Re: Decking the Halls

[Madeline Cauthon]

Madeline began channeling all of her energy to her hands and arms and continued to pull. Like Venis, she changed her postion so she too could have betterShe couldn't believe how big the bowl was. She also wondered what they would use the bowl for after the holidays.

[Guest]

They almost had it. It wasn't going to take much longer. Then she could return to the Meeting Hall and get away from the snow. She kept chanting. "Gi klez d' ssin, grow xuil ussta xta'rl. Usstan orn mrigg dos, ol wo naut tlu ichl mzilt. Gi klez d' ssin, grow xuil ussta xta'rl. Usstan orn mrigg dos, ol wo naut tlu ichl mzilt." She wasn't getting cold, she just wasn't in the mood for snow. And the snow had been falling on her this whole time. She wanted out of there.

[Madeline Cauthon]

Madeline held fast,with all her energy channelled in her arms she very very quietly began to repeat the chant that Venis was chanting. "Gi klez d' ssin, grow xuil ussta xta'rl. Usstan orn mrigg dos, ol wo naut tlu ichl mzilt. Gi klez d' ssin, grow xuil ussta xta'rl. Usstan orn mrigg dos, ol wo naut tlu ichl mzilt."

Maybe with the the combined chanting, and combined skill it would be enough to finish the job.

[Guest]

Venis eyes widened as she heard Madeline chanting now as well. That was some serious dark magic that she was chanting. But she couldn't do anything to stop her now or the bowl would shatter. But she kept chanting because it was almost done, only a few more inches. "Gi klez d' ssin, grow xuil ussta xta'rl. Usstan orn mrigg dos, ol wo naut tlu ichl mzilt. Gi klez d' ssin, grow xuil ussta xta'rl. Usstan orn mrigg dos, ol wo naut tlu ichl mzilt." Then just like that, the bowl was large enough to prevent any snow from hitting the floor.

She nicked her finger on the glass and the blood ran along the rim of the bowl completely. She had stopped chanting. "Don't let the blood touch you Madeline." It was very important that it didn't. As soon as the bowl had been sealed she got up off the floor. She dusted herself off out of habit. Not because the floor was dirty.

She looked at Seleen and Shuda. "Nice trick ... Someday." She smiled and turned to leave. "Care to join me Madeline?" She headed for the door. She was going to return to what she was doing in the Meeting Hall.

[Madeline Cauthon]

Maddie quickly removed her hands as soon as Venis said to. "She smiled at the big bowl they created. "Yes I would love to join you."

She stood up, and started followed her towards the door.

[Guest]

As they exited the Lounge into the hallway that lead to the Meeting Hall Venis stopped. In fact, she stopped right in front of the doors to the Meeting Hall. She leaned against the closed door and crossed her arms over her chest. She wasn't angry, so she waited a second to speak so she wouldn't sound angry.

She took a deep breath and began. "Madeline, my dear, do you know what you were doing in there?" She drew in her bottom lip for a moment. "That was some serious dark magic you were chanting. You do know I am half warlock, right?" Another deep breath. Her anger control was always a little of after chanting in Drow. "Sweety, I can teach you anything you want to learn as far as witchcraft goes. I can share things with you in regards to my being a God. Offer you things that you never imagined anyone would. All the while, maintaining your mortality. But please, as a personal favor to me ... No more chanting the dark magics of my father and my ex-husband, please. It's for the good of your soul."

She sat up from the door and offered her a hug. She really wasn't angry, how was Madeline to know that the spells in Drow were dark magic. Once she hugged her she opened the door for her. "In on the table are some cardboard cut outs of Santa and other things, I was putting them on the walls and the doors. If you could finish that up for me, I would appreciate it. I just need a moment out here." Between the dark magic and the snow making her miss Kahn even more she definitely needed a moment. And she still hadn't even seen the mistletoe yet.

[Madeline Cauthon]

Maddie knew Venis would be concerned, so she decided to explain. "I haven't exactly been completely honest with everyone since I've been back in Rhydin."
"After Gawain...I mean Dad left I started having visions. One of them was him killing a man, and ripping his own heart out in pain at the same time. I assume now it was dad killing Garreth. I could feel his pain as it were my own.


"When I told Schala she immedately assumed I was possesed by demons and sent me to Earth to a convent called Glastonbury. It was always so misty there. I never understood why, until one day, on one of my walks, the mists parted, showing a path. Being the curious person I'am, I stepped in. Once I did the mist closed back. I had no other choice but to follow it. Where it lead was a place called Avalon. For the first time since I stepped foot into the Society I felt like I belonged again."

"I was greeted by a Priestess named Morgaine. She even knew my name. She told me that destiny had brought me to Avalon and thats why the mist had opened up, and I was meant to serve the Goddess. I have spent the past seven years learning the ways of what they called the old religion. I was trained to know the difference between a vision and a dream. I learned how to make charms and healing potions. I was taught how to control the elements. Even how to make bowls out of glass and different forms of matter."

"When we were making that huge bowl, I felt your energy consume me, as if we were becoming one. Thats why I started chanting. It was like I was in a trance."

"I would love to learn more, as it is my duty to serve the Goddess."

At tht time Madeline showed Venis the Talismen that Morgaine had given her before she left Avalon.

"Please don't tell anyone just let, ecspecially Gawain. I don't know how exactly how to tell Dad, and I don't know how he'll take it."

There she had said it. She picked up the box of cut outs and waited nervously for Venis's reaction.

[Guest]

Madeline was explaining everything and it was putting Venis' mind a little more at ease. But not as much as Madeline had hoped. As Madeline walked through the open door she asked Venis not to say anything to the Furball. Yea, like Venis could ever lie or keep secrets from him. "I'll do my best Madeline. I'll be in shortly, thank you for finishing those up for me."

She closed the door and turned around leaning against the door again. She took a few deep breaths and it didn't help. A blood tear rolled down her face. She held her hand up to the air in front of her and positioned her hand like she was pressing it palm against a flat surface. She made a swirling motion and then pinched like she was reaching into something. She pulled her hand back and a handkerchief seemed to be getting pulled out of thin air.

She put the white cloth over her eyes and sank to the floor with her back against the door. She held the cloth to her face and leaned forward placing her head against her bent knees. And there sat the Goddess ... In tears beneath the mistletoe.

[Madeline Cauthon]

With that off her chest, Maddie returned to the lounge to finished putting the cardboard Santa's out. The room looked great. She was glad it was Christmas, and she could spend it with friends and family.

[Madeline Cauthon]

As she was setting the Santas out, she thought more and more just how she was going to tell her father. The one thing that she had never done was lie to her father, and she didn't want to keep the truth from him any longer. Christmas was a time for family, and she wouldn't feel right about spending the holidays with her family till the truth was out, and it needed to come out, now.

She sent Gawain a mental link. ~Dad, it's me Madeline. Could you come down to the lounge, there's something we need to talk about.~
She hoped he would come, she wanted to get this over with

[Gawain]

Gawain was seated in his room, quite relaxed, when he heard her voice inside his head. Maddie? Since when could she contact him mentally? Hmm. ~Yeah, sure, gimme a minute.~ He rose, concentrating on where she was, and opened a Gateway to her location. After stepping through, then out, he smiled, his arms held out in greeting. "You rang?" With a crooked grin, he found a spot to be seated and waited for her to speak. He wouldn't ask, for now, exactly why it looked like it had been snowing.....

[Madeline Cauthon]

When she saw him she ran over and gave him a deep hug, with her head on his shoulder, just as she did as a child. She let go and took him by the hand and lead hin to the sofa to sit down. She was going to get this out in one breath, and wait for his reaction.

"Dad there is something I need to tell you, I haven't been completely honest with you, about where I've been for the past seven years."

" There is a reason Mother sent me away to Glastonbury, she thought I was possessed by deamons. The reason she thought that was..." Maddie took a deep breath and lowered her head so Gawain could not see the tears forming in her eyes. "I had a vision of you killing Garreth. I also was able to feel the pain you went through."

"When I told her she immedately sent me to Earth to Glastonbury. I actually only stayed there a week. It was always so misty there. I never understood why, until one day, on one of my walks, the mists parted, showing a path. Being the curious person I'am, I stepped in. Once I did the mist closed back. I had no other choice but to follow it. Where it lead was a place called Avalon. For the first time since I stepped foot into the Society I felt like I belonged again. I felt like I was a pat of a family again."

"I was greeted by a Priestess named Morgaine. She even knew my name. She told me that destiny had brought me to Avalon and thats why the mist had opened up, and I was meant to serve the Goddess. I have spent the past seven years learning the ways of what they called the old religion. I was trained to know the difference between a vision and a dream. I learned how to make charms and healing potions. I was taught how to control the elements. Even how to make bowls out of glass and different forms of matter. I also learn how to communicate mentally, whic is why I was able to contact you a little while ago."


"I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you, but I didn't know what you would think. I'll understand if you don't want to have nothing to do with me."

Maddie kept her head down, she didn't want to see the look of dissappointment in his eyes, as she awaited for his reaction.

[B.D. Adams]

• Elsewhere, in the Inn . . .

There were a few reasons why Benjamin had made his way to the Inn on this day, one of them being to drop off an envelop. He was always conscious of entering into a place that was a sub of social activity and over the past few days he had observed this place being just that.

Knocking off the snow from the bottom of his boots he then entered the building, the bag of his pants settling around over the heel. Hand up he brushed any stray snow from off the top of his head. He had a fresh shave and a haircut since the last time the people at this place saw him. Cream sweater hugged his torso under the black leather and his pace was steady as he made his way to the front desk.

Before he could completely make it to the desk his attention was drawn by something else. It was not very strong, a piece of a bigger portion, but it was still there. This was deserving of a detour.

Benjamin's nostrils flared and his eyes narrowed as he shifted directions and headed towards the Lounge. The Inn defiantly was decorated in a festive manner wasn't it? If didn't know better he would say holiday elves had had too much gin in their eggnog and went on a decorative spree. In time he rounded on the hall that was to the Meeting Hall and the Lounge and who did he see but the Vampire on the floor against the door with a napkin to her face. It was a curious thing to see and there was a slight pause in his stride towards her.

It was odd. The last time he had been in her presence, he did not have this feeling yet now, here it was. Venis, had a soul. A soul that was not hers.

Benjamin stopped, after having first stepped into her personal space. Then without saying a word, or even looking down upon her in a judgmental manner, he offered her his hand.

[Guest]

Venis' tears has stopped long before she heard his footsteps. She knew moments before he came to stand close to her that it was Benjamin, he had his own stride when he walked. She knew this from walking beside him. She could only guess, but she figured he would know the same about her, were the roles reversed.

A moment was taken before she looked up. There would be no traces of the blood tears upon her face, but they would be on the handkerchief. Her make up would not have ran, advantage to the Goddess having also been a witch. Enhanced mascara. As she looked up she folded the handkerchief between her hands and tucked it into the sleeve of her sweater.

She was slightly taken aback by his offering of a hand up. She took it though. He should have no trouble pulling her to her feet, most of her weight was due to her height. She rose to her feet with ease thanks to his assistance. As she rose, her free hand crossed her stomach. She now stood nearly half a foot taller than him due to the heels on her boots.

She slid her hand from his and leaned back against the door. Her angle made her a little shorter, and it wasn't exactly her normal posture to lean in such a manner, but she did so anyway. She kept the arm across her stomach. "Hello Benjamin, thank you." Her voice was softer than normal as she faced him and allowed a small smile to come to her lips. "Depression always seems to run rapid this time of year." An excuse, probably. A lie, not at all. She actually had been suffering a stomach ache for all the depression.

For a moment the thought to put her ruby in her shirt crossed her mind. But she figured he knew what she had already anyway, so it would have been a mute point. As it was at the moment, the amulet rested against her abdomen right above her arm. The weight of it pressing her sweater to her and accentuating her fuller portions of her figure. If anything, that in and of itself would have been a good reason to put the amulet within her sweater. But Benjamin had seen her in less.

She wasn't exactly sure, but she figured it was the amulet that had drawn his attention, or at least the contents of it. So she waited, was he going to question her about it, or let it slide? She was ready to explain if he asked. It was then that she caught a whiff of the plant above her head. She thought to herself that this was not the time to be caught under the mistletoe, nor the person to catch her under it. Luckily for her, she didn't believe him to be the type to keep up with that tradition.

[Guest]

Benjamin had just missed seeing Tasha, she was headed up the stairs after finishing her tree. But she hadn't been too far up the steps to smell him when he came in. It caused her to step backwards to see if the scent was registering correctly in her mind. She saw him head towards the Meeting Hall and Lounge and then continued up the steps. Whatever his business was, it wasn't with her.

She went into the men's room and checked Manny's list. It seemed that everything inside the Inn had been covered and was almost done. So she was headed out into the snow. She looked around and saw some boxes of lights. This would be a good thing for her to do, she could do the trees outside. So she grabbed up a box, used the portals to get it down stairs and then headed outside to the garden to light up the tree's. She would start with the ones that were not evergreens. She looked around to make sure that no one was around, then she undressed and shifted to her hybrid form. This way she had the mobility of a biped, yet she could navigate the tree's like a cat.

[Guest]

Seleen and Shuda were having fun playing with the snow and finishing the tree when Maddie was suddenly back in the room. Seleen hadn't heard the door, she thought she had gone with Venis to the Meeting Hall. "Welcome Back Maddie." She let some of the snow fall into her hand and then she smashed it into Shuda's bare chest for fun.

Maddie started putting out some cardboard cutouts of Santa's and things. "Maddie, aren't those supposed to be in the Meeting Hall on the walls?" She thought that maybe Maddie was a little out of sorts after helping Venis with the bowl under the tree. So she let her be. It was mere moments later that Gawain appeared in the room with them as well.

Seleen gave Shuda a look and a smile. ~Whatever it is they're discussing hon, we should try to not listen in.~ She put another ornament on the tree and tried to ignore the two who sat not far from the tree to have a discussion. She figured that playing with Shuda and the snow falling over the tree while they decorated it, would keep her mind busy.

[Shuda Darkite]

He looked at Seleen as she smashed a snowball onto his chest. He had that look that looked like ok that is it. When Seleen said that they should not listen in he nodded. ~Ok hun that is fine.~ And with that he smashed a snow ball on the top her head.

[Guest]

The snowball atop her head meant that he was having as much fun as she was. She laughed at the snow in her hair and leaned over the bowl and shook all the snow out of her hair. "Brat." She hung another ornament on the tree while she laughed. When they were done they were going to have to head outside.

[Cadmon Lennan Dewayne]

Up on the second floor ...

Cad was headed out of his room to go get a beer and something to eat. He had just woken up and was dressed in his usual jeans and a t-shirt with his boots. He saw the decorations in the hall, including the mistletoe. That gave him an idea. He headed a few doors down and across the hall. He stopped outside Emilia's door and knocked upon it. *knock, knock, knock, knock, knock.*

[B.D. Adams]

Before he had merely been standing to the side of her when he offered his hand now, that she was standing, he stepped closer and directly in front of her. Venis would have opportunity to move away from him, but in doing so she would have to brush by him, so fully into her personal space was he.

Benjamin's breathing was deep and slow as he looked into her eyes. It was not a challenging look but one that was almost feral; accented with the suggestion of a growl that came forth with each exhaled breath. She was smiling but it appeared to be an awkward type that people used when trying to smile despite of circumstances. Was she smiling to hide the discomfort of her depression, or of him catching her in her current state?

Fingers flexed at his sides and he, too, had caught the smell of the plant. They wouldn't use anything aside from a fresh plant. "Vampire." Benjamin accented every syllable in that word. Yes, he still did not call her by her name since she had suggested he not so long ago. Eyes pulled from hers and ran down the length of her torso, down to the amulet. Both hands stretched forward, his right moving in the direction of her hand and that piece of jewelry she wore. Unless she moved, his right hand would rest over her hand on her stomach, and the fingers of his left hand would curl around the shoulder of the same arm.

Making contact with her skin it was possible for her to feel something she hadn't felt the last time they were together. It felt warm, and the only way to describe it would be a small tingling sensation. Who knew if she would feel it at all.

"You're welcome," he spoke, his eyes moving back up to settle again upon her own. "Tell me, do you know where your standing?"

[Emilia]

Emilia had taken the chance to shower and change. She was not planing on going out and she was not expecting anyone so she was wearing shorts and a cropped tank top.

When she heard the knock at the door she was a little suprised dhe put her brush down and went to open it. She smiled when she saw Cad.

"Hello there handsom still looking adaquate I see. Can I do something for you?"

[Guest]

Benjamin had moved closer to Venis once she was standing. Invading her personal space was an understatement. But it presented her with a unique opportunity. She was able to truly look into his eyes for the first time. And as she did she noticed just how dark and lovely they were. Most vampires when presented with a chance like this, with an attractive member of the opposite sex, would make an attempt at capturing the other persons mind with their eyes. Venis never was a fan of such things, unless she felt it necessary to do so for their own comfort. Benjamin's comfort was not an issue in this case. After all, he had put himself in the position he was in at present.

His proximity to her also allowed her something else. She could smell his scent even stronger than before. His breathing, though slow and deep, had a hint of a growl to it. And his heart rate was effected by it a well. This made his blood flow beneath his flesh smell stronger to her. It was a rather intoxicating scent. That mixed with his natural scent as a man was rather pleasant to her. His scent mixed with that almost bestial look in his eyes was enough to cause her to choose to stay her ground. He had her curious as to what was on his mind.

Her smile was out of place. It was because she had been seen in the hallway. Nothing more. She was not expecting any one to walk up and catch her sitting in the floor in such a manner. Especially not Benjamin. She had become rather apt at hiding away her own feelings and emotions. So that was not a worry at the moment. Though, with his being so close, he might pick up on a thing or two. Like the bruise that had yet to completely heal. And chances where, he already knew what was in her amulet, but did he know that the amulet was it's location?

He called her 'Vampire' again as he diverted his attention from her own ice blue orbs down to her ruby amulet. The long gold chain that it hung from giving his eyes a trail to follow. The ruby surrounded by a mass of gold rested against her with just the point touching her arm. It was then that he placed his hand upon hers and brought his other hand up to touch her shoulder. Her hand had not been touching her stomach, only her sweater. And when he placed his hand upon hers the added pressure caused contact with said bruise. She closed her eyes for a moment and drew in a quick and sharp partial breath through gritted teeth. But it was released smoothly as she spoke softly. "Venis." Anyone who had been in her room, seen her nearly nude, and was in this close of a proximity to her for a second time, should be allowed to call her by her proper name.

Her body temperature was slightly higher than that of even a living being, so his touch did not feel very warm to her. Perhaps one, maybe two degrees warmer than she herself already was. But she was getting a slight tingling sensation in her hand, and it seemed to be slowly traveling to her wrist. She was worried that he might come in contact with the amulet. She had no desire for him to do so, for it contained an evil she wasn't sure even she could protect him from. His next words were as unexpected as his hand being presented to her to aid in her rising to her feet. He had said she was welcome for the hand up. He seemed to be rather full of surprises at the moment.

Then his eyes returned to hers as he spoke again. He asked her if she knew where she was standing. She could only think that he was referring to the mistletoe, because if she had smelt it, surely he had as well. If she was correct, and that was what he had been referring to, she was now even more curious as to what was on his mind. She had not thought him the type. But she went with instinct and answered his question in a soft tone. "Yes, I am fully aware." She left her answer at that. After all, it was the truth, she was fully aware ... of many things.

[B.D. Adams]

It was there. He knew it and it only took the second touch to her hand to tell him that he was correct. She did have a soul but it was not inside, but she was carrying it. So strong was it that Benjamin could practically taste it and, if it were not for the way Venis had breathed, the amulet would have been something he pursued.

It was the way she had taken in that breath. The closing of her eyes, the way the muscles of the jaw worked when clenched together; the ever-so-slight layer of discomfort. No. Venis wasn't merely uncomfortable, but she had pain, and it had nothing to do with him. Though ddespite how she was feeling she said her name smoothly and he'd be damned (even though he was already) if hearing the name spoken did not entice him to hear it again, only it would be even better if it had been his own name.

He turned his head three inches to the side and lifted up his chin, moving the hand that embraced her shoulder upwards. First, only the tips of his fingers touched the side of her neck, then they made move to progress further in until he had his hand cupped around her neck. Every new placement of his fingers resulted in another prick of heat to that location, the ghost of it fading slowly once removed. First two fingers of his hand even brushed the lower portion of her hair, his thumb resting behind her ear. She would be able to tell that even know he meant no malice towards her, the hold was more to keep her from moving away easily.

Why hadn't she moved when she had the chance? It reminded him of the dance, when she let down a guard or two and allowed herself to dance. When he spoke next his voice had dropped a tone lower. "You are hurt." Straight and to the point. No question in his tone. His hand pressed out flat against her own before his fingers curled in, holding her hand securely.

She had yet to tell him to back away and he moved towards her another inch. Benjamin had no problem with breaking a persons personal space. So close was he now that his breath would be able to be felt against her skin. Dark eyes were set upon hers again. "Speak my name; it will be gone."

[Guest]

Hearing some voices singing Kyra begins to wake up from her nap. Not in much of a holiday cheer mood she tries to drown out the sounds by covering her head and going back to sleep but they seem to get louder which to her can only mean they are closer than they were before. Rather curious as to what was going on she gets out of bed and goes to the door. She opens it a little and peeks only her head out to see what was going on and she sees a bunch of guys only one she has seen before putting up misletoes on the doors. She stood there and watched curiously.

[Guest]

Isah was headed down the hall, one door at a time. Kyra's door was next. Isah stepped over to her door and reached his arms above his head to staple her mistletoe in place. He saw that the door was slightly ajar and he looked down. A large smile spread across his lip. He spoke softly so as not to startle her. "Hello Kyra. Merry Christmas." He was very happy to see his friend. He had hoped she would be in her room now that they were down on the first floor.


Shamus and Casie were about six doors down. Maybe more, so they were not paying much mind to Isah and what he was doing. They were busy making the doors pretty.

Keven and Andrew were almost to the end of the left side of the hall, they were seriously lagging. And Joseph was walking along behind them putting up the scones.

That left Bo, who had gotten even less answered doors on the first floor than he had on the second. He was to be to Kyra's door shortly himself.

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