Edward Johns
Adult (A)
The Hog's Head Barkeep
Totally screwed.
Posts: 118
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Post by Edward Johns on Feb 15, 2009 8:24:12 GMT 1
Boy Edward had missed Honeyduke’s. Moping in the pub had kept him out of public but now the man was wondering why he’d wasted his time indoors. The walk to the store had been enjoyable and light heartening and now in the sweet shop Ed found himself enjoying looking at all the different sorts of lollies. He eyed Vivian and couldn’t help but laugh at the generous amount of bloodpops she’d picked up.
The shop assistant had let Rowdy in and by now she thoroughly regretted it. The awkwardly proportioned Labrador puppy tore around the store investigating the other patrons and attempting to get his nose into as many jars as possible. All his owner did was almost piss himself laughing, which only encouraged the black bundle of fur.
Along with Vivian’s lollipops Ed through in a good amount of Honeyduke’s famous chocolate, some Sugar Quills and some enchanted dancing gummi bears. The bears were more because they were highly amusing than because they were good to eat. With a large smile the man went and payed for everything. For some reason, after blushing and smiling profusely, the shop girl gave him a discount. Could this day get any better?
Whistling for Rowdy, Edward followed Vivian out the door. Again the cold hit him like a slap in the face but after moving a bit he soon got used to it. Seeing Vivian positively glowing made him happy. He’d done that, made her happy and it was a good feeling. “Like I said before, no problem. I’m glad to see you’re enjoying your stash, it’ll be good for you if you can get out longer instead of being cooped up at my place,” he joked warmly. When offered the bag Ed became conflicted. What to choose, what to choose? Eventually he decided on the dancing gummi bears and took a handful of the wriggling little buggers.
Before putting a liberal amount in his mouth he chucked a few to the dog at Viv’s side. For a moment Rowdy watched the lollies dance in the snow, confused as to what they were. After a couple of curious sniffs he decided they were edible and snapped them up greedily before barking, demanding more.
“And as I said before, after you’ve eaten we’ll move your stuff out of the basement and into the spare room,” the man reminded Viv as he popped some more bears into his mouth. Without thinking, Edward put his arm around Vivian's shoulders in an almost brotherly hug.
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Dacian
Vampire (A)
Creature of the Night
Posts: 330
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Post by Dacian on Feb 15, 2009 11:39:58 GMT 1
He could understand Vivian wanting an excursion outside, but he allowed that once or twice before Edward forcibly removed him from The Hog’s Head. He could supervise any walks she wanted to take, though what she thought she could gain being out in this dire village was beyond him. Vivian was slowly learning, as she mostly refused to listen to anything he tried to teach her, but when she only briefly looked in his direction he made a mental note to repeat the lecture on paying attention to her extra-sensitive senses.
Naturally Edward was oblivious, but what else could you expect from the boy? He had to strain to hear their conversation thanks to his recent brush with death (again), so he settled for following their progress down the streets. They passed him without comment and proceeded to enter the sweetshop. Hah. Edward was still a child, after all. He waited in his shadowy alcove, scaring off a cat who thought the little niche might be a good place to sit and wash.
He was appalled to see Vivian exit the shop and rummage for something in the bag. She knew full well she could not digest solids, so what was she doing? Her questing hand emerged with a red-coloured lollypop, of all things, and she proceeded to open it up and start sucking on it. Dacian wrinkled his nose. Anything but blood and occasionally wine tasted horrific, so whatever sickly sweet flavour that lollypop was, he hoped it made her ill to prove his point. No, that wasn’t true; he would never wish illness on Vivian.
Stepping out of the shadows as Edward joined her, what Dacian saw would have made his blood run cold if it didn’t already. How DARE he touch her! His arm slipped so easily around her, as if they shared some sort of familiarity. With a snarl befitting an enraged lion, Dacian struggled to hold himself back. It was foolish to think Edward would not be carrying his crucifix and assuming that he would not hesitate to use it again, he would have to keep his distance. It was as if some invisible barrier kept him from getting within ten feet of the wizard. Much like the shield Silas had tried on him, but this one was a mental block. He didn’t admit it to himself, but he was scared of gong through that torture again.
“She’ll be going nowhere with you, Edward.” He growled, his good fist clenching so hard that it managed to make his pale knuckles whiter. “Take your hands off of her now!” Moving upstairs!? Closer to his little lair? Vivian was a child but apparently Edward did not discriminate. Dacian was livid. It was abhorrent. Edward was a predator in the worst way. Teeth bared and tensed in a crouch, Dacian was deliberating the satisfaction of taking Edward’s sorry life away from him with the cost of another crippling burn.
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Post by Vivian Nazarova on Feb 15, 2009 12:12:51 GMT 1
Ah, that was nice. Human contact. Vivian had lurked around Ed enough to know he didn’t regard her in the usual way he considered most girls. Maybe it was the vampire thing, maybe it was because she was too young even for Ed’s taste or maybe it was the fact she wasn’t like the others because he was stuck with her. That, or he was scared Dacian would brutalise him. She’d been planted in the ‘friend zone’which shuited her just fine. She didn’t see him as more than a mate either so Vivian was quite happy to return the ‘bro hug’ as they walked.
Dacian, however, didn’t appear to see things the same way. The elder vampire appeared suddenly like a crack of thunder and Vivian almost jumped clear out of her skin, dropping the bag and spilling the candy everywhere. A blood pop even managed to get as far as Dacian’s feet. Holy Christ he looked livid. But what the hell for? The last time she’d seen Dacian angry was the night she woke up and he’d trashed all the furniture in the basement because Connery had said something to him, but Ed hadn’t frigging done anything except buy her things!
Already having gotten loose from Ed, Vivian stood about a half a meter away, slightly hunched and wide eyed in shock. She’d seen Dacian’s capability to cause destruction already and he and Ed had some bad blood between them. This did not look good. ”Vhat ze hell are you doing?” she hissed at Dacian anxiously, voice rising in pitch as it was wont to do in such situations.
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Edward Johns
Adult (A)
The Hog's Head Barkeep
Totally screwed.
Posts: 118
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Post by Edward Johns on Feb 15, 2009 13:03:33 GMT 1
It was a nice change of pace to be hugging someone who wouldn’t be expecting more. He didn’t know why he’d hugged her. Maybe it was because he was sick of seeing her deal with things practically alone and wanted to let her know he was there for her. Truth was he didn’t really know but he knew he felt some form of loyalty to her. It could be that Vivian reminded him of his little sister, yeah that was probably it.
Smiling at her again, Ed continued to throw gummi bears and watch Rowdy tear joyously after them. It was because of Rowdy the man knew something was wrong before Dacian announced himself. Whimpering, the dog pressed close to Vivian’s side. Out of instinct as soon as he heard the snarl he put himself protectively between Dacian and Vivian.
“You’re not welcome here Dacian,” it was Ed’s turn to growl. Just when things had been looking up. Why hadn’t he expected this? Whenever it seemed things were going alright he was guaranteed to have something go drastically wrong. The last two weeks had definitely proved that theory. Without hesitation Edward took the crucifix off his neck and whipped out his wand. “Do you really want to go through what you did the other night again?” if he did the vampire was crazy.
This could be it. Here Ed was staring death in the face. Cassie would never know how he felt about her. He’d never see Rowdy again or his family.
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Dacian
Vampire (A)
Creature of the Night
Posts: 330
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Post by Dacian on Feb 15, 2009 14:15:51 GMT 1
Scaring Vivian was regrettable, but he had a perfectly valid excuse. Edward was not getting his grimy hands all over Vivian. “What the Hell am I doing?” His eyes fell to the sweet that had come to a halt at his feet. He stooped to pick it up. “What the Hell are you doing? You can’t have these, it’s not—” He sniffed at the lollypop, confused by the scent. Why did it smell of blood? His stomach gave a hopeful little lurch, and he brandished the thing at Vivian. “What is this?” He demanded, talking over Edward. Whatever he had to say was unimportant.
However when the wizard moved, Dacian’s attention flickered to him. At the sight of the crucifix, he hissed and recoiled, dropping the forgotten sweet to the ground. “Don’t push your luck, mortal, you will not catch me unawares again.” His eyes were riveted on the cross, and he fought to stand his ground. “Give me Vivian, wizard, or you will not see the light of day again.” He gritted his teeth against the itch to flee. The cross was burning an afterimage in his vision just looking at it. He would not surrender to it.
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Post by Vivian Nazarova on Feb 16, 2009 2:26:48 GMT 1
Vivian hadn’t been exposed to a crucifix before and she quickly made up her mind that she had no intention of ever being around one again. The power off that thing was incredible and Vivian and Dacian hissed at once like two angry cats. It might have been comical if it wasn’t for the situation at hand. Her eyes were quickly watering. Dacian didn’t seem to have as harsh a reaction. Maybe you built up resistance over time or something? She was suddenly hit with the desire to run, to get as far away from that thing as possible but something but most likely the thought of leaving Ed alone to ward off Dacian kept her rooted.
The older vampire’s demands seemed to ring as being completely nonsensical. It sounded to her like he wanted to take her from Ed and the Hogs Head for good. Well, nuts to that, she was happy there (now)! Not that she was going to say anything to him aside from stutter out a ”No!”, Dacian could be fucking terrifying when he wanted to be. She looked up at Ed instinctively for help, only to have to look away almost instantly with her eyes scrunched up when the image of the crucifix practically burned into her retina.
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Edward Johns
Adult (A)
The Hog's Head Barkeep
Totally screwed.
Posts: 118
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Post by Edward Johns on Feb 17, 2009 7:34:05 GMT 1
All Ed’s brain was telling him was to protect Vivian at all costs even though Dacian would never lay a finger on the girl. He didn’t want her taken away, he’d just gotten used to having someone around to talk to that talked back instead of barked. But it wasn’t up to him, if Vivian wanted to go there was no stopping her. It wasn’t like Ed owned her or anything, Dacian should have realised the same principles applied to him too.
“No, I can’t give you anyone, especially when they’re not mine to give. You should realise that too. Vivian’s a big girl and she should be able to choose where she lives. You’re only her guide; you don’t make all the decisions for her,” Ed said, standing his ground strongly. He wasn’t afraid of the vampire. The only things the man feared for was Vivian and Rowdy. Silently he willed the girl to take Rowdy and look after him if he didn’t make it through this.
“I don’t fear you, what else can you do to me? You’ve taken my customers, my income, and someone incredibly close to me, the only thing left to take is my life,” he deliberately avoided mentioning the dog that was cowering behind Vivian. The dog was not involved in the animosity the two had between them. No one touched Rowdy without getting away with it, not now, not ever.
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Dacian
Vampire (A)
Creature of the Night
Posts: 330
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Post by Dacian on Feb 17, 2009 12:09:45 GMT 1
He officially hated Edward Johns. He despised the little creature. Not only was he acting like he had ultimate power over him, he was partially right. Killing Edward would get him into the worst kinds of trouble, and for Vivian’s sake, he needed a passable reputation with the wizards. Not to mention, Cassie had a bond with Edward and no matter how strained it might be, he was fairly sure he would lose all ground to stand on if he dispatched Edward. Hell, Edward was his only ground to stand on. Matters of Cassie were confusing and unclear, but at least when it came to Vivian, Dacian knew exactly what she needed.
With a quick glance around the street, he stared down some gawping passers by and tuned back to Edward, trying not to look directly at the cross. “Vivian is a child, in your world and mine. What se wants and what she needs are two entirely separate things. Choosing where she lives if choosing the first people she’ll hurt. Her control is not infinite, Edward. How long do you think it will be before she catches you unawares? You’re just food, Edward, food with some influential friends.” He hissed, keeping his voice down with the public so close. Speaking to Edward as if Vivian was not even there would probably not help his standing, but he had some hard truths she had to hear, and he was hoping they might shake up her perspectives.
It was tempting to start gloating about Cassie, but that might let slip that Edward was a threat to their convoluted relationship. Better stick to the sturdier topic, even if it did dig his grave deeper. It was probably half-way to Australia by now. He’d rather burn in the Earth’s molten core than got to that God-forsaken place. “I saved Vivian. I’m not her guide, I’m her Goddamned sire. It’s my responsibility to raise her, and neither of you are letting me do so. I have no doubt Vivian could figure it out all on her own, but how long would that take? One body, two, three? Dozens? Scores? You should fear us, Edward; you’re a fool not to.” A cruel smile tugged his lips as he glared into the mortal’s eyes. “No, you go ahead. Don’t fear me, fear the absence of me. How long are you going to last without me, Edward?”
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Edward Johns
Adult (A)
The Hog's Head Barkeep
Totally screwed.
Posts: 118
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Post by Edward Johns on Feb 17, 2009 12:51:09 GMT 1
Edward took aboard Dacian’s words, listening to each and everyone. His argument was fair but still the man didn’t like how possessive the vampire was of Vivian, it reminded him of his father. “All the more reason for her to stay with me, I’m well aware of the risks and it’s better me than anyone else,” to him this sounded reasonable to him. If Vivian turned on him, fine, all part of the risk but he had faith that the girl, who was now his friend, wouldn’t. The same obviously couldn’t be said for Dacian.
“Why do you think I let you in the pub once a day huh? Just to gloat that I kicked you out, no. I let you in for Vivian because I know that she still needs you but one day she won’t. I have all confidence in her and her resolve, why don’t you?” Edward was not angry, just determined to figure the older vampire out. Of course the man really did fear Dacian, but really not as much as he should. “You kill me you kill me, it’s as simple as that so go ahead,” now he was snarling, almost daring the vampire to do it. He had the crucifix placed firmly in his palm again.
Damn why did Dacian have to ruin everything? It had been such a good day before he appeared.
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Post by Vivian Nazarova on Feb 18, 2009 1:00:07 GMT 1
It wasn’t as though Vivian wasn’t used to the ‘you’re still a child and can’t think for yourself’ argument, but it was still extremely aggravating. Dacian didn’t think she could make up her own mind about things did he? Well fuck that. Her respect for Ed practically soared as he at least had the decency to allow her that she might, in fact, want a freaking say in her own life. If Dacian thought she was going to roll over he had another thing coming. Still, it wasn’t as though she could just shout ‘MAKE ME’ because there was little doubt Dacian could just throw her over his shoulder and do exactly that.
”Ed! No! Don’t provoke him!” she practically shrieked when the man basically offered himself up as suicide bait. Despite everything she still managed to throw Dacian a look of absolute filth. If he killed Ed, once again she was stuck in a position of not being able to do anything about it. If she ran he’d just hunt her down, but she could always make it her personal mission to make his life very fucking miserable for the next few years.
”You don’t own me!” Vivian protested at Dacian, her wits feeling like they were hitting breaking point. ”I didn’t- I didn’t ask for ANY of zhis! I’m safer at the Hogs Head zhan vith YOU!” She shouted, even though that wasn’t 100% correct, she saw it as more of a ‘safe from Dacian’ than ‘safe from herself.’
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