Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 2:34 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Angelus had already finished his first plate and was delving in to his second. He was most certainly feeling better than he had the previous days. Despite that, his shock white hair and tanned skin didn’t seem to change back. It was a bit of an adjustment still, but overall it didn’t bother him. It seemed as though Ashlynn was feeling overly guilty about his situation.

“You’re a good cook, lass,’ he said, already half finished with the second plate. “Don’t sell yourself short.” He took a swig of some water that she had brought, and set everything down, smiling. “You’re a real sweetheart, you know.” He turned his body and stood up, testing his leg against his weight. It was holding much better than before, and he doubted he needed the cane any longer.

“Leg’s are holding out, it seems,” he said with a smile. “As I said, all I needed was a bit of rest. Right as rain,” Angelus said with a thumbs up. “Thanks lass for taking care of me. It has been a true help.” She moved closer to him, which surprised the knight, and started to fuss with his mess of a mane. After fighting with it, she finally had it settled, and he rolled his eyes.

“It won’t stay. It needs to be cut. I’ll probably get that done today when i leave.” He chuckled as she mentioned needing a bath, “Right you are. I’ll be on my way then.” He started for the door.

He paused at the entryway, and turned his gaze to her; “You’re not a burden, Ashlynn. The time I spent with you has been fun. I would enjoy it if you checked up on me. Thank you…” With that, he was gone.

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2018 10:30 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

The half-elf chuckled a bit as her ears picked up on the noise his stomach let out. It didn’t shock her at all that he was hungry. Ashlynn wasn’t sure when the last time he ate even was before his untimely trip to the infirmary. “Well, I had grabbed it all for you just in case because I wasn’t sure what you would eat or not eat… Or how hunger you were,” she mused lightly as she sat by his side now.

Though his last words sent a pale flush of color across her face as she attempted to try and combat it. “I just figured its what anyone would do for someone who was hurt…” Her voice was very meek at that moment as she looked away from Angelus. “It’s not really anything special… Surely Lord Damien has even better angels than myself.” Finally, her blue eyes flickered back to Angelus shyly as she reached to get some of the food she had brought.

“No idea… I haven’t heard from him since he saved you.” She tilted her head as she frowned. Ashlynn was sort of sad that Angelus would have to leave but she understood full well why. “I made a little over half of it. I’m good with certain things but not with others. The bread was freshly made when I got to the kitchen so I asked if I could have some… Everything else I made so you could at least have something warm to eat. I did all the cooking back home so there is a lot I can make.” She was sure he didn’t want to hear about that as she chewed on some bread.

“How are your legs this morning? You look like you are moving a lot better today than yesterday.” He also appeared to have a bit more energy as well which surprised her but then again how much did she actually know about him? The thought rolled over in her mind a few times before she almost realized that she knew nothing about anyone here really… Even Damien who had saved her was a mystery to her and probably would remain it.

“Your hair is all shaggy…” She chuckled as she attempted to turn her attention off her rather dreadful thoughts. Her fingers reached up and she tamed his mane which had obviously been messed up by his sleep. “There… It looks much better now.” She licked her fingers and smoothed a strand that was sticking up back down on his head. “You should probably get a bath… I bet you would really like one after being in the infirmary for as long as you were.” She gave him an encouraging smile. “You should do that while Lord Damien visits me. I can check up on you later to make sure you are still feeling alright.”

The last thing she wanted though was to be overbearing on him and soon her happy smile disappeared with her last words as she looked away from Angelus once more. “I mean… I could but I probably shouldn’t. You’ve probably had enough of me after the last few days.” There was a pathetic attempt at a laugh but it just didn’t come out all the way as her fingers gripped at the blankets under her. She didn’t mean to cling to him. “I’m sorry for asking so many questions and relying on you so much… I know that has to be annoying for you.” Her blue eyes looked back up at his a bit more timidly.

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 9:22 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Angelus slept like a log, but as soon as Ashlynn returned with food, he started to stir.  Her voice called for him to wake up, and he slowly started to process, yawning loudly and stretching as he adjusted to the morning light pouring through the half open curtains.

The smell was delicious, and Angelus had not realized just how hungry he was until his stomach gave an obnoxious protest in it's lack of proper food.

“Morning,” he mumbled, sitting himself up.  He was already moving better than the day before.  He would more than likely be back to his usual self in no time.  “Food?  Well, don't wait..go ahead and grab some.  This can't all be for me,” he said with a smile.  “You're a good woman, Ashlynn.  Lord Damien is lucky to have you.”

That reminded him that Lord Damien would be be by to check on her later that day.  “Ah right…he’ll probably want to tell you about being an angel and such.  I should probably leave before he gets here.”. He started to eat off of the plate that he assumed was his.  “Did you make all of this yourself?” He asked her.

“If so, I'm a bit impressed…”

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 12:41 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Ashlynn gave a pitiful look for a moment as she tried to think about his statement to her. She was only asking questions to learn as she knew nothing about the world itself. Was it wrong to be curious? Was being so different a bad thing? Maybe it was because she hadn’t spent a lot of time with the Faith to know he was a sinner. She simply didn’t think it was his fault and treated him as such.

Soon she held out her arms and caught him as he fell asleep. A sigh left her lips as she got off the bed so she could move him fully up. She was careful not to wake him and even gave him the best pillows on the bed as she tucked him in. Ashlynn slept close to him and closed her eyes letting the dream world take her.

In the morning she crawled out of bed and got dressed. She was quick to scurry to where the food was and bring some back on a tray. Not many at all questioned her but she still got the weird looks. It had probably been widespread by now that she had ascended and either she would be loved or hated… At least that’s what Ashlynn thought. She managed her way into the room with her hands full and kicked the door shut lightly. “Angelus, it’s time to wake up.” She brought the hot food over and put it on the bedstand. "Good morning." She said as soon as he opened his eyes. "I got you some food…"

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 11:31 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

The rest of the day that was spent showing Ashlynn around was exhausting to Angelus, and the woman could easily tell. So when she was lead back to her room, and forced him to stay the night, he couldn’t do much to fight against it. Finding himself sitting on one side of the bed, he watched Ashlynn ready herself for sleep.

“You ask a lot of questions,” he stated flatly. “But, if you must know…I’m considered a sinner in the eyes of the Faith. I committed a grave sin and slept with an Angel before becoming ascendant. The fact that someone like you is even looking at me, let alone taking care of me is a shock to them, as well as me. You see, even the other Angels…they take advantage of the services I provide, and then never speak to me, or of me again. It’s just like that every time, save for this one.”

“Lord Damien was right when he said you were special. You’re much too different from the rest of us,” he said. “Well…that might be the other cause of the stares. You’re quite the unique one. No one has ever ascended so quickly…that makes you something akin to a saint. Or…maybe they just don’t know how to cope with not being chosen….” He closed his eyes, the waves of exhaustion hitting him. He started to tilt a bit, accidently finding himself leaning in to Ashlynn.

“Or maybe…” he started, but was cut off as sleep took hold.

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 10:46 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

“Easy,” Ashlynn watched with concerned eyes as he moved. Her hand centered on his chest to hold him up while one of the help gave him a cane. It was to her surprise when he adjusted fairly well. She returned his chuckle and nodded. “Yeah, you were.” There was a sweet smile on her face as she walked by him making sure he didn’t fall.

“I’m sure it will be pretty when he fixes it.” Ashlynn had never seen a fountain before, so she was having her imagination run wild. Her eyes didn’t fail to notice how exhausted he was so she helped him sit down under the three. “I don’t mind at all Angelus… Don’t stress yourself too much. You just got out of the infirmary.” She lightly scolded him with her concern before she looked up at the sky. “It’s always so dark in Kurayo…” But still, she could tell where the sun was.

They took up most of the day walking and resting as he showed her the majority of the compound. She helped him where he needed it and at the end of the day, she could see how exhausting it had been for him to even escort her back to her room. Stubbornly she put her hands on her hips and gave him a sincere look. “You are staying in my room tonight. You are in no shape to go back to the barracks by yourself.”

Ashlynn not taking no for an answer started to help him in. “And not for any of that either. You are welcome to sleep in my bed for tonight… Get some rest so you aren’t so tired. I should have made you wait to show me around.” She got him settled into a sitting position up on the right side of her bed before she got changed for the night. Braiding her hair it fell over her shoulder and she watched him for a little bit from her mirror.

“Why does everyone think it’s so weird for me to take care of you?” She tilted her head and finally looked back at him. “I saw their looks when I came into the infirmary and today when I helped you around.” She moved and crawled up onto the bed next to him so they could talk not so far away. She wore a lilac-colored nightdress though probably not overly revealing compared to some angels but Ashlynn was still self-conscious.

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 9:33 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

The process of Angelus healing was surprisingly quick. It might have been attributed to whatever Damien had done to him to keep him alive. For the most part, he was not overly shocked at his new appearance, though the decided that he would have to remove his now white beard. He didn’t like the fact that it made him look like an old man.

There were a few complications getting up, but with the aide of Ashlynn, he was up and stumbling around. One of the helpers handed him a cane, to which he adjusted to fairly quickly. With his ability to walk around settled, Ashlynn asked him to show her around the compound.

“Ah, right…I was supposed to help out with that, but obviously things didn’t turn out as planned,” he said with a chuckle. Angelus pointed, “To the left there. Let’s walk that way.” He walked with careful precision, and finally, they came across an open portcullis leading outside.

“Obviously this here is the courtyard. There are four separate entrances plus the main gate. When we walk out, head left. That’ll be the main barracks where we un-ascended stay. It’s nothing fancy, but we’re well taken care of. Here…lead the way.”

As they walked through the court, Angelus pointed to the broken fountain in the center. “D…, Lord Damien is working on fixing that. He says it should be functional by the end of the month if things go well.” It was a warmer day, and the sun was high in the sky. Already, Angelus felt winded from the constant strain he was putting on the cane. The humidity wasn’t helping either.

“Well…maybe we can take a second and sit under the tree there before we head in.” he said. “If you don’t mind.”

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 12:54 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Ashlynn listened to him and nodded. Everyone here was broken in some way or another. She hadn’t wanted him to feel sorry for her. She just wanted to relate in some way. A frown deeply set on her face as she listened to him. “I…” She was upset again. She didn’t want to do that to someone else. For some reason looking at what she had done to Angelus made her actually upset at the thought. “That is wrong to do.”

Tilting her head at him she gave a smile. “You don’t have to worry about that with me… Somehow I don’t think I have it in me to do this to someone.” It hurt her heart to think about even if it was her job she didn’t have to go as far as she did with Angelus. That much was true enough. Ashlynn took care of Angelus while he got well enough, she felt responsible for him in a way.

Once he was well enough to be released Ashlynn helped him out of bed and to get dressed though she appeared shy about it. “You know… I don’t really know my way around the compound at all. Could you show me? I got lost easily coming here and had to keep asking for directions and I kept getting turned around.”

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Tue Jul 3, 2018 8:32 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

“Aye lass, the flowers are pretty. Thank ye for ‘em,” Angelus replied. He had yet to see himself in a mirror, so there was no comment on his change in appearance. That shock would have to come later. For the time, though, he seemed relatively peaceful. As Ashlynn started to explain that Lord Damien would keep her close, he nodded, almost in agreement. She was definitely a powerful Angel. He would most certainly want to keep a watchful eye on her, if not to find a way to replicate what had been done.

Angelus settled back in the bed, relaxing as the woman started to spill her life’s story. He listened as any good person would, and when she was finished, he cleared his throat to give his input. “Lass…we all come from broken backgrounds. The Angel Julia was bitten by a vampire and left for dead. Her family tried to kill her when they found out what she was, and they drove her away from her village.”

He sighed. “And then there’s me. I made a mistake that cost the lives of quite a few people, and was exiled from my home. When I came here, I thought it would be a great chance to redeem myself. However…a greedy Angel decided I was not worthy, and she…” He glanced to the side. “Well, let’s just say I’m one of the Faith in name only. I do practice the tenants…all but one. Lord Damien suggested it himself. He said if there was someone around who could satiate the Angels, that maybe what happened to me wouldn’t happen to another. And he’s right. Ever since, we’ve not had an issue.”

“I can never ascend, but at least I’ve got a place in the Faith….”

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Mon Jul 2, 2018 10:41 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Ashlynn took notice of the shock and stares easily enough without alluding that she had noticed. His appearance shocked her the most but he did go through a lot… Had she changed him in some way? With all of the angels, he had possibly dealt with why was she any different? Damien’s words echoed in her head as she watched the knight.

She tended to the Soul Sprig and made sure that they didn’t start to wilt before Angelus woke up. The last thing he needed to see was more dying things… Though the ward probably didn’t help at all. When he sprung up she immediately reacted by putting her hands on his shoulders. “Easy… Please.” Ashlynn’s eyes were filled with concern as she put him back down on the bed.

“I was waiting for you to wake up so I could make sure you were alright.” Though his next words made her blush and she chuckled towards him. “I wouldn’t go that far about myself.” Her words were quiet so others couldn’t hear. It was bad enough that had stared what if they knew she could potentially kill them?

“I’m just Ashlynn. I told you that didn’t I?” There was a warm smile on her face as she looked over to the sprigs she had brought him. “They told me they are called Soul Sprigs… They were the only thing that really grows in the forest so I picked some for you. I didn’t go too far since there are banshees and other things out in the woods. I figured you would need something nice to wake up to.”

She was avoiding his question but soon she looked around and back down at him. “Lord Damien says I’m to stay at the keep with him. I’m not allowed to leave, I must stay close.” Ashlynn was clearly struggling with the news she had received. “That I am a near endless vessel and I can drain at a pace that could kill.” Her blue eyes batted a few times as she tried to cope with the turn of events in her life. There was a short shiver as if she was cold but she knew it wasn’t from the temperature of the room.

There was a nervous laughter from her. “It was literally just the other day when my father tried to sell my body to pay for our farm. That’s why you startled me. The Highlands folk aren’t too fond of people not like them and my father married an elf… You can imagine. When Mom died everything went to hell and he couldn’t get any help. He started to blame me. We had a hideaway under the floor just in case of raids that my mother had built just for me in cases of emergency… I used it a lot when he would drink. It doesn’t feel like Mom’s only been dead for a few months now but… my interactions with the outside world are pretty limited because of my heritage… So I am just Ashlynn. Nothing special. That’s what I was taught.” He wanted to know what she was… She was just Ashlynn.

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Mon Jul 2, 2018 9:13 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

As Ashlynn walked through the ward, she received a myriad of stares and looks of shock from the other sick and disabled. It was the first time they had ever seen an Angel visit the ward, and at that, it was the first time someone garbed in a beautiful aura had ever been seen period. No one said a word, though, and as she passed, they went back to their own little worlds of aile and lament.

When Ashlynn saw the knight, she noticed that things about his body had changed drastically. His once fiery red hair had become shock white, and his skin, once a pale tan, was now a much darker shade. Between the events that nearly ended his life, and what Damien and the clerics did to save him, his body had irreversibly changed.

It didn’t take more than two hours for Angelus to wake up, his entire body jerking awake in surprise as he sat up. “Oi…that was….” He looked around. “Where am I?” His eyes, still a brilliant green, met her blue eyes. “Oh…lass….you’re ‘ere too?” He laughed. “I feel like I’ve slept with a true angel from the heavens above, lass….” There was a wild smile across his face. His previous awkwardness had seemed to wash away.

“Just what are ye’, girlie?” Angelus questioned. “Other than somethin’ definitely special…”

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Sun Jul 1, 2018 7:40 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

The little half elf didn’t even attempt to ask the how… Simply because she didn’t know how a regular vessel was. It wouldn’t help her to understand any better than she did at that moment. Her blues met his. They weren’t like those of anyone else but more so colder. It gave her shiver which she held back. Ashlynn wanted to please him and if this development did it was a good thing. Right?

The brunette felt a need to hide herself more as he called two others in but his command made her stop any thoughts she had. A light blush came to her cheeks as the two strangers felt her but she could see even now how tired they were getting just from touching her. She took a deep breath once the two were gone.

“Does that mean that I cannot perform the actions that an angel needs to?” She was worried that she was useless once more but from the way he spoke she was much more to him. Did that mean she would kill who ever got close to her if she wasn’t careful? Her mind began to turn the gears slowly and she made herself stop. It would only bring her grief if she thought of things in that light.

Ashlynn wondered how long it would take her vessel filled compared to others if that was how things were to be. Another long breath left her lips as Damien left her there in the room. She was exhausted from the stress that she had brought onto herself as she climbed up onto the bed. Her blue eyes closed as she rested for a bit.

Once she had woken up she slipped back on the pink peach dress and made her way out into the woods just for a moment. She was able to snatch up some flowers or what she thought was. They looked like little stems with jewels on the end of them. Really like little sprigs lost in the woods. She came back into the keep avoiding everyone for the time being.

She held the sprigs in her hand as she got directions to Angelus. She popped her head in first after a quick knock. Ashlynn felt terrible about it. After all, he was only supposed to help her get where she needed to be. The infirmary was filled with many who were sick and their eyes seemed to stick to her. She tried her best to brush it off as she got something with water to put the sprigs in. She put them by his bed and found a seat by the bed.

The little half-elf would wait for him to wake up and would try and greet him if he wasn’t angry with her. The first flicker she saw she would bolt up and tilt her head. How did one ask if the other was okay if it was your fault? If you had almost killed someone how would you make sure they were alright? Ashlynn’s mouth went dry a bit as she chewed on her bottom lip. “How are you feeling?” It was all she could think of.

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Sun Jul 1, 2018 7:12 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Damien took his time studying her naked form. The pact that he and her had created seemed perfectly strong, and nothing was out of place. Her faint glow was brighter than when he had left her that morning, though. Curious. He walked around her, his hand trailing across her body, feeling in the most bizzare of places. “You’re vessel is…different.”

He made his way around her again, and stopped in front of her, his eyes locked with hers. Yet again, she was subjected to his cold blue eyes and the piercing gaze they held. He snapped his fingers, and a random man and woman walked in. The two got close to her, getting close to her, but not touching. His trained eyes watched as a bright blue energy seemed to evaporate off of the two individuals, and move to Ashlynn.

“Stand still,” he commanded her, and snapped his fingers again. The two moved in on Ashlynn, pressing up against her, feeling her flesh in a seductive manner. The energy drain siphoned faster, and faster. With a smile, Damien snapped his fingers, and the two stopped, and backed away. They looked tired, as if they had just run a marathon.

“You may leave,” he commanded the other two. They left without a word, shutting the door behind them.

“My dear Angel,” Damien said with a smile. “You are something else. Something I have never seen before. A near endless vessel that does not require sex to siphon the manna that I crave….” He moved closer. “But if you do…you drain their essence at a pace that the body cannot produce it…Angelus? He’ll be fine with some healing magic and rest. You, my dear Ashlynn, though…you will need to stay close….”

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Sun Jul 1, 2018 9:56 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

There was a whimper from Ashlynn but Damien’s words seemed to at least soothe her a bit. Her blue eyes moved from Julia to Angelus. She was concerned but it looked like everything would be alright. Still, her heart was beating hard against her chest. She was scared. Her ability as an angel was strong and she didn’t even know it was that.

The little half-elf moved to close the door and she looked back at Damien. Her hair was moved over her breasts as covering since she was still fairly naked. Not that it seemed to matter to him. It was more Ashlynn’s way of hiding herself. She was still fairly shy as she came back over and stood in front of him. “What happened?” She knew the explanation would come but her heart was still in a panic. She wondered if Damien could hear it like she could.

Still… She couldn’t help but dart her eyes to the door. Worried about the man she had almost killed. Was it her who had done it? She wasn’t sure. Her eyes were somewhat watery from being in the panic her body seemed to be processing. She hadn’t even noticed how brightly she shined.

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Sun Jul 1, 2018 9:47 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Damien had already started to move once he realized what was happening. He appeared outside of her door just as Ashlynn burst through. “Now, now,” he said softly, hiding the excitement that his entire body was feeling. “It is fine. I am here.” He walked inside the room, and looked Angelus over.

This is fantastic, he thought to himself, looking Angelus over. He had heard and seen other Angel’s draining a person dry of their energy, but not after a single time. No, those sessions usually lasted hours if not a full day. This was on an entirely new level. He placed his hand on Angelus’ chest, and mana flowed freely. He closed his eyes, and summoned his other Angel, Julia, from the other room.

Moments later, a shrouded vampire walked into the room, not speaking a word. She picked up Angelus, and walked him out.

Damien turned to Ashlynn, his face stoic as always. “Shut the door, and come over here. Stand before me so I may see what has happened.”

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Sun Jul 1, 2018 9:37 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Blue eyes watched him carefully as they kissed. She was hesitant still. Still learning. Their clothes fell to the floor and Angelus began to teach her exactly what an angel’s job was. She couldn’t deny she liked the action. It was far more different than the session she had with the lord. However, by the time they had finished Ashlynn was staring up at Angelus who was barely even conscious. She rolled him over.

“Angelus?” She gently slapped his face. “Angelus?!” There was panic. What had she done to him? Her heart sank deeply. Did she just kill someone? No, he was still alive but barely. Ashlynn slipped off the bed. “Lord Damien!” She let out a cry as she ran for the door and opened it. She ran into his chest first as her scared eyes looked up at Damien’s form. “I think I hurt Angelus.” She took his hand and desperately pulled him over to the bed.

“Can you fix him?” Her vessel was gleaming from the act and at times it was almost blinding.

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Sun Jul 1, 2018 9:25 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

“Aye, lass,” he said with a hesitant voice. “I’m okay with it. Our Lord Damien has given me a chance to prove useful to him still. If this is all I can do for him, then I will be that which trains his Angel’s if I must.” Her touch was soft, like many of the other Angels. It would seem she was, indeed, no different. Her drive was just like the others, and what would come next would be the same.

He leaned forward, kissing her. There was no love in the kiss, only a feeling of longing. The drain on his essence was greater, which surprised him. Most Angels could not draw energy until the act was much farther along, by Ashlynn was draining him through touch alone. Just what did Lord Damien find? he wondered, deepening the kiss.

Angelus was mostly wrong about his assumptions of Ashlynn. Her aura and feel were completely off the charts from what any other Angel had shown him. The lust he felt for her was something that he had never felt for any other past Lord Damien himself, which was, in a way, satisfying to feel something closer to him.

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Sun Jul 1, 2018 9:18 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Ashlynn tilted her head as he came into her room and shut the door. “He told me I was his vessel but he did not say for what.” Everything had moved fast and she only knew a bit about the Faith as well. Her blue eyes studied him as he spoke and he seemed odd to her but maybe it was because she hadn’t spent a lot of time with him.

Everything was starting to click for Ashlynn and slowly her body seemed to understand a lot more than her mind could catch up with. “And… you are supposed to help me?” It seemed pointless to ask it but she did anyway. She had never been around too many men before that she wasn’t related to. Damien had been her first, obviously, and even that had been limited. This was something new to her.

She could see the wisps of light around him that flowed from him to her. It was subtle but her eyes could follow the trail. “And you’re alright with this?” Her hands seemed to come up by themselves as they softly cupped his face. She didn’t know where she had learned it from or if it was just something natural. Her skin was soft against his but not overly so since they had known some work in her life.

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Sun Jul 1, 2018 9:10 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

As Angelus entered the room, he made sure the door was shut. None were to enter an Angel’s room without permission, but Angelus was careful regardless. “Yes, m’lady,” he said, turning his gaze to her. “Did Lord Damien not tell you…? That you are his vessel? I’m ‘ere to explain how that works…”

He seemed a bit off. Angelus had been commanded to break one of the tenants. After all, he could never ascend. Alas, it was a problem, but he felt nowhere else that he belonged more. So, Lord Damien had found a use. A trial, of sorts, for the new Angels. A way to show them what what being an Angel meant.

Angelus cleared his throat. “M’lday, I…” He could already feel it. His energy slowly moving. The aura around Ashlynn seemed to flicker, brightening if ever so slightly. He moved forward, slowly, sensually. “You are tasked with collecting the same energy you gave Lord Damien last night. In the same manner as he borrowed from you, you are to borrow from them…from me.” His face was mere inches from hers. “Lass…you may refuse, but the pact you have made will compel you. If not me, then another…”

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Sun Jul 1, 2018 8:51 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Ashlynn had seen enough of the reel to tilt her head but not say a word to it. They must have gotten a lot of people in to get a reaction like that. She had gotten rather good at reading people or more so her father to know when to hide and when not to. So she let Angelus go with no other questions as she shut the door and began her exploration of the room.

After she laid on the bed for a few meager moments she had gotten up and tried on one of the dresses that were in the closet. They were a good fit which surprised her but it was far better than the rags she had come in. She smoothed the skirts down and it felt a little unreal to her. Soft not rough. The color was leaning towards a pinkish peach color. Against her skin tone, it looked nice.

Her mess of brown hair was being brushed out when Angelus came back. There was another tilt to her head when she got up from the vanity and set the brush down when she was done. Still used to the ways of home she only opened it slightly with just her blue eye watching him. “Initiation?” She opened it just enough so he could see her face. Her hand was pressed against the door just in case even though she had been so kind to Angelus there was still that fear.

Looking around him she felt odd so she opened the door. “You can come in…” Her voice was still unsure as she backed away from the door and shuffled over to pick up her old dress off the floor. She hid it at the bottom of the armoire she had been exploring and closed the doors. “What’s… the initiations?” She finally got the nerve to ask. She hadn’t been told about anything.

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Sun Jul 1, 2018 8:36 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

If Angelus had seen the looks of horror on her face initially, he didn’t say so. If anything, it was almost as though he were used to it. The Faith housed many victims who had been harmed in some way, and a lot of the time, that harm came from those who had the appearance that Angelus sported. Large, and loud. However, he held himself, through that part at least, with a form of composure as not to blame the victims.

As the new Angel spoke, though, Angelus reeled a bit. “N-not like the others, ye say?” he said. “I’m sure yer not,” he replied, almost as if he didn’t believe her. As she entered the room and disappeared, Angelus stopped pretending to leave, and walked over to the door.

Lord Damien had instructed him to keep a watchful eye. Evidently she was a special case. There would be many in the Faith who would question it, though not as openly towards Damien as they would to her and the Angels. Angelus let out a sigh.

The fact that she offered to speak to him was a strange one. Perhaps she was different from the other Angels. The man scoffed. They’re all the same. Once they get a taste for it. But, it is Lord Damien’s wish.

As if the mention of Damien, his voice echoed in Angelus’ mind. Well? I’m waiting. Angelus cringed slightly. It was always a shock when the master did that.

“Yes, yes, m’Lord. I’m getting to it. She just surprised me is all.” Angelus knocked on the door. “Lady Ashlynn. It’s me, Angelus, back te oversee one of the initiations…”

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2018 1:45 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

For a moment when she turned around Ashlynn had the look of pure horror on her face. She was terrified of Angelus at first. Her heart rate sped up to the point where it looked like she was jumping out of her skin. There was a whimper from her lips, a memory. A tragedy. It looked to have faded just as fast as it came to her as her eyes lost the look. They mellowed out into what Damien had known her for. “He sent you?” Her words were gentle as she tried to piece together her scattered head.

Ashlynn pulled the blanket around her tighter for a moment. “I don’t know why,” her words were barely audible as he explained how lucky she was. Her skin shivered at the memory and she took a breath. “I’m sorry if I bother you because of that.” Her blue eyes moved to his as she watched him speak.

The little half-elf lagged behind the knight as she watched his every move. She still couldn’t shake the fears of her homeland from her bones. Her eyes watched as the light danced off his red hair. Ashlynn saw the way he was looking around as he explained about the angel chambers. She moved almost entirely without knowing what to do or say. “Angelus?” Her mind was in overdrive. “I don’t know what the other Angels have done but I am not like them.”

There was a thin blush on her face. “I don’t even know much about this place or where I am. I was bought and brought here. I don’t know whether or not Lord Damien’s intentions are good for everyone with me. But… If you ever need someone to lend an ear you can come talk to me.” Her fingers fidgeted with her dress. “I would not mind listening.” That felt like the right thing to say… She hoped.

The room was set up like a dream compared to what she was used to as she came in. There were comforts she had never known. Ashlynn closed the door behind her and she looked up at the large four poster bed with colorful silk around it. It reminded her of Damien’s bed almost. The spread on the bed was a deep blue like her eyes.

There were books on mahogany shelves that she looked over. She knew how to read somewhat but she was willing to learn more just to see what type of things Damien had put on the shelf for her. There was a vanity for her to sit at in the morning and she found her way over to am armoire she opened. There were dresses of all different colors and she spent time feeling the fabric.

They were all so different compared to the tattered one she wore now. Ashlynn felt dizzy from the excitement for a moment as she went and sat on the bed for a moment. She could see herself in the mirror and she just stared for a few moments. Was… that an ornate mirror? Was she really deserving of it?

This was awfully nice for a person like her.

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2018 12:05 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

“Aye, there ya are,” a voice called from behind her. The sound of his boots hitting the floor resounded in the hall. “Lord Damien told me I'd find you wanderin’ 'bout.” The man was just under Damien's height, with a mess of fiery red hair. Ashylnn might have recognized the type, after all, he was from the Highlands as well, though he seemed to carry himself in a kinder manner.

“Angelus, at yer service.” He took a bow. He was dressed in a basic tunic, but held himself fairly rigid, as if he were used to being garbed in heavy armor. At his belt was a sword, one which he kept on his person at all time. “Welcome to the Faith, Angel Ashlynn.” There was a pained look across his face for a moment, but it was gone.

“I see you’ve ascended, just as he had explained. You must realize just how much of a blessin’ this is fer an acolyte to become ascendant so quickly.” He sighed. “No worries though. I trust the Lord with everything, so who am I to judge.”

“Anyway,” he started off. “Follow me. I’ll lead ya to yer quarters. Lord Damien had to do the mornin; sermon this morning, and after that he spent most of his time settin’ ye up.” He led her down the winding halls, finally stopping at a door.

“Well, m’lady Angel, this is where I leave off. Those who aren’t ascendant aren’t allowed in the Angel’s chambers without permission…and those are normally invited…” He glanced off. “Well, they aren’t of the Faith most of the time. Those that are…well, they…” He glanced away, looking ashamed.

“Well, m’dear, it’s been a pleasure.” He started off.

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 8:38 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Now she understood what he meant as she undressed herself. Ashlynn had never known anything about such an act before. He surprised her and at the same time, she found herself hurt by the interaction. Hurt gave way to pleasure though and she enjoyed her time with the demon.

In the morning she found herself sore with a little bruising from the night before. She was sure that Damien had not meant to hurt her as she dressed herself. In the soft light of the room, it was hard to see but Ashlynn’s vessel had a visible glow to her. Almost like she was a true angel. The magic of the pact was surging through her now like a living being.

The little half-elf made her way from his chambers up into the main keep. It took her a while to find her ground and her way around. He had left her with little direction but she managed to find her way somehow. She explored her new home and came across some of the men of the faith. The way they looked at her with big eyes made her think something was wrong. She hadn’t quite figured out she was glowing.

“You look like an angel.”

Ashlynn gave them a bit of a weird look as she tilted her head much like a confused puppy. She didn’t understand their words but Damien had said she would be one of the angels… Maybe they could tell. “Thank you.” The air of Koschei made her shiver and one of the men brought her a blanket and wrapped it around her. Loved and cared for indeed.

She snuggled into the blanket and the man and she spoke for a quite a while. The whole time specks of energy floating into her vessel depending on the man’s attraction towards the little elf. Ashlynn realized she had never gotten quarters to sleep in or had any general idea of where she was going as she finished up her conversation with the man. The dark haired woman wandered the halls feeling a bit more happy than she had for a long time. Finally, she came across a mirror and it caught her eye.

She had a glow. That was what the man had meant.

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 4:16 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Damien’s true form did not show much, if any expression. As a type of lust demon, he did not feed upon food, nor did he drink any form of liquid. He was bound to one type of meal only. The energy he gained from his sexual interactions with those who were willing participants. And thus, having gotten the permission that was required, he placed his hand upon her breast.

“And so the pact will be made.”

He lead her to the bed Undress yourself. Tonight, you shall sleep here. And so began the night where Ashlynn would learn much about the demon and herself, and of how her unique traits would affect her future.

The world you are about to enter is vastly different from the one you have known. No longer will you be restricted to the rule of worldly desire. As you create this bond with me, you are entering into a sacred pact, in which your energy belongs to me, and only me. As such, my sweet Angel, you will go out onto the world, and perform the acts that you will experience on this night to gather this energy, and once you, my new vessel, are filled to the brim, you shall return here and bestow upon me the energy, sealing the pact. And then, only then, will you become one of the truly ascended…only then, can you say that you are a higher being….

The night passed, and in the morning, when she awoke, she was alone.

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 2:15 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

Blue eyes saw the magic waver and for a moment she was scared. He wasn’t what he was supposed to be… but was anyone truly the front they put on? Ashlynn wasn’t sure but she did know that Damien had saved her and he had promised her love and safety. What that entailed had never been discussed between the two so she just had to trust him.

Once they appeared in the room she looked up as she realized how far down they were now. She could always see the magic trails that her mother had and while she wasn’t as talented as her mother she could still see it. Eye leaped to everything in the room as she took it all in. She had never seen such ornate things in her life.

“Half human,” Ashlynn muttered softly. “I’m a half-elf.” She didn’t know if he would turn her away like so many others had in the Highlands for what she was. A magical creature born in a land that shunned it.

Her mouth went dry at his offer but it was merely because she didn’t understand what he meant. Become one with him? That was a weird phrase but she trusted him not to lead her astray. She had no choice in the matter. Finally, the illusion broke and she saw him for what he was. Most would call him a monster but Ashlynn had blinked after her first shocked expression.

The expression died down quickly as her hand came out to feel his face. A monster didn’t have to have a form like this… A monster could be a man just like her father.
“I have nowhere else to go… and even if I did… Did I not say I would stay here with you?” He had paid for her after all. She was rightfully his. Her eyes wavered but only for a moment as her voice was soft and barely audible. “I’ll do whatever you need me to.”

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 9:23 AM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

It was astounding what Ashlynn had seen. Or, not seen, to be more precise. In all of the demon’s years, he had never witnessed a human as broken as her. It made sense, now, why she appeared so alluring. Not only did she have an amazing potential for energy, but she was something akin to the perfect vessel.

Oh my dear, he thought to himself. What has left you with no desire? He held out his hand to her as she came out of the trance. She took it graciously, and he pulled her to her feet. The illusion around his body was shivering slightly. It will not be much longer….

They were no longer in the same room that they had started in. If Ashlynn had any sense, she might be able to tell that they were underneath the keep, hidden from the rest of the convent. He had created his base chamber upstairs for the ‘test’, while his real chambers were far below.

The chambers were far more ornate than he had initially wished, but when he brought people down here, the comfort seemed to set them at ease. Humans were such odd creatures. Despite it, though, he found that the decorations were growing on him. A grand four post bed centered the large room, with light colored silk adorning it. There was a magnificent Sularian grade carpet that lay underneath the majority of the room, brightening the cold stone. On the side of the room was a grand fireplace, with a small fire already going.

“You passed wonderfully. I’ve not seen a human such as yourself with such control over their desire,” he said. “Now…I offer you the choice, which I have offered many.” He glanced back at her. “If you would become one with me, I will grant you the ascension to a higher plane of existence…you would become one of my Angels of the Divine Blood…one of those who I have chosen to become a vessel….”

“I would offer this to you, before any other…because you are different. You are special.” The illusion of his body shattered, and standing before her was the demon in full, his black and blue scales shimmering in the wavering light produced by the fireplace. The chains were no longer draped across his body, replaced with the heavy set of secondary arms, a spine-like tail swishing behind him.

The one thing that remained the same were his piercing cold eyes, which gazed at Ashlynn with a near predatory gaze. “The choice is yours…to become mine, or to return to where you came from…to return to nothing.”

Author: Ashlynn, Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2018 9:41 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

“I’ve never seen something so large before,” Ashlynn tilted her head as her voice remained almost a whisper. Her eyes were on the keep. She was sure that hundreds of her family home could have fit within the walls of the keep. “To ascend?” It wasn’t a question he needed to answer but she was still in a daze about it all. She had hardly been social at all besides those who had come to the farm and visited her mother and father. Her wants and needs were plenty met up until her mother’s death.

Steady blues met Damien’s. “Of course.” She would follow the rules of this place. After all, this was her second chance at life now. All the things that he said she couldn’t have… She had never experienced so there was nothing to miss.

The number of people he had made her jump just a tad. There were so many people from all over Revaliir. Her eyes scanned each and every one of them that were near her as she caught up to Damien. What was this place really? Did she even care?

Once they arrived in his room she tilted her head. “Special? How?” She had never been special in her whole life. Her heart quivered a bit at the thought. It was weird to hear someone have an actual interest in her. Her eyes moved to the chair now as he told her to sit.

“Will it hurt?” The question remained on her lips as she went to the chair to sit down. It was comfortable which surprised her but her eyes drifted to close the longer she was in the chair.

Her desires? True ones? Was there even anything to fight now?

Her dream was a blanket of black in the deepest abyss of her mind. She stood there in the darkness with her heart elevating the longer she stood there. Was this what she wanted? Nothing? There in the darkness was a pair of blue eyes. She knew these eyes and she was starting to know them well. The way they looked at her like a meal at times.

They were Damien’s. They just watched her and there was no movement. It was a staring contest to test the ages and finally, Ashlynn’s eyes woke up as she took a gasp of air from the magic. “It was so dark.” They were the only words that left her lips but only because she didn’t understand. Did she really have no wants in life? It made her sad but still, Damien could give her things now… A purpose would be just fine for her.

Damien was there holding his hand out to her as she took it with almost no hesitation. “Did I pass your test then?”

Author: DivineBlood, Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2018 9:18 PM, Post Subject: The Angel's of Sacrifice [P/R]

As Damien led Ashlynn to the keep, he spoke to her with kind words of encouragement. Despite his initial heavy handed approach, he genuinely wished for the men and women who followed him to come of their own accord. Sure, a little magic was needed sometimes to coax the answer, but the reality was that most who came to the faith, came because they needed it.

“Now, my dear,” he said as they neared the ornate wooden gate. “The keep is old, but sturdy. There are many who, just like you, have come. They may seem overwhelming at first, but I promise you that they mean you no harm.” He glanced back at her, his face as stoic as ever. “Now, please do remember…a lot of these people are broken, in a way. They have all come to the Faith of Temperance to heal, and to ascend…just like you.”

He stopped just short of the gate, turning around to meet Ashlynn’s gaze. “Remember the main tenants. Follow my word. No sex, no drugs, and nothing of excess. Take the advice of my chosen Angels. And, of course, respect the sanctity of all who dwell here.” With that, Damien turned back around, his coat swaying in the wind.

The demon took a step forward, and the gates started to swing open. Awaiting them were several dozens of men and women of all ages and species. They all seemed genuinely happy to see Damien, and greeted him with brilliant smiles. As he walked forward, the crowd parted. A few reached out to touch his arms as he passed, with Ashlynn in tow.

“These people have all accepted the Faith for what it is. A chance to become something more…” He lead her into the main hall, which had transformed from the dust barren hall to something warm and inviting. There was an extravagant red carpet that lead to the back rooms, where hsi chambers were. He lead her back, and closed the door behind him.

“Now. I normally don’t do this, but you, you are special…” Damien pointed. “Go sit.”

His chambers were barren save for a single, ornate chair. Everything else was merely stone. It looked nothing like what anyone would have expected. “Now…we will test your spirit, and see what the Faith has in store for you.”

“Once you sit down, you will enter a world of dreams. Once you do…your true desires will manifest, and you must fight them back. If you pass the test, and remain pure….” Damien held out his arms. “I will let you become my newest Angel…immediately.”