Archived/Kept Threads - Timeless2024-03-29T11:29:29Zhttps://timeless.ning.com/forum/categories/archived-kept-threads/listForCategory?feed=yes&xn_auth=noEasing The Burden (Everlee and Kjiri)tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-11-27:5164310:Topic:1007082022-11-27T03:22:32.088ZEverlee Harlowhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/EverleeHarlow
<center><div style="width: 700px; height: 650px; padding: 5px; background-color: #eadbd4; outline: 3px solid #EADBD4; outline-offset: 5px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: center; margin-center: 10px;"><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4b/0a/16/4b0a1659d9f12026e4e3e182bea4d362.jpg" style="outline: 1px solid #7C362C; width: 150px; height: 150px; outline-offset: 4px; margin: 20px 20px 8px 9.5px; float: center; margin-center: 10px; object-fit: cover;"></img> <img src="http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/43000000/Nancy-Drew-1-01-Pilot-nancy-drew-cw-43057429-540-300.gif" style="outline: 1px solid #7C362C; width: 230px; height: 150px; outline-offset: 4px; margin: 4.5px 15px 8px 9.5px; float: center; margin-center: 10px; object-fit: cover;"></img> <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/474x/6e/27/54/6e2754f7a1891da57f0716f70f7de6d7.jpg" style="outline: 1px solid #7C362C; width: 150px; height: 150px; outline-offset: 4px; margin: 4.5px 11px 8px 15px; float: center; margin-center: 10px; object-fit: cover;"></img> <br></br> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 25px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px dotted #7C362C; padding-bottom: 2px; color: #7c362c;">✧ Easing The Burden ✧…</span><br></br></div>
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<center><div style="width: 700px; height: 650px; padding: 5px; background-color: #eadbd4; outline: 3px solid #EADBD4; outline-offset: 5px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: center; margin-center: 10px;"><img style="outline: 1px solid #7C362C; width: 150px; height: 150px; outline-offset: 4px; margin: 20px 20px 8px 9.5px; float: center; margin-center: 10px; object-fit: cover;" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4b/0a/16/4b0a1659d9f12026e4e3e182bea4d362.jpg"/><img style="outline: 1px solid #7C362C; width: 230px; height: 150px; outline-offset: 4px; margin: 4.5px 15px 8px 9.5px; float: center; margin-center: 10px; object-fit: cover;" src="http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/43000000/Nancy-Drew-1-01-Pilot-nancy-drew-cw-43057429-540-300.gif"/><img style="outline: 1px solid #7C362C; width: 150px; height: 150px; outline-offset: 4px; margin: 4.5px 11px 8px 15px; float: center; margin-center: 10px; object-fit: cover;" src="https://i.pinimg.com/474x/6e/27/54/6e2754f7a1891da57f0716f70f7de6d7.jpg"/> <br/> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 25px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px dotted #7C362C; padding-bottom: 2px; color: #7c362c;">✧ Easing The Burden ✧</span><br/><div style="width: 670px; height: auto; overflow: hidden; margin-top: 5px; float: left;"><div style="width: 650px; padding: 30px; line-height: 21px; height: 350px; overflow: auto; font-size: 15px; font-style: arial; text-align: Left; color: #7c362c;">Rolling out of bed Everlee gave a heavy sigh as she moved her hair back. She felt the stiffness in her body from a night of tossing and turning the questions of her birth family eating away at the pink mass that is her brain. She stared at the board that hung over her desk with leads that led nowhere. It seemed her birth mother lied about the name she had given her adoptive father. This was the one mystery that she couldn’t seem to solve in a quick manner. It was driving the overachiever mad secretly, though she should never admit that to anyone. Though nowadays she didn’t really speak to anyone outside of the diner work, and detective work she took on.<br/> <br/> Her eyes drifted to the clock out of the corner of her eye and a curse left her lips with ease. “Shiiiit.” She shifted to pull on her uniform, tossing her hair in a messy bun and down the stairs ignoring her fathers good mornings as she went out the door keys in hand. She took off through the town of Oakville to the Crab Claw dinner, which was at the edge of a lighthouse tourist attraction. She was out of the car pushing down the knob to lock the door to her adoptive mothers prize position that was left to her in her death. Looking to the car for a brief moment before hearing her boss yelling at her to get to work. <br/> <br/> “Ball buster as always.” Everlee muttered out under her breath making her way into the diner tossing her bag in her locker before making her way to her first table. Hours passed and she moved to make a cup of coffee to get her through the rest of her shift before pausing mid pour as the next person entered the diner. The glop attached to them was massive.How were they still standing. She was frozen, staring at them as she felt her bosses elbow in her side. Making her flinch, and shoot a glare at her boss. <br/> <br/> <img src="https://66.media.tumblr.com/cd239a12288b0481c049eb93b8cd2df8/9b0d5e949facfffa-e8/s540x810/c2b964913caa7148957421b0407a0340f97a4fde.gif" class="align-right"/>“Yes I got the table. Thanks for the bruise.” she said sarcastically as she moved from around the counter towards the table with her pad in her hand. “Hi, ah welcome to the Crab Claw. Can I uh help you?” her eyes locked with their shoulders again where the dark entity had made its new home. “Are you feeling okay?” she managed to add onto her statement.<br/> <br/></div>
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</center> An Unlikely Partner (Syren and Raffaele)tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-10-21:5164310:Topic:1004032022-10-21T03:19:35.326ZRaffaele Spataro - Councilhttps://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;">An Unlikely Partner</div>
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<div style="font-family: times; font-size: 12px; color: #555; letter-spacing: 2px;">He would let them drink.…</div>
<img src="https://imgur.com/B48Uuqg.png" style="float: center;"></img> <br></br>
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<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;">An Unlikely Partner</div>
<img src="https://st.depositphotos.com/25138294/55142/i/450/depositphotos_551420860-stock-photo-panoramic-view-medieval-fantasy-tavern.jpg" 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 would let them drink.</div>
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It had been nearing three days since a drenched and now ill messenger had arrived at his door carrying a torn and equally soaked parchment which was begging for his help in the hurried and emotional script on the page. A powerful noble had been robbed of his young adult daughter who was snatched from her carriage on a route home despite the guards that were by her side. A message had been sent to said noble indicating they wanted a laughable amount of money in exchange for the girl's life. The parents were of course willing to give up their fortunes for their daughter, but were currently begging the king for help in the payment. <br/> <br/> Raffaele let the stranger in and remained silent as the messenger gave everything he knew about the incident. The immediate thought that entered his mind was the young woman was already dead, but he wasn't about to pass up the opportunity of the job. Anyway, you couldn't tell a parent their child was dead unless they had proof of so or they would never give up, which meant they would find another bounty hunter to go looking and he would then be out of the money for nothing. So, Raffaele agreed to said terms to find their daughter, however grim the ending would likely be. <br/> <br/> <a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/4fd52f75ff87eee0e65f790d11f9ea9e/tumblr_inline_p8gzbgmkAZ1rpufxq_250.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/4fd52f75ff87eee0e65f790d11f9ea9e/tumblr_inline_p8gzbgmkAZ1rpufxq_250.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250" class="align-left"/></a>Currently he was in a dark tavern, surrounded by the type of persons that were capable of taking a girl without hesitation if there was any profit to be found in doing so. It seemed everyone here was either scowling, roaring in laughter from having drowned in endless cups of ale, gambling, or fighting. Some were taking their pick of the choices as well. His dark gaze landed on the reason he was there despite the commotion of it all. One of the guards for the missing daughter was here and enjoying his time with friends. After some casual questions among the surviving men who had been there that day, this one was the last he had talked to which was purposeful. Something about his behavior didn't quite sit right with him when he was announced by their employer and Raffaele had a strong indication that this was done by someone close to the family or at least someone who had helped others to pull this off. It did help that hearing the man's heartbeat begin to beat wildly out of control like a war drum when being questioned showed a strong indication Raffaele was right.<br/> <br/> The sanguine glanced up. This guard, Aldred, had three women who were being paid for their company to entertain him and the two other friends he was with. This did not come cheap and by the look of his companions, they were not nearly in any capacity to be able to pay for this type of fun. Aldred was definitely the one which was earning the most coin among them, but even still, not enough to be leisurely spending it as they were. Another good indication for Raffaele. Aldred had gotten his cut for his role in the scheme. Whoever had done this, they were experienced. This wasn't their first time doing something so brazen and high risk.<br/> <br/> He would let them drink. It made men sloppy, especially when women were added into the mix. Then he would get Aldred alone and demand more answers in the hope of finding out who the group was that had taken the girl.</div>
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</center> Déjà Vu (Michael and Madeline)tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-03-31:5164310:Topic:982912022-03-31T05:18:34.152ZMadeline Ezperanza-Colettehttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/CollieFlower
<p><span>A shake, a rattle, a break, fall and shatter; the orchestral chaos, at last, came to a jolting end as the young men trying to see and vying for Madeline's attention stumbled and ran off, leaving her with their mess. As always.</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em> </em></span><span><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">"Putian!"</span> </em>She tutts at the tip of her tongue so quietly it likely went unheard by the potential customers who surround her. She's quick to excuse herself from…</span></p>
<p><span>A shake, a rattle, a break, fall and shatter; the orchestral chaos, at last, came to a jolting end as the young men trying to see and vying for Madeline's attention stumbled and ran off, leaving her with their mess. As always.</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em> </em></span><span><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">"Putian!"</span> </em>She tutts at the tip of her tongue so quietly it likely went unheard by the potential customers who surround her. She's quick to excuse herself from the one she was explaining a piece to with a charming smile he can not see past so he is none the wiser to her gratefulness that something has pulled her away from his not so subtle advances. In no time she has the glass from the storefront window in a small pile out of everyone's way with a yellow sign nearby it to keep people further away from it which reads "slippery when wet" though the floor is perfectly dry. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I hustle to sweep up the shards of glass, I swear when I fix this window next it will be plexiglass and oh what joyous laughter will I loose when those peeping pals find the glass will not break. I catch myself smiling at my thoughts as I safely discard the glass and remove the caution sign from view. I return to my spot behind the register as opposed to the man whom I spoke with because I knew what he truly wanted and I had work to do. I begin to type and file out the paperwork of the latest biggest transactions when I hear the front bell cling wildly, I do not need to look from my screen to know who it is, but I do and I welcome them with a genuine smile and laugh at their festive croons. I greet them with hugs and ask them about their school day before I scurry them to the back so they can begin their homework in the sun in the back lounge. My smile fades to the generic charming one as the man approaches me as I approach the register once again. </em></p>
<p>"I am not sure which one I want to buy..." He tries to start a conversation "The second one." She says with a chuckle in her throat not looking his way for the moment. The silence that follows makes her chuckle faintly again as she, at last, looks him in the eyes. <a href="https://c.tenor.com/TkMlWJIq-8YAAAAC/imra-supergirl.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://c.tenor.com/TkMlWJIq-8YAAAAC/imra-supergirl.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-left"/></a>"Second time's the charm. If you had truly fallen in love with the first painting. You would not now be questioning yourself over the second." Her native Creole accent coats her words fondly as another charming smile dashes across her face only to never reach her eyes and before he even speaks again she knows where this conversation is headed, the look in his eyes told her as much. She isn't arrogant that is not what this is, nor is that an adjective used to describe her. It is just Déjà Vu where every day the same conversations are had with the same men although their faces change with the passing sun. Oh, but she is quick and clever and her silver tongue wraps her rejection in a blanket of fluff and cream so sweet the aftertaste is somehow less bitter than most, and before you know it this man is out the door with not even a name to call her by. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Not counting the children in the back, I am not alone yet, though during open hours there are always some nuisance new faces in the art store lurking about. This one breaks the Matrix curiously, as his interest does seem to purely be on the art about and not me. I relax only slightly at this revelation and allow myself to focus for a moment on some rather important paperwork I need to write up. My phone buzzes after a few minutes and we are shortly joined by my brother Brandon who complains about how this is the fifth broken window this week. "And to think it is only Wednesday..." I sigh with a sour laugh tucked at the back of my throat and before the word "plexiglass" shoots out of both of our mouths in sync. 'I'm on it.' He groans as he heads out. "If you are looking for a spot to read, write or draw the lounge out back is open to all." I finally address this newcomer in the store and let my aquamarine gaze, which swirls lightly with death's favourite shade of grey, land on him. I offer him a smile and point to the book in his hands to give some context to my words. "Of course, you can continue to study the art though; was just letting you know it was an option, <span>Monsieur."</span> </em></p> Newborn (Michael and Raffaele)tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-01-04:5164310:Topic:980352022-01-04T17:33:02.539ZRaffaele Spataro - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/RaffaeleSpataro
<p>(Cont.)</p>
<p>Raffaele gave a scoff mixed with a sarcastic laugh at Michael's response. "You have a funny way of showing gratitude, you know." His arms folded across his chest in defiance then to the human wanting him to sit down. "I guess I should've just let you bleed out and die there in that filthy alleyway. Very dignified way of going. I'm sorry I interrupted it." His maroon brown hues stayed on Michael a few more moments, but eventually he softened slightly and moved a few feet from…</p>
<p>(Cont.)</p>
<p>Raffaele gave a scoff mixed with a sarcastic laugh at Michael's response. "You have a funny way of showing gratitude, you know." His arms folded across his chest in defiance then to the human wanting him to sit down. "I guess I should've just let you bleed out and die there in that filthy alleyway. Very dignified way of going. I'm sorry I interrupted it." His maroon brown hues stayed on Michael a few more moments, but eventually he softened slightly and moved a few feet from the front of the bed. He knew he could be a bit intense sometimes, but really it was only because he wanted to solve this current problem before more began popping up over the city. It wasn't guaranteed he would be there the next time this newborn was out in an overpopulated city of ripe humans to devour. "It's not twenty questions, it's just a few key important ones. I figured you would want some justice since you nearly died and all, but if that's not really something you're interested in.."</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9981809677?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9981809677?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250" class="align-left"/></a>Time was running out. Soon the room was going to be visited by hospital staff, detectives, or both, and Raffaele didn't think trying to hold a room full of people hostage with his abilities was the right play. His eyes moved to the open doorway where people continued moving to and fro in the busy emergency room when Michael had asked him if he'd known someone who was a victim to the man who'd also attacked him. "No. Like I said. Concerned citizen." The sanguine didn't even try and make it sound more convincing because he didn't have the patience any longer now that the minutes were slipping away and his window for information was closing on him.</p>
<p>Apparently that wasn't going to sit right with Michael as the next words to leave his mouth made Raffaele smirk. "Are you seriously bargaining with me right now?" Frankly, he was a little impressed by the human's gall and strength still. He didn't answer right away, but again, he was running out of time. Even if he could use hypnosis on Michael then, it could take time to find all the information he needed, even when the human didn't realize he knew what he did. Pulling that information from his mind wasn't simple if the conscious didn't know what it was supposed to be looking for. Raffaele finally conceded in annoyance. "Fine." </p>
<p>A few minutes later and the sanguine was rolling a rickety wheelchair into the room with a pile of clothes that he'd <em>borrowed</em> from a neighboring patient that would have to make do. "Get changed. I'll be right outside the door. Just open up when you're ready." Raffaele didn't particularly like this idea at all, but it was the best option for now. Closing the door behind him, he put his back against the heavy wood and folded his arms again as if he was guarding something precious on the other side. It didn't take long for the nurse from before to come over and when she came close enough, Raffaele caught her blue optics in his. His head softly shook from side to side. A very simple gesture, but the woman stopped where she was and swayed for just a brief moment as if suddenly forgetting why she was at the door. With a confused look, the nurse turned and went back to the desk, making him sigh. "Regretting this already," he mumbled lowly, trying to silently will everyone away from the room.</p> Death Finds Us All (Brandon and Rana)tag:timeless.ning.com,2021-06-10:5164310:Topic:950132021-06-10T13:24:56.700ZBrandon LeCreaux - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/BrandonLeCreaux
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He had grown used to this lifestyle after many years. He felt the vibration run through him as the name appeared upon the scroll. His hand slipped into the inner pocket of his jacket and unrolled it. ‘Tyler Leon, Age 35, Estimated time of death 1:13pm, Time Square.’ Brandon gave a snort from his nose and looked up to the time. Twenty more minutes? It was strange to get such short notice on a death. He rolled the scroll back up and began to walk to Time…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He had grown used to this lifestyle after many years. He felt the vibration run through him as the name appeared upon the scroll. His hand slipped into the inner pocket of his jacket and unrolled it. ‘Tyler Leon, Age 35, Estimated time of death 1:13pm, Time Square.’ Brandon gave a snort from his nose and looked up to the time. Twenty more minutes? It was strange to get such short notice on a death. He rolled the scroll back up and began to walk to Time Square. He wasn’t far from it, The reasons to be in New York lately were high. Death was busy in the city.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His eyes scanned the crowd around, landing on the male that made his sixth sense tingle like crazy. Hot Dog vender. “Damn shame.” He muttered as he moved closer to the man. He stood and line noticed the name on the badge was Tyler and sighed internally louder to himself. As the line moved he was in front of the man and gave an easy smile. “Tyler? Tyler Leon? Man it's been years. It's Brandon from middle school. Don’t you remember me?” He said casually as if he was meeting an old friend when he had never met this man in his life.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Ah, Sorry Man, I don't remember you.” The hot dog vender said “Did you want a dog?” He seemed annoyed. Which made Brandon want to reap his soul and get out of there. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Well man, no, no dog. It’s been good to see you.” He reached out and patted his arm pulling his soul out as he stepped out of line and crossed the street. He looked at his watch and when 1:13pm hit he looked up to see a piece of glass that was being lifted into place slip from its hold and the glass landed upon Tyler shattering. The panic that ran through the crowd made him sigh as he turned to look at the soul of the man beside him. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/89e77d30456dc636cb7bef142ee4e035/21cdc3bd8f21ba55-69/s250x400/ac8a46754180d954f428f369ca19cdb81897977b.gifv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/89e77d30456dc636cb7bef142ee4e035/21cdc3bd8f21ba55-69/s250x400/ac8a46754180d954f428f369ca19cdb81897977b.gifv?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a>“What happened?” Tyler soul asked.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Well you died, mate.” Brandon replied as he turned back to watch the panic on others' faces. “I pulled your soul so you didn’t feel pain.” He said softer as he turned to start leading Tyler soul away from the area. When the buzz from his pocket came again. “Another one?” He questioned reaching to pull out his scroll. “Follow me.” He said to Tyler Soul as he started walking looking around for the next person that appeared on his list.</span></p> Uncharted Waters (Dante and Rana)tag:timeless.ning.com,2021-06-09:5164310:Topic:950052021-06-09T14:27:12.672ZDante Tristan Waylandhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/DanteTristanWayland
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9068054476?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9068054476?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250"></img></a> It was hot. Not that it wasn't something Dante was used to since he'd taken to the seas for a good part of a couple of hundred years now. His focus was continuing on where the Knights of the Round had left off and before the Knight's Templar had gone astray from their true mission once greed and the church had taken hold of its core. Finding the dangerous…</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9068054476?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9068054476?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250" class="align-left"/></a>It was hot. Not that it wasn't something Dante was used to since he'd taken to the seas for a good part of a couple of hundred years now. His focus was continuing on where the Knights of the Round had left off and before the Knight's Templar had gone astray from their true mission once greed and the church had taken hold of its core. Finding the dangerous magical artifacts of the world had been his purpose now in life. It was a long life to endure after all and he might as well make use of it. Dwelling in the nature of his curse and immortal life was a pastime that he couldn't let consume him any longer than it did those many hundreds of years ago. He knew she wouldn't want him to. </p>
<p>His boots walked heavily through the streets of the crowded market, wiping his brow from the sweat that dared to fall over his dark eyes. He looked to the road he had just been directed down which led away from town. It seemed the chase to find this woman would never end and it had taken the better part of a month already attempting to locate her. She had certainly made herself scarce to the world and whispers and rumors had finally brought him as close as he was now in finally getting to her. He didn't dare attempt going after this next hunt without her and her rumored expertise. Without this <em>seer</em>, it could mean the death of his crew.</p>
<p>Dante placed a boot into the stirrup of the mount he'd purchased during this extended stay on the coastal island off Italy and urged the animal ahead. With any luck, he'd be able to convince the woman to join him and his men and they could be sailing the next morning. Each passing day that he remained on dry land only heightened his worry of not being closer to the volatile artifact he was chasing across the ocean.</p> A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Forum (Lena and Madeline)tag:timeless.ning.com,2021-05-30:5164310:Topic:946582021-05-30T22:58:06.593ZMadeline Ezperanza-Colettehttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/CollieFlower
<p style="text-align: center;">Wait until dark, that was their rule because Madeline's life was messy and chaotic and she did not want to drag Lena down or right back into a triggering situation. As it was, Lena did not even know the full truth about her ever evasive best friend and the myriad of groups and people who wanted Madeline each for selfish and likely sick reasons. If Lena knew the whole unfiltered truth she would go on a murdering spree and not only did Madeline not want some of…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Wait until dark, that was their rule because Madeline's life was messy and chaotic and she did not want to drag Lena down or right back into a triggering situation. As it was, Lena did not even know the full truth about her ever evasive best friend and the myriad of groups and people who wanted Madeline each for selfish and likely sick reasons. If Lena knew the whole unfiltered truth she would go on a murdering spree and not only did Madeline not want some of these people dead, because she would not be able to handle their loss, she did not want to ever be the cause of violence or anything of the like. Madeline drew in a whistling breath as she rubbed her eyes after staring at paperwork all morning. She leaned her elbows on her desk continuing to rub her eyes in a restless frustration over the days work and it was only morning, her father had not even come downstairs to the art gallery yet. With a quick moment of gathering herself again, she blinked and focused on the man vying for her attention trying to talk about an art piece as a means to try and talk to her, she blankly peered at him as he spoke at her. A charming smile that never reached her eyes lighting up her face when he finally let her speak, he did not get her number but she got his money. All Madeline had to do was show him her favourite pieces and like a moth, to a flame, he bought every one hoping it would impress her; it did not. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I locked the door behind him as I ushered him out because even though we had just opened I needed a break. Or at least a moment to breathe until my dad came down to help me; my head shifts towards my phone as it blinks indicating I had missed a call but it had not even rung, to begin with. I frowned as I checked who had called realising it was Lena, I checked her message and chuckled because as per usual she was playfully livid I had missed her call. More importantly, she was coming home and she was demanding I be there but did she answer my call when I called her back? No. I rolled my eyes as I checked the date, she was kind enough to give me time to get away from everyone without drawing too much attention and I could finish some of the paperwork I was behind on. </em></p>
<p>The warm sun streamed through the window and danced against Madeline's face. It stirred her awake and she groaned sitting up with her head in a daze and her vision a haze; Jetlag was beating her up and winning because she was tired and fatigued. She sat at the edge of the bed and cracked open the window as she took a breath as listened to the world, felt the cold floor under her feet, the warm Cali sun against her face and the vastly different sounds of outside. The world away from Nawlins was very different and Madeline could not decide if that was good or bad to her. With Lena being a musician the acoustics in her home were important and that made this one of Madeline's favourite places away from nature. Madeline made her way to the living room glancing at the time with a forward of her brow because Lena was late and unless something had happened this was unlike her. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I laid on the floor taking in the vibrations of all the subtle sounds around me and closed my eyes. At this point, with how late she was arriving I was now waiting for her call from a jail cell asking me to bail her out which I would do in a heartbeat. My mind wandered as I waited to try to remember the last time I had seen Le, how long had it been? Was it Brandon's funeral? Was it Artemis's? Or was it when we both got arrested? I let out an exasperated groan as I racked my mind and rubbed my face in vexation because I prided myself on remembering these things but my mind was tired, I was tired. A split-second thought and I wondered was it due to my flower slowly dying? Or was it me affecting the flower by pushing myself too hard? <a href="https://media.tenor.com/images/ee083bceb2fd31ee3b9fd8bba592726c/tenor.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://media.tenor.com/images/ee083bceb2fd31ee3b9fd8bba592726c/tenor.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left"/></a>My thoughts were obstructed by the sound of the front door open and close causing me to sit up with wide eyes unable to control how brightly I smiled, I did not want to anyway. I shot to my feet "Lena!" I said in excitement and slight surprise as I jogged right into her arms for a tight hug. "I thought you got arrested... Again!" I chuckled out as we naturally rocked to and fro in the hug before pulling back to squint at her "why are you late?" </em></p> Blood is warmer than Wine. (Lena and Vice)tag:timeless.ning.com,2021-05-22:5164310:Topic:946302021-05-22T01:47:57.429ZVicehttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/Vice
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>"Wine is sunlight, held together by water." ~ Galileo Galilei.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>And so, Vice stopped running for just a moment. And suddenly she, at last, noticed the difference in the world. The time that had passed. The pain. The loss. The sacrifices. But it was just a moment because running was all she could do. …</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>"Wine is sunlight, held together by water." ~ Galileo Galilei.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>And so, Vice stopped running for just a moment. And suddenly she, at last, noticed the difference in the world. The time that had passed. The pain. The loss. The sacrifices. But it was just a moment because running was all she could do. <a href="https://img.wattpad.com/f697cc10233209ec2d2433a74fb7fb687c9fbb72/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f735a443978324b395f4b614a37673d3d2d3530393232353930352e313530376166313831643331363238613233333032333837323232392e676966" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://img.wattpad.com/f697cc10233209ec2d2433a74fb7fb687c9fbb72/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f735a443978324b395f4b614a37673d3d2d3530393232353930352e313530376166313831643331363238613233333032333837323232392e676966?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="300" class="align-center"/></a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The warm wind wrapped around Artie as she laid on the wine cellar floor. Watching the sun peak through the cracks in a barn-like roof. Italy was beautiful. And here Artemis was free. Free from her family the Dracula's. Free from putting her other family The Gypsies in danger. The only downside was no one could know where she was. If she was okay or alive. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"Hey! This shipment came with a letter for Ya!"</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Theo's voice echoed. Swirled around the room like fresh wine in a glass. She sat up and forwarded hed brow. Who would know how to contact her? She was on her feet and at Theo's side in a flash. He jumped "I'll never get used to that."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"Sorry."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She plucked the letter from his fingers. The scent of everyone who'd handled it wafting into the air and hitting her senses. Theo. Luna. Lily. Selina. Madeline. There was another scent there. One she didn't recognise but it was faint. Nothing to worry about. She perked up now knowing this letter was from Madeline. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"Twenty years." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A sad huff passed her lips. When she pushed Maddie away. She really hadn't realised how much time had passed since the twenties until now. She opened the letter but her mind wandered as a sharp breeze twisted through her hair before she could read the words. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She snapped back to the present with a sad look in her eyes. "It happened again. The Wind gave you another warning." Theo looked at Artie but she didn't reply. Instead, she leaned on a barrel of wine and let her emerald eyes focus. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Time was short now. The letter had taken longer than Madeline probably knew it would to reach Artie. Sending a reply in the same fashion would take too long. And the favor Maddie was asking for would've been missed. So she wrote her reply. Held her hand to the sky. And let The Wind take it away. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She was happy to hear from her old best friend. Relieved she was alive. Happy she was well. And glad she had found a new best friend to take her place. Unlike most who might be jealous. Artie wanted Maddie to still be distant even though they now had this new open line of communication. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At last, the date of the favor arrived. And Artie went to the small-town pier to be sure to greet her personally. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Madeline had described Lena to a T in her letter. Going beyond just appearance. But personal style and demeanor too! Which made her easy to spot. Though to be honest there weren't many people at this small Boat port anyway. It was the only one that sailed into Tuscany. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/a2893fb5e6e749f8eaff6659bc5a9458/tumblr_pirmxl0H1j1xs5njio1_400.gifv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/a2893fb5e6e749f8eaff6659bc5a9458/tumblr_pirmxl0H1j1xs5njio1_400.gifv?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left"/></a>The Wind swirled around Lena gently. Lovingly. Drawing her attention to Artemis. Who despite having never met Lena. And only just learned of her existence days ago. Had the biggest heartwarming smile spread across her face as she waved. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"Vice."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She never said her real name in public anymore. Something she included in her letter back to Maddie so they could both be aware. She helped her with her bags. Even if she didn't need it and guided her out. "Madeline wasn't lying when she called you stunning." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"Now to get home. We could take The Wind." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">She glanced at Lena with a mischievous look in her eyes.</p> Secret Training. (Cillian and Nerissa)tag:timeless.ning.com,2021-05-20:5164310:Topic:944382021-05-20T01:08:43.940ZNerissa Ironspringhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/NerissaIronspring
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So the deal had been made between Cillian and Nerissa. Devon second in command of the rogues would train her to fight and be a better rogue in secret. She knew if Devon knew about this he would be upset she was doing it behind his back, or even trying to be an active member of the rogues vs an honorary member. She just couldn’t stand the idea that she couldn’t fight off an attacker. She barely made it out alive when Kyan -that dick- got his hands on her. She…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So the deal had been made between Cillian and Nerissa. Devon second in command of the rogues would train her to fight and be a better rogue in secret. She knew if Devon knew about this he would be upset she was doing it behind his back, or even trying to be an active member of the rogues vs an honorary member. She just couldn’t stand the idea that she couldn’t fight off an attacker. She barely made it out alive when Kyan -that dick- got his hands on her. She hadn’t even been able to talk about that too much with Devon. She didn’t want to worry him more then he already was.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://img.wattpad.com/b2105796f5a7f32d8fa44b25703ca92cbccfe3b7/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f464b62736970435655426c7654673d3d2d3432322e313533313638613766396234343563303338333634323130393934312e676966" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://img.wattpad.com/b2105796f5a7f32d8fa44b25703ca92cbccfe3b7/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f464b62736970435655426c7654673d3d2d3432322e313533313638613766396234343563303338333634323130393934312e676966?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-right"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So why not seek help from the other person in the rogues she had a bond with. She had been able to connect with Cillian a little easier knowing he wasn’t all human. Later learning he was a lupine. After parting ways after making the deal Nixie managed to get bathed and to bed. Before morning came she was up and in clothes to train in that wasn’t a dress. She looked at the outfit for a moment. It was gifted to her and one she wasn’t sure she would ever wear it but here she is.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She made her way out to the forest line calling to a crow and asking it to keep look out for Devon and then she moved towards a small clearing. She sat on the ground and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath in and listening to the world around her. She pressed her hands together and started a small flame between her hands and held it there between her palms keeping it contained as she waited on him.</span></p> Man's Best Friend (Devon and Cillian)tag:timeless.ning.com,2021-05-19:5164310:Topic:944272021-05-19T20:25:54.463ZDevon Sawyer - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/Devon
<p>Devon pulled the leather hood up around his head a little more as the cooler autumn air swirled about. It wasn't so much for the temperature that caused him to adjust his coat, but more that he was hoping to remain unseen. This wasn't exactly a town they were not known in. In fact, the last time they were here, they'd left a very angry baron screaming for his men to have them caught and hanged less than a year ago. It had led to a chase through the town until they'd finally escaped in the…</p>
<p>Devon pulled the leather hood up around his head a little more as the cooler autumn air swirled about. It wasn't so much for the temperature that caused him to adjust his coat, but more that he was hoping to remain unseen. This wasn't exactly a town they were not known in. In fact, the last time they were here, they'd left a very angry baron screaming for his men to have them caught and hanged less than a year ago. It had led to a chase through the town until they'd finally escaped in the woods after Devon drew the guards away from the rest of the Rogues. Later they learned the baron had threatened the lives of the workers on his land if there was ever any missing goods from the granary, and they would be blamed for it. The field worker they'd asked to help felt trapped and scared for his family, eventually tipping off the guards that the Rogues were coming. Devon couldn't blame the man. Had he'd known what the baron had promised to do should any of the stock was gone, he would've never continued in the plan.</p>
<p>"Can't believe you convinced me to come back here, Cillian," he mumbled as they walked to the nearest tavern. His eyes darted everywhere for a hint of the men who'd been after them last time. "You should've left the damn necklace. That girl you were with probably sold it by now. I know I would've." Devon and his men had stayed in the small town the last time they were here before pulling off the job on the baron's land and Cillian had made friendly with one of the girls at the brothel. His friend swore up and down he took the necklace off at some point during his time with her, but Devon had already bet him a good amount of coin she'd taken it from him while he was too focused on other worldly pleasures. He couldn't wait to find out who was going to win this bet.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8946554481?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8946554481?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="250" class="align-left"/></a>Stepping into the tavern, it was fairly lively as it had been the last time they were there. With a quick scan of the place, it looked like just the townsfolk were there and none of the kind that wanted their heads. They moved to a table in the back where he finally felt comfortable enough to push his hood back and order some food and ale from the girl that passed by. He nodded at some of the girls that wandered the place, noting they were the ones you'd find in a brothel. They were on the hunt for some patrons for the night and most of the eyes in the room were on them. "You see your lover anywhere," he teased, slouching back in his chair with a smirk. </p>