Stay With Me [Ciara & Dimitri] - Timeless2024-03-28T15:21:30Zhttps://timeless.ning.com/forum/topics/stay-with-me-ciara-dimitri?commentId=5164310%3AComment%3A99606&x=1&feed=yes&xn_auth=noThis certainly was not the re…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-12-27:5164310:Comment:1042352023-12-27T08:54:58.163ZDimitri Ezperanza-Colettehttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/DimitriEsperanzaColette
<p>This certainly was not the reunion he had imagined a thousand times over; in some cases, this was probably a better scenario than some of the ones his mind thought up when it was lost in the dark. This was going well... too well, in fact, he began to question it. Starting with the sudden question of if this was even real. Was this another trick from the Matrion? Was this a dream? A plot to get him to get the Banshees something only an Eternal could? Was this moment even happening at all? Yet…</p>
<p>This certainly was not the reunion he had imagined a thousand times over; in some cases, this was probably a better scenario than some of the ones his mind thought up when it was lost in the dark. This was going well... too well, in fact, he began to question it. Starting with the sudden question of if this was even real. Was this another trick from the Matrion? Was this a dream? A plot to get him to get the Banshees something only an Eternal could? Was this moment even happening at all? Yet the moment her finger Jabbed his chest his mind emptied itself of all its clouded thoughts just to hear her. Allowing her words to destroy the stormcloud above his head just as they always did. He could not help but lay his hand on top of hers for the moment knowing she would pull away. "Guess I forgot to look there when I forgot that giving you my heart was a figure of speech." A soft chuckle breathed out of his chest and he could see the bartender silently critique his words from the corner of his eyes.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="https://media.tenor.com/7QYtkyr8UDUAAAAC/ben-barnes.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://media.tenor.com/7QYtkyr8UDUAAAAC/ben-barnes.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-right"/></a>"I shall give you fair warning to plot but only if you tell me your story at the same time." The edges of my lips curled upwards faintly but quickly dropped seeing her tear. My breath softly hitched... she was still in there somewhere... the woman I fell in love with. While it was very evident before this that she still cared one could never initially know how deep that care went. My hand rose to brush it away but was beaten to it as she clearly wished to avoid this altogether and changed the subject as she wiped the rogue off her face. I would not push it, I had gotten quite far with her today it seems, and did not want to ruin it. We had all the time in the world suddenly but it was a hard concept for me to accept immediately. I would need time to convince myself she was here to stay and time to believe she would not be stolen again. I will not let that happen, not after the first time. I would - did she day dance?</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">He stumbled after her as she dragged him to the dance floor immediately seizing up once they arrived. When was the last time he danced? His brain thought but no answer was given causing him yet again to curse himself for having such a rotten relationship with Maddie. Theirs was one that when the opportunity arose to have a father-daughter dance they were never present or able... and by they it was namely him. Still, he could refuse Ciara there was very little he could refuse in regard to her and that alone was dangerous even with the circumstances now. He took a breath and loosened up as he gazed at her. "It's been... awhile... so I am rather rusty." </p> Stay With Me
“Oh this? I sch…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-07-18:5164310:Comment:1037902023-07-18T16:53:21.948ZCiara Devlin - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/CiaraDevlin
<center><div style="border: 10px double #4082B0; width: 700px; height: 800px; background-color: #000;"><div style="margin-bottom: 18px; margin-top: 10px; color: #4082b0; font-family: times; font-size: 25px; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 3px; font-style: italic;">Stay With Me</div>
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<div style="font-family: times; font-size: 14px; color: #4082b0; letter-spacing: 2px;">“Oh this? I scheduled to cry today, it just came early”…</div>
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<center><div style="border: 10px double #4082B0; width: 700px; height: 800px; background-color: #000;"><div style="margin-bottom: 18px; margin-top: 10px; color: #4082b0; font-family: times; font-size: 25px; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 3px; font-style: italic;">Stay With Me</div>
<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/0f/21/37/0f213767fae633d7a2b9c9ff94b7e310.jpg" style="border-radius: 100%; border: 5px solid #4082B0; border-top: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: center; height: 200px!important; margin: 0!important; object-fit: cover; width: 200px!important;"/><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/8b/9e/39/8b9e390b1c32a1c83d5530259ab430a0.jpg" style="border-radius: 100%; border: 5px solid #4082B0; border-bottom: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: center; height: 200px!important; margin: 0!important; object-fit: cover; width: 200px!important;"/><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/e6/90/b4/e690b4066cb10a548027b86032da737c.jpg" style="border-radius: 100%; border: 5px solid #4082B0; border-top: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: center; height: 200px!important; margin: 0!important; object-fit: cover; width: 200px!important;"/><br/>
<div style="font-family: times; font-size: 14px; color: #4082b0; letter-spacing: 2px;">“Oh this? I scheduled to cry today, it just came early”</div>
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<br/> The question she asked seemed to have dazed him, put him in some kind of trance; yet, what could she expect? She is asking him to recount many, many years of history and in such little time. Ciara was sure that his life probably had the same, if not more drama and action than her history of being with The Matron. But through her blurring gaze, Ciara could tell that the simple question had triggered a waterfall of overwhelming emotion from him, and if she felt like she was drowning from his unseen memories, the likelihood was, he was too. She finished her glass, and instead of filling that up, it was easier to neck the bottle instead; the final, strong gulp had her shivering, her lips raspberrying at the taste and strength of the alcohol. <br/> <br/>She swivelled on her stool to get a better look at him as he attempted to find the right words for her; it would appear that she was scowling at him, frowning even, but truth be told… She was seeing him triple. Which, being a selfish lover as she was, that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. “You never lost me, dummy. I would have been, and was always, right” She prodded a finger into the centre of his chest. “Right there. You just forgot to look is all” Ciara shrugged with a crooked smile. “Tell me you want to tell me in advance so I get popcorn, alcohol, comfy clothing for the long story” She grinned. .<br/> <br/> The music roared around them, and their energy did not match those around and behind them, she was surprised the barmen hadn’t politely requested for them to leave before they turn this place into a funeral. Her grin faltered slightly, perhaps out of nervousness but it did the moment he took her fingers within his own; his apology tempted her eyes to water, and dared them to overflow. “Sorry for what? Me doing my job?” She shook her head. “Women died in that house more than I can count, that’s not your fault” She reassured him, but nodded slightly in recognition of his apology; a tell tell sign that her human, secured self hadn’t been completely destroyed by her crazy. <br/> <br/> <a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f01f30b07866b09bc695f6a13abe4cfa/9abc3554842e8189-eb/s400x600/ec8b153cc3c3efa3219c6fb568f57806612a44a6.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f01f30b07866b09bc695f6a13abe4cfa/9abc3554842e8189-eb/s400x600/ec8b153cc3c3efa3219c6fb568f57806612a44a6.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-left"/></a>A tear did dare flow and run down her cheek, which she swiftly swept away with her palm. “Oh this? I scheduled to cry today, it just came early” Ciara mused and grinned as he noted the wine bottles. “You never could, slow poke” She drawled and stood, hooking her arm through his; they were going to dance.</div>
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</center> "Time has never liked me, I a…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-05-02:5164310:Comment:1032262023-05-02T04:25:56.798ZDimitri Ezperanza-Colettehttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/DimitriEsperanzaColette
<p>"Time has never liked me, I am sure I could prove it." he chuckled and in one fell swoop his drink was gone and he did not even process that it was at first until the bartender was topping him off. Maybe he should sit he thought so he did, as a snort escaped him at her timeless joke, which lead to him humming as he thought about the next thing she said. It was he who was picking at the peanuts now wishing he could say he avoided every war that had passed since the day she died. Could he even…</p>
<p>"Time has never liked me, I am sure I could prove it." he chuckled and in one fell swoop his drink was gone and he did not even process that it was at first until the bartender was topping him off. Maybe he should sit he thought so he did, as a snort escaped him at her timeless joke, which lead to him humming as he thought about the next thing she said. It was he who was picking at the peanuts now wishing he could say he avoided every war that had passed since the day she died. Could he even be honest in telling her that he had been drowning in grief since that day and that it crippled him from doing important responsibilities like caring for his mental health or caring for their daughter? That was another topic he had his doubts they could not speak on just yet, Madeline was a sensitive topic and he could understand why but thinking of her now made him suddenly realize just how dreadful of a father he had been to her. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I was so blind because all these decades Maddie was reaching into the dark pool of grief and always dragging me out and every time I would slap her away. Sometimes even drag her in with me and leave her there to drown... In her grief alone and yet she was always the only one to make it out. I took a very heavy breath realizing this and sipped my drink letting the cool smooth liquid burn on the way down. "I wish I could tell you." I huffed out honestly as I stared at the bartop and chewed the inside of my cheek. "Everything just seems a giant blur because I admittedly did not handle... Losing you well." I say softly below the chatter and music but know she heard me. "I know I did a lot of things I regret. Things I remember, things that come back to me, things I will never recall. " I say a bit louder than everything said before this as I look up and towards the liquor lined up on the back wall. I finish off my drink and the bartender is there to fill me up again so I silently thank him with a curt nod. "Maybe as time goes on I can bring myself to share it all with you."</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://gifdb.com/images/high/ben-barnes-looking-up-5l4bgc98z2i1kuvb.gif" target="_blank"><img src="https://gifdb.com/images/high/ben-barnes-looking-up-5l4bgc98z2i1kuvb.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left"/></a>He sits there silently for a few minutes nursing his drink before setting it down slightly stern. It took a second and namely because he did not want her to see the shame in his gaze as he looked at her, so he waited until his gaze was clear to do so. He took her in for a moment and unknowingly a small and yet still sad smile formed at the corner of his lips. Hesitantly he took her hand that was nearest him and his small smile faded "I am sorry." he said seriously like there was nothing more important in the world to be said at this moment. "I am sorry I could not keep you safe and protect you as I should have," he said with a frown as he kept his head down. He played with her delicate fingers and avoided her eyes. Eventually turning back to the bar and set her hand free convincing himself that she did not want him touching her anymore before counting the empty wine bottles on the bar. He groaned "I am never catching up to you!" he gently chuckled out to lighten the mood again. </p> The glass of wine appeared to…tag:timeless.ning.com,2023-02-24:5164310:Comment:1015842023-02-24T17:38:01.165ZCiara Devlin - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/CiaraDevlin
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The glass of wine appeared to be bottomless, and she had forgotten just how many glasses she had consumed; the only known fact was the bottle of wine or two that sat just in front of her. Her perfectly painted nails picked at the nuts which sat in the bowl on top of the bar, to which the barman continued to top up. Ciara wondered just how much she would need to drink to prevent him from serving her any further; and despite not having an ulterior motive, she…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The glass of wine appeared to be bottomless, and she had forgotten just how many glasses she had consumed; the only known fact was the bottle of wine or two that sat just in front of her. Her perfectly painted nails picked at the nuts which sat in the bowl on top of the bar, to which the barman continued to top up. Ciara wondered just how much she would need to drink to prevent him from serving her any further; and despite not having an ulterior motive, she wouldn’t be shy to threaten him with death should he decline her. The noise surrounding her was loud enough to drown out the Elders within her mind and for that she was thankful, although they would have known better to bark orders at her this evening, but on the other hand, murder may just energise her and remind her of who she was until this latest mission of killing her alive and kicking beloved.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The last few weeks created havoc behind her eyes as she forced herself to think of all the actions and conversations which took place to have her sit here in the sour<a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/b585b1015955c953e519a6fba8f2f1a8/4c2fda71cd1ead9a-3f/s540x810/a9c786bc7c13a39d89d09fc30b112c3b910e1ef1.gifv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/b585b1015955c953e519a6fba8f2f1a8/4c2fda71cd1ead9a-3f/s540x810/a9c786bc7c13a39d89d09fc30b112c3b910e1ef1.gifv?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right" width="282" height="219"/></a> mood that encompassed her. What a mess her life had been and not only that, how much of a life she has missed because of The Matron’s desire to keep her on a tightened leash to do her evil bidding to the world; and with that, Cici considered what her life would be like now that there was an element of freedom and time to do as she pleased. “Fab” She grinned widely and clapped her hands together as a new bottle appeared before her until a shiver ran down her spine at the newly found presence to her left. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Welcome to the Timeless society we live in” Ciara mused into glass as she finally gained insight to the phrase and how The Eternals truly messed with time. “It doesn’t look like time has been that much of a friend to you, the grey hairs are showing” The wine had added a lightness to her tone, playfulness teasing the atmosphere around them. Perhaps now The Elders have drowned out, she could attempt to have some form of adult conversation with the man who captured her heart. “What have you been doing all these years?” She slid the bowl of nuts towards him to share. </span></p> Laying in this brief wait was…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-11-30:5164310:Comment:1006362022-11-30T00:07:05.999ZDimitri Ezperanza-Colettehttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/DimitriEsperanzaColette
<p>Laying in this brief wait was torture because he did not expect the truth out of The Matron everything but in fact. So when the truth spewed from her mouth he felt like a minor victory had been won and shifted softly but that was soon dashed against the rocks when she uttered "too slippery for her to stay with you or I...". Now that piqued his interest. For so long he was so consumed by grief and despair that it blinded him and now that his vision was clearing he was picking up on all the…</p>
<p>Laying in this brief wait was torture because he did not expect the truth out of The Matron everything but in fact. So when the truth spewed from her mouth he felt like a minor victory had been won and shifted softly but that was soon dashed against the rocks when she uttered "too slippery for her to stay with you or I...". Now that piqued his interest. For so long he was so consumed by grief and despair that it blinded him and now that his vision was clearing he was picking up on all the things that should have been obvious. He was in slight disbelief even hearing her say those words so clearly, there was no way this was planned. That from the beginning The Matron had Ciara and Madeline murdered just to dig her nails into them. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I could not allow myself to fall into the darkness of those thoughts, at least, not now. "W... What!?" I blink and stutter at Ciara's words, shivering in disgust at her implications. I opened my mouth to deny it but alas she was gone, stormed off like the dark cloud she had become. "That I did." I shot back at The Matron because I was perfectly fine with Cici deciding she needed space. I ran my hands through my hair and took a much needed deep breath after The Matron left. I looked around needing a drink but all I had was wine and that certainly was not strong enough and I did not want to head to the pub but buying a bottle from the local liquor shop seemed perfect. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/37/f2/51/37f251476778ace6a652a33ff1e1efe6.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/37/f2/51/37f251476778ace6a652a33ff1e1efe6.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left"/></a>He took his time strolling to the liquor shop so he could try and clear his head but he was worried and confused. He was worried about where Ciara might have gone off to and confused about what The Matron said back there. He gazed through each storefront window as he passed by until he passes the local pub and spots her blonde hair at the bar. He contemplates if he should leave her be or go in deciding on the latter as he approaches and orders a cognac on the rocks. He sits beside her in silence and drinks "back where we started it seems mon amour, sitting at a bar in pure awkward silence." he says above the music and crowd around them. </p> In truth, Ciara didn't know w…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-08-30:5164310:Comment:996062022-08-30T16:31:53.180ZCiara Devlin - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/CiaraDevlin
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In truth, Ciara didn't know what she wanted or who she actually was. She knew that she had never been alone - physically speaking; from Quinn in the Brothel to her<a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/842bc97e824aa3b7256b9a3aa453d21a/cbfe567d987c8c3e-69/s540x810/9644f0e6f31e824e66b68faf5aa366e26814f8d3.gifv" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" height="232" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/842bc97e824aa3b7256b9a3aa453d21a/cbfe567d987c8c3e-69/s540x810/9644f0e6f31e824e66b68faf5aa366e26814f8d3.gifv?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="330"></img></a> untimely death to living in Hallows Hill Manor with The Matron and The Sisterhood. And so, if she walked out…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In truth, Ciara didn't know what she wanted or who she actually was. She knew that she had never been alone - physically speaking; from Quinn in the Brothel to her<a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/842bc97e824aa3b7256b9a3aa453d21a/cbfe567d987c8c3e-69/s540x810/9644f0e6f31e824e66b68faf5aa366e26814f8d3.gifv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/842bc97e824aa3b7256b9a3aa453d21a/cbfe567d987c8c3e-69/s540x810/9644f0e6f31e824e66b68faf5aa366e26814f8d3.gifv?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right" width="330" height="232"/></a> untimely death to living in Hallows Hill Manor with The Matron and The Sisterhood. And so, if she walked out that door, how on Earth would she survive out there alone? The thought infuriated her that she wasn't capable of being alone in the world, the lack of experience was alarming. Ultimately, there were two options for her at that moment, live harmoniously with The Matron and Dimi or battle it out there in the real world not knowing how to do the basics; such as paying bills or merging with society and making Friends. Ciara pinched the bridge of her nose, she was too powerful and well… crazy to play the victim here; arguably, too stubborn too. Also, she was dead for crying out loud, fitting in with normal society was not possible. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ciara glanced between the two, just as her hand fell upon the door handle; there was a truth somewhere that The Matron had to share before Dimi would enter this agreement to her flexible freedom. In truth, Ciara probably knew that Maddie was her daughter; it was undeniable that the two had a connection when Maddie took her to a different dimension of visions or whatever it was. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Matron locked her grey gaze with Ciara; a smirk twitching at the corner of her lips.</span> <i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The Eternal has not lied to you, My Dear Petal. Madeline is your daughter”</span></i> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The Matron paused, her tongue pushed against the inner side of her cheek.</span> <i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She died with you, but alas… Too slippery for her to stay with you or I in the Eternal Life of Death” </span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ciara nodded and glanced down to her fingers and slowly nodded. “And this is the only secret the two of you share? Perhaps it’s</span> <i><span style="font-weight: 400;">you</span></i> <span style="font-weight: 400;">I should be getting jealous of” Ciara was really grasping at straws here as she accused The Matron and Dimitri having an emotional affair and in that moment, she huffed and stormed out of the apartment. For the first time in her second lifespan, she decided to take herself to get a drink; an innocent drink without an ulterior motive. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The smoke was heavy in the bar and she slid through the mass of bodies with ease; ordering a glass of wine to which she stared into the bottom of. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>–----- </strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Matron’s smile grew watching her Child storm out of the apartment and she turned to The Eternal with a mocking grin.</span> <i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“You wanted her to have freedom.” </span></i> <span style="font-weight: 400;">She tsk’ed under her breath and left the building also; she had other children to look after, after all. </span></p> Dimitri squinted his eyes at…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-07-14:5164310:Comment:988782022-07-14T05:47:27.380ZDimitri Ezperanza-Colettehttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/DimitriEsperanzaColette
<p>Dimitri squinted his eyes at The Matron's mockery as he was not only sure he was older than her but also unsure about if she was trying to gaslight him. This was the first he had heard of the Banshee's being linked to The Eternals and his king but the more he thought on the matter the more he realized just how out of touch he was with his own kind, or everyone in fact. His mind had been consumed by grief and fear for so long that he fell out of touch with reality itself. Today had been a…</p>
<p>Dimitri squinted his eyes at The Matron's mockery as he was not only sure he was older than her but also unsure about if she was trying to gaslight him. This was the first he had heard of the Banshee's being linked to The Eternals and his king but the more he thought on the matter the more he realized just how out of touch he was with his own kind, or everyone in fact. His mind had been consumed by grief and fear for so long that he fell out of touch with reality itself. Today had been a very grounding and sobering day thus far and it was still only morning. He sipped his drink as The Matron continued on and it made him remember Quinn and that remembrance made him wonder who was worse? They both seemed to have their pros and cons and both required Ciara to keep a body count. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I should have run away with her back then even if it meant we spent the rest of our time on the run. We would have figured it out, had Madeline, and been happy as fugitives. I let out a heavy sigh at my thoughts though it seemed it was to The Matron's words and shook my head, swirling my drink around my cup. If I asked Cici how she was holding up, how she felt about this all if she was okay?<a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://c.tenor.com/mIx5zwKeND4AAAAC/billy-russo.gif" target="_blank"><img src="https://c.tenor.com/mIx5zwKeND4AAAAC/billy-russo.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left"/></a> Would the elders hear us? Would she even tell me the truth? Was that something she could do? Maybe last night was our only chance and I fear I squandered it. "I agree if Ciara does..." I say dismissively as my eyes move from the Matron to Ciara who was still near the door. "...On one condition..." </em></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">She, Cici, was The Matron's Queen piece and everyone else, Madeline included was just a pawn. That is unless she got what she wanted from the girl but if that ever happened he feared the game would change to a new one and be entirely in The Matron's favour. She was clever, keeping him in the dark about what she wanted with their daughter and in fact keeping Ciara in the dark about her having a daughter with him, to begin with. Would the game change in his favour if Ciara believed the truth about Madeline? "Fine." He, at last, broke his calculative silence "but my one condition is you have to tell Ciara who she is to Madeline." He finished his drink as he finished his words and sat on the sofa which faced them both. </p> It came as no surprise to Cia…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-06-10:5164310:Comment:988312022-06-10T16:16:35.311ZCiara Devlin - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/CiaraDevlin
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It came as no surprise to Ciara that she exploded the way that she did, however, from the look from Dimi and The Matron - they did not. Of course, Dimi seemed a lot more remorseful for not considering Ciara in the conversation nor considering her feelings; considering she was once owned by a man and the only thing that had changed was that her owner was now a powerful woman. The Matron, as usual had a set in stone face, it was expressionless and completely…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It came as no surprise to Ciara that she exploded the way that she did, however, from the look from Dimi and The Matron - they did not. Of course, Dimi seemed a lot more remorseful for not considering Ciara in the conversation nor considering her feelings; considering she was once owned by a man and the only thing that had changed was that her owner was now a powerful woman. The Matron, as usual had a set in stone face, it was expressionless and completely cold. Ciara looked between the two, debating her next step, yet as usual, The Matron turned to Dimitri and continued their conversation; perhaps she knew that Ciara had nowhere to go and soon enough would end up back at Hallows Hill looking for a place to rest.</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Dimitri, my dear. The Eternal King wouldn’t even think of doing such a thing.” The Matron laughed into her glass with a shake of her head. “Our Elders and<a href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/38607a8de593c6822f92384d0118562a/5f5a3d00c3230fd4-4d/s540x810/5153140d2c1fef7df4fe7b8690c692f47d1e5a49.gifv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/38607a8de593c6822f92384d0118562a/5f5a3d00c3230fd4-4d/s540x810/5153140d2c1fef7df4fe7b8690c692f47d1e5a49.gifv?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right" width="243" height="243"/></a> consequently The Sisterhood are linked to an Eternal and they need us” She paused for a moment. “Our very screams help the reapers find and deliver the souls into the designated realm” </span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ciara rolled her eyes, her nails began digging into her palms - so much so that blood slowly began to exit the wound. In all honesty, and Ciara knew this, she knew that she had no escape from The Matron; none whatsoever. The only freedom she could ever truly have would be if someone killed The Matron, and as far as she was aware, The Matron had a loyal following. However, for someone to be so cold and manipulative, surely there would be someone out there who would be stupid enough to try such a thing. The thoughts were whirling inside Ciara’s head like a tornado, she couldn’t do it - no way. The Matron was as close to a Mother as she could get and regardless of their relationship, they did love the other in their own special way. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Banshee began to make her way towards the door, this conversation would not grant her full freedom, she would always be linked to The Matron and to The Elders; hell, The Elders lived in her head. However, the voice of The Matron stopped Ciara in her tracks. </span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Not complete freedom, no. That would never work, even if I ever wanted that to happen. Ciara has a deep connection to me and The Elders that nevermind how far she went, she would and will always be drawn back to us. Silly child.” She mocked The Eternal. The Matron downed the remains of her drink. “However, I’m sure you and I can be civil enough to allow her to do as she wishes. After all, now I come to think of it - what I truly desire will only ever happen if you’re alive” </span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ciara had no idea what The Matron was talking about but as she paused towards the door; she glanced over her shoulder at the two conversing. Her gut was doing somersaults - they looked far too cosy for her liking. There was more there, more between them than she could muster up but she knew, deep down it had something to do with Madeline. </span></p> From the moment her fingers s…tag:timeless.ning.com,2022-01-29:5164310:Comment:981592022-01-29T05:15:43.044ZDimitri Ezperanza-Colettehttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/DimitriEsperanzaColette
<p>From <em>the</em> moment her fingers slipped the artwork out of his and into her pocket a perpetual tick began to echo in the back of his mind. He could not remember the last time he had scrapped himself together enough to be as fully functioning as he was at this very moment, alone that is. He lost that about himself when he lost Ciara, his composer, but somehow along the way always seemed to gain someone who cared enough to help him while he was just lost in the dark. Seeing Ciara again,…</p>
<p>From <em>the</em> moment her fingers slipped the artwork out of his and into her pocket a perpetual tick began to echo in the back of his mind. He could not remember the last time he had scrapped himself together enough to be as fully functioning as he was at this very moment, alone that is. He lost that about himself when he lost Ciara, his composer, but somehow along the way always seemed to gain someone who cared enough to help him while he was just lost in the dark. Seeing Ciara again, sharing even the faintest of moments with her yesterday, where the woman he once knew shone through and made it clear she was still there, forced him to reset. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I felt as though someone had hit a factory reset button and then left me on my own to figure it out. I had a long way to go but I needed to find my sense of self once more and establish that I was okay without help from now on but also a changed man from the help. I was processing this all on top of what the Matron was saying so when she requested a drink I inclined her out of muscle memory and did the same with Ciara. I was trying to remain the calm man she once knew fully aware that I was not him any longer; halting only faintly at the mention of one weapon that could kill my kind, trying as I may to not make the halt too obvious. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">He halted again when the Matron laid out her ultimatum before him seemingly giving him very few options. "I can only stand by and let her kill whomever the Elders need for as long as the Eternal King deems I can. The moment he says no more is the moment I must in some way intervene." He retorted, entertaining this opportunity to hopefully open up the conversation for him to give her another ultimatum. He could not really say whether he was even considering this one he just saw it as a way to come to some sort of compromise that everyone especially Ciara agreed on. So every time the Matron rebuttaled so did he, trying to provide a perspective or challenge the Matron might not have considered previously. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>In all of this, I had not once regarded Ciara fully mainly because I knew she was only there to get a rise out of me. Additionally, I might have been a little cross with her still from earlier but I was still deciding if I truly blamed her or was just being selfishly bitter. So when her outburst shot through the conversation with the Matron and me I scorned myself for not including her in this as this was all about her, to begin with.<a rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://64.media.tumblr.com/b2ab871519bff7a5104ee4aa3f979b86/7e3548a3e96be496-1c/s400x600/c21ab4339b7e03b1553c3af3217f6cb93e429b02.gifv" target="_blank"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/b2ab871519bff7a5104ee4aa3f979b86/7e3548a3e96be496-1c/s400x600/c21ab4339b7e03b1553c3af3217f6cb93e429b02.gifv?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="200" class="align-left"/></a> I dropped my head and twisted my mouth just trying not to sink in my seat as my shame sat on my chest and weighted me down. I was silent, deafeningly so that I was not entirely sure if the ladies were even talking or arguing among themselves and just assuming I was listening. "I do not want to own her." My voice at last cut in. "I never did." I rolled my shoulders back and rose my head to look each of them in the eye. "I wanted her to have the ability to choose. Even if that meant she one day left me behind." I ran my hand over the hair on my chin and rose with a huff. "And she did... Leave me. Just not in the way I wanted." I took a very deep breath to relieve myself of the weight in my chest as I peered out the nearby window. "Give her freedom." I spun and held the Matrons gaze. "Give her freedom to do whatever she wants and as long as she... What did you say? Feed the Elders was it? She can keep that freedom." My gaze fell onto Ciara's as my voice faded. "And if she doesn't want to spend her newfound freedom with me... So be it." I spoke clear but soft and offered a soft smile her way. This was not what I initially wanted from the Matron but given the path of the conversation this was for the best and I would get what I wanted out of the Matron later. </em></p> Ciara couldn’t get her head r…tag:timeless.ning.com,2021-06-11:5164310:Comment:949192021-06-11T18:05:10.672ZCiara Devlin - Councilhttps://timeless.ning.com/profile/CiaraDevlin
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ciara couldn’t get her head round why The Matron had insisted that she came along to the shop; all Ciara would do would be to prevent any understanding between Dimitri and the Queen bee. All she would do was pose as a treasure, a trophy and a means of The Matron showing off that Ciara belonged to her and no one else. In truth, Ciara belonged to no-one, at least in her denial she did - but the truth is, Ciara had always and always will belong to someone else;…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ciara couldn’t get her head round why The Matron had insisted that she came along to the shop; all Ciara would do would be to prevent any understanding between Dimitri and the Queen bee. All she would do was pose as a treasure, a trophy and a means of The Matron showing off that Ciara belonged to her and no one else. In truth, Ciara belonged to no-one, at least in her denial she did - but the truth is, Ciara had always and always will belong to someone else; it is all she had ever known. Firstly there was Quinn, and then to every man and even the women that would frequent her rooms; for the time they paid for, she was theres and now, even in death, she belonged to not just The Matron, but also The Elders. It was truly a morbid thought to know she was nothing more than a possession to be shown off to others but the power of dissociation Ciara had made the thought, the reality so much easier to deal with. And so, it was with that she came obediently to the shop. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In her time, she had thought many times of leaving The Matron and doing her own thing but the pull to The Elders Remains was at all time high and the tug they had on her would be too much to ignore; after all, Ciara, and her Sisters all needed The Elders for survival. She kept her head down low, and out of what she could only describe as unconscious comfort, went to stand opposite the painting which she was admiring only a few hours ago. And although her eyes were completely and utterly focused on the painting her ears were elsewhere as the two others in the room conversed. </span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/NauticalWideBighornedsheep-max-1mb.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://thumbs.gfycat.com/NauticalWideBighornedsheep-max-1mb.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-left" width="234" height="232"/></a>The Matron snorted and actually let out a laugh which was an unusual occurrence. <b style="font-weight: 400;">“</b><strong>Oh yes! I had completely forgotten about that day. Oh what a marvellous time that was even though the outcome had I truly desired never came”</strong> The woman clicked her fingers in a ‘darn it’ motion before snorting somewhat. “<strong>Although, I can’t say that is truly the reason why she isn’t here today, firing off her such sweet smile as customers swarm into the place. She isn’t here because hasn’t wanted to be here, and my dear Petal over there gave her the ignition to finally get up and leave this place… To leave you”</strong></span></i></p>
<p><strong><i>“Petal, dear. Time to go upstairs”</i></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And off the three of them went, up the creaky wooden floorboards to the now very empty and rather sad home; even Ciara could feel the difference in the room from when she first entered it yesterday morning with the welcoming aroma of breakfast. The blonde child-like Banshee sat on the sofa where her and Madeline had shared an experience which ultimately created an understanding between the two; she had no idea why The Matron wanted to be here, but alas, there was always some method to her very own madness. </span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Matron placed a hand upon her very still albeit somewhat beating heart as Dimitri handed her a piece of Madeline’s artwork. “<strong>My dear Sunflower has always had such an eye of making Death beautiful”</strong> She spoke with such admiration as she examined the piece; her tone, her comment would make anyone question her love for the young girl who was by no means related to her nor truly had a relationship with. “<strong>I’m glad she thought of me, although it saddens me that it has taken this long for this to find my hands”</strong> She placed the art piece into the inside pocket of her blazer before taking a few steps around the apartment to familiarise herself with the building she had not seen in a very long time. “The reason for our visit is to discuss this” She pointed between both Dimitri and Ciara. </span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>“It is clear that Ciara has the incapability to kill you. And in fact, it was probably dumb of me to even consider one to kill an Eternal - you probably have one weapon that could do such a thing”</strong> It was no lie that The Matron had considered this long ago, and she kicked herself for not sending Ciara out to find it sooner. “<strong>So, we have to live in harmony together and I suppose I can share my child with you”</strong> The Matron sounded reluctant and anyone who knew her, knew there would be some ulterior motive. “<strong>Ciara can freely roam between here and Hallows Hill Manor on the condition you do not, for any reason, prevent her from killing with motive. We have to feed our Elders to remain alive”</strong> She took a seat. <strong>“Please tell me you have champagne in the house, I’m incredibly dehydrated… Do be a dear” </strong></span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ciara shook her head as Dimitri too, offered her a glass as her eyebrows were furrowed in The Matron’s direction; although as she waited for Dimitri’s response, she <a href="https://i.gifer.com/Bkeg.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://i.gifer.com/Bkeg.gif?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-right"/></a> could feel the anger for him too - for him to agree to such a decision. As the two continued to converse and The Matron continuing to tell him the conditions of this… Arrangement, Ciara was about to burst and rightly so - The Banshee stood, and almost with it a scream as her words left her. “I am NOT some toy you can share between you! For hundreds of years, I have always been a possession to someone but fuck this, you two can have each other a-a-nd share the struggles of finding Madeline” Ciara was turning red, and one could imagine the steam coming out of her ears. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She had nowhere to go, but that vampire Dimitri took her too… She was sure he would have plenty of rooms to offer once he could forgive her for shattering every piece of glass and mirror in his mansion. Ciara stood there, pouting in anger at the two of them and her fingers curled into a fist as she considered her options. </span></p>
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