Precarious Vampiric Encounters ((HaloHeroWolf118 and Miss Alyss))

[HaloHeroWolf118]

Edric sighed as his wagon moved through the streets of the tone the horses hooves clacking on the cobblestone street. It had been a long trip back from the west to end up in the small town called Myst he was quite the site to since he wore clothes found more out west where things were less tamed. He ran a hand through his dirty blonde hair as his deep green eyes took in the stone buildings around him near the town square. The people were dressed commonly for the times while Edric stuck out with his boots, blue jeans that were held up by a belt while another carried his pair of revolvers. He wore a vest over his dark blue shirt and a red bandanna was tied around his neck, wore no hat but he picked up the dark brown item once he parked his wagon near the blacksmiths shop. The owner was a grizzled old man by the name of Mark he was big man who had eaten well and often through his life. He was busy fixing the wheel on a coach when Edric pulled up, "Hey old man." he called as Mark finally got the wheel on.

"Who you calling an old man" Mark replied running a rag over his bald head. Edric climbed down from the wagon and shook hands with his old friend. "Good to see you Edric and I'm glad you took my advice." Mark said smiling though he frowned when Edric didn't return the smile. "Well lets get you settled in, I arranged your place as best I could." Mark said as the old blacksmith led Edric back out onto the main street. Their was quite the arrangement of stores an apothecary called Rose and Co. Apothecary was situated between the grocer and woodworkers shops. Mark led Edric to the bakers where his wife worked it wasn't far from the Apothecary his wife was a kind old lady by the name of Jenny. The bakery smelled of fresh baked bread and other treats, "Jenny this is Edric the one I told you about." Mark said introducing Edric to his wife who came out of the back carrying a try of fresh bread. Her hair had just begun to grey so Edric could see she had been blonde from the strands of blonde hair still there. "Oh hello dear." she said coming up to Edric after putting the tray of bread down to hug him as though he were her own child. "So good to meet you at last." she said smiling, "And I'm pleased you'll be watching over the store for us." she said. She turned on her husband and that sweet smile was replaced with a boss like frown. "And you had better have that coach finished before Dr. Ozzmen needs to make that trip to New York." she said which made her husband sigh and nod before getting chased out.

"Now as for you I know you had a long trip but I have something in the oven that I can't leave so could you run to the Apothecary for me and pick up the bundle of herbs I ordered?" she asked Edric smiling at him motherly. Edric nodded having been quiet through the exchange he wasn't much for talking, he walked to the Apothecary the air was thick with the smell of herbs. His favorite was the peppermint as he approached the little plant and picked a leaf off it to break and give a small whiff. It was nice to be away from his old life he thought as he approached the counter and rang the bell, "Hello." he called as he waited for a response.

 

[Nine of Hartz]

Upon hearing the bell chime from the back room behind the checker counter, a woman appeared in the doorway wiping her hands on a lightly stained white apron that was tied around her hips. Glancing at the rough man standing at the counter, she quietly walked behind the counter and let the apron fall back down over her black dress. It was a simple dress, Victorian in design with black and white layers, classy enough to denote that she was of a higher class in the town. Her dark brown hair fell around her face, lightly curled with the rest being pulled back into a bun. The woman’s skin was fair in color and appeared to be soft, as if she had never truly gone out in direct sunlight or been exposed to hard labor, a few freckles spread across her dainty nose and cheeks.

Glancing up into his dark green eyes with her own ice blue ones, the woman leaned against the counter and offered a soft smile to the newcomer. “Greetings,” she said in a fluttery voice, her tone laced with an accent that immediately identified her as a European immigrant. “You are new in town,” she said tilting her head, lightly motioning at the shelves of drawers behind her up on the wall that contained various herbs, oils, salves and candles. “Welcome to Rose and Co. Apothecary, where we strive to heal ailments of all kinds.” Standing up on her toes due to her shorter height, she leaned over the counter to get a better look at him. The woman smiled after giving him a quick glance over and immediately disappeared behind the counter, kneeling to search through a drawer toward the floor. She popped back up after just a few moments, lightly placing a glass vial in front of the man that contained a liquid.

“Please, take this. It’s an oil compound we make that helps with stiff joints.” Folding her arms over her curved hips, the woman smiled and glanced up at him. “You look like you’ve been on quite the trip and could use that. It’s complimentary, so don’t worry about paying.” Giving him a light wink, she rested her hands on the counter once more and glanced the man over again. “So, what can I help you with today, Sir?”

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

When Edric saw the stores proprietor he had to pause she was very beautiful her pale skin and slim figure drew his eyes to her curves. When she spoke he could guess she was an immigrant and by the look of her dress well to do as well it was just another thing he found attractive. Her smile made him smile back a reaction he couldn't help nor could he help accepting her gift of the vial of lotion. Once he could find his voice he replied, "Thank you. I'm here for Mrs. Jenny's order." he told her his voice was a little gruff from having not had anything to drink in a while. Edric scratched at the stubble that had cropped onto his face during the trip feeling rather unkempt it was feeling he got whenever he was around a beautiful woman and he hadn't had a chance to get clean. "Your right that I'm new in town couldn't find allot of...honest work out west." he said after a while, "I had some friends here Mrs. Jenny and her husband used to work near the ranch I worked on." he finished smiling shyly.

Part of his instinct told him to watch her closely and to not trust her that itch at the back of his neck that told him a vampire was close but he ignored it chocking it up to his nerves around the beautiful shop owner. Vampires did exist and he had hunted them it had been a path of vengeance a crusade that had consumed him for a long time. He didn't like reflecting on his past so instead he focused on other things details how she moved the look of her hair. Even with the shop being dim he could see pretty well and didn't think much on it, he looked over the vial she had given him before spoke up again. "Your husband must be very luck to have roped a girl like you." he said smiling kindly again.

 

[Nine of Hartz]

Hearing that he was there to get Mrs. Jenny’s order, the woman nodded and turned around to look at a shelving unit that lined the wall behind her. She listened to him explain that he had worked with Mr. Jenny in the town’s various ranches and nodded in understanding. Belamine wasn’t surprised that they knew each other through that line of work. She could tell from his appearance that he was a traveler and probably a ranch hand. Stepping onto a stool that was next to the back counter, Belamine skimmed the packages on the shelves before grabbing one from the top. There were various packages stuffed in it with tags tied to them, so it was apparent that the locals in the town were benefitting from this apothecary.

Stepping off of the stool with a warm smile on her face, Belamine rested the package for Mrs. Jenny on the counter and pushed it toward the rough looking stranger. “I’ve always enjoyed Mrs. Jenny’s company when she has come by the store. You can tell her that there are instructions inside with how to mix the teas properly with the oils and please give her my regards when you see her next.” Lightly folding her hands on the counter, Belamine offered a slightly saddened smile as she heard the man reference her husband. Lowering her head lightly, she spoke in a tone that would tug on anyone’s sympathy.

“Yes, he most certainly was. Unfortunately our marriage was a short lived one.” She lightly motioned her arms across the counter toward the American flag that was pinned up on a back wall. “The war took him from me a few years ago, so I decided to move to a bigger city and do what I can to help others prevent the loss of their loved ones.” Her words about helping others were true, but everything about her husband was a lie. It was a big charade she had been playing since coming to the city so no one would question why she was alone in the city. Truth was Belamine was more than adequate when it came to taking care of herself, but she wanted to blend in while at the human city, thus her elaborate story of losing her husband to the war.

“Doctor Langley frequents the shop at least once a week for supplies, so it’s comforting knowing I can help increase his stock of medicines by providing ingredients he normally cannot find.” Turning to look at Edric, she smiled lightly as her ice blue eyes met his and tipped her head to him. “Forgive me, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Belamine Leigngod, I own the Rose and Co. Apothecary.” Lightly removing the tag from the package, she opened a large book she used to record all of her purchases and lightly scribbled something on the yellow pages, tucking the tag into the spine before closing it once more. “Is there anything else I can help you find since you’re here?” she asked in a kind tone.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

Learning she had no husband wasn't so bad though he nodded sympathetically as she told him how she lost him, "No Ma'am thank you kindly though and my name is Edric Crow." he said smiling. "It was nice making your acquaintance miss Belamine. I'll relay your message and regards." he said as he picked up the package. He was rather hesitant to leave but since he had no business at the store any more he looked around agian, "If you should ever need anything I'll be living over the bakery so don't hesitate to come a callin'. Have a good day." he said as he turned to leave. He looked back before leaving the store and then was gone. He sighed a little bit and mentally slapped himself for making an ass of himself at least in his eyes. He returned to the bakery and handed the package to Mrs. Jenny and gave her Miss Belamine's message.

"She's a sweet girl." Mrs. Jenny said as she tucked the package under the counter till she was prepared to leave. "It's such a shame she about her husband though that might be good news for you Mr. Edric." she said winking at him. Edric shrugged smiling, "If I can keep from making an ass out of myself." he said before telling Mrs. Jenny that he was going to grab some bags and tend to his horses before cleaning up for supper that she told him would be at her house. He walked across the square glancing at the Apothecary as he passed it before returning his attention to his path. He tended to the horses and his personal horse that had walked behind the wagon the whole trip, brushing them down and treating them to a sugar cube apiece. He grabbed his clean clothes and returned to the bakery again glancing at the Apothecary, he couldn't get her off his mind.

"I prepared your water and soap for your bath so wash up and relax for a while I'll call if I need you." Mrs. Jenny told him in a mothering tone. He washed and shaved and pulled on some clean clothes. The room above the bakery was small meant for one person it had a bed, dresser and a small wash bin and pitcher in front of a mirror. He unpacked his clothes till he came to his old gear for vampire hunting he left the clothes in his saddle bags and put them under the bed. He walked out of the room and decided to get acquainted with the town, spending his time walking past stores and even court house he just let his mind wander as he walked.

 

[Nine of Hartz]

Belamine continued to smile at Edric as he introduced himself to her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She said kindly, watching him as he grabbed the package. Watching him begin to leave, she flicked her eyes up at him as he turned around to speak once more. Nodding to his words, she offered him another smile and lightly tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “I won’t hesitate to call upon you if I need anything,” she said with a soft chuckle. Watching him leave, Belamine couldn’t help but chuckle to herself as she watched him walk down the street. She found it charming how bashful and shy he seemed. Many people who had gone out west tended to be more rough around the edges, but Edric seemed to be more shy than anything.

Quietly going about her business in the shop, Belamine used a simple straw broom to clean the floor of the shop. Thankfully it had stayed pretty clean due to the good weather they had been having, so there wasn’t much to sweep up. She got everything to a pile and swept it out onto the street before going back inside the shop. The bell that was over the door would let her know if anyone came inside, so she quietly slipped into the backroom once more. She had a table with various marble bowls and mixers organized with various ingredients. Quietly going back to work with her mixtures, Belamine idly passed the time working on a new batch of oil she was hoping would turn into a good sunburn ointment. She had to be careful with how much exposure she had to direct sunlight, and on sunnier days like today, she needed to stay indoors.

Eventually the sun began to set and the streets weren’t as brightly lit. Belamine instinctively knew the sun was setting, her vampiric blood happily awaiting the rise of the moon. Looking over her wares in the shop, she worked on straightening things on the shelves so they would be nice and organized for tomorrow. As soon as the sun was fully set, Belamine couldn’t help but smirk with relief. The moonlight always felt better on her skin, and it was something she enjoyed on a less frequent scale ever since coming to Myst and blending in with the human populous. Pulling on a lace shawl over her shoulders, she blew out all the lanterns in the shop before walking out the front door, locking it shut with an elegant key.

Turning on her heel, she quietly walked out onto the cobblestone street and made her way toward the center of the city. There was a hotel that also functioned as a restaurant and saloon down the street that tended to be open for most of the night. It proved to be a distraction for her from her native instinctual urges. After a few minutes of walking, she opened the door to the building and walked inside. Nodding her head to people she recognized from the town, she quietly took a seat at an empty table and waited for someone to approach her. Quietly ordering the night’s special with a glass of wine, she leaned back in her chair and observed the people with her ice blue eyes. Eventually the wine was brought to her and she quietly sipped at it, the red color serving as a cosmetic substitute for what her true meal should be.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

Edric's walking eventually led him to the saloon a place he had avoided after his rougher time out west he walked inside and to the bar ordering a shot. He tossed it back with even batting an eye the fire that poured down into his stomach radiated outwards making him feel more at ease. He didn't feel like joining Mark and Jenny just wanting to get eased into everything he knocked back another shot and cut himself off after that one. He saw Belamine sitting at her table and was tempted to walk over to her but reminded himself that people didn't often like being approached by someone they didn't know. She was sipping on wine a drink he had never cared for being raised out west whiskey was the drink of choice and he lived by that rule. He nodded at her in greeting before being approached by a well dressed man, he wore a black suit and a bowler hat while carrying a cane. "Hello sir I'm Mr. Pennyworth." he said to Edric looking him in the eye and shaking his hand even though Edric hadn't offered it. "I hear your new in town and a friend to Mr. Mark." Pennyworth continued smiling at Edric the man just annoyed Edric in a way he couldn't explain maybe it was his false smile and black eyes where his smile never reached.

"I am." Edric answered his voice stern and cold the man didn't seem to notice, "What of it?" he asked. Mr. Pennyworth smiled and removed his bowler hat revealing dark hair which he had styled with far to much hair grease. "Perhaps we could talk over drinks." Pennyworth suggested indicating a table near Belamine. Edric just nodded and followed the man to the table the man nodded a group of rough looking men the nod had barely been noticeable to anyone other than Edric who sat down facing the table of men while Pennyworth sat next to him. "I heard allot about you Mr. Edric your skill proceeds you as it were. I've acquired some land out west and am having some trouble with another group who says the land is theirs."

"I'm sorry Mr. Pennyworth but I'm not a gun for hire nor do I work for eels." he said looking right at the man it was the first time the man seemed worried when he looked in Edrics eyes. "Well Mr. Edric should you..." Pennyworth started before Edric cut him off telling him he wouldn't. Pennyworth nodded and stood leaving the saloon the men at the table stood and followed after a few minutes. Edric sat at the table just sitting and watching the room.

 

[Nine of Hartz]

Belamine had been quietly listening to the whole conversation that had transpired between Edric and Mr. Pennyworth. In truth, she had immediately spotted him as he entered the saloon and kindly bowed her head in return as he acknowledged her. But there was something about Pennyworth that just made her nose crinkle. Something just didn’t smell right about him, so she had intently listened in on the conversation while sipping at her wine. As soon as Pennyworth rose and left, his thugs following behind him like the loyal bunch of dogs they were, Belamine cleared her throat lightly and made direct eye contact with Edric.

“Come now Mr. Crow, you should spend your time with better company,” she said teasingly before offering him a playful smile. Motioning her gloved hand at the chair opposite of her, she spoke once more with a more serious note. “Please, join me.” As Edric made his way to her, she greeted the waiter with her food with a simple bow of the head. As the man sat the plate of food in front of her, Belamine lightly pushed it toward Edric while keeping the bowl of stew in front of her. Once she gave Edric a firm scowl to accept the meal, she lightly picked up the simple spoon that was sitting in the stew and blew some broth cool, lightly sipping at it with her pink lips. After a few sips, Belamine sat back in her seat and glanced at Edric.

“You were right to turn him away you know,” she said in a tone low enough for only him to hear. “I’ve seen him try to recruit multiple men to tend his land claims, all of which I highly doubt are legitimate.” She said in a slightly venomous tone. Flicking her eyes back to Edric, she folded her fingers together and rested her chin upon them as she watched the man, noting how he had cleaned up since their meeting earlier that day. Tilting her head to the side, her ice blue eyes locked on Edric more as she watched him eat and silently studied him. Yes, she thought to herself quietly. There is something unique about this one.

“Tell me Mr. Crow,” she said quizzically. “Would you mind escorting me home tonight? It would be a shame if Mr. Pennyworth was planning on jumping you but was halted due to my presence.” She lightly giggled at the thought of Pennyworth’s men even trying to go after Edric if she was with them. Even though she was concealing her true nature from the humans, she could still fight them off without revealing her identity. She had a golden pin in her hair that served as a thin knife when she so chose and it would be easy to slit their throats with if it came to it.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

He smiled at her as he sat and was hesitant at first to eat the food she offered but after she gave him that look he dug in. He listened to everything she said nodding here and their when she asked him to escort her home he paused in his eating and wiped his mouth before speaking. "I agree his claim may not be legitimate." he said smiling at her, "However land disputes are common out west. I also don't like men like Mr. Pennyworth he smells odd." he said his tone joking as he chuckled a little. "I wouldn't mind escorting you at all." he said answering her, "However I'd be more worried about his friends than myself." he said winking at her. Edric may not have been a man who went looking for fights but he knew how to come out of it without a scratch thanks to his training. He wasn't quick to fight either because of his training also he was one of those speak softly and carry a large stick types. He smiled at her as he ate a bit more and just enjoyed her company her eyes on him made him well aware of remembering his manners.

"I've been in my share of scraps even learned how to fight from Chinese rail worker." he said thinking back on his training to be a hunter. He was allot more talkative now the drinks having loosened him up a little and his confident self was in full swing. "I was involved in a few land disputes my self the last one was a...bloody affair which is probably how he heard of me." he said frowning and looking away from her as he remembered those two years. "After that I just spent my time hunting till Mark and Jenny offered me a place up here and some steady work." he finished.

He ate some more before pausing, "Tell me miss Belamine you have a slight accent which means your from Europe but my question is from which part?" he asked her. "I mean it could be French or German but I can't tell." he said wanting to know more about her.

 

[Nine of Hartz]

Belamine couldn’t help but smirk as Edric mentioned Pennyworth not smelling right. Seems like they had more things in common than you would think. She couldn’t help but chuckle at his remark about Pennyworth’s goons, nodding in kind as he accepted to walk her back. Her brows lifted as she heard him mention learning to fight from a Chinese Rail worker. “Really?” she asked curiously before running her fingers along her chin in thought. She had briefly traveled to Asia over a century ago and found it to be a very fascinating experience.

Hearing Edric mention that he had been involved in a land dispute, she couldn’t help but nod in understanding. “That is probably the case, though he probably heard some elaborative tale about it that was hardly the truth. Don’t fret about it too much. I’m sure that Mark and Jenny would help keep an eye out for you.” Perking her brows to his question about where she came from, Belamine lightly smirked and held her hands up.

“You’re partially right. I did spend time in Germany with my brother, but I was born in Finland.” Offering him a light smile, Belamine lightly played with her fingers as she thought about her human family. “We stayed in Finland until I was 12, then Victor and I immigrated to Germany to be closer to my mother’s family. Our parents died you see, so we had to go where we had family.” she said lightly pausing, her eyes falling to her lap as she reflected on her brother. She knew she couldn’t say what had really caused them to flee Finland but didn’t want to lie about it either. “I came to America a few years ago after Victor died with my husband and the rest you know.” She said lightly, referencing to being a war widow. In reality she hadn’t come to America with her husband, for he had died before she even left Europe, but that was water that had been under the bridge for over two centuries.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

"I know what it's like to lose family." he said sadly, "My parents died when I was young and I didn't have anyone." he said remembering that day that had changed him. "I was taken in by the Marshal he was a good man taught me to ride and shoot." he said smiling a little at those happier memories. "He was friends with the local native tribe a good sort of folk they taught me how to hunt and stalk prey. Even went on a spirit journey when I was fifteen." he went on. "I already told you about my time as a ranch hand so I won't bore you with repeating it." he said laughing a little. "But I suppose things can only get better from here maybe." he finished giving her a half smile. Edric didn't think of himself as a good man due to what he had spent doing the last eleven years of his life now nearing 27 he wanted it all behind him. "Your obviously a woman of sophistication and means, so why work as an Apothecary when you could be at balls dancing with gentlemen?" he asked having not missed her fine dress and gloves.

Edric wasn't the sort to really pry into another's life but he felt drawn to her and even then men of his status were never looked at by women like her. But she was different her kind smile and sapphire eyes drew him in till he could see nothing else but her beautiful eyes and smile. He sat their enjoying her company although he did feel eyes other than hers on him he refrained from looking over his shoulder his training kicking in as he acted like he didn't notice that feeling.

 

[Nine of Hartz]

Belamine nodded sympathetically as Edric mentioned losing his parents at a young age. She had suffered the same fate with her own, and outlived all members of her human family. Loss was something you had to grow accustomed to if you were a vamprie. It was a law of the universe. Her brows perked up at his question about why she had chosen the type of life she had and couldn't help but chuckle. She had many opportunities to live a comfortable lifestyle of being a nobleman's wife, but she had turned it down many times over many lifetimes. The life of adventure had always captivated her heart instead of the subdued one of a house wife.

"I was never one for balls and parties persay," she said lightly, leaning on her elbow as she rested her delicate chin on her palm so she could get closer to Edric. "I preferred to be in the orchestra playing the music for those who chose to dance actually." Lightly giggling, Belamine laid her other hand out on the table so Edric could see that she had small hands with long piano fingers. "I used to play in the orchestra at parties my Grandparents held. They emphasized the importance of women having womanly hobbies. But it was Victor that actually sparked my interest in medicine. You see, he was sick and I decided to study plants that may help him. We weren't able to save him but I decided to not let my knowledge go to waste." Her thoughts lightly drifted to her brother, and the insanity that had overtaken him due to his lycanthropic curse. She knew that there was nothing she could have done to cure him of his ailment, but she had still tried before fate crossed her path and inflicted her with her own vampiric curse.

Turning her attention back to Edric, she offered him a sweet smile as she shook her thoughts of the past aside. Reaching out with her hand, she lightly patted at his hand. "Perhaps I'll break out my instruments and play for you," she said in a soft tone. Her eyes were still on his as she spoke. She was very good at keeping eye contact with people, for it was an important tool of reading people. It also would help her influence their thoughts if it came down to it, but she wasn't as skilled as most vampires when it came to compulsion, which was one of the reasons why she preferred to be alone instead of within a coven. She had only learned to truly master the art of controlling others if she utilized her instruments, by humming or singing suggestive actions to them.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

"It seems we have allot in common Miss Belamine." Edric said smiling at her her touch on his hand felt right. "I doubt I'm as good as you." he added smiling modestly he could only play the guitar a stereotypical instrument for a man like him though he hadn't touched one in four years. "The desire to help people is a good quality." he went on talking about how she had chosen her path it reminded him of at least a different reason why he had become a hunter. "I always preferred girls who weren't afraid of having adventures." he chuckled as he wasn't one for fancy parties. "Some girls would say I'm a simple sort and I agree fancy things are well and good but give me the tools and I could build a good honest life." he finished that last bit reminding him of what his father had told him. The other patrons were slowly finishing their drinks and leaving the saloon which reminded Edric of the time.

"Perhaps we should be going." he suggested as he stood and offered her his hand his mother had instilled him with the proper manners at least. He waited for her to take his hand before they left the saloon and were greeted by the cool night air, "I always liked the night it's quiet and the stars are out." he said as he walked with her on his arm. If he had been told he would meet a woman like Belamine here he would laughed and said he had little chance either way but no he couldn't think about staying here if she wasn't there. He heard foot steps following them and chuckled, "It seems you company matters little to our friends." he said tilting his head in the direction of the thugs following them at a distance.

 

[Nine of Hartz]

Belamine happily took Edric's hand and followed him out. Stepping out into the moonlight, she couldn't help but sigh happily as she felt the white light touch her skin. She kept herself fairly covered up throughout the day to shield herself from the sun, but part of her really regretted it at night. The moonlight felt amazing to her, especially since she wasn't able to go out in it as often due to blending in with the humans. She lightly looped her arm around Edric's, closing the gap between them as her eyes flicked toward the group of thugs. Lightly nodding to Edric's words, Belamine felt the hair lift on the back of her neck as her predator instincts took over. Without revealing herself too much, Belamine's hearing perked up and tuned toward the men trying to determine whether or not they were going to advance toward them.

Glancing up at Edric, she lightly made direct eye contact with him before speaking lowly so she wouldn't be heard. "Perhaps we should attempt to avoid them," Belamine quietly stated before gripping at Edric's arm with her hand with enough force so he would know that she was stronger than the average woman. "If we don't, I'll be able to handle myself. I know that you can." She flicked her eyes up at him, waiting to see what he wanted to do. There was something different about Edric. Around him, she suddenly felt more comfortable in her own skin and didn't feel the suffocating pressure to force herself to blend in around humans. Perhaps it was the moonlight.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

It wasn't the first time Edric had regretted leaving his guns behind but thinking on what Belamine said and the strength of her pull on his arm told him she was looking to him for the decision. The footsteps broke off stopping in their tracks and Edric looked back to see Mr. Pennyworth standing their with his kane against the chest of the largest thug. Mr. Pennyworths eyes seem to catch the light and Edric merely turned back to Belamine, "Their trained at the very least." he muttered to her as he adjusted his vest with his free hand. The mans eyes had been what Edric had focused on his training kicking in and he knew what Mr. Pennyworth was a Alpha rather unusual given his size and Edric felt his training kicking in. It had been drilled into him every day draw the knife, how to keep it out of sight how to watch yet not watch.

"We're clear or now." he said as he, "I'm glad your not such a wall flower, still a beautiful flower has thorns." he said smiling at her as they passed the town marshals place where the cells were kept and Edric thought on what he was going to do for money. A Marshals badge would fit much better than his old one ever had, "Were you trained in fencing?" he asked since her strength had surprised him slightly making him think on what training she had had.

 

[Nine of Hartz]

Belamine stood silently as Edric whispered to her, standing beside him with a stiff back. Her blood was coursing through her veins more quickly now as she took in all of the men that were obeying Mr. Pennyworth. Her lips curled into a smile as she heard his compliment, her eyes gazing up to him as they walked past the Marshal's Office. "Why thank you, Edric." She said more casually to him, lightly leaning into his side more as they continued to walk through the town. Lightly blinking when Edric asked her about whether or not she had learned to fence, she lightly nodded before speaking.

"Aye, my father and brother both favored the sword. It wasn't hard to talk my brother into teaching me once we were on our own." Belamine lightly stopped Edric by holding his arm firmly as they reached her shop. She turned to glance back in the direction Pennyworth and his men had been in. "I think it would be best that you stay with me tonight," she said lightly as she reached into her left sleeve. Pulling out a delicate key, Belamine unlocked the door to the shop and motioned for Edric to enter. Locking it behind her, Belamine immediately took his hand once more and led him to the back room. She had left a few lanterns burning so the stairwell was lit and quickly ascended the stairs.

Belamine opened the door to the apartment above the shop and let Edric in. Going to a lantern in the main room, she lit it with a match so there was enough light to make out the table and chairs to one side, the sofa and sitting chairs in the other side of the room. Waiting to light other lanterns, Belamine went to the window and peeked out from behind the curtain to see Pennyworth's men stalking the street. A scowl curled across her lips as she lightly tugged her gloves off, tossing them on an end table. She walked past Edric deep in thought, immediately going into a room off to the side. When she walked back out, there was a long elegant sword in her hands that had an inscribed sheathe. Extending her hands out to Edric, she motioned for him to take it.

"You should keep this close until you have your weapons back," she said firmly, as if it wasn't up for discussion. Reaching her hand to her head, she lightly pulled out the long metal piece that served as a hairpiece but was truly a blade. She lightly flicked it down so it stabbed into the wood of the table, revealing its true purpose to Edric. Her hair fell down about her shoulders, immediately straightening out perfectly. Returning her attention to the room, she went about and lit the other lanterns and got the wood stove going so the room would begin to warm up. Now that she had company, there was no need to keep it at such a chilly temperature. With the room lit up, Edric would see that it served as a small kitchen, eating and living area. There was a clear half of the room designated to be a kitchen area with the other being more of a sitting area toward the windows. With the lights on, Belamine lightly smoothed out her dress and ran her fingers through her long dark locks as she kept her eyes toward the window, wondering what Pennyworth's men wanted with Edric. Perhaps there was more to him than one would expect?

Her ice blue eyes flicked over to Edric as she leaned against the back of one of the chairs, her hair cascading past her shoulders to frame her face. "So tell me, what is it that they are wanting from you?" Her tone was direct, having decided that the polite lady act needed to be cast aside. Her blood was screaming that Edric was someone who needed to be assessed thoroughly so she could figure out if he was an ally or a potential threat.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

Edric followed without hesitation though he was mindful of what other might think he was to busy going over things in his mind things that rattled old memories and training. "I already told you about the land dispute I was involved with." he said after he examined the room his eyes roving over every detail even the sword she had handed him was clearly in the hands of someone skilled and not a novice. "It drew some rather skilled shooters and quick draws." he went on his eyes taking on that distant look as he brought up the memory. "I was arrogant in my skill the young buck that I was." he went on stepping close to the windows, "They were the best guns for hire and they thought nothing of me." he continued looking at her now as he turned away from the window. "I was riding with Aura the Boss' daughter she was sweet on me but I was to preoccupied with other things." he said sitting down near her the sword across his knees.

"They ambushed us near the dry creek shot my horse out from under me and wounded Miss Aura." he said he gripped the hilt of the blade. "That's how it started the fighting that is." he said, "It wasn't till the next day that I challenged both of them to a duel we met out on the main street me and the Copper brothers. He drew the blade an inch out of its sheath then slapped it back in, "I was the last man standing after the clock finished chiming at the courthouse." he said his eyes had looked up at her. "Two of the best gunmen killed by a no name kid word spread fast and my skill was embellished in the retelling." he continued smiling at the foolishness of it. "Some one of that skill on your side make a difference and when he says no men like Mr. Pennyworth get scared." he finished his story. It was a long tale but it didn't cover the time he wanted to forget the time he had been hunting down werewolves and vampires chasing that one that had started the whole thing. His desire for vengeance driving him.

"It wasn't the act that made me regret the action but how fluid it had been how easy it was after all that time spent just herding cattle and now two men who had been revered for their skill had died as easy as snuffing candles." he said his tone was now regretful. "That's why they're interested in me, perhaps revenge or to keep me from helping the other side." he finished growing silent as he waited to hear what Belamine would say.

 

[Nine of Hartz]

Belamine quietly listened to Edric explain what had happened to him in his youth to draw the attention of men such as Pennyworth. She could completely understand how that would have had a lasting impact on him and his reputation. Her human family had been quite renowned back in the day, and she remembered what it was like for her brother to struggle with the reputation he had earned due to his bloodlust. Lightly crossing her arms over her belly, she glanced over at Edric as he sat in one of her chairs. She let her ice blue eyes rake over his form for a few moments before slowly approaching him, resting a hand on his shoulder.

"Sometimes we are graced with unfortunate events, but in the end it all revolves around shaping us to be who Destiny intended us to be." She offered him a soft smile to let him know that she wasn't afraid of him or spooked by the tale. Lightly pulling her hand back, Belamine glanced out the window for a moment before speaking again. "Sometimes people are born to kill, but it is their choice as to whom they kill." Her eyes were still locked on the window, her words spoken as if she were a philosopher. "All we can do is chose why we kill and make that something that will protect or harm others. It is all a choice." She slowly glanced at Edric.

"They say God gave man free will. Well, the way I see it, free will gives us the ability to chose what we fight for and why we kill. If you do it to protect others, then that means you're not a soulless monster." She spoke trying to comfort Edric, but part of what she said was intended to comfort herself as well. "If they are here for revenge, then you rise up and stand by the decisions you made in your youth. Just think of this way, you did what you did and it has saved countless lives." She lightly tucked her hair behind her ear.

"If Pennyworth won't back off, I'll gladly help you deal with him and his men. I'm sure you have other friends that will stand by you as well."

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

Her words had not fallen on deaf ears yet he remained silent her offer stirred something in him that he thought died some years ago, "Maybe I'm still looking for that one person worth fighting for." he said to her a half smile on his face. He stood up and glanced at the window, "I'm not one to drag others into my problems if I can handle it I will." he said turning his head to look at the sword he still held. "But I'm not to proud to ask for help when I need it." he added with a light chuckle, "They won't do anything tonight it seems." he said as he set the sword on the table. Edric looked more closely at Belamine's apartment its size was a small matter as it was meant for one person and to be that persons home. Her home didn't have much in way of decoration he noted the lack of a picture of her late husband or brother something that struck him as odd as even he kept a few photo's only one of which was of someone he had once cared for.

"I guess your husband never got a chance to take a photograph for you." he said bringing the subject to her attention. "Or do you hide it away?" he asked he didn't mean to pry but it was just something that stood out to him. He also had to note how this might look or sound to someone who wasn't aware of what was really going on a woman takes a man up to her place some women would call it a scandal. Edric was rather careful with how he stood not seeming what to do and never having been alone with a woman. Edric was reminded of allot of things his crusade and training had made him miss out on and what this crusade had cost him. He was sure nothing would happen he hardly knew Belamine and she him and he intended to keep much of his past in the dark as possible.

"I guess I'm stuck here for now not a bad place and the company is very pleasant." he said as he sat in a chair and stretched out as best he could. "Sleep might be hard to come by." he added as he sat there.

 

[Nine of Hartz]

Belamine lightly stiffened to the question of a picture of her husband. In truth, she had no pictures of the man she claimed was her husband and all others of her family were paintings hidden off in a box. Lightly turning to Edric, she nodded to his words and did her best to keep her expression straight. “Sadly we didn’t have any pictures with us when we came to America. They don’t let you take much on the ships if you come over how most immigrants tend to.” She lightly crossed her arms and flicked her eyes across the room. “I wasn’t able to send for more of my things until later, and at that point he was already gone so I didn’t want any of him sent over. Though the family portraits I do have I keep in the back.”

Her eyes perked up as he mentioned sleeping, watching him sprawl out in a chair. Lightly tapping her finger against her lips, she quickly walked into the back room that served as her bedroom. Opening a drawer of a heavy dresser, Belamine pulled out a knitted quilt and grabbed the one off of the little bed she pretended to sleep on. After all, she wouldn’t need any blankets to stay warm at night. Exiting the little room, she walked over to where Edric was sitting and tossed the blankets on the day sofa across from the chair. “You can use these and sleep here. I know you’re taller than it but it must be more comfortable than that chair.” She said lightly pointing to the seat he had taken.

In her blood she knew that it was getting later for humans and assumed that Edric would begin to get tired. Lightly going to the wood stove in the kitchen area, Belamine stoked the coals with a few hefty pieces of wood that quickly sparked the flame anew. Setting a pot beside the stove, she motioned at the pitcher of water and a various collection of tea and a tin of coffee on a shelf. “If you need anything to drink in the night, help yourself.” She said politely before turning to Edric. “I fear we should retire for the night so we can get an early start to the day. I’m sure that Pennyworth’s men won’t rise with the sun due to their drunken festivities tonight.” Lightly bowing her head to Edric, Belamine stood in the doorway of her bedroom and paused before shutting the door. “If you need anything, just knock.”

Stepping inside her room, Belamine lightly shut the door and waited to hear the metal gears click into place. Waving her hand in the room, a lantern quickly sprang to life and lit the room. There was the dresser on one wall with the small bed on the opposite wall close to the door, a changing screen in the back corner of the room. It was small but she didn’t mind. Her true ‘bed’ was hidden underneath the small building in the foundation. Stepping behind the screen, she easily untied the strings that kept her dress tight around her torso, letting it fall to the floor once she was finished. Working her way out of her skirts, Belamine kept her corset on and a simple slip over her legs. Pulling a typical Victorian nightgown over her body, she quietly picked up a book from a wall shelf and sat on the bed, waving her hand to extinguish the lantern. Her ice blue eyes began to scan the words on the page, using the moonlight to read inconspicuously throughout the night.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

Edric nodded as she spoke about the pictures and portraits he could understand that ships were just beginning to leave wind power behind but their size was still a factor in how the passengers packed. When she brought out the covers and told him he could sleep on the short couch he just smiled gratefully and nodded. Edric didn't need allot of sleep though that was due to something else entirely something that made him think he wasn't completely human anymore. He waited for her to be in her room before he settled on the couch pulling off his boots and shirt revealing the sculpted body and a series of scars that riddled his chest and back. He laid on the couch using one blanket as a pillow and the other to cover his lower half with though his legs did come up and over the opposite arm.

Edric drifted off slowly and like a broken record an old dream began to play out before him. The sky was overcast with dark grey clouds and lightning flashed in the distance while the thunder roared. An eight year Edric stood on the porch watching the lightning no rain yet had reached them but it was coming. His mother was cooking while his father sat on the porch with him his marshals badge gleaming on his vest, then in a flash of lightning a dark figure appeared. Edric knew who that figure was but he couldn't move he watched as the scene unfolded as it had all those years ago. He watched as his mother was murdered how his father had tried to fight but was ultimately cut down as well. He remembered running to his father as the rain began to fall his hand gripping his fathers badge till it cut into his hand tears running down his face only to be lost in the rain. The figure looked down at him with eyes like burning rubies, "This moment will always haunt you." the figure spoke his voice cutting through the thunder. "You will be consumed with hatred for me." the figure went on, "We will meet again one day little boy and what will be will be." the figure said before lunging at him bearing down with those bright red eyes and fangs.

Edric woke with a start sitting up on the couch the sky just beginning to lighten he rubbed his face and felt new stubble. He sat there letting the dream replay in his mind that figure had been the start had led him down this path. He had been found by the marshal still kneeling beside his father his badge had caused his hand to bleed even as the marshal picked him up and told him he was okay. Edric remembered the four years of training till the ceremony where he was made to drink some strange tonic that burned his insides for hours. In the end he had been changed as all hunters had he was faster stronger and could even see in the dark but the training hadn't ended even after his first hunt. Edric shook himself as he laid back down and closed his eyes trying to rest just a little longer.

 

[Nine of Hartz]

The sun rise was greeted by mixed feelings by Belamine, her blue eyes lightly flicking at the window as she saw the sky turn pink. A light sigh escaped her lips as she closed her book, slowly pulling herself up off of the bed. Thankfully she was still fully rested from the night before, so she knew that a few nights away from her coffin would be fine. Stretching as she got off the bed, she cracked the bones in her spine and hands before glancing at the dresser in her room. Thumbing through her garments, she peeked out the window to see if there were any of Pennyworth's men outside the shop. Thankfully there weren't, so Belamine knew that the morning would start out easy.

Her pale fingers lightly tugged the Victorian nightgown off of her form before quickly going to the corset and slip over her body. Untying the corset's strings, she let it fall from her body and pulled out a pair of leather pants and woman's blouse that would be more comfortable to go riding in. Belamine changed into the clothes and made sure that she was covered up fully, she pulled her hair back into a loose braid before tugging on a pair of suede gloves. The sun was now up in the sky, the surrounding countryside lit up people began to start their days. Belamine walked out into the living area of the small room, making sure to walk quietly but not silently. She glanced over at Edric and noticed he was still on the couch. Putting on a pot of water, she lightly made her way to the window and opened the curtain so Edric would know she was awake.

"Good morning," she said lightly with a smile before going back to the kitchen. Grabbing some bread, she placed it in a wire toaster and held it over the fire of the wood stove to toast it. Gripping a jar of jam, she placed it on the table with the pieces of bread she had toasted for Edric. "Help yourself," she offered before making some tea with the hot water, lightly sipping from a cup as she offered Edric some as well. "You should be able to make it back to the bakery with no issues," she said while leaning against the edge of the table, pulling on a pair of riding boots and lacing them shut. "I'm going to go scouting for supplies I can use in the shop but also to see if Pennyworth's men are hidden around town."

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

Edric sat up and pulled on his shirt and boots while she toasted bread for him but hunger was far from his mind as he stood, "I'm sorry but I should get going Mrs. Jenny might be worried since I didn't show up for supper." he said. His shirt had yet to be buttoned and his scars were still visible anyone who had encountered animals could tell the largest scar which was a series of five lines had not been made by any animal native to those lands. He hastily buttoned his shirt so he could hide the old scars, "Thank you for your hospitality and the enjoyable evening." he added as he made his way toward the door. "I hope we might do this again but without the henchmen." he finished as he said farewell and exited her apartment.

He left her home and hurried to the bakery leaving his shirt out as he headed for the rear of the bakery and walked up the stairs to his own room. He changed clothes and his eyes caught the bundle under his bed he picked it up and unpacked it. A long trench coat the bottom torn and tattered from countless hunts some chest armor and shoulder guards came out first joined by a long grey scarf whose ends were as tattered as the bottom of the coat. All the gear was soon laid out across his bed the only thing missing was his hat and badge, "Even here duty calls." he said as he began to pulled on the gear.

Mr. Pennyworth and his pack had watched the Apothecary all night waited spotting Edric as he left and waited for the woman to leave next. "It may be ungentlemanly but this girl will provide adequate leverage to get Mr. Edric on our side." he said.

"But boss that girl smells strange." said the one of the goons. Mr. Pennyworth slapped him hard with the back of his hand with enough force to snap the other mans head side and make him step back whimpering. "I do not care we'll seize her in the woods and tell Edric to join our little enterprise." Mr. Pennyworth said smiling a wolfish grin.

Mark showed up with his hat and badge as Edric had told Jenny to ask him for them out a chest in his wagon. "I can't believe your doing this lad but if you say there are werewolves about I won't stop you." he said as Edric put the badge on and hat which cast his face in shadow hiding his features save his eyes which glowed in the unnatural shadows. "I know Mark but I know beasts like Mr. Pennyworth and he'll hurt whoever it takes to get me on his side." he said his voice distorted by the scarf which covered the bottom of his face. The badge was a star with a fanged skull in the center it named him a hunter now he waited and watched from his window till Belamine left to gather what she needed for her store. She was discretely followed by Pennyworth and twenty of his men overkill it would seem but wolves always hunted in packs.

He waited then followed. Pennyworth and his men transformed so they could vanish into the woods Pennyworth the largest of all his pack as the alpha. Edric watched them as they tracked Belamine through the woods careful not to be seen same as him he was unaware of Belamine's secret and while she could fight he was sure these were monsters and he knew she couldn't handle them.

 

[Nine of Hartz]

Belamine was slightly surprised at Edric’s quick exit, but lightly shrugged it off as a human trait. She eyed the red jam in the jar that she had been offering Edric and lightly tapped her fingers against the wood table in her room. Lightly shaking her head, she grabbed a simple cowboy hat to protect her face from the sunlight and made her way to the first floor of the apothecary. She locked the door to the shop behind her and quietly made her way to the stables where her horse was kept. It was early, so she didn’t pass many as she walked through the streets.

Quietly slipping into the large barn she rented a stall from; she found her steed waiting for her patiently in his dark stall. She removed her gloves and ran her pale fingers through his ebony fur, lightly nuzzling against his neck and face as she greeted him. The steed snorted in kind, his eyes dully glowing red in the darkness of the stall, butting his head against the woman whom he had carried all across Europe. It didn’t take long for Belamine to swing a leather saddle over his back and get it in place, a matching bridle fastened on his head. Due to her short stature, a normal woman would have needed help mounting such a tall steed, but her increased strength made mounting easy. She swung herself across his back and firmly rested her boots into the stirrups, clicking her tongue to have him leave the barn.

Her steed obediently made his way out of the barn and past the yard, easily hopping over the fence as she kicked him to a gallop. His steel hooves dug into the dirt of the road, leaving a unique impression from the custom shoes that were nailed to his hooves. Belamine easily stayed atop the steed as he blazed down the street and into the forest, her gentle kicks coaxing him further and further into the forest. It didn’t take long for her to realize that she was being followed, the scent of wolves in the air as she rode. Her icy blue eyes flicked across the shadows in the forest as she urged her steed further into the darkness. She loved going at sunrise because the forest was still dark enough to simulate night, but it also made feedings more concealable to random hunters. And this day, it would add additional cover for whatever happened once the wolves caught up with her.

Tugging on the reins to guide her mount, Belamine eventually forced him to stop near a large protruding rock at the base of a canyon. With her back to the large cliff that towered over her, she narrowed her eyes as she waited for whatever had followed her to appear. Her fingers lightly reached over a hidden pocket in the saddle, gripping various thin knives that she could throw and even manipulate with shadowy tendrils that she had inherited from her Sire. Eventually Belamine’s eyes widened as she recognized the scent on the wind, her steed taking on an aggressive stance comparable to a war horses.

“Pennyworth,” she called out in a confident voice. “So this is what you mask behind all that whisky cologne you bathe yourself in.” She smirked lightly, her white teeth peeking out over the corner of her lip. Belamine wasn’t holding back anymore, and her teeth suddenly began to look a little pointier but her eyes remained ice blue, her nails slowly getting longer and sharper. “I would strongly advise you to reconsider this course of action, Pennyworth.” she called out almost seductively, allowing the sound of her voice to carry out between the trees and into the shadows that the wolves hid in. “Didn’t your pack master teach you that there are other monsters that go bump in the night?” With the shadows creeping around her now, the red eyes of her steed were glowing vermillion, his strong legs stomping at the earth as his hooves cut into the grass easily. Slowly opening her own eyes, her ice blue orbs were even paler than earlier, the pupil a fine slit as she listened to the whispers of the shadows forming around her as she waited for Pennyworth’s pack to reveal themselves.

 

[HaloHeroWolf118]

Edric followed silently his eyes glowing white under the shadow of his large hat meant to shadow one from the sun yet retain it's western style. He watched as Belamine seemed to notice she was being followed he watched and listened as she called out Pennyworth. The huge wolf that was Pennyworth stalked out of the shadows of the trees flanked by two wolves on either side of him no response came as he growled at her. The growling ceased as a sound like a bell rang out oddly loud as Edric approached out of the woods drawing one of his pistols. Pennyworth was now no longer concerned with Belamine as he turned to growl at the new comer. A wind began to blow through the trees making Edric coat billow out rather impressively even in its tattered state. It seemed Edric was the larger threat now to Pennyworth as he recognized the badge. "Hunter." Pennyworth growled at Edric who had drawn another weapon from a long silver bladed knife, "DIE!" he roared and charged at Edric.

It was like time stopped for Edric as he moved raising his gun he shot in quick succession hitting three of the flanking wolves and grazing the fourth as he slashed at Pennyworth with the blade. The blade hissed and smoked as it dripped with the wolves blood which acted like acid to the expensive metal eroding it to a useless piece of trash. The three wolves he shot dropped writhing in pain as the silver poisoned their blood causing them incredible pain till they ceased moving black smoke and bubbling blood oozing out from their wounds. The fourth and Pennyworth backed away growling and limping as blood poured from from the gashes left by the blade and the bullet. "Damn you Hunter." Pennyworth growled looking at Belamine before limping back and vanishing into the woods.

Edric looked at Belamine then his glowing eyes taking her in but their distance meant he could not see her eyes even as his movements had placed him between her and the rest of the pack who still watched them from the shadows wary before vanishing one by one. Edric took a step forward towards her holstering his pistol he was pulling on his powers granted to him by the tonic to disguise himself he was more vampire now since it was their blood used to create the tonic to make him something in between human and Vampire. He didn't know what he was doing approaching her as he was but he felt drawn to her for some reason his face was hidden only his glowing eyes could be seen. "Are you okay?" he asked his voice deepened by his change and muffled by the scarf to disguise it further. He stopped some feet away from her his coat and scarf billowing as the wind stirred them again.