Post by alexandra on Nov 10, 2009 5:05:03 GMT -5
Samanya stood at her windows, drawing one up and leaning out into the crisp evening air. The quiet was unusual. The house was still, and the neighborhood seemed desolate in the winter snow. A spider on the frame caught her eye, and she leaned back and shut the window before it could come in, "Ugh, what's with these damn bugs," she muttered, vowing to hunt Nikul down and ask what he was gonna do about them. She wasn't a fan of bugs period, but she'd go out of her way to avoid them rather than killing them. Pulling on her favorite leather jacket, she shut her door and skipped through the hallway. She walked down the stairs, no sense in killing yourself trying to skip down them, she thought with a laugh, and stepped outside. Which way to go first, she wondered with a smile.
Samanya watched the wind carry wisps of snow that hadn't settled for one reason or the other. She didn't need a heavy coat, and wouldn't have worn one at all except she seemed to get 'stuck' in the elements a lot here in this strange and interesting town. Humming show tunes off-key, she walked towards Sanctuary, a skip in her step that slowly faded when she rounded the corner and saw the faint blood trail going towards the apartments. Her wide eyes shone brightly in the fading sunlight when she stood at the locked doors of Sanctuary and saw the destruction inside. She smelled blood... and food and drink all mushed together. Confusion and a hint of worry set in as she wondered what happened and where Jas was. Sam still needed to talk to her about everything that had gone on before the river incident. With that thought, Sam wandered through the city, frowning when she saw the doors to the new club locked. She paused and stepped into the hospital, going no further than the front doors when she didn't smell anyone she recognized over the scent of the aneseptic smell hospitals use to try to hide the scent of death. She searched her memory and nearly smacked herself. Jas had been spending a lot of time at the church since the demon attack... that's where Sam was headed now...
Jaslene Silvercloud was seated on a pew leaning forward with her forearms resting on her upper legs. Her eyes were closed as she held the wooden rosary in her hands gently. Soft prayer flowing out of her lips.
Samanya tried to focus on what she wanted to talk to Jas about, but she kept seeing the blood and destruction of Sanctuary. I hope she's here, she thought, not knowing where else she would look if Jas wasn't in the church. Sam paused at the doors and her eyes traveled the length of the building. For some reason she had a difficult time convincing herself to push the door opened, not because they were heavy.... She closed her eyes on a sigh and murmured a quiet prayer... it had been too long since she'd darkened the doors of any church. Satisfied when lightning didn't strike or something equally as terrible didn't happen, she stepped into the building, "Jas?" she called softly, looking around. She stopped when she heard the quiet prayer, not wanting to interrupt more than she already had.
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly ends her prayer. Her eyes open as she slowly sits back having heard Sam's voice. Jas took a slow breath feeling much calmer than she had when she woke, "Yes Sam..?"
Samanya took a few seemingly uneasy steps forward, her voice hesitant and unsure, "I want to ask what the," she cringed, and sighed... she was in a church for goodness sake, "what happened?" she asked, omitting the curse that would have slipped past her lips. She also wanted to talk about business... but just then the church seemed like the most terrible place to bring that up.
Jaslene Silvercloud softly sighs, "come...have a seat... And if you mean the bar. I have no idea. I woke...and that's the state I found it in."
Samanya moved to sit with her, "Are you okay?" she frowned.
Jaslene Silvercloud: "better now than I was when I woke." She took a slow and careful breath. "But all the tension is not yet gone. Unfortunately...this is usual for me...to come back to the bar...or come back downstairs...and find my bar in this state. I've lost count of the times...I've cleaned up blood, claws marks, bullet holes and replaced furniture to cover up the activity that goes on there. I've even found guns tucked under a couch in my apartment. So, am I ok? What do you think?"
Samanya listened silently. She gave a half laugh half snort that was filled with sarcasm, "I think you can handle it or you wouldn't own a bar," she murmured, her voice losing the sarcasm and taking a serious tone, "if I need to work at the bar as extra claws," she laughed, slightly amused at her own joke, "I'm more than willing."
Jaslene Silvercloud softly smiled, "actually...that doesn't sound too bad Sam... I need more help at the bar that's preternatural. I really only have Wolfgang and Kiki... Wolfgang is good in a fight and all...but Kiki...she's human...and completely useless if a fight erupted in the bar."
Samanya nods, "I've been thinking of leaving my job now... it's not as convenient since I live here. I'm not the best cook either, so yeah..." she jumped when her blackberry vibrated in her pocket and she reached for it before it began to ring mouthing 'sorry' to Jas. She didn't recognize the number, so her voice was curious and professional, "Hello?" she answered, knowing Jas would hear whatever was said, sitting as closely as they were.
Jaslene Silvercloud looked to Sam as she talked in the phone.
Tarnek Vollmar talks quickly into the phone an edge of concern and frustration "Sam it's me" he assumed she'd recognize his voice "Where are you?" He paced in front of the bar hoping she knew something
Samanya looked to Jas a question in her eyes, do I tell him, it asked? She frowned at the worry in his voice, "I'm at the church," she said before Jas could say anything, "are you okay?" For all she knew some of the blood at Sanctuary could have been his, she didn't stay long enough to identify it, or see if she could.
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly nods to Sam as she hears Tarnek on the other end of the phone.
Tarnek Vollmar let out a sigh of relief, she didn't sound hurt at the very least and she was somewhere safe "I'm fine, I'm at the bar, do you know what's going on, the place looks like a mess" he glanced back through the glass doors and frowned slightly not sure what to think yet
Samanya smiled a little, glad to hear from him and to hear that he was safe, "I have no idea," she acknowledged, "I was trying to find out, myself."
Tarnek Vollmar glanced to Terial holding up his free hand to signal to him that he was on the phone "I'll be headed your way in a minute, just don't go anywhere" he still sounded mildly concerned, he wouldn't be happy until he saw her safe
Samanya nodded, then rolled her eyes at herself... "I just nodded into the phone!" she said, laughing at herself, "anyway, yeah, I'm gonna hang out here for a while. Be safe," she murmured.
Jaslene Silvercloud smirks faintly as she leaned back against the pew as she placed her rosary around her neck.
Tarnek Vollmar glares at Eric before talking to Sam a little more irritated by the news he'd just received "Stay safe Sam" He closed his phone and looked at Eric "If nikul was fighting with what he considers food I think I should be concerned. And I have no idea where Jas is but I'm hoping since she had time to leave the note on the door that she's fine"
Samanya felt a little guilty for not telling him that Jas was sitting beside her. She clicked the phone off and locked the keypad before sliding it back into her pocket... last thing she needed was a thousand dollar bill for calling China by accident. "Sorry about that," she said to Jas.
Jaslene Silvercloud looks to Sam, "so...that was Tarnek eh? Sounded worried for you."
Samanya nods, "He found the bar locked up," she said, like that explained things.
Jaslene Silvercloud nods, "figured he would call you..." She looked up to the ceiling looking a little downtrodden and tired.
Samanya stared ahead. She wasn't sure what to say to be honest, so she just said whatever thought came to her first, "Wolf thinks that if we come to some agreement," we being the tigers, "that we'll be the most powerful weres in town."
Jaslene Silvercloud faintly smiles, "that's what I've thought all along..."
Samanya turned towards her now, studying her profile since she was staring at the ceiling, "Look, I don't understand how it helps us to guard the vamps, but talking to Hikaru after shifting back the other night, I realized there is a lot that I still don't understand as I've said before." She frowned, "What are we going to do?" she wondered, turning as her eyes roamed over the walls and pews.
Jaslene Silvercloud: "There is one key thing...I want to explain to you..."
Samanya listened attentively, turning back towards her, "I want to understand it all," she murmured, frustration beginning to surface. She didn't interrupt further though.
Jaslene Silvercloud: "Right now...we really can't afford to take Nikul's position on the demon. That we shouldn't be scared...that we should go after this thing. We just can't. This thing is bigger, stronger, and faster than anyone of us alone. I was man-handled by the demon personally. I shifted to alpha form with all the power of my beast behind me. That demon still threw me around like I was a rag doll."
Samanya looked at her speculatively, "That was before the crosses and before you started coming here, though," she pointed out. "Someone suggested we all do just that, I still need to pull my cross out, haven't done that yet." Distracted, she shook her head, "I think we're all scared of it, Nikul too, no matter what he says, but short of doing an exorcism on everyone in town... what are we going to do?"
Jaslene Silvercloud: "This demon...he takes people when they are alone or are too far from another group of people for the to help. We can't give this demon that chance. If you don't have religion...get it. But don't walk alone unless you have no choice. That's why I want more people at our backs. The more people working with us means that's more people looking if one of us goes missing."
Samanya nods slowly, "I see your point, but it concerns me." She twirled an errant strand of hair around her fingers, "Even two of us... if it picked one, it's going to get them, or it has so far. That leaves the other fighting a losing battle. There's got to be something simple that everyone is missing.."
Jaslene Silvercloud: "Right now...I only know that this thing has everyone stumped. I've been talking with the masters. They are truly worried about this being. For right now...even they told me...just run. Fight the want to go after it and just run like hell.
Samanya looked at her with somber, serious eyes, "Could you just run if it had Jay?"
Megeara Sommerstein follows Tarnek thru town to the large dark church building rubbing her arms as she stepped in behind Tarnek she sees Sam and Jas.. and sort of leans back not wanting to intrude too much.
Tarnek Vollmar stepped in through the door almost instantly taken aback by the decor of the place, not that he expected a vampire church to look "normal" He paused seeing Sam talking with someone and he took a second to recognize it as Jas, he didn't care though he could see Sam and she was all right. He walked silently up to them not sure what to say at the moment.
Jaslene Silvercloud nods slowly, "well... I think I could...I know...that demon would injure him...but he would injure him more if I interfered... However...I may simply just...ask for a trade..." She looked over seeing Tarnek.
Samanya was waiting, wondering how Jas would reply, when she heard the doors open. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled when she saw Tarnek, her eyes drinking in the sight of him to reassure herself he was okay. She turned back to Jas when she spoke. Sam nodded at her words but didn't comment on them as she thought about it.
Tarnek Vollmar sighed able to guess what they were talking about but he remained silent for the moment as he takes a seat beside Sam and places a kiss on her cheek "I'm glad to see that you're ok" he looked to Jaslene and nodded to her "The mess in the bar had me worried. You all right yourself Jas?"
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly nods, "I'm fine." she rubbed at the left side of her neck before pulling her hair forward over her shoulder.
Samanya slid closer to Tarnek and purred quietly, "I'm glad you're okay too." She didn't notice Jas's actions.
Eric slipped inside the church, quickly surveying who was present. Ah, he found Jas, the one he was actually looking for. "Hey, Jas... Nikul wanted me to let you know he and Em will pay for the damage to the bar...."
Jaslene Silvercloud looks over her shoulder at Eric. She cocks a brow, "why them?"
Tarnek Vollmar noticed Jaslene's actions and ignored them at least visibly, she'd said she was pomme to the master, why was she hiding what he assumed to be bite marks. He'd bother her with it later maybe "Well at least everyone is ok. should I ask why you are here? Or is the upstairs a mess too?"
He quirked a brow as well, looking back to her. "You didn't hear? The disaster in there is from a "food" fight they had last night. Trust me, when I came on it, I followed the smear to Emalee's apartment... He uh... Nik, sends his apologies..." Eric hated sounding liked a little gofer for the vampire, but hell, he was really just doing it for Jas.
Samanya looked back at Eric, wondering the same thing Jas asked. She leaned against Tarnek and nuzzled at his shoulder quietly, waiting on answers. She frowned at the explanation, "A food fight..." she repeated, obviously not believing that that was the entire story.
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly shakes her head as she rubs at her temples, "I...don't even know what to say to that...other than...hell yes they are paying to have it cleaned. I'd rather both of them go down there and do it entirely with toothbrushes. And no...the mess is only downstairs... If it had been upstairs...EVERYONE would have known how angry I was."
Tarnek Vollmar glanced back to Eric, unlike Sam he didn't question the explanation, he'd never get more out of the cop, so he didn't try. He looked back at Jas "You didn't answer why we were here, or at the least why you were here" He looked to Sam not having to say she was his reason for being here.
Eric laughed a bit, shaking his head at the preposterous nature of the situation. "Yep... Most of what's on the ground there is actually chocolate though... And as for the blood, well, you'll find the bag under one of the seats. If I were you Jas, I'd hold Em's wallet hostage until they clean the place up. It's on the floor in there too..."
Samanya smirked a bit at Jaslene's comment, but Eric's words drew her attention, "How do you know? PD already been through?"
Eric looked at Sam, shrugging with a shake of his head. "Quite frankly, You're looking at the PD right here. I haven't seen Gage or any other cop for that matter in god-knows how long... But yeah, I've already been through the bar...."
Jaslene Silvercloud sighs, "I want that place spotless. I swear...going public about what I am is looking more and more convenient."
Tarnek Vollmar sighs realizing he's being ignored with no guess as to why. he reached over for Sam's hand as he sat there assuming Jas couldn't ignore him forever, he'd keep quiet until Eric left.
Samanya threaded her fingers with his and her imploring eyes looked to him, "You're quiet," she mused, ignoring Eric because he irritated her with his response.
Eric nodded to Jas, before sighing as he turned around. "Well, I hope they do... Anyways, I gotta go check on Mitzy. She's been sleeping most of the day..."
Tarnek Vollmar looked over at Sam "I'm just glad you're Ok" was all he had to say right now as he sighed then turned back to watch Eric leave
Jaslene Silvercloud nods with a sigh as she looks to Tarnek, "time for your question...I came here...cause this is the one place I can calm myself."
Tarnek Vollmar looked at her confused "What do you mean?" he was glad that she was only delaying the answer and not ignoring him as he continued to hold on to Sam's hand, more glad she was ok still than anything else
Samanya nodded and smiled, "I'm glad you're okay too," she said, glad Eric had gone. She looked to Jas, wondering the same thing as Tarnek.
Jaslene Silvercloud: "Because...I gain peace of mind with religion now..."
Tarnek Vollmar refrained from commenting on how fast her conversion had been from when she told him she wasn't religious to now. He honestly couldn't blame her, with demon about it was perhaps harder not to believe. "I understand..." he left it at that, he hoped that said enough
Samanya frowned at her answer, "Faith is with you wherever you are... not just here," she looked around the church, adding quietly, "otherwise I'd be in trouble." She shrugged though, everyone was different and her life had been more different than most... Then again, she thought, she was learning that everyone in this strange town had equally as strange, hard, different pasts...
Jaslene Silvercloud: "It's just....it's quite....peaceful..."
Tarnek Vollmar leaned back a bit looking around "I think the place is a little grim looking for my tastes feels dark, closed in, old, but I suppose that's just me"
Jaslene Silvercloud: "Everyone ha their preferences Tarnek...this is mine." Her voice was still soft but reverent as she looks around.
Samanya nodded at Jas's words, and smiled at Tarnek's, "I guess here for you," she spoke to Jas, "is like the woods for me."
Tarnek Vollmar shrugged "To each their own I suppose" He looked at his hand in Sam's thinking at that moment he could be at peace anywhere so long as he had her with him. He leaned against her slightly resting his head on hers and started to purr.
Jaslene Silvercloud smirks as she hears Tarnek purr. She speaks a bit louder, "yes indeed Tarnek."
Hikaru Mekanic shook his head and made his way up the stairs. He had heard the voices vaguely but was entirely too focused on the book he had his eyes on. Idly he hit the switch with his foot as he carried the other books in a bag. A partition of the flooring just behind the podium gave way, shifting to the side with the faintest creak of wood, auburn hair rising from the darkness silently, his eyes intent on the book he carried. He turned and started towards his desk, then stopped, his head slowly turning towards the pews, eyebrows rising. "Hello."
Jaslene Silvercloud looks over and spots Hikaru coming up out of the floor. She almost laughed but stopped herself. A small giggles managed to escape, "hello."
Samanya flexed her hand in his and purred quietly. She'd forgot her unease at being in the church, and it didn't seem as important to bring up tiger business as it had when she'd set out to find Jas. She wasn't paying attention to Jas, and her words shook Sam out of her quiet contentment, "So what now?" she asked to everyone and no one. She blinked when the flooring gave way, and murmured a quiet hello when Hikaru appeared.
Jaysen Silvercloud walks up to the church doors, the structure was a little menacing but had a warmth to it as well. He carefully opens the doors and steps inside, adjusting to the change in light, the faint perfume of incense floats in the air.
Tarnek Vollmar looked up not expecting vampire to rise to rise out of the floor, he blinked seeing Hikaru stand there "Well I can honestly say I didn't expect to see you there"
Hikaru Mekanic slowly smiled finishing making his way to his desk and setting the bag down next to it. "It is my church." He started pulling out the books with one hand, his other still holding the one book open for him to be able to read.
Jaslene Silvercloud looks back to the doors as she sees Jaysen walk in. A smile crosses her face that lights it up considerably. "Jaysen!" Her voice was light and happy as she rose up from the pew and moved at a quick walk back towards him practically grinning.
Jaysen Silvercloud grins with relief as he sees Jas approach he whispers "Are you ok?"
Tarnek Vollmar smirks at Hikaru "Yea but out of the floor? a little too cheesy magician for you I thought" he looked back hearing Jas speak Jay's name just a little too loud for the small space they were in. He waved at Jaysen with his free hand his other still holding Sam's.
Samanya 's eyes followed Jas. She smiled and thought for a moment that it was interesting all the tigers were in the church. She would have laughed, but it wasn't one of those funny-interesting feelings. "Hey Jay," she grinned, laughing now at Tarnek's comment to Hikaru.
Jaysen Silvercloud looks up and smiles seeing Sam, Tarnek, and even Hikaru , he waves at Sam.
Jaslene Silvercloud grins as she wraps her arms around him, "I'm fine now that you are here."
Jaysen Silvercloud smiles "Do I even want to know what has been going on?"
Hikaru Mekanic looked up at Tarnek and set his book down, he smiled broadly seeing Jaysen and Jas before he turned violet eyes back to Tarnek and Sam again. He tilted his head to the side slightly, the hair falling away from the right side of his face, his scars fairly evident against the still slightly pale skin. "I never claimed to be a magician. Only a priest, and friend to those that want one." He glanced to the floor for a moment and frowned, then nodded silently as if to himself or another voice only he could hear. "If you all have a moment.. I would like to show you something."
Jaslene Silvercloud looks over her shoulder to Hikaru as she cocks a brow but let's go of Jaysen short of holding onto one of his hands as she faces Hikaru. "what is it?"
Samanya tilted her head curiously. She echoed Jas's question, "What is it?" and peered curiously at Hikaru. She kept her hand in Tarnek's and didn't move to go closer yet.
Jaysen Silvercloud looks curious as he leads Jas closer.
Hikaru Mekanic moves over to the podium and motions them all to come on up. He looks to Jas and jay for a second and shakes his head "First kiss Jaslene you dolt." He grinned broadly, flashing his fangs for a second and shaking his head.
Jaysen Silvercloud blinks.
Jaslene Silvercloud bushes at Hikaru's statement as she glances to Jay then away.
Samanya laughed at Hikaru's words and moved closer, her hand still in Tarnek's.
Jaysen Silvercloud looks at Hikaru "Uhm dude, we're in a church, I can't be all up on my girl in here"
Hikaru Mekanic laughs, warm and rich and shakes his head again "Fine.. fine. Jaslene.. would you come up here please? All of you as well." He held out his hand to Jas, his eyes still shining with happiness.
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly let go of Jaysen's hand as she moved up to the platform with a smile on her face as she reached out with her hand and placed it in Hikaru's.
Samanya moved up curiously, but didn't get as close as Jas and Jay...
Hikaru Mekanic points to the bottom of the podium "Jaslene, please use your foot to press in the third board up, second to the left." He took a step back and waited patiently, his smile slowly fading.
Jaslene Silvercloud looked to Hikaru curiously before looking at the ground. She slowly moved forward with cautious steps as she tapped at the offered board with her foot.
Jaysen Silvercloud jumps back a step
Samanya watches curiously... not saying anything.
Jaslene Silvercloud blinks, "whoa."
Jaysen Silvercloud what the, magic tricks much man?"
Samanya blinked, "Wow..."
Hikaru Mekanic steps down into the darkness "This is the secret of this church, one of the reasons I remodeled it, instead of tearing it down." He looked back up at them Violet eyes the only thing viewable in the dark. " Come on down. five steps down then three to the right."
Jaslene Silvercloud follows Hikaru down, "cool..."
Samanya followed, uneasy at going underground...
Tarnek Vollmar remains dead silent watching and following, he could only guess why they were being shown this. He'd wanted to ask Hikaru some things but he'd wait for the time being.
Hikaru Mekanic Two steps past the stairs the light is suddenly there, warm and inviting. Hikaru whispered softly "Welcome to Haven. This is the safest place I know. Holy ground, and secret."
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly looked around her, "I never would have guessed..."
Jaysen Silvercloud nods as he looks around "This is pretty damned cool, kinda like a bunker"
Samanya was stunned, "Wow," she repeated again as a shiver worked its way through her body. She wasn't cold... it was just the power here...
Tarnek Vollmar looked about, not very surprised nor very amused. He'd expected something like this when Hikaru walked up out of the floor. He ended up adding more questions to his list as he listened.
Hikaru Mekanic stepped forward, pointing to the far door "Kitchen. It is already stocked as best I could." The door closest to them, "Sleeping area. Unfortunately bunk beds will still need to be brought down." He turned to them slowly. "This place is for anyone that needs a safe place to stay, be it from the demon, or anything else. It is to be kept secret and safe by all of you. Understand?"
Jaslene Silvercloud looks to Hikaru after looking around. She quickly nods, "of course."
Samanya nodded, still curious some as to why he would show all of them this...
Jaysen Silvercloud looks around then back to Hikaru "sure"
Tarnek Vollmar moved to cross his arms stopped by the fact that he was still holding Sam's hand. He nodded wordlessly to Hikaru and looked around some more, taking note of where Hikaru said everything was.
Hikaru Mekanic motioned for Tarnek and Sam to go ahead and look around "Everyone is welcome here.... as long as they are peaceful."
Jaslene Silvercloud nods as she still looks around, "this is very generous of you Hikaru."
Hikaru Mekanic motions for Jas and jay to follow him into the bedroom area. Once inside he closes the door and speaks below a whisper to them.
Hikaru Mekanic "In case this place is discovered, and people are here. IF they need to get out... " He strides over to the far wall and pushes in a stone, the wall sliding in several inches, and then back silently.
Jaysen Silvercloud looks on wide eyed but silent.
Jaslene Silvercloud looks a bit shocked as she follows in silence.
Hikaru Mekanic leads them down a shirt u turn hallway and motions to an old steel door. "Through this door will lead directly into the catacombs."
Jaysen Silvercloud "whoa" is all he can manage
Samanya stayed at the stairs mostly, only stepping just a bit further to look around. She wondered what Hikaru had pulled Jas and Jay ahead for, but shrugged.
Jaslene Silvercloud nods, "all right. I know my way through there pretty well. If I'm around I'll help them."
Jaysen Silvercloud shakes his head "You guys plan for anything don't ya"
Hikaru Mekanic turns his head to barely look back at them and nods slowly his tongue touching to his upper lip for a moment "We prepare in case something happens. There is also a tunnel we are working on that will lead to the next town over... in case Wood Bourne has to be evacuated." He paused closing his eyes "I am telling you, showing you all of this because I trust you both, you are our Pommes. We... want you to be protected and safe in case something happens to either of us."
Tarnek Vollmar stayed back with Samanya not sure what could be down here that Hikaru didn't want him and Sam to know of.
Jaslene Silvercloud smiled softly at Hikaru's words. She came over and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "As much as I don't like to think about things like that...I thank you for thinking of us."
Jaysen Silvercloud looks soberly at Hikaru "We appreciate it greatly"
Samanya frowned and leaned closer to Tarnek, "Is it weird that I find this creepy as hell?" she muttered.
Hikaru Mekanic reached up and patted Jas's hand offering her a smile "Vampires can live forever, but I have been.. reminded of how very mortal we really are."
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly nods, "as have we all lately."
Jaysen Silvercloud looks to Jas and smiles "You two are doing all you can, can't ask any more"
Tarnek Vollmar looked around and sighed "I can't blame you. I think you and I need to have a few words with Hikaru before this night is over" he was fairly certain why they were being shown this.
Hikaru Mekanic nods "Let's get back to the others." He lead them back around the corner and paused against the wall, listening to hear if they were in the other room or not. Satisfied that it was empty he pressed the button again the wall making its move before stepping into he sleeping area again.
Samanya just nodded and turned to wrap her arms around him. She had a lot of questions, but no clue what to ask first.
Jaslene Silvercloud reappeared with Hikaru as she looked to Sam and Tarnek, "so what do you two think?"
Tarnek Vollmar looked to Jas then to Hikaru "If we have been shown this for the reasons I think... Jas, have you informed Hikaru of Sam and my objections?" He didn't want to have this conversation now but Jas asked.
Hikaru Mekanic looked to Jas quickly "Objections to what?" a soft frown decorated his brows.
Jaslene Silvercloud: "I have not had the opportunity recently. But if you would like to voice them then by all means go right ahead."
Hikaru Mekanic looks back to Tarnek and Sam.
Samanya stood there quietly. She so didn't want to have this conversation here, where the very air breathed holy...
Tarnek Vollmar sighed he didn't want to talk for Sam but she wasn't speaking up "Jas has informed the both of us that she is making an alliance with you and Ayd. To put it bluntly I don't like it. Putting my own prejudices aside, I honestly don't see us tigers gaining much in the long run. However as I have told Jaslene I trust she is doing what she thinks is best, and will follow her regardless of my personal opinion. Sam, do you have anything to add?
Samanya took a heavy breath, "I agree with him, that I don't see the benefit for us," she said looking at Hikaru, "but I told Jas earlier that I was beginning to see that there's a lot more under the surface of the things I don't understand than I could start to imagine." She was a bit tense, unsure of Hikaru's reaction to all this after showing them this place.
Jaysen Silvercloud looks thoughtful a moment "Yeah I can see your point, I mean, I'm even a little foggy on all this" he glances at Jas, "But I do trust Ayd and Hikaru and we have a better chance surviving what can happen with them at our backs"
Hikaru Mekanic's eyes drifted closed as he listened to them speak. Three silver colored rings glinting in the dim room as he touched tongue to lip, thinking. Finally he turned to Jas. "How did you explain the... arrangement?"
Jaslene Silvercloud looks over to Hikaru, "This started on Saturday...at my theme night. A lot had left and only tarnek and Sam were there. So I started to fill them in. As soon as I said that Jay and I were a pomme to you and Ayd...they...didn't take it so well..." She glanced back over t Tarnek. "I only have been able to clear the air with tarnek since that night."
Jaysen Silvercloud listens carefully as his fingers trace the beads on his wrist.
Hikaru Mekanic nodded turning back to Tarnek and Sam "You want to know what the tiger clan would get out of this agreement beyond what is already there?"
Samanya nods, "I would like to understand it, yes," she looked up to Tarnek, wondering what he thought.
Tarnek Vollmar carefully nodded before speaking calmly "Hikaru I realize most of us in town are good people, no one is going to leave anyone else out in the cold or out in danger here. Most of us have each other's backs already, we don't need an arrangement for that"
Hikaru Mekanic nodded "Exactly. The Tiger clan gains nothing extra from Jas and Jay being our Pommes. Other than their own personal protection from other vampires. It changes nothing." His eyes met Tarnek's, then Sam's growing hard, deeper in color "Aydryan and I would still give our lives for the people of this town. every. single. one. Jaslene and Jaysen were already feeding us willingly. We simply made it more... official. We offer you friendship. That is all."
Jaslene Silvercloud simply listens as Hikaru talks.
Tarnek Vollmar shakes his head "I may not like Jaysen and Jaslene feeding you on a daily basis but that is their choice, and I can say nothing more on that subject. I think it's no secret that I'm not fond of vampires. There is only one in town I truly trust completely. To state my bottom line I have no desire to end up you and Aydryan's day time guardian, which is quite frankly how Jas made this sound from the start."
Jaslene Silvercloud sighs, "I did not mean it to sound that way Tarnek. I am sorry for the misunderstanding."
Jaysen Silvercloud frowns but stays silent
Hikaru Mekanic steps towards Tarnek a bit, his head tilting to the side. "So if you found out someone knew where we slept, was going to attack us during the day... you would do nothing?"
Samanya 's eyes were cold and not glancing at anyone, least of all Hikaru. She debated silently on which emotion was ruling at his words. She felt mildly offended, agitated and irritated. Opening her mouth to speak, she closed it, deciding it would be best all around not to comment. That is, until Hikaru spoke again. She would be nice though, and wait for Tarnek to answer.
Tarnek Vollmar: "Of course I would do something to stop that, but that would be very hard information to simply learn, and I'm not about to stand guard over your coffin just incase"
Jaslene Silvercloud glanced to Jaysen out of the corner of her eyes as she listened. Her eyes said she was slightly worried where this was going before she turned her gaze back to the others.
Samanya held her comments, watching Hikaru for whatever point he would make.
Hikaru Mekanic "To stand guard over us as we sleep is not what we ask. Just to keep your eyes and ears open. Protect us how you can. No more, no less. And we will do the same for you. Isn't that.. fair?"
Tarnek Vollmar nodded "I am fully willing to do anything I can short of becoming your personal body guard, just as I am willing to help anyone else in this town. Having this whole deal made formal or official or however you wish to view it, will not change that in the slightest"
Samanya frowned. She would have taken the moment to remind him that life wasn't fair and never would be, but she had no desire to argue despite her irritation.
Jaslene Silvercloud frowns at Tarnek's answer but she says nothing.
Jaysen Silvercloud quirks a brow at Sam's body language, obvious irritation emanating from her. He tilts his head in confusion at her
Hikaru Mekanic nodded slowly. He was a patient man, his years of training had made sure of that. But he was finding that having patience in waiting through pain, was easier than explaining all of this to someone that did not truly understand what a vampire was. He was thinking again, deep in thought for several moments, going still, but not the true stillness that the oldest of them can do. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft and calm. "We are not so much different. Shifters and Vampires. We were all once human, most of us at least." He took a slow deep breath, his jaw tightening for a second before continuing. "We each have a beast inside us, one we strive to master, to control. You have a tiger, you hunger for meat. I hunger for blood. But vampires are bound to the night as you are bound to the moon. Does that.. make sense?"
Jaysen Silvercloud blinks surprised at what he just heard and nodding slowly.
Tarnek Vollmar tilted his head as he listened not sure where he was trying to go with this "If you wish to put it that way you can..."
Jaslene Silvercloud looked to Hikaru and smiled softly as the interest in his wording caught her attention. Then she looked back to Tarnek at his reply, "Tarnek...you do realize...that sounded antagonistic..."
Hikaru Mekanic shook his head "No Jaslene... It is alright. He is allowed his opinions. As I am allowed my opportunity to change his opinions. Tarnek.. how would you put us?"
Samanya let out a frustrated breath as her eyes glittered more gray than green, "Why do you assume there is no reason other than you are vampire for my distrust?" She grumbled, though she had no right. She'd kept most of her life a secret from everyone in the town, only giving away bits and pieces here and there. "My objection was because I was told to trust you because someone else does and I will never trust anyone just because someone tells me to. Cynical, perhaps, but I never had anyone to trust before." She muttered under her breath, "God, I need a book on life." She was confused, frustrated... mostly at the misunderstandings between everyone and her lack of understanding everything that should have made sense.
Tarnek Vollmar blinked at Sam not sure what to say after her sudden outburst.. he looked up to hikaru almost praying that he wouldn't get angry. His problems with Hikaru and Ayd did revolve around what they were, and somehow he wasn't happy that Sam was finally speaking for herself now.
Hikaru Mekanic Violet eyes turned to Sam slowly, something passing behind them, a sadness perhaps. "distrusting me for something another vampire did to you is like me mistrusting the pack because my brother was mauled as a child. It does not make sense."
Tarnek Vollmar: "It's not what has been done, but what can be done. I honestly don't know if you or Ayd can call tigers, but even if you can't you both have enough power to do something to either of us if you wanted to. Assurances that you won't will not change the fact that you can" He let out a heavy breath having finally said what he didn't really want to
Hikaru Mekanic's voice grew softer, almost a whisper. "Just because you can do a thing, does not mean you should." He met Tarnek's eyes, leaving them open and unguarded, offering him the chance to see the truth, and the emotions behind that statement.
Jaslene Silvercloud: "Tarnek...Hikaru is right. I could have easily thought the same of you and Sam. As someone who was once human. I could have let other ideals get in the way. But I have not because I choose to believe that you wouldn't harm me...since you have not given me reason to think you would."
Tarnek Vollmar made a point not to meet Hikaru's eyes "What I think we're both trying to say is that completely discarding what you are, as a person you don't have our trust yet, unlike Jas and Jaysen, we don't really know you"
Samanya met Hikaru's eyes, blinking at the deep violet of them. That she met his eyes either said she wasn't thinking, or was willing to try and trust him. Her voice was soft and tinged with her frustration, "I didn't say it makes sense, or that it was right or fair. I said it wasn't because you were vampire." She turned frustrated eyes to Tarnek, having no clue how to get her point across. She finally looked back to Hikaru, "I never had anyone I could trust... it makes it hard to let myself rely on anyone when I don't know they can..." she gestured with her hands, "take care of the situation, I guess." She listened silently to the words being said.
Jaysen Silvercloud looks at the floor, then up to Tarnek and Sam, his voice soft "Trust is earned, but you have to give a person a chance or you never will know one way or another"
Hikaru Mekanic turned his eyes towards Sam's when she met them, she could see how much it meant to him passing through his eyes quickly. there was no pull to them, no hint of power leaked out. "We will have to fix that problem then Tarnek..." He turned and moved deeper into the room, to the couch and sat down, leaning back stiffly against the cushions. "What would you like to know? I may not be able to answer everything... but I can answer what I can truthfully."
Jaslene Silvercloud watches Hikaru as he moves to the seating area. She slowly turns and follows him to sit on the pillowed table.
Jaysen Silvercloud smiles and follows Jas.
Samanya gave Jaysen a helpless look at his comment, "I'm trying Jaysen." She leaned against Tarnek, knowing that her issues trusting were nothing to the reasons he had. She saw how much it meant to Hikaru that she'd met his eyes, and that fleeting emotion made her feel like dirt.
Tarnek Vollmar walked over to the seating area reluctantly but didn't take a seat "Hikaru, I could ask you anything, and still no question in the world will tell me your character. that's something that takes time. And with Jas able to claim chang at any moment, and this 'arrangement' being forced upon us all, I guess I'm afraid I don't have the time to learn to trust you"
Jaysen Silvercloud looks up "Tarnek, this Pomme thing is between us , it really doesn't have anything to do with you or Sam" he shakes his head, nothing is being forced on you at all, you are just being told how some things are, that's all"
Hikaru Mekanic closes his eyes and whispered softly "It sounds like you do not want to even try... I wish there was more time. I really do."
Samanya moved to lean against the wall and folded her arms across her stomach, "I've been the only one telling myself how it's going to be for the last fifteen years though Jay, that's what's making this so hard for me," she said, as if that made everything make sense, because to her it did.
Jaslene Silvercloud reaches over from where she lays and gently runs her hand down Jaysen's arm with a soft purr, "Jaysen is right. As Hikaru said...nothing is going to be different. But it just a little bit of a title for what is all ready taking place. Tarnek...you said you would try and trust and follow me. Simply do your best to trust my words now."
Tarnek Vollmar looked to Jaysen at his words "Then why this whole thing about being allied as a streak? That is what my biggest issue is with, hell that's been my only real issue" he looked up at hikaru "You are right, were it not for this whole... ordeal I wouldn't be trying, but now..."
Jaysen Silvercloud from what I understand that hasn't happened yet but it could" he looks to Jas, "If Jas does become Chang and is already a Pomme, it just makes sense. would you reject an alliance because you dislike what they are?"
Samanya watched the wind carry wisps of snow that hadn't settled for one reason or the other. She didn't need a heavy coat, and wouldn't have worn one at all except she seemed to get 'stuck' in the elements a lot here in this strange and interesting town. Humming show tunes off-key, she walked towards Sanctuary, a skip in her step that slowly faded when she rounded the corner and saw the faint blood trail going towards the apartments. Her wide eyes shone brightly in the fading sunlight when she stood at the locked doors of Sanctuary and saw the destruction inside. She smelled blood... and food and drink all mushed together. Confusion and a hint of worry set in as she wondered what happened and where Jas was. Sam still needed to talk to her about everything that had gone on before the river incident. With that thought, Sam wandered through the city, frowning when she saw the doors to the new club locked. She paused and stepped into the hospital, going no further than the front doors when she didn't smell anyone she recognized over the scent of the aneseptic smell hospitals use to try to hide the scent of death. She searched her memory and nearly smacked herself. Jas had been spending a lot of time at the church since the demon attack... that's where Sam was headed now...
Jaslene Silvercloud was seated on a pew leaning forward with her forearms resting on her upper legs. Her eyes were closed as she held the wooden rosary in her hands gently. Soft prayer flowing out of her lips.
Samanya tried to focus on what she wanted to talk to Jas about, but she kept seeing the blood and destruction of Sanctuary. I hope she's here, she thought, not knowing where else she would look if Jas wasn't in the church. Sam paused at the doors and her eyes traveled the length of the building. For some reason she had a difficult time convincing herself to push the door opened, not because they were heavy.... She closed her eyes on a sigh and murmured a quiet prayer... it had been too long since she'd darkened the doors of any church. Satisfied when lightning didn't strike or something equally as terrible didn't happen, she stepped into the building, "Jas?" she called softly, looking around. She stopped when she heard the quiet prayer, not wanting to interrupt more than she already had.
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly ends her prayer. Her eyes open as she slowly sits back having heard Sam's voice. Jas took a slow breath feeling much calmer than she had when she woke, "Yes Sam..?"
Samanya took a few seemingly uneasy steps forward, her voice hesitant and unsure, "I want to ask what the," she cringed, and sighed... she was in a church for goodness sake, "what happened?" she asked, omitting the curse that would have slipped past her lips. She also wanted to talk about business... but just then the church seemed like the most terrible place to bring that up.
Jaslene Silvercloud softly sighs, "come...have a seat... And if you mean the bar. I have no idea. I woke...and that's the state I found it in."
Samanya moved to sit with her, "Are you okay?" she frowned.
Jaslene Silvercloud: "better now than I was when I woke." She took a slow and careful breath. "But all the tension is not yet gone. Unfortunately...this is usual for me...to come back to the bar...or come back downstairs...and find my bar in this state. I've lost count of the times...I've cleaned up blood, claws marks, bullet holes and replaced furniture to cover up the activity that goes on there. I've even found guns tucked under a couch in my apartment. So, am I ok? What do you think?"
Samanya listened silently. She gave a half laugh half snort that was filled with sarcasm, "I think you can handle it or you wouldn't own a bar," she murmured, her voice losing the sarcasm and taking a serious tone, "if I need to work at the bar as extra claws," she laughed, slightly amused at her own joke, "I'm more than willing."
Jaslene Silvercloud softly smiled, "actually...that doesn't sound too bad Sam... I need more help at the bar that's preternatural. I really only have Wolfgang and Kiki... Wolfgang is good in a fight and all...but Kiki...she's human...and completely useless if a fight erupted in the bar."
Samanya nods, "I've been thinking of leaving my job now... it's not as convenient since I live here. I'm not the best cook either, so yeah..." she jumped when her blackberry vibrated in her pocket and she reached for it before it began to ring mouthing 'sorry' to Jas. She didn't recognize the number, so her voice was curious and professional, "Hello?" she answered, knowing Jas would hear whatever was said, sitting as closely as they were.
Jaslene Silvercloud looked to Sam as she talked in the phone.
Tarnek Vollmar talks quickly into the phone an edge of concern and frustration "Sam it's me" he assumed she'd recognize his voice "Where are you?" He paced in front of the bar hoping she knew something
Samanya looked to Jas a question in her eyes, do I tell him, it asked? She frowned at the worry in his voice, "I'm at the church," she said before Jas could say anything, "are you okay?" For all she knew some of the blood at Sanctuary could have been his, she didn't stay long enough to identify it, or see if she could.
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly nods to Sam as she hears Tarnek on the other end of the phone.
Tarnek Vollmar let out a sigh of relief, she didn't sound hurt at the very least and she was somewhere safe "I'm fine, I'm at the bar, do you know what's going on, the place looks like a mess" he glanced back through the glass doors and frowned slightly not sure what to think yet
Samanya smiled a little, glad to hear from him and to hear that he was safe, "I have no idea," she acknowledged, "I was trying to find out, myself."
Tarnek Vollmar glanced to Terial holding up his free hand to signal to him that he was on the phone "I'll be headed your way in a minute, just don't go anywhere" he still sounded mildly concerned, he wouldn't be happy until he saw her safe
Samanya nodded, then rolled her eyes at herself... "I just nodded into the phone!" she said, laughing at herself, "anyway, yeah, I'm gonna hang out here for a while. Be safe," she murmured.
Jaslene Silvercloud smirks faintly as she leaned back against the pew as she placed her rosary around her neck.
Tarnek Vollmar glares at Eric before talking to Sam a little more irritated by the news he'd just received "Stay safe Sam" He closed his phone and looked at Eric "If nikul was fighting with what he considers food I think I should be concerned. And I have no idea where Jas is but I'm hoping since she had time to leave the note on the door that she's fine"
Samanya felt a little guilty for not telling him that Jas was sitting beside her. She clicked the phone off and locked the keypad before sliding it back into her pocket... last thing she needed was a thousand dollar bill for calling China by accident. "Sorry about that," she said to Jas.
Jaslene Silvercloud looks to Sam, "so...that was Tarnek eh? Sounded worried for you."
Samanya nods, "He found the bar locked up," she said, like that explained things.
Jaslene Silvercloud nods, "figured he would call you..." She looked up to the ceiling looking a little downtrodden and tired.
Samanya stared ahead. She wasn't sure what to say to be honest, so she just said whatever thought came to her first, "Wolf thinks that if we come to some agreement," we being the tigers, "that we'll be the most powerful weres in town."
Jaslene Silvercloud faintly smiles, "that's what I've thought all along..."
Samanya turned towards her now, studying her profile since she was staring at the ceiling, "Look, I don't understand how it helps us to guard the vamps, but talking to Hikaru after shifting back the other night, I realized there is a lot that I still don't understand as I've said before." She frowned, "What are we going to do?" she wondered, turning as her eyes roamed over the walls and pews.
Jaslene Silvercloud: "There is one key thing...I want to explain to you..."
Samanya listened attentively, turning back towards her, "I want to understand it all," she murmured, frustration beginning to surface. She didn't interrupt further though.
Jaslene Silvercloud: "Right now...we really can't afford to take Nikul's position on the demon. That we shouldn't be scared...that we should go after this thing. We just can't. This thing is bigger, stronger, and faster than anyone of us alone. I was man-handled by the demon personally. I shifted to alpha form with all the power of my beast behind me. That demon still threw me around like I was a rag doll."
Samanya looked at her speculatively, "That was before the crosses and before you started coming here, though," she pointed out. "Someone suggested we all do just that, I still need to pull my cross out, haven't done that yet." Distracted, she shook her head, "I think we're all scared of it, Nikul too, no matter what he says, but short of doing an exorcism on everyone in town... what are we going to do?"
Jaslene Silvercloud: "This demon...he takes people when they are alone or are too far from another group of people for the to help. We can't give this demon that chance. If you don't have religion...get it. But don't walk alone unless you have no choice. That's why I want more people at our backs. The more people working with us means that's more people looking if one of us goes missing."
Samanya nods slowly, "I see your point, but it concerns me." She twirled an errant strand of hair around her fingers, "Even two of us... if it picked one, it's going to get them, or it has so far. That leaves the other fighting a losing battle. There's got to be something simple that everyone is missing.."
Jaslene Silvercloud: "Right now...I only know that this thing has everyone stumped. I've been talking with the masters. They are truly worried about this being. For right now...even they told me...just run. Fight the want to go after it and just run like hell.
Samanya looked at her with somber, serious eyes, "Could you just run if it had Jay?"
Megeara Sommerstein follows Tarnek thru town to the large dark church building rubbing her arms as she stepped in behind Tarnek she sees Sam and Jas.. and sort of leans back not wanting to intrude too much.
Tarnek Vollmar stepped in through the door almost instantly taken aback by the decor of the place, not that he expected a vampire church to look "normal" He paused seeing Sam talking with someone and he took a second to recognize it as Jas, he didn't care though he could see Sam and she was all right. He walked silently up to them not sure what to say at the moment.
Jaslene Silvercloud nods slowly, "well... I think I could...I know...that demon would injure him...but he would injure him more if I interfered... However...I may simply just...ask for a trade..." She looked over seeing Tarnek.
Samanya was waiting, wondering how Jas would reply, when she heard the doors open. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled when she saw Tarnek, her eyes drinking in the sight of him to reassure herself he was okay. She turned back to Jas when she spoke. Sam nodded at her words but didn't comment on them as she thought about it.
Tarnek Vollmar sighed able to guess what they were talking about but he remained silent for the moment as he takes a seat beside Sam and places a kiss on her cheek "I'm glad to see that you're ok" he looked to Jaslene and nodded to her "The mess in the bar had me worried. You all right yourself Jas?"
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly nods, "I'm fine." she rubbed at the left side of her neck before pulling her hair forward over her shoulder.
Samanya slid closer to Tarnek and purred quietly, "I'm glad you're okay too." She didn't notice Jas's actions.
Eric slipped inside the church, quickly surveying who was present. Ah, he found Jas, the one he was actually looking for. "Hey, Jas... Nikul wanted me to let you know he and Em will pay for the damage to the bar...."
Jaslene Silvercloud looks over her shoulder at Eric. She cocks a brow, "why them?"
Tarnek Vollmar noticed Jaslene's actions and ignored them at least visibly, she'd said she was pomme to the master, why was she hiding what he assumed to be bite marks. He'd bother her with it later maybe "Well at least everyone is ok. should I ask why you are here? Or is the upstairs a mess too?"
He quirked a brow as well, looking back to her. "You didn't hear? The disaster in there is from a "food" fight they had last night. Trust me, when I came on it, I followed the smear to Emalee's apartment... He uh... Nik, sends his apologies..." Eric hated sounding liked a little gofer for the vampire, but hell, he was really just doing it for Jas.
Samanya looked back at Eric, wondering the same thing Jas asked. She leaned against Tarnek and nuzzled at his shoulder quietly, waiting on answers. She frowned at the explanation, "A food fight..." she repeated, obviously not believing that that was the entire story.
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly shakes her head as she rubs at her temples, "I...don't even know what to say to that...other than...hell yes they are paying to have it cleaned. I'd rather both of them go down there and do it entirely with toothbrushes. And no...the mess is only downstairs... If it had been upstairs...EVERYONE would have known how angry I was."
Tarnek Vollmar glanced back to Eric, unlike Sam he didn't question the explanation, he'd never get more out of the cop, so he didn't try. He looked back at Jas "You didn't answer why we were here, or at the least why you were here" He looked to Sam not having to say she was his reason for being here.
Eric laughed a bit, shaking his head at the preposterous nature of the situation. "Yep... Most of what's on the ground there is actually chocolate though... And as for the blood, well, you'll find the bag under one of the seats. If I were you Jas, I'd hold Em's wallet hostage until they clean the place up. It's on the floor in there too..."
Samanya smirked a bit at Jaslene's comment, but Eric's words drew her attention, "How do you know? PD already been through?"
Eric looked at Sam, shrugging with a shake of his head. "Quite frankly, You're looking at the PD right here. I haven't seen Gage or any other cop for that matter in god-knows how long... But yeah, I've already been through the bar...."
Jaslene Silvercloud sighs, "I want that place spotless. I swear...going public about what I am is looking more and more convenient."
Tarnek Vollmar sighs realizing he's being ignored with no guess as to why. he reached over for Sam's hand as he sat there assuming Jas couldn't ignore him forever, he'd keep quiet until Eric left.
Samanya threaded her fingers with his and her imploring eyes looked to him, "You're quiet," she mused, ignoring Eric because he irritated her with his response.
Eric nodded to Jas, before sighing as he turned around. "Well, I hope they do... Anyways, I gotta go check on Mitzy. She's been sleeping most of the day..."
Tarnek Vollmar looked over at Sam "I'm just glad you're Ok" was all he had to say right now as he sighed then turned back to watch Eric leave
Jaslene Silvercloud nods with a sigh as she looks to Tarnek, "time for your question...I came here...cause this is the one place I can calm myself."
Tarnek Vollmar looked at her confused "What do you mean?" he was glad that she was only delaying the answer and not ignoring him as he continued to hold on to Sam's hand, more glad she was ok still than anything else
Samanya nodded and smiled, "I'm glad you're okay too," she said, glad Eric had gone. She looked to Jas, wondering the same thing as Tarnek.
Jaslene Silvercloud: "Because...I gain peace of mind with religion now..."
Tarnek Vollmar refrained from commenting on how fast her conversion had been from when she told him she wasn't religious to now. He honestly couldn't blame her, with demon about it was perhaps harder not to believe. "I understand..." he left it at that, he hoped that said enough
Samanya frowned at her answer, "Faith is with you wherever you are... not just here," she looked around the church, adding quietly, "otherwise I'd be in trouble." She shrugged though, everyone was different and her life had been more different than most... Then again, she thought, she was learning that everyone in this strange town had equally as strange, hard, different pasts...
Jaslene Silvercloud: "It's just....it's quite....peaceful..."
Tarnek Vollmar leaned back a bit looking around "I think the place is a little grim looking for my tastes feels dark, closed in, old, but I suppose that's just me"
Jaslene Silvercloud: "Everyone ha their preferences Tarnek...this is mine." Her voice was still soft but reverent as she looks around.
Samanya nodded at Jas's words, and smiled at Tarnek's, "I guess here for you," she spoke to Jas, "is like the woods for me."
Tarnek Vollmar shrugged "To each their own I suppose" He looked at his hand in Sam's thinking at that moment he could be at peace anywhere so long as he had her with him. He leaned against her slightly resting his head on hers and started to purr.
Jaslene Silvercloud smirks as she hears Tarnek purr. She speaks a bit louder, "yes indeed Tarnek."
Hikaru Mekanic shook his head and made his way up the stairs. He had heard the voices vaguely but was entirely too focused on the book he had his eyes on. Idly he hit the switch with his foot as he carried the other books in a bag. A partition of the flooring just behind the podium gave way, shifting to the side with the faintest creak of wood, auburn hair rising from the darkness silently, his eyes intent on the book he carried. He turned and started towards his desk, then stopped, his head slowly turning towards the pews, eyebrows rising. "Hello."
Jaslene Silvercloud looks over and spots Hikaru coming up out of the floor. She almost laughed but stopped herself. A small giggles managed to escape, "hello."
Samanya flexed her hand in his and purred quietly. She'd forgot her unease at being in the church, and it didn't seem as important to bring up tiger business as it had when she'd set out to find Jas. She wasn't paying attention to Jas, and her words shook Sam out of her quiet contentment, "So what now?" she asked to everyone and no one. She blinked when the flooring gave way, and murmured a quiet hello when Hikaru appeared.
Jaysen Silvercloud walks up to the church doors, the structure was a little menacing but had a warmth to it as well. He carefully opens the doors and steps inside, adjusting to the change in light, the faint perfume of incense floats in the air.
Tarnek Vollmar looked up not expecting vampire to rise to rise out of the floor, he blinked seeing Hikaru stand there "Well I can honestly say I didn't expect to see you there"
Hikaru Mekanic slowly smiled finishing making his way to his desk and setting the bag down next to it. "It is my church." He started pulling out the books with one hand, his other still holding the one book open for him to be able to read.
Jaslene Silvercloud looks back to the doors as she sees Jaysen walk in. A smile crosses her face that lights it up considerably. "Jaysen!" Her voice was light and happy as she rose up from the pew and moved at a quick walk back towards him practically grinning.
Jaysen Silvercloud grins with relief as he sees Jas approach he whispers "Are you ok?"
Tarnek Vollmar smirks at Hikaru "Yea but out of the floor? a little too cheesy magician for you I thought" he looked back hearing Jas speak Jay's name just a little too loud for the small space they were in. He waved at Jaysen with his free hand his other still holding Sam's.
Samanya 's eyes followed Jas. She smiled and thought for a moment that it was interesting all the tigers were in the church. She would have laughed, but it wasn't one of those funny-interesting feelings. "Hey Jay," she grinned, laughing now at Tarnek's comment to Hikaru.
Jaysen Silvercloud looks up and smiles seeing Sam, Tarnek, and even Hikaru , he waves at Sam.
Jaslene Silvercloud grins as she wraps her arms around him, "I'm fine now that you are here."
Jaysen Silvercloud smiles "Do I even want to know what has been going on?"
Hikaru Mekanic looked up at Tarnek and set his book down, he smiled broadly seeing Jaysen and Jas before he turned violet eyes back to Tarnek and Sam again. He tilted his head to the side slightly, the hair falling away from the right side of his face, his scars fairly evident against the still slightly pale skin. "I never claimed to be a magician. Only a priest, and friend to those that want one." He glanced to the floor for a moment and frowned, then nodded silently as if to himself or another voice only he could hear. "If you all have a moment.. I would like to show you something."
Jaslene Silvercloud looks over her shoulder to Hikaru as she cocks a brow but let's go of Jaysen short of holding onto one of his hands as she faces Hikaru. "what is it?"
Samanya tilted her head curiously. She echoed Jas's question, "What is it?" and peered curiously at Hikaru. She kept her hand in Tarnek's and didn't move to go closer yet.
Jaysen Silvercloud looks curious as he leads Jas closer.
Hikaru Mekanic moves over to the podium and motions them all to come on up. He looks to Jas and jay for a second and shakes his head "First kiss Jaslene you dolt." He grinned broadly, flashing his fangs for a second and shaking his head.
Jaysen Silvercloud blinks.
Jaslene Silvercloud bushes at Hikaru's statement as she glances to Jay then away.
Samanya laughed at Hikaru's words and moved closer, her hand still in Tarnek's.
Jaysen Silvercloud looks at Hikaru "Uhm dude, we're in a church, I can't be all up on my girl in here"
Hikaru Mekanic laughs, warm and rich and shakes his head again "Fine.. fine. Jaslene.. would you come up here please? All of you as well." He held out his hand to Jas, his eyes still shining with happiness.
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly let go of Jaysen's hand as she moved up to the platform with a smile on her face as she reached out with her hand and placed it in Hikaru's.
Samanya moved up curiously, but didn't get as close as Jas and Jay...
Hikaru Mekanic points to the bottom of the podium "Jaslene, please use your foot to press in the third board up, second to the left." He took a step back and waited patiently, his smile slowly fading.
Jaslene Silvercloud looked to Hikaru curiously before looking at the ground. She slowly moved forward with cautious steps as she tapped at the offered board with her foot.
Jaysen Silvercloud jumps back a step
Samanya watches curiously... not saying anything.
Jaslene Silvercloud blinks, "whoa."
Jaysen Silvercloud what the, magic tricks much man?"
Samanya blinked, "Wow..."
Hikaru Mekanic steps down into the darkness "This is the secret of this church, one of the reasons I remodeled it, instead of tearing it down." He looked back up at them Violet eyes the only thing viewable in the dark. " Come on down. five steps down then three to the right."
Jaslene Silvercloud follows Hikaru down, "cool..."
Samanya followed, uneasy at going underground...
Tarnek Vollmar remains dead silent watching and following, he could only guess why they were being shown this. He'd wanted to ask Hikaru some things but he'd wait for the time being.
Hikaru Mekanic Two steps past the stairs the light is suddenly there, warm and inviting. Hikaru whispered softly "Welcome to Haven. This is the safest place I know. Holy ground, and secret."
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly looked around her, "I never would have guessed..."
Jaysen Silvercloud nods as he looks around "This is pretty damned cool, kinda like a bunker"
Samanya was stunned, "Wow," she repeated again as a shiver worked its way through her body. She wasn't cold... it was just the power here...
Tarnek Vollmar looked about, not very surprised nor very amused. He'd expected something like this when Hikaru walked up out of the floor. He ended up adding more questions to his list as he listened.
Hikaru Mekanic stepped forward, pointing to the far door "Kitchen. It is already stocked as best I could." The door closest to them, "Sleeping area. Unfortunately bunk beds will still need to be brought down." He turned to them slowly. "This place is for anyone that needs a safe place to stay, be it from the demon, or anything else. It is to be kept secret and safe by all of you. Understand?"
Jaslene Silvercloud looks to Hikaru after looking around. She quickly nods, "of course."
Samanya nodded, still curious some as to why he would show all of them this...
Jaysen Silvercloud looks around then back to Hikaru "sure"
Tarnek Vollmar moved to cross his arms stopped by the fact that he was still holding Sam's hand. He nodded wordlessly to Hikaru and looked around some more, taking note of where Hikaru said everything was.
Hikaru Mekanic motioned for Tarnek and Sam to go ahead and look around "Everyone is welcome here.... as long as they are peaceful."
Jaslene Silvercloud nods as she still looks around, "this is very generous of you Hikaru."
Hikaru Mekanic motions for Jas and jay to follow him into the bedroom area. Once inside he closes the door and speaks below a whisper to them.
Hikaru Mekanic "In case this place is discovered, and people are here. IF they need to get out... " He strides over to the far wall and pushes in a stone, the wall sliding in several inches, and then back silently.
Jaysen Silvercloud looks on wide eyed but silent.
Jaslene Silvercloud looks a bit shocked as she follows in silence.
Hikaru Mekanic leads them down a shirt u turn hallway and motions to an old steel door. "Through this door will lead directly into the catacombs."
Jaysen Silvercloud "whoa" is all he can manage
Samanya stayed at the stairs mostly, only stepping just a bit further to look around. She wondered what Hikaru had pulled Jas and Jay ahead for, but shrugged.
Jaslene Silvercloud nods, "all right. I know my way through there pretty well. If I'm around I'll help them."
Jaysen Silvercloud shakes his head "You guys plan for anything don't ya"
Hikaru Mekanic turns his head to barely look back at them and nods slowly his tongue touching to his upper lip for a moment "We prepare in case something happens. There is also a tunnel we are working on that will lead to the next town over... in case Wood Bourne has to be evacuated." He paused closing his eyes "I am telling you, showing you all of this because I trust you both, you are our Pommes. We... want you to be protected and safe in case something happens to either of us."
Tarnek Vollmar stayed back with Samanya not sure what could be down here that Hikaru didn't want him and Sam to know of.
Jaslene Silvercloud smiled softly at Hikaru's words. She came over and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "As much as I don't like to think about things like that...I thank you for thinking of us."
Jaysen Silvercloud looks soberly at Hikaru "We appreciate it greatly"
Samanya frowned and leaned closer to Tarnek, "Is it weird that I find this creepy as hell?" she muttered.
Hikaru Mekanic reached up and patted Jas's hand offering her a smile "Vampires can live forever, but I have been.. reminded of how very mortal we really are."
Jaslene Silvercloud slowly nods, "as have we all lately."
Jaysen Silvercloud looks to Jas and smiles "You two are doing all you can, can't ask any more"
Tarnek Vollmar looked around and sighed "I can't blame you. I think you and I need to have a few words with Hikaru before this night is over" he was fairly certain why they were being shown this.
Hikaru Mekanic nods "Let's get back to the others." He lead them back around the corner and paused against the wall, listening to hear if they were in the other room or not. Satisfied that it was empty he pressed the button again the wall making its move before stepping into he sleeping area again.
Samanya just nodded and turned to wrap her arms around him. She had a lot of questions, but no clue what to ask first.
Jaslene Silvercloud reappeared with Hikaru as she looked to Sam and Tarnek, "so what do you two think?"
Tarnek Vollmar looked to Jas then to Hikaru "If we have been shown this for the reasons I think... Jas, have you informed Hikaru of Sam and my objections?" He didn't want to have this conversation now but Jas asked.
Hikaru Mekanic looked to Jas quickly "Objections to what?" a soft frown decorated his brows.
Jaslene Silvercloud: "I have not had the opportunity recently. But if you would like to voice them then by all means go right ahead."
Hikaru Mekanic looks back to Tarnek and Sam.
Samanya stood there quietly. She so didn't want to have this conversation here, where the very air breathed holy...
Tarnek Vollmar sighed he didn't want to talk for Sam but she wasn't speaking up "Jas has informed the both of us that she is making an alliance with you and Ayd. To put it bluntly I don't like it. Putting my own prejudices aside, I honestly don't see us tigers gaining much in the long run. However as I have told Jaslene I trust she is doing what she thinks is best, and will follow her regardless of my personal opinion. Sam, do you have anything to add?
Samanya took a heavy breath, "I agree with him, that I don't see the benefit for us," she said looking at Hikaru, "but I told Jas earlier that I was beginning to see that there's a lot more under the surface of the things I don't understand than I could start to imagine." She was a bit tense, unsure of Hikaru's reaction to all this after showing them this place.
Jaysen Silvercloud looks thoughtful a moment "Yeah I can see your point, I mean, I'm even a little foggy on all this" he glances at Jas, "But I do trust Ayd and Hikaru and we have a better chance surviving what can happen with them at our backs"
Hikaru Mekanic's eyes drifted closed as he listened to them speak. Three silver colored rings glinting in the dim room as he touched tongue to lip, thinking. Finally he turned to Jas. "How did you explain the... arrangement?"
Jaslene Silvercloud looks over to Hikaru, "This started on Saturday...at my theme night. A lot had left and only tarnek and Sam were there. So I started to fill them in. As soon as I said that Jay and I were a pomme to you and Ayd...they...didn't take it so well..." She glanced back over t Tarnek. "I only have been able to clear the air with tarnek since that night."
Jaysen Silvercloud listens carefully as his fingers trace the beads on his wrist.
Hikaru Mekanic nodded turning back to Tarnek and Sam "You want to know what the tiger clan would get out of this agreement beyond what is already there?"
Samanya nods, "I would like to understand it, yes," she looked up to Tarnek, wondering what he thought.
Tarnek Vollmar carefully nodded before speaking calmly "Hikaru I realize most of us in town are good people, no one is going to leave anyone else out in the cold or out in danger here. Most of us have each other's backs already, we don't need an arrangement for that"
Hikaru Mekanic nodded "Exactly. The Tiger clan gains nothing extra from Jas and Jay being our Pommes. Other than their own personal protection from other vampires. It changes nothing." His eyes met Tarnek's, then Sam's growing hard, deeper in color "Aydryan and I would still give our lives for the people of this town. every. single. one. Jaslene and Jaysen were already feeding us willingly. We simply made it more... official. We offer you friendship. That is all."
Jaslene Silvercloud simply listens as Hikaru talks.
Tarnek Vollmar shakes his head "I may not like Jaysen and Jaslene feeding you on a daily basis but that is their choice, and I can say nothing more on that subject. I think it's no secret that I'm not fond of vampires. There is only one in town I truly trust completely. To state my bottom line I have no desire to end up you and Aydryan's day time guardian, which is quite frankly how Jas made this sound from the start."
Jaslene Silvercloud sighs, "I did not mean it to sound that way Tarnek. I am sorry for the misunderstanding."
Jaysen Silvercloud frowns but stays silent
Hikaru Mekanic steps towards Tarnek a bit, his head tilting to the side. "So if you found out someone knew where we slept, was going to attack us during the day... you would do nothing?"
Samanya 's eyes were cold and not glancing at anyone, least of all Hikaru. She debated silently on which emotion was ruling at his words. She felt mildly offended, agitated and irritated. Opening her mouth to speak, she closed it, deciding it would be best all around not to comment. That is, until Hikaru spoke again. She would be nice though, and wait for Tarnek to answer.
Tarnek Vollmar: "Of course I would do something to stop that, but that would be very hard information to simply learn, and I'm not about to stand guard over your coffin just incase"
Jaslene Silvercloud glanced to Jaysen out of the corner of her eyes as she listened. Her eyes said she was slightly worried where this was going before she turned her gaze back to the others.
Samanya held her comments, watching Hikaru for whatever point he would make.
Hikaru Mekanic "To stand guard over us as we sleep is not what we ask. Just to keep your eyes and ears open. Protect us how you can. No more, no less. And we will do the same for you. Isn't that.. fair?"
Tarnek Vollmar nodded "I am fully willing to do anything I can short of becoming your personal body guard, just as I am willing to help anyone else in this town. Having this whole deal made formal or official or however you wish to view it, will not change that in the slightest"
Samanya frowned. She would have taken the moment to remind him that life wasn't fair and never would be, but she had no desire to argue despite her irritation.
Jaslene Silvercloud frowns at Tarnek's answer but she says nothing.
Jaysen Silvercloud quirks a brow at Sam's body language, obvious irritation emanating from her. He tilts his head in confusion at her
Hikaru Mekanic nodded slowly. He was a patient man, his years of training had made sure of that. But he was finding that having patience in waiting through pain, was easier than explaining all of this to someone that did not truly understand what a vampire was. He was thinking again, deep in thought for several moments, going still, but not the true stillness that the oldest of them can do. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft and calm. "We are not so much different. Shifters and Vampires. We were all once human, most of us at least." He took a slow deep breath, his jaw tightening for a second before continuing. "We each have a beast inside us, one we strive to master, to control. You have a tiger, you hunger for meat. I hunger for blood. But vampires are bound to the night as you are bound to the moon. Does that.. make sense?"
Jaysen Silvercloud blinks surprised at what he just heard and nodding slowly.
Tarnek Vollmar tilted his head as he listened not sure where he was trying to go with this "If you wish to put it that way you can..."
Jaslene Silvercloud looked to Hikaru and smiled softly as the interest in his wording caught her attention. Then she looked back to Tarnek at his reply, "Tarnek...you do realize...that sounded antagonistic..."
Hikaru Mekanic shook his head "No Jaslene... It is alright. He is allowed his opinions. As I am allowed my opportunity to change his opinions. Tarnek.. how would you put us?"
Samanya let out a frustrated breath as her eyes glittered more gray than green, "Why do you assume there is no reason other than you are vampire for my distrust?" She grumbled, though she had no right. She'd kept most of her life a secret from everyone in the town, only giving away bits and pieces here and there. "My objection was because I was told to trust you because someone else does and I will never trust anyone just because someone tells me to. Cynical, perhaps, but I never had anyone to trust before." She muttered under her breath, "God, I need a book on life." She was confused, frustrated... mostly at the misunderstandings between everyone and her lack of understanding everything that should have made sense.
Tarnek Vollmar blinked at Sam not sure what to say after her sudden outburst.. he looked up to hikaru almost praying that he wouldn't get angry. His problems with Hikaru and Ayd did revolve around what they were, and somehow he wasn't happy that Sam was finally speaking for herself now.
Hikaru Mekanic Violet eyes turned to Sam slowly, something passing behind them, a sadness perhaps. "distrusting me for something another vampire did to you is like me mistrusting the pack because my brother was mauled as a child. It does not make sense."
Tarnek Vollmar: "It's not what has been done, but what can be done. I honestly don't know if you or Ayd can call tigers, but even if you can't you both have enough power to do something to either of us if you wanted to. Assurances that you won't will not change the fact that you can" He let out a heavy breath having finally said what he didn't really want to
Hikaru Mekanic's voice grew softer, almost a whisper. "Just because you can do a thing, does not mean you should." He met Tarnek's eyes, leaving them open and unguarded, offering him the chance to see the truth, and the emotions behind that statement.
Jaslene Silvercloud: "Tarnek...Hikaru is right. I could have easily thought the same of you and Sam. As someone who was once human. I could have let other ideals get in the way. But I have not because I choose to believe that you wouldn't harm me...since you have not given me reason to think you would."
Tarnek Vollmar made a point not to meet Hikaru's eyes "What I think we're both trying to say is that completely discarding what you are, as a person you don't have our trust yet, unlike Jas and Jaysen, we don't really know you"
Samanya met Hikaru's eyes, blinking at the deep violet of them. That she met his eyes either said she wasn't thinking, or was willing to try and trust him. Her voice was soft and tinged with her frustration, "I didn't say it makes sense, or that it was right or fair. I said it wasn't because you were vampire." She turned frustrated eyes to Tarnek, having no clue how to get her point across. She finally looked back to Hikaru, "I never had anyone I could trust... it makes it hard to let myself rely on anyone when I don't know they can..." she gestured with her hands, "take care of the situation, I guess." She listened silently to the words being said.
Jaysen Silvercloud looks at the floor, then up to Tarnek and Sam, his voice soft "Trust is earned, but you have to give a person a chance or you never will know one way or another"
Hikaru Mekanic turned his eyes towards Sam's when she met them, she could see how much it meant to him passing through his eyes quickly. there was no pull to them, no hint of power leaked out. "We will have to fix that problem then Tarnek..." He turned and moved deeper into the room, to the couch and sat down, leaning back stiffly against the cushions. "What would you like to know? I may not be able to answer everything... but I can answer what I can truthfully."
Jaslene Silvercloud watches Hikaru as he moves to the seating area. She slowly turns and follows him to sit on the pillowed table.
Jaysen Silvercloud smiles and follows Jas.
Samanya gave Jaysen a helpless look at his comment, "I'm trying Jaysen." She leaned against Tarnek, knowing that her issues trusting were nothing to the reasons he had. She saw how much it meant to Hikaru that she'd met his eyes, and that fleeting emotion made her feel like dirt.
Tarnek Vollmar walked over to the seating area reluctantly but didn't take a seat "Hikaru, I could ask you anything, and still no question in the world will tell me your character. that's something that takes time. And with Jas able to claim chang at any moment, and this 'arrangement' being forced upon us all, I guess I'm afraid I don't have the time to learn to trust you"
Jaysen Silvercloud looks up "Tarnek, this Pomme thing is between us , it really doesn't have anything to do with you or Sam" he shakes his head, nothing is being forced on you at all, you are just being told how some things are, that's all"
Hikaru Mekanic closes his eyes and whispered softly "It sounds like you do not want to even try... I wish there was more time. I really do."
Samanya moved to lean against the wall and folded her arms across her stomach, "I've been the only one telling myself how it's going to be for the last fifteen years though Jay, that's what's making this so hard for me," she said, as if that made everything make sense, because to her it did.
Jaslene Silvercloud reaches over from where she lays and gently runs her hand down Jaysen's arm with a soft purr, "Jaysen is right. As Hikaru said...nothing is going to be different. But it just a little bit of a title for what is all ready taking place. Tarnek...you said you would try and trust and follow me. Simply do your best to trust my words now."
Tarnek Vollmar looked to Jaysen at his words "Then why this whole thing about being allied as a streak? That is what my biggest issue is with, hell that's been my only real issue" he looked up at hikaru "You are right, were it not for this whole... ordeal I wouldn't be trying, but now..."
Jaysen Silvercloud from what I understand that hasn't happened yet but it could" he looks to Jas, "If Jas does become Chang and is already a Pomme, it just makes sense. would you reject an alliance because you dislike what they are?"