Thread: The Midnight Masquerade (Atroxa & GrinningGentleman)

Times were a worrying sort, so Vladimir had expected the young prostitutes carefulness. People were still scared after the most recent array of murders. A kind of scared, that made the life of those who preyed on Humans, so complicated. When an Eternal drank, it was quite frowned upon to kill the victim, or let others see the deed. They all carried a toxin, they could use to make the victim forget the encounter. Still let those who enjoyed the hunt, and the fear in their victims eyes, have their moments. While leaving a fresh blood bag for the next Eternal. For this reason, Vladimir, and a variety of other prominent Eternals, had sent out contacts in search of the murderer. None had turned up with anything. Made Vladimir suspect the culprit was more than just a man. But the murders had dimmed down, and copycats were being easily handled by his contacts, so things should return to normal soon. But the resourcefulness, and wit, of the original murderer, gave Vladimir an itch. Vladimir observed both Lydia's body language, as well as the pumping of her heart. When he suspected retreat was imminent, he made his stop, as an unspoken sign of good will. His eyes observed, as Lydia's eyes told a thousand tales, even while her mind was still considering a reaction. Her story, was like an open, battered book. He saw it, as he'd done before. But there were more. She was not completely broken. She was not the empty shell, whom he usually saw on street corners. Given in, and completely dropped their dignity, and life, in the hands of the men they serviced. She was different. Every part of her, was different. Something, he could not yet lay a finger on. Her response earned her a smile across the man's lips, as he stretched his neck slightly, pulling an arm out from his cloak, to reach up and remove his hat, releasing his wild raven hair, with a shake of his head. That is because, people get so unoriginal these days.. One dark period of dread, and everybody forgot what Era they are in.. He spoke, as he looked back to Lydia, revealing his pale face. A strong jaw, but soft skin, gave Vladimir a masculine face, with a certain boyish charm, normally not expected to hide bellow a tall hat. His orange-red eyes gazed for Lydia's, as his lips revealed the edge of his pearly white teeth, in a warm smile. An Era of Romance.. He finished his sentence, as he began travelling to the side, with calm steps. He made sure not to step closer to Lydia in the act, but instead carefully circle around her, heading towards a tree, not far from him. As he walked, he moved his walking stick up with his left hand, hanging his hat on top, as his other hand reached for a pocket, and he continued to speak. They see you, for the beauty, that you so excellently put on display. The beauty, that'll fill a resourceful woman, or man's pockets. Or more predominantly, put a bit of food on the table. At the mention of food, his right hand came back with what it had sought for. The green apple would almost seem to glitter in the moonlight, to people of Low Class. Apples were a Luxury. One hardly afforded by many. Vladimir's eyes gazed down to the apple, as he tossed it into the air a single time, catching it again in his stride. They don't see the big things.. To them, these things are insignificant. How wrong they are, it is almost pathetic. He almost spoke with disdain in his voice, tossing the apple one more time, before leading it to his lips. As his teeth barred down on the outer shell, it could only give in, releasing a satisfying crunch, as it's rich juices spilled, spreading it's taste over every inch of Vladimir's lips. In the act, unknown to Lydia, Vladimir made sure to leave a little of himself on the Apple. A little Saliva. As Vladimir's teeth chewed, his eyes turned back towards Lydia, as his head tilted. He leaned his side against the tree he had now reached, pointing with one of the fingers, holding the apple. What do you think? He said, his soft, gentle voice like silk through the air. As he spoke, he tilted his Apple a bit, letting Lydia's eyes see the fresh juices of the fruit, almost sissling on the open wound, left behind by his teeth.