eyes closing as her energy flowed into his body, there was just a tension that even he never noticed that fled from him, the way he held his body, the set of his shoulders relaxed visably and he moaned, he couldnt help it, its as if the entire world had been on him and suddenly lifted. Even his beast seemed to just relax and fall asleep, in the picture in his mind, the beast was content, he shivered again and swallowed before he opened his eyes, looking to her

"godddss, you should be a massage therapist, you and them hands work wonders" he joked, but he gave her a grateful smile and take her hand in his, kissing her knuckles softly before he let her take her hand back, he took a deep breath then went back to looking around

"well, we can head down the road here, the witches house used to be that *he pointed down the way he had been looking* "about....3 blocks, give or take"

Dev turned and caught a man in a white BMW looking at them but as soon as Dev saw him he got in his car and drove off before dev could so much as make a move towards him, "i think we are already being watched.........

Dev grabbed his leather coat from the backseat of his truck and slung it up and over adjusting it slightly before he zipped it partially and stuck his hands in the pockets

"shall we darlin?" he cocked his elbow out at her and tilted his head in the direction the BMW had driven away in. He waited for her to take his arm and they started walking, out in the open like this the scents of the town flowed around him and he took it in, as they walked other people out jogging, riding bikes, and walking made it a point to move out of his, they'd never be able to understand why they just had to move away from him Dev smiled, after 80 years he took a certain, joy in it now, he never got bothered by anyone, until this strange women fell into his life

He looked at Lilura, a half smile crooking up the left side of his mouth, thinking back to just the past 24 hours and how much had suddenly changed

 

[Asa]

Only by those susceptible to magic or who think they recognize you. Don't worry we are safe.

She slipped her arm in his and smiled.

Yes lets go first towards her domain. See what we can pick up or who we can see.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

they walked in silence for a brief period, Dev looking around, remembering ghosts from his past, the people on the sidewalk for the most part avoiding him still. As they reached the end of the block Dev turned down one of the side streets towards his old home and a feeling of magic tickled down his neck, dev looked around as he tensed but he sensed no one, smelled, nothing on the air, frowning slightly he stopped to look around

"you feel that?"

dev moved back to where he first felt the shimmer of power, and took note as he passed an old oak tree the feeling went away, frowning he reached out to touch the tree but the fissure of power that ran through his hand stopped him

"someone warded the tree?" he cocked his head to one side

 

[Asa]

She walked over to the tree and closing her eyes held a hand out to it and slowly walked closer being a magical being she could push past the warding but was curious as to what the warding was and why.

Interesting... I do not know why someone would do this there are many possible reasons now just to figure out the actual reason.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Dev nooded some, his eyes on a swivel as he looked around, his leopard had awoken and was sniffing the air, the visual in his mind of that action caused him to shake his head then rub his eyes, he backed away from the tree

"what if it was warded to detect magic?, everything was fine untill i walked past that tree, perhaps it sensed you? or my beast?"

Dev looked around slowly, kids were playing in the yards, or in the street a ways down from where they where, he didnt like the itchy feeling he was getting. Turning as he heard an engine he saw what he thought was the same White BMW drive by, the windows tinted so dark he couldnt see inside, it drove up the street and vanished behind the hill

"good time to test that "we're immortal" theory huh?" he smirked softly but unzipped his jacket slightly, come on, lets go bug the kids up there, see if any of them are chatty"

 

[Asa]

Yes detection...

She motioned towards the tree.

And someones extra set of eyes...

Gesturing to the car as she looked right at it smiling at the driver almost intently. Her eyes almost a shimmer as the car seemed to speed up.

Yes... I love talking with children they are so full of entertaining stories.

She turned walking towards them smiling softly. The air around her seeming to soften and become almost "motherly" comforting as it were.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

his brows arched at the change in her, and he fought to hide the smirk as they walked up the street, Dev let himself fall back, not wanting to unnerve the kids as they looked their way, he let Lilura take the lead and he just leaned against a nearby tree crossing his arms over his chest he looked relaxed. His eyes watching the area, and checking the roads, and windows of the houses for people who may be looking, the kids stopped playing as Lilura approached, their eyes widening some as they looked up at her expentantly

a little girl giggled i want hair like yours, soo pretty, like my mommies

 

[Asa]

She smiled to the little girl. Lilura's hair long raven with faint braids along the edge of the hairline along her face.

I think your hair is quite lovely little one. I am Lilura... what is your name?

The other children beginning to move closer to her as she stopped walking and watched them. One brave little girl far younger than the other children reached a fingertip to the tattoo on her arm in awe.... Pretty flower

Well thank you. I am new to this lovely little town what interesting things can you tell me about it or maybe people I should meet who could tell me more about it?

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

the girl giggled as she fingers the long locks, Dev couldnt help but smirk, his eyes falling to Lilura's ass then back to the small group of kids

li......ura.... the girls face screwed up cutely as she tried to twist her tongue around the name, but just as quickly her smile reappeared im alex,

Dev continued to lazily look around letting Lilura deal with the brats, his skin was still tingling in warning a dog started barking a few houses over, with the wind just having shifted he probably caught Dev's scent on the air but he ignored it


the kids all started talking at once, a mix of things, locations of parks, the ice cream truck, hiding places, personal pets, one of the older boys blurted out about seeing daddy kiss his assistant and mommy being mad, then alex held up her wrist to show off a delicately woven wristband she was wearing this lady up the street makes these bracelets, she says their special and bring good luck it's pretty one of the older boys scoffed at her you mean the crazy lady at the end of the street with those weird windchimey looking things? their not lucky, shes just weird alex stamped her foot she is to nice! she gives me cookies and lets me pet her cat

that perked up Dev's attention and he looked up the street some but with the sun in his way he couldnt see past the glare

 

[Asa]

She looked to the bracelet and smiled though Dev would be able to sense a change in her.

Very lovely. She has a cat... I love cats what is the cats name?

She continued to smile but she noticed after the bracelet that Dev was the only shifter around... it was like if there were any others that they were trapped in a fog? A spell perhaps...

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Dev tensed and pushed himself off the tree, looking up the street he narrowed his eyes, as if he could see beyond the hill then looked back to Lilura as one of the older boys snorted

that thing isnt a cat, its a jaguar, ive told you that brat the girl looked at him and stamped her foot at him Its a kitty!!! stop being mean to me dev perked at the Jaguar comment and he made his way over towards the kids slowly, they looked at him and their eyes widened, backing away slightly they watched as He knelt down by them

"could you show me where this house is? its ok, im not gunna hurt you


Dev's head whipped around as he felt movement, a mother and her husband coming outside screaming HEY, Get away from our kids, who are you? Hunny call the cops

Dev cursed loudly and stood up, holding his hands up to show he was unarmed

"easy, easy, i used to live in town some years ago, i was looking for someone and thought maybe the kids knew where they lived, we're alright, its alright"

 

[Asa]

Lilura stood looking to the parents.

Everything is calm everyone is calm.

Her demeanor was calm but her words bit of magic as she spoke. Seeming to hold a soothing authority about her.

Perhaps you can tell me about the woman with the unique cat.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Dev had been ready for a fight, but he felt the wash of magic in her voice and shivered against it fighting to keep from growling, as he watched though the Parents eyes glassed over as well as the kids before they blinked, the tension that had vibrated from them vanished if it was never there, Dev had to admit he was impressed, he'd wished many times he'd had that power but alas, not one of his talents, he just pissed people off. But the parents relaxed and the dad looked up the street.

We............dont know much about her, she moved in a few weeks ago, she's young i know that, early 30's maybe? the dad said, the Wife giving him a look that wasnt entirely happy, like her husband snuck a cookie from the jar before dinner but she shrugged

From what the kids said she's nice enough, ive only met her once, at the grocery store, she.....i dunno she creeped me out, like there was something off about her, in her eyes i think, like she was looking right through you

Dev exchanged a look with Lilura and nodded sticking his hands in his coat

"well, we are sorry to startle yoiu, i used to live in this neighborhood when i was a child, and i had wanted to see what had all changed since ive been gone"

The father wrapped an arm around his wife as they looked at dev and the tension returned to them, dev sighed and inwardly cursed

"sorry to bother you, have a good night, "

Dev turned away from the parents as they gathered the kids and headed inside, once alone he glanced to Lilura

"well.........shall we see whats up? this should be fun if anything.."

Dev kicked a stone down the street

 

[Asa]

She smiled nodding to them as they scurried off. Turning to Dev she smiled and to calm and reassure him she slipped her arm into his and curled a little close to him as they walked.

Yes lets go investigate this unique feline and its handler. I must admit the more I hear the more I suspect it is her.

A hand moved to rest on his cheek to guide his eyes to hers.

While we should be careful... do not let her get to you... either of you.

That calm reassuring smile as she turned walking down the road with him watching out for the jaguar suspecting and hoping her bloodline and birthright would win over any magical control she may have on the feline.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Dev sighed and rubbed his eyes, feeling Lilura wrap her arms around him did help ease his tension, and he gave her a grateful smile, nodding slightly at she inferred her thoughts, he would admit however that he too was curious about this "jaguar" the child had mentioned, if she had a familiar, and someone who the same abilitys he had, it probably didnt bode well for anyone. While its not unheard for someone with abilitys such as his, or similiar to work with a witch, it was rare to hear of one being a familiar, which was what he suspected but didnt give voice to his thoughts.

While we should be careful... do not let her get to you... either of you.

he kissed the palm of her hand and nipped ever so gently at the pad of her finger as her hand pulled away,

"yeaa, i know, its just.............well...............you know, my past coming back to bite me in the ass, ive never had a reason before to look back, i just let it get buried.....but if she has powers over shifters, well.......i cant say if i can control myself, either half, and i dont want to hurt you........"

his words where sincere but there was a small crease between his eyes as he continued thinking, but as they neared the house that was mentioned his skin began to itch, he sensed something and his leopard gave a low chuffing growl which put Dev on alert, he knew the area had to have been warded, they'd seen the tree, but what else had she done closer to her home, it was almost palpable the need he felt to turn the other way and leave....

"what the hell is that, " Dev stopped walking, looking around "whoever it is, knows we're here........"

 

[Asa]

Oh I am sure she does now the question is... will my "affinity" for felines due to my Goddess "mothers" will win over whatever she has done to this jaguar.

She smiled her arm hugging onto his gently as she smiles her eyes for a moment seeming to look through him to the feline within with a smile.

I trust that while there is danger we will be safe... for now. Even if she knows we are here she knows you but I am an enigma I am sure.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Oh I am sure she does now the question is... will my "affinity" for felines due to my Goddess "mothers" will win over whatever she has done to this jaguar.


"Maybe we will get lucky and catch her asleep and we can just kill her and leave..."

Dev's voice had a light of teasing to it, but there was a tone in his voice that gave edge to the threat, but as he felt his arm being tugged he looked down, eyes meeting hers and a shiver ran through his body, he felt her stare, and his leopard looked back through his eyes, purring and brushing against her mind like a cat being pet

I trust that while there is danger we will be safe... for now. Even if she knows we are here she knows you but I am an enigma I am sure.

Dev snorted at that. "ive known you 24 hours and i still cant figure you out, if she's alive she'll be more confused then me" he gave her a cocky half grin that was becoming normal with him. They reached the end of the street, leading up to a Modern looking home, 2 story run of the mill home that blended in well with the rest of it, but for anyone with metaphysical senses this place screamed danger, and power, and Dev involuntarily growled, the sound trickling past his lips his body was tense as a Pitbull began barking from inside the house, he arched a brow as the kids never mentioned a dog, but it was a flash of movement from inside the house his keen eyesight caught of the jaguar behind the dog before it moved deeper into the shadows that had him heading towards the door

"it would seem that whoever this is........has a Black dog.........we need to watch out, that dog isnt normal........"

he looked to Lilura as a women who appeared in her mid 30's approached the door, she was smiling and had a friendly air about her, but there was just the slightest crease and flinch in her gaze as she looked at him before she looked to Lilura, "may i help you?" the women's voice was flat, no hint of the fake happiness her face held, the women was good at poker face, he had to give her that........

 

[Asa]

Well then follow my lead and let the games begin.

She whispered with a wink and a smile. She turned hearing the woman's voice.

Yes perhaps you can even though he grew up in this town many years ago... well even the most laid back time forgotten place changes even if it doesn't look like it. We tried getting some directions from just up the road but the children seemed more interested n telling me about a local feline. My tats must have reminded them of it. I can't resist meeting a new feline especially one that sounds so... rare. Though perhaps you could help us find his was around the old home town?

She smiled as she spoke and after. That same eerily soothing smile as she slow blinked her eyes as a feline would tthat spoke volumes of not finding the woman before her any form of a threat.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Well then follow my lead and let the games begin.

Dev didn't know weather he wanted to smile or grimace at that comment, but as he looked around, back towards the house then at the women again, he didn't recognize her, but there was no mistaking the power she emanated, Dev's brows furrowed slightly as he let Lilura take the lead, Listening to her question Dev faked disinterest, continuing to look around as if searching


For the most part the women had maintained her easiness, but there was still a slight tension to her body as Lilura spoke, the lady's eyes dropping, narrowing again just slightly as she too took in the tattoos, her eyes darting to Dev but as soon as she saw Dev was watching her she looked around and down the street as if she could see the child that were spoken of. As lilura trailed off the women looked at her again mustering a friendly smile "well, i dont know how much help i can be, ive only lived here about 6 months,

She looked back towards the house, then back to the pair of them "i can try and answer your questions, as for the kiddies talking about a feline? i have a cat, its Siamese and nothing really special about it, but you know how kids can be around animals.

Dev stepped up beside Lilura "im looking for a lady who used to live around here, she was a widow and had a daughter, she'd be about 40ish..ish, right now 5ft, blone hair, "

The women maintained her calm neutral face, as she crossed her arms, worrying her lip as she appeared to be thinking but in the end she just shook her head

im sorry i dont know anyone who fits that description, now if you will excuse me, i have food in the oven The women's masked slipped slightly as she glared at Dev then turned around

 

[Asa]

She saw through and could feel the woman's anger at Dev. Once she went inside Lilura whispered softly but agitated the ethers.

Feline friend child of the soul of Mother Bast. Seek and learn find me. Alike in spirit. Come to us.

She looked to Dev and smiled.

Well now how about we buy that house that is for sale or... even the whole town. Money is no object. Staying just a couple houses down should test that mask of hers.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Feline friend child of the soul of Mother Bast. Seek and learn find me. Alike in spirit. Come to us.



Dev shivered, his eyes closing and he swallowed hard, her words, while nto meant for him he was sure, stirred his lust and his beast, it took some minutes before he was able to get ahold of himself and opened his eyes to look at her

"your evil, you know that? just pure feminine evil...." Dev swallowed again and shivered,


Well now how about we buy that house that is for sale or... even the whole town. Money is no object. Staying just a couple houses down should test that mask of hers.


looking up the street he indeed saw a few places with For sale signs, turning Dev made his way back towards the gas station and his truck, taking numbers as he went he made a note to make phone calls and deals on at least one of those houses, but for now, he needed food and to find a hotel room for them.


"you hungry? im thinking take out, or some sitdown resturant, then find a Hotel"

 

[Asa]

I think we should make a proper show of ourselves in this town so how about a nice sit down restaurant. I am sure we can find a clothing shop real quick to find something a little fancier to wear too.

She smiled and kissed his cheek making sure the woman was looking out the window at them to see it.

As for evil... that all depends why someone is a target... I can be very very nice too. Ohh I love that river stone fronted house... with the log porch supports...

Taking a flyer she looked over it and smiled as they walked.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

I think we should make a proper show of ourselves in this town so how about a nice sit down restaurant. I am sure we can find a clothing shop real quick to find something a little fancier to wear too.

Dev just smirked and shook his head, rubbing his eyes he checked his watch and nodded "yea, there should be a clothing store around here somewhere, dunno how fancy i wanna get, i kinda like my Jeans and t-shirt look" he gave her a cocky grin "besides, i like the way you look" he grinned wider as he hooked his arm around her waist, letting his fingers tickle over the tattoo on her side as they crossed the street back towards his truck, but there wa sa tickle along his neck that told him they were still being watched and he took to scanning the area as he keyed his truck and unlocked the doors

As for evil... that all depends why someone is a target... I can be very very nice too. Ohh I love that river stone fronted house... with the log porch supports...


Again Dev just shook his head, as he dropped the Stick into Neutral he turned the key and the truck roared to life, looking to her he couldnt help but smile, the uplilt in her voice as her curiosity piqued at the house, he looked at the numbers he'd added to his Cell, "yea, ill call them once we settle in for the night, i know a nice upscale Hotel in the area we can spend the night at, "

he scanned the area again, the tickling feeling in his neck still there he wondered if they might have a visitor....or more...tonight...

Turning out onto the street he headed downtown to the main strip where the mall and several upper class stores where, pulling into the Mall Parking lot he slung into a spot near the back of the lot, not trusting people to "ding" his doors he got out

"we are still being watched, and i didnt see any cars following us, ...."