Reunion Tour (Hall and Oates) - Timeless2024-03-28T17:47:15Zhttp://timeless.ning.com/forum/topics/reunion-tour-hall-and-oates?commentId=5164310%3AComment%3A99131&feed=yes&xn_auth=noreunion tour
w/ Jeovani De la…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-10-09:5164310:Comment:1039762023-10-09T18:42:10.383ZRaffaele Spataro - Councilhttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/RaffaeleSpataro
<center><div style="border: 5px double #fff; width: 700px; height: 900px; background: linear-gradient(to right, #590308, #000, #000, #cc9f22);"><div style="line-height: 1; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 50px;"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/IX6HOex.png" style="float: center; width: auto; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.5); margin-bottom: -70px;"></img> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/2LZ0Hfk.png" style="float: center; width: auto; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.5); margin-bottom: -70px;"></img> <br></br><div style="font-size: 25px; letter-spacing: 1px; color: #fff; margin-top: 5px;">reunion tour</div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; color: #fff; margin-bottom: -40px;">w/ Jeovani De la vega…</div>
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<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d6/ba/ce/d6bacec29d09d4908f7cb41daf260340.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.5); box-sizing: border-box; float: center; height: 180px!important; margin-right: 20px; object-fit: cover; width: 180px!important;"></img> <img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/a390c563bd0525599dd553bfad70e8db/4cb591446fd56dfc-1d/s540x810/b92394a5d3321b58a491b942b6dee1149a94ec5f.gif" style="border: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.5); box-sizing: border-box; float: center; height: 180px!important; margin-right: 20px; object-fit: cover; width: 225px!important;"></img></div>
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<center><div style="border: 5px double #fff; width: 700px; height: 900px; background: linear-gradient(to right, #590308, #000, #000, #cc9f22);"><div style="line-height: 1; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 50px;"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/IX6HOex.png" style="float: center; width: auto; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.5); margin-bottom: -70px;"/><img src="https://i.imgur.com/2LZ0Hfk.png" style="float: center; width: auto; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.5); margin-bottom: -70px;"/><br/><div style="font-size: 25px; letter-spacing: 1px; color: #fff; margin-top: 5px;">reunion tour</div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; color: #fff; margin-bottom: -40px;">w/ Jeovani De la vega</div>
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<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d6/ba/ce/d6bacec29d09d4908f7cb41daf260340.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.5); box-sizing: border-box; float: center; height: 180px!important; margin-right: 20px; object-fit: cover; width: 180px!important;"/><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/a390c563bd0525599dd553bfad70e8db/4cb591446fd56dfc-1d/s540x810/b92394a5d3321b58a491b942b6dee1149a94ec5f.gif" style="border: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.5); box-sizing: border-box; float: center; height: 180px!important; margin-right: 20px; object-fit: cover; width: 225px!important;"/><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/46/6a/21/466a21bea42d25ac37b92896170ba3cb.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.5); box-sizing: border-box; float: center; height: 180px!important; margin: 0!important; object-fit: cover; width: 180px!important;"/><br/>
<div style="font-family: times; font-size: 10px; color: #fff; letter-spacing: 4px;">• <em>Though family not by blood, I would shed every drop for you, my chosen brother.</em> •</div>
<center><img src="https://i.imgur.com/duXC7HT.png" style="float: center;"/></center>
<div style="background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.5); width: 620px; height: auto; overflow: hidden;"><div style="width: 600px; height: 400px; padding: 20px; line-height: 1.5; overflow: auto; font-family: times; font-size: 16px; color: #fff; text-align: justify;">Raffaele glanced to his friend once more before disappearing up the stairs towards the room. A door opened and he knew before they even emerged, the family he noted with children came from within. He nearly halted in his steps at their appearance. The lump that formed in his throat was like fire when he observed the young boy and girl, the monstrous thoughts he had not long ago of what he would do to stave his thirst still lingering at the forefront of his mind. The monster within him now idly waiting.<br/> <br/>
The small ones, damn them, smiled as they ran passed. The parents nodding in friendly greeting. He returned the gesture, but when their footfalls hit the stairs at his back, his eyes closed in his self loathing as he reached for the knob of his room. He swallowed the guilt and crossed the creaking planks, pulling the small barrel from the darkness under the bed. The sanguine sighed in habit from a human life long ago and pointedly cast his feelings aside. It would do neither him nor Jeo any favors if he were sulking the entirety of their already damning journey.<br/>
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He made for the door, when a soft thudding made his ears perk. His extraordinary hearing pulled him away and towards the window where he saw a dust cloud begin to rise and waft where he stood. Even for being a sanguine, he couldn't make out what was exactly happening within, but he did hear the short cries of the men who were caught inside. "Shit..."<br/>
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Raffaele couldn't move fast enough. Well, he could, but it would draw the looks of the humans still in the tavern and the point was to not draw attention to themselves as impossible as that seemed an idea given who and what they were. He glanced around and it was obvious they had heard the commotion outside as well. Hurrying, he pushed passed the people starting to spill outside.<br/>
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<a href="https://media.tumblr.com/30d1c13c6d62842a2d286c68aab13834/42afce95814d58ec-41/s540x810/86f5fc5d3d6682a45a791ce50abd659718bd89a1.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://media.tumblr.com/30d1c13c6d62842a2d286c68aab13834/42afce95814d58ec-41/s540x810/86f5fc5d3d6682a45a791ce50abd659718bd89a1.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-left"/></a>The dust began to settle and he instantly noted the men who were now sprawled out on the ground, unmoving. Jeovani was crouched over one, a desperate and angry plea for understanding coming from him. Raffaele could guess as to what caused this, but they needed to move. He knelt down and gripped his friend on both shoulders and pulled him back. "Come on," he ordered lowly, but his friend held to the man's shirt who was sputtering a cough in his barely conscious state. Raff draped an arm over his brother's shoulder and across his chest to yank harder, drawing more from his sanguine strength this time that would be enough to break the hold. "Come. We have to go, Jeo."<br/>
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Once they were both on their feet, Raffaele patted the nose of Jeo's horse in some manner to stay calm, before quickly grabbing his supply and going over to his own horse to take the bridle. He mounted the animal as the townspeople were beginning to switch from confusion and shock to anger and motivation. "Vega..." His voice edged with command and perhaps even a little of his own ability to persuade others to do as he willed. But, that was not something he could ever do to Jeovani. <br/>
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He nudged his horse forward in an effort to make his companion move, leading away from this town and the trouble they apparently couldn't keep from. They had to find the thaumaturge, then likely the sirens which dropped Rodric to the bottom of the sea. And he knew many towns like this would be between them and their cursed quest.</div>
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</center> "Trouble never seems to leave…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-06-22:5164310:Comment:1036642023-06-22T04:10:51.607ZVegahttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/Vega
<p style="text-align: center;">"Trouble never seems to leave me alone." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AcrobaticAllBluejay-size_restricted.gif" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AcrobaticAllBluejay-size_restricted.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200"></img></a> Raf was already gone by the time Vega gently muttered these words under his breath. Whipping his facial hair which seemed to catch some of the last of his drink. His eyes took two seconds to adjust to the bright sun as he stepped outside. But it wasn't anything he…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"Trouble never seems to leave me alone." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AcrobaticAllBluejay-size_restricted.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AcrobaticAllBluejay-size_restricted.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-right"/></a>Raf was already gone by the time Vega gently muttered these words under his breath. Whipping his facial hair which seemed to catch some of the last of his drink. His eyes took two seconds to adjust to the bright sun as he stepped outside. But it wasn't anything he wasn't too used to coming from a land like Nowhere. A soft sight clicked past his teeth as he made his way to their horses. Ignoring the men who insisted on following him out. "Go back to your drinks men." he gave a stern look over his shoulder as he continues to lose his horse's bridal from the post it was wrapped to. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">His fist tightens around the leather lead in his grip as the sound of the men approaches. The strain of the leather can be heard below their footfalls. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dust. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Vega's horse bucks wildly. Trotting back and forth in front of the tavern. Refusing to stop its violent dance. Kicking up a small dust storm each time its hooves slam into the ground. The was a commotion but now it was all just eerie and fearful silence as the horse continues. At least the horse settle and the dust settles with the setting sun. Revealing Vega on his horse the whole time and a man tied to the back of his saddle by one leg. He cuts the man free and his limp body sinks to the ground. Jeovani needs a moment to catch his breath. As his tight grip on his horse's lead loosens. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And so, the more the dust settles the more bodies it reveals. It wasn't a pretty site and The Windwaker seemed... Colder than usual. But once he caught his breath and climbed off his horse his ridged demeanor changed. Melted away to show he was still the sensitive man Raffaelle knew. And not the Viking he never really met... Not anymore. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"I... Told them to leave me alone!"</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He dropped his head. Quickly trying to check their pulses. "Why couldn't you just leave me alone!? Why is being a Gypsy so bad!?" he snarled down at one man that was still barely conscious. </p> Reunion Tour
w/ Vega
• The…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-04-21:5164310:Comment:1031072023-04-21T20:38:52.809ZRaffaele Spataro - Councilhttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/RaffaeleSpataro
<center><div style="border: 5px double #000; width: 700px; height: 800px; background-color: #fff;"><div style="background: #FFF; line-height: 1; text-transform: uppercase;"><div style="font-size: 25px; letter-spacing: 1px; color: #000; margin-top: 10px;">Reunion Tour</div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; color: #111; margin-bottom: 10px;">w/ Vega</div>
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<div style="font-family: times; font-size: 12px; color: #555; letter-spacing: 4px;">• The bloodlust had…</div>
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<center><div style="border: 5px double #000; width: 700px; height: 800px; background-color: #fff;"><div style="background: #FFF; line-height: 1; text-transform: uppercase;"><div style="font-size: 25px; letter-spacing: 1px; color: #000; margin-top: 10px;">Reunion Tour</div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; color: #111; margin-bottom: 10px;">w/ Vega</div>
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<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/fe1df906b49f77be55a0e8aed0178c75/tumblr_pk0d32yTjO1w9vbfzo1_500.gif" style="width: 560px; height: 310px; border: 1px solid #000; float: center;"/><br/>
<div style="font-family: times; font-size: 12px; color: #555; letter-spacing: 4px;">• The bloodlust had quieted his human soul and every last one of them deserved an agonizing death •</div>
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<br/> He drank more than he should've. The rush of the life source coursed through him like a tingling heat that spread from his feet to the tips of his fingers which he currently looked at as if he could visibly see his body changing beneath his skin. Raffaele's head lolled fully backwards, his eyes closing as he sat on the uncomfortable bed. The noise which had filled his head began to lull as he was able to control himself better now. It was just the normal background sounds which always were acute to him, though the hearts of the children just beyond the wall remained ever enticing.<br/> <br/> The tip of his tongue rolled slowly over his lips and then curled at the corner of his mouth to take in the bit of blood that had sat there. There was nothing careful about the way he drank from the small barrel. He'd ripped the cork off and with it came splintered pieces of wood from the top before tipping it back and gulping needily, the contents within spreading passed his mouth and down his chin. Raffaele opened his eyes again and wiped his arm across his face to be rid of what occurred just moments before, sighing with the self hatred that always followed after.<br/> <br/> <a href="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/BareQueasyBorer-size_restricted.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/BareQueasyBorer-size_restricted.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-left"/></a>Stowing the barrel under the bed, the sanguine made his way downstairs again to see Vega still at the table they'd been seated at before, taking the chair across from him. Raffaele glared at his friend's remark before a hint of a smirk formed. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting," he shot back and sat, leaning forward on the table as it wobbled. "Did you miss me so terribly?" The humor then faded after a pause as his eyes showed conviction in his next words which were simple, but held a weight that conveyed his everlasting gratitude for Jeo always being there for him now and forever. "Thank you." <br/> <br/> Vega had witnessed what it was like for Raffaele to let the demon inside of him win out. Though the target of his frenzy had been on a bounty of men who didn't rightly deserve another breath in their murderous lives, it was hard to stop once he began. Their skin tore so easily under his fangs and the weapons they tried to use against him were fruitless. It was Jeovani who had to eventually stop him when their bodies lay motionless on the cave floor where they'd been hoarding their spoils, but Raffaele had passed the point of reasoning. The bloodlust had quieted his human soul and every last one of them deserved an agonizing death despite Vega attempting to stop him with words. It took an illusion and a blessed sword grazing Raffaele's throat to quiet the demon which had him pressing his brother against the cavern wall, ready to drain him too. It was not one of his proudest moments. <br/> <br/> Now, he noticed the glances of the people around the tavern. It was still mostly empty, but it only made their notable looks more obvious when eyeing Vega. Starting trouble was not something they wanted even when it seemed to come looking for them. A pang of guilt wracked him for forcing them to have to stop on their journey to a place that wasn't very keen on Gypsies. His eyes flashed at a pair of men who were staring which seemed to be enough for them to turn their heads and focus on the ale they clutched instead. "I see you've made friends already." Raffaele stood from the table then and nodded his head towards the door. "Perhaps it best we continue on to find our thaumaturge friend. You get the horses and I'll run upstairs for my... supply?" Gaze moving over the men who were still gawking in small intervals, he gave a mischievous grin to his friend. "Try not to get into any trouble in the minute I'm gone?"</div>
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</center> "Aww, I love you!"
The whole…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-04-04:5164310:Comment:1027402023-04-04T08:29:50.457ZVegahttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/Vega
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/29a0aa1dbf5bfeeddf21cef7ae78cb84/tumblr_inline_p97c1vgE3O1sy58dp_540.gif" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/29a0aa1dbf5bfeeddf21cef7ae78cb84/tumblr_inline_p97c1vgE3O1sy58dp_540.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200"></img></a> "Aww, I love you!"</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The whole pub looked his way as Vega seemed to yell at the air. <em>"Those Damned Gyspsies" </em>the fellow patron all complained. But Vega knew his friend had heard his teasing. Though his words were true. Oh if only Raffaelle knew what Jeovani had to do to…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/29a0aa1dbf5bfeeddf21cef7ae78cb84/tumblr_inline_p97c1vgE3O1sy58dp_540.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/29a0aa1dbf5bfeeddf21cef7ae78cb84/tumblr_inline_p97c1vgE3O1sy58dp_540.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-right"/></a>"Aww, I love you!"</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The whole pub looked his way as Vega seemed to yell at the air. <em>"Those Damned Gyspsies" </em>the fellow patron all complained. But Vega knew his friend had heard his teasing. Though his words were true. Oh if only Raffaelle knew what Jeovani had to do to get that blood. Toeing the line on what The Wind deemed as okay and this journey was just at the start. He plopped down at the table Raff was just sat and removed his hat with a burdend huff. He zoned out for all but a second in silent but visible contemplation. If getting that one keg of blood was anything to judge how the rest of this adventure was to go he was going to need to break some Gypsy rules. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It wouldn't be the first or last time. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But he would keep this to himself. Because once others found out about this they tended to get in the way and stop him. And therein lies the problem. They lost focus on the main task at hand when trying to keep him on the ins with The Wind. Putting themselves at an even greater risk. He could live without The Wind. He had done it before. He could do it when he wanted. He would have to do it again. Right now. It didn't mean however that he didn't ask The Wind for grace. He always did. And that was why he never wanted anyone to intervene. Because in the end he and The Wind had come to the understanding that sometimes he had to do things others like him couldn't. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And The Wind gave him that. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">So long as he returned. And sometimes The Wind would even help him in his endeavors. It wasn't a stranger to violence. And actually, The Wind wasn't at all pacifistic like it demanded its people to be. Vega just silently begged here and now while he was alone that The wind would be with him this time.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Because something told him he'd need it.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He rested his head on the table. He wasn't expecting Raffaelle to take very long as he knew he wouldn't from experience. But he still let his mind drift to the Gyspies of the mountains and not the sands. The Gyspsies led by Madam Nadiya his grandmother. And not the ones led by Mama, Madam Serena his great aunt. This special gypsy blood ran in his veins mixed with that of a Valkyrie. And so, he wondered as he always did if that meant anything to The Wind. Not the Valkyrie lineage coursing through his veins of course. But being of Nadiya's blood. </p>
<p style="text-align: right;">Even though he rested. Even though his mind was heavily adrift. He was entirely on high alert. He had to be at all times no matter where he was. He was sitting upright by the time Raff reemerged. "You're getting slower." he glanced down at his pocket watch and clicked his tongue. </p> Reunion Tour
He wouldn't los…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-10-02:5164310:Comment:996682022-10-02T18:02:24.595ZRaffaele Spataro - Councilhttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/RaffaeleSpataro
<center><div style="border: 5px double #000; width: 700px; background-color: #fff;"><div style="margin-bottom: 18px; margin-top: 10px; color: #000; font-family: times; font-size: 25px; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 3px; font-style: italic;">Reunion Tour</div>
<img src="https://i.gifer.com/FSTL.gif" style="width: 500px; height: 250px; border: 1px solid #000; float: center;"></img> <br></br>
<div style="font-family: times; font-size: 12px; color: #555; letter-spacing: 2px;">He wouldn't lose control. Not again.…</div>
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<img src="https://i.gifer.com/FSTL.gif" style="width: 500px; height: 250px; border: 1px solid #000; float: center;"/><br/>
<div style="font-family: times; font-size: 12px; color: #555; letter-spacing: 2px;">He wouldn't lose control. Not again.</div>
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Every sound around him pounded in his head. His abilities were heightened tenfold because the sanguine instinct was preparing him to hunt. His body began to shift into predator mode the longer he was without the sustenance he needed. Every single footfall was heard of Jeovani's boots as he exited the tavern and then his senses somehow increased further. Perhaps it was because he was holding back without realizing it, knowing he had to keep in control around his friend, but now that he was gone, that control was slipping. <br/>
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Raffaele was gripping the table so hard that the wood began to splinter in his hand. It brought him around again and he quickly let go and stood. The cacophony of human behavior was unbearable; Laughter, arguments, snoring, eating... but nothing louder than the heartbeats that drummed in his head. He nearly fell against the counter where he didn't meet the eyes of the innkeeper. "A room."<br/>
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The man looked at Raffaele with annoyance. "Rooms I got. Requires coin though like most everything else."<br/>
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Raffaele finally glanced up, but not to meet the man's eyes. Instead his gaze bore through the man's dirty and torn top, straight to where his heartbeat thrummed. He yanked another pouch from his belt and dumped it on the counter top. The innkeeper couldn't move any slower, but Raffaele was finally presented a key.<br/>
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Years. It felt like years. The sanguine paced in the modest room he purchased to keep away from everyone, but it didn't stop the <em>noise</em>. He already knew how many people were in each of the rooms he'd passed on the way up. The heartbeat of a man was rising as the woman he bought began her services, though he could tell from her steady one that this was strictly business, but even more enticing were the two children in the room next to him. He could hear them playing behind the walls as he locked onto them, ignoring that their parents were also in the room with them. They couldn't stop him. No one could.<br/>
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Raffaele's eyes closed. He wouldn't lose control. Not again. He clamped his jaw closed as his fangs fought against him to slip from their housing and then... a familiar scent on the street below drifted up and through the open window. His brother was near. <br/>
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He was downstairs in an instant, ignoring the fact that people could've seen him had they chose that specific moment to step out of their rooms. The table they had been at was still unoccupied and he sat there just as Jeo came back inside with a barrel in hand. Raffaele ignored the coin pouch and took the blood without a word. He didn't dare open his mouth for fear that his fangs might win over. He also knew the gypsy would understand the perceived coldness, but no one needed to see what would happen next. He made his way back upstairs at the slow pace a human would take and slammed the door to the room to shut the world out for the monster to come out.</div>
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</center> There was a silent understand…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-08-24:5164310:Comment:995242022-08-24T08:34:42.652ZVegahttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/Vega
<p style="text-align: center;">There was a silent understanding between the two. So when Raff said no Jeo just took a deep breath and accepted it. While that might have made things easier at the moment there was no telling what the future would be like for the two afterwards. That did make things more difficult for Jeo because where in the world would he find someone that owed him a favor here? He had offered it as an option without fully thinking it through. He knew sailors and merchants that…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There was a silent understanding between the two. So when Raff said no Jeo just took a deep breath and accepted it. While that might have made things easier at the moment there was no telling what the future would be like for the two afterwards. That did make things more difficult for Jeo because where in the world would he find someone that owed him a favor here? He had offered it as an option without fully thinking it through. He knew sailors and merchants that could help if they were in town but the caravans knew better than to come here. So his people wouldn't be an option. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He took another deep breath that seemed more like a sigh. "Stubborn old man" he crosses his arms over his chest as his playful remark escapes under his breath. His reflexes allow for him to catch the coin pouch without much effort but seeing it made Jeo frown. It would just draw more people to him and not the kind he wanted... Unless Raf was in the mood to drink... Jeo didn't finish the thought. It was dark and wicked and unlike him. He was just nervous about having to venture out around here alone. Even if just for a second and those thoughts as dark and vengeful as they gave him an odd sense of comfort. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It was the Viking in him. Screaming for war and bloodshed. A side of him he denied the most... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"Yeah well, The Wind and I always let you win." He knows Raffaelle's kind are the fastest in their world but that doesn't stop him from teasing. "I'll be back as soon as I can." He places his hand on Raf's shoulder. "Hang in there." He tucks the coin pouch away to hide from the world and vanishes in the light. An old gypsy trick but it got the job down of needing to move quickly. Gypsies never needed to hide their abilities. Just themselves because people don't accept what they don't understand. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They see their windwalking and control. Their great wonders and weird ways and because it's not human it must be bad. This was rarely the case. Jeovani was proud of being Gypsy just as much as he was to be Viking. But sometimes that pride drew in unwanted attention when The Wind blew for him. <a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f648debce6f0e88feb4b8c1d38b73978/tumblr_inline_p97bz0Ozwi1sy58dp_540.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f648debce6f0e88feb4b8c1d38b73978/tumblr_inline_p97bz0Ozwi1sy58dp_540.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-right"/></a> A few men from the Tavern followed him down the road. Keeping a watchful eye on this "wicked gypsy" and Jeo knew it. It was why he showed them what he was back in the tavern. So he could get them alone. "Want something gentlemen?" He spun to face them with a smirk right as The Wind began to blow. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The men grew cautious. And so, Jeovani's smirk grew wicked. Yet the longer the men stood there silently the harder The Wind became. Jeo chuckled and crossed his arms. "I asked a question." His words are nearly swallowed by The gusting sound of the wind. This is all a game. Jeovani had no friends to ask for favors and no knowledge of the underground here. So...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"Well since The Wind has taken your breath away..." He stalked toward them slowly.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"I guess I'll ask for what I want."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">..</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"I hope you love me." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">An hour had passed before he returned. Setting down both the coins and a barrel of blood. "Asked them to make it look like mead so I could travel with it. But don't ask how I got it for free..." He took off his hat and sat with a groan. Huffing out a much needed deep breath.</p> Things were becoming a blur.…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-07-11:5164310:Comment:991312022-07-11T23:23:49.344ZRaffaele Spataro - Councilhttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/RaffaeleSpataro
<p style="text-align: left;">Things were becoming a blur. Raffaele's focus was purely on trying to keep his natural instincts in check as not to become a monster among the everyday people. He'd been in worse predicaments than this currently, but it was still a chore to be human nonetheless. It didn't help that he was keeping his focus on his friend and following him so closely that he could see the beating of his pulse under the tanned skin. Faster than usual. He wondered what it was that…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Things were becoming a blur. Raffaele's focus was purely on trying to keep his natural instincts in check as not to become a monster among the everyday people. He'd been in worse predicaments than this currently, but it was still a chore to be human nonetheless. It didn't help that he was keeping his focus on his friend and following him so closely that he could see the beating of his pulse under the tanned skin. Faster than usual. He wondered what it was that caused the rise of his pumping lifeforce. He'd have to ask about it later when he wasn't in such an <em>elevated</em> state. It was at least an immediate relief to have the shade of the tavern Vega found as soon as his boot stepped inside. The smell of every human there seemed intensified. Their sweat hovering in the air around him.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">He let out a concentrated sigh through his nose and was glad to be seated at the worn and wobbling table, pretending there was now a bubble of just him and Vega so he wouldn't look at anyone else. "I'm out," Raff replied simply, keeping his focus on a spot on the top of the table where it appeared someone had carved something into the wood with a dagger. Every time he opened his mouth, it was an invitation for his fangs to want. When Vega offered his own blood, the sanguine shook his head. "No," he responded quickly in a huff, knowing his friend would understand. Somehow, doing that made Raffaele hate himself more. "Wouldn't mind if you went to see about those favors though. I can stay here for a bit. I'll find a room in the meantime to keep away from others till you get back if I can't..." He left the rest of the words unspoken. Vega had seen that side of him before. There was no need to say more. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10639345077?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10639345077?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250" class="align-left"/></a>Raffaele forced a dry and aching swallow that was like drinking burning dessert sand. "Doesn't have to be human," he said quietly. "Preferably not, in fact." He reached to his belt and lifted off a pouch of coins, throwing it to his brother. Thankfully, money wasn't a problem for him after living for so many hundreds of years. It certainly meant getting what you needed no matter what year it was in history. "In case you find anywhere that might offer a supply of some no questions asked." Another concentrated breath passed through his nose, more of habit given he didn't actually breathe. "And toss them a few more if they do it with haste. Preferably faster than you calling on the Wind when we spar." He gave a forced smirk to Vega that quickly dissipated as he went back to concentrating on staring at the table before a growing vision of him lunging across the table could fully cement itself in his mind.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">He so hated what he was...</p> For as well travelled as Jeo…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-06-01:5164310:Comment:984962022-06-01T22:48:06.585ZVegahttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/Vega
<p style="text-align: center;">For as well travelled as Jeo was he had to admit this world of magic. Madness and curses were all very new to him. And if there was one thing Jeo couldn't stand it was facing something he was unfamiliar with. People relied on him. His family needed him alive. Natural reasons to make a man say no to Raffaele's story and scheme but also the very thing to make a Gypsy say yes. Why? Because it wasn't far fetched for a Gypsy to assume that any new threat on this earth…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For as well travelled as Jeo was he had to admit this world of magic. Madness and curses were all very new to him. And if there was one thing Jeo couldn't stand it was facing something he was unfamiliar with. People relied on him. His family needed him alive. Natural reasons to make a man say no to Raffaele's story and scheme but also the very thing to make a Gypsy say yes. Why? Because it wasn't far fetched for a Gypsy to assume that any new threat on this earth was a bigger threat to them. They were walking targets no matter where they went so Jeo with the safety of family and loved ones in mind. Raffaele towards the top of that list. He said yes even when faced with having to return to a land that burned his people alive. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"And you're the only one I trust as we descend into the depths of hell, brother." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The sound of creaking leather could be heard as his hands clenched his reins. His body stiffened utop his saddle as their horses trudged through this land. The stench attacked his senses. And so even though this particular town didn't smell foul it was still in Ireland. His breath quickened and shallowed. His heart raced. His blood rushed to his ears. Everything around him began to fade as he slowly got lost in his panic. Yet another emotion sparked too. Making him hot. And rising quicker than his panic.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Rage? Was he losing his senses to his temper? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Was his want for revenge still alive after so long?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Why couldn't he get a hold of himself? Was it the people staring? Or their whispers in the wind?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They knew what he was. Was he in danger? Did he misinterpret The Wind's embrace before? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/601233c1ecf69763f9c1c6189681bf6e/tumblr_inline_n8mlioLXF41sfyqgw.gif" target="_blank"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/601233c1ecf69763f9c1c6189681bf6e/tumblr_inline_n8mlioLXF41sfyqgw.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-right"/></a>But then he heard Raff. Like a drop of blood in water. And so with a sharp inhale his head snapped towards his brother's and just like that he was the priority. If there was one thing that could be said about Vega it was that he always put others' needs before his own. "I've got you." He was very quick to find a tavern all thanks to The Wind. Its gentle breeze hurriedly guiding him to the one spot in town that accepted Gyspies. Though not the most desirable place it was just what they needed right now. A dark lit tavern nearly void of people to tempt Raffaelle's hunger and trigger Vega's currently defused temper. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He sits with his friend across the intimate table. Ordering just a pint for the time being when the waitress came by. "How much do you need?" He's leaning on the table looking around to see all the other shady figures keeping to themselves. "...because my arm is right here but if you need more we might need to think about who owes us a favor or five nearby." </p> He hated to admit how right V…tag:timeless.ning.com,2021-08-09:5164310:Comment:961632021-08-09T23:18:43.947ZRaffaele Spataro - Councilhttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/RaffaeleSpataro
<p>He hated to admit how right Vincenzo was sometimes. Being around Vega made him feel like everything would be okay despite the insurmountable odds that were facing them. Raffaele knew he shouldn't have broken this vow, but selfishly he was glad he did. Even when it meant they were going after their friend who they damned to a watery grave of eternity. Or so that was what it was meant to be. Now Roderic was upon the Earth again and most likely in a more monstrous way than when he was put into…</p>
<p>He hated to admit how right Vincenzo was sometimes. Being around Vega made him feel like everything would be okay despite the insurmountable odds that were facing them. Raffaele knew he shouldn't have broken this vow, but selfishly he was glad he did. Even when it meant they were going after their friend who they damned to a watery grave of eternity. Or so that was what it was meant to be. Now Roderic was upon the Earth again and most likely in a more monstrous way than when he was put into the depths. To be controlled by another being as well as dealing with the family curse, Raffaele didn't know if Roderic was even conscious of his actions after so long and though he agreed with Jeo on wishing they'd known about his <em>condition</em> sooner, the guilt did not lessen.</p>
<p>The sudden halting of their walk made Raff look to his friend. He could see the emotion that passed over his features which hardened, even in the dark. Ireland. Of course. How could he be so stupid as to forget? A light sigh came from Raffaele though there was no air he really needed to breathe. The human reaction was just a habit still. His lips parted to speak, but what could he say? He knew the feeling of wanting to stay away from a place and never return. In his life as a newborn, Raffaele had many along the map of the world he didn't wish to see again. He had yet to visit his hometown in Italy where he slaughtered his parents the night he was turned. Returning there seemed impossible, but Vincenzo insisted it would help him find closure. </p>
<p>Raffaele tried to find the words to encourage Jeo like he had done for him, but suddenly a breeze picked up. It passed over him and went to his companion like a gentle embrace. His keen sense of vision watched The Wind do as it always did when it came to nudging a gypsy on the path they were meant to walk, though he'd only seen the elusive entity a handful of times in his incredibly long existence. As boisterous and lively as most of the travelers were, their ever watchful savior was just as quiet and peaceful. It seemed The Wind was on their side this time. They could use all the help they could get.</p>
<p>Raffaele gave a reassuring smile to his friend at his words. "There's no one I'd rather at my side to venture the fires."</p>
<p>-----------</p>
<p>If finding the Court of Miracles had proved hard for Raffaele, locating the thaumaturge would prove even harder. Sure, it was easy to spot a gypsy among the various cities of the world that could lead to more of his or her brethren, and maybe the elusive hideout, but mystics were not so easily found. They did not usually move about with others of their skills and of course there were no immediate signs to their unique ability to use magic. He had been lucky in learning about the whereabouts of the one they worked with so long ago in helping them bind Rodric. He had left a scorned woman behind who was all but happy to tell Raffaele where he'd been planning on going. He only hoped the man would still be there.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9401782063?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9401782063?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-left"/></a>It was early in the morning and though the sun was not at its highest point, Raff felt the effects as always. He was drained. His blood supply was gone now and as humans mingled about him through the busy streets of the city, his fangs ached to sink into any one of their exposed necks while he watched them from above on his horse like the predator he could be. The sanguine looked to his friend as they walked the cobblestone streets, the pallor of his skin so opposite of his usual tanned complexion. For as long as they'd been friends, Raffaele knew he didn't have to say much for him to know he needed to find blood and soon. "Vega..." he said quietly to the gypsy and it was all that was needed. Some form of tavern would do for now to at least be rid of the walking meals around him.</p> Of all of them, Raffaele was…tag:timeless.ning.com,2021-06-29:5164310:Comment:950902021-06-29T23:27:28.978ZVegahttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/Vega
<p style="text-align: center;">Of all of them, Raffaele was always the most brooding. The most serious of them. Rightfully so given everything he'd been through before and with Jeo. Jeovani only wished his friend would rely on him a bit more. That he wouldn't try to hold the whole weight of the world on his shoulders alone. That's not any one person's responsibility but everyone's as a whole. Helping each other in unison. Jeo's smile slowly faded long before Raf could speak again. He wanted…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Of all of them, Raffaele was always the most brooding. The most serious of them. Rightfully so given everything he'd been through before and with Jeo. Jeovani only wished his friend would rely on him a bit more. That he wouldn't try to hold the whole weight of the world on his shoulders alone. That's not any one person's responsibility but everyone's as a whole. Helping each other in unison. Jeo's smile slowly faded long before Raf could speak again. He wanted with all his heart to lighten the burden of Raf's load. He'd do anything. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"In many ways, we did fail him." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/a4a735384ccd07b55ac8293a646775c7/tumblr_inline_p97c0ePWvT1sy58dp_540.gif" target="_blank"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/a4a735384ccd07b55ac8293a646775c7/tumblr_inline_p97c0ePWvT1sy58dp_540.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-right"/></a>He dropped his head as he spoke. Breathing a puff of warm air from his mouth and watching it swirl out in front of him. Until it disappeared in the light of the moon. He was comfortable in this brisk cool air of the night. Put him in the heat, however, and well you get a very agitated man. "But in many ways, he failed us too. He could've told us of his hereditary curse. Even if he was unsure if he'd be affected. We all talked of our bloodlines. Or lack thereof." He forced an audible breath from his nose. "He could've told us sooner. Instead of when it was too late." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Jeovani had to be given some credit here. Up until now, he was taking everything extremely well. From Raffaele breaking their vow to each other. The mention of Hades haunting dreams. Mystics using the cursed ones as puppets. To Rodric killing the already supposedly fallen gods. It was a lot to dissect and digest. Yet Jeovani took it all with no judgment or anger. Just shared remorse and heartache that they couldn't help Roderic before it came to this. However, at the mention of Ireland, he stopped walking. Of all the things to cross Jeovani's line. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Ireland. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He inhaled a hissing breath. Clenching as he shook his head. Sweat suddenly beading across his skin as he fought his sudden rage and agony. "Ireland" his Spanish accent rolled over the word smoothly but there was a bite in his voice as his throat shot it out. His opaque gaze which went suddenly dark met that of his long time friend's. "I have been there twice now." His lip twitched. "And it's taken everything from me both times. Just for being a gypsy. Or a Drake. Or anything they deem blasphemous." His eyes dart away and he for a moment paced. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"I can't go back there."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">His words to himself as he stopped pacing.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And then The Wind blew. It ruffled through his hair. Along his face. It played with part of his clothes that flowed with it. And so he took a deep breath in its presence. His serenity returned. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"I say again then amigo. Lead and I'll follow. Even unto the depths of Hel itself." </p>