|
|
Post by Doulos Toutheo on Jun 13, 2011 17:06:34 GMT -6
These were the kind of days that slaves of the court both relished in and hated simultaneously. Music wafted through the grand ballroom, and the lords and ladies gathered in groups, discussing vampiric things that Doulos did his best to pay no mind to. To him the politics of life did not matter, as they had little effect on him, and stories of events outside his humble abode meant little when he would never see them or their effects first-hand. What he did listen for, however, was the blood-lust. Servants were strictly off the menu for nights like these, but slaves had far less right. One misstep could quite literally find him in the lap of a thirsty vampire; and even if they had the mind not to drain him dry, the experience could never be described as… pleasant.
Even with these dangers nights like these were a haven for the slaves: a relaxation from their usual work, they might even get to eat well granted they pleased the masters within. On nights like this they were given fine garments to wear (for who would want some dirty, poorly dressed human among the finest of nights?), and were allowed a small taste of what their masters took for granted.
Doulos adjusted his blood-red tie so that it clung tightly to his neck, pressing his collar against the skin to keep from encouraging any hungry eyes. The bright, red color alerted the vampires that he was a slave, open to their “games.” Were he allowed to, he would have ripped the damned tie off immediately, but he’d rather endue the “fun” the Citadel members would have with him than elicit the scorn of his masters.
Tonight he was to assist the party-goers with any of their needs, and bring them “refreshments” if they so desired (preferably not himself). He couldn’t quite recall what the occasion was, but he was positive there would be some form of live entertainment involving a very unlucky human. If there was one thing the members of the Citadel enjoyed, it was entertainment. It was just too bad that what they considered entertaining often included human suffering.
|
|
|
|
Post by Indrajit Hashim on Jun 19, 2011 16:49:31 GMT -6
Indrajit’s brow was furrowed as he walked through the halls of the Citadel. The Court Mistress had gone off for some asinine reason and left him in control in her absence. While he did enjoy pulling the strings of those in power, it was certainly not his idea of entertainment when he found himself under the reigns of the puppet master. And though none controlled him yet, he was not fool enough to think himself his own master, should he ever decide to seek the advice of others. After all, making decisions for the good of the court alone was entirely unwise if one did not want their own blood spilt behind his bedroom door. Already, he had enemies. They all did. A lord or lady had no true friends, simply methods of drawing out boredom…
Garbed in black silks, his only sign of rank as temporary court master was the blood-red ruby seal hanging from his neck. Without it, he could not easily be differentiated from the crowd. They were all the same…ghosts, attached to a world they did not know because they did not change with it…
Entering the ballroom, Indrajit brushed by a woman with pale yellow hair. She was entirely too fond of him for his liking. He preferred the unwilling, as they provided far more entertainment. His eyes scanned the crowds of vampires and servants. The closest one was Doulos, of course, though Lord Hashim did not know his name.
“Boy.” He snapped his fingers impatiently, scowling. “Bring me a fresh glass. Preferrably from a young girl.” The ‘Court Master’ demanded, preferring to dine alone when he truly indulged. A sample would only be for appearance’s sake.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chiang Shih on Jun 19, 2011 16:56:50 GMT -6
Chiang wore white that evening, in honor of her first husband. This would have been his day of birth, she remembered. There were scarcely times when she was lucid enough to entertain memories of life. Her long hair hung in a great braid, twined with strings of silver silk, a white rose-bud perching over one ear. There was no way to truly make Chiang beautiful. In fact, one might say, the grander the clothes…the vaster the contrast between crone and maid. Ah, but when she was young…how she might have dazzled onlookers in such an outfit.
Her robes trailed behind her, slippers barely making whispers upon the floor. How she longed for a baby…a baby that would have given her the world, once upon a time. She might have become empress…but for one of her husbands…if only…
Servants parted before her, wary of the strange Lady. They feared her. Feared her claw-like fingers…the skin pulled tightly over her severe smile…was she a vampire, or a demon? Was there truly any difference?
“Court Master…” She whispered, bowing before him. “It is a pleasure to be in your company this evening.” She looked back at the servant and saw through him. He was not a child…so of no interest to Chiang. Still, if he had been…maybe she would have loved him with all her heart.
|
|
|
|
Post by Doulos Toutheo on Jun 19, 2011 22:17:29 GMT -6
Doulos was not well versed in the ways of the court, but no slave nor servant could mistake the glistening ruby around Indrajit’s neck. “Yes, My Lord; right away.” He only gave the Court Lady a gentle glance and respectful tilt of the head before hurrying off to do his Master’s bidding.
As he hurried into the back where the “refreshments” were kept, he quickly made a rundown of the two Masters he was sure to interact with tonight.
Indrajit Hashim- Temporary Court Master. Has a love for young women.
Chiang Shih- Grand Lady. Has a love for children.
Well then, perhaps he wasn’t in danger tonight, so long as he did as he was asked. Going to the naked form of a writhing young woman, he placed a glass at the tube protruding from her veins, squeezing it lightly to draw forth the blood until the glass was full. The woman moaned her defiance, but was otherwise too weak to make any sort of move to stop him. Doulos swished the blood a little to check its color and brought it close to his face to check the smell. It was a fine glass, and he could only hope his Master would agree.
Placing the drink upon a platter, Doulos made his way back out into the banquet hall, slipping by the lords and ladies like a shadow and back to Indrajit. “My Lord, your drink.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Evelyn Moore on Jun 20, 2011 15:01:27 GMT -6
"Really, are they this short staffed? Resorting to employing the help of the Librarian? This is hardly my area of expertise.." Evelyn thought crossly to herself and sighed. The servant stood patiently by a large arched doorway, her hands clasped behind her. Instead of her ordinary dress of plain skirts and blouses, she had been obligated to spruce it up a little; tonight she was clothed in a long white silk gown, a black velvet vest and a simple black bow-tie. Her bright red wavy hair was tied back and up with another black bow, a rare sight indeed; some might not recognize her with her hair away from her shoulders and face.
Silently Evelyn reminded herself to behave; she had long been aware of her masters' ability to read minds and all she needed tonight was to be noticed and made example of. Ordinarily her thoughts were well under control from years of practice; she could feign emotion, even mentally, to keep herself out of trouble. But this night the Librarian had been looking forward to an evening of reading and research when she was drafted into the position of greeter at the door of the party - Someone else's job for sure! - and her thoughts and mood were not at the top of their game.
Evelyn expertly fake-smiled at all of the guests and bowed politely to all who entered through her door, welcoming each in turn. For the most part she was utterly ignored, the only exception being an occasional sarcastic smirk or an eye-roll. She was only there due to tradition, not necessity. She wondered if she could sneak off without anyone noticing.. surely no one would miss her! She wouldn't dare, of course, but the idea was entertaining.
The young Librarian watched the party with little interest. The usual suspects.. the more social of the Court were all there. Laughing and chatting as they are aught to do.. drinking from the poor slaves that catch their fancy.. amusing themselves with anecdotes from days gone by. She listened carefully to those she could hear without being overtly obvious; any tidbit of information she could gather might be useful in offering favors later in order to gain more breathing room. Anything she could do to avoid torture or hard labor.
Tonight her curious eyes found Lord Indrajit. She had heard early of Tyranny's departure (there was little that didn't make it past Evelyn, or that she wasn't one of the first to hear about) and He as her temporary replacement. She also knew of his preferences and had many times silently celebrated that at 26 she was generally beyond his tastes. Even so, she feared for what might become of the court under his reign. Though, could it be much worse than under Tyranny?
It wasn't long til the trickle of guests ebbed and stopped, and Evelyn grew bored at her useless post. She soon felt safe wandering from the door, and began to slowly pace around the perimeter of the party, listening innocently for any gossip she might find useful. Spotting Doulos she smiled a bit; she knew of him but had only had once brief encounter with the slave. Silently she wondered how hard it might be to teach one to read.. She watched as he brought Indrajit his drink and wondered at the age of the soul it had been retrieved from. Sixteen? Fourteen? The thought made her only a little sad; her Masters did need to eat after all and they possessed the power to get what they wanted. Why shouldn't they? And power corrupts, it was almost inevitable that a creature with so much power would turn to the dark side.. it was just the way of things. Evelyn wondered what she might be like if she were to be changed into one of them as per her first master's intentions.. would she turn evil too?
|
|
|
|
Post by Indrajit Hashim on Jun 24, 2011 0:10:56 GMT -6
Indrajit eyed the glass proffered to him and slowly reached for it, wrapping his slim fingers around the neck and taking it. “Next time…” He remarked, leveling a stare at Doulos, “take less time in your duties, and make yourself less noticeable. This is a warning, which I shall only give once. The next time I notice you, there will be no warning.” Lord Indrajit said this with a tone of finality. He enjoyed torture, enjoyed finding reason for it, and most of all…he enjoyed the taste of fear. Keeping it boiling in the blood of the servant and slave class ensured that when any bottles were made from their veins, each sip was semi-bearable.
Swirling his glass, and inhaling the scent, Lord Indrajit sighed. “Could have been a few years younger. But she’ll suffice. You may go.” He waved a hand at Doulos, before finally deigning to notice Chiang’s appearance. Such a hideous old crone…not worth his time, if she didn’t have a title. As it was, he’d have to feign the respect that was expected of all false gentlemen.
“It is a pleasure of mine as well. Do try to apply more cosmetics in future, though…I can still see your face.” The grand lord cracked a thin grimace as he stared at her. It was as polite as he could manage. And as Indrajit had already noted to himself several dozen times before…Court Master was not a position he should hold.
Spinning on his heel, Indrajit crossed the room and took a long gulp from his class, tossing it to a servant nearby. God help her if she dropped it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Evelyn Moore on Jun 24, 2011 12:16:32 GMT -6
Evelyn was ripped unceremoniously from her stream of thoughts as something in her mind, still paying attention to her surroundings (thank God), had seen the toss of the emptied glass. In one motion the servant stepped forward and reached out with her left hand in an attempt to grasp the delicate stem of the blood-stained cup- to no avail. Instead the tips of her fingers caught under the now down-turned rim, and thinking quickly, the Librarian tossed the cup upwards no more than a foot or two, up-righting it, and swiped it from the air. Years of writing, filing, retrieving and examination had given the servant a keen dexterity, she moved almost as if she were performing a trick for the amusement of a crowd; with purpose yet graceful. This action normally would have brought a small, mildly amused smile to the young woman's face had she forgotten the company she held. Instead she bowed slightly, and at the same time said, "My apologies Sir, would you care for another drink?"
..It had been quite a long time since she had waited on anyone, a sense of nostalgia and familiarity crept into the edges of her mind, reaching back to her original Master. While she enjoyed the freedoms she had built for herself in her position, she also held a fondness for her first Lord (no doubt at least partially instilled on her by mind-tricks for the sake of convenience). As time went on she thought of him less and less, but still there were times that..
Evelyn, the perfectly trained little servant stood waiting for his answer with a small, pleasant smile upon her features, though for once in a long while it wasn't fake.
|
|
|
|
Post by Anna Bostel on Jun 25, 2011 0:45:14 GMT -6
Anna had never before been to a party. Much less one this grand. Her blue eyes were wide as she stared more than she actually paid attention to what she was supposed to be doing. She was supposed to be flitting around in her new pretty dress serving the court lords and ladies. Instead she stood in a corner, smoothing her hands over the pale green silk. One of the older servants had lent it to her, insisting she would need something nice for the party. Anna thought it odd that even the servants got to dress up, but she wasn’t complaining.
Everything at the citadel was a new, and to her a wonderful experience. At least so far. Her gaze shifted to a lord wearing a rather large ruby. She had no clue what it meant, but it must mean he was very important. She was rather openly staring at him now, her head tilted as blond curls fell across her pale neck. She didn’t bother to do much with them. Just letting the older girl, who’s name she had already forgotten, twist a few strands away from her face on both sides before tying them back with a white ribbon.
She blinked when a rather old looking woman came up to the lord. A terrifying sight for the young blond indeed. Anna shrunk back slightly now. She was half hidden in the shadows as she watched them converse. Her eyes widened again at the sight of him drinking what was definitely blood from the cup. Still new to the citadel she was not used to seeing the bright red liquid being consumed by so many. Then he threw the glass and she took a step forward again, gasping. A hand went over her mouth as she watched another servant barely manage to catch it.
|
|
