The Woman From Nowhere (Madeline and Artemis) - Timeless2024-03-29T09:52:24Zhttp://timeless.ning.com/forum/topics/the-woman-from-nowhere-madeline-and-artemis?commentId=5164310%3AComment%3A99378&feed=yes&xn_auth=noWith a false breath loaded wi…tag:timeless.ning.com,2024-02-23:5164310:Comment:1047652024-02-23T18:23:57.256ZVicehttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/Vice
<p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-d6b6dfe1-7fff-3312-66c6-0c37c08cb006" style="line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; margin-top: 0.0pt; margin-bottom: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-xg-p: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With a false breath loaded with the intent to give a cheeky…</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; margin-top: 0.0pt; margin-bottom: 0.0pt;" id="docs-internal-guid-d6b6dfe1-7fff-3312-66c6-0c37c08cb006"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-xg-p: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With a false breath loaded with the intent to give a cheeky retort, Artie opened her mouth. But upon further investigation into Madeline, she decided against it. It didn't seem like a good time for her usual jokes and the barrage of questions from her new friend confirmed it. Her questions flew and Artie nearly struggled to catch them. It was no secret she was out of sorts last night. But now as she thought she questioned herself. She didn't notice the streets. She should've noticed the streets! A heavy feeling settled In her chest at the thought of the streets being empty for a different reason than Madeline was thinking.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; margin-top: 0.0pt; margin-bottom: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-xg-p: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Had the Dracula's found her?</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; margin-top: 0.0pt; margin-bottom: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-xg-p: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12388663087?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12388663087?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left"/></a>She'd been so careful up until last night. But she just couldn't think through her blood lust. Would this curse be her undoing? The very thing that tied her to her siblings by more than just blood and name? She had to consider that she was overthinking. And by doing so she was giving them power. She forced her mind clear by focusing on the questions. She recollected on her walk here. And recalled the empty streets but seeing as she didn't stop for breakfast, a coffee, or even a pack of smokes like those around her it was less evident to her. The streets had been emptier than before because of the war. So Artemis grew used to it. But with a little extra consciousness and thought she found Madeline to be right. “They were a bit more barrier than they have been now that you mention it.”</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; margin-top: 0.0pt; margin-bottom: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-xg-p: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With her next question, Artie shot out a very humanlike huff solely from her nose. The Carols were a long standing Gypsy family. And she had known this couple all of her life. That wasn't the cause for the huff though. The huff came because Artie knew she couldn't share that with Madeline. It wasn't her information to share. And who's to say Madeline was okay with the Gypsies? That was a topic they would need to speak on when they got to know each other better. Or maybe sooner was better in case Madeline had some animosity towards her people.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; margin-top: 0.0pt; margin-bottom: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-xg-p: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“The Carols helped raise me.” Her emerald gaze grew warm. It took a lot of people to raise her. Tame her, and the Carols were among that lot. It's not every day The Wind allows a Gypsy to leave their Caravan. A rare phenomenon to be sure. When it happened no one was ever sure what happened to the Gypsies that left. And so, one day Artemis awakens in Nowhere to the news of the Carols having left. Blown away by the wind, some said. Forsaken by it instead, said others. No one knew the truth or reason. And no one saw them again. Until Artie ran to New York to hide in the bustling city. The Wind blowing Virginia right to her. Proving that The Wind had in fact given Its blessing for them to leave and was very much still with them.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; margin-top: 0.0pt; margin-bottom: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-xg-p: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Almost immediately Virginia offered Artie a more powerful position in the company. Nepotistically almost. But she couldn't accept it for fear of it bringing too much attention to her since she needed to hide. So they both agreed on the mailroom. Because Virginia was unwilling to let Artie fend for herself entirely. “Please trust me when I say it's not her.” she wished she could tell and offer her friend more on the subject to earn that trust. But here wasn't a great place to discuss The Gypsies.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; margin-top: 0.0pt; margin-bottom: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-xg-p: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">She could hear it.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; margin-top: 0.0pt; margin-bottom: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-xg-p: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The coughs and puffs come from the old boiler room. Gomez's clumsy run which caused his veins to swell. She could smell his panic and fear long before he entered the room. But she couldn't help. Not directly with fixing whatever made such noises. The sound of silence that filled the room around them said the same thing. No one here had the exact experience Gomez hoped. And Artemis could smell the nervousness beginning to flow through everyone's blood. Maybe her needing to feast last night was a blessing in disguise. </span></p>
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<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; text-align: center; margin-top: 0.0pt; margin-bottom: 0.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-xg-p: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Madeline might have some.” Emerald eyes met that of her friends while a devious smile curled to reveal her bright teeth.</span></p> The morning sunlight streamed…tag:timeless.ning.com,2024-01-04:5164310:Comment:1043212024-01-04T08:14:46.014ZMadeline Ezperanza-Colettehttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/CollieFlower
<p>The morning sunlight streamed in through the stained glass and danced across Madeline's skin. She stirred for a moment or two before waking with a deep inhale which was followed by a stretch. She lay and stared out her window just listening to the silence of the morning trying to ignore the stress slowly building within her about the importance of the day. Madeline scoffed and groaned because of course she found herself in this situation not two days after being at this new job. Was it a way…</p>
<p>The morning sunlight streamed in through the stained glass and danced across Madeline's skin. She stirred for a moment or two before waking with a deep inhale which was followed by a stretch. She lay and stared out her window just listening to the silence of the morning trying to ignore the stress slowly building within her about the importance of the day. Madeline scoffed and groaned because of course she found herself in this situation not two days after being at this new job. Was it a way to redeem herself? To cleanse her soul of her past transgressions and start anew? She huffed the thoughts away as she rose from her bed and got ready to start her day. Her initial plan was to make breakfast at home but the gas in her building was off for maintenance purposes for the twelfth time this month and after telling the landlord they would be talking about how much she was paying for the gas she clearly could not use she headed off to work. With the intent to stop at the corner store beside the building but something was wrong. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>The streets were far too empty on a block filled with businesses both big and small. Even during this war I would still see the hustle of women and young men too young to go to war on their way to work. This was not some back alley or side street, it was a main avenue normally filled with the traffic of people. Something was very wrong. I scoured the streets and open stores for a radio but no breaking news was playing once I found one. "Any major news today?" The cashier shook her head no in a dismissive answer to my question while never looking up from her newspaper. I pursed my lips but held my tongue as I now rushed to work again finding the emptiness of the building lobby quite strange. I heard Artemis speak but not what she said as my mind focused on the nonexistent encounters I had this morning. <a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e7/df/9d/e7df9d999b3e4f4dbe2b4d7c9540558f.gif" target="_blank"><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e7/df/9d/e7df9d999b3e4f4dbe2b4d7c9540558f.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-right"/></a>"Did the street seem more vacant than normal to you today?" I scanned around the mail room to find what I had come to know as our usual numbers. "Because it was too empty for my liking this morning."</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Madeline crossed her arms over her chest and dropped her head as she got lost in her thoughts. Questioning whether someone who should not know about their plan found out and planned a counter. Artemis was acting strange last night but as she thought of that again her body seized as she remembered that she realized what Artemis was and why she was so bizarre at the moment. Madeline looked Artie's way with a quick side eye before returning to her original thoughts. Although she had ruled Virginia out of being a suspect earlier she had to reconsider the possibility of her being guilty along with Artemis to some degree at least for the missing women. "And just how well do you know Mrs. Carol?" She probably sounded skeptical with all these sudden questions but she would rather ask than stay silent. The sound of the back doors flying open interrupted her barret of questions for the moment as Gomez ran into the room with a huff. "Does anyone here have experience with boilers and furnaces?! It is an emergency!!" </p> A carnal beast she'd become.…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-08-10:5164310:Comment:1040022023-08-10T00:30:47.901ZVicehttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/Vice
<p style="text-align: center;">A carnal beast she'd become. Just like the family, she despised. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A meagre slave to an unquenchable thirst. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">No light slipped into her apartment at any time of day. The curtains perpetually drawn over the windows to restrict prying eyes. The nightmare she became when she fed was hidden away within these four walls. The secrets these walls kept unable to tell the world the descendant of Dracula…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A carnal beast she'd become. Just like the family, she despised. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A meagre slave to an unquenchable thirst. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">No light slipped into her apartment at any time of day. The curtains perpetually drawn over the windows to restrict prying eyes. The nightmare she became when she fed was hidden away within these four walls. The secrets these walls kept unable to tell the world the descendant of Dracula was right here. Gorging away at the stock blood she kept at hand. Keeping the world safe from her innate urges to hunt and drink from every warm body whose heartbeat rhythmically taunted her. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This blood wasn't enough.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It never was but her vial disgust and grave desire to not be like her siblings was far more powerful than her need for warmer, fresher blood. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The night seemed to go just as quickly as it came. And so having now been satisfied the black rose shade of Artie's eyes deliquesced back to that emerald green they always held. Glowing like a gold mine at any time of day. Her rigid muscles loosed as she rose from her bed. And her fangs ascended upwards. She groaned as she shook her long wild hair out of its messy bun. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Apprehension was in the air. Like a lite pelt of morning dew coating grass. The conversation from the night before playing in her mind as she clocked in. Wondering if she should venture to speak with Virginia once more to confirm the hunt started today. Her eyes never needed time to adjust to the dimly lit basement where she worked as she entered and immediately scanned for Madeline. Who had yet to arrive it seems. Unless she too went to confirm with Virginia? "hmmm" Artemis mused to herself as she worked. Now recalling the fear that radiated from her new friend last night. Recalling how different her blood smelled. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She'd never smelled anything like it before. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The possibility of Madeline not being a human was high. But just what could she be? She was no Lupine or Sanguine. She'd have recognised those scents immediately. And she wasn't a Mystic as her eyes didn't have that glow that theirs do. Siren or Fea maybe? She knew quite a lot about Sirens and so little about Fea. Madeline didn't seem to match anything she knew of the Sirens. They were quite far from any large enough body of water. And she mentioned travelling here by train and not boat which meant she spent a large amount of time away from the sea. Could she not have earned her tail yet? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Maybe a banshee! A wicked thought struck her. The grey which infested her watercolor eyes was the color of death. But they never left the Matron so again too far away from the source. She clicked her tongue to shake that thought away. All the while her body worked off muscle memory. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12184540272?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12184540272?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left"/></a>Could she be Artie's namesake? A goddess? A faint mix of intrigue and panic swirled within Artemis for just one second. "Good morning!" she distracted herself once Madeline arrived. "You're early!" her eyes take the shape of crescent moons as she smiles. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Watching her new friend for a small moment before turning her attention back to her work. She couldn't be an Eternal. They fell. They didn't exist. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Madeline was far too caring to be one of those selfish gods. </p> Madeline could hear the voice…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-06-02:5164310:Comment:1036512023-06-02T01:52:05.911ZMadeline Ezperanza-Colettehttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/CollieFlower
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11263319266?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11263319266?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200"></img></a> Madeline could hear the voice of The Matron and her father reprimand her for being too kind and trusting. "Foolish, insolent little girl!" The scars The Matron left Madeline with haunted her at every wake and turn and her spine chilling voice stuck to the back of her mind more closely than her own shadow. Maybe that was why she did the things she did; to…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11263319266?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11263319266?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-right"/></a>Madeline could hear the voice of The Matron and her father reprimand her for being too kind and trusting. "Foolish, insolent little girl!" The scars The Matron left Madeline with haunted her at every wake and turn and her spine chilling voice stuck to the back of her mind more closely than her own shadow. Maybe that was why she did the things she did; to become the very opposite of what they both tried to make of her. Whether it was intentional or not. The trepidation in the air made things around tense and Madeline suddenly found it was hard to breathe. Her muscles tensed and every hair on her arm stood. The heaviness of this scenario was clear from the beginning and any other person might have turned and run so why not Madeline? Was she sp unafraid of death because she certainly was not clueless? Sure she could only take the feeling in the air and the clear signs and subtle hints happening to Artemis to figure it out rather than being told outright. Yet, she had figured it out she knew with some doubt her new friend was Sanguine and right then she had the chance to slip away but instead, she stayed.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>The truth always gets in one's eyes regardless of what they doing or how they tried to hide it. When you grow up as I did, living for as long as I have lived thus far you tend to find the truth in people's eyes quickly. Artemis was lying while also telling the truth. The passion in her gaze when she spoke of the missing women or thought about the whole ordeal sharply shined in her stares. That was how I knew now she was lying to me but not entirely, I had a basis to compare it to. When she spoke of hunger she was not at all lying but the full truth of what that hunger was, blurred the clarity in her gaze. Confirming to me what I had been speculating throughout this conversation. I had to admit I was terrified and my father's words on how to defend myself kept replaying in my head like a broken record but those lessons and words were all useless if she snapped. So I let her go, it was clear she was giving it her all now to keep it together. At least clear to me and I did not want her to suffer by trying to entertain me as a means to not be rude. I was not that important. So into the dark of night, I watched her run before the blatant chill of a lonely night caressed my face. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Madeline shivered and glanced around as if someone was watching from afar, but she knew it was just remnants of her fear wearing off. At this time of the night, the bus no longer ran but walking home gave her time to process the past forty eight hours. All the information and progress she had managed to attain in a short period was a lot. Some of the heavier things even weighed on her heart, like the thought of the missing women's families when they do not come home. The utter heartbreak of their children having to accept that while their fathers were at war their mothers were now mysteriously gone. It was not hard for her to relate to honestly but this seemed potentially so much darker than her parental problems especially if they could not figure it out and stop it. Yet why was it left to them? For Madeline, she knew better than to expect the world to care. A woman her and child there no one blinks an eye, the world war was obviously more important but to her, it was all equally important. To her finding these women was arguably more important but she knew better than to say that out loud as it was an unpopular opinion. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>The lights in my shoe box sized apartment flickered to on as I looked around the humble home with pursed lips. The faucet which insistently dripped filled the void with sound. When my father and I first moved into this place it was not much to look at nor was it comfortable to sleep or stay but with time that changed as time has that effect. Soon the water stained walls had been cleaned and the once dull space was filled with plant life of many colours and as per usual with me one window panel had been stained so that when the light shone through the small space would come to life as light danced through. Even at night as the moon smiled down its borrow light reflected onto the bed in front of the window. Where after washing, eating and settling down I now found myself. I let the colours dance across my skin before falling asleep. Anxious about the events the sun would bring.</em></p> Oh, this poor unfortunate sou…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-05-08:5164310:Comment:1033512023-05-08T03:05:30.787ZVicehttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/Vice
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh, this poor unfortunate soul. Madeline was too kind for her own good and unaware or purposely naive to the danger she could be in. Artemis's vice grip on her control was quickly slipping and turned her knuckles white. A low buzz vibrated through her senses as she felt as though she could see the delectable blood coursing through Maddie's veins. Run! She needed to be the one to run before she did something she regretted. But she had no way free without raising…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh, this poor unfortunate soul. Madeline was too kind for her own good and unaware or purposely naive to the danger she could be in. Artemis's vice grip on her control was quickly slipping and turned her knuckles white. A low buzz vibrated through her senses as she felt as though she could see the delectable blood coursing through Maddie's veins. Run! She needed to be the one to run before she did something she regretted. But she had no way free without raising suspicion. And Maddie seemed insistent on making sure she was fine. Maybe this was her way of testing her. Pressing her for the truth of what was wrong. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://media.tenor.com/tq9EHOLdwggAAAAC/kaderimin-oyunu-star.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://media.tenor.com/tq9EHOLdwggAAAAC/kaderimin-oyunu-star.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left"/></a>And oh the dark thoughts which ran rampant through her mind scared even the likes of her. </p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Artemis wasn't a stranger to the macabre. The dark and far more gruesome side of life. She'd personally seen her grandfather impale any who would cross his path. Exposed to these dark atrocities at such a young age she thought it was a normal way of life. That took years of unlearning and reform. And even still she was still learning. Maybe she'd never stop. The purpose of life was to learn after all. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Yet woe to this waker who was trapped. Running through her options in her head about how to get away and still save face. While her thoughts also alluded to the idea that Madeline should be the one to run. Than Ahh! A way out! So maybe this soul before her wasn't so naive after all. "Rain check." she could barely say without her fangs breaking free. Following it with a faint smile and a small wink. She spun "I'll see you tomorrow." she would apologize then for leaving so abruptly. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Walking as calmly as can be until she was out of site.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And then off she ran into the dark of night. </p> Every part of Madeline was su…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-03-07:5164310:Comment:1021412023-03-07T05:59:24.426ZMadeline Ezperanza-Colettehttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/CollieFlower
<p>Every part of Madeline was suddenly screaming run and when Artemis's lapsed words, at last, penetrated the air no was all Madeline could think. She kept her distance still, letting her cynical thoughts plot a way to safety just in case. Yet the question which always seemed to come around and haunt her whenever she found herself in this predicament cast its shadow to the forefront of her thoughts. Could she get away? Was she strong to enough or would this be a repeat of her past encounters?…</p>
<p>Every part of Madeline was suddenly screaming run and when Artemis's lapsed words, at last, penetrated the air no was all Madeline could think. She kept her distance still, letting her cynical thoughts plot a way to safety just in case. Yet the question which always seemed to come around and haunt her whenever she found herself in this predicament cast its shadow to the forefront of her thoughts. Could she get away? Was she strong to enough or would this be a repeat of her past encounters? She was soundless as Artemis spoke and studied her with acute care for any hint as to what she was because she was sure she was not human. Had Madeline not failed her trials this would not be as big of a problem for her but alas she had and therefore was only human, with some very insignificant gifts for the matter at hand. Artemis seemed to stare up at the moon like a wolf in love but seeing how it was full and Artemis had not transformed or lost control it was safe to assume she was no Lupine. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Hunger? I stepped back at the realisation that my new friend and her so called hunger were not of the human variety. I never took my scrupulous gaze off this woman and tried my best to remain calm but I had to admit if Artemis was what I was thinking, I was in trouble. The only relief I could find in this was that I could likely discredit her as being behind these women being kidnapped, her kind was much more discreet until you found the bodies. I doubt she would want to draw attention to herself by telling me what was going on in the basement. Unless... Unless she assumed I was too weak to stop her... My chest deflated at the thought because, at this very moment, I was extremely undefended. If she so wished to attack I probably would not even see it coming. Then the wind blew. It danced around her but shoved me a step forward. It was clear it loved her and I suddenly felt like an intruder and the wind was sure to make me understand that as it shoved me. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Eventually, she managed to collect her bearings right before the wind left and stopped pushing her around. Confusion was spread across her face now however because she had never experienced or heard of a species with wind abilities outside the Fae. Yet this seemed very different than a being controlling the element of air, she had encountered gypsies before, NOLA is full of those that claim to be and those are. Caravans often come and go bringing their carnivals with them but the way the wind synchronises with everything the gypsies do it's easy to not spot how the wind blends in unless you feel said wind blow for yourself. This was the first time she was feeling the wind despite her many visits to the carnivals. Then of course there was the fact that Artemis did not dress like a gypsy, she wore no bright and airy clothes or scarves that flowed with the faintest of movements. Madeline had a few herself unable to resist buying one each time a caravan set itself up nearby. Artemis did not look like a Fae either but to be fair Madeline had no clue what they looked like, she only had stories and most of them were fiction. The was no way for her to know if a Fae could blend into the world of humans and walk among them like every other species. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://78.media.tumblr.com/2956b887438a2df4745e236c4b452f83/tumblr_p8j5413fyM1x385hzo2_250.gif" target="_blank"><img src="https://78.media.tumblr.com/2956b887438a2df4745e236c4b452f83/tumblr_p8j5413fyM1x385hzo2_250.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-right"/></a>Silver, Gold, Iron, and blessed items took care of most species, my father always thought me a fool for not having one of every item on me to keep me safe and protected. I never did, it was not right to put others at risk as they go about their lives, and nor was I afraid of someone just trying to survive in a world that would hate them if they knew they were not human. The gypsies were proof of my words but they were among the sweetest species I knew, though I knew very little as they were extraordinarily shrouded in mystery. I could never blame them for that intrigue though, it was how they survived I assumed. I shot a sharp breath from my nose, this whole time my gaze never once left Artemis but I was sure my bafflement and suspicion were still plastered on my face. For some reason, though I no longer felt scared as did before but could not say why. "Uhh..." I was not prepared for her to speak again and was lost in my thoughts when she had. I scratch my head and looked around, keeping her in my peripheral view. "We could go to a diner or something and talk it out if you want? If I am being honest I could use a drink." I chuckle as I gather my bearings but suddenly realise she might not be able to take my invitation if she truly was not human and just trying to get by in peace. "But you know no pressure, we can always rain check that drink and see each other tomorrow when we are both well rested and feed." </em></p> The sound of her footstep rus…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-02-07:5164310:Comment:1015442023-02-07T06:44:45.526ZVicehttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/Vice
<p style="text-align: center;">The sound of her footstep rushing down the stairs matched the sound of her ever racing heart. And as she grew closer the sweet aroma of her unique smelling blood invaded Artemis's senses and stilled her in her spot. She was a slave to her thirst. She needed to feed. Everything seemed slow. Even Madeline's words. Which caused Artemis to reply with severe delay. Could she even reply without her fangs descending and attempting to sink into Madeline's frail little…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The sound of her footstep rushing down the stairs matched the sound of her ever racing heart. And as she grew closer the sweet aroma of her unique smelling blood invaded Artemis's senses and stilled her in her spot. She was a slave to her thirst. She needed to feed. Everything seemed slow. Even Madeline's words. Which caused Artemis to reply with severe delay. Could she even reply without her fangs descending and attempting to sink into Madeline's frail little neck? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10957654876?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10957654876?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left"/></a>The trepidation of telling her temptingly tap danced on the tip of her tongue. But instead, she chewed her tongue. Nibbled on her cheek until the urge of wanting to get the thrill of scaring Madeline subsided. "Just need to eat. And I'll be okay." she left at that. Taking a glance up at the moon. Desperately seeking something to ground her once again. And remind her she wasn't like her birth family just because she was sanguine now. She was a gypsy. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And though Maddie stood right there. Artie couldn't help but silently beg for even the slightest of breezes to just brush her by. But she sorely regretted it once it did. Feeling The Wind and how it always begged to take her made her miss home. Miss her family, The Gypsies. The singing. Dancing. Bond Fires. Storytelling. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She missed being A Woman From Nowhere. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A Windwaker with nothing but woes for the those she left behind. And yes, saying goodbye always hurt but they were never forever. Not when she was with the people of The Wind. Being on the run and in hiding as she was. It wasn't the same. It sucked. It hurt. She dropped her gaze from the beautiful flawless moon. Her thirst was subdued but replaced with another sort of longing. That of her family and her old lifestyle. "Sorry for worrying you. I just got a bit overwhelmed back there along with being... Hungry... It just brought me back to a weird mental space and suddenly I just needed air. " </p> Odd. There was a sudden chang…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-09-29:5164310:Comment:996622022-09-29T06:09:56.507ZMadeline Ezperanza-Colettehttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/CollieFlower
<p>Odd. There was a sudden change in the atmosphere in the room and Madeline unexpectedly felt tense. The hairs on her arm stood and her back straightened but she kept her composer. Something dangerous was near but Madeline could not tell what it was and she had no clue it was Artemis but her senses heightened. She spoke a little less and listened a bit more while keeping an eye out for any faint movement. However, there was not one, not from Artemis at least. Virginia seemed fine as she spoke…</p>
<p>Odd. There was a sudden change in the atmosphere in the room and Madeline unexpectedly felt tense. The hairs on her arm stood and her back straightened but she kept her composer. Something dangerous was near but Madeline could not tell what it was and she had no clue it was Artemis but her senses heightened. She spoke a little less and listened a bit more while keeping an eye out for any faint movement. However, there was not one, not from Artemis at least. Virginia seemed fine as she spoke and listened to what both ladies said although naturally stressed and genuinely concerned Madeline found nothing off about her from what she was able to gather about her in a short time frame. Artemis however was rigid almost to the point of each of her moves being calculated. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I knew, I knew because I too often found myself meticulously moving through life. Though naturally, I wondered what triggered her at this moment and a red flag slowly rose up. If I had sensed this danger any other time and Artie was acting normal I would not be so suspicious. Yet here we were conducting a course of action, one you would think she would be adamant about based on our former conversation and she was suddenly stiff. I stuck my tongue in my cheek to avoid humming at my thoughts and fought the urge to squint my eyes in suspicion. Focus. Focus. Focus. I took a deep breath, Artemis did not seem to be working against us as everything she contributed worked in our favour except she could easily betray us if she were not all that she seemed to be. Or maybe I was thinking about this danger I felt all wrong and maybe though I was sure it was coming from Artie it might not be because she was a double agent.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">"We should do this as soon as we can, since the more time that passes the more women these men take." Madeline narrowed her thoughts and speculations to be able to say when a realisation crossed her face. "Your question was never answered, when you first came in you asked how they get in and go unseen and how they know about us?" Madeline thought as she spoke and that played across her face as her brow furrowed and she looked to Virginia who shook her head to tell them she did not know.<a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://78.media.tumblr.com/a7d1d12789bd3d9879564e8d0ef2f1e2/tumblr_p7r7ew4RJI1x385hzo1_400.gif" target="_blank"><img src="https://78.media.tumblr.com/a7d1d12789bd3d9879564e8d0ef2f1e2/tumblr_p7r7ew4RJI1x385hzo1_400.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-right"/></a> "Mmm" she at last hummed as she looked away to continue to think but her thoughts were briefly interrupted at the sound of Artemis excusing herself and rushing out. Odd. Everything that was screaming inside Madeline to stay away from that girl was also telling her to not let the danger out of her sight to keep others safe. "We have a mole." She said as she headed to the door "if we had more time we could set a trap I am sure but..." She was cut off by Virginia "What is time during a time of war?" </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"Mm." I sadly hummed before bidding Carol good night and trotting or trying to trot after Artie. I was only a sec or two behind her but she was gone! The elevator was still on the top floor with me so she must have taken the steps but the faster I descended them the more baffled I became because she was nowhere to be found and since I did not feel entirely safe within the unguarded and dark stairwell I made my way to the nearest floor and called the elevator. I was still trying to catch my breath as I reached the bottom and I never in my life felt more thankful to feel the cool evening air hit my lungs as I reached outside. And there she was again; Staring at the moon with such longing. What stories she could probably tell because only one who has lived quite a life can look at the moon in such a way. "You must have the blood of an Olympian coursing through you cause those steps are a trial for sure." I laugh out as I at last catch my breath but my laughter quickly fades as I forward my brow "want to talk about what happened back there?" I take a chance to ask giving her a chance, to tell the truth. </em></p> Artemis was lost in the thoug…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-08-11:5164310:Comment:993782022-08-11T07:36:02.858ZVicehttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/Vice
<p style="text-align: center;">Artemis was lost in the thought of her thirst as Virginia and Madeline spoke. The slow burn that slowly flared up within her was gradually taking control. If she couldn't leave soon and drink she might just lose it. She couldn't even remember the last time she drank. Or even the last time she felt like this. She felt like a drug addict out of drugs. Nearing a desperate situation. Her outward appearance seemed fine though. She looked engaged in the conversation…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Artemis was lost in the thought of her thirst as Virginia and Madeline spoke. The slow burn that slowly flared up within her was gradually taking control. If she couldn't leave soon and drink she might just lose it. She couldn't even remember the last time she drank. Or even the last time she felt like this. She felt like a drug addict out of drugs. Nearing a desperate situation. Her outward appearance seemed fine though. She looked engaged in the conversation while also appearing to think about how she could help here. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If revealing herself and breaking her vow to peace with The Wind wasn't an issue she'd have handled these men already. But then she doubted she'd ever see those missing women again. There was already a chance she wouldn't but she wanted to try and save them if she could. It's funny how far she'd come from the little girl she once was to now. How one dream of foresight reshaped who she was as a person entirely. She was a sight to behold. One many would hate. While others would love her. She was so driven to make sure everyone she came in contact with was helped or cared for in some way that she often forgot to care for herself. Which was a dangerous game as a Sanguine. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/aa1b15702db8716a263fb5eac3450780/tumblr_poxzbxkBlK1xs5njio2_400.gifv" target="_blank"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/aa1b15702db8716a263fb5eac3450780/tumblr_poxzbxkBlK1xs5njio2_400.gifv?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left"/></a>She inhaled sharply. For appearances since she didn't need to breathe. And looked at Maddie with an unexpected expression on her face. The very southern response her new friend had just spoken so nonchalantly was very surprising. Furthermore, she had never hunted an alligator let alone seen one. And she highly doubted Virginia was any different. She couldn't help but side eye the bayou babe for a moment just trying to envision her... Gator hunting... She couldn't. She actually couldn't imagine Madeline doing anything violent. Or hurting anyone for that matter. "Hmm" she was a box of surprises and Maddie had just willingly unpacked one. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Hunting her would be fun... Her blood already smells delicious. She'd give up a good fight. </em>Artemis's intrusive thoughts made her freeze. And her throat suddenly tightened in her want for blood. She needed to get out of here! Fortunately, Maddie quickly explained what she meant by gator hunting and the process. And while Artie had a mountain of questions she would have to save them for another time. "We could... Set people here and... Here" she was starting to struggle in keeping her composer and she could feel her fangs fighting to descend. "Some men if... Androg... Androgynous enough... Can even disguise themselves as mailwomen. Wait in the mail room with us."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If she could still sweat it'd be a cold one right now. She was truly using all her willpower to hold it together. Panicking about how she could allow herself to get here. She was better at controlling her urges. Better at keeping a tight grip on her thirst. Except now she could see the pulse of Virginia's heartbeat in her neck. She could hear both ladies' heartbeats. SHE NEEDED TO GET OUT OF HERE! "They're imposing a curfew tonight. So we should call it a night for now and be on our way." She shook her head to focus. "Feeling a bit lightheaded. I think all this excitement's got me needing some air." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She couldn't wait for the two to agree. "I'll see you around Carol. And If I don't see you outside I'll see you tomorrow Madds." She smiled at them. As genuine as possible and headed out. Taking a moment to be out of view before dashing down all flights and skidding to a stop once outside. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Though again she didn't need to breathe. Thinking if she had any blood still stored or if she had to get some. The sun was gone. She missed seeing the sunset but didn't mind the moon. Gazing up toward it with a saddness hidden behind her emerald gaze. "I should've begged them to make me a wolf."</p> If they could accurately dete…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-07-16:5164310:Comment:990562022-07-16T08:23:00.601ZMadeline Ezperanza-Colettehttp://timeless.ning.com/profile/CollieFlower
<p>If they could accurately determine all the possible paths these abductors were coming then they could possibly form a plan to capture them before they captured another woman. It was clear this had been going on for quite some time and at this point despite having just arrived, Madeline did not even care if she was not the one to capture the culprits. It was probably better that way as there were far more capable people around who could easily apprehend them; she just wanted this done and…</p>
<p>If they could accurately determine all the possible paths these abductors were coming then they could possibly form a plan to capture them before they captured another woman. It was clear this had been going on for quite some time and at this point despite having just arrived, Madeline did not even care if she was not the one to capture the culprits. It was probably better that way as there were far more capable people around who could easily apprehend them; she just wanted this done and over with seeing as it had gone on for far too long. Her mind even drifted away to the women who had already been taken and if catching their thieves would in the end bring them home. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I could see how Virginia got to where she was today because in the mere matter of seconds we had the blueprint out she had already tallied the exits and all paths to the mailroom. She even pointed them out for us but seemed to second guess herself as she asked us to be sure she did not miss anything or maybe she was just being thorough a quality I admired. I looked between the two women a moment though as I found this whole ordeal bizarre and could not ignore the red flags any longer. It was not obscene of me to think that they might be a part of the scheme and this was just another way they got who they wanted. It was rather elaborate I will admit but with all the blizzard adventures I have had in my life this far I had to consider it. </em></p>
<p>Although Madeline was there she actually never quite let her guard down and while she seemed to trust Artemis a bit more than Virginia her incognito guard never faltered. It was a bit parasitical on her part the part she played but in the end, she would have the truth if she could just keep this up. Befriend them, earn their trust and beguile them out of the truth. It was a long con sure but it would likely be shorter if they were I fact trying to con her or anyone for that matter. She listened to them scheme and toss their ideas back and forth; they seemed way too sincere and even nervous for them to be a part of this devious plot they were trying to unfold but Madeline was still unsure. </p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/VariableWelloffAntarcticfurseal-max-1mb.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/VariableWelloffAntarcticfurseal-max-1mb.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-right"/></a>I twisted my mouth as their ideas bubbled and popped through the air. They were not bad but none of us seemed to be sure they were foolproof and that suddenly made us doubt which caused us to second guess and keep trying. "We are gator hunting" I spoke realising I had not actually participated in the planning yet though I was the one to ask about the exits, and had just been making faces and groaning when a plan did not sound quite right. "In the bayou when we want to catch a gator what we do is wait for it to leave the water... And then jump on its back. " I said with a shrug as they seemed to just...stare? "It sounds crazy but applying that method here means we wait for them to come and grab someone but we grab them instead. Have your men waiting with us to jump out any moment and get ehm." I continued hoping to be more clear. </em></p>