HOME FIRES MISTS LIFEBLOOD SPOKES
The beginning of the end...
deemel - Monday, April 26, 1999, 8:14 PM ---------------------------------------- Melody is sitting on the couch fuming when you get in. Alan opens the door and peers in a moment, stepping through as he sees you and noting your mood. "Hello love" You say, "Close the door, hon?" Alan shuts the door softly, murmuring as he tries to lighten the mood, "I suppose this is not a good time to tell you I am really a lesbian trapped in a man's body?" he gives a warm smile Melody isn't unfreezing. "Nope. Bad time. I'm mostly straight." Alan sighs softly, walking over to you. He places a warm hand upon your shoulder "Feel like talking about it?" You say, "I had some of my ritual tools stolen." Alan winces, "Oh boy..." You say, "No kidding. There were some things I needed in that box." Alan nods, "I can imagine..so, have you reported this?" You say, "Nothing to go on." Alan nods, "What exactly happened love?" he sits down next to you and takes one of your hands into his You say, "a box that was a gift from my coven is gone." Alan says, "From here? Taken in public?" You say, "I don't know. I was here all day, and I found it gone." Alan nods, "That is...weird." he frowns, "As I know already you are sure it is not merely misplaced...I will see what I can find. Where did you keep it?" You say, "Under the bed. They replaced it with an empty box." Alan nods, leaning over to gently kiss your cheek. He then rises to his feet and heads into the bedroom to begin where the box was kept... There's a box in there, but it's different from the one you for some reason never wanted to touch. Alan very carefully lifts the hem of the bed and looks about for any scrape marks, footwear scuffs, or anything odd at all Nothing. Alan narrows his eyes, "Shit..." he curses softly under his breath in disbelief. Alan slides the box out with his pen and and flips it open to examine the inside. He also checks behind th ebox now, and where it was sitting The box is empty, but there's no sign of anything. Alan finally walks back into the main area with you "I can't believe it... not a single clue! Someone was in here with you, took it, replaced it with an empty box, and left without a TRACE. I'm scared for your wellbeing now!" Melody says softly "It was done by magick, Alan." Alan blinks, "Magick?" one eyebrow raises and he scrubs his fingers through his hair Melody nods. "Yes." Alan mutters, "I always thought Magick was more along the lines of prayer, not conjurors tricks" You say, "True magick is very flexible." Alan murmurs, "Is it now?" He sighs, not sure what to believe. Sure he has seen some weird things but, "You know any of this True Magick stuff?" Melody nods slowly. "And you can learn it. Alan says, "Darling, if this was coming from anyone else...I'd be laughing even as devout a Goddess Worshiper as I am. But from you...I am starting to get a little scared. If this True Magick stuff can snatch things out of an occupied apartment with someone else in it who CAN do it...a kevlar vest and nine millimeter pistol are not going to be able to fight it and a detecive can't track it." Melody sighs softly. "I know. I'm sorry, Alan." She stands and sets aside her blade, which had been lying naked across her lap. "Hold me?" Alan steps into your arms, enfolding you in his. He is solid, warm, and a very real anchor. He is tender and loving, and completely devoted to you as he presses your body close to his. Melody sighs softly, leaning into you, pliant and warm. "Dammit. I didn't want to bring you into this.." Alan murmurs softly, "Well...evidently I am into it now and I do not care as long as I am at your side." he cradles you close, "Could...could you give me an idea of what to expect out of this True Magick?" You say, "Almost anything, and that's the problem." Melody looks up and into your eyes. Alan says, "Umm...okay. If you say so..." he gazes deep within your eyes, concearned for you, a little frightened in general. "Are you going to be allright, love?" Melody nods. "I'm just very angry. And not knowing who did it, I don't know who to trust." Alan sighs softly and nods, "I can understand that...oh hon, is there anything I can do?" He gently brushes back your hair, fingercombing it delicately Melody nods. "You can do a ritual with me sometime late tonight." Alan nods, "Allright my love." You say, "It's going to be bloody and long. Have you eaten?" Alan says, "I ate a light lunch...some rabbit stew at the Night Owl" Melody nods. "Eat something else light now, then, and get cleansed. Alan nods, "Allright. Let me go take a look at what we have in the fridge... maybe a light sandwich." Melody nods and releases you. Her eyes are remote. Alan gently traces your cheek with his fingertips before heading into the kitchen There's stuff that's edible in the kitchen. Alan grabs a light bite and emerges still munching, "By cleanse do you just mean bathe, or ritual cleansing?" Melody grins a little. "Yes.: Alan chuckles, "Yes to which?" Alan sticks his tounge out at you You say, "You need to do both." Alan grins and reaches over to tickle you after munching down the last of his sandwich, "Allright" Melody yelps. "Not now." Alan lets his hands fall to rest at your waist, hently squeezing you. Melody sighs and leans in. "Not now." Alan says, "Shall I go ahead and go get showered?" Melody nods slowly. "Gods, I didn't want this tonight." Alan gently presses his lips to your forehead and murmurs, "I'm sorry love, I will do all I can." He holds you for a moment and then steps away to head for the shower Melody picks up the phone and dials. You paged Nicky with '*ring* at your house.'. The answering machine picks up. Hey, Nicky? Galen?" Her voice is unsteady. "This is Mel. Listen, please give me a call when you get in. Someone stole some things of mine, and I'm really upset. And no, I don't want to call the cops. Please call. Thanks." *beep* Melody hangs up and calls Tracy. Phone conversation: Tracy answers "Hello?" his voice is soft, almost a harsh whisper. Phone conversation: She takes a deep breath. "Tracy? It's Mel." She sounds almost on the verge of tears. Phone conversation: 'Melody?" his voice gains a deep edge of worry "What's wrong Sis?'. Phone conversation: Someone stole my knife and some of my tools. Tracy, I'm really scared. Phone conversation: 'From your house? Was anything else missing?'. Phone conversation: No..and Tracy? No one broke in. Do you follow? Phone conversation: 'Oh no....'. Phone conversation: Guard. Your. Ass. Please, hon. Be careful. Phone conversation: 'We will Mel, we will. What about you, are YOU allright?'. Phone conversation: I'm going to be doing Ritual tonight. I won't be accessible in a couple of hours. I tried to get in touch with Nicky, but I can't. And Tracy? Listen. The only ones I know of who could or would......are....well, R and G. Understand? I don't trust them any more. Phone conversation: 'Yeah...I understand Sis. But...why would they...?" he sighs, "Allright, be careful. We will be on our guard as well.'. Phone conversation: I don't KNOW why!" Her voice almost cracks. "But it happened, and I'm really really upset and angry." Phone conversation: Tracy says "I understand Sis...you have every right to be. Try to calm down and think clearly..." Tracy sound slike he could use a little of that advice himself, as though too much is happening at once. Phone conversation: Melody takes slow breaths. "OK, maybe it wasn't G. He was near me, I think I would have...look, Tracy, has R been acting funny to you lately?" Phone conversation: Tracy murmurs softly into the phone "Well...maybe a little, but he's always a little odd." Phone conversation: What about that little funny guy, the one who crashed his down the stairs that night? Phone conversation: 'The Chinese guy?'. Phone conversation: Yeah, him. Phone conversation: 'In the background you hear "Get off the fucking phone if you want to talk to me." Oh wow. The pain in her voice is overwhelming.'. Phone conversation: Melody's voice softens. "I'm sorry....should I let you go? Talk to you later?" Phone conversation: 'Yeah, I'll talk to you later sis. Don't worry, we will be careful." Tracy's voice is rough and low.'. Phone conversation: Good. I'll talk to you later. Love you brother. Phone conversation: 'Take care *click*'. Melody hangs up the phone and stares at it, biting her knuckle thoughtfully. Phone conversation: Ring ring The phone rings. Melody starts and picks it up. "Hello?" Alan is still showering but is probably nearly through Phone conversation: Nicky is clearly on a speaker phone..."Hi Melody...its us. You called m'lady? Phone conversation: Melody sounds relieved it's you. "Yeah, I did. Listen....be careful and keep stuff you love lots close to you. Someone stole some things of mine." Phone conversation: Anything special...or just your basic house hold finery You say, "Oh, it was very special stuff. Very." Phone conversation: Galen: Any clues who? You say, "I haven't had time to really check every option. But they didn't take it through the door..understand?" Phone conversation: Melody's voice sounds raw..almost terrified. Phone conversation: Melody? Do you feel safe where youa re? Phone conversation: Galen: You want us over there hon...or you here. You say, "Neither, I have to do Ritual. Just guard your asses, OK? I don't know who it was, but I have three options and none of them good." The shower water ceases Phone conversation: Thanks for the warning m'lady. I'll keep my favors close at hand. if you need anything..do call. Melody laughs a bit unsteadily. "I will. Thanks, guys. Keep an ear to the ground. I gotta go." Phone conversation: Safe travles m'lady Phone conversation: Galen: You take care...if you need anything at all, call us. I mean it. You say, "Thanks, guys. Try to get more rest than me." Phone conversation: We will try...be safe. "click" Melody hangs up and stares at the phone. Later.... deemel - Monday, April 26, 1999, 11:27 PM ----------------------------------------- Alan comes out in a curtain of steam, towel wrapped about his waist. "Well...phase one complete love." Melody slips out of her robe and turns to face you. "Do you have your knife ready yet?" Alan nods, "Yes, I do hon." You say, "Get it, and bring it in here while I light the candles." Melody heads into the kitchen and starts water going. Alan gets his knife, simply leaving the towel around his lean, muscular, form for now. He brings it in Melody is preparing the tea balls, silently. She's crying. Alan is solemnly quiet, stepping up to you and gently laying a hand upon your shoulder. Melody turns her head to kiss it, pouring hot water over the tea balls as soon as she's focused. Alan simply awaits instruction, perhaps sensing how much more powerful this may be than anything he has ever done. Melody hands you the cup. You can smell the strength of the blend..and some herbs don't seem to be the same. Little flowers can be seen against the cloth of the tea ball. Alan takes the cup as you hand it to him, holding it until otherwise instructed. Melody leads you out of the kitchen. She lights all the candles in the room one at a time, looking at you after about three minutes and saying "Drink," very softly. Alan drinks as you tel him to, taking a hearty sip, but a slow one. This tea is faintly bitter. She drinks a small sip of her own. You notice for the first time a teacup next to a candle. How many of these has she had? Alan furrows his brows at the other teacup You start feeling lightheaded. Alan swallows, moving his feet further apart to give himself a wider base of balance. Melody lights a thick, pungent incense and beckons you to her. Alan walks as steadily as he can to you Melody nods to your cup for you to finish. Alan finishes off the cup and sets it aside... Melody slowly draws her blade and places it on the flat of your shoulder, pushing you to your knees. Alan kneels as you guide him before you, no fear. He loves you and trusts you. The lightheadedness from the tea and the incense increases, and she tilts your chin up to look at her with the blade point. "Are you ready?" Her voice has an odd timbre, an almost-echo. Yes, this is definitely a hallucinogen of some type. Alan is as pliant as a rag doll and murmurs softly "Yes..." Melody lets your chin drop and casts the circle with her own blood, leaving you kneeling there. Alan watches you blearily, solemnly watching the circle form. Melody returns to you, and kneels across from you. She gestures to your knife silently. Alan concentrates on his hand as he holds up his knife. perhaps not sure of what he's to do. Cast the circle with his blood now? He awaits clarification. Melody says softly "Blood has Power. Bleed and give the power to the ritual." Alan cuts himself accross the palm, almost without thinking. He's done it often enough now he's about as nonchalant as a Verbena would be. The blood seems to run so slowly into the small bowl she places beneath your palm. Time is moving differently in your perception. As you bleed, she kisses you, hot and hard. Alan's breath is a whispy outrush of warmth which hisses softly as it escapes when he kisses you in return. His lips lock and dance and lock again with yours, almost hungrily crushing againt your lips like flower petals. Every hair on your body is standing on end. You feel her carving on your chest after a time, and sometime in there you make love..both of you red and sticky and in pain with sweat in open wounds. Time has no meaning. You finally end up on your back in the center of the circle. Somehow you are tied, and your body stings. The room seems to dance with the candle flames. Alan moans softly, "M...Melody?" You say, "Vine, Shield, always Vine in Circle." Alan softly acknowledges, "Vine..." he seems to have only wished to hear your voice, to know you are near him. She kisses you again, this time almost tenderly. She rubs something soothing and cool over your wounds, and you begin to feel deliciously sleepy. Alan sighs long and soft, fighting sleep, not knowing if he is allowed... Melody rubs her temples for a moment, then keeps smoothing in the salve. "Sleep, Shield...guard the temple..." Alan slowly drifts, permission given he lets himself slide into sleep as he is comforted by your presence and voice. Even the tight bonds don't stop you..they only make you lose touch with your body faster. Alan is soon deep under, Rem markedly making his eyelids jump. Melody prepares for the ritual's real work, the power of the rite vibrating through her..... Melody smoothes salve into Alan's wounds, using the activity to calm herself and focus. Tracy sleeps at home in Iris' arms, plagued by other events and never knowing what is coming. Tracy continues to sleep the sleep of the blissfully unaware. Melody focuses, and her necklaces come off and are bathed in Alan's still-wet blood. She can't use Forces, but for this she doesn't need it. The blood trickles over the labyrinth pendant, outlining the maze in rivulets of red. The rutilated quartz is obscured by the sticky fluid as she concentrates on its depths. She chants softly "Tracy...time to dream the peaceful darkness..." As the trigger words are spoken aloud, they are projected into Tracy's unconscious mind. The air almost shivers with the sound of the so-soft words as reality shifts within Tracy's mind and a new pattern is shaped. You feel your working settle deep, be accepted, and the doorway beckon. You know now that you have achieved consent to your Works, and will have it whenever you desire. Force, beyond your abilities as it is, is no longer necessary with THIS man. Melody slips in gently. Before, she was content to make small changes. Now, she reinforces the gate. *Whenever you hear those words, Tracy love, you will open to me and do what I say next...understand, my love, my little brother?* She caresses Alan's sleeping body as she does your sleeping mind. *The time to dream the peaceful darkness is very near.* Tracy's mind responds like putty. Even with the slight dioference found there, the absensce of just a little of what makes him human and more like his clockwork Avatar, Tracy's mind is an open book. You feel the mental affirmation amidst his harrowed dreams, "Sister...yes...." Melody washes you in approval and returned affection. Yes, she does love you. Melody goes on, speaking to a part of you she knows understands. *The older ones, the more powerful ones, they hide things from us. It had to be one of them who stole from me. We can't trust them. We have to be careful. We have to rely on each other.* Tracy's mental voice echoes like the soft whisper of distant clockwork, a buzz and hiss "The older ones....Gregory. Gregory..." Melody affirms. *And Ryan..hasn't he killed before? And Jin. Who knows what he really knows? What are they hiding from us? What really happened to the Realm?* Warm waves lap against the presence in his mind. It was an older one who betrayed Artur's Celestorium. It was a trusted Scientist who led the Nephandi through the gates to encompass its doom. "Jin...yes..." there is warmth but now confusion, "But Ryan? Ryan gave me my identity...he would never...without him I would not even have a name in this strange, bright, world... Melody counters *They're using you, Tracy. Using what you know, using the things only an Ether Child can do easily.* Tracy says, "Using me?" the clock tower in the distance of his mind rings warped, off, gongs that echo accross the waves which enfold you. It sounds like some sort of warning....but it is so distant. "Using what I know...I am integral to the Chantry...I would have gladly given knowledge to safeguard it. I have done so. What are they hiding...Ryan and Gregory are close..."" Melody leans down to kiss Alan's sleeping lips, letting the link flood with warmth. *We have to stick together, brother.* Tracy says, "Of course...I will protect my family. Iris, Lilly, Melody, Nicky, Galen, Kya. My family. There will not be another Arthur's Celestorium" images of fire and smoke, acrid and vile smoke choking him. The Scientists he helped save, the nes he could not rescue from the clutches of the demons who poured through the portal. An older, black haired, goateed Scientist laughing maniacally amidst the searing flames "Never again." Melody soothes gently. *Never again. Never again. We won't let them hurt us.* Tracy cannot shake the sadness, the feeling of Kinship, to Ryan. The only Tradition Technomancer in the city besides himself. But he wraps loving arms about you in the landscape of his mind, appearing as though he had been standing next to you and walking along the clockwork-lined beach with you as you spoke. Melody holds you for a time. *You know I love you.* Tracy cocks his head to one side, murmuring *I love you too Melody...* But does he mean how you want him too? Or are you just his big Sister? Melody doesn't seem to mind. It's enough for now. There is a sense of anticipation for some reason. *You can cal me Vine. It's my truer Name.* Tracy nods, gently squeezing your shoulders *Very well, Vine.* Melody appears to have some kind of clinging plant winding around her. Tracy looks upon the plant for a moment, reaching out almost without a thought to touch it gingerly with his fingertips It reaches to twine a tendril loosely around your finger. Loosely, gently, a bare caress. Tracy smiles warmly. There is more than a bit of facination, Tracy loves plants. He reaches his other hand over to carress the plant with gentle fingers as though touch would be a valid stimuant for it, a gentle, warm carress of the Vine. It reaches out to twine around your arm. Quickly for a plant, in this dream realm...oh, yes, it seems to like you. She draws in a breath. Tracy delicately huddles close to the plant wrapped about his arm, craling it against the warmth of his body. His skin is so soft, so warm, even in the dream. Melody shivers in dream, her hands pausing in the caress of Alan as she struggles to maintain control. Tracy closes his eyes and opens them, almost doll-like as he does. He smiles over at you, *What were we speaking of Vine?* he tenderly strokes the plant Melody regains control slowly. *We were Being together. Tracy...have you ever thought about the end of things?* *The end? Perhaps not in so final a way...no.* he smiles *I like being with you* Melody caresses you, more tendrils reaching to twine in your hair. *And I, you...more than you know..* Tracy closes his eyes and just savors the tenderness, his dream-self nude as usual *Family* Melody smooths back your wings gently. She moves a little closer, kissing your cheek lightly, breath warm on your soft skin, very alive, very real in the dream. Tracy enfolds you within his wings, holding you close. They are clockwork yet strangely warm, some areas even soft. He gently kisses your cheek in return, his breath warmly washing over your cheek. Melody is shaking in the dream. She buries her face in your shoulder and cries softly. *Angel...* It's a bare whisper. Tracy cradles your head against his shoulder with delicate fingers touseling and massaging through your tresses. His shoulder is warm and soft, firm with rippling muscle beneath the delicate seeming flesh. He murmurs softly *It is allright Vine, I am here for you* Melody lays her head on Alan's chest, the blood drying. She whispers in the dream *It's just a dream...just...a dream...I can't...Loren....* Melody fades away in your grasp, leaving you sleeping uneasily. AMong all the other dreams, what was this one...just another nightmare.... Tracy slips into the depths of his own mind for the rest of the night
HOME FIRES MISTS LIFEBLOOD SPOKES