#(santana from fairytale dresses)

[katimanki]

Eyes from 2014 to 2022

I was looking through my digital art and realized I have been constantly changing the way I draw eyes, like every year or so. Some features were kept and some were switched out for new ones. Honestly I haven't been happy with the way I draw eyes for a long while, it's the main reason why my fairytale dresses series had so simple eyes :/

This has me amazed and conflicted at the same time, BUT if you want to take something from this presentation of my art thru out the years, know that art is a skill that can be developed. You can only get better at it by practicing. When I started out digital art I was using a mouse and barely any layers. And now I use the maximum amount of layers(I am exaggerating only a little)

[thegleeacademy]

I’ve been talking about putting this out for a while now, and before we get into the sexcapades that are the TGA holiday Mock Claims, I wanted to finally get this dropped so that we can all work on our characterizations. So you’ve come up with a character name, a faceclaim, and you’ve decided whether they’re a sub or a Dom- what next?

It’s easy to assume that the smut is what draws people to TGA and what has kept me in the admin seat for over ten years, but I have to say that isn’t the truth. The reason that I believe TGA has always been so active and enjoyable is the fact that it has been home to some of the most original, fully developed characters that I’ve ever seen and the tense plot allows for people to explore connections and development extensively. We’ve seen characters come in that have developed into completely different people by the time they leave The Academy. We’ve had some of the most entertaining and eventful ships and family bonds. 

So how do you get that yourself? What do you do in order to flesh out your character and make them stand out? These are my ideas, based on my own experiences and what I’ve seen as admin. Feel free to answer these questions privately to yourself, semi-privately for just the group in our ooc blog, or publicly on your blog for the world to see. You don’t have to answer all of these— or any of them, this is completely optional. Feel free to read other people’s answers too, in order to get a better idea of how you can plot with that character. You may choose to answer this IC or OOC, just make note of that on your post. 

SOME WARM-UP QUESTIONS TO GET IN THE MOOD:

What is their character archetype? Do they have one? Do they fit into any stereotypical label? (If your character has specific thoughts about character archetypes, feel free to add that too.)

What or who would your character dress up as for Halloween?

Who do they look up to? Do they have a hero?

If they could call one person for help, who would it be?

What is their favorite fairytale? What fairytale do they hate? Do they believe in happy endings?

What is their perception of redemption?

If your character could travel through time, where would they go?

What are they good at? Do they like being good at it? Is there anything they wish they were better at?

When did they last lie? What’s their view of lying? When did they last make a promise? Did they keep or break their last promise?

If your character could only save one thing from their burning house, what would it be?

HOW THEY TALK AND PORTRAY THEMSELVES:

*This is going to be the best section to use when it comes to making your characters look, sound, and feel like different people instead of the same person with different faces. Remember that yes, some diction is the same across the board for a lot of people but we’re all individuals and choose to use even the currently trendy vocabulary in our own ways.

The first thing anyone is going to see is how your character talks. What makes them different from everyone else? How do you distinguish one of your characters talking versus another talking?

What words or phrases do they overuse? Do they have a catchphrase?  Is there anyone that they quote?

Are they more optimistic or pessimistic? Are they introverted or extroverted?

Do they ever put on airs? Do they ever pretend to be something they are not? This includes pretending to be brave or pretending to be strict. (For example, many people play Sebastian Smythe as a character that is putting on a sex shark, suave, cold façade in order to fit in. Santana Lopez and Quinn Fabray could also be seen as putting on airs, sometimes, depending on where they are in their story arcs.)

How do they want to be seen by others? How do they see themselves? How are they seen by others?

Strongest character trait? Weakest character trait?

How do they react to praise? How do they react to criticism? Are they most likely to fight with their fists or their tongue?

What are their political views? What will they stand up for? What do they consider an overrated virtue?

How do they treat Dominants? How do they treat submissives? Do they have any preconceived notions about poor people or rich people?

What bad habits do they have?

CHARACTER INTERESTS, LIKES, AND DISLIKES:

What is their obsession? (Example: Rachel Berry is obsessed with Broadway, Quinn Fabray is obsessed with successful perfection, etc)

What is their guilty pleasure? (This doesn’t have to be embarrassing, even if by definition this is something they would hide.)

What are their hobbies? (Remember that these can lead to club activities, which can lead to reasons to be active and make connections)

What are their idiosyncrasies?

What makes them laugh out loud?

What are their pet peeves?

Do they make snap judgements or take time to consider?

What is their greatest fear?

Are they indoorsy or outdoorsy?

What is the most offensive thing they’ve ever said?

FAMILY, LOVE, AND OTHER HUMAN CONNECTIONS:

Is their family big or small? Who does it consist of? How do they define family?

Did they grow up rich or poor? Did they grow up nurtured or neglected?

What were they like before their mark, right after they woke up marked, after they got used to their mark, and approaching time to go to the Academy? Did any of these D/s mark related moments change them as a person?

What advice would they give their younger self?

What was their childhood ambition? Has that changed?

How do they display affection?

What quality do they most value in a friend? Describe their ideal best friend a little bit.

Who are their natural allies?

Who are their surprising allies?

What do they think about love? Has your character ever been in love? Have they ever had their heart broken?

DAILY LIFE AND USING IT FOR STARTERS/CONVOS:

*All of these can be used to help you decide what to write as a starter, how to connect with other people, and where you can find more connections. Remember that all Dom/mes have the right to make a submissive help them through their daily life! So if your Dom/me character has an answer down here that they could use help with (i.e. their morning routine, cooking meals, cleaning house, organizing, etc– if your Dom/me character only has condiments in their fridge, for example, a sub could be a big help in getting them to go to the Dalton kitchens to get real food! And all characters are highly encouraged to interact based on clubs, classes, and daily life.)

What are their eating habits? Do they have any allergies?

Describe their dorm/suite. Are they minimalist or a clutter hoarder?

What do they keep in their fridge? Their bedside table? Their purse/bag?

What do they do first thing on a weekday morning?

What do they do with their weekend?

Are they comfortable with technology?

What is their greatest extravagance?

What is their idea of perfect happiness?

What is their view of ‘freedom’?

What clubs and classes are they in? What does their weekly schedule look like? What would they like to start doing? Maybe something they could use a little push to get into?

[tgastaff]

I’ve been talking about putting this out for a while now, and before we get into the sexcapades that are the TGA Exams, I wanted to finally get this dropped so that we can all work on our characterizations. So you’ve come up with a character name, a faceclaim, and you’ve decided whether they’re a sub or a Dom- what next? 

It’s easy to assume that the smut is what draws people to TGA and what has kept me in the admin seat for ten years, but I have to say tha isn’t the truth. The reason that I believe TGA has always been so active and enjoyable is the fact that it has been home to some of the most original, fully developed characters that I’ve ever seen. 

So how do you get that yourself? What do you do in order to flesh out your character and make them stand out? These are my ideas, based on my own experiences and what I’ve seen as admin. Feel free to answer these questions privately to yourself, semi-privately for just the group in our ooc discord server, or publicly on your blog for the world to see. You don’t have to answer all of these--- or any of them, this is completely optional. 

SOME WARM-UP QUESTIONS TO GET IN THE MOOD:

What is their character archetype? Do they have one? Do they fit into any stereotypical label? (If your character has specific thoughts about character archetypes, feel free to add that too.)

What or who would your character dress up as for Halloween?

Who do they look up to? Do they have a hero?

If they could call one person for help, who would it be?

What is their favorite fairytale? What fairytale do they hate? Do they believe in happy endings?

What is their perception of redemption?

If your character could travel through time, where would they go?

What are they good at? Do they like being good at it? Is there anything they wish they were better at?

When did they last lie? What’s their view of lying? When did they last make a promise? Did they keep or break their last promise?

If your character could only save one thing from their burning house, what would it be?

HOW THEY TALK AND PORTRAY THEMSELVES:

*This is going to be the best section to use when it comes to making your characters look, sound, and feel like different people instead of the same person with different faces. Remember that yes, some diction is the same across the board for a lot of people but we’re all individuals and choose to use even the currently trendy vocabulary in our own ways. 

The first thing anyone is going to see is how your character talks. What makes them different from everyone else? How do you distinguish one of your characters talking versus another talking? 

What words or phrases do they overuse? Do they have a catchphrase?  Is there anyone that they quote?

Are they more optimistic or pessimistic? Are they introverted or extroverted? 

Do they ever put on airs? Do they ever pretend to be something they are not? This includes pretending to be brave or pretending to be strict. (For example, many people play Sebastian Smythe as a character that is putting on a sex shark, suave, cold façade in order to fit in. Santana Lopez and Quinn Fabray could also be seen as putting on airs, sometimes, depending on where they are in their story arcs.)

How do they want to be seen by others? How do they see themselves? How are they seen by others? 

Strongest character trait? Weakest character trait?

How do they react to praise? How do they react to criticism? Are they most likely to fight with their fists or their tongue?

What are their political views? What will they stand up for? What do they consider an overrated virtue?

How do they treat Dominants? How do they treat submissives? Do they have any preconceived notions about poor people or rich people?

What bad habits do they have? 

CHARACTER INTERESTS, LIKES, AND DISLIKES:

What is their obsession? (Example: Rachel Berry is obsessed with Broadway, Quinn Fabray is obsessed with successful perfection, etc)

What is their guilty pleasure? (This doesn’t have to be embarrassing, even if by definition this is something they would hide.)

What are their hobbies? (Remember that these can lead to club activities, which can lead to reasons to be active and make connections)

What are their idiosyncrasies?

What makes them laugh out loud?

What are their pet peeves?

Do they make snap judgements or take time to consider?

What is their greatest fear?

Are they indoorsy or outdoorsy?

What is the most offensive thing they’ve ever said?

FAMILY, LOVE, AND OTHER HUMAN CONNECTIONS:

Is their family big or small? Who does it consist of? How do they define family?

Did they grow up rich or poor? Did they grow up nurtured or neglected?

What were they like before their mark, right after they woke up marked, after they got used to their mark, and approaching time to go to the Academy? Did any of these D/s mark related moments change them as a person?

What advice would they give their younger self?

What was their childhood ambition? Has that changed?

How do they display affection?

What quality do they most value in a friend? Describe their ideal best friend a little bit.

Who are their natural allies?

Who are their surprising allies?

What do they think about love? Has your character ever been in love? Have they ever had their heart broken?

DAILY LIFE AND USING IT FOR STARTERS/CONVOS:

*All of these can be used to help you decide what to write as a starter, how to connect with other people, and where you can find more connections. Remember that all Dom/mes have the right to make a submissive help them through their daily life! So if your Dom/me character has an answer down here that they could use help with (i.e. their morning routine, cooking meals, cleaning house, organizing, etc-- if your Dom/me character only has condiments in their fridge, for example, a sub could be a big help in getting them to go to the Dalton kitchens to get real food! And all characters are highly encouraged to interact based on clubs, classes, and daily life.)

What are their eating habits? Do they have any allergies?

Describe their dorm/suite. Are they minimalist or a clutter hoarder?

What do they keep in their fridge? Their bedside table? Their purse/bag?

What do they do first thing on a weekday morning?

What do they do with their weekend?

Are they comfortable with technology?

What is their greatest extravagance?

What is their idea of perfect happiness?

What is their view of ‘freedom’?

What clubs and classes are they in? What does their weekly schedule look like? What would they like to start doing? Maybe something they could use a little push to get into?

[seeroftodayandtomorrow]

Tdb rewatch: A wedding

German title: Eine Hochzeit, which is an exact translation.

I....don't like the episode. I mean I'm not super disappointed or angry, and the wedding itself certainly looks pretty enough so it's okay. But there is too much I don't like, too much I actually cringe when seeing it. Too many plot holes and open questions, as well. Nothing major, and it's not like we aren't used to that from Glee, but still....

Let's see....why does Kurt tell Walter he's going to the wedding with Blaine, but then later asks Blaine to go to the wedding with him? Why does Walter says he and Kurt need to buy suits when Kurt is part of the wedding party and wears the same suit as anyone else (at least I assume that's why. German weddings don't usually have wedding parties or matching clothes)? Why is Blaine's mom at the wedding and how can she never have met Carole before? Why does Santana so blatantly ignore Brittany's wish to not see each other in their dresses before the wedding? Does Kurt know of Blaine and Dave breaking up?

I'm also not a great fan of the vows. The interjecting is a logical choice, but weird, and none of it see,s like something a person would actally say. The German version changes the "I'm a work in progress"part into "You complete me", and I don't know what to think of it. The Otp hats are just...no, and also I have discovered that from today's perspective, I have a very bad reaction to red hats with white letters on them. Even the wedding songs are weird, particularly Our Day Will Come, which seems like a strange thing to say when, at least from a fairytale-ending perspective, their day has just come. Also, it's more like a Santana-Blaine duet, and I'd have wished for a more equal-rights quartet from both couples.

One of my biggest issues, and I'm very sorry to say this, is the Klaine reunion scene, particularly Chris Colfer's performance. His lines seem very rushed and there is no more emotion to them than he is out of breath because he was running. Also, at, "Unless there's someone else", he's looking around as if expecting someone else gaving moved in already. And I'd have wished for some kind of defining moment for him when he realizes that although he's kind of dating Walter, it's not working for him and he wants Blaine.

My daughter said, A forced wedding? , but that part (not the forced. They were not forced.) I actually don't dislike. I know Klaine fans and Brittana fans alike were disappointed their couple didn't get a wedding episode to themselves, but Glee does love its parallels, so it makes sense. And I like the thought of Britanny looking at Kurt and Blaine as the couple that gave her hope she could be with Santana - though I'd have liked to see something of that in season 2 and 3. Also, as was said in the post I reblogged about a rushed wedding being good for them, I think it's actually not a bad idea for them to be married. I think they both give up too easily, are too quickly discouraged. Being married might give them the chance to work through their issues without giving up on their relationship.

[womenofcolor15]

Inside The Diamond Ball - Everything That Went Down With Rihanna, Cardi & Offset, Meg & Moneybagg Yo, Emily & Fab, Kehlani & YG & More

Rihanna got all glammed up for her 5th annual Diamond Ball that brings out all of her celeb friends. Go inside to see the Bad Gal serve up old Hollywood glam, Cardi B’s Cinderella vibes and her husband Offset's Prince Charming 'fit, plus couples Megan Thee Stallion & Moneybagg Yo, Emily B & Fabolous, Kelani & YG and more…

Rihanna’s 5th Annual Diamond Ball went down at Cipriani Wall Street New York City, following her Savage x Fenty lingerie runway show during New York Fashion Week.

The Bajan beauty hosts the annual gala to benefit her Clara Lionel Foundation, which supports education programs around the world. From lingerie to philanthropy, we stan.

The Grammy Award winning artist never disappoints when it comes to fashion on the carpet for her annual gala and this year was no different. The “Work” singer served up old Hollywood glam in a black Givenchy haute couture gown from Claire Waight Keller's Fall 2019 collection. The gown featured a high neck, long sleeves, and a sheer white cage skirt at the hem.

Not only did she look amazing, she offered up some amazing words about being a proud black woman. And we just…ugh! LOVE HER! Check it:

        View this post on Instagram

                  “I’m a black woman. I came from a black woman who came from a black woman who came from a black woman.” #Rihanna flexed her black excellence at last night’s #DiamondBall. Via @essence #YBFInspiration

A post shared by TheYBF (@theybf_daily) on Sep 13, 2019 at 5:31am PDT

  #BlackExcellence indeed.

Make way for the belle of the ball!

Cardi B hit the carpet in this fairytale-like light pink tiered Georges Hobeika Couture gown. The “Press” rapper loves a princess vibe at Rih’s Diamond Ball. She rocked a princess style Christian Siriano gown to the Diamond Ball in 2017.

Oh, and she had her boo Offset dress as Prince Charming:

Bardi also brought her sister Hennessy Carolina, who rocked a glittery rainbow Georges Hobeika dress that featured a thigh-high leg slit.

Back to the couples...

Rapper Fabolous and Emily B are still together.

Over the summer, drama popped off online after flicks of Fabolous having lunch with a woman surfaced. He claims the woman was a teacher form his son's school and even threatened to sue for defamation. Meanwhile, Emily B was on a girls trip...with some NFL company - i.e. Panthers QB Cam Newton. Weeks later, Fab and Em were spotted at the strip club together, so they're seemingly still working on keeping their relationship solid.

New rap couple Megan Thee Stallion and Moneybagg Yo made their way to the Diamond Ball. These two have been all lovey dovey on social media lately and they're kinda growing on us.

Brand new couple YG and Kehalni made another carpet appearance together.

Kehlani recently vented her frustration at internet trolls (again) and revealed her 3-year battle with "media related PTSD." Catch up HERE.

Oh baby! DJ Khaled - who was tapped to perform - hit the carpet with his pregnant partner Nicole. They're gearing up for baby #2.

Pharrell Williams - who was tapped to perform - made his way on the carpet with his wife and mother of his kids, Helen.

Rapper ASAP Ferg and his model/photographer girlfriend Renell Medrano served up coupledom vibes.

NBA baller Carmelo Anthony hit the carpet - solo - sans his estranged wife LaLa Anthony. She was in attendance though.

Singer Normani stepped outside of the box in this J'Aton Couture dress. We feelin' it?

Rapper A$AP Rocky has been all over the place since he made it back to the United States following his assault case in Sweden.

He rocked a Raf Simons ensemble from the SS 2020 collection.

Rapper/REFORM co-chair Meek Mill was in the mix, dapping up fellow rapper YG on the carpet.

"Love & Hip Hop" star Cyn Santana - who is single these days - posed it up in a Garo Sparo dress, Stella Hues shoes, and Erickson Beamon earrings. She brought her "LAAH" co-star Jonathan Fernandez as her date.

Model/"Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood" star Slick Woods popped up on the carpet to support Rih's cause. If you didn't know, she went into labor right after hitting the carpet for Rihanna's Savage x Fenty runway show last year.

Hey, 2 Chainz!

"Power" star Naturi Naughton rocked this pink and black striped Rubin Singer gown, accessorized with Dannijo jewels and a Judith Leiber bag.

Well, hello there! Actress Paula Patton worked this Valentino number on Rih's purple carpet.

"Love & Hip Hop" star Yandy Smith looked gorge when she hit the carpet.

Terrence J - who's currently hosting "Power's" after show - was all smiles.

Raptress Rapsody was in the mix.

Fat Joe hit the carpet in his blue suit before hitting the stage to perform.

Model Cindy Bruna showed off her stems in this green high-low Rami Kadi dress.

Celebrity stylist June Ambrose kept it simple and sexy in a Bibhu Mohapatra RTW dress.

"Love & Hip Hop" star Erica Mena was also in the mix.

Inside...

Rih made her way on stage with Pharrell to perform their hit track, "Lemon."

Yo Gotti, DJ Khaled and ASAP Ferg also hit the stage to perform.

Cardi was spotted chatting up journalist/activist Shaun King, who was honored during the event.

He shared a video of his wife turning up during the party:

        View this post on Instagram

                  Dance @mrsraiking

A post shared by Shaun King (@shaunking) on Sep 12, 2019 at 10:18pm PDT

  During the action, Bardi experienced a faux pas. She apparently outbid herself during the charity portion of the event where she was trying to nab Rih's upcoming coffee table book.

PEOPLE reports:

At first, Cardi bid $106K on the designer table top book, even though the auctioneer had asked for $110K. After another bidder rang in at $107K, the singer upped her bid to $108K before bidding a final $111K — $1,000 more than the auctioneer had asked for.

“Do you know how this works?” the auctioneer joked, but Cardi — who attended the event with husband Offset — appeared unbothered and celebrated with her hands in the air as she won the coffee table book.

Ha!

Well, aren't they cute!

Rapper 21 Savage came out to party.

Check out video from inside Rih's LIT Diamond Ball below: 

        View this post on Instagram

                      A post shared by Francois L (@francoisjclebon) on Sep 13, 2019 at 5:29am PDT

            View this post on Instagram

                  Riri and @pharrell with LEMON at #DiamondBall @badgalriri - - - #rihanna #singer #rihannanavy #navy #bff #fentybeauty #rihannafenty #love #sexy #queen #riri #sephora #photooftheday #music #pop #robyn #fenty #rih #beautiful #robynfenty #R9 #italy #savagexfenty #savage #ProFiltrConcealer #spotify #prokissrbalm #SavageXCLF #SAVAGEXFENTYSHOW

A post shared by RihannaWorld (@badririworld) on Sep 13, 2019 at 5:05am PDT

            View this post on Instagram

          ��           A post shared by Hip Hop U-C-IT (@hhucit_) on Sep 13, 2019 at 4:36am PDT

            View this post on Instagram

                      A post shared by FENTY NATION (@fentynation) on Sep 13, 2019 at 4:24am PDT

            View this post on Instagram

                      A post shared by miRi (@goodgalgonebadgal) on Sep 13, 2019 at 4:24am PDT

            View this post on Instagram

                      A post shared by DB (@underground.hits.productions) on Sep 13, 2019 at 4:19am PDT

  Fun times.

  Photos: Getty/Instar/Backgrid

[Read More ...] source http://theybf.com/2019/09/13/rihanna-serves-up-old-hollywood-glam-at-diamond-ball-cardi-ella-b-outbids-herself-normani

[formerlyrunephoenix6769]

Shelby Deveruex, or rather Sarah as she was known in certain circles before she had married, was not a privileged woman, however that did not mean that she was not comfortable. She was the wife of a successful and respected merchant, his business sometimes carrying him off to the far corners of the known world for months on end.

Ask anyone in the bustling hub of the trading town nestled in the Harque  region and they would tell you that Shelby was a good individual. She taught the Sunday school, paying extra attention to those that struggled. She was courteous and polite, regardless of anyone's station. She and her husband would always stock the apples for the apple bobbing stall at the Harvest dance and they would always be willing over look a payment on groceries if a family fell on hard times.

All in all, she was a kind natured soul. And she was, but as with all things, there are always two sides to a tale.

Unbeknownst to her neighbours she had for a brief period been under the tutelage of a Grand High Mystic, before he had been brutally murdered, burnt at the stake for heresy and witchcraft. He had kept his tongue, refusing to name his brethren, giving her chance to get away and find herself a new life.

Now, she kept her beliefs and practises under firm wraps. She busied herself with the Church and the goings on of the locals to throw off suspicion. She even went so far as to dress down and not draw attention to her striking features. She would pull her long, silky dark brown hair into a braid and wear clothes that allowed very little skin to show.

Nobody pointed a finger and made accusations of witch craft as fast as a jealous, attention starved wife.

She would laugh internally at the Father on the pulpit at  Mass, mouth foaming with fanaticism as he ranted and raved about the goings on of the Witches.

She couldn't ever remember being naked, dancing round a fire in the dead of night. Well there was that one time at the Summer Solstice but that had been her initiation, she had been quite drunk on mead so that didn't count. She most certainly didn't eat children and she had no idea what enjoyment anyone would derive from cursing a cow.

Animals got sick, just the same as people.

Being she was ever cautious, she could not pay homage to Gaia as much as she would like, too afraid that she would be discovered, but was one part of her heritage that she could openly embrace and she did.

Her familiar.

Her majestic white dove, Ashel.

Many of the townsfolk commented that the sight of Ashel perched upon the roof of Shelby's dwelling, or high up on the Church tower brought them a sense of peace and well being. Ashel truly was a sign.

Shelby's husband had bought a pair and she had explained to the fascinated townsfolk that the breeding pair would help her and her husband communicate. They could tie tiny scrolls to their legs and the cock would fly off to find its hen. There had been a chorus of warm sighs and aww's .

It was a pile of codswallop.

Her husband had been intercepted by one of her fellow Mystics and encouraged to buy the pair, there by delivering her new familiar straight to her door.

If her husband had cared to look he would have seen that the birds weren't even the same breed. Her dove was almost twice the size of the other.

When her husband had left with his, she had muttered good riddance. Needless to say, a 'dove letter' never arrived and she feigned sympathy at her husband's loss when he returned and found his cock had not.

However her dove Ashel did do her job to perfection, flying fair and wide over the countryside delivering her words to her scattered sisters and returning with the important news.

One such scroll had done just that.

She tossed a handful of grain out onto the thoroughfare outside her shop for the hungry birds. Ashel bobbed and weaved amongst the red feathered hens that clucked and pecked at the bright yellow kernels amongst the dry earth.

"Hi Mrs D" a small boy called out as he led his bare foot little sister down the road.

"Bonjour Pascal,." She replied with a grin and a wave. " I have something for Celine and you.”

She leaned over the counter and retrieved the parchment, with its raised dots and divets, grooves and swirls and two apples.

“For you , both.”

Pascal swiftly took the apples, one disappearing and the other firmly clamped between his teeth. Shelby watched as he made a show of sniffing the offered fruit , his eyes darting to and fro, and offering the apple back out,

“You bite it first!”

Shelby bit deeply. Her nose crinkled, her eyes went wide. She couldn’t breath. Sweeping his sister behind him, Pascal took a few steps back.

Shelby coughed, her eyes watered.

A small hand reached out for the fabric or her dress..

“Miss,-”

Shelby chewed and swallowed,

“Was expecting it to be sweeter!”

She offered it back to Pascal, who eagerly bit into it, tasting it before offering the rest to his sister.  

Kneeling down, she regarded the girl,

“Celine, I have a little something,.. Just for you ..And your..”

Reaching out, finger tips touched parchment.

“What is it?”

“Feel it..”

Unrolling it, her finger tips explored the surface. Her brows crinkled before breaking into a smile,

“Merci, Ms  Deveruex.”

Taking the apple out of her brother’s unexpected grasp she giggled, before taking a bite and tossing it back at him.

Pascal fumbled,

“what does it say?? Show me.. “

“Noo, why should I?”

“Cause I wanna see!”

“duuh, that’s the whole point, dum dum.”

Shelby called out,

“Make sure you know all the Saints by morning."

He returned it with a gapped toothed smile and an enthusiastic wave of his own hand.

"I will. ..See you tomorrow."

Celine laughed,

“But I wont!”

Shelby watched with a warm smile as the two began playing catch up, the footbeats keeping time with each other.

Checking the coast was clear, Shelby leant back against the warm brickwork, slowly teasing open the miniscule scroll.

If found by prying eyes, it would look like a jumble of simple words. However the seemingly random words held more meaning to those that could decipher them. Shelby had learnt plenty under her tutor's watchful eye and she had turned into a more than competent Mystic.

She was fluent in a her own languages , merchant sign, and feter speak.

The news upon the parchment was distressing indeed.

Everybody in the region knew of the story of the place that was hidden with in the streets of the neighbouring trading town.

For nearly thirty years the  residence had remained empty. Bold teenage boys did not dare each other to prove their manliness and even vagabonds dare not seek shelter with in its walls.

Shelby herself would have been but a teenager when word of the vile atrocity had been whispered and murmured by merchants and tradesmen in the ale houses of her village.

Small papers had been written and pictures drawn. Townsfolk and farmers alike crowding round those that could read, listening in hushed silence,

In the early morning an apprentice ostler from one of the inns had come running to retrieve the Doctor and had stumbled upon an horrific scene.

The room was in disarray, furniture splintered, tables over turned. Blood lined the walls and even dripped from the ceiling. Amongst the chaos lay the bodies of the family, drenched in their own blood.

One of the boys had been so brutally beaten, his skull caved, he was completely recognizable. Another had had his throat torn out, as if gnawed on by a savage hound. Their limbs snapped and bent at eye watering angles.

The most heart wrenching part had been the infant sister. Beneath the broken and mutilated bodies of her brothers and Father, she had been discovered curled in a ball, wearing her older sister's sleep shirt. The five year old little girl looked as if she was sleeping, still clutching her teddy to her chest. The shit and urine stains on her shirt tail the only outward indication that she had witnessed the horror which would be her last memories on earth.

The rumor mill had gone into over drive, washer women and midwifes gossiping amongst themselves.

Some speculated a robbery gone wrong. Passing bandits or mercenaries thinking a Doctor must have riches.

Others, a deranged patient, wild and feral with madness.

Some held the travelling gypsies responsible.

Disturbingly, some claimed that Doctor himself had killed his family consumed with grief due to the tragic loss of his eldest and by all accounts the apple of his eye, his wilful, eldest Daughter.

The culprit was never found or brought to justice. So many new faces based through the hub of the large trading town on a daily basis the sheriff had no idea where to begin his investigation. Instead the crime had slipped into obscurity, whispered as a grim fairytale to frighten wilful children.

"If you don't go to sleep the Doctor with come and gobble you up!"

Somebody had painstakingly tended to their graves over the long years and the locals sighed that at least the Lopez clan had reunited in the afterlife

But the tiny scrap of paper in the palm of Shelby's hand said other wise.

Santana was alive, well as alive as a vampire could be.

Shelby knew that many of the cunning folk were vehement purists and would not hesitate to exterminate the Undesirable, she viewed them as lacking vision for their future.

But times had changed, they were in the middle of a war and they were losing.

The Mystic covens were weak and were too few. They had been hunted to the brink of extinction. Apprentices no longer came knocking on their door, eager to learn herb lore and the ways of the Orders.

Once over, finding youngsters with a knack or natural talent had been easy, now the boys listened to gold and the girls doted on husbands and possessions. People no longer cared for the flow of energies that came from the land. They no longer paid homage to Gaia or the Horned One on the Solstice.

The cunning folks power and knowledge passed via the word of mouth, if there was nobody to pass it to, all would be lost.

Maybe a creature like Santana was exactly what they needed to change the tide?

Who knew the power that her blood might hold? Who knew the potions and charms that could be created from it.

Shelby had heard tale that some Vampires had abilities and she wondered for a moment if they might carry through.

They had to get to Santana first and the Vagabond would be perfect man in mind for the job.

Quickly, she made her way inside into the gloom the shop. She clicked her fingers and muttered a quick charm in Swato, causing the lantern on the counter to ignite. Deftly she plucked the quill out of the ink well, beside the accounts ledger ignoring how the ink dribbled upon the stained wood.

Hurriedly, she wrote out a message on the back of the small scroll, signing it with her usual code. Abandoning the feather upon the counter, she rolled the paper as tightly as she could before making her way back outside.

Shelby clucked her tongue. Ashel gave a small flap of her dazzling white wings, alighting on her Mistress' outreached arm. The bird purred and blinked, patiently waiting. As Shelby began to affix the letter into the miniscule holder on the dove's leg, she affectionately coo'ed,

"I know my sweet.." The bird bobbed her head, narrowing her eyes. Shelby continued, "I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

The white bird gave a flicker of its wings as the Hedge witch stroked its head lovingly. Bringing Ashel closer to her lips, she uttered, faintly,

"Find the Vagabond."

With a swing of her arm, she helped launch her beloved guardian into the air, marvelling how effortless the bird moved. She remained in the thoroughfare, staring up into the summer evening sky until Ashel became a speck, lost against the back drop of lazy clouds.

[cherubidae]

Promise angels (porcelain variant)

The first angel is Santana (4 ft), mercenary of the broken promise. They tie up loose ends and hunt down those who have run away from an agreement. They don't take their work lightly, therefore asking for their help with something like a quarrel between friends would be disastrous.

The second angel is Louison the Usurper (3 ft 2), a key figure in a fairytale about an angel who promises an exploited peasant the throne. They fulfil their promise, however the slaughter of the corrupt monarchy is often removed in the children's version of the story.

The third angel is nameless, and they have lived mostly unobserved in a church/field hospital for 200 years (they are the largest angel of the three, at 4 ft 9). During the peak of the war, they decided their skills would be best used to heal than to harm, so they stitch up wounds, dress injuries, and put pins in fractures when no staff are around. While the nurses tend to dismiss their patients seeing an angel as a fever hallucination, they cannot explain the sudden fusing of skin, muscle, and bone.

[misscampbellclarington]

Out of Character Task

SOME WARM-UP QUESTIONS TO GET IN THE MOOD:

What is their character archetype? Do they have one? Do they fit into any stereotypical label? (If your character has specific thoughts about character archetypes, feel free to add that too.) I don’t know that Campbell fits into any archetype. I suppose if she did, it would be the ‘pretty girl who comes off as stuck up but is actually really nice’ archetype.

What or who would your character dress up as for Halloween? Generally, Campbell enjoys dressing up in costumes one might expect to find at a masquerade ball.

Who do they look up to? Do they have a hero? Campbell looks up to Riley, and he is her hero. She also admires and looks up to her paternal grandmother.

If they could call one person for help, who would it be? Riley. Every time.

What is their favorite fairytale? What fairytale do they hate? Do they believe in happy endings? Campbell’s favorite fairytale is Beauty and the Beast.

What is their perception of redemption? Campbell does believe people can redeem themselves, and she believes everyone makes mistakes. However, she does have the ‘Clarington Cold Streak’, and even she has limits. 

If your character could travel through time, where would they go? Campbell would go to 1940′s Paris.

What are they good at? Do they like being good at it? Is there anything they wish they were better at? She is good at dance, writing, singing, and school. Yes, she enjoys each of her activities. She wishes she were better at math. 

When did they last lie? What’s their view of lying? When did they last make a promise? Did they keep or break their last promise? Campbell doesn’t often flat-out lie, she more lies by omission. Though, she’s been primarily straightforward here, nothing is coming to mind. She does not tolerate dishonesty from others, and it is the quickest way to push her into punishing a Submissive. However, in certain scenarios, she does recognize that it is necessary. Before entering Dalton, she promised Riley she’d do her best to protect and shield him. Thus far, she’s doing pretty well. She feels guilty for not putting Riley under orders after Beau’s call out post, and feels as though she both could and should have done more. 

If your character could only save one thing from their burning house, what would it be? Oh, gosh. Probably her books. And/or her journal.

HOW THEY TALK AND PORTRAY THEMSELVES:

*This is going to be the best section to use when it comes to making your characters look, sound, and feel like different people instead of the same person with different faces. Remember that yes, some diction is the same across the board for a lot of people but we’re all individuals and choose to use even the currently trendy vocabulary in our own ways.

The first thing anyone is going to see is how your character talks. What makes them different from everyone else? How do you distinguish one of your characters talking versus another talking? Campbell, for the most part, is very prim and proper in her speech. She does not use a lot of contractions, her vocabulary is extensive, and she occasionally comes across as cold in her speech.

What words or phrases do they overuse? Do they have a catchphrase?  Is there anyone that they quote? She overuses “I am glad...”. She does not have a catchphrase, though she does like to throw in various literary references and quotes. 

Are they more optimistic or pessimistic? Are they introverted or extroverted? Although she attempts to be optimistic, she is truly forever the realist. Cam is definitely more introverted than most. 

Do they ever put on airs? Do they ever pretend to be something they are not? This includes pretending to be brave or pretending to be strict. (For example, many people play Sebastian Smythe as a character that is putting on a sex shark, suave, cold façade in order to fit in. Santana Lopez and Quinn Fabray could also be seen as putting on airs, sometimes, depending on where they are in their story arcs.) Campbell’s entire public life is shaped by her putting on airs. As a Clarington, she has been trained on how to act in public- never anything less than classy, with a healthy heap of perfection. In reality, Campbell is a bit of a mess.

How do they want to be seen by others? How do they see themselves? How are they seen by others? Cam wants to be seen as respectable, classy, and ‘powerful’, in a way. She sees herself as broken, and as a mess. Ultimately, I think she may be seen as a bitch, or intimidating. It’s the resting bitchface and the fact that she is very quiet and enjoys observing.

Strongest character trait? Weakest character trait? Strongest character trait is her resilience, and her ability to push through regardless of the chaos around her. Her weakest character trait is her fear of being alone, and the dark places that fear and those thoughts take her to. 

How do they react to praise? How do they react to criticism? Are they most likely to fight with their fists or their tongue? In all situations, Campbell does her best to keep her composure. She doesn’t really know what to do with praise, or how to respond. She doesn’t see herself as worthy of praise, and is a bit confused an taken aback when others praise her, or say good/nice things. Criticism fuels Campbell- she’s so used to getting it from her parents, and she uses it constructively, to add to her quest for perfection. She is far, far more likely to fight with her tongue. I don’t think she would even know what to do in a physical fight.

What are their political views? What will they stand up for? What do they consider an overrated virtue? Campbell generally maintains a position of independence in her political views. She does not associate herself fully with any party, though publicly she agrees with whatever stance her father takes. Campbell will stand up for just about any injustice, even if she must do so in small ways. Polite women, trained meet society’s view on what women should be, even as Dommes.

How do they treat Dominants? How do they treat submissives? Do they have any preconceived notions about poor people or rich people? Ultimately, Campbell attempts to treat everyone the same, though she is very well aware of the fact that this may be viewed as inappropriate. Publicly, she may treat Submissives slightly different, primarily in her actions, but she hates it. She tries not to have preconceived notions about anyone, although her upbringing does make this hard. Her first thoughts may always be judgement as that is what she has been taught, but she always reminds herself to reconsider and be kinder. She aims to connect with others, genuinely.

What bad habits do they have? Campbell’s bad habit is getting too focused on/caught up in her work and studies, and forgetting to take care of herself. 

CHARACTER INTERESTS, LIKES, AND DISLIKES:

What is their obsession? (Example: Rachel Berry is obsessed with Broadway, Quinn Fabray is obsessed with successful perfection, etc) Campbell is obsessed with perfection.

What is their guilty pleasure? (This doesn’t have to be embarrassing, even if by definition this is something they would hide.) Cam’s guilty pleasure is reality TV. 

What are their hobbies? (Remember that these can lead to club activities, which can lead to reasons to be active and make connections) Her hobbies are dance, singing, writing, and reading.

What are their idiosyncrasies? Cam chews her cheeks when she’s anxious, and always brings her hand to her mouth when she’s thinking.

What makes them laugh out loud? Random things- cute animals, funny children, and a variety of other things that would have to occur in the moment.

What are their pet peeves? Campbell cannot stand when people whine about results after putting in no effort. Dishonesty. And, people who do not rinse dishes before placing them into the sink.

Do they make snap judgements or take time to consider? She has been trained to make snap judgments, but she does correct herself and internally forces herself to take things slowly and make considerations.

What is their greatest fear? Ending up alone, never finding another Submissive, not being good enough, failure, and gnomes.

Are they indoorsy or outdoorsy? This varies by day. Generally indoorsy, though she does enjoy nature and occasionally likes to walk to spark inspiration for her writing.

What is the most offensive thing they’ve ever said? There have been far too many things to pick only one. 

FAMILY, LOVE, AND OTHER HUMAN CONNECTIONS:

Is their family big or small? Who does it consist of? How do they define family? Campbell’s family is average-sized, consisting of herself, her twin Riley, and their older brother Hunter, along with their parents. Extended family creates a larger network, but they still aren’t a big, huge family by any means. Campbell defines family as the people you want to be around if you had only 24 hours left to live.

Did they grow up rich or poor? Did they grow up nurtured or neglected? Although she grew up rich, and never lacked or wanted for anything materialistic, she was neglected emotionally and desperately wanted more love, acceptance, and interaction.

What were they like before their mark, right after they woke up marked, after they got used to their mark, and approaching time to go to the Academy? Did any of these D/s mark related moments change them as a person? Campbell did not really change once she got her mark. She had always been raised to be as she is, and being marked as a Domme did nothing to effect that. Prior to coming to the Academy, she became more quiet and withdrawn, due to her nerves about going into another Academy situation.

What advice would they give their younger self? She would truthfully tell her younger self not to care so damn much. To be free, to be a child, to begin learning young to have fun and most importantly learn to love herself.

What was their childhood ambition? Has that changed? Campbell wanted to be a professional performer, and yes those goals have somewhat changed. While deep down she would love to continue dancing and performing, she feels as though this is not realistic, and knows her family would look down upon the choice. Therefore, she is focusing on her writing.

How do they display affection? In a situation with someone she doesn’t know very well, she presents affection with her words. Praise. Doing her best to show that she cares. With someone she may know better, and can be a little bolder with, she may take someone’s hand, wrap an arm around their waist, or rest her head against them. 

What quality do they most value in a friend? Describe their ideal best friend a little bit. Campbell most values someone who ‘gets’ her. Someone easy to talk to, who doesn’t make her feel wrong for how she feels things. Her ideal best friend is someone she can hang out with, and be comfortable both talking all night, or just lounging and doing their own things, in each others’ presence. 

Who are their natural allies? Campbell gets along with people who are like-minded, people who carry themselves well and value image and Dominance.

Who are their surprising allies? Someone like Hunter Preston or Michael Guerin.

What do they think about love? Has your character ever been in love? Have they ever had their heart broken? Campbell does believe in love, but has determined she will probably never find it. Following the death of the Submissive she very nearly claimed, she closed herself off, afraid of being a terrible Domme and feeling like a failure, she convinced herself she wouldn’t get a second chance. She has, but not in the traditional way. Her heart broke the day Kallee died. 

DAILY LIFE AND USING IT FOR STARTERS/CONVOS:

*All of these can be used to help you decide what to write as a starter, how to connect with other people, and where you can find more connections. Remember that all Dom/mes have the right to make a submissive help them through their daily life! So if your Dom/me character has an answer down here that they could use help with (i.e. their morning routine, cooking meals, cleaning house, organizing, etc-- if your Dom/me character only has condiments in their fridge, for example, a sub could be a big help in getting them to go to the Dalton kitchens to get real food! And all characters are highly encouraged to interact based on clubs, classes, and daily life.)

What are their eating habits? Do they have any allergies? Campbell is a grazer- it is rare to see her eat a full meal. Perhaps a bite of something here, two bites of something there. She gets so wrapped up in her work, stress, and emotions that she often needs to be reminded to take a break and at least eat. She is allergic to cherries and tomatoes. 

Describe their dorm/suite. Are they minimalist or a clutter hoarder? Campbell’s room is pristine, and very organized. Everything is alphabetized, color coded, folded, and pressed. Everything has a place, and she can tell if something is even minimally askew. 

What do they keep in their fridge? Their bedside table? Their purse/bag? In her fridge, Campbell keeps bottled water, coconut milk, low fat vanilla yogurt, salad ingredients, and bagels/cream cheese. On her bedside table she keeps a wax warmer, her journal, and whatever book she is working on reading. In her purse, Cam keeps her daily planner, her cell phone, chapstick, lipstick, a powder compact, extra tampons, a small manicure set, a lighter, and a metal cigarette holder (she smokes 1-2 cigarettes a day).

What do they do first thing on a weekday morning? The first thing Campbell does on a weekday morning is shower. 

What do they do with their weekend? On the weekends, Campbell reads, dances, has movie marathons, and goes jogging.

Are they comfortable with technology? Yes, though she is no whiz. She knows enough to get by, and maybe a little extra.

What is their greatest extravagance? Campbell’s wardrobe.

What is their idea of perfect happiness? Being free. Being able to be herself, wholly. 

What is their view of ‘freedom’? The ability to do, say, wear, and act whatever and however she pleases. No longer being forced to constantly chase and meet the most unrealistic of expectations.

What clubs and classes are they in? What does their weekly schedule look like? What would they like to start doing? Maybe something they could use a little push to get into? Aside from her required courses, Campbell has chosen to take Government and Human Anatomy. She is on the dance team and in Key Club. She has room for one more extracurricular, and is heavily considering Book Club or Linguistics Club. Her weekly schedule is steady, and unchanging, as she enjoys order and is very particular about her time-tables. She attends classes, then goes to the library for two hours after they end, before considering seeking food. Barring club meetings and practices, she is back in her room by 7PM, where she takes the time to read, watch a movie, or entertain a Submissive. She would like to branch out a little more, and meet a few more people, though her introverted tendencies 

[formerlyrunephoenix6769]

Thought I’d dust this off. Vamp Verse. written back in 2014,

CHARACTER : SARAH DEVERUEX.

X

VAMPVERSE

X

Basque region of FRANCE. Early 1700's.

x

Shelby Deveruex, or rather Sarah as she was known in certain circles before she had married, was not a privileged woman, however that did not mean that she was not comfortable. She was the wife of a successful and respected merchant, his business sometimes carrying him off to the far corners of the known world for months on end.

Ask anyone in the bustling hub of the trading town nestled in the Harque  region and they would tell you that Shelby was a good individual. She taught the Sunday school, paying extra attention to those that struggled. She was courteous and polite, regardless of anyone's station. She and her husband would always stock the apples for the apple bobbing stall at the Harvest dance and they would always be willing overlook a payment on groceries if a family fell on hard times.

All in all, she was a kind natured soul. And she was, but as with all things, there are always two sides to a tale.

Unbeknownst to her neighbours she had for a brief period been under the tutelage of a Grand High Mystic, before he had been brutally murdered, burnt at the stake for heresy and witchcraft. He had kept his tongue, refusing to name his brethren, giving her chance to get away and find herself a new life.

Now, she kept her beliefs and practices under firm wraps. She busied herself with the Church and the goings on of the locals to throw off suspicion. She even went so far as to dress down and not draw attention to her striking features. She would pull her long, silky dark brown hair into a braid and wear clothes that allowed very little skin to show.

Nobody pointed a finger and made accusations of witchcraft as fast as a jealous, attention starved wife.

She would laugh internally at the Father on the pulpit at  Mass, mouth foaming with fanaticism as he ranted and raved about the goings on of the Witches.

She couldn't ever remember being naked, dancing round a fire in the dead of night. Well there was that one time at the Summer Solstice but that had been her initiation, she had been quite drunk on mead so that didn't count. She most certainly didn't eat children and she had no idea what enjoyment anyone would derive from cursing a cow.

Animals got sick, just the same as people.

Being she was ever cautious, she could not pay homage to Gaia as much as she would like, too afraid that she would be discovered, but was one part of her heritage that she could openly embrace and she did.

Her familiar.

Her majestic white dove, Ashel.

Many of the townsfolk commented that the sight of Ashel perched upon the roof of Shelby's dwelling, or high up on the Church tower brought them a sense of peace and well being. Ashel truly was a sign.

Shelby's husband had bought a pair and she had explained to the fascinated townsfolk that the breeding pair would help her and her husband communicate. They could tie tiny scrolls to their legs and the cock would fly off to find its hen. There had been a chorus of warm sighs and aww's .

It was a pile of codswallop.

Her husband had been intercepted by one of her fellow Mystics and encouraged to buy the pair, there by delivering her new familiar straight to her door.

If her husband had cared to look he would have seen that the birds weren't even the same breed. Her dove was almost twice the size of the other.

When her husband had left with his, she had muttered good riddance. Needless to say, a 'dove letter' never arrived and she feigned sympathy at her husband's loss when he returned and found his cock had not.

However her dove Ashel did do her job to perfection, flying fair and wide over the countryside delivering her words to her scattered sisters and returning with the important news.

One such scroll had done just that.

She tossed a handful of grain out onto the thoroughfare outside her shop for the hungry birds. Ashel bobbed and weaved amongst the red feathered hens that clucked and pecked at the bright yellow kernels amongst the dry earth.

"Hi Mrs D" a small boy called out as he led his bare foot little sister down the road.

"Bonjour Pascal,." She replied with a grin and a wave. " I have something for Celine and you.”

She leaned over the counter and retrieved the parchment, with its raised dots and divets, grooves and swirls and two apples.

“For you , both.”

Pascal swiftly took the apples, one disappearing and the other firmly clamped between his teeth. Shelby watched as he made a show of sniffing the offered fruit , his eyes darting to and fro, and offering the apple back out,

“You bite it first!”

Shelby bit deeply. Her nose crinkled, her eyes went wide. She couldn’t breath. Sweeping his sister behind him, Pascal took a few steps back.

Shelby coughed, her eyes watered.

A small hand reached out for the fabric or her dress..

“Miss,-”

Shelby chewed and swallowed,

“Was expecting it to be sweeter!”

She offered it back to Pascal, who eagerly bit into it, tasting it before offering the rest to his sister.  

Kneeling down, she regarded the girl,

“Celine, I have a little something,.. Just for you ..And your..”

Reaching out, little fingertips touched parchment.

“What is it?”

“Feel it..”

Unrolling it, little finger tips explored the surface. Her brows crinkled before breaking into a smile,

“Merci, Ms  Deveruex.”

Taking the apple out of her brother’s unexpected grasp she giggled, before taking a bite and tossing it back at him.

Pascal fumbled,

“what does it say?? Show me.. “

“Noo, why should I?”

“Cause I wanna see!”

“Duuh, that’s the whole point, dum dum. It’s not meant to be *seen*, it’s meant to be *felt*” Celine good naturedly teased

Shelby called out,

“Make sure you know all the Saints by morning."

He returned it with a gapped toothed smile and an enthusiastic wave of his own hand.

"I will. ..See you tomorrow."

Celine laughed,

“But I wont!”

Shelby watched with a warm smile as the two began playing catch up, the footbeats keeping time with each other.

Checking the coast was clear, Shelby leant back against the warm brickwork, slowly teasing open the minuscule scroll.

If found by prying eyes, it would look like a jumble of simple words. However the seemingly random words held more meaning to those that could decipher them. Shelby had learnt plenty under her tutor's watchful eye and she had turned into a more than competent Mystic.

She was fluent in a her own languages, merchant sign, and feter speak.

The news upon the parchment was distressing indeed.

Everybody in the region knew of the story of the place that was hidden with in the streets of the neighbouring trading town.

For nearly thirty years the  residence had remained empty. Bold teenage boys did not dare each other to prove their manliness and even vagabonds dare not seek shelter with in its walls.

Shelby herself would have been but a teenager when word of the vile atrocity had been whispered and murmured by merchants and tradesmen in the alehouses of her village.

Small papers had been written and pictures drawn. Townsfolk and farmers alike crowding round those that could read, listening in hushed silence,

In the early morning an apprentice ostler from one of the inns had come running to retrieve the Doctor and had stumbled upon an horrific scene.

The room was in disarray, furniture splintered, tables overturned. Blood lined the walls and even dripped from the ceiling. Amongst the chaos lay the bodies of the family, drenched in their own blood.

One of the boys had been so brutally beaten, his skull caved, he was completely recognizable. Another had had his throat torn out, as if gnawed on by a savage hound. Their limbs snapped and bent at eye watering angles.

The most heart wrenching part had been the infant sister. Beneath the broken and mutilated bodies of her brothers and Father, she had been discovered curled in a ball, wearing her older sister's sleep shirt. The five year old little girl looked as if she was sleeping, still clutching her teddy to her chest. The shit and urine stains on her shirt tail the only outward indication that she had witnessed the horror which would be her last memories on earth.

The rumor mill had gone into overdrive, washer women and midwives gossiping amongst themselves.

Some speculated a robbery gone wrong. Passing bandits or mercenaries thinking a Doctor must have riches.

Others, a deranged patient, wild and feral with madness.

Some held the travelling gypsies responsible.

Disturbingly, some claimed that Doctor himself had killed his family consumed with grief due to the tragic loss of and by all accounts the apple of his eye, his wilful, eldest Daughter.

The culprit was never found or brought to justice. So many new faces passed through the hub of the large trading town on a daily basis the sheriff had no idea where to begin his investigation. Instead the crime had slipped into obscurity, whispered as a grimm fairytale to frighten wilful children.

"If you don't go to sleep, the Doctor with come and gobble you up!"

Somebody had painstakingly tended to their graves over the long years and the locals sighed that at least the Lopez clan had reunited in the afterlife

But the tiny scrap of paper in the palm of Shelby's hand said otherwise.

Santana was alive, well as alive as a vampire could be.

Shelby knew that many of the cunning folk were vehement purists and would not hesitate to exterminate the Undesirable, she viewed them as lacking vision for their future.

But times had changed, they were in the middle of a war and they were losing.

The Mystic covens were weak and were too few. They had been hunted to the brink of extinction. Apprentices no longer came knocking on their door, eager to learn herb lore and the ways of the Orders.

Once over, finding youngsters with a knack or natural talent had been easy, now the boys listened to gold and the girls doted on husbands and possessions. People no longer cared for the flow of energies that came from the land. They no longer paid homage to Gaia or the Horned One on the Solstice.

The cunning folks power and knowledge passed via the word of mouth, if there was nobody to pass it to, all would be lost.

Maybe a creature like Santana was exactly what they needed to change the tide?

Who knew the power that her blood might hold? Who knew the potions and charms that could be created from it.

Shelby had heard tale that some Vampires had abilities and she wondered for a moment if they might carry through.

They had to get to Santana first and the Vagabond would be perfect man in mind for the job.

Quickly, she made her way inside into the gloom the shop. She clicked her fingers and muttered a quick charm in Swato, causing the lantern on the counter to ignite. Deftly she plucked the quill out of the inkwell beside the accounts ledger, ignoring how the ink dribbled upon the stained wood.

Hurriedly, she wrote out a message on the back of the small scroll, signing it with her usual code. Abandoning the feather upon the counter she rolled the paper as tightly as she could before making her way back outside.

Shelby clucked her tongue. Ashel gave a small flap of her dazzling white wings, alighting on her Mistress' outreached arm. The bird purred and blinked, patiently waiting. As Shelby began to affix the letter into the miniscule holder on the dove's leg, she affectionately coo'ed,

"I know my sweet.." The bird bobbed her head, narrowing her eyes. Shelby continued, "I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

The white bird gave a flicker of its wings as the Hedge witch stroked its head lovingly. Bringing Ashel closer to her lips, she uttered, faintly,

"Find the Vagabond."

With a swing of her arm, she helped launch her beloved guardian into the air, marvelling how effortless the bird moved. She remained in the thoroughfare, staring up into the summer evening sky until Ashel became a speck, lost against the backdrop of lazy clouds.

It was important that they get to Santana first and if anyone could find her, it would be Riguard.

@those-lesbian-ships @arrancaria @smttnpegasus

Even back in 2013 I had the idea for ‘merchant sign’ and ‘feter speak’.