Heartfire (Vertaige & darkangel76)

[darkangel76]

The world was a giant mass spinning in space, the third rock from the sun rotating all too happily on its axis as it made its orbit causing seasonal changes. The seasons came and went and with it so did other changes—changes for the good and changes for the bad. But all of them supposedly had one common theme: to make life better for human kind. It was rather ironic that with the rise of technology, the shortcomings of humanity only became that much more apparent. A frail and fragile race existing in its own arrogance while those who'd remained hidden in the darkest of shadows for centuries merely watched until that fateful day when they finally stepped forward—thus the rise of the Supernaturals and their coexistence with humans began...

The entire day had been non-stop busy—something Evelyn Bentley had hoped wouldn't be the case—at Tech Noir and the hum of something big going on downtown had been the central focus. Her feet were killing her as she carried another round of drinks to a rowdy table. The patrons... dragons. How she couldn't stand their kind on the whole. All too often most of them thought themselves above humans, as if they were superior in every way. The thought made her blood boil, her tiny hands grip her tray all the harder as she carried her tray over to where they sat in all their smugness.

Evie set the glasses out before them all, her blue eyes carefully averted away from them all. There was no way she was about to make eye contact with any of them. Especially after her ears got an earful of what they were talking about. The entire bar was buzzing about the conference that was to be going on downtown regarding dragons and humans, how they shouldn't be allowed to interbreed. She'd never seen anything wrong with it and still didn't. But given her own experiences, she knew she'd never fall for one such as the likes of them. They were too damned arrogant and full of themselves and... her thoughts drifted as she recalled her past, how she'd been harassed by one of their kind.

Just then, Evie snapped out of her reverie when a large hand gripped her slender wrist. The large hand was warm, the scales apparent on his flesh and a stark contrast to her pale skin. Strangely, the colors of his scales went well with the swirling blue colors of the tattoos on her forearm. Swallowing hard, she remembered the outcome of that fateful day a few years back. The horrifying reality of just how strong these beings truly were. Perhaps they truly weren't meant to interbreed or even get along.

No.

Evie's blue eyes flashed, her breaths coming short as a wave of adrenaline washed over her. "Kindly let go, sir," she all but spat. She hoped the Tech Noir's owner was watching. Maybe he could throw out these assholes as they were clearly just trying to stir up trouble. Then again, she jerked her head and caught a glimpse of the holographic clock as it blazingly glared the time.

The dragon just smirked as he eased his grip, the marks from his fingers clear on her wrist. Evie dared to look into his eyes, her red hair tumbling forward in loose curls over her slim shoulders. She could feel a fire burning inside as she looked at him and more than anything she wanted to say something cutting. But she knew that wouldn't help. Not now. Besides—again, she glanced over at the holographic clock—she had more pressing matters at hand.

As Evie shifted and moved to stand upright, her black tank top rode up slightly, showing off a bit of tummy. She gave the dragon a menacing glare, which only caused him to chuckle and snarl. Feeling a bit humiliated, she walked away and found her boss. After asking to leave, she knew exactly where she needed to go and that was downtown to the conference. She needed to do something, say something. She was tired of these dragons and their superiority. Even if she made a single statement, at least she'd feel like she'd made a stand. It was the least she could do for herself.

Glancing over her shoulder, she eyed the table of dragons and scoffed. Flicking her red hair over her shoulder, she bolted out the door and began to race down the hard stone pavement of the sidewalk. Her destination... downtown. Her goal... to make a difference.

 

[Vertaige]

It was all so insignificant, really it was. Humans were ephemeral, almost gone in a blink of an eye. But here he was trying to keep them away from his own kind. Duncan Lowfyr sighed. If his parent's knew they'd beg for him to stop, to let the humans interbreed and in turn mingle with dragons. He looked at his watch again, siting impatiently in the dark limousine watching the neon stained city pass slowly as he rode by.

An ad for a product here, a new restaurant there...Hard to believe that a few hundred years ago this city had been so small. Now it was a metropolis, bustling with bodies and buildings. His own datpad streamed a constant feed of raw data to him, screaming for his attention with its faint glow and pulsating beacon. The tablet projected a several windows in midair and he rearranged the pages of his speech via touch, each time when he pressed one , a soft glow would appear around the silhouette of his fingers.

Humans while fragile were infinitely clever and their advances in technology made a lot of old dragon habits easier. In fact he could monitor his hoard through online banking and even track how and where it traveled to gain interest. Granted at .001% per year it took awhile, but such was the deal with hoards,otherwise dragons would own all the money in the world!

He made some adjustments as he huffed. He was due in twenty minutes and while he would arrive on time, he would have preferred to be early. He smoothed out his burgundy business suit and adjusted his green tie. He would have worn blue to spite his peers but tradition dictated one wear the color of the family. Duncan let his mind wander for a few moments, a rare treat he almost never allowed and began thinking of his future. Duncan wondered about a certain letter on his den's table. He knew who it was from and why, and that's what made it so puzzling.

After a few minutes he saw the convention center draw nearer and he slipped his Datpad into his interior pocket.
"Simon, I'll be done by three, should you be late I'll eat you." Duncan smirked as he saw his driver shake his head. The man,Simon, had been his driver for almost a year and even though he was human, Duncan liked the stoic driver. He rarely spoke and did as he was instructed, a gem for the dragon.

After stepping out of the vehicle he scowled as he walked into the center, eyeing the security. It had been doubled and this bothere Duncan. Even so he walked the halls being escorted by a few gaurds to the backstage area. He could hear the crowd rustling in thier seats, adjutsting to the unfamiliar position of siting upright. He heard his name called as he strode out, emotionless and saw the spread of the audeince. Many were dignitaries and even some humans sprinkled themselves among the ocean of dragons.

"To those who care," Duncan began, not needing a microphone, instead using his voice at its naturual volume,
"We stand on the precipes of change. However it would be wise if we began looking at matters in a different light. Afterall interbreding among species, particualarly humans and dragons could have an impact far beyond what even the wisest dragon may see."
Duncan pulled out his Datpad and flicked a finger on it towards the crowd, instantly several graphs and charts sprang to life as large as billboards for the crowd to see.

 

[darkangel76]

The trek downtown felt like it was taking an eternity. The air was hot and thick with humidity and, with every step she took, Evie could feel her heart palpitate beneath her heaving chest. Her jean-clad legs were beginning to feel like lead as she willed them to move, to press onward toward the convention center. Needing a distraction, she pulled out an mp3 player from her back pocket and hooked it to her belt. She then placed the earpieces in her ears and turned the music on to help calm her nerves.

Almost immediately, Evie's pace began to quicken, her legs moving in time to the beat of the music that played only for her to hear. Her blue eyes took in the sights about her. Cars zipping by as lights flashed and sirens blared. The traffic got heavier the closer she got to the convention center, the scent of fish on the air as a breeze blew in off the nearby river. She crinkled her nose at the pungent stink as the smell hit her hard, but she shrugged it off as she set her jaw and clenched her fists into tiny white-knuckled balls.

A shiver ran along Evie's spine as she approached the convention center. So many luxurious cars were pulling up along side the main entrance—surely these were owned by dragons. They were known for being meticulous in their ways of saving and making their wealth grow by leaps and bounds. They just knew how to make connections, work the systems. They knew how to keep what was theirs and make more, adding high yielding profits to anything that was of interest or caught their eye. They had the knack, were business savvy. To be allied with a dragon was to never want for anything.

Evie sneered at the thought of such rare alliances. Perhaps that was what dragons feared—a greedy human? The very idea! Dragons were powerful beings, could snap a human in half if so inclined. And given their own greed for power and wealth, no doubt they'd smell a gold digger before one even attempted the task to try and win one of them over. Oh, the very thought made her blood boil with rage. Just who did they think they were to look down upon them all, to jump to such conclusions! They should be free to make their own choices, their own decisions! Besides, from her own experiences, it was the dragons who treated others poorly... treating humans like playthings, like toys to please on a whim only to discard them on the street in the cold after they'd done their damage!

At that, Evie turned her music up just a bit louder. Her hair flowing in red ringlets behind her as her pace quickened to a light jog while her breaths came harder as she moved and finally came to the convention center's door. She bit down upon her lower lip and reached for the door's handle with her arm donning a swirling blue tattoo of flowers and curling vines. This was it. There was no turning back now. Once inside, she'd have no choice but to follow through and make a difference for her kind because she'd regret it if she went and then didn't speak up.

As Evie pushed through the crowd, her blue eyes scanned over the sea of faces—dragons. Most of them were dragons, though there were a few other humans attending much like herself. She wondered if any of them were like her and only there because they were utterly disgusted and hoped that their presence would somehow matter, would somehow impact things for the better for humans. Of course, even if any of them managed to do anything of significance, she knew it would only be the first step of many needed to bring about change. Dragons were stubborn, the sort who seemed to have an idea on how things should be. To change that way of thinking wouldn't happen overnight and she wouldn't try and delude herself otherwise.

Plucking the earpieces out of her ears, Evie tucked her mp3 player away in her back pocket and then placed her hands on her hips as she listened to one dragon in particular begin to speak. Oh, he clearly thought highly of himself as he stood up there in all his confidence with his charts and graphs. She wondered just how much research he truly did to come up with the numbers he was spewing at everyone. A sigh passed over her lips and she went to over to a human who was selling water. She handed him her card so that he could deduct credits for her purchase.

"Thanks," Evie said with a smile. She tucked a stray lock of red behind one of her ears and looked up at the dragon who was speaking. Her blue eyes found his and she shivered. Whether he actually saw 'her' or not, she didn't know. But it felt as though he'd seen her amongst all the people in the crowd.

Slowly, Evie made her way toward the front, her eyes still fixed upon his face. She opened her bottle and took a sip of her water. The dragon's words upset her greatly as he continued to throw out what he considered facts and figures. Insults and lies as far as she was concerned!

"Liar!" Evie finally shouted out. With her cheeks burning brightly, heart thumping, chest heaving, she threw her open bottle of water at the dragon as he spoke. The bottle flew through the air, the contents spilling out as it hurtled toward him.

 

[Vertaige]

Duncan felt the water on his skin and he paused. It hurt, like acid burning into his flesh. He maintined his compuser but he saw the woman get teackled by security as he made his way slowly off stage. He made his way to the securituy office while removing his jacket and tie. He looked disheveled but he had got most of the water off, with steam rising from his body where it had made contact.

He heard the gaurds speak before he even entered the office and could hear the girl as well,
"Ma'am you realize what you've done is not only a hate crime but attempted murder. Sir Lowfyr could have died had the bottle been full. Also combined with that your looking at a death sentence." It was unduly harsh and a legitmate statement. A few errant thoughts passed his mind and he saw the snippet of an old photo of three children. He sighed and shook his head. Here he was about to directly intervene in some human's life even after moments of just advocating the opposite.
The girl began babbling and he walked in silently.

He spoke,
"Ahhh Jessica, I'm sorry about that. I should have known better than to leave you alone in a crowd."

He moved to the girls side and smirked, he turned to the gaurds,
"She's a troubled human I took in as my personal assistant and while she is a good girl sometimes she has outbreaks. Now dear I need you to go see Simon and get some medicine.He's outside in the front in the black limo, remember?" He held her hand as he lifted her out of the chair and shot her a look that simply said Do this or I will kill you! He then gently led her to the exit and pushed her out softly towards the exit and turned again to face the men.

Smiling he adressed the gaurds again,
"Humans, so fragile and tempermental right?" He laughed and shook thier hands brushing off thier apologies and empty words. Simon would let the girl in the limo but this was no his problem. WHile not techincally his she was a stray human in a convention full of dragons, meaning any errant mistake could cost the girl her life or worse her freedom. Social moors for dragons were complex and desinged for entrapment. He made his way to the limo as well a scowl on his face, upset that he now had some silly girl to deal with on top of all the mess that the confrence turned into.

 

[darkangel76]

As Evie watched the water from her bottle splatter onto the dragon who was speaking so confidently about all his facts and figures, his face all calm reserve while he brought up chart after chart of why humans were so horrible. Her blue eyes widened in horror as the typically nourishing liquid seemed to seer his flesh, burning it like some abrasive solvent. She swallowed hard as her mind began to process what had just happened, a most horrifying outcome she hadn't even remotely expected or predicted and definitely not something she'd intended when she'd made the decision to throw her water bottle at him while he stood up there. At most, she'd hoped to get him to glare at her, to cause him to stammer while he gave that haughty speech that placed humans in a lesser light than those of his own kind.

But it was too late. What was done was done and she couldn't undo it. Time was a funny thing even with all the technological advances, time was still one thing that hadn't been harnessed—at least not that humans were aware. Evie's mouth went dry as her feet began to slowly step backward out of their own volition, the urge to run growing stronger by the minute. Just... what had she done? They were claiming a hate crime... a... a what? Her blue eyes widened further as they pricked with tears, her hands shaking at the thought of being accused of such a thing. She hadn't meant so much harm. She hadn't known.

Evie bit down on her lip, her breaths coming shorter and shorter. Panic was consuming her as fear wormed its way into her mind, taking full control. "I..." she stammered, trying to find her voice. At that, she suddenly tried to bolt.

But it was no use. Evie was surrounded. Within mere moments of her trying to run away from the scene she'd inadvertently created, strong hands were gripping her tiny body, holding her where she was and preventing her from moving. She tried to thrash in order to get away, but those hands were strong... just like the dragon's back at Tech Noir. Just like...

But she didn't want to think on that.

"Let go of me! It was an accident! I didn't know!" Evie shouted as she twisted against the easy grip of hands holding her fast. "How could water...? Hate crime...?" Her mouth continued to ramble as more and more continued to surround her. "You can't be serious! The only hate here is from you!"

As Evie continued her babbling banter—most of which seemed to be in vain, much to her own dismay—she suddenly heard a voice rise up over the buzzing murmur of the crowd, of those mocking and ridiculing her for what she'd done to one of their precious speakers! Blue eyes blinking, she let out a harsh breath, causing some of her red hair that had fallen in front of her face to brush away. She stared hard into the eyes of the one who'd come to tame the crowd, astonished that it was the very dragon she'd thrown her water bottle at mere minutes ago.

Evie's mouth began to open and close like a fish desperately seeking water to pass over its gills. Just what did this dragon think he was doing? Confused yet terrified, she looked from the dragon to the one who was holding her. When he finally released his grip, allowing her to move and finally stand, she wasn't sure if she should be grateful or even more fearful than before. The way the dragon carried himself and addressed the guards... he certainly thought himself to be important. Then again, didn't most dragons exhibit egocentricity?

Biting down on her lower lip, Evie wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry or, hell, if she should attempt to try and run again. But she knew running would get her nowhere. She'd tried that once to no avail and to test that again would more than likely not result in an outcome nearly so favorable. With teeth chattering, she decided to obey the whim of this dragon and find his limo and the one he called Simon. Giving the dragon a nod, she allowed him to lead her out of the room. She decided it best to hang her head and avert her eyes for the time being. Best to not garner any more attention than she'd already gained. As it was, she was probably the most hated creature there and now with what had happened...

Oh, she didn't want to think about it. She just wanted to get out of there, to be somewhere where she could curl up and be safe. It was a pity she couldn't just go home. As Evie made her way to the limo, she wondered just how much of her life had altered due to what had just happened. No doubt her boss and all the patrons of Tech Noir had caught wind of her stunt. Jeez, she'd probably not have a job after that! More than half of the patrons were dragons! How could she go back there! She'd be labeled the dragon hater! This was just getting worse and worse the more she thought about it.

As Evie's tummy fluttered, her thoughts turning dark, she suddenly caught sight of the limo. She was thankful to see it—even if it did belong to a dragon. At least she could hide for a time, pretend the world didn't exist. Because she knew all too well, she'd have to face reality eventually and with it all the harsh outcomes it would throw back at her for what she'd just done.

 

[Vertaige]

Duncan sighed as he approached the vehicle and spotted his new assistant. He strode up to her hair now dried and looking haphhazard. He scowled at the girl and waited for Simon to come open the door for them both. He eyed the girl and wearily sighed. When seated across from her he spoke in a tone very soft and calm, knowing she was afraid and most likely confused.
"So my dear you have just attempted to kill me in full view of the dragon community, a crime I believe you were ignorant of the implications. However I have now claimed you as one of my house in front of the assembly of my peers...this has two paths."
He stopped to let his words sink in and to gauge her reaction. Right now he felt truly conflicted. He should let her faceher punishment per his proposal of nuetrality to humans however the fear in her eyes had stoked his heartfire. Old and disproven feelings and notions swam in his mind as he saw before him not a woman who had tried to kill him but a scared little girl, lost in a dark forest beset on all sides by wolves. He believed it was pity that made him reach out but he knew it was compassion...
"So the first option is after a few blocks I let you out and you face roving gangs of my fellows who have marked you as kinslayer and you live in fear from thier retruibution but you retain your freedom. The second is you begin working for me today. I will provide all you need and you will never know fear however you pledge your life to me and serve until I release you."
Duncan begin looking out the window at the buildings disinterestedly. He had lied to himself saying he did not care what the girl decided but he knew he had come to view her as someone who needed a protector. He was odd among dragons, fond of his servants, although only having a handful. Many others had dozens and regarded them as property. He however treated Simon and the few others as employees. Also he could use a maid. He smirked at the thought of the spitfire before him prancing about in a maid's uniform bowing to him and adressing him as Master...a common thing for male dragons to require from attractive female servants.
"So, do I tell Simon to let you off soon, or are you looking for amnesty?"

 

[darkangel76]

It was with hesitance that Evie climbed into the limo, though as her head swam with both fear and anger at the earlier events at this dragon's speech, she knew she had to at least hear him out. Staying behind definitely wasn't an option as the glares she'd received while making her way out of the convention center had been proof enough that doing so wouldn't be the wisest of decisions.

And to think it had all been over something as silly as a water bottle! A water bottle? Truly these dragons thought too highly of themselves!

Once inside, Evie then situated herself and stared out the tinted glass of the windows, thankful that no one on the outside could see her sitting there. Despite her swelling anger, she felt ever so small and foolish for what had happened. She'd had no idea that water—something so seemingly harmless—would cause such an outrage amongst the dragon community. The moment she'd seen the smoke rising from the dragon's flesh, heard that acidic sizzle...

Evie's eyes clamped shut and she shuddered, her tongue darting out to moisten her lips, which had suddenly gone dry. Opening her eyes once more, she glanced at the dragon who was looking into her face, his eyes seeming to stare straight though her and into her soul. She shifted a bit, feeling slightly vulnerable in his presence, curling up in her seat so that she could hug her knees to her chest for comfort, for security. Unsure of what to do, her blue eyes moved to focus on the floor and she began to idly rub at her arms, a finger absently tracing one of the swirls of her tattoo.

So many thoughts... too many! And they swirled through her mind making it difficult to focus on the here and the now. Evie had to admit that as she sat there with the dragon looking on—and no doubt judging with all his scrutiny—she felt a bit lost... confused. Oh how her world had turned upside down by one impulsive move!

A heavy sigh rolled over Evie's lips just then and she slumped forward a bit. She was angry about the situation she suddenly found herself in. Angry, scared, even frustrated. She could feel the tears threatening to form as she let her head fall forward, her red curls cascading over her slender shoulders as she caught sight of the driver who also seemed to be waiting for her to speak. Biting down on her lip, she turned her head and let her forehead press against the glass of the window with a tiny thud. She felt hot, stifled, yet cold and frozen.

Suddenly, Evie sat up, her thoughts snapping back to reality. She'd heard everything the dragon had told her, every single syllable. Did he truly think it so easy to leave one's life behind? She'd had a job, friends... But she knew that if she got out of that limo and headed back to Tech Noir, she'd be the 'dragon hater' and... she swallowed hard as vile memories pushed their way from the darkest recesses of her mind, mocking and teasing as their teeth gnawed at her brain. But she knew the inevitability and a tear fell from one of her eyes. Quickly she moved to brush it away so that it would hopefully go unnoticed.

"I will stay," Evie answered, her eyes still focused on the floor. "But, I need to let my boss know. I was his best waitress." She paused a moment before finally meeting the dragon's gaze. "At Tech Noir. Do you know it?" She blinked rapidly, almost certain that he did seeing as many of his kind frequented the club.

 

[Vertaige]

Duncan nodded and spoke to Simon in a calm resonant tone,
"I assume you know were to take us Simon." Duncan then pulled out something from his jacket breast pocket and blew a small gust of fire over it. It was a stone fashioned like a miniture dragonengulfed in fire. He took Evie's left hand and before she could protest stamped the emblem lightly on her arm. She was soft and slightly warm. He blinked, a tiny gesture but anyone who knew dragons would have ascribed it to a look of shock on a human. He doubted his rough hands felt even remotely comfortable and he held her arm firm but not to tight. The sigil glowed crimson and it would feel cool to her skin. His brand on her forearm siginified his position as her lord and master, in the loosest sense of the words. In fact the covenant seal made her impervoius to his fire now and granted her a slight boon. She now would be slighty more resistant to heat and flame in general.

He ignored her reaction and spoke,
"The emblem marks you as one of my house, think of it as a nametag, any other dragon will know your allegiance and with that respect your...personal freedoms." It was a fancy way of saying she would not need to worry of being tricked into servitutde of another dragon, however for her own protection he neglected to mention she could leave his service at will. At the moment she might be more of a danger to herself in her ignorance. Also in a rare moment of candor Simon spoke,
"Its ok miss I got one too," and without looking back her rolled up his dress shirt to show his forearm bearing the same sigil, red and glowing as the day he had been marked.
"Lord Duncan only does is custom in the draconic ways."

Duncan smirked,
"Thank you Simon."

"Anytime, Sir," and the man went back to silence as per usual.

He noted the limo stopping and he let her go to make her amends however he kept an eye on the younger drakes eyeing her hungrily.

 

[darkangel76]

Biting down on her lower lip, Evie tilted her head and waited for the dragon to acknowledge her response that she'd decided to stay under his care. She wasn't quite sure what she expected, but she figured she'd know it when she saw it. After all, it wasn't every day she got this personal with a dragon. Sure, she'd served them drinks at Tech Noir. But, it ended there. And, if she'd had her way, it would've continued to stay that way. However, given her impulsive behavior earlier at the conference, her life had taken a twisted turn down a very crooked path and now she sat in a tinted window car with the very sort she'd hoped to never have such dealings with ever.

Blue eyes averting and fixing on her lap, Evie's arms rested nervously about her middle. Her tummy was fluttering uncontrollably as her muscles tightened with anticipation at how this dragon would react. No doubt he'd be nonchalant and blasé. To him, she was the weak human tainting his lifestyle, hindering everything he had planned. Oh, the silence was deafening, excruciating in its own right to the point where she wanted to scream, but it would be no use to so and do neither of them nor the driver any good. Just then, she saw the dragon reach for something in his pocket. Perking up just a bit, her red curls falling forward causing her to raise a hand and push them away from her face, she tried to see what exactly it was he was now holding.

The device was strange, something Evie had never seen before. Just as she was about to ask what it was, the dragon grabbed at her one wrist, the one that didn't don a tattoo. "I..." she stammered, her body's natural inclination to pull away. The dragon's hold was firm, his hands large and warm as he held her and brought the device up and against her skin. Gasping, she wasn't even sure what she expected. But it definitely wasn't the mark that was left in the devices wake.

Evie's cheeks grew warm as she stared at the symbol glowing against her porcelain-pale skin. She looked at the driver and then at the dragon, nodding as they explained what it was and what it meant. She had to admit a part of her was grateful that she wasn't alone in donning one, her mind at ease knowing she'd have company while in... in service.

Finally, the limo came to halt and Evie glanced out the window. She could easily tell that she was in the neighborhood of Tech Noir. The flashing lights and people—both humans and dragons alike—that meandered the hard pavement outside were indicator enough. Only certain sorts walked this neighborhood and she just hoped that word about the incident down town hadn't reached the general public or any of the patrons that frequented the establishment she knew she had to go to.

"I'll be back soon," Evie said as she climbed out of the limo, trying her best to sound confident. Though she wondered if either the dragon or the driver could call her bluff. Not wanting to test that, she turned on her heels and tugged on her black tank top so as to adjust it.

Walking down the street toward Tech Noir, Evie could feel several pairs of eyes staring at her form as she passed by. Some seemed to be seething, while others seemed to be scrutinizing. But she didn't dare glance back or up to see the intent. Instead, she concentrated on her breathing and the sound of her feet as the struck the pavement—one, two... one, two...—as she made her way to Tech Noir.

After several minutes, Evie saw the familiar sign and a sigh of relief rolled over her full lips. She glanced down at the mark on her one arm causing her to let out a tiny sound that was somewhere between a whimper and a giggle. Mustering up her courage, she sucked in a breath and walked inside the club she'd been working at for some time and knew so well. Almost immediately there was a hushed silence, eyes drawn her way as she stood in the doorway. It was as if she were a beacon of light, a flame beckoning all to come forward and dare to snuff it out.

"So, the bitch returns," came a gruff voice from the crowd causing Evie to wince.

"Dragon-hater!" came another.

Evie glanced up and saw that one of the holographic screens showed an image of her throwing her water bottle at her new Master. Biting down on her lip, her blue eyes searched for her boss, but he was nowhere to be found.

Just then a few dragons stood up, their eyes golden-hued as they narrowed into slits. Evie felt her heart suddenly pound as a wave of adrenaline began to surge throughout her body. "Wait!" she cried and held up her arm, the mark visible for the dragons to see. "I belong to someone. See?" she said smugly. "You can't touch me."

The dragons scoffed, clearly not believing Evie. "A likely story. Anything to save your ass!"

 

[Vertaige]

Duncan watched her walk away and he sighed. She was going to be a handful, he could already tell. Duncan followed her silently, trailing behind knowing all too well her impulsivness and her

 

[Vertaige]

Duncan sighed as he watched her run away. She was going to be trouble, he could see that. He sat there musing about her and what exactly he'd use her for. Simon was an excellent driver and Jezibelle kept the house spotless. On top of everything she was woefully ignorant of draconic culture, something imperative as a servant. He'd have to make her his personal assistant in order to keep her safe. Whisch meant she'd have to be by his side 24/7.

Essentially his right hand servant and as close as human's could come to royalty in the new world. A honor she'd no doubt see as a prison. Emric was visiting soon and he mused the two could both study draconic tradition together. Emric needed the remedial studying and the girl...well she needed to know how not to kill her new master by mistake.

Duncan watched his new "princess" ( the names for dragons personal assistants were prince and princess as dragons considered themselves kings) already stir up trouble. One dragon made a move as she showed her mark, on grabbing her wrist and moving in to strike her. For a split second Duncan felt his heartfire roar and swell. Rage and greed consumed him as he tore himself forward from the car his body molting into an amalgam of dragon and human.

It was exactly three seconds. Three hits and three bodies flying into the walls as Duncan roared, his reptillian arms encircling one of his horde. Fire blazed from his body surrounding him and Evie like a layer of armor. He glared at the fledglings who dared to touch one of his. He was in every right to kill them where they stood, but he let his anger subside but remaining in his hybrid form. Still holding Evie protectivly he spoke to the young dragons who now struggled to get up. His voice was calm but lined with the edge of pure cold fury.
"You will not touch one of mine! You will apologize to my asistant and beg for her forgiveness for your affront to me and my lineage or I will rip off your pathetic wings and feed them to you."

He then let Evie go and gently pushed her towards the dragons. She was going to learn that belonging to a Lowfyr came with respect. After they had begged he spoke to her as he went back to the limo,
"Please refrain from trouble...I'd hate to have to make good on my threats. It would make me look hotblooded."
He smirked and slowly shifted back to his human form. She was trouble and he's have to explain to her that now he was his, he'd be protective to a fault, a nasty side effect of the pacts dragons made with humans. Since the servants were part of a dragon's horde the supernatuaral greed and possesiveness extended to them. It had scared every one of his house. Even Simon had been shocked about it when he had been shot and Duncan flew him to the hospital.

 

[darkangel76]

With a blurred whoosh, Evie felt her heart suddenly leap into her throat as large protective arms—scaled, almost inhuman—surrounded her tiny frame. Her blue eyes pricked with tears as she watched the dragons, who'd been surrounding her, ready to strike, crumpled into a heap on the floor of Tech Noir. They looked angry at what had just happened. After all, it wasn't every day that one of their own 'turned' on them and all because of someone like her... a human... a dragon-hater. Oh how her cheeks felt hot! Though she couldn't see, she knew she blushing, her porcelain-pale skin undoubtedly a healthy shade of scarlet as she stood there drop-jawed and in shock. Twisting around in her new Master's arms, she looked up at him with wide eyes, her mind swirling frantically as a result of what had just transpired.

Evie felt a bit foolish for her rash behavior. But she couldn't help it. There was no way she'd let anyone just throw insults her way, especially in an establishment she considered 'familiar territory'. Tech Noir was owned an operated by humans, contrary to what the dragons or any other supernatural being wanted to think. And she had the 'in' with the owner having worked there for several years as one of the place's top waitresses. On a good night she could manage at least six tables without a hitch! She'd like to see another employee do as well!

Though, as she allowed her mind to truly think on the matter at hand with the dragons who'd been trying to cause her trouble, Evie had to wonder what exactly she'd been thinking the moment she'd opened her mouth. Honestly, did she think she could take on the entire dragon community all by herself now that she'd been marked? Her blue eyes flicked down to the mark on her arm labeling her as Duncan Lowfyr's She bit down hard on her lower lip as a small puff of breath escaped her. Having to admit she'd been rash, impulsive... wrong...

Evie's eyes fluttered shut for a moment and she sighed resignedly. Truly, she knew next to nothing of dragon culture, their ways. But that had been how she'd wanted it. Only now, now she was marked she was in so deep she felt as though she were drowning. Just then, her hand balled themselves into tiny fists, her nails digging themselves into her palms. She winced at the sting and opened her eyes. As she did, the other dragons mumbled their apologies and she was soon ushered back to the limo. Once back, she climbed back inside and curled back up in the seat, her knees hugged tightly to her chest. She rested her forehead against her knees causing her red curls to fall forward and hide her face. As she sat there, to get a bit more comfortable, she shifted sideways and leaned against the back of the seat, giving Duncan a view of her profile—body still curled up.

Angry at herself and the situation at hand, Evie finally lifted her head and looked over at her new Master. "I hadn't meant for any trouble," she stated. "Or any of this for that matter." Her cheeks flushed as she spoke, her eyes glazing over slightly. "It's not my fault that they had tempers and didn't want to control themselves in public." She frowned. "I thought this would protect me," she said almost venomously as she held out her arm with the mark. "Guess not all dragons are honorable."

Evie wondered if her point had been made. Dragons had been so quick to point out the flaws of humans, their weaknesses and to the point that they even held conferences on why there should be segregation and no inter-breeding. She wondered if they could stop looking down their own noses at others for once and realize their own faults. No one was perfect. No one. Not even dragons.

"But this is all my fault... isn't it?" Evie then added, her face starting to contort as her eyes glistened slightly as she held back the tears, her anger and frustration evident since she felt as though she was being judged for who and what she was... human.

 

[Vertaige]

Duncan held back an exasperated sigh as he averted his gaze. She was crying...again. He was not going to let his servants be meek and timid things, but again she was being thrusted into something she had essential never considered. He had remebered as a child his mother coddling him as well, and he had not become something weak...

With an unearthly grace he sat beside his new servant and placed a a hand on hers.
"Now now...Evee? You are no longer a human. In the eyes of all dragons you now are drakekin,a servant to a dragon. As such you are seen diffrently." Hethen lifted his hand to pat her head,
"Your mark shows your allegiance but it is not a garuntee of safety from harm. That comes from me and the rest of your new..."family". The house protects itself and its members from the head to its lowest servant. Your arrogance cost you. It was your fault wholly as most young dragons care not for politics."

He felt odd, she was o emotional and reckless. However as they drew neare tohis home in the city's finicial district, he tried to raise her spirits.
"Look I have made you my new personal assitant. The title official is Princess of the House of Greatwing Lowfyr. However it dates to before the common era so the name remains as such for posterity. In reality you are my right hand and heir, if only to protect you from your own foolish mistakes and impulsivness."
He noticed Simon raise an eyebrow and smirk.
"You are lacking in many qualities needed to survive in this world. We are going to fix that and make it soI will need never to speak or se to you again. Hopefully after a few years you can reurn back to the human world as a member in good standing among dragon kind." And get the hell out of my life...last thing i need is another anchor to humanity... Duncan thought as he moved away fromher offering a hankerchief from his breast pocket.

He needed to have her be someone strong and dangerous, only then would she be able to live outside his protection. The only wsay he could see this working is to get her to become her own house among the assembly through his own standing. A rare and tall order for a loathed would be assassin. In fact only three humans had ever been recognized as houses and two were legends among humans. Also as a bonus if she would become a house it would further legitmize his claim to outlaw interbreeding, putting humans on an equal plane as dragons.

 

[darkangel76]

Evie perked up a little when Duncan moved to sit beside her, his hand reaching out to touch hers. Her first inclination was to pull away, to push him off. She didn't want his sympathy or his pity and it was plain as day he didn't want to give it. But as he sat down beside her, it was strange how she could feel a warmth emanating from his body. And like a flame beckoning a moth, she found herself drawn to the light. Inwardly, she sneered at herself, disgusted that she'd feel any sort of pull at all. Setting her jaw, she refused to look at him, her eyes focusing on her knees as she held onto them, keeping them close to her chest.

But Duncan's hand. It was distracting. And Evie had all she could do to pay attention to his words as he explained her new position and status while under his care and keeping. She hoped she got most of it and was certain she'd gotten the gist, which was enough for her. Just then, her breath hitched, catching in her throat as he mentioned her new 'title'.

Princess...

Had Evie heard him correctly? Surely dragons had to be a bit eccentric in how they did things! And if that was the case, then Duncan Lowfyr was the worst! Stifling her tiny gasp, she took his handkerchief and just stared at it. She could feel the tears stinging her eyes, but refused to bring the piece of cloth up to dab at them. Oh, he was patronizing her. Patronizing, mocking. No doubt trying to make an example of her behavior. Well, if this was his way of scolding then it worked. He'd succeeded in making her feel as ridiculous as he possibly could.

"You would wish that, wouldn't you," Evie then mumbled, with narrowed eyes. "I'm sure you're quite put out that you have to deal with me at all for the time being." She was fuming, her blood boiling as her heart began to pound. "Sorry to make you feel so obligated. Well, you needn't worry. You won't have to bother with me," she spat, her tone dripping with venom, her lips turned down into a frown. "I'll stay out of your way. You won't even need to talk to me while I'm with you!"

Evie was pouting, all but throwing a tantrum as she sat there. Slowly, she was uncurling her body, her legs coming down from her chest as she looked into Duncan's eyes. Without realizing it, she crossed one jean-clad leg over the other as she fumed, her hands balling into fists.

"In fact, I'll spend my days at Tech Noir. Take my chances with the other dragons. I think I can handle myself now," Evie said as she flicked her red hair over her shoulder. "It's not like you'll miss me." A smile played on her lips just then as she looked at Duncan, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to gauge his reaction while she continued to throw her purposeful tantrum.

 

[Vertaige]

Duncan raised a brow.
"If that were the case I'd have left you to your fate twice now..." He decided it was now time to stop coddling. Moving in close his eyes smoldered with a low heat and his whole body slighty shifted to a more reptillina state. Unlike before however he looked mostly human with only hints of dragon. His gaze tunneling into hers he projected a bit of his true power, a slight thrum in the air like a bass being played.
"Listen to me little Princess, I have no time for your games. I am a wyrm older than you whole lineage, you will obey and listen to me lest I decide you'd make a better meal than servant. You will adress me as Master and you will study and become a worthy servant." As he spoke flames rose from his body and he become more and more draconic, soon standing before her in the same form as when he had saved her at the cafe. He emnated raw heat and power like a furnace and while she could not be burned she would feel the heat.

He would be lying if he didn't enjoy the slight flair for the dramatic, however as far as the girl knew he meant every word. Besides he felt a small twinge of satifaction at calling her little princess...it seemed oddly fitting. He even found himself picturing her in a dress and held back a chuckle. He needed her to be more obeidiant for the time being and while he knew for a fact Simon was rolling his eyes, the driver would play along, knowing as well that Evie could stand to gain some respect for her new protector.

 

[darkangel76]

Evie's eyes locked with Duncan's while goose bumps formed on her flesh. Unable to resist the urge, her hands began to rub at her arms, but she wasn't cold. Far from. The heat emanating from her Master was coming off him in waves, washing over her like an intense fire would engulf its victim. Like a moth to a flame, she was drawn ever closer, flirting with danger as she was about to be burned. But she knew this fire couldn't scorch or harm. Her eyes flitted downward and she glimpsed the mark on her one arm—the mark of protection, protection from his fire and flame. Gulping hard, a tiny noise escaped her. Silently she admonished herself for the slip of resolve, no doubt this dragon would view it as the whimper of a weak human.

Sucking in a sharp breath, Evie then bit down on her lower lip, her teeth scraping the sensitive flesh until she winced. Another mistake! Oh, Duncan would truly think her weak now and that just made her burn even more. As she sat there, her cheeks darkened, her blood rushing to her face, her heart thumping hard beneath her breast. Blinking rapidly, she finally found herself nodding, her body betraying her mind as she suddenly seemed to comply against what she thought was her better judgment.

Just what was she doing? Honestly, Evie wasn't sure. But her body was shaking, her hands trembling as she suddenly moved them and gripped the edge of the seat. "Fine... Master..." she all but spat through gritted teeth, her blue eyes narrowing.

Duncan had cornered her, placed her in a vulnerable situation and she feared he might be taking advantage. After all, that tended to be the way of things. Most dragons looked for ways to exploit humans, to belittle and put down. She'd never forget that fateful day when... A shiver ran down her spine and she suddenly looked away, the memory fresh. As the limo drove on, she suddenly felt glad to be leaving those other dragons, those... human-haters... in the dust. Though she wondered if she'd ever get to darken to steps of Tech Noir ever again.

"As for worthy," Evie mumbled. "Don't get me started..." Her voice trailed and she set her jaw. More than anything she wanted to scream. She'd never thought herself as anything much, but those words. They'd cut her to the bone, stinging deeply as she felt a knot form deep in the pit of her tummy.

Worthy... if only this dragon knew... pity she didn't feel she was worth much of anything.

 

[Vertaige]

Duncan stone-faced the moved back and waited for Simon to come and open his door. They had come to a stop near a high rise apartment building Duncan had owned. He rented out the entire thing except for two story penthouse where he and his servants resided. In fact Duncan had heard many dragons (partiuclarly older and more influental owned city blocks and had armies of servants)

He stepped out of the car and made his way to the elevator. He smiled and waved as he passed the front desk, the woman bowing politely and adressing him.
"Good Afternoon Sir Lowfyr." while not a full blown servant Duncan did have employees who worked in the building and in his several businesses. Considering his young age for a dragon and the sizable scope of his reachhe was considered a prodigy for his House, even breaking away from his parent's House of Enterie forming his own.

He made his way to the penthouse leaving Simon to escort Evie toher new room and explain to her the new tenats of her servitude. Mina would then help Evie get set up with her uniforms and schedule. After all as the new Princess of the House Evie was soon to be buried for the next few weeks in coursework and formal training. However she would be soon second in command. He made a mental note as the elevator doors closed to schedule time to teach Evie about business and running a House. Maybe a once a week lesson? He smirked at the thought and saw the girl being helped out of the limo by Simon who only handed her a small handerchief that he swapped for Duncans.

 

[darkangel76]

Evie's face had blanched when the limo had pulled up to Duncan's high-rise apartment building. It was huge, the architecture ornately beautiful as it scraped the sky overhead. Climbing out of the limo, she craned her neck, red curls cascading down her back, as she peered up to get a better view. Swallowing hard, she then set her jaw and began to head toward the main entrance doors. As she headed inside, her blue eyes flitted toward the mark on her arm... his mark—the one mark that changed her life forever.

Some time had past and Evie had managed to have her first House Management lesson with her Master. Now she was ready for her second. She'd been told to be prompt when arriving at his office, that tardiness just wasn't acceptable. Figuring it best to comply for the time being—seeing as he'd been decent enough to give her some space as she grew accustomed to her new surroundings and all—she quickly found a suitable uniform, thanks to Mina's assistance. The woman had been a godsend, very helpful in showing her what would be deemed acceptable or not for such occasions.

At that, Evie rummaged through her closet and found a business casual suit of grayish purple hues, the skirt form fitting and flattering, showing off much of her legs. It even had a slit up the back, something that made her cheeks redden a bit, but most of the formal skirts available to her seemed to be this way, leaving her little choice for anything else. Once she'd put on the rest of the suit to cover up the black lacy underthings she was donning, she smoothed out the skirt and buttoned up the filmy blouse. Going over to the dresser, she pulled out a pair of sheer black nylon stockings and a garter belt. She put them on without too much trouble and then slipped on a pair of black heels.

Exiting her room, Evie could feel her heart pounding hard. She was actually going to not only be prompt, but early. As she walked, she couldn't help but wonder if she'd actually be too early. Though, she figured if she was, she could either wait in the corridor if he was busy or in his office if he wasn't there. In the end, she supposed either scenario wouldn't be overly bad and might set a good enough example. For now.

Once Evie arrived at Duncan's office door, she gave it a firm knock. Standing there, her breaths coming short, she waited... no answer. Biting down on her lower lip, she hesitated a moment, but dared to try again. When there was still no answer, she decided to push open the door and peek inside. As she peered into the room, she saw that it was empty. Smiling a little, she pushed the door open further and dared to enter and wait.

Evie closed the door behind herself and walked further into the room. She still had several minutes before her meeting time with Duncan and figured he probably wouldn't arrive until the scheduled time. So, like a dragon to keep strict schedules! She smirked as she sauntered about the room, swaying her hips like some haughty princess.

"Yes, yes," Evie drawled. "Fire henchman 'A' so I can hire henchman 'C'." A tiny sigh rolled over her lips as she continued to meander about the office. "Must make sure all my things are in order, you know." She had to stifle a giggle, but she continued with her little game. As she walked and swayed ever so dramatically, she heard a sudden snap, which caused her to gasp and look down.

As Evie looked down, her garter had come unfastened and her one nylon stocking was starting to sag along her leg just a bit. She scowled slightly and walked over to Duncan's desk, the stocking dropping more and more down her leg as she made her way toward it. Once next to it, she propped her leg up on top of it and hiked her skirt up. She then placed her fingers about the rim of her nylon and began to adjust it, slowly pulling it up her extended, propped up leg.

 

[Vertaige]

Duncan arrived exactly on time stressed as ever. A rival company was trying to muscle its way into his territory and he had spent several nights working on solutions. That said when he walked into his office, his new assisstant propping her leg up and stretching her nylons over her leg he almost lost control.

Almost. He felt his whole body tense and every muscle coiled in anticipation of pouncing on the human. However all it looked like was a mix between a smirk and a scowl. He knew Mina had selected everything Evie wear and he knew Mina was aware of his one weakness to feminine charms. So seeing a very beautiful women-wait...he just thought of his assistant as beautiful.

Gods above he needed to relieve some stress otherwise he might end up doing something foolish. However he knew his pheramones had been releases. Unlike humans Dragon arousal caused an intoxicating scent to be relaesed so strong even something as blunt as a human nose could pick it up. Which is why he moved slowly towards Evie and with quite a bit of restriant he let her refasten her garter. After she was done he spoke, his tone definately diffrent from before,
"In the future, please refrain from descrating my desk."
He took a seat and paused, her scent was all over his office and desk. He felt a a small wave of both shame and desire wash over him...
He knew it wasn't anything more than just stress and he'd have to handle it soon.
"So tell me Evie, what do we do if a another dragon attempts to move into our territory? What options do we have and how should we approach this?"
Duncan's lessons were meant to teach her the harsher side of leading and also how to deal with situiations that came up in his life.Afterall she was his right hand and she'd have to be able to advise him. However he had yet to show her the pleasure in her work, the perks. he kept those for last, knowing revealing them early could ruin her training.

 

[darkangel76]

As Evie slowly pulled her nylon stocking up her leg she heard the door across the way jostle. And suddenly there was a click, twist and... just like that, the door was ajar. She swallowed hard as her turned her head, red curls falling along her one shoulder as blue eyes met those of the dragon—her Master—who stood there in the open doorway. His body went rigid as he watched her, his stance so ominous as he seemed to study her every action. If ever there was a moment to feel embarrassment, this was that moment.

Eyes fluttering shut, Evie licked at her lips and sucked in a sharp breath. There was no way she could hold Duncan's gaze. As much as she'd wanted to stand her ground, show her resolve... she could not. Her tummy was fluttering and her skin had suddenly felt warm as the blood rushed to flush her cheeks a deep shade of red. She then, exhaled shakily, her slender fingers fumbling slightly as she refastened the garter. Slowly, she brought her leg down, worried that if she moved too quickly, it would only make things worse, that much more embarrassing for herself.

As Duncan approached, Evie's heart pounded harder, her nervousness growing by leaps and bounds. He was so close and she could feel his heat, that flame beckoning the moth. Again, she looked over at him and, as she did, she took a deep breath so as to try and calm herself down. The moment she did, she bit down on her lip. Oh, she could smell him, his scent. Perhaps he wore some sort of cologne? Trying to be casual, she brought up her hand and brushed it against her heated cheek only to then rake it through her tangle of red curls. She could feel the blush on in her face. How it betrayed!

Unable to think entirely straight, Evie looked to the floor and walked around to be in front of Duncan's desk. Biting down on her lip, she noticed a chair a few feet away and went to retrieve it. She bent over to get it, causing her skirt to ride up slightly, the slit in the back gapping a bit, making the garters show. She then sat down and crossed her legs—nylon rubbing on nylon—and leaned forward.

"I..." Evie stammered as she focused more on the scent drifting her way than Duncan's question. "If... if another moved in..." It was hard to think. She'd never smelled anything like his cologne before. It definitely had to be dragon-crafted. Shifting a bit more, her legs rubbing together, she tried her best to continue. "We could... either make sure they know we have more power and connections," she offered. "Or..." Her nose crinkled as she licked her lips. "Or we try to persuade them to become allies..." She leaned back ever so slightly and uncrossed her legs only to re-cross them in the opposite manner.

Evie finally looked over at Duncan, her blue eyes glazed over slightly and swallowed. She was unsure of how well she'd done. This was the first time she'd been in such a situation and had such responsibility and then... that scent. It was distracting her. So terribly distracting her.

 

[Vertaige]

Duncan noticed her shifting and fidgiting. While he was aware of his pheramones he quickly thought of an evil idea. He stood and sighed.
"Fair enough try for a first time... However in the future I want examples of how to acomplish what you suggest. Also If your feeling restless let me know, the reason I say is that I am going for a walk, being sat at a desk makes one weary." As he spoke he made his way to her, slowly striding to her offering his arm upon arrival.


He smirked seeing her face flush multiple times and he decided to ignore it... well to play it off for her,
"Also if your feeling a bit hot I can let in some air," he spoke huskily, almost going as far to whisper in her ear. However inside he was conflicted, part of him wanted to throw her on his desk and fuck her savagely while the other was disgusted with his caranl desire. She was his servant and a human no less. He could easily kill her just by grabbing her too tight, as well as other more brutal ways during the actual coitus.

He let his discipline win out as he would continue to tease her but eased up with the pheramones, forcing his mind to calmer and more serene places than in a bedroom with the delicate woman before him.

Whether or not she accepted he would call it a day on the business aspects. He had seen her working hard over the last few weeks and as such she did deserve a day or two off. However he'd let her believe she would be busy until later. Mina and Simon had planned a small party for her, welcoming her into thier little family. He wondered if his two other servants were trying to push Evie onto him in a less than subtle payback for him doing the same to them.

 

[darkangel76]

As Evie leaned forward slightly, her legs absently sliding against one another as she desperately tried to place the scent, she found herself suddenly scowling. Duncan certainly wasn't willing to go easy on her and to think she hadn't even had very many lessons with him at all. In fact, she'd only had a couple of weeks to acclimate to her surroundings and that, right there, had been difficult in its own right! She missed her old life... even Tech Noir. Her icy blue eyes stared daggers at him as he smirked, looking smug in all his superiority. Just who did he think he was?

Shrugging with an air of resignation at the dragon's airs, his obvious lack of regard for anything that didn't serve him some sort of purpose, Evie heaved a heavy sigh. She gritted her teeth as she looked into his eyes, the intoxicating scent seeming to dissipate slightly. Tilting her head, she had to wonder if the air from outside truly had helped. Helped to clear the haze both in the air and in her head. Regardless, she was able to concentrate a bit better, but she'd never let him know that. Not ever! Best to keep that bit to herself. He already thought too highly of himself and didn't need any more ammunition.

Evie then reached up and tugged on red curl, her finger twisting itself furiously about the lock, causing the tip to turn a purplish hue. She narrowed her eyes as her thoughts came to focus, her world—altered as it was—snapped back into place. She looked at Duncan's outstretched arm and then up at his face. Clearly he expected her to join him.

But...

Clearing her throat, Evie sighed and stood up, her nose turned up in the air. "What makes you think I should walk with you?" she asked as she turned around, clearly ignoring Duncan's gesture—for now—and bent over to pick up the chair she'd just been sitting in.

Slowly, carefully, Evie placed the chair back where she'd found it. Turning back to face him, she moved over to stand next to his desk and gave him a defiant look. Smirking, she shifted slightly and leaned back against it, her backside resting upon the desktop. Her fingertips gripped the desk's edge and she pushed herself up on the desk just a bit more. Her thoughts wandered just a bit as she sat there and crossed her legs. Was she desecrating his desk now?

"Please, tell me. I'd really like to know," Evie then said before licking her lips, her blue eyes fixed upon her Master. Her expression was one of insolence and outright disobedience as she smiled and flicked her red curls over her shoulder.

 

[Vertaige]

Duncan blinked and looked non plused. He realized she was again trying to show her defiance, to rebel against him. However like before this was to her detriment. Also he absentmindedly though about how much he liked her slender legs...And he scowled at the though, Evie no doubt looking to take it as a victory. He however was growing impatient. Mina had been clear about the time and he was not going to let a spoiled girl ruin all her hard work.
Duncan in a flash was in front of her, a low growl emnating from his chest as he got close to Evie his mouth next to her ear and he snarled softly,
"I will not tolerate disrespect Little Princess,"
And with a swift tug he had Evie thrown over his shoulder, her legs in front of him, a view he had to admit that showed of her plump little rump and those legs he had come to rather like. He smirked as he hefted her up a bit, his iron grip frim but gentle. She would be comfortable but she would never be able to escape. He felt himself smirking, knowing she would not see his face and spoke again,
"When I offer something Princess, I would highly advise you accept. Dragons do not give lightly nor do we appreciate scorn for our genorosity."
He accented this with a playful slap on her rear, a moment of weakness he himself could overlook, if only to say he was punishing his naughty servant!

Duncan beganwalking out of the office the squirming Evie angrily shouting at him as the two made thier way to the kitchen. It was pitch dark and Duncan rolled his eyes as Mina and Simon jumped from behind the island, both shouting "SURPRISE" and showering the two with confetti. Duncan set Evie down in front of a beautiful meal of Chicken Cordon Blue with several sides, including fresh baked bread, roasted asparugus tips, mashed patotoes, and a breathtaking cake at least two feet high with the words, Welcome to the Family! emblozened in icing.

Mina had made Duncan spend all day in the kitchen cooking, (as the house had no stove or oven, afterall why would they? They had a dragon) and he stood back waiting for the girl's reaction. Mina hugged Evie playfully,
"Awww so happy she is! Always wanting a sister I was, dear Duncan and now we have someone else to enjoy our lives with!" Mina's thick German acccent made Duncan a bit nostalgic for home and he couldnt help but laugh at Simon giving the girl a small hug.

 

[darkangel76]

Evie winced as Duncan drew near, his breath hot as he looked into her eyes. She could see his displeasure along with his anger and, for a moment, she almost felt bad for impudence. "I..." she stammered, her hands moving to her lap, suddenly fidgeting as he drew closer still, grumbling and scowling as he cut her off and finally hoisted her over his shoulder in one swift and fluid movement.

For a moment, Evie was reminded of a time in the past, her mind going blank with a darkness as a morbid memory began to seep its way in. Those large hands clawing and grabbing, that rough and gravely voice... even the air of superiority. She struggled then, her arms and legs flailing, kicking, trying with all her might to break free of this dragon's grasp. But in her struggles, yelping when he slapped her rear, she suddenly realized his grip wasn't digging, wasn't hurting. No, the grip was loose unlike that dragon back at Tech Noir, unlike... Shaking her head, she continued to kick, but it was useless.

" Let me go!" Evie shouted. "I haven't agreed to go anywhere!" she protested.

As Evie continued her protests, Duncan just continued to walk, ignoring her like the conceited dragon she knew he was. 'How perfect,' she thought to herself. 'He truly could care less!' She felt utterly helpless, every attempt she'd made to free herself in vain. It made her wonder what was so damned important that she comply. Truly he couldn't want her company this badly. She was a human, a lesser, trash meant to be toyed with and tossed out!

Suddenly, Evie was set down in a dark room, her blue eyes trying to adjust. She looked up at Duncan with a menacing glare. Just as she was about to speak, her hand raised with her index finger pointing at him in an accusatory fashion... the lights went on and happy shouts sounded all about her. She was welcomed by a sight she hadn't expected and it made her tummy flutter. She glanced at both Mina and Simon and then over at Duncan. Cheeks going red, her eyes suddenly cast downward toward the floor, she felt as though she wanted to hide. Had this been his plan all along? To take her here?

Evie's eyes fluttered shut and her tummy continued to twist, muscles tightening as she swallowed and tried to find her voice. "Th-thank you," she stammered giving the two humans a smile. Then, looking over at Duncan, she bit down on her lower lip and could feel her hands begin to shake. Fidgeting slightly, she gave him a nod. "Thank you... for this."

As she stood there, Evie was absolutely beside herself. She didn't know what to think and her emotions were going on overdrive. Trembling, her lips quirked up into a broader smile and she went over to look at all the wonderful things everyone had set up on her account. Looking at everything, she could still feel the heat emanating from her skin, her mind reeling with embarrassment. She owed her new Master an apology. She just wished she didn't have to admit and acknowledge it. But to ignore it? She would never be able to live with herself.

Evie walked over to Duncan and smiled up at him, her face flushed. She then looked downward and let out a tiny sigh. "Next time I'll heed your words," she offered, her eyes fixed on the floor. "And, thank you for this." She hoped he understood she was trying to apologize. It was the best she could do given her overwhelming circumstances and she definitely was appreciative of the welcoming gesture. As she stood there in his shadow, she knew she'd truly needed it.

 

[Vertaige]

After that evening Ducan began preperatins for Evie's "coronation" and was begining to worry, after all a dinner with dragons was not an easy evening. Evie would be making her debut as his "Princess" and heir. If she did not live up to standards he could face embaressment, something that meant much more to his kind. The days passed swiftly and soon it was the evening of the event. It was being held at a nuetral restaurant outside any one dragon's territory and not only was he expected to show his heir, he'd have to deal with the the recent tresspassing of another dragon. In fact he was expected to negotiate. So like any proper dragon he had instructed his heir to dress as tantilizingly as possible. Afterall she'd have to draw the eye away from him.

He had Mina help Evie get ready all day and had been coaching her on everything from ettiquete to his houses history. He was now dressed in his formal attire, a jet black tux. Maybe it was just his sensibilities but he liked the classics. He stood waiting for her outside the resaraunt (Summer's Flame). He had gone ahead to secure thier position and felt it would be more dramatic if she arrived later. Several of his peers waited with him, a thunder dragon stood smoking and spoke,
"So ya finally got yourself a bird? Bout time, Duncan, half of us were thinking you'd age alone."
Duncan ignored him and punched him in the arm. Aihrmin was one of a select few Duncan asscioated with. A british Drake, the man stood tall and blonde with eyes as blue as sapphires, his own Princess inside ordering the pair drinks.

"Quit talking as if your any better. Far as I heard Aihrmin you just named your heir."
The thunder dragon took a long drag from his cigar.
"True but that said yours tried to kill you and it took you longer."
He finished his cigar and smirked as he walked back into the building
"Just don't let Hasselich bother you. He's not worth it."
Duncan frowned at the thought of the one ice dragon enroaching on his territory and he definately did not like the idea of negotiaiting with the bastard.