#tales from the district s2

[sparkiekong]

Reflections of Tynas 5/6

Tynas smiled at her, “Ah, good, the dour moody sister is here. This is more convenient for me… two fish with one spear as it were.”

Morrigan folded her arms in a defensive manner, “Moody is right, Agent, why do you scare my people? What is it that you want?”  

He chuckled, “You’re looking lovely, Morrigan. I’m sure one day we’ll see you as a centerfold… but that is not today.”

A look of confusion on her face briefly before she went angry again, “Stop playing games! Your kind never just show up for a vacation. They come for reasons. Why are you here?!”

Tynas glanced to Ozen, “My word, straight to the point.” He looks back at Morrigan, “Ok, so I want you and your fishy friends to keep well clear of the wreck in your oceans. That is a dangerous piece of equipment, and I wouldn’t want any harm to come from a stray young mer swimming where they shouldn’t be. Since your father has regretfully forbidden us to recover it… I am forced to trust your good graces that you will make this happen.

She watches him for a time choosing her words carefully, “I know how dangerous your kind can be and while I assure you that my father has that under control, your concern for the people of Sulani is admirable… I’m not entirely convinced that this is your motive for being here.”

He leans back in the chair, kicking his feet up on the table, cigar, and drink in hand, “Like I said, I’m on a little break… and I suppose I should inform you of a few things…” He lights the cigar and puffs a bit, “If you’re interested in what I know.”

Morrigan sighs, “There is the root cause! What is it that you feel we need to know? These mystery trips and vague words are more annoying than Lord Narquad’s incessant whining.”

Tynas seemed amused at her comparison, “Well, multiple things... Firstly, despite what you may believe or have read, Gargareans and Amazons are not extinct and a small number of them are alive and well. The reason that space station ended up in the sea is because one Gargarean tried to annihilate the District of San Myshuno, and another Gargarean fought him to the death and did the best he could under the situation and crashed it into the sea. So, when I say it’s dangerous I mean it is. That's the first thing. Enticing, no? Wait, that’s not all!”

Morrigan scowls, “Gargareans were annihilated in the last ice age. Do get to the point of your visit, Agent.”

Tynas chuckles, “I'm afraid that your information needs updating… those big motherfuckers are back and they're only going to get more of them, but anyway, yes, moving on. I know you,” he points at Morrigan, “have your eye on an alien in Henford.”

Morrigan hadn’t processed what he said, she was still thinking about the Gargareans and Amazons Tynas had just mentioned, “We had no problems with the Gargareans or Amazons before they were misled.” Just as soon as she finished thinking the rest of his words processed in her mind, she looked shocked, but the expression was gone as soon as it showed itself. Tynas smiled slightly as she growled, “What? I have no idea what or who you’re speaking about!”

Tynas puffs the cigar and chuckles. “Yes you do.”

Morrigan moves back to her natural defensive folded arms position, “Why would I give two flying fish about an alien in Henford and what he’s doing? That’s mainlander issues, not those of the sea.”

Tynas looks a bit impressed, he knows she’s lying, but he had to admire her poker face, it was convincing. “Ah, perhaps I am mistaken... Just as well... there's a different princess who is attracted to him at the moment and she'd no doubt love him to death.” He deliberately emphasized the word. “Maybe you should avoid him, your highness. I wouldn't want to upset another royal lineage now would we?”

Morrigan rolled her eyes, “Alright, what else are you here about? If that's it, I have errands to attend to, Oz will see to your comfort while you visit, Agent. I would suggest trying to dress more comfortably, the humidity and heat can exhaust humans who aren’t acclimated.” She spins around and goes quite quickly.

Tynas smirks at Ozen, “Something I said wasn’t it?”

[sparkiekong]

Coming soon...

We never let the grass grow here at KSU productions!

[shayera-the-magpie]

How I would Have Done the DC Storyline in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’...

Serena did float around wanting June transferred to another district, and in the events of 2x13 and 3x01, transferring June to another district would be an sure way to make sure she is out of reach from her daughter and as an result of her continual defiance under Aunt Lydia.

She’d be taken to DC where guidelines are slightly more rigid (I’d have just the veils, as that would have been enough to convey the message) and she’d be in DC’s Red Center until an Commander (other then High Commander Winslow, obviously) selects her. Where June would find herself thrust into the political going ons in DC, initially with her new Commander trying to see if she has any dirt on Waterford to give him via conversation (because, you shouldn’t put it past an DC Commander to want dirt in order to obtain blackmail material should said Commander fall out of line; showing that it wasn’t just Pryce trying to get dirt).

As to why I wouldn’t have placed June with the Winslows, s2 established what we’ve already known in the books about teens being wedded off (with Agnes almost married off to an fifty or sixty-some Commander Judd in The Testaments when she was just thirteen). So, I’d have her in an household where the Commander’s Wife is an girl in her late teens, as an dynamic between an teenage Commander’s Wife and an thirty-five year old Handmaid would have been interesting. Also showing that in DC, households where the Wives are fruitful can acquire Handmaids in order to get large families (i.e: Leah was able to conceive yet she gave Jacob her handmaid; the Red Center is called the Rachel and Leah Center after all). 

(Regarding the Nichole storyline, the Waterfords would go to DC to film their ‘plea’ before appearing in those range of propaganda shots, and instead of June coming with them, she’d already be conveniently there in order to show the entire household). 

But that’s how I would have explored the DC storyline, as I’m sure any one else has an better idea. 

[jondalars]

movies, tv shows, and books of 2019

((as before, * is a rewatch/reread; currently watching; can’t get through))

The Man in High Castle (s1)

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Derry Girls (s1, s2)

A Series of Unfortunate Events (s3)

Zone One by Colson Whitehead

The Good Place (s3, s4)

A Simple Favor (2018)

You (s1 & *, s2)

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

No County for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy

The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) *

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (s2)

Nox by Anne Carson

FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)

Picnic at Hanging Rock (s1)

Law & Order: SVU (s1, s6, s7, s19)

The Word by Irving Wallace

Abducted in Plain Sight (2017)

The Magicians (s4)

Roswell, New Mexico (s1)

Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart

Sharks in the Rivers by Ada Limon

Antigone by Sophokles trans. Anne Carson

Dangerous Beauty (1998)

Swiss Army Man (2016) *

Bright Dead Things by Ada Limon

Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris

Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)

The Lobster (2015) *

Damsel (2018)

Eros: The Bittersweet by Anne Carson

Surrogates (2009)

The Umbrella Academy (s1 & *)

Maine (2018)

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

Misfits (s1*, s2*)

The Favourite (2018)

Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

We the Living by Ayn Rand

The Inbetweeners (s1*, s2*, s3*)

Persuasion (2007)

Persuasion (1995)

Plainwater: Essays and Poetry by Anne Carson

My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) *

Troubling a Star by Madeleine L’Engle

Queer Eye (s3, s4)

Inherent Vice (2014)

Schitt’s Creek (s1, s2, s3, s4, s5)

Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) (2018)

Short Term 12 (2013) *

Saint Joan of Arc by Vita Sackville-West

Manchester by the Sea (2016) *

Isn’t It Romantic (2019)

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead *

Love & Friendship (2016) *

Mother! (2017)

Colette (2018)

Anthem by Ayn Rand

The OA (s1*, s2)

Frostbite by Richelle Mead *

Game of Thones (s8)

The Case Against Adnan Syed (s1)

The Odyssey by Homer trans. Emily Wilson

Sula / Song of Solomon / Tar Baby by Toni Morrison

The Kings of Summer (2013)

Cherrybomb (2009)

Zimna wojna (2018)

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead *

Roswell (s1*, s2*)

Homecoming (2019)

Taylor Swift: Reputation Stadium Tour (2018)

Gerald’s Game (2017)

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead *

Wine Country 2019

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)

mid90s (2018)

The Yellow Handkerchief (2008)

Beautiful Boy (2018)

Zombieland (2009) *

What If (2013) *

Death at a Funeral (2007)

The Society (s1)

The End of the F***ing World (s1*, s2)

Pride and Prejudice (1980)

The Crystal Castle by Mary Stewart

Fleabag (s1 & *, s2 & **)

Train to Busan (2016) *

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood *

John Wick (2014)

John Wick Chapter 2 (2017)

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead *

Chernobyl (s1)

What We Do in the Shadows (s1)

Game Over, Man (2018)

Young Adult (2011) *

Welcome to the Rileys (2010) *

Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre

Dead to Me (s1)

Always be my Maybe (2019)

When They See Us (s1)

The Perfection (2018)

Good Omens (s1)

Chasing Happiness (2019)

Black Mirror (s5)

What a Girl Wants (2003) *

Ali Wong: Baby Cobra (2016)

Ali Wong: Hard Knock Wife (2018)

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (s1 & *)

The Americans (s1, s2, s3, s4, s5, s6)

Murder Mystery (2019)

Somewhere in Time (1980)

Killing Eve (s2)

The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood *

Semiosis by Sue Burke

District 9 (2009) *

Oprah Winfrey Presents: When They See Us Now (2019)

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert

The Box (2009)

Russian Doll (s1)

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Knowing (2009)

The Hate U Give (2018)

The Case of the General’s Thumb by Andrey Kurkov

The Power by Naomi Alderman

Minority Report (2002) *

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

Airplane! (1980) *

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Swiped (2018)

Scare Tactics (s4)

The Week Of (2018)

The New Romantic (2018)

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

The Kissing Booth (2018)

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Dark (s1*, s2)

Love, Rosie (2014) *

Suite Francaise (2014) *

P.S. I Love You (2007)

The Jane Austen Book Club (2007)

5 to 7 (2014)

Man Up (2015) *

The Clapper (2017)

Laggies (2014)

Penelope (2006) *

Little Italy (2018)

The Brothers Bloom (2008) *

Secret Obsession (2019)

What Happened to Monday (2017)

Full Fathom Five by Max Gladstone

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Battlestar Galactica (s1*, s2*, s3*)

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess *

Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger *

What the Living Do by Marie Howe *

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera *

Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh

Players by Don DeLillo

The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

Crashing (s1 & *)

Booksmart (2019)

Us (2019)

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum  (2019)

High Life (2019)

Stalker (1979)

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater *

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

Skins (s1*, s2*, s3*, s4*, s5*, s6, s7*)

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Plus One (2019)

Compliance (2012)

Love Alarm (s1)

Suicide Room (2011)

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater *

A  Failed Performance: Short Plays & Scenes by Daniil Kharms trans. C Dylan Bassett and Emma Winsor Wood

The Boys (s1 & *)

Cassandra: A Novel and Four Essays by Christa Wolf

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)

Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy

Well-Intended Love (s1)

Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater *

1983 (s1)

Abyss (s1)

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer *

The Goldfinch (2019)

We Have Always Lived in the Castle (2019)

The I-Land (s1)

The Good Earth by Pearl S Buck

Hemlock Grove (s1*, s2*, s3)

Midsommar (2019)

Warm Bodies (2013) *

Submarine (2010) *

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater *

Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy *

Black Light by Kimberly King Parsons

When Death Takes Something from You Give It Back: Carl's Book by Naja Marie Aidt

The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa

We Cast a Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin

After (2019)

Unbelievable (s1)

Sanditon (s1)

American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson

Some Freaks (2016)

The Last Czars (s1)

I Am Not an Easy Man (2018)

The Politician (s1)

Austenland (2013) *

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen *

Tall Girl (2019)

Superbad (2007) *

When We First Met (2018) *

Newness (2017)

Persuasion by Jane Austen *

Jenny Slate: Stage Fright (2019)

Charmed (s1*, s2*)

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer *

Will and Testament by Vigdis Hjorth

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez *

The King (2019)

The Crow (1994)

American History X (1998)

Brothers (2009) *

Let It Snow (2019)

Fire in Paradise (2019)

The Knight Before Christmas (2019)

The Great British Baking Show (s7)

Golden State by Ben H. Winters

A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte *

Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

His Dark Materials (s1)

Les affames (2017)

The Cell (2000)

Voices from Chernobyl: The Oral History of a Nuclear Disaster by Svetlana Alexievich

Boy Erased (2018)

Die Velle (2008)

Harold and Maude (1971) *

Late Night (2019)

The Report (2019)

Annihilation (2018) *

A Bigger Splash (2015)

Like Crazy (2011) *

A Dangerous Method (2011)

Severance by Ling Ma

Parasite (2019)

Illness as Metaphor by Susan Sontag

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

American Psycho (2000) *

Marriage Story (2019)

The Moviegoer by Walker Percy

Bojack Horseman (s6)

Knives Out (2019)

Miss Stevens (2016) *

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi

Ночной Дозор (2004)

My Suicide (2009)

The Witcher (s1)

Life with Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

Strip Search (2004)

The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)

Look Away (2019)

Sucker Punch (2011)

Galaxy Quest (1999) *

Mystery Men (1999) *

Russian Ark (2002)

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn *

The Dirt (2019)

Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin

Almost Famous (2000) *

Rocket Science (2007)

[xxsparksxx]

Do you think Ross's good deeds in series 3, feeding the poor, rescuing Dwight, setting up Drake in business etc. is in part to assuage his guilt over what he did with Liz, the terrible pain he caused Demelza and the resulting consequences for everyone involved?

No, anon, I don’t. Absolutely I don’t. His ‘charitable’ impulses are absolutely fundamental to his nature. Think about 1.01, when he tells his tenants at Mellin cottages that he’ll see to the repairs (despite being near-destitute himself). Or his determination to get leniency for Jim Carter on the poaching charge - and his subsequent jailbreak to get Jim out when he’s near-death. Or giving Blewett money to stave off bankruptcy, though he’s near bankrupt himself.

He has fewer opportunities for it in s2, because of his own desperate poverty, but even there it’s evident in his desire to provide employment, through his mines, for local men and women. Feeding the poor in s3 is really nothing more than he’s tried to do in the past to alleviate poverty in the district. He knows it’s not from lack of work ethic, not from flawed morals, that people are starving, and he does something about it. Just like Demelza handing out food in 1.08, and throughout s2. In a way, it’s actually part of his obligations as a gentleman land owner. The Poor Rate was pitiful and didn’t stretch far, if it was even granted by the local parish; the alternative was the Poor House, which separated families, disgraced those who went in there, and was incredibly hard to leave. Ross feels this obligation more keenly than most, but in the book, at least, it’s clear that many of his landed friends or acquaintances feel they’re doing their bit by looking after local cases of hardship, thus why they’re not keen on subscribing to buy a shipment of grain.

As for rescuing Dwight - it’s not really much more than he did for Jim Carter, who was much less a friend than Dwight. Ross has deep loyalties for his friends, and will go to great lengths for any of them - think of him helping Mark Daniel to escape a charge of murder, though Mark is guilty and Ross knows it. It’s a shame the show de-emphasised the French landing, because in the book he doesn’t go with the expressed intention of freeing Dwight, only to be there in case the opportunity should arise. The French force goes to France, and lands, and is there for some days before Ross decides he should use the opportunity of slipping away, with the men he brought, and attempting to break open the prison. It shows a slightly more reasoned approach to the whole thing - but it doesn’t in any way take away from Ross’s deep loyalty to Dwight.

With Drake, his feeling is definitely one of obligation - Drake saved his life in France - but also it’s a measure of how much he’s come to like Drake for himself, and to see Drake’s potential. Partly, of course, it’s because Drake is Demelza’s brother - he wouldn’t do such a thing for just anyone. But it’s not just about or for Demelza, though of course he must know it will please her, to have her brother set up in a business that will make him comfortable. It really is genuinely because he likes Drake. At first he didn’t; Drake was too like Demelza for Ross to be entirely comfortable with him, and he resented Drake (and Sam) for their familial tie to Demelza, their claim on her attention, and, as I said, Drake’s likeness to Demelza. But the trip to France gave Ross a chance to spend some time with Drake and actually get to know him, and Drake’s tale of loos and heartache reminds Ross acutely of his own pain, when he came back from America to find his childhood sweetheart promised to another. In the book he actually speaks about this several times to Drake, and says that hard, physical work is a cure, a way forward. So yes, while I suppose that there was some sense of.......not repayment, precisely, but some sense of ‘I should do this for Demelza’, on Ross’s part, but that was only one component of the whole, and not a large one.

[sparkiekong]

Missing Evie 3/10

Evelyn was silent for a moment, confirming his beliefs, “I was scared to come home. I felt so alone in this. I took lots of precautions, but he broke through it all and well I lost control, and the children are different, Father. Someone may try to take them, and I will die if anything happens to these two. They are my entire world, and I did not know I could love them as much as I could. I was going to give them up because of the life we lead, and I did not want to one day leave them without a mother… but I could not. They are so important to me and special. My daughter spoke to me in utero.”  

A shocked look came across R.T.’s face as he listened to her, grateful that she was unable to see his face. He leaned forward in his chair, “Evelyn, you are never alone. Your brothers and I have always been here for you. I am terribly sorry that you felt like you could not trust me with this. You are not alone. We will face this together, just like we have tackled everything else. What do you mean she spoke to you?”

Evelyn sniffled, “I did not want to make you uncomfortable with my situation. I was worried about this being a mistake and that I could not care for them properly or be a good mother, but Elena spoke to me in utero. It was basic words, but she insisted that I am who they need, and Father I would die for these babies. I did not think it possible to love them as much as I do.”

R.T.’s calm demeanor nearly wavered at the mention of his granddaughter’s name, Elena. He desperately missed his wife and mother of his children. He spoke softly, desperately wishing Evelyn were here in front of him so he could hug her and tell her that it was ok, albeit a bit concerned that a fetus was speaking to her. He ignored his concern to save her concern, “Evie, my darling love, you could never make me uncomfortable. Your well-being and the safety of my grandchildren is what matters most. We will think through this thoughtfully, step by step and make sure that they are safe and happy here at home. Please come home Evelyn, I wish to meet my grandchildren.”

Evelyn’s voice sounded relieved, “Thank you, that really means a lot to me. I will make the preparations to bring them home.”

R.T. felt relief wash over him, happy that she was coming home, “I am always here for you and your brothers. No matter the cause, no matter the issue. We can work through anything. I love you. Let us talk about what you would like to do next. Together, we will find a way forward.”

The muffled cries returned, “Ok father. I need to return to them and prepare them for our homecoming.”

“Before you hang up, I have one more question.” R.T. said quickly before she hung up the phone, “What’s the name of the second child?”

“Oh, yes. They are twins carrying our last name, and his name is Robert unless they wish to take their father’s name. They will have to choose that when they are older.” Sounds of suckling were heard over the phone as she listened quietly to her father’s questions.

[sparkiekong]

Missing Evie 8/10

The two men walked down the hallway carefully listening for any other monsters about, “I don’t see why it would be so bad to keep one really… I think she’s being unreasonable.”

“Randall, they basically fuck the soul out of you.” Tristan tried to explain.

“Exactly, what’s so wrong about that? I barely have one of those to begin with… and it’s rather useless at this point.” Randall kicked open doors down the hallway.

“You realize if she ate your soul, you’d die right?”

“What? Really? I didn’t think it was all that necessary. All it does is make me feel bad for stealing and asking for money for services given from widows, old people, and kids.” Randall frowned. “Fine. I can see I’m not going to win this argument.”

“No, you won’t win this argument, my brother. Evie will have your head if you did take one home.” Tristan was happy that he had finally decided not to keep a succubus. “We can find you someone a little less monster-y at the tavern that will still fuck the soul out of you, but you’ll at least wake up in the morning… perhaps with less money, but you at least will be alive.”

Randall stiffened up, “There’s something more here… I feel it.”

Tristan readied his blades, “What are you sensing?”

Randall turned his head and sniffed a bit at the air, “There’s a vampire here… what in the hells is it doing here with demons?”

“It won’t bode well if they’re suddenly working together.” They turned the corner to find a woman sitting in the middle of the hallway. She was too obvious for the brothers, but they continued closer with caution.

“You’ve killed him…now I have nothing left.” She sniffled. She looked up at them with glowing red eyes. She could have been quite a looker had she been human, but someone had made her into something else. She was different, Randall could sense it.

“Your kind usually stays clear of his kind… What are you doing here?” Tristan asked quietly as he positioned himself across from his brother. The vampire stood up, she wasn’t tall or particularly large, but there was an ancient menace about her.

“Mother left me here… she said Ivan would always take care of me, but he let the Doctor do things… horrible things. Still, I loved him, my Ivan…He was going to give me babies.”

She suddenly screeched and attacked Randall with an unexpected amount of strength. He was barely able to keep this small girl from bowling him over. Tristan rushed forward to attack the girl, he slashed at her with his silver daggers and was met with a stone-like scraping sound.

“The Doctor made me strong.” She backhanded Tristan across the room, knocking the breath out of him.

“Stone skin? That’s not a vampire trait…” Randall said between slashing and dodging her now stony claws. “How’s she doing this? EVIE?!!”

[sparkiekong]

Missing Evie 7/10

“Come on Evie, please?” She threw a dagger at him in response. Randall responded by dodging, “I guess that’s no… you really are no fun at all. Tristan got to keep that spell book! Why can’t I keep something from our missions?”

“Yours has teeth…you can’t keep a creature… besides what about the Chosen one? Have you forgotten about her? All those drawings and secret love letters…” Evelyn smirked and gave him a look that silenced his reasoning. “If you find a big sword…you can keep that.”

Randall was red faced at the mention of his childhood crush and tried to ignore it, “I haven’t forgotten her, it’s just she’s not available right now… I will have to settle for the sword I guess.” Randall set off in the opposite direction of his sister with Tristan in tow.

Evelyn sighed, “Like we’re gonna keep one of these things…”

She walked into the den and saw several sets of glowing golden eyes in the dark. The darkness giggled playfully as she brandished her guns, “I won’t be so easily swayed! Come ladies, the last supper bell has rung… let us end this.”

[sparkiekong]

Missing Evie 10/10

Randall shook his head, “I didn’t think she’d be so careless.”

Tristan nodded, “I don’t think it was carelessness. Evie’s never been one for that. I think this was all unexpected. We just need to support her; If you focus on her, you’d feel how embarrassed she is, and I think she’s feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything. Can you blame her? She has babies. We’re uncles.”

“Well yeah, of course I’m going to support her and I’m going to be a great uncle! I just didn’t think she would have been the one to have kids. Honestly, I thought it’d be me, considering your preferences.” Tristan shook his head, “What do you mean by that?”

“Tris, me and Evie are tied to you. You don’t think I wouldn’t notice that your heartbeat goes a little faster when we stop off at that pizza place and that server boy Tommy shows up?” Randall shifted the coffin to his other shoulder.

Tristan’s face flushed realizing that his own secret was perhaps not so secret anymore, “I didn’t…”

Randall looked back at him, “It’s ok brother. You’re entitled to love whomever you want to. Just don’t let them break your heart. I don’t want to have to break any faces because of it.”

Tristan looked down and then smiled, “Thanks… I guess we all have some secrets we still have to share…”

“When you’re ready… otherwise don’t worry. I’m not telling anyone, it’s not my story to tell.” Randall and Tristan continued home without saying much else.

[sparkiekong]

Missing Evie 9/10

Evelyn had just finished up dispatching the succubi when she heard her brothers yell. “A girl’s work is never done; she sighed and wiped the blood from her face before she ran in the direction of her brothers who were fighting something familiar, but she was also new.

“We must capture this one… this is a new variant.” Evie said upon seeing her. It was clear that she was excited at the prospect of a new variant.

“Oh, so you get to keep one and I can’t?! That’s highly unfair.” Randall had managed to pin the girl in his arms. “Oh man, she’s terribly strong. Dead man’s blood?”

“If we can get it through that skin, maybe and if you’d found a new variant of a succubus, I would have said yes…” Evie exclaimed.

“Deal!” Randall had wrestled the girl to the ground when their brother finally caught his breath and came to help.

“Tristan, I need a way in…we’re taking this one home. A new variant, in a hundred years, there’s never been a new variant of the vampire! Can you imagine what Father will think of this?” Evie was bordering on ecstatic.

Tristan nodded and tried driving his dagger into her skin, “Didn’t know I’d need a miner’s pick… damn it all.” Eventually, the dagger opened a small wound that closed quickly, “Shit, she’s regenerating like a freaking lizard… move quickly sister.” He jammed the dagger deep into the closing wound to open it again. The vampire screamed as Evie injected her with the dead man’s blood and garlic.

The concoction seemed to put the vampire to sleep, and the siblings relaxed for a moment before pulling out more gear from their packs. Randall went to work finding enough pieces for a makeshift coffin while Tristan began blessing silver chains with holy water. Once she was properly secured the two brothers hefted it above their heads. Evie carried a box of bounty demon heads. They would make a pretty penny from this night.

She walked ahead of them, unsure of what to say. “I must leave this to you. I need to go retrieve my children before I make it home. Please, for the love of creation. Make sure that thing is securely sleeping in a cell.”

The two boys looked at each other, both doing the math in their heads, it had been enough time. Randall started to ask questions but stopped when Tristan shook his head no. Evelyn was silently thankful for the aid from her brother.

“I will explain it all in time, it changes nothing. I will lead us as I have always done. When I return you can meet your niece and nephew after I explain myself.” She walked off in the opposite direction of their home.

[sparkiekong]

Missing Evie 2/10

“Yes, I know. It has been since after the incident with Guy. Is there something wrong? Did he not hold to his promise?” She was incredibly nervous and unlike herself R.T. noted.

He changed the subject, “Report then, you are on some kind of mysterious mission. You are distracted and worried about something. Is everything alright?”

Evelyn paused, “Yes, I am fine. Just... lost in my thoughts and I need more time alone, but my brothers are clearly in trouble. I can feel their unease.”

R.T. heard a small, muffled cry, but made no mention of it. “You know, it is okay to share what is on your mind. I can tell when something’s bothering you.”

Evelyn’s voice quivered a bit on the phone, “I don’t want to burden you with my problems.”

R.T. replied, “You and your brothers’ troubles are never a burden for me. You are my child, and I love you. I am here to support you, no matter what it is.”

Evelyn sucked in her breath, “I have two children now. I am afraid for them, and I was afraid you would hate me for this. I had no idea that it was happening until it did. Now I am afraid to come out of hiding. I do not want them taken from me and I believe someone will try to.”

R.T. showed no emotion about hearing the news of being a grandfather. “That is significant. How are you feeling about it? What makes you think they would not be safe here at the house? The estate is a veritable fortress.”

Evelyn’s voice trembled on the line, “I did not want to tell you. I thought you would be disappointed in me.”

R.T. made a few fatherly tsk noises, “Disappointed? Not at all. I might be surprised, but I could never feel that way about any of you. You are my daughter, and I care about you deeply. Bring them home and let us help you care for them. I am currently reading a paper from Professor Robinson, is it safe to say he may be the father?”

[sparkiekong]

Missing Evie 6/10

“No! This one is too strong for live study. Let’s take him out if we can…he seems to be a berserker or something. The poison isn’t affecting him as much as it should.” Tristan replied while dodging heavy clawed swipes at him.

“A berserker incubus? That’s not normal… I wonder who’s been tinkering with the blueprint?” Evelyn was busy reloading her gun.

Randall swung his sword down in time to catch the creature in the side, “You two are zero fun… you know that right? Don’t make me do all the work here, he’s regenerating faster than I can chop.”

“Just keep him steady. We’re going to have to make an entry point for the UV poison.” The trio seemingly didn’t skip a beat even though she had been gone for several months. They exchanged blows with the creature

Tristan spun around and caught the creature on the opposite side and now the creature was bleeding profusely with the UV enhanced poison. Evie let fly a full magazine of silver bullets, while Tristan expertly threw his daggers into the same spot. It was as if they had never been separated, the trio moved with precision.

Randall laughed, “Come on beastie… let’s finish this.” It charged at him, and he swung his sword as if one would swing a bat, lopping off the head. He slipped down to the floor breathless. “There’s a nest of succubi here… I would like to keep one, for study.”

Tristan and Evelyn looked at him, “No!”

“You know how nasty this incubus was, and you want to keep one of his widowed succubi? Don’t you think she’d be a little angry at what you’ve done?” Evie tried to reason with him.

“Oh, I wouldn’t trust her to run around the home without supervision, but the monster had great taste in the women he turned. There’s this one brunette one in there with big….” Randall was miming big breasted women when she cut his words short.

“No… Randall. Gods… what is wrong with you?” Evelyn picked up the monster’s head and her gear and began to move in the direction of the den. “I’ll finish this bit while you two look the rest of the place over…”

[sparkiekong]

Missing Evie 1/10

It had been several weeks since R.T. had returned home. His two sons had reported that their sister had not been home for several months now. R.T. was not entirely worried about it, but it had occurred to him that she was obviously hiding something from them. He sat by the phone every day and waited for her call. R.T. refused to let the boys track her down, even though he knew that they could.

He had read most of his personal collection and resorted to reading new entries in the archives in which he noted the papers by Guy Robinson and Isaac Danver. It was uncanny how correct their assumptions were about the Omiscans. They were indeed the genetic lineage of all humans, but what was not mentioned in this paper was that they were also stronger and more capable of seeing through the supernatural illusions of the other races on the planet. Just as he was about to retire to bed for the evening a call came in.

R.T. picked the phone up, hoping it was his daughter, “R.T. Van Richten, how may I help you?”

“Hello Father.” Evelyn’s voice was slightly nervous.

“Ah, Evelyn. I was beginning to worry. Are you ok?” He asks.

“Uh, yes. I am quite fine. I am checking in. I can feel Randall and Tristan’s worry and that they may be in a fair amount of danger. Please do not send them to me, but make sure they return home safely.”

“Evelyn my dear. You have been away for some time and if I am as smart as I believe I am, it has been…” She cut him off before he could finish his thoughts.

[sparkiekong]

Reflections of Tynas 6/6

Ozen shrugs, “No clue, she is acting weird lately and the seas are rather calm.”

Tynas retorts, “Well, I digress. Prince Ozen seems like you are a bit of an unwilling homewrecker.”

Ozen shakes his head, "I have not been with anyone who was married. I pride myself on that fact, not that it's any of your business."

Tynas gives him a wry smile, “Ah but you have skirted that boundary haven't you? That fantastically muscle bound woman with red hair and her attractive partner. Well, they are divorcing, and I just expected you to be interested in that information.”

Ozen put up a less convincing poker face, “Catherine came to the island upset, I honored her wishes. If she said otherwise, it would be a lie, and I don't think she'd be a liar. I escorted her wife onto the nearest boat back to the mainland and I haven't seen her since that event.”

Tynas downs the last of his brandy, “Haven't you? Well, that's fine, but so you know that I'm not joking... I know you spent the night at her accommodations, and I know you had a boner in the morning, which you hid with a pillow. Believe me... I am well informed on a variety of matters… too informed if I’m honest.”

Ozen stammers over his words before settling on a princely tone, "Low uncalled for, man. I did nothing wrong with Ms. Brand. I helped her get to see Mama Kevari and escorted her around the island for her article and fell asleep on the couch after having too much to drink.”

Tynas ignores his discomfort, “So as I was saying... She is due to get divorced and I thought this information might be of some small use to you.”

Ozen reaffirms himself by repeating his words, “I was not romantically involved with Ms. Brand and sue me for having a fairly common experience for any man with eyes.”

Tynas gets up, “Just call me, "Agent Cupid."

Ozen poured another drink, “I'm not doing that. How long are you staying?”

Tynas starts to leave, “Not too long, I can feel my welcome overstaying by the second virtually.”

Ozen returned to his stately prince mannerisms, “Is there anything I can get you while I'm here. I'm a liaison and Prince, it wouldn't do for me to ignore a guest of your standing.”

Tynas shakes his head and stubs the cigar, “No that's quite alright your highness. I am happy with what I have. He picks up his personal effects and heads off. Oh, one last thing.... Have you always wanted a brother?”

Ozen furrowed his brow, the question was unusual, but he replied, “I have always wanted little siblings.”

Tynas nods and smirks, “Excellent. Good to know. I'll bid you a good day your highness”

Ozen adds before he leaves up the stairs, “Of course, feel free to leave a tab and we’ll pay for your stay. I will send over a box of sulanian cigars and our latest vintage rum as gifts.”

Tynas nods, “Most generous of you, sir, you have sincerest thanks.” He bows and leaves the lower bar and pauses just before the path splits to go into the private sector of the island. He thinks briefly about visiting the old woman but changes his mind. She would know too much and remind Tynas of too many things that he needed to keep out of his mind to accomplish his goals. “Nope, that won’t do me any favors…” he walked towards his accommodations thinking only of his next task.

[sparkiekong]

Reflections of Tynas 4/6

It was only a few glasses of brandy before his true target came into view. Prince Ozen strolled in and said hello to a few people and the residents nodded with reverence and respect. Tynas watched as the man approached him. “Welcome to Sulani Agent, I have heard about you but have yet to have the pleasure of meeting you. Would you care to go somewhere a bit quieter to talk?”

Tynas tossed back the brandy left in the glass and followed the prince to a restricted area under the bar meant for his kind and their guests. As they’re walking down the stairs, Ozen asks, “So what brings you to Sulani. Business or pleasure?”

"Yes, Prince Ozen unbelievably even government employees require some time off. That's why I am here. Also, to make a bit of a... formal request, regarding the wreck of United Districts property at the bottom of your ocean." Tynas quipped.

“What of the wreckage? I meant no offense, Agent. It’s just that when mainlanders are on vacation they, uh, tend to look the part and that was a bit disturbing to some of the residents and visitors of the island. You look to be a man on a mission, and I am sorry to say, it caught the attention of others, but I suspect that was your intention. So, while I believe that you’re on vacation I also think you’ve a dual purpose for being here. Would you care to elaborate on the secondary mission? Perhaps we can be of assistance to you.”

Tynas enjoyed the battle of words, “Just a harmless game to pass the time while I waited for you, and my dear boy, appearances can be deceiving… I am most definitely here to take the air as it were.

Ozen nodded, “You’re free to visit Sulani, we welcome all who have peace in mind. It’s just your attire doesn’t speak to the vacationer’s spirit and some of my people were troubled by it.”

“I’m a long way from home, and I’m more than comfortable like this, it’s like a second skin for me.” Tynas replies.

Ozen fixes up two glasses of brandy for them as he pours, “Call it a bit presumptuous of them, but the suit indicates business and most business on the island isn’t done upstairs, that’s all. My people are careful about who is on the island.”

They both heard the splashing and rush of water as someone came up from below their current floor. The sounds of wet stomping can be heard before Morrigan appears. Ozen shook his head, “I tried to tell her I had this under control… I suppose she’s coming to say hello.”

[sparkiekong]

An Interview with a Vampire 7/?

Nickie asks, "Given your unique requirements and potential differences from humans, can you explain how you’ve been able to hide for so long?"

 Jure laughed, "Oh, I must admit, I'm not one to blend in seamlessly with the crowd… But my smug charm and unparalleled confidence will inspire and motivate humans to continually look away… and if that doesn’t work, the I am sure that Bliss will. They would marvel at my abilities while striving to match my effortless excellence."

Nickie circled back to his favorite topic, "Bliss, you’ve mentioned it as your magnum opus. What is it?"

He beams with pride, “That is my precious creation, one that should be hitting the streets soon and then it will be quite easy to find a snack. Perhaps as easy as stepping outside and picking one up, like one would pick up a treat at a vending machine.”

Last question, "In your phone call, you mentioned a warning. What was your warning?"

Jure nods, "Oh, yes... you must have thought it was about Bliss...no my dear. I came to warn you. She’s coming and with her will come many things… none of them are friendly, my sweet chocolate tart.” He smiles, “If you want to survive this madness, you will need to be at your best. You must continue your work. Keep humans aware…”

" Why would you want that? You seem to want us to be cattle?", she replies clearly confused.

Jure looked at her as if she were a naive thing, “For two reasons… Humans have a greater capacity for being amazing now than you did even a hundred years ago. I find that marvelously intriguing. The second is that if none of you survive, there will be no food left for me. So perhaps it’s a bit selfish, but you cannot deny that I deserve to eat."

Nickie frowned, “I don’t know if you deserve to eat humans… speaking from a human perspective. I quite like living and you feed on human blood exclusively do you not?”

Jure smirked, “Sadly I do require human blood, but it does not make me a monster. I have never killed anyone that did not deserve the killing. I take from willing participants, and I never take too much.”

She frowned, “But you can’t say the same for your kin?”

He smiled an eerie toothy grin; she could see his fangs. “Exactly, you understand. Are we concluding then?”

Nickie looked over at Nick and shrugged, “I think for now yes, you’ve given me a lot to think about Mr. Vulpe. Perhaps I can have you back again sometime to ask more questions?”

Jure looked delighted, “Do you think I did better than Brad Pitt?”

Nickie shrugged, “I’m not sure. I never watched that movie.”