Portal - Darkness Dawning (Black_Out and Eternal Thrill)

[Black_Out]

Sebastian ran a small comb through his freshly trimmed tan beard while glancing over his reflection in the dusty mirror within the simple and sparsely furnished third floor apartment dwelling he called home. Outside his open windows he could hear the growing din of excitement echoing throughout the city of Crescent. His own excitement over the day was deeply laced with nervousness and trepidation. It was the two hundred year anniversary of the founding of the isolated but immensely successful and prosperous city of Crescent. He had bold plans to mark the occasion as he inspected the refined servants garments that he wore. Buttons were dutifully in place, collar correctly bent and his white shirt perfectly tucked into matching white trousers. Checking under his sleeve and beneath his pant legs he took inventory of the slim tools and lock picks that he was secretly bringing along.

He took a deep breath and faked a smile in the mirror as he spoke in a practiced and pleasant tone to no one in particular. "Right away Madame, so sorry madame." That sounded good enough he thought. "A fine day to you sir, do you care for some freshly grilled shrimp? They've been wrapped in peppered bacon." He couldn't help but laugh briefly, is that how he should address a noble, or should he just remain silent and offer the tray of food. He frowned then, as he reminded himself that being caught pretending to be one of the servers working the Thompson estates massive party would have serious ramifications for him. That frown remained momentarily before it washed away and he took another deep breath, this time to calm his nerves. It was time to go, time to get to work, and time to see if he had what it took to pull the robbery of his life off.

The streets outside were a crowded mass of festive folk being entertained by puppeteers of varying talent, feats of juggling performed by deft hands, and other brands of carnival like distractions. Banners hung from on high upon the towering buildings that cloaked the narrow avenues of Crescent in shadows. Swirling breezes brought in from the surrounding desert set the celebratory banners to sway and flap from the perches. While the smells of food, the clambering of the people, and the sounds of minstrels already at work entertaining the gathering crowds were everywhere. He worked his way through the crowded streets as he forcefully reminded himself to keep his eyes off the ample purses that beckoned him from the hips of people he passed by.

Sebastian flicked his own nimble fingers together as he made his way to join the ranks of the service crew that was assembling at a well established restaurant and catering business on the fringes of the busy market district known as the Baker's Block. His travels there took him past the magnificence of the well that the city was founded around and upon. It was a deep trench that had been worked and formed by skilled laborers into a sturdy inverse tower of granite that kept the sandstone walls from crumbling inward. So much of the cities prosperity revolved around that heavily secured and maintained well. The underground river that fed the well had even been explored to the furthest reaches possible and mines were uncovered that hid rich veins of minerals and deposits of metal. It was almost as if another city breathed down there beneath his feet, where laborers, their managers, and teams of security forces disappeared for days on end to work, plunder, and secure it's depths.

Turning down the main cobbled roadway that swept past the walls and gates and beneath the looming web of aqueducts that swept the wells waters throughout the city he made his way towards the Baker's Block. He slid inside easily enough, and blended in with the staff of workers that had already arrived. He mingled about and made a few simple pleasantries with the gathered service hands, of which he knew none and intended to keep it that way as he mostly kept to himself. It didn't come cheap to be here, he had to make arrangements, but it seemed the best way to get himself into the rich and opulent manor of Harold Thompson. He was one of the richest land owners in the city, and held deeds for several of the mines worked down within the well and even owned a granite quarry far to the west in the range of mountains at the edge of the desert.

There was a brief roll call and he raised his hand when the name Peter Ivanson was called and smiled as he chirped out. "Here!" There was a staff of at least twenty on hand to attend the affairs of service for the party. Most were servers, of which he was one, a handful of bartenders, and a small team of cooks that were going to be busy preparing the snacks, treats, and meals for the gathering at the noble house made up the crew of workers. They set out together around noon and made their way towards the secured gates that controlled the flow of traffic into the noble district. The proper papers were presented to the waiting ranks of security and in short order Sebastian was falling in line with the rest of the staff as they entered the opulent gardens surrounding the manors within the noble district.

The richness of the plaza where the nobles of Crescent dwelt within their magnificent manor's crafted from slabs of marble and granite that had to be dragged for days across the dunes of the desert was on full display to mark the occasion. Guards patrolled the unblemished washed cobblestone avenues while groundskeepers had meticulously trimmed and manicured the greenery that grew in abundance about the gardens. Far more decorative banners swayed and danced in the arms of the wind that swept through the court of the nobles. Musicians were assembled together near the edges of the garden upon a vast tree lined field, playing a concert for a gathered crowd of the cities privileged and their guests.

The crew of workers was escorted past all of this by a small team of some of Crescent's finest guards and led towards the back entry to the Thompson's estate. There they once more checked in with the guards keeping the back gate secure and were swiftly led to the servants wing where a large open kitchen was already bustling with preparations for the soon to arrive guests. The great ball and celebration at the estate was set to begin promptly in a few hours before sun down, leaving the guests with ample time to socialize and make pleasantries with each other before the mass toast the citizens had planned to take was to commence with the ringing of the bells as the sun was setting.

That left ample time for him to get familiar with the layout of the estate and figure out how to sneak his way up into the living quarters of the Lord and Lady where a safe was waiting with jewels and riches that would set him up for the rest of his days. Or so Sebastian hoped.

 

[Thrill]

The morning was late, and Eve was just stirring in her enormous mahogany bed. Her fiery red hair splayed out across her plush pillow. The deep red drapes were open just enough to let a stream of the days sunlight into the room. Smiling to herself as she stretched like a sleek cat in the bed. It was the two-hundred year anniversary of Crescent founding. The party of the century was to be happening in the home she still shared with her beloved parents. Anyone of importance would there, more importantly Ansel would there. She had been fooling around with the young man for a couple months now. Nothing ever got serious. That is until tonight. She planned to escape with him to her bed chamber and show him just what he had been waiting so patiently for. What better night than the anniversary of the city she spent her entire life in.

Ansel Rand, was from a Nobel family such as hers. Perhaps not as wealthy, but almost as important in the city's ranks. He was a year older then her, and betrothed to a girl from a family with a lower station than their own. Eve met the girl on a few occasions. A mousy little thing, with a dull personality. She would consider tonight an early wedding gift.

Crawling herself out of the massive bed, she looked across the room at the gown she would wear to the party. This was not going to be something every girl was wearing. Nothing they wore would even come close. That was just how she liked it. Even with all her tomboy tendencies, she still liked to look her absolute best at these events. Standing out in the crowd was the type of person she was. Pulling on a velvet cord near the vanity, rang a bell somewhere in the manor. With in minutes a girl came scurrying into the bed chamber. "Ar' we ready ta dress for da party miss," she girl asked in a meek voice. Unsure why the servants were so afraid of her, she shook her head lightly. "Yes, I am very much ready. I want you to leave my hair down please. Just use the blue ribbon her to tie around my head."

Standing in the center of the room, she let the girl slip the gown over her head. The silky fabric felt amazing on her skin. The neck line and thin straps didn't allow for the need of imagination. Her mother was going to faint for sure. The thought put another smile on her face. She got a great thrill from shocking her parents, as much as she loved them. The skirt of the dress pooled slightly at her feet, just how she wanted it to. Taking a seat at the vanity, the girl began running a comb through her hair. The soft fiery locks came to a stop at her hips. The ends were cut in a perfect line.

Moments later she was ready to start the day. She hoped Ansel was already down stairs. Her parents planned for a small luncheon for a select few guests. Descending the stairs she searched for her current toy. Frowning when she didn't see him yet. The luncheon wasn't set to start for another hour. Maybe he was just running late. For now she needed to dodge the sight of her parents. This early in the celebration they may demand she change into something else. Scurrying across the foyer, she dashed towards the kitchen. Every head turned as she entered breathlessly. Squinting a little and pointing her finger, "none of you saw me understood?" she said with a playful smirk on her ruby red lips. Quickly heading towards the back door, she bumped into a servant she had never seen before. "Oh pardon me," she said as she fluttered pass him. With narrowed eyes and another playful smirk, "you're new." She then disappeared through the door.

 

[Black_Out]

Sebastian practically smeared himself up against the wall as the fiery red haired young noble lady hastily moved past him on her way out of the kitchen. His heart felt like it sank a foot in his chest when she paused to address him. For a frozen moment he thought the gig was up and she was going to interrogate him on the spot. But before he could even formulate a proper response from his lips she turned and vanished through the door, allowing his heart to start pumping again as he let out a puffed breath of anxiety. "Well.." He murmured under his breath, that certainly was a scenario he hadn't rehearsed in preparation for.

His eyes darted over to another servant several years younger then himself, a thin and wiry youth with a perfect crop of short black hair settled around his soft facial features. The young man was clearly smitten by the brief appearance of the young noble, for that matter Sebastian was too, but he had years of experience dealing with the sort of women that could turn a man's mind into putty with their passing. "Who was that?" He leaned over, asking his younger coworker in the confidence of a whispered query.

"Oh, tha was tha Lord and Lady's daughter, uh, Lady Evelina I think her name be." The server replied in a quiet voice with a glance back towards the door. "Seen her bout, just be keeping yourself polite around her type. Especially da Lord n' Lady." The shorter younger man said as they entered the kitchen.

A sharply dressed man stepped up onto a wooden stool, using the rungs between the legs for a modest boost in height as he looked out over the busy kitchen. "Right everyone stop what your doin and listen up!" The head manager of the event spoke up as the new crew of servants began to file into the kitchen hall. "My name's Jacob, I'm in charge of the staff tonight! We've got a busy busy day here ahead of us!" His gaze swept out over the quieted gathering of workers as the noise in the kitchen evaporated into silence. "We got a luncheon set to begin her shortly, tables that still need to be set and the seating arrangement laid out." His fingers snapped at the air. "Eric is our head waiter, and he is handling the setup. Everyone that is working as service staff will meet him in the service hall outside the kitchen when I dismiss the lot of ya!"

"Yes, we'll get to drink with everyone else when the anniversary toast commences." His voice grew stern. "Until then, not a drop goes down any of you lots mouths. They'll be plenty of food and drink left over for us all when the crowd thins out." Jacob looked towards the back of the kitchen. "We're ready for the luncheon Steve?" Another man buried in the crowd spoke out. "Yep, small party, should be easy, we'll need a small staff, maybe six of waiters to andle it." The manager nodded. "Alright, well kitchen staff you all get with Steve here for a quick meeting. Server's meet up with Eric for your orders, and bartenders with me." He hopped down from the chair. "Pays at the end of the night's work for the lot of ya, with a bonus!"

There was a smattering of applause, laughs, and even a few muttered unpleasant responses about having to work while the rest of the city celebrated as the work force began to break into their fractured groups. Sebastian followed the younger man he had spoken with, since he seemed to be familiar with the estate to some extent. Eric was waiting for them in the wide white painted wooden hallway that ran from the kitchen and into the massive ball room concealed behind a large white wall of granite that forced the traffic to flow around it into the hidden depths of the ballroom. The head waiter was a taller young adult with thin short hair and a well kept mustache. His eyes looked over the gathered servers in the hallway and with a point of his finger he began to pick out the best available servants he knew of and assigned them to the luncheon, while the rest he split into teams and selected another suitably experienced server to run those groups.

Sebastian fell into a small group near the end of the process that was being led by an older woman with thick dark reddish brown hair of plump body and jovial spirit. She introduced herself as Robin to everyone and led them out into the back end of the ball room where the tables were waiting to be set and arranged. Sebastian barely paid attention as Robin was showing them a properly set table to be mimicked as he let his eyes carefully peer about at the various balconies, sweeping stair cases, and arched hallways that connected with the immensity of the lavish ballroom. He was already taking mental notes, memorizing the layout and trying to recall his place on the map he had studied of the Thompson Estate prior to setting foot in it.

 

[Thrill]

She only let herself think on the new face for a few moments more. Was it totally unheard of to see a new face among the staff? No, but her father was so suspicious of everyone, it had not happened in many years. When they had giant parties in the past he still used those he knew. Even if they were to be temporary. The last time he let an unknown person work on the staff, they tried to rob him. Maybe with the party of the century he lightened up for one day.

Eve was no longer running, but she was still in a hurry. She wanted t make it back around the house to watch for Ansel's arrival. Her mother probably wouldn't make an appearance to greet any of the guests arriving for the luncheon. She would be pacing through the manor making sure everything was going as planned however. So waiting inside just wasn't an option. Her parents couldn't see her until everything was in full swing.

Picking up the skirt of the gown so she didn't soil it. Eve made her way around the massive building. She passed more staff along the way. Each gave her a puzzled look, but said nothing. The permanant staff were already accustomed to her daily antics with her parents, they found nothing she did too surprising. Keeping her attention forward so she didn't look at anyone as she passed them, she couldn't fully hide the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. What must these people think right this moment? A nobel walking from the servants part of the manor?

Rounding the last corner, the court yard was in full view. Carriages were just arriving. Waiting their turn to be unloaded of passengers. She only cared about one carriage though. Midway through the procession she saw the one she wanted. It was black, blue accents, and silver fleur de lis painted on it. Her main reason for wearing the blue gown. Ansel loved the color, and used it in just about everything. Quickly she took her place just off to the side of the main staircase. She stood with perfect posture, her hands clasped in front of her. Eve knew he wouldn't be alone. His parents, and more than likely his betrothed would be with him. Problem was she didn't care. She planned to play the part of doting hostess. They didn't need to know her intentions.

The extravagant carriage finally rolled into position. Footmen were already waiting to open the door and help the ladies out. The men were first. The almost elderly father, then the handsome Ansel. Stepping forward to greet them. "Lord and Lady Rand, how wonderful you were able to make it for the luncheon. I know mother was worried that your day would have been to busy." She took the arm of Lord Rand. "She will be so happy that you managed to squeeze us in." Eve knew full well that they had nothing else planned. Even if they had, they would have canceled for her parents. Everyone always did. Being so well respected, and even sometimes fear had it's perks she supposed. Waiting to the side with the older man. She watched the fine physique of Ansel help first his mother, then his fiance Prudence Auguste, from the carriage.

She released the arm of Lord Rand, allowing his wife to take her place.

"You look stunning Evelina," the Lady Rand commented. "Where on earth did you find such a dress?"

Sencing the disapproving tone in the older womans voice. Just the reaction she wanted to get.
"Oh I had my seamstress make it special. We worked on the design for days before I was happy with it. Don't you just love it?"From his wide eyes, she was sure Ansel approved of her choice.

Leading the family up the staircase. It was probably safe to allow her mother to see her now. There were far too many guests for her to insist she change. It would be more rude to leave their guests, then to let her keep the gown on. Sure enough the moment her mother saw her, the pour woman's face went white. Then is shade of pink crept up from her neck to the cover her face. "Mother, look who was able to make it to the luncheon." She smiled triumphantly.

 

[Black_Out]

Lady Susan Thompson caught the slight lump in her throat as she smiled towards her rebellious daughter before looking to the arrival of the Rand Family. "I'm sure I can speak for Anthony when I say how pleased we are to have you all here." She put her hand on Eve's bicep in what appeared outwardly as a Motherly touch but Eve could tell that her Mother was channeling her displeasure into the faint tightening of her fingers. "It's such a busy day, it's so hard to believe that we've reached another ten year anniversary so soon, isn't it?"

She laughed in her soft and charming manner as she turned towards the towering doors of exotic iron wood that was brought in from a far away jungle by adventurer's a few years ago. They were a thing of beauty, carved with intricately detailed serpents along the frame and a pair of enormous bas relief viper heads that would seem real if they weren't carved from wood. Her Father had to have the doors, they were said to have been taken from a cult of snake people that worshiped a strange and evil serpent god. The entire front entrance had to be torn down and redone just to fit the doors, they were so immense, but her Father had a taste for exotic antiques and relics, and her home was decorated with those rare and expensive finds.

Ansel though had his eyes elsewhere while the rest of his family, even his fiancee admired the imposing doors that were slowly swinging open by the hands of the butlers. His gaze caught at Eve's and as they entered he made sure to slip close to her and pay her a quiet compliment as he leaned quickly to his side to dust at some imagined dust upon the royal blue silk shirt that emerged from beneath his blue laced black vest. "You look absolutely stunning, Eve." His words were brief and short, but the look in his eyes echoed them as the gathering was led into the opened doors and announced by a boisterous butler.

"Announcing Lord Byron Rand, and Lady Debra Rand, their son Sir Ansel Rand, and his fiance Miss Prudence Auguste ."

The thick and decoratively etched wooden doors swung open as the guest's began to arrive at the Thompson Estate spilling warm afternoon rays of the sun into the foyer of the ballroom. In strolled the Lady of the manor and her daughter, which caused Sebastian to fumble with a crystal goblet he was arranging upon the table in the back end of the sweeping and long elegance of the dining hall. There she was again, and even though the youthful and vibrant daughter of the Lord and Lady of the estate was far away on the opposite end of the room he still worried she might somehow ruin this for him. For a moment as he nearly fumbled the glass Sebastian couldn't help but quietly admire the attractive and alluring redheaded Eve as she stood out in her sparkling blue low cut gown along side her Mother.

"Wer ye even paying attenshun Peter?" Robin said in a light hearted, but still scolding tone as she came over to the table that Sebastian was completely baffled with the setup of. "Soup spoon goes here, this is the salad fork, see it's shorter then the dinner fork." She smacked his hand with her thick fingers and nudged him aside with a bounce from her hips. "This little three pronged fork here is for the fruit salad." She sighed, why did she always have to get the clueless ones.

Sebastian frowned as he stepped back and folded his arms behind his back and for the moment he decided it was in his best interests to pay attention to what Robin was trying to show him. "Uh, sorry Robin, just never been in a place like this before, sort of got distracted." He offered in a meager attempt at apologizing as he looked over the arrangement of plates, glasses, and utensils that Robin had lined up at one of the chairs. "You've worked here before, huh?" He asked as he kept looking from her example and over to the setting he was currently working to recreate what she had done.

"Over ten years now I've been working for the Lord an Lady." She quirked a brow towards Sebastian as he completely butchered the folding of the dining napkin across the plate. "Boy, I don't know how ye even got a job here, but tha's not even close to how it's done." She snatched the napkin away from him and with a few quick practiced flicks of her wrists and turns of her hands she had it perfectly folded and placed upon the dinner plate. "There, that's how ya do it." Robin chirped and despite her short plump stature in this grand room, holding court as the head waitress of her section she seemingly stood tall before Sebastian who was thankful for the ladies insistently pleasant demeanor.

She put her plump hand on his firm bicep. "Ya know Peter, maybe ya be better off just helping to clear tables and bring out food, don'cha think?" Her jovial spirit was undiminished despite having to deal with Sebastian and his lack of experience in the world of service. "Go on, back ta the kitchen with ya, if anyone pipe's up tell em Robin told ya that your to run food and clear tables." She gave him a supportive smack on the arm. "Now off wit ya."

Sebastian turned away wanting to let a grumble of discontent out of his lips, but he swallowed that back and just nodded to Robin. "Sure Robin." This was certainly going to present a wrinkle in his plans, he had intended, or at least thought he would be out on the floor for most of the night. Now Robin was going to have him running back and forth from the kitchen into the evening hours. The gears in his brain began to spin as he worked his way out of the ballroom and back towards the kitchen. Sebastian had always prided himself on his ability to adapt, he might not of been the most successful thief in Crescent, but there was a reason he was still out on the streets.

 

[Thrill]

Eve got just the reaction she wanted from Ansel. Then again she never really had any doubts. Her mother's reaction was also predicted. Though she was very displeased with her daughters choice of attire, she was not the person to make a scene about it. Granted if she had seen Eve before anyone else, there most definitely would have been words. No doubt at some point during the festivities the two would exchange whispered words. That was then and this is now.

With her mother on her arm, they both entered the large room. Set up for the luncheon. Even here her mother spared no amount of grandeur. Crystal vases on every table, spilling over with cream white roses and blue bonnets. The finest in china was set, with gleaming silver flatware. The tables themselves were a rich mahogany, draped with delicate lace cloths. Her mother was a proud woman, but Eve never saw a fault in it. Why shouldn't the woman be proud of what her husband provided her?

Taking her place at the table next to her mother. She caught another glimpse of the new staff member. More certain now, she had never seen him before. Following his movements, or the little he was making at the moment. He was looking at her now actually. Perhaps a little to hard as eh fumbled with the glass, nearly dropping it. With the tiniest of smiles, she returned her focus to their guests. Ansel naturally took the seat next to her. "You're looking fabulous Ansel. That shade of blue is wonderful on you." Not forgetting her manners, she leaned forward to pay Prudence a compliment. "That burnt orange gown looks so lovely on you Prudence," she lied. Who wouldn't match their fiance at an event, honestly.

The luncheon wore on. Eve and her parents entertain their guests as best they could. Hiring a few of the minstrels to play music while everyone ate. There was even a little dancing and singing when everyone finished with the small meal. The ladies had retired to her mothers parlor for tea while the staff tore down the luncheon and set up for the nights events. The men meandered to her fathers library for brandy. Everything was going better then her parents and she could have imagined.

When the real party began, even more quests arrived. Some that they never expected to make an appearance at all. Music filled the large manor, mingling with the sound of loud conversations and laughter. Prudence had grown tired early in the evening. She was set up in her mothers parlor to rest. Eve did not waste her chance. First leading Ansel to the dance floor, she would sneak him to her room shortly. "I noticed you looked so lonely standing at the side of the room. Where is your fiance Mr. Rand?" She kept the conversation as innocent as she could.

 

[Black_Out]

Ansel gave a wry smirk towards Eve as the long time acquaintance's found themselves lost in the crowded dance floor as the assembled musicians played a soft and delicate number for the gathered crowd of embracing pairs. "I was just watching you, Eve, and well, dear Prudence had a touch to much wine I imagine." His smile shone down towards her as he let his hand settle lightly into place along the delicate dip of her lower back. "Then again, perhaps she is pacing herself, the sun hasn't even set yet, the festivities are just starting, smart of her I suppose to steal away for a nap." His thin lips curled slightly upward as he let his free hand find hers and the soft feeling of his unblemished and smooth fingers twined into Eve's as the pair kept things civil and proper as they danced close together across the polished wooden floor.

"I'm not complaining though, I wish that things could of worked out between our families, you know, between us." He offered with a forward lean of his lips towards her ear, letting the rich but not overly scent of his cologne mingle with the perfect balance of perfumes she was bathed in. "You look amazing, as always, I'm surprised your Mother allowed you to wear that dress tonight." He leaned back, allowing for the conversation to drop back towards a more social and proper subject. "Quite the crowd though, then again your Father has really come a long way since we were just little ones growing up here." He dragged her in closer, allowing his hand to shift and slide up along her back before dropping back down into the small curve of her back once more. "Ever since he was favored by the Magocracy, his influence and wealth has blossomed."

Ansel couldn't help but let his eyes briefly be drawn towards the head table where her Father was currently seated along with a rather pompous and self important looking middle aged man dressed in a rich red jacket. They seemed to be having a quiet and personal discussion, as if the party was a distant distraction that they were content to ignore. Radagast, was one of a handful of high mage's responsible for the governing and prosperity of Crescent, and as the richly decorated man spoke with Eve's Father his hand remained settled across a thick and ornate tome that was set upon the table before himself. Eve's Mother was off being her effervescent self, leaving the men to discuss whatever private affairs they were indulging in their conversation. A pair of the Orders knights remained dutifully present behind the men, and their imposing presence made sure the conversation remained private.

Towards the back of the ball room, coming and going from the kitchen Sebastian toiled away. Bringing out trays of perfectly prepared appetizers and other delectable treats for the swarm of rich nobility that had gathered under the Thompson's roof. He was finding it a rather torturous affair though, as he was literally in a pick pockets paradise with all of the fancy baubles and jewelry that were adorning the various guests that mingled around him. Still as busy as Sebastian was he couldn't help but let his gaze wander around the vast ball room, searching out the lithe porcelain skinned beauty in the low cut rich blue gown. Of course when he found her, dancing with some affluent looking strapping and handsome young man he could feel a tug of disdain wanting to draw his lips downward, but he shrugged that sensation off. His place wasn't with the noble's, and he was well aware of that, so for now he let that pleasant fake smile find it's way back towards his lips and allowed himself to be content with simply enjoying the chance to view the various noble beauties that he was dutifully serving.

He had business to attend too though, and when a moment of freedom arose he approached one of the guards of the estate that was carefully tucked out of the way of the buzzing party taking place around him. "Hey, sir, uhm, is there a bathroom nearby I can use?" He inquired with a glance towards the man. "It's rather an urgent affair." He let his hand run along his belly to help emphasis the point as he stole a glance around the richly decorated ball room and spotted Eve once more as she was exiting the dance floor, sneaking off with that young and attractive man in tow.

Ansel caught Eve by the crook of her elbow and with a light tug upon it he made a short side trip over towards one of the bars where the coming toast was being set up and snatched up an unopened bottle of the fine champagne along with a pair of fluted crystal glasses before falling back behind Eve as she led them away from the crowded ball room. Sebastian found his brow lofted slightly as the pair disappeared through a arched opening that led towards spiraling granite stairs that rose upwards towards the living quarters of the estate.

The guard briefly considered his request, giving him a smug look and cursory inspection. "There's a bathroom back in the kitchen for the staff." He let out a sigh as he noticed the wince upon Sebastian's face. "Ah, fuck it, you can use the guards bathroom, just be quick about it the toast is set to begin soon." The grumbling guard gave a gesture with his head towards a small door tucked away towards the back of the room, which was conveniently near the stair well that Eve had just secretly stolen herself and Ansel away within.

"Thanks, thanks a lot sir." Sebastian smiled as he acted the part, hunching over slightly as he scurried his way towards the out of the way door and stole a quick glance back over his shoulder towards the guard. His gaze had been drawn away, and given the flickering opportunity Sebastian dipped into the open archway and carefully made his way up the steps, following the echoing foot falls of Eve and Ansel towards the living quarters of the Thompson Estate.

 

[Thrill]

Eve melted into the arms of Ansel. They known one another since birth. SPending childhood and their teenage adolesence together. Her fingers trailed over the delicate silver stitching of his midnight blue coat. "I don't think she had anything besides the small glass of sherry in the parlor." She was trying so hard to keep the dance proper. She was rebelious true, but she would never create that much scandal for her parents. "I'm afraid Ansel, your parents shackled you to a boring mouse of a girl. Whatever shall you do after the wedding?"

Giving him a soft pout, "but your parents have not liked me for many years," she said answering his comment. "They believe my rebelion is an awful influence on you." Eve shuddered as the scent of his cologne filled her nose. She was almost obsessed with that smell of his. Then with her rebel smirk, "I made it a point to stay out of sight until the party started. Once enough people had seen the gown, she couldn't send me away to change it."

Searching the crowd now for her mother. As always she was performing her proper duty. Mingling and entertaining her guests. They made eye contact for just a moment. But in that moment an entire conversation passed between mother and daughter. She could tell her mothers anger over the dress had passed. Finding her father next, he was still seated at the head table. With him was Radagast, they were engaged in deep conversation as usual. The man had become a permanent fixture in her home as of late. Eve never liked the man personally. He always seemed like a dark soul. In her scan for her family. She once more found the new staff member watching her. She smiled at the thought. Perhaps she could put him to use later.

The song eventually lulled to an end, and another began. Leaning slightly closer so he could hear her whisper. "I know the wedding isn't for another couple months. I wanted to give you an early gift regardless." Slipping from Ansel's arms in her sleek cat like manner. "It's all the way in my room though. I'm afraid you will have to follow me there." The rebel smile played on her blood red lips. He took a moment to grab a bottle of champagne and glasses. Her slender hips swayed playfully up the winding staircase. If the guard noticed their little escape, he played the blind eye well.

In Eve's bed chamber, lamps were lit and placed strategically through the room. Bathing the room in a soft amber glow. "Would you be so kind as to pour us some of that champagne? The toast will begin soon." As he popped the cork and poured two glasses, she ran her hands over his chest. Ticking open the buttons of his crisp black shirt as she moved down his torso. She shuddered again with a soft sigh. The sight of his bare skin exciting her. This would be her first time laying with a man. Backing towards the bed, she let the gown slip to the floor. Leaving her completely nude in his gaze.

Ansel was clearly far to excited. He didn't wait for the chiming of the clock for the toast. With her glass in one hand, he took a large drink from the other. Pulling the glass from his lips he smile, "I have wanted this more so long Evelina. I have dreamt of this so many nights." He took a couple steps forward. Eve laid her self on the bed as he approached. The toast was but minutes away now. Then her would be beau stopped suddenly in his tracks. Both glasses and the bottle crashed to the floor. He grabbed his chest, and doubled over in pain.

"Ansel! What is wrong," she shouted the question. The corners of his mouth foamed, then he hit the floor with a thud. There was no movement, it didn't even look as though he was breathing. Slipping from the bed she went to his aid. "What's wrong, why aren't you moving," tears began to fill her eyes. Eve knelt beside him, touching his back to feel for breathing, before leaning towards his face to listen. The moment her face was but inches from his, he began to stir. She rocked back onto her ass. He pushed himself up from the floor and began looking around aimlessly. "I'm here, right here Ansel," she prompted in confusion.

At the sound of her voice, his head snapped in her direction. His eyes were clouded over, and his lips a gray blue color. In a matter of seconds he was set upon her. Eve shrieked , grabbing the broken bottle beside her. When Ansel reached her, grabbing her arm, she jabbed the broken end into his neck. Scrambling to her feet as he once more slumped to the floor.

 

[Black_Out]

The music faded in the distance as Sebastian worked his way up the spiraling steps, taking care to move at a cautiously slow place so as to not let the sound of his own feet sound his presence to any that might cause trouble for the relatively accomplished thief and his plans. He drew the white sleeve of his servants shirt back and looked over a rough sketch left in ink upon the inside of his forearm that detailed the layout of the second floor of the Thompson Estate. It was crude, but fundamentally sound and he hoped it was accurate as the cost of obtaining those details didn't come easy or cheap. ...End of the hallway is the Master Bedroom.. His eyes looked over the simple ink markings ... second door on the right is the daughters room.. His lips twitched at the thought of barging into her chamber and finding Eve and the young man she had sneaked away with in the middle of a romp as he came up towards the precipice of the steps and poked his head carefully out from around the corner to check that the coast was clear.

Back in the ballroom the gathered party was being assembled as servants hustled and hurried to make sure that each and every guest had a fluted crystalline goblet full of the celebratory champagne in their grasp. The dimming light of the sun was filtering the last of it's light through the ornate stained glass windows and vast sky lights that were aligned across the ceiling. Back in the kitchen the bustling staff took a moments break at the beckoning of the event planners insistence as more glasses were passed out among the crew. Guards took the opportunity to join in the swiftly approaching hallmark moment that was soon to commence. Even Radagast and his pair of stout and statuesque knights were handed glasses of the crisp and sparkling champagne crafted by Bergeron Novak, the High Mage of the Order that Radagast was himself was a member of. Every soul in the city of Crescent was to partake in the toast, as was customary.

"I would like to thank you one and all for the pleasure of your company here this evening as we prepare to raise our glasses to toast to the founding of our great city two hundred years ago this very day!" The voice of Eve's Father boomed out as he rose from his seat to address the crowd. Radagast remained seated, watching the popular noble with a thin smile while his hand softly traced across the leather fabric cover of the tome laying upon the table before himself. "It is truly a great honor to have so many of you in attendance, and while none of us will be here to see the next centuries toast come to fruition, our efforts and determination will lay the ground work for that days' eventual coming!"

The young rogue slipped down into the hallway, snuffing out the noise of his steps with carefully taken placement of his feet upon the grandly crafted red rugs that lined the elegance of the hallway. He could hear the sound of Eve and her guest issuing quietly from beyond the stout oaken thickness of the doorway that led into her bedchamber. ....She just had to fucking be up here... His thoughts turned towards the potential of misfortune if she or her companion were to somehow catch him up here while he was in the midst of picking the lock into her parents grand room.

...Hopefully she'll be fucking that man she stole away with good and loud...I could use a break for once...

He smirked briefly as he went to pass the door then the shattering of glass from beyond her doorway sent a panic leaping through his heart. His eyes widened and fear beset him as he heard the young maiden shriek in desperation as she cried out her concern for a man named Ansel. ...What the fuck is going on in there?... Sebastian took a quick look about the hallway as he dipped back into the recessed cover of the arched stone frame of the door that led into Eve's room. ...No guards...yet...that's good...I guess... His heart was pounding in his chest and he could feel the pumping of his blood rushing the onset of panic through his veins. ...Fuck...fuck...fuck....just my luck...What to do?

Ansel laid upon the floor, black blood bubbling out of his gouged open neck where the shattered remnants of the broken bottle were lodged deeply within. Fingers clenched at the floor as the dark fluids puddled around his seemingly lifeless body and as the moments ticked by the fine flesh and form of the handsome young man gave way to decay. Skin burst into patches of rot and sunk inward, falling in loose clumps in spots along the frame of his body which was stirring despite the grievous nature of the wound Eve had dealt to him. He began to rise, his fine hair turning foul white and falling from his scalp as if it was being washed away, the little that remained turning a ghostly white hue as his sunken black and soulless eyes locked upon Eve. He stumbled towards her and moaned an unearthly sound, bone and sinew of his reaching hands becoming visible as she scurried awkwardly backwards with her naked rear dusting over the floor.

Just then as the sound of the bells tolled through out the great city the lock of the door clicked and was flung open as in barged Sebastian. His eyes were wild with fear and uncertainty and those emotions only became amplified at the horror he witnessed unfolding before him. Without a word he charged forward, slamming his shoulder with a sickening thunderous crunch into the blistered and decaying back of Ansel who went stumbling past Eve and was sent tumbling into the window of her chamber which shattered and yielded to the impact as Ansel's body plummeted down with a sickening thud upon the hard stone floor of the courtyard below. Sebastian himself skidded and slipped in the pool of viscid fluid that had drained from Ansels body and ended up slamming into the wall not far from Eve, his body smeared with the black blood as he let out a groan of discomfort from the awkward impact his fall brought upon him.

Normally, such a scene would of been immediately noticed, but things were far from normal anymore in Crescent as with the tolling of the bells the toast was immediately underway in the city. Glasses were raised, cheering voices rose up in unison, and then everything turned to the sound of shattering glass and shrieks of horror and anguish filled the air in a cacophonous chorus of terror as citizen after celebrating citizen fell to the ground and writhed in throes of death that poisoned their bodies, forcing the beating of their hearts to still, ceasing the breathing of their lungs, and gifting them with a necromancy most insidious and foul as they were born anew in the form of the stuff of nightmares.

 

[Thrill]

He wasn't moving. Blood pooled around his body. Eve breathed heavily as tears streamed down her face. She was going to wipe those tears away until she saw the blood on her hands. She needed to get up from the floor. But the situation had her frozen. She was still nude.

It soon became clear that the nightmare was not over. The body of Ansel began to decay at a rapid pace. Flesh began to melt away from the body. She felt sick to her stomach. There was no time to dwell on it however. Ansel began to move again. Even with the broken bottle in his neck, he was still alive. Was he alive? Only living people moved right? "By the Gods. What is happening," she asked to no one in particular. She scrambled backwards as he started towards her again.

Eve was out of weapons to defend herself. There was nothing in the immediate area. The bells in the city echoed in the night. Marking the anniversary of Crescent, a new beginning for all. Tonight was suppose to be a celebration of pride. Pride for the progress the people of Crescent had made over the many years. The city celebrated, her parents celebrated. All while she was going to be mauled by a monster from nightmares. Just when she thought it was over. The door burst open, slamming against the wall with a loud thud. Ansel's attention momentarily averted. This would have been the chance she needed for escape. Instead she watched in shock.

Her rescuer wasted no time. Barreling towards the ghastly thing looming over her. His shoulder planted into the back of Ansel. Sending him tumbling towards the window that shattered in impact. The weight of the body propelled it through the new opening. Plummeting towards the stone courtyard below. Her rescuer, who she now recognized as the new member of staff. Slid in the pool of blood Ansel left behind. Crashing into the wall beside her, she winced at the sound it made. Forgetting her indecent state she went to his aid. "Are you okay," she leaned over him to make sure he was still conscious.

Before he could even answer though, the realization of her own state hit her. Eve scrambled to her feet. The immediate danger had passed. The sounds from below had yet to register with her. Disappearing behind her dressing screen. She used the porcelain bowl to wash away most of the blood. Then quickly donned her clothes. The corset was still loose, but at least she was covered now. Reappearing from behind the dressing screen. This was when she heard the breaking glass and screams from below.

For only a brief moment she looked to the man on the floor. Her family was in danger, they were all that mattered. She couldn't worry about this man right now. Grabbing her weapons from their hidden place behind her wardrobe. Evelina rushed through the door and into the hall. The sounds of screaming people was louder now. The sound echoing over the marble floors, amplified by the hallway walls. Would her parents still be alive?

 

[Black_Out]

In the moments before the bells rang, the Lady of the Estate was doing her best to contain her fury and disappointment. Where was her precious young daughter at this most important moment? And for that matter where was Ansel whom she had seen her rebellious daughter dancing with not very long ago upon the crowded dance floor. Susan Thompson seethed inside, though the regal lady kept her composure as always and headed towards the main table as the moment was drawing near. The thoughts of where Eve had vanished away to still clouded her mind as she joined her husband and his company at the head table before he rose to address the gathered crowd. Where is my daugher, where are you Evalina?

Sebastian slapped his black ichor stained hand against his forehead as he laid in a momentary daze from the impact his toppling body had made with the hard stone wall of Evelinas room. He saw two or three images of Eve in shock, checking on him? She was asking if he was alright, or something like that. He could feel the sharp shards and dusting of glass from the broken window all about him and he winced as he went to try to push himself up but instead slumped as his hand stuck into a sharp thin splinter of glass. His lost eyes blinked as he slowly shook his head and he cringed as he felt the slick black blood dripping down his face.

He looked back for that hazy image of the young noble woman, but she was gone from his side, ducked behind the screen to cover herself in clothing. Sebastian felt a touch of revulsion course through his body as the black fluids of Ansel fell across his lips and the foul taste of it was swept into his mouth. He fell over onto his side, spitting up whatever he could as he tried to get the rancid taste of death out of his mouth.

Sebastian was still clenched over on the floor, gagging and spitting up in reaction to the vile fluids that had smeared over his lips. "..Ughh..fuck...what the ...fuck.." He gasped out gutturally as he barely caught sight of Evelina ducking out of the room in her darkened attire, a pair of fanciful curved blades in her hands. She disappeared with a swift turn down the right length of the waiting hallway, was she heading back towards the ballroom? The talented rogue wiped his sleeve across his mouth as he managed to bring himself up enough to rest his back against the wall. Beyond the tiny sliver of glass that stuck out of his hand Sebastian couldn't tell in that moment if he had been wounded in the scuffle as he was so smeared in the rancid black blood of Ansel that he wasn't sure if any of it was his own.

Eve came quickly down the stairwell and by the time she was halfway down the steps the sound of the shrieks of horror and anguish had begun to lessen into an eerie almost complete silence. Still her momentum carried her downward and she could hear the twitching echoes of movement, the crinkling and crackling sounds of glass being crushed under boots and bodies that were moving down in the vast ballroom rose upward through the stairs she was rushing down.

With a renewed sense of urgency Evalina ran in long strides down the spiraling steps, barreling into the tightly spun tubular walls of stone. As she neared the bottom she tripped in her haste and slid out of the doorway into the farthest fringes of the ballroom where inhuman moans were now growing, taking root, and vanquishing the silence. Fortunately there was no one in her immediate vicinity in this tucked away corner of the massive ballroom that was aglow with flickering chandeliers and sconces that were far darker then they normally should be.

She saw them, the gathered party goers, the staff, the guards, everyone that was down here were rising from the floor that was littered with chairs that had been knocked over. Table cloths had been yanked in desperation from tables, leaving contents from some of them scattered across the floor. Shattered glass sparkled in the delicate lighting as the freshly dead corpses rose, flesh falling away, decaying before Evelina's very eyes. None seemed to notice her, as they all turned their attentions to a figure that began to float up into the air above them from the location of the head table.

Radagast was washed in soft red nimbus of light as he hovered upwards into the air, a massive black book floating open before him and his cold blank eyes were focused upon it's unfurled pages. The wizards arms were spread wide open to his sides, palms upturned as he chanted out in a voice that sent a chill through the ballroom. His own flesh was falling away, sinking into the bones as his voice drew the attentions of everyone in the room, even her Mother and Father that remained at the main table, looking like ghostly apparitions of their former selves. They swayed as if hypnotized by the strange archaic words that were blasting out of the spoiled lips of Radagast as he read from the book of death.

Her Mother's specter like black crackling visage turned to look out over the ballroom and she moaned out in a voice that carried to Evelina. "Where...is....my daughter.....someone....find....my precious daughter so she can join us..."

By this time Sebastian had managed to get himself to his feet and was looking down through the broken window, and though the screams of the citizens of Crescent filled the air, he couldn't help but look down to the distant courtyard beneath him. There he saw Ansels splattered and broken body, struggling to find a way to move, to get back onto it's feet, but settling for simply crawling as it looked back up towards the window and caught Sebastians stunned look of horror.

 

[Thrill]

The sounds stopped before she reached the bottom of the stairs. Her steps slowed almost to a stop. She strained to hear the voices of her beloved parents. Only silence filled her ears. Quickening her steps again, "they can't be dead. They won't be dead. Gods please, don't let them be gone."Feeling the sting of tears rising in her eyes. Eve held her breath to push them back. Crying would come later, now was not the time.

The sounds from the ballroom started up again. Though it was different now. In place of screams of horror, it was crunching glass. Reaching the bottom she slipped in black blood, tripped over a guards shield, then slid into the ballroom. The floor was riddled with bodies, broken glass, and more pools of black blood.

During the fiasco, some of the scones had been tamped out. As well as most of one chandelier. Creating a darken corner she found herself in now. It gave a good vantage point to search the room in relative safety. Eve search for the bodies of her parents. Instead she found the floating, decaying form of Radagast. He was pulling the attention from everyone in the room. Then she saw them. Decaying bodies of people who were once her parents.

Her hand flew to her mouth to keep from screaming. Radagast did this, he did this to the city, to her parents. The tears began to sting her eyes once again. This time she couldn't fight them off. Not when the voice of her mother reached her. She was still looking for her. Her back hugging the wall, she made her way back to the stairs. She would leave through the servants hallways. Nobody but her, her parents, and the servants knew how to get into them. Somehow she managed to keep herself from sobbing out loud.

Once at the top she ran once more. She needed to get out of here. Partly because it was no longer safe. Also because she couldn't stay in the ruined home she had shared with her parents. Reaching her door, she closed it gently. Not wanting to alert anything from downstairs to her presence. Turning the key in the lock, she sank to her knees at the door. Her face in her hands, she took this small moment to cry for her parents. Forgetting that she was not alone in this room.

 

[Black_Out]

Evelina could hear the voice of Radagast echoing up the steps, as if it was chasing after her, stalking her every movement. "For the next hundred years, you will all haunt this hall reliving these last moments in a never ending cycle. Here you will remain in celebration of death, snuffing out the living if they would come to join your party. When our bells ring out to mark our three hundred year anniversary we will rise and sweep over these land and bring the living into our eternal embrace." As the chilling words of the wizard rang through the halls and rooms of the estate the sound of the band could be heard resuming and the noise of a rather oddly creepy celebration of moans and groaning discordant voices filled the air. The sounds followed her into her room, but Sebastian didn't notice them. "Evelina, where is my Evelina, she is going to miss the toast!" The ghostly voice of her mother called out after her.

The rogue was absolutely shell shocked as he leaned out the window and observed the broken mangled body of Ansel crawling across the courtyard. His broken jaw letting out a guttural disgusting hissing moan as the undead abomination kept it's blackened eyes locked upon the thief far above as its hands grasped a long upward sweeping lattice drenched in colorful ivy and began to climb awkwardly up it. "What..the.." The sound of the door being drawn shut and locked snapped him out of his frigid state and he turned to look over his shoulder, half expecting to see some other monster entering the room.

"God's...woman...ya scared...the.." His hand slapped across his chest though he stopped those words in their tracks as he saw Eve crumble to the ground and cover her face with her hands. "Oh..hey, hey, I'm sorry my lady." He murmured as stepped away from the window with a passing glance back towards the shattered egress before he tentatively approached her. He had been so enthralled by Ansel, so fear struck by the situation that he hadn't even registered the exact nature of what was unfolding around him yet. "Are you, alright, what happened in here? What was that thing?"

He stepped closer and knelt on a single knee then his eyes were drawn past her towards the door and the muffled unearthly sounds of horror that were filtering up into the room from beyond the door. "Look lady, I have no idea what's happening, but whatever's going on, you need to snap the hell out of it." He reached forward and settled his hands on her shoulders and attempted to give them a reassuring squeeze. "And quick, that thing, whatever the hell it was, it's trying to climb up the lattice to get back in here."

Sebastian offered his hand as he stood back up and then saw the black blood covering it and gave it a quick wipe along his side before once more offering to help Evelina to her feet. "Can you tell me anything about what is going on?" He looked desperately towards her for answers as the moans and wails that were filling the city finally dawned upon him and caused the hairs upon the back of his neck to stand on end.

 

[Thrill]

The sounds echoing through the halls made her sick to her stomach. Her mother's voice searching for her was the worst part. Placing a palm against the door, she just needed another moment. The halls she spent her life running in. The little nooks she used to play hide and seek with her parents as a child. They were all gone now. Radagast took everything from her. Everything that ever mattered in her life. She vowed to take everything, plus more from him. She would destroy the mages...all of them.

Hearing the voice in the room, Eve glanced over her shoulder. Suddenly remembering her rescuer. "His name is..WAS Ansel, he was set to be a Lord." She locked the tears away for now. Looking at his offered hand covered in the black sludge. She declined his assistance, even after he wiped it off on his shirt. It was Ansel on his hands after all. Pushing to her feet she waked to her broken window. Ansel somehow managed to climb halfway up the lattice. Seeing her he began his sickening moaning once again. Pulling the shutters closed, she locked them. "That probably won't keep him out for long."

Evelina felt numb, emotionless right now. Though she probably wanted, needed, it that way for now. She needed to focus, and emotions always got in the way of thinking. Walking to her, she pulled a medium sized trunk from underneath. Grabbing a satchel from the same spot. She looked to the stranger briefly. "I don't know what weapons you have on you..." it didn't look like he had any. "You will definitly need something." Shoving a few items from the trunk into the bag. She then opened a drawer in her bedside table. Popping open the false bottom she pulled out a pair of keys. "What's happening?" She repeated the question. "Hell is happening. They are all gone, everyone....dead. Or something like it. Radagast and the mages poisoned all the champagne."

Ansel was now beating against the shutters. Hard enough to make the wood crack and splinter each time. "We need to go." Heading towards a bare space on one of the walls. "Are you coming, or would you rather play with Ansel a little longer." Sliding a small square panel, she inserted one of the keys into the lock hidden there. "We will have to use the servants halls. The 'people' downstairs will no doubt be searching the manor soon." A door opened to a dimly lit hallway. Just wide enough for one person, two if the squeezed by one another.

She waited for him to step through the door first. Following him in, then locking the door behind her. "We'll go this way first," Eve pointed just beyond the stranger. To move pass him she had to squeeze by. Her chest and pelvis pressed against his. Trying her best to not look him in the face as she did so. "Sorry," finally she was passed him. "I am going to clear out my parents safe, before that demon Radagast gets his hands on it." They passed by a couple of the hidden doors before she stopped at one in particular. Putting her ear to the door first. Listening for any movement on the other side.

 

[Black_Out]

His hand flinched away from Evelina's shoulder as the distraught young noble woman who looked more like some sleek cults assassin now had gathered up her grief and bottled it away. Thin lips cringed at the statement she made that gave a name and face to the necromantic thing he had shoved out the window and whose black blood was smeared across his body now. "I'm, I'm, he was that noble you snuck off with?" He murmured under his breath as he stepped back instinctively to let her pass towards the open shattered window. The sounds of the city being flung into chaos and madness filled the air and carried across the streets from every direction and they were only minutely muted when she closed the heavy shutters of her window and secured them.

In contrast to Eve's own swallowed up emotions, Sebastian was the one going numb now as he stumbled back a few steps and found his back resting against the mahogany post at the corner of her vast bed. He was frozen in terror briefly as he gazed down at the smear of ebony blood that coated his upturned palms, forearms, and had soaked into his once clean white waiters attire. The smell of it hit him in the face and he reflexively gagged at the noxious smell of decay. He vaguely recalled Evelina disappearing behind a screen when he was recovering from his assault on the thing she called Ansel.

He was fairly certain that he heard her splashing water behind that dressing curtain and his feet quickly led him back there as she returned from the window and started to rummage through her room. Stained fingers clenched down across the porcelain counter, leaving a wash of black oily blood upon the surface as Sebastian stared into the gilded silver framed mirror above her bedrooms wash station. "What the...hell is going on." His lips expelled in a burst as he dove his hands into the already tainted dark waters that Eve had washed herself off with recently. Splashing water across his face that washed away the thicker patches and smeared them down across his modestly broad shoulders and chest, Sebastian distantly heard Eve's voice filling the room.

"I don't have any, weapons, didn't think I would need them." The second part of that statement fell a tone softer from his lips as he spoke up from behind the curtain. He looked quickly for a towel, found one and patted his face dry. "Daggers, I guess, whatever you can spare." Was his answer as he stared himself down in the mirror and took a few deep breaths, expelling those inhalations out in puffs as he worked to get a grasp on his own emotions right now. His thick brow cocked at an angle at the mention of the mage's poisoning the champagne and the sounds of the moaning approach of Ansel outside of her window drew his attention away from the mirror. "Yeah, we do." He spoke up, his voice gaining an edge of decisiveness that hadn't been present before as he came out from behind the dressing curtain and stared towards the thick wooden shutters that were being banged upon.

"Ah, no, definitely done playing with him." He looked towards Evelina as she revealed the secret hallway and ushered him into it. "Look, you get me the hell out of here, I'll get you out of the city, sound like a deal?" He inquired as he moved to press himself back against the wall as she went to squeeze her sleek black clad figure past him and found her satin white cleavage staring back at him. "Uh, a bit tight in here." He spat out uncomfortably as she squeezed past and then turned to follow along behind her. "Do you think you Father has a looking glass?" He asked as he put a hand on the wall and waited as she listened at the door she had come to stop at. "Could be a handy thing to have."

"Oh my god!" The distant shout echoed to them from somewhere below and was immediately followed by a shrill and horrid cry of despair. Though Sebastian had never heard the voice before, to Evelina it was crystal clear that it belonged to Prudence. No sooner then they had started, the terrified screams of the young woman who had a reputation as a talented singer abruptly ceased. Sebastian felt a shiver roll down his spine and every hair stood attentively on the back of his neck as relative silence surrounded them once more until he spoke. "So, uh, how about those daggers?"

 

[Thrill]

There was no telling who was still alive outside these walls. The sounds from outside told her that there wouldn't be many. She knew her way around the city okay. Probably not as well as she needed to get out however. Trading an escape from the manor, for one out of the city sounded like a fair trade. Evelina just hoped she could keep her end of the bargain, and him his.

Her ear was still against the door to her parents room. When the loud shrill voice from down stairs struck her. "Prudence," she whispered the name. In her own heartbreak, she forgot the girl was probably still sleeping in the parlor. Her heart sank when the screaming began. The chill that ran up her spine spurred her on. Unlocking the door, she looked to her new companion. "My father kept is own weapons close at hand. You can use them until we find you others." Even wasn't happy at the thought of someone else using them, but it would be better to have him armed. They could still hear the chaos outside.

Pushing the door open, she stepped inside first. The smell of her parent, floral notes from her mothers perfume and pipe tobacco from her father. She felt that wash of despair once again. Why couldn't she just have some time to mourn them at least? The noises from outside and downstairs answered the question. Shaking herself from her thoughts. She walked first to her parents wardrobe. 'Look in the bottom of the closet, there is a false bottom. You'll find what you need in there." Eve then moved to her mothers vanity. Emptying the contents of a jewelry box into her satchel, before moving to her fathers dressing table. Pushing on a spot behind the oil lamp set there. The wall panel opened to reveal a large safe. Watching her father in secret, she knew the combination. The heavy door opened and she reached inside. Taking anything of real value.

 

[Black_Out]

Getting out of the dark and narrow secret passage was at the forefront of Sebastians thoughts as he listened to Evelinas quietly spoken offering of using her fathers weapons. As the door opened and the natural light within the room filtered into the hidden hallway the thief breathed a sigh of relief. The echoing sounds from beneath their feet and beyond the bedrooms massive open balcony though reminded him of the lurking presence of danger. As he followed her into the room, Sebastian moved towards the open double doors that framed the balcony, but kept a safe distance back as he looked out over the partial view of the city afforded through the opening.

The turmoil beyond the balcony was unreal, he could hear the screams coming from every direction as his sorrowed eyes took it all in. The pleas for help, the sound of ghastly groans and moans, the shrieks, and the sound of death was swamping the city. Night had fallen over the vastness of Crescent and the tell tale signs of orange and yellow glows throughout the city signaled to him that fires were beginning to flare up. The entire place he had long called home seemed to be descending into hell. "Gods, we gotta get out of here." He glanced over to Eve in time for him to catch her directing him to her fathers closet.

He scrambled swiftly over to the closet and fell onto his knees as he tapped at the floor with his fist. After a few gentle knocks the hollow thud he was looking for resounded from the floor and he quickly found the seam in the stone and drew open the hidden compartment. He immediately reached in and selected out a fanciful handheld crossbow along with several sleeves of bolts and a smaller sword and dagger. Hopping back to his feet Sebastian looked over her old mans clothing, fingers rifling through the hanging garments until they passed across a darker ensemble that he plucked out and tossed to his feet.

He began to undress swiftly, clumsily stepping out of the white cotton trousers that were beyond smeared with blackened blood. Kicking those aside with a look of disgust Sebastian literally tore the thin matching shirt off of his body and tossed it to the floor. In haste he began to throw the fresh and far better smelling garments of her father onto his lean and mildly muscular frame. Stepping out of the confines of the closet he looked over towards Eve as she was in the midst of opening her fathers safe.

"Hope you don't mind if I borrow some clothes, too." He quipped, trying to find something, anything to draw his thoughts away from the despair that was clutching at his heart. Stepping over towards Eve he looked over her shoulder as she was emptying the contents of the safe. His fingers fiddled away with the snaps and buttons on his cloak and shirt as he glanced about. "Do you think there is a chance we can get our hands on some supplies, water, rations, whatever before we get out of here?" His words were soft, but loud enough for Eve to hear as he stepped over to the main door into the room and leaned against it, listening for any signs of trouble approaching. "Because once we're out of here, I don't know if we'll have a chance to get anything to help us survive in the desert."

 

[Thrill]

She could hear the sounds from outside, the sheer terror and the screaming death. You would have to be deaf to not hear it. She just couldn't focus on that right now. She, they needed to escape and survive. If she wasn't going to allow herself to mourn her parents, she wasn't going to allow it for strangers.

There wasn't a lot of room left in her satchel. Eve was going to take the things most useful, and the most treasured. Money would probably not be much of an issue. She doubted the abominations took any sort of money for their services. Killing you would more than likely be on the house. She did take the paperwork for her fathers business and his will giving it to her in the event of his death. These may or may not come into play. She took her mothers family pendant and ring, and her fathers family pendant. His ring would still be on his finger. These were all she really needed.

Eve turned just as the stranger was taking of his soiled clothes. Freezing for a moment, she couldn't help but take in the sight a little. Turning away only when he was nearly redressed. Was that a smile she felt tugging at the corner of her mouth? "No, take what you need. We'll probably not have time to stop and shop around." Turning back towards him, she glanced at the balcony. She wondered if he really could get them out of the city safely. Where would they even go though when or if they got out? "I suppose we can try and take a detour to the kitchens. We will have to be more than silent." Waling to the large double doors that lead to the main hallway. She placed a palm of the polished wood surface, and gripped the handle. Her heart was racing.

"There is a door, at the end of the hall. It's another one of the servants doors. That will take us back down to the first level." Evelina couldn't hear anything in the hall, but the door was also very sound proof. Pulling her hands away from the door momentarily. She shook them out. "I'm terrified of opening this door," she tried to put a little humor in her words. She thought she did an awful job of it though. Once more she placed one hand on the door, and the other on the handle. "I hope you're ready," she didn't wait for any answer. Quickly pulling the door open, she peered down the hall towards the grand staircase. There was nothing as of yet. Then down the long dark hall towards the door they still had to get to. Keeping her back against the door frame and then the wall, she exited.

 

[Black_Out]

Sebastian observed Eve in earnest as she selected what she was taking along in her satchel before she made her way towards the heavy set of double doors that led into the waiting unknown beyond it. As she moved towards the door his eyes fell over a tripod arranged out on the balcony and immediately his brows shot upward as he saw the looking glass perched atop the steady stand. Eve was listening intently at the door as Sebastian stabbed out onto the balcony, moving with barely a sound as he dipped into a low posture and stretched his hand out to pluck the back end of the looking glass up off where it was nestled atop the tripod. By the time she turned back around he was on his way back, twisting the layers of metal tubes into a more compact size.

"This should help, and don't worry, I'm about as quiet as they come." He spoke in a hushed tone as he slid the spy glass into an interior pocket laced into the heavy cloak that blanketed him in warmth. "You, and me, both." Lightly Sebastian settled his hand on her shoulder and gave a comforting squeeze before drawing away. "And I guess I'm as ready as can be, lead the way my lady." He murmured as he stood silently behind Evelina as she silently drew one of the heavy wooden doors of her parents bedroom open.

It was quiet, save for the echoing muffled noises of the walking dead that were coming from the beyond the spiraling stairs that led back towards the sickening sight of the massacre in the ballroom. Sebastian kept himself tucked up along the wall while he followed in Eve's wake and moved with no noticeable sound as they made their way towards the distant seeming servants door at the end of the hall. Every step was cautious, every place his hand or foot would pass was examined with studious care in an effort to be wary of anything that might cause noise to arise from his passing. She seemed equal to the task, and the confident driven demeanor that his new found acquaintance exuded offered him some reassurance to their chances of getting out of this alive.

Arriving safely and without incident at the doorway, Sebastian watched the opened archway that led into the spirals stairs from where the moaning wails of the undead were coming from while Eve began to open the doorway. The loud ringing voice of Radagast cut over the echoing muted moans and sent a chill down the rogues back as he slid behind Eve and into the opened servants access door. Sebastian quickly drew the door closed, but the voice of Radagast was not stifled from their ears as it carried through the manor.

"Your blood has bound you to the pages of the Grimoire of Death and it compels you to serve with utter loyalty to those who possess its power. Awaken and serve the High Council of Magi again, Lord and Lady Thompson. Awaken and serve once more Lady Prudence and let your song bring death to those of the living. Awaken and serve me again Sir Barrot and Sir Gulias, may your swords keep me from harm."

There was a moment of pause as Sebastian looked to Evelina and whispered towards her ear. "Stores are mostly closed, it's a holiday. We might be able to get into a general store and not have to worry about anyone being there, unlike the kitchen, which was fully staffed for the party." He kept a careful eye on her as he proceeded to follow her lead.

"Lord and Lady Thompson, I leave you to attend to your guests and the festivities here within your home. May you live this moment out for all eternity. My sweet songbird, Lady Prudence, I beckon you to wander the streets and sing your song of death to those that still reek of life. My guards, our presence is no longer needed here, come along." The foul voice of the malicious wizard sounded from the ballroom one last time, before falling into silence as he made his departure from the estate.

 

[Thrill]

Her anger was rising with every disgusting word Radagast spoke. She couldn't bare to hear it anymore. If it was the last thing she ever did it would be to kill that man. Pushing open the servants door, she hoped there was nobody inside the hidden hallways. These had always been the most used. This was the reason that they were wider also. Two people could walk almost side by side with ease. "Agreed then, we will not head to the kitchen," she responded. It never crossed her mind that there would have been servants there when the chaos erupted.

The only place left to go in this hallway however, was the library. At the opposite end of the manor from the ballroom to be precise. "We'll be heading for the library, though it might be more difficult to get of from that room. There are no doors leading outside." Their choice would be to break a window and draw attention, or brave the halls and still possibly draw attention.

Enter the dimly lit servants passage, she tried to peer as far down the stairs as she could. At first she didn't hear anything. The corridor seemed to be clear. Rolling both her wrist, losing herself up. She prepared to have to use the sword in her hands. Descending down the steps, as quietly as she could manage. Then she heard just a second too late. The shuffling of feet just ahead of them. She stopped abruptly, backing right into the chest of the stranger. Quickly turning around to cover his mouth with her hand. Her body pressed tight against his, "there is someone in the corridor ahead of us," she whispered.

She felt stupid for standing there. There was only one, and they seemed to be coming from the direction of the kitchen. They had to take the chance of running and hoping they didn't get spotted. "We're going to run," she said looking into his eyes. Then gripping his hand, she turned and bolted down the right corridor with the stranger in tow.

 

[Black_Out]

In the relative silence of the enclosed hallway, Sebastian allowed his thoughts to reflect on the chaos of the day as it was unfolding around them. Despite the severity of the situation, Sebastian found himself thankful that he didn't get stuck with some pompous noble lady. Things could of been far far worse. Luckily, this new found acquaintance hadn't melted into a blabbering puddle of tears. In fact she seemed to be razor focused on not only her survival, but his own as well. The attraction he had felt earlier when he caught himself admiring her was only heightened by these traits.

Carefully he followed after the delicate steps of the young noble lady as she took the lead through the servants corridor. His tension lessened in the flickering lights of the width of the hall and it was further lightened by the pleasant aroma of a subtle combination of lilac and rose that wafted back from Evelina and into his nostrils. The thief's fingertips faintly traced along the edges of the wall as he listened intently to the ambient sounds of the manor while his other hand remained beneath his cloak, settled atop the hilt of the small sword he had claimed from her fathers stash of weapons.

"We might not have to break a window, I have some tools I brought with me to uhm, rob your place blind." He replied in a hushed whisper with a little crooked grin and twinkle of playful apology in his eyes. "I might be able to free a panel of glass from the frame, so long as were not put in a rush." He couldn't help but admire the slender young ladies facial features as they were highlighted by the contrasting wash of light and shadow that played across them.

For the moment Sebastian didn't even realize it but he had let his guard down slightly as he followed along in the wake of her lead. His ears, normally very reliable things, didn't even register the shuffling of awkward steps working their way up from the direction of the kitchen. "You seem a lot more confident then I would of expected a no...mmmphh." His murmured words were doused into silence as Evelina twirled around and he found the slender smooth skin of her hand pressed down over his lips.

His eyes widened at her words as his gaze slid towards the mentioned flight of steps that led towards the kitchen quarters. The feeling of her petite and athletic figure squeezing up against his broad chest reflexively brought his hand away from the wall and gently down around her slim waist as if keeping them both tightly pressed together was of paramount importance in the moment. Sebastian's gaze slid away from the hallway and settled back upon Evelina's eyes as she explained her intentions.

He offered up a brief and subtle nod just as she took a firm hold of his worn fingers. The tension was definitely returned now as Eve swept down the hallway, her long legs effortlessly making haste for the far end of the corridor. Sebastian found himself glancing back over his shoulder towards the opening of the steps that led down towards the kitchen as he was towed along behind her. His heavy fur lined cloak fluttered behind him as he kept his fingers laced with hers as the pair bolted down the hallway. A broken moan floated up from somewhere further down those stairs, close enough to be heard, but still far enough away for the source to not be seen.

 

[Thrill]

Eve couldn't explain her reaction to being pressed against this stranger. Her heart had started to race, feeling the heat from his body mingle with hers. Even now as she his fingers were laced in hers. It was pounding heavily. 'Idiot, this is hardly the time for this. You're trying to survive.' She scolded herself silently. Then she rationalized it as a reaction to the rest of their predicament. There could be no other explanation to her reaction. Her pulse wasn't racing for a stranger.

More shuffling sounds could be heard in the distance, but she couldn't tell where they came from. The twists and turns in these servants halls, they could be any where. Slowing her their pace a little, so they didn't run right into a nasty surprise. They passed and intersection of corridors, and the shuffling noise made it's appearance. It was Robin, the cook and kitchen manager her father had used for years. How or why she was this far into the manor was a mystery. The important thing right now was, she had two large kitchen knives. And she had seen them. "Fuck!" Eve cursed their bad luck. The door to the library was close now though. They just had to get inside before Robin caught up.

Reaching the door, Evelina dropped his hand. Slamming her body against the door, she fumbled with the keys. All while glancing over and watching as Robin sprinted towards them. "Fuck, fuck," she was panicking, she couldn't hold onto the key right. Finally she shoved the key into the door, shoving the stranger inside first. Just as Robin reached them, slashing out with one of the knives. Quickly, Eve followed him inside slamming the door behind her. Pressing her back against it, she pointed towards one of the larger sofas. "Grab that please," everything in this manor would know they were here now. Barricading the doors might be a good idea. Waiting for the sofa, she felt the sting in her right arm. Looking down, Robin got a small hit in. The sleeve of her bolero was cut, and a thin line of red ran down to her wrist. She quickly hid it behind her back from the stranger.

 

[Black_Out]

His eyes darted back towards the slamming door and a stunned gasp left his lips as he saw the sharp knife slash at Eve just as she was bringing the stout library door shut. He never noticed the thin crimson smear from the fresh slice that blade left upon her arm as his gaze was immediately drawn up towards her eyes as she quickly told him to bring the sofa over. His mind was already working that way though and without hesitation the nimble toed rogue turned and got one foot onto the sofa before he leaped over it. His shoulder dropped against the exquisite backing of the plush leather sofa as his legs began to churn. With a grunt that started out light and grew heavier he drove the sofa like a sled towards the door where the sound of the knife wielding plump head waitress cried out for them in low drowning groan.

Hands grasped at the thick beaded top of the leather sofa as he spun it around a full ninety degrees as he drove it closer to the door. Working from one of the ends of the sofa he found the task easier as he pushed the opposite edge of the sofa straight towards Evelina and the door. "Get out of the way." He grunted as he rammed the bulky leather arm rest right against the door just as Evelina spun out of the way. "Did you lock it?" He asked as he leaned down and clasped his hands beneath the bottom edge of the lush brown leather sofa. His body bent down again, and he bit his bottom lip hard as his shuffling feet brought the sofa to spin around again. The side of his body slammed up against the wall next to the doorway where the echoing thudding sounds of stabbing blades sinking into the hard wooden door resonated. With a grunt his hands released their hold on the bottom of the sofa, leaving the high sturdy back pressed up against the doorway.

Immediately his eyes began to assess the luxorious room. Vast shelves of books were arranged with precision along the tapestry adorned rich wooden walls. A grand fire place was the centerpiece of the room, all four sides of which were fully opened and when lit would offer the warmth and glow of it's flames throughout the cozy chamber. There were smaller chairs, of the same styling as the sofa and his eyes settled on the nearest of them as he quickly darted towards the furnishing. Another echoing whack of the blade sinking into the door hinted at the persistent efforts of the zombiesque waitress working to get at them.

With a heaving series of breaths Sebastian once more drove the thankfully smaller lounge chair over towards the waiting sofa. Pressing his body down again as he gritted his teeth the mildly muscular rogue strained as he turned the chair over on its end and deposited it atop the cushions of the barricading sofa. "Whew." He exhaled as he looked over towards Evelina. "Thanks for saying please." He offered in a dry breathy amused tone. "Got any bright ideas now?" His eyes slid away from her and over towards the series of long window panels that gazed out over the back gardens of the Thompson Estate.

"Maybe we should find a place to hide, at least until the night is past. I've always heard that undead don't care for the sun, though I can't speak from personal experience on that matter. He looked back towards Evelina as he adjusted the smaller lounge chair so it sat more securely atop the leather cushions of the bulky sofa. He flinched as the thick kitchen knife stabbed again and again at the stout wooden library door that for the moment kept the blood thirsty creature that Robin had been turned into at bay.

 

[Thrill]

Evelina kept her body against the door. Not that it would really even cause much trouble if someone were to shove from the other side. Robin however seemed to be content on hacking at the door with those knives of hers. As long as she kept that up, she may never get it. The wood of the door was thick, just the way her father wanted them to be. Watching as the stranger struggled to get the sofa to the door. She wanted to help, but was afraid Robin or even others in the manor would start beating it down. She would wait until he was but a couple feet away before she moved. Dodging just as the heavy piece slammed against the door.

Eve actually smiled, and shook her head. "We could try to hold out in here until the sun breaks. There is also a small building at the edge of the garden." Looking around the room, her left hand firmly grasped her arm. Trying to squeeze off the bleeding. "There may or may not be people in the garden though. My moth-....they would have asked everyone inside for the toast." She nearly choked on the word mother.

Stepping to the side for a few moments, she looked at the gash on her bicep. Wincing, as she placed her left hand over it again. Taking a quick glance out of one window. She didn't see anything, but that could mean nothing. "Until we figure it out, we should barricade the other door too." She moved to push furniture in front of the other doors. The long, dark wood tables on either side would be a good start. Positioning herself at the end of one, she pushed with both hands on the edge. Wincing again, and not seeing the blood dripping from her hand now. She grunted a little as she shoved, trying to hide the wincing sound.

"D-do you...think we'll actually get out of this?" She asked, the words a little shaky with fear.

 

[Black_Out]

Sebastian pressed both of his hands against the lounge chair he had settled across the top of the barricading sofa. His weight leaned forward, legs spreading out behind himself and pushing his weight further into the leather furnishings pressed up against the door. Feeling little push back coming from Robin on the other side of the closed door he decided to turn around and press his back against the sofa. One rough hand drew up over his face and pinched the bridge of his nose tightly while the other remained with his palm settled across the edge of the smaller chair he was leaning back into. He heard Eve struggling slightly with the table after she offered up her suggestion to maybe stay the night here, or at the garden house outside.

"Think..think...think." He muttered under his breath as he listened to the muffled choking groans and the thawks of the knife against the door that the once jovial, pleasant, and chubby waitress turned nightmarish creature was making. "We gotta deal with her, if were gonna stay here." His pinching fingers slid down from his nose as he looked over to Eve. "Are you, bleeding?" His pupils followed the splattering small drops of blood that were falling from her hand as she pushed a table against another door to blockade it. "You are bleeding." His thoughts were drawn from the plotting of their escape as he stepped away from the heavy furniture holding the door closed.

Low cut boots of a soft brown leather carried him over towards Evelina and with a gentle hand placed on her shoulder he went to take her place. "Go find something to bandage that up, I'll take care of this." He stepped in without allowing her to say otherwise, hipping her out of the way if necessary. With a quick flip and surge of adrenaline fueled muscles he moved the black lacquered table up against the door. "I'd rather not think about what would happen if we don't make it out." Fingers wrapped around the ridge of the table and with a quick bend of his legs and arch of his back he shot up into a standing position and flipped the table onto it's side. Pushing his boot against the bottom of the long table, he shoved it up against the door and looked after Eve. "Maybe, and don't think me crazy, maybe we should let her in?" He thumbed back towards the door where Robin still tirelessly stabbed away at the door.

"Something tells me she isn't the last one of those, things we're gonna cross paths with." He strolled over towards one of the hanging tapestries and settled his hands on the sides of heavy cloth decoration that depicted a forest full of animals. "She's bound to draw attention to us if we don't do something quick." Tugging at the tapestry with a gentle test of it's resilience Sebastian found that with an outward toss and pull he probably could bring it down. "There's two of us, one of her. We might be able to wrap her up in this if she comes barging in. Then we'll find out if a solid bash against her skull will put her out of her misery."

He gave an upward toss of the expensive knit tapestry and then yanked away as he stepped backward, bringing the long wall coverings rod off of the hooks that it was nestled in. The whole length came crashing towards the floor, but Sebastian stepped in and with open cradling arms he managed to keep the metal rod from clanging off the stone floor of the library. With one arm wrapped around the pole set within the tapestry's top he brushed and tossed away the portion of the long flowing decor that had bundled over his head. "There's gotta be a heavy paper weight or something in here, right?" He looked towards Evelina as he slid the long metal rod out from the sleeve of the tapestry. "Or, maybe this will do?" He looked towards the dark iron rod as he held it in one hand and slapped it lightly into the open palm of his other hand.