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a-deadly-serenade · 5 years ago

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The Shield and the Sword: Chapter 11: Goddesses and Glamour [Alucard/Reader]

You’re a witch that is skilled in herbology, one that has been persecuted by the church for practically your entire life. In spite of this, moving throughout different towns has allowed you to pick up some chatter about a woman in a village called Lupu. She is supposed to be a wonder when it comes to medicine, and this immediately perks up your interest. So after plucking up some courage, you’ve made it to her door… hoping that she takes you as her apprentice.

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Deep inside, you truly believed that it was more than simply fate that those who were now practically your family just happened to vacation in Caliacra of all places every year.

When you and Adrian had decided to return home--that day you had been lead back to your village-- you were bounding through the forest, skipping and hopping along to the hum of the magic that surged around you.

The nymphs had rejoined you as well, the group of you twirling and dancing together as you weaved between branches and skimmed across the surface of tiny puddles. At that moment you had been so happy, at that moment, you truly believed your life to be perfect.

Telling Lisa and Vlad had been the most exciting part of it all. You had burst through the door with such vigor that it wobbled on its hinges, your grin practically splitting apart your face.

You found the two of them out on the patio of one of the many parlors that were spread throughout the castle, Lisa and Vlad cuddling up next to each other on a long wooden lounge chair. You thought it a bit comical with Lisa being in the half exposed to the sunlight, her pale skin glowing under the light of the mid-afternoon sun.

Vlad had been covered by something you would later learn is called a ‘parasol’. He tells you that it had been a gift from the head of a vampire clan in the east where they specialized in making them with beautiful silk, patterned with flowers and intricate landscapes. He told you that she was coming to the party so you should make a mental note to find Chō; he promised that even though she might look very intimidating, she was a delight to be around as soon as you got to know her!

Once you finally managed to tell them (in-between gasps) what it is you discovered, they were elated at the news. They were both so happy to find out that your coven had found peace and the forest you once called home was still alive and well. At one point, Lisa offhandedly mentioned that she would love to visit said woods, and you couldn’t have thought of a better idea yourself!

So, that’s what you did the following morning--you took Lisa to the magical forest of your childhood. When the two of you finally ran into the nymphs, they could instantly pick up the healing energy that practically oozed around Lisa’s aura, and they fell in love with her almost instantly. They babbled on and on about the plants they could smell and that her ability to cure the ailments of not only the body but the soul as well, were par to none.

They showed the two of you around the woods, pointing out special plants that they knew did not grow anywhere else but here and showing off flowers that would make even the most luxurious royal garden weep in envy.

Lisa was absolutely enamored with the place, and she later confessed to you as you walked back that evening, the sun beginning to set beyond the horizon, that she could have stayed there all night too. It was as if she had stepped through one of the fairytales that her mother read to her as a child, she was still in disbelief that a place like that was even real.

It had been so special to share that with Lisa, and it made you smile whenever you thought back to that first wondrous journey into the woods; memories you would forever hold dear in your heart.

How Lisa’s eyes had glowed under the fairy lights that had been dancing across the still surface of a large pond beneath a towering, serene ancient ash tree. Or when the nymphs had led you two into a secluded alcove, a sacred area, one that trickled with a small waterfall between shale slabs of stone that had been covered in thick layers of moss.

They explained that this is where they came to pay their respects to the forest spirits and showed Lisa how to properly do so. It was amazing, watching Lisa dip her hands in the crystal clear water and wash them under the gentle trickling waterfall as she went silent, and took her few moments to silently thank them for whatever she so chose to.

You were so grateful that even though you had only been there a week, so much had transpired within that time.

Being back home was finally giving you the chance to properly heal with all of the tragedy you had endured, to finally make peace with it all. It was such a liberating feeling to let go of a little more hurt every day as you found yourself enveloped in the soft embrace of the poppies.

It was so nice to talk to them, to tell them about everything that had happened in your life since losing them. Call you crazy, but you swore that they would turn their stems up towards the direction of your voice as if they were eagerly tuning in to what you were saying.

These private sessions especially gave you time to think about what it is you wanted in life. It was hard, coming to terms about certain truths you’d made yourself believe for years, and you knew it would take time, but the progress you were already making certainly had you happy.

You also sensed that things were slowly returning to normal with Adrian. You could tell it took a turn for the better when you caught a glimpse of his expression as you sat down beside him for breakfast that morning after arriving in Caliacra. He had been so shocked that even Vlad had made a comment curiously asking why Adrian was making such a face.

Hatred had been right in calling you childish, for you had avoided eating with the Tepes family for almost a week due to your anxiety over seeing Adrian again after his… confession.

But after that morning, he appeared to “bump” into you more, and slowly these awkward run-ins turned into time you two actually spent hanging out with one another.

One of the first things you had done was bring him to the tide pools that emerged from the deep as the ocean receded with the fading moon. You had fashioned a net out of seagrass you had tied together by using your magic and you nearly burst into laughter every single time you got a look at the face he’d make whenever you showed him your catch. His favorite had to have probably been the sea urchins you found hiding between some rocks in a smaller pool underneath a bizarre rock formation.

A couple of days later, he offered that the two of you go horseback riding on the beach together. At first, you thought him mad. But then you realized that the stables were technically connected to the castle so…

Truth be told, you did not even think to look for the stables once you arrived in Caliacra, and you suddenly felt so guilty for practically ignoring Clara for over a week! She had been a huge help during you and Adrian’s mild fall-out, as you often confided in her while you brushed out her mane or leaned against her large back while you thought out loud.

She had been so happy to see you again, stomping and shaking her head so vigorously you were worried she might just trample through the door. After you had managed to calm her down with a series of kisses and perhaps a solid five minutes of petting and scratching, you and Adrian headed out to the beach together.

When you gazed upon his handsome black stallion, you recalled the conversation that you had with Diana a month or so ago, and mentally shook your head in agreement for he was handsome--and he knew it.

Adrian’s horse pranced down the hill leading to the beach with such poise, but there was a hidden sense of pride and smugness underneath it all that made you smile mischievously to yourself; they were a perfect match.

That day had been so much fun, for what started off as a gentle ride along the side of the calming waves, turned into a full-blown race, almost mimicking what you and Adrian had done together. Your laughter ran out into the chilled evening air, and as you both finally pulled your horses to a stop, you had to reprimand yourself several times because you could just not stop… staring!

Adrian’s long hair danced around him as a cool sea breeze that rolled off the waves mingled between the two of you. It shimmered almost silver in the low light of twilight and his eyes glimmered like the stars that had slowly begun to emerge in the sky.

He looked so serene, so beautiful … it took your breath away.

Unfortunately, that image of him on the beach seemed to not only haunt you as you bid each other goodnight, but it also followed you into your subconscious as well.

That morning you awoke in a huff, a blush to your cheeks when you realized that you had dreamt about the two of you alone, on that beach. It was like you were a lovesick little girl again or something!

Ugh! You ran your hands across your face in distress and let out a melodramatic moan as you began getting ready for the day.

How embarrassing, you grumbled to yourself as you got out of your now lukewarm bath and started patting yourself dry.

You need to start making up your mind, you chastised yourself while you finished drying your hair and started to brush it out. You have to come up with a decision once and for all. It’s not like you to play with someone’s feelings.

You gave a heavy sigh as you slipped on the flowy white sundress you decided to wear that day. It was cute, falling off the shoulder slightly as the puffy sleeves ended in a delicate satin trim of embroidered flowers.

Perhaps you could entice Adrian to another round of hunting in the tide pools? That would be an activity where you could actively work together, but you didn’t have to really look at one another. It might work, right?

You rolled your eyes as you walked down the hallway leading to the kitchen—your emotions were really starting to get on your nerves.

As soon as you turned down the corner that hid the enormous kitchen, you come to a halt when you notice that it wasn’t just the Tepes family occupying the long wooden table.

A tall woman with long black hair and gorgeous golden eyes sat across from Vlad, a lascivious smile on her ruby-colored lips. She wore a stunning dark blue suede dress that faded into a black gradient near the tips of the sleeves and the edges of the skirt, her long nails shimmering a deep turquoise in contrast to her outfit.

Beside her was another woman. She was slightly paler in comparison, her icy blue eyes and bright white hair creating an ethereal sense to her. She sported a magnificent red dress that clung tightly to her form, intricate embroidery, not unlike your own, decorating the bust and hem.

You were rather unsure how to approach them and stood awkwardly at the entrance for a few moments before your eyes landed on Adrian. He appeared to be the only one who noticed you and he gave you a smile before he patted the open spot next to him as an invitation for you to sit down.

You returned his smile with one of your own and started to quietly walk over to the table. About half-way to your destination, you hear the woman with black hair say to Vlad, a smirk on her face,

“So, are you going to introduce me to this apprentice of yours, or are you going to ignore her for the remainder of breakfast?”

You froze mid-stride as both Lisa and Vlad’s heads whipped around to stare at you, surprised by your sudden appearance.

“Oh!” Lisa exclaimed. “I didn’t even hear you come in my dear, I’m sorry.”

You shake your head and take your seat beside Adrian. “No, it’s alright. You were in the middle of a conversation, I didn’t want to interrupt you.”

“Nonsense,” Vlad replied. “We weren’t discussing anything of importance.”

“So catching up with your sister is seen as unimportant now?” the woman across from Vlad said as she took a sip of her strong black coffee.

“You…” Vlad sputtered and sighed as he shook his head. “You know that’s not what I meant--”

“Relax,” she teased. “You know I only jest.”

“Wait,” you whispered to Adrian. “Did she just say ‘sister’?”

He gave you a playful smile as he took a bite of his buttered bread. “Don’t you recognize her?”

Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the question. How were you supposed to recognize her? You had never even met her before! You found yourself risking another glance over at her, and as you got a second look, that’s when you remembered the paintings.

“That’s Stefana?” you spouted out.

“Indeed it is, little witch,” her rich voice sent tingles up your spine and you could not help the flush that rose to your cheeks at what she called you.

“I see my reputation precedes me,” she leaned forward in her seat and gave you a coy smile. “I sure hope my brother hasn’t been bad-mouthing me in my absence.”

“She only knows what Lisa and Adrian have told her,” Vlad replied coolly, as he took a bite of his eggs. “It’s not my fault if she’s already made presumptions about you.”

Stefana turned to look at Adrian and gave him a half-hearted pout as she wrapped an arm around him. “Now what have you been telling this lovely lady about me, nephew?”

“It was only a few passing comments,” Lisa filled in from across the table after she noticed how absolutely mortified Adrian looked. “She had stumbled upon that portrait you did with Vlad and Dumitra.”

“Ah,” Stefana said and relinquished her grip on her embarrassed nephew. “Gods, now that’s a blast from the past.”

“I know!” Lisa exclaimed out in laughter.

“Those portraits had been an absolute disaster to sit through,” she grumbled. “Dumitra’s constant griping made me want to stake myself.”

“We’re going to have to deal with her at the party aren’t we?” asked the white-haired woman beside her.

“Unfortunately,” Stefana replied softly.

“Enough,” Vlad snapped. “We shall deal with her when the time comes. For now, I think, you should properly introduce yourselves.”

“A fine idea, brother,” Stefana leaned forward again so that she could get a good look at you, which wasn’t exactly difficult considering how tall she was. “My name is Stefana Maria Tepes and I am the lord that oversees this city alongside my partner,” her gaze softened as her attention turned to the woman next to her.

“I am Carmilla of Styria,” she said to you, a smile on her thin red lips. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you all,” her gaze shifted to Lisa and Vlad, who sat in front of her. “Stefana has told me so much about you.”

“She must have wanted to keep you a surprise,” Lisa gave the two a playful grin. “Because all that we’d had heard is that she had found a new beau.”

“You said that you were from Styria?” Vlad queried, and a hush fell over the room.

Carmilla awkwardly cleared her throat and nodded her head. “Yes, I am.”

“That’s quite a ways away,” he said and folded his hands together to rest on the table. “Howabouts did you two meet?”

Stefana’s eyes narrowed slightly, the lines of her face sharp as she did her best to bite back a retort to her brother’s prying.

“Darling,” Lisa whispered to her husband as she nudged him with her elbow. “They just got here! Can’t we save the dramatics for another time?”

“No, it’s fine,” Stefana said, a low growl rumbling in her chest for a brief moment as she took a deep breath. “I’m assuming you’ve heard of the recent death of Duke Leopold?”

Vlad took a sip of his tea, one of his pointed black eyebrows raised up in questioning. “Yes, he died about a year ago, did he not? I heard there was an uprising within the kingdom and they beheaded him.”

“Well,” Stefana drawled and began to trace a pattern on the table with the residue left behind from her chilled glass of orange juice. “That story is partially correct.”

Vlad let out a long, exhausted sigh, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. “Please tell me you didn’t have anything to do with that?”

Stefana looked towards Lisa and shrugged her shoulders, who could only blink slowly in absolute shock while Adrian whipped around to shout,

“You killed him?!”

“Shout it from the rooftops why don’t you,” she snapped at him, but then smirked and pinched his cheek. “He was a stain,” she said, her expression turning much more serious as she turned back to face her brother. “See, I had heard rumors about Styria during my year of traveling, long before I even arrived. Other women that I would run into, trekking through the cold on nothing more than their own feet, would warn me about the place. They said women that found themselves there, were never to be seen again.”

“What do you mean?” you asked.

“I would go on to learn that the one who ruled over Styria, this Duke Leopold, would have women kidnapped, and then either turned or eaten--I suppose it just depended on his mood,” she hissed, her face contorted into a grimace. “I couldn’t just stand there and let these people be treated like this!”

“So you killed him?” Vlad exclaimed in an exacerbated tone. “We could have done this diplomatically, Stefana. You could have arranged a meeting with the council so that we could have dealt him a proper punishment.” “Oh don’t sit there and spout those formalities to me,” she rolled her eyes. “You and I both know that you participated in your own fair share of crusades.”

Vlad opened his mouth to say something, but then quickly shut it as Lisa muttered,

“She’s got you there…”

“Auntie, what did you end up doing?” Adrian asked, clearly still wanting to find out how exactly his aunt did in this so-called Duke Leopold.

“Well this is actually where I met Carmilla,” she explained, a smirk tugging on the corners of her lips as she rested her hand on her partner’s thigh. “Taking care of all the guards posted near his chambers was no problem. It doesn’t hurt being a member of the Tepes family,” she grinned, her long, pointed fangs shining in the sunlight. “I found her inside with him--”

“And what a sight that was to behold,” Carmilla all but purred. “She was covered head-to-toe in vampire blood,” she took a gentle grip of the hand on her thigh and interlocked their fingers as she raised it up to show off Stefana’s long nails. “And all she had used were the nails on her fingers.” she seemed almost giddy as she revealed this to everyone, which, honestly, made you a little uncomfortable.

Stefana gave Carmilla a stunning smile, her eyes hooded as she nodded her head. “Yes, those fools were so sloppy I didn’t even have to stoop to using their own weapons against them.” she chuckled. “I initially wanted to be the one to kill Duke Leopold, but when Carmilla explained to me what he had done to her, I decided that she’d have the privilege of delivering that worthless piece of scum to his death.”

“So you beheaded him?” Adrian grimaced at the thought. “That’s a bit messy, isn’t it?”

“Not if he gets beheaded from being hung outside the bedroom window,” Carmilla replied, a maniacal shine glimmering in her icy eyes.

“Oh dear,” Lisa quietly whispered to herself and took a couple of sips of tea. “No one wanted ramification for killing him, I suppose? What with the kingdom being in a state of anarchy?”

Carmilla nodded her head. “Yes, you are correct. In fact, nearly the entire kingdom rejoiced when a few villagers brought along his body they found early the following morning.”

“So who rules Styria now? I haven’t heard any news from over there since Leopold’s death,” Vlad stated.

“Carmilla is actually in the process of becoming the lord of Styria,” Stefana replied.

“Is that so?” Vlad rubbed his chin pensively. “Do you have any experience managing a town? It’s an awful lot of responsibility.”

“She’s been helping me here, in Caliacra,” Stefana clarified. “She’s quick at getting a hand on things, I’m sure she’ll be ready to rule over Styria soon,” she gave Carmilla a loving glance and pecked her on the cheek.

“Um, excuse me?” you waved your hand in Stefana’s direction to try and get her attention.

“Yes, little witch?” she asked with a smile on her face.

“You said that you ruled over Caliacra?”

She nodded her head. “I have been for over a year now.”

“Do you…” your voice faltered, nervous about asking her what had been gnawing at the back of your mind this entire time; you were dying to know if she had ever heard about your coven. “Do you think I could ask you a couple of questions? In um… someplace more private?”

Her thick black eyebrows furrowed together for a moment before her visage relaxed and she smiled. “Of course,” her gaze then snapped over to Lisa. “We should probably head out to get ready, don’t you think?”

Lisa ran her fingers through her hair as she chuckled. “The build-up to this is making me so stressed, but I know I have no reason to be.”

Stefana took hold of her hands and kissed the top of them. “You absolutely don’t, because I will be taking care of everything. The only thing you have to do is sit back and make sure that both you and my brother are the most dashing at the ball.”

Lisa’s eyes crinkled with the relieved smile she gave Stefana in return. “I am eternally grateful for this. The idea of trying to decorate this place in anticipation for over two hundred guests is rather daunting.”

“Did she just say two-hundred guests?” you whispered sternly to Adrian.

“It’s their twentieth anniversary,” he whispered back. “My family can be rather… over-the-top when it comes to celebrating important events. Apparently the party that was held in celebration for my birth had almost three-hundred guests.”

You looked at Adrian in disbelief. The biggest gatherings you’d ever held with your coven had been festivals honoring the arrival of Spring or harvest season, and even with everyone in your village attending those, that number paled in comparison to the parties the Tepes family was used to.

“What on earth am I going to wear…” you mumbled to yourself, feeling overwhelmed that such an extravagant night was only a couple hours away.

“That’s where we come in, darling,” Stefana said as she got up from her seat, pulling Carmilla up with her. “We shall take care of everything, so don’t you worry your little head off.” her long slender legs seemed to glide across the brick floor of the kitchen as she walked over to ruffle your hair. “I promise to bring her back in one piece,” she teased Adrian as she hoisted you out of your seat with a simple tug of her arm.

Your face burned under her intense stare and you swallowed a lump in your throat, meekly waving goodbye to Adrian before Stefana practically dragged you out of the kitchen.

It was difficult trying to keep up with her quick strides, but your curiosity started to get the better of you as the three of you remained inside of the castle. In spite of the fact that you were all but barrelling down hallways faster than you ever had in your life, you knew where you were headed. However, this raised more questions than it did provide answers, so when you finally came to a halt in front of Vlad’s study, you had to ask,

“What are we doing here?”

Stefana grinned down at you and pushed open the door, leading you over to a tall mirror that sat on the wall closest to the plush red armchair in front of the fireplace.

“A mirror?” you wondered aloud. You had seen it before, back when Vlad invited you here to talk about your coven. What was so important about it?

“He’s never shown you?” Stefana seemed genuinely surprised and squatted down a bit so that she was eye-level with you. “This is called a distance mirror,” with the wave of her hand the image reflected in the glass shifted from the three of you to the interior of a beautiful castle. “With it, we can travel anywhere in the world so long as there is another one connecting you to that location.”

Your eyes were blown wide from shock as you gaped at her. “So… where does this one lead to?”

“Several places,” she said. “But, we’re just stopping by my place for a bit. Maybe I can convince my brother to let you explore the other spots it can take you,” she chuckled and took a tight grip of your hand. “This may feel a little strange, but it’s perfectly safe.”

You gave her a determined nod as you slowly began to walk closer and closer to the mirror. You had no idea what to expect and your eyes scrunched together as you subconsciously held your breath when your foot started to pass through the crystal clear glass.

It felt almost like you had dipped your entire body into a freezing pond, a harsh gasp escaping your lungs when you landed back on solid ground. When you opened your eyes, you found yourself in a completely different room-- the one that you had seen within the mirror only seconds prior.

It appeared smaller than the average size of those within Castlevania, but it had such a cozy and inviting aura that it was almost impossible to not fall in love with the place. The walls were a rich violet, lined with soft watercolor paintings of flowers, noblewomen, and depictions of goddesses such as Athena, Aphrodite, and Artemis.

Three velvet chaise lounges encircled a white marble table, accented with colorful throw pillows that had all been strategically placed. Several dark wooden walnut bookshelves filled out the rest of the space, packed neatly with a wide array of literature from around the world.

“This is a lovely little room,” you commented.

“Thank you,” Stefana replied. “This is one of a few parlors I have. I tend to keep this one strictly business, which is why I hung my distance mirror here,” she pointed behind you to her mirror, which was equally as tall as the one in Vlad’s office, except Stefana’s was adorned in a lovely gold trim whose runes had been accented with a fine dusting of diamond powder.

“We won’t be getting you ready in here though,” she gave you a pointed grin and took hold of your hand again as she led you through the halls of her home.

The royal blue carpets that lined the hallways were plush and decorated with bright white floral patterns, the mauve walls complimenting the serene feel. The paintings in Stefana’s house were decoration pieces she must have sought out to help create the overall aesthetic she desired, for you spotted no family portraits amongst all of them. Perhaps she was less upfront about her personal life than her brother, an observation you found rather interesting.

She pushed open a set of double-doors at the very end of a hall, her arms outstretched as she twirled around and smiled. “Welcome to my humble bedchambers.”

Humble was an understatement. You guessed this had to be one of the largest rooms in the castle, with her bed alone taking up almost half of the entire space. It had no bedposts and instead had one large wooden frame made of balsa that curved around the circular shape of the mattress, which was adorned with a beautiful black silk blanket and a handful of feathery pillows.

An enormous vanity stood parallel to the bed, the same bone white color as the wood making up her frame. Boxes an array of sizes and colors littered the deskspace, each one filled with a variety of jewelry and accessories. Glass vials filled with clear liquids were scattered about as well, and a few plush vanity chairs were lined up in front of the vanity. The large accompanying mirror hung on the wall, and you were startled to discover that you could see both Carmilla and Stefana’s reflections.

“I thought vampires had no reflections?” you asked Stefana as she placed you onto one of the low chairs.

“Aren’t you the clever one,” she smiled slyly. “This one I had custom made to not have a silver backing. That way, even someone like me can use it.”

Your head cocked to the side as you took a good look at the mirror, and made an approving face while you nodded. “That’s pretty ingenious, actually.”

“Perfection like this,” Stefana over-dramatically framed her face as she took a seat behind you and leaned closer to your ear. “Requires more time than you might realize.”

You scoffed. “You know you two are some of the most gorgeous women I’ve ever seen, right?”

Stefana’s eyes lit up, her golden irises glittering exquisitely under the lighting of her room. Her lips curved into a mischievous smile and you felt her run her long nails through your hair. “If you keep being so sweet, I might have to snatch you up myself.” she chuckled when she noticed how red your face was, practically sneering at your flustered heart beat rapidly in her ears.

“It’s not every day we have someone as cute as yourself compliment us in such a way,” Carmilla’s sultry voice caused you to become even more flustered, and a nervous laugh bubbled up in your chest when she grabbed a hold of your hand and lifted your arm up closer to her face. “I think I’m going to enjoy pampering this one, my love,” she said as she gazed up at Stefana.

“Excellent,” she replied smoothly. “Then let us get started.”

_________________________

The next few hours were filled with so much primping, and styling, and teasing, and measuring, and adjusting that by the three-hour mark, you were starting to go a little bit crazy. Your face stung a bit--but you think it was just from this powder Stefana had used around your cheekbones--and your body ached a bit more than you would have liked, but excitement still managed to lace through you when they told you they were finished with your outfit.

Since you had made it clear how uncomfortable you’d feel if you wore no undergarments protecting your chest, Stefana had fashioned a single piece that began as a thin-strapped top of a chemise that changed into shorts near the bottom. It was light and made of fine silk, and you had to fight the urge to tell her she shouldn’t have bothered with that… you would have been happy if it was made of cheap hemp cloth!

You were rendered speechless when they finally presented the dress. It was spectacular, a form-fitting piece that was, to your delight, your favorite color! Most of it appeared to be made of wool, but the inside was lined with exquisite silk dyed a slightly lighter shade than the rest of the dress. The top was cut traditionally, with just a little bit extra off the shoulders so they could be a bit more exposed. Long sleeves decorated with an impressive array of delicate floral embroidery nearly touched the floor and your skirt flared out a bit, hiding several thin layers of silk beneath its wool exterior.

As the two of them helped you into it, you were giddy with happiness and you truly couldn't believe that this was happening. A gasp slips past your lips when you finally catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. Reaching down, you pinch a part of your wrist still visible from underneath your sleeves just to ensure that yes--this is really happening.

A smile erupts on your face as you laugh, looking down to admire this beautiful dress that had been crafted just for you.

“So? What do you think?” Stefana wondered.

You heard the ottoman beside you huff as Carmilla took a seat on it, a hairbrush in her hand and an array of different colored powders in her lap. “It’s…” your attention shifts from what’s she currently applying to her finger back up to Stefana, your eyes shining with gratitude. “It’s so beautiful Stefana… I… I’m not even sure I deserve something this extravagant,” you confess sheepishly.

“Nonsense,” she quipped and popped open one of her jewelry boxes. “You’re a part of the family now, you deserve only the best I have to offer,” she took out a couple of pairs of earrings and a few necklaces and started to hold them up next to you, gauging which would be the best match. “And you make Lisa very happy,” she smiled, her expression earnest and heartfelt. “My brother is very fond of you as well--not only for that but… you make his family happy. He told me how thankful he was for you over breakfast.”

You felt your throat close up as tears welled up in your eyes, but you fought to hold them back, lest you ruin all of Carmilla’s hard work. Clearing your throat and taking a deep breath, you gave Stefana another smile. “Thank you… I… words cannot even begin to describe how thankful I am for them… for all of you, really.”

Stefana bops the tip of your nose with her long nail, and she reaches over to grab the hairbrush Carmilla neglected to finish up your hair. “Little witch?” she asked you, her eyes hooded as she focused on her task.

“Yes?”

“You said you had some questions for me. Care to tell me what they were?”

A flush rose to your now blush-dusted cheeks and you fidgeted slightly in your seat. “Oh, yes, right… that. ”

“There’s no need to act so shy,” Carmilla said as she dusted on some powder to your eyelids.

“I… I know,” you muttered and steeled your resolve as you looked at Stefana's reflection in the mirror. “You said that you’re the one who holds dominion over Caliacra, correct?”

Stefana nodded her head as she slid a necklace down your neck. “Yes. I’ve been ruling over Caliacra for a little over a year now.”

It was now or never. After taking another calming breath, you asked, “Have you ever heard of a coven of witches called the Sisters of Divine Teachings?”

Silence rang out into the room, Stefana’s hands freezing in place below your ears with earrings she was going to try on you. They dangled there for a moment before she snatched them away and tucked them back inside of their respective box. She was quiet as she dug around for another pair, her back turned to you and a long heavy sigh rumbling from her throat. “I should have known,” she quietly mused and turned around with the newest set she plucked from her collection. “I knew there had been something about you that felt familiar.” she settled on a large white diamond pair that dangled off the ends of white gold in the shape of a dewdrop.

You would have whipped around in your seat, but Carmilla kept a stern grip on your shoulder as she continued to work on your face, so you could only wiggle around helplessly as the enthusiasm from hearing this overwhelmed you.

“You knew them?” you cried out. “You knew my coven?”

She nodded her head and gingerly looped the earrings through your piercing. “Yes. You recall that I mentioned I took a year to do some traveling? Well, it was during that time I ran into them.”

“How long ago was this?” you asked. “I don't remember ever seeing you in the village.”

“No,” Stefana replied and grabbed a hold of one of the colorful glass vials. “I would run into them whenever they visited the city. They knew I was a vampire as soon as they spotted me, and they ushered me over with insights and advice I’m still shocked they knew I needed.”

“That didn’t happen to be a group of older women?” you questioned.

Stefana looked down at you, amused, and nodded her head. “Indeed. Were they known to go around, scaring people half-to-death with their accurate readings?”

You laughed. “Those were a group of women that my grandmother had been close with. Oftentimes they came home with stories of using their abilities to help people seek things such as closure or even guidance, but there would be times where they’d con an unlucky traveler or two. It was only ever to those they could sense were trouble though, so I think it’s safe to say they weren’t pulling your leg.” you grinned as Stefana chuckled in delight.

“No, they were not. They were actually extremely helpful during my short time in Caliacra, and I ended up buying quite a bit of medicine from the younger witches that would come selling their wares,” she explained. “I could tell that the town respected them and appreciate all the hard work they were doing keeping everyone healthy.”

“Yes…” you sighed wistfully, but then your smile cracked a bit and your eyebrows creased together. “I heard… is it true that Caliacra was subjugated to pillaging and attacks after word got out of my coven?”

You notice her lips pursed together in discomfort, her hands falling to rest on your shoulders. “Unfortunately… apparently, the church began to propagate the rumor that everyone in Caliacra were devil worshippers and doomed to hell because they had associated with witches.” her grip on your shoulders tightened a bit. “My initial plans after rescuing Carmilla were to return to Caliacra since the warm coastal beaches were the perfect contrast to the cold harsh Styrian weather. But when we arrived, it was utter chaos.”

“The town had been pillaged and ransacked with a new man in office,” Stefana spat. “He had been appointed by the church, which had most of the residents quite worried seeing as how they had supported a coven for decades, if not centuries.”

“And they had every right to be nervous,” Carmilla added. “We quickly found out that the church had an iron grip on this town and any sort of defiance was met with very little mercy.”

“In fact,” Stefana continued. “Those self-righteous bastards had been working in tandem with vampires.”

“What?” you exclaimed. “What do you mean?”

“Anyone overheard speaking about what happened to your coven as anything other than a just act of God,” she all but sneered. “Would be kidnapped, stolen during the night and sold to a pack of vampires that were nested within one of the nearby villages.”

“How did you find this out? I never knew any of this happened…” you replied.

“Don’t look so ashamed, little witch,” Stefana cooed. “I’m glad that you decided to leave Caliacra. It took quite a while for things to regain a small semblance of normalcy. The town was in a state of disarray, with so many people going missing and attacks on people’s homes being so frequent.”

“I just don’t understand... ” you seethed and your hands clenched together in anger. “I just don’t understand how they can call us evil and then go and do such heinous things to innocent people… selling them off as though they were nothing but cattle… it’s disgusting.”

“I agree,” Stefana concurred. “So when Carmilla and I managed to uncover what was going on, we took care of that nest the following night.”

Carmilla giggled beside you, smacking her lips together as she added the final touches to your visage. “They hardly stood a chance.”

“What about the church?” you wondered. “Surely the one running Caliacra would have noticed them go missing. I doubt they would have been pleased to lose such consistent income.”

“Oh we took care of them too,” Stefana clarified and spritzed you with a glass vial tinted light pink.

Your nose twitched as she sprayed your neck, arms, and chest, and you were surprised to find that it smelled exactly like roses.

“We paid them a visit that same night,” Carmilla said with a sly smile on her face, delicately placing rouge to your lips. “Drenched in blood and all, and we told them to head back to wherever it is they came from and tell their archbishop that the town was under new management.”

You blink, confused. “They never revealed to anyone that two vampires had essentially taken over?”

Carmilla instructs you to smack your lips together to get an even coating and you follow her lead and hear Stefana chuckle behind you.

“We told them that if they ever told a single soul, that we would hunt them down and… well, may or may not have threatened to have them strung up by their insides.”

“Oh,” was all you said and nodded your head. “That’s definitely a powerful motivator to keep quiet.”

“I’m glad that you agree,” Carmilla stated and leaned back in her seat, a sense of accomplishment lighting up her expression.

“We’ve been running the town ever since,” Stefana finished as she added the final touches to your outfit. “The people were so thankful for what we had done, they all but begged us to stay so, we did, and what an honor it’s been.”

“It makes me so happy to see that my hometown has been left in the care of someone like you, Stefana,” you take a gentle hold of her hand and give it a squeeze. “I know my coven would be very grateful as well.”

She leans down and pecks the top of your forehead. “Earning the approval of someone such as yourself means so much to me, little witch. Thank you,” her long fangs gleamed as she beamed down at you, the sight causing your heart to skip a beat.

“Now,” she whispered in your ear. “Why don’t you take a look at the glorious Caliacra beauty sitting before you?”

When you finally gaze upon yourself in the mirror, face decorated to perfection, your hair was done up beautifully, and your ears and neck adorned by extravagant jewels… you had trouble even recognizing yourself.

A delightful gasp rings out from you as you slowly reach up to delicately trace your fingers across the matching diamond necklace and earrings, and coquettishly flutter your eyelashes as you admire all of Carmilla’s handiwork.

“You made me look so beautiful,” you muttered, voice light with whimsy.

“You are beautiful.” Stefana corrected.

A blush creeps up your neck at her compliment. “You flatter me too much, Stefana,” you replied breathlessly.

“Nonsense,” she stated. “Seeing as you’re ready to court nearly everyone there,” she teased and pinched your cheek when you turned away from her in embarrassment. “Feel free to entertain yourself however you wish while Carmilla and I begin getting ready for the night. All I ask is that you have an accompanying guard with you should you wish to explore the castle grounds. Wouldn’t want you getting lost before tonight,” she said and then frowned as she mumbled, “Vlad would probably kill me…”

Your attention was instead drawn to one of the large bookshelves in a corner of the room, its shelves jam-packed with a varying assortment of novels you were certain predated even your own birth.

“I think I’ll just occupy myself with those books,” you said quietly and carefully stood up to test out the new shoes they had given you as well. They were fairly flat, thankfully, and your confidence slowly grew as you walked over to take a seat on the black velvet chaise lounge that sat beside the dark wooden shelves.

Your finger traced over the spine of a few books, unsure of what to pick since half of them appeared to be in languages you had no idea even existed. You finally settled on one called Le Livres de la Cité des Dames, a translated version of an allegorical commentary written by someone named Christine de Pizan. You quickly found yourself immersed in the prose, her lovely writing telling the story of famous women throughout the ages coming to guide Christine in building a city dedicated to women, celebrating their accomplishments. Now, this is something you could get behind!

You had no idea how much time had passed, comfortably laying on that chaise lounge, only occasionally checking in on your hostesses when you heard Stefana debating about which pair of earrings to wear or heard Carmilla griping about her hair not cooperating with her vision.

As you went to turn the page, you felt a tap on the top of your head and when you glanced up, you were face-to-face with Stefana.

Her eyelids were coated in a shimmering gold powder that made her look even more celestial, her lips a deep red rouge that contrasted greatly to her pale skin. Some of her long black hair had been pulled back by a clip made of white gold decorated in pristinely cut sapphires, that had a lovely sheer white veil trailing behind her on the end. Her dress was magnificent, pitch black in color with long, ruffled sleeves that were lined with layers of golden meshed lace. The same lace pattern was sewn around the edges of her top, which had been designed so that it hung off of her shoulders, and her skirt, which pooled around her feet. Her nails had been repainted a dark red and her neck, arms, and slightly pointed ears were adorned in dazzling gold jewelry.

Carmilla stood beside her, looking equally as stunning. She wore a rich red dress whose sleeves were slit near the top of her shoulder so that the rest of the fabric appeared to dance fluidly around her while she walked. The insides were lined with black silk and the trim with black velvet. The skirt was long and trailed behind her, a deep cut down the middle allowing her legs to easily show through its many layers, similar to her sleeves. She had blushed her pale cheeks and opted for a lighter, more natural color on her lips while using reds and pinks around her eyes. Beautiful ruby earrings dangled off of her ears on a thin golden chain and a long, golden arm cuffs in the shape of roses coiled around both of her slender arms. Her nails had also been done up for the occasion, with Carmilla opting to go for pitch black to seemingly parallel Stefana’s own dress and nail colors.

You could not help but stare at the two of them, in complete awe that these immortal goddesses allowed for a lowly mortal such as yourself to even gaze upon them. “You two look absolutely ravishing. I doubt any other couple is going to be able to compete with you.”

Stefana grinned and offered her hand to help you stand. “I’m sure that title will go to my brother and Lisa. However, I won’t complain about being a close second.” she offered the crook of her arms to both you and Carmilla and slowly escorted you out of the room.

As the three of you walked down the halls of Stefana’s home, you noticed that you weren’t heading in the direction of her office, where the distance mirror was housed.

“Shouldn’t we be heading back?” you asked and turned around to try and catch a glimpse of that parlor.

“Where do you think we’re going, little witch?” Stefana queried.

“But…” you said and frowned. “We’re not heading back to the distance mirror?”

Carmilla chuckled behind the lace fan she held within her hand. “Oh, you sweet little thing… it would be so rude for us to enter that way!”

Your eyes narrowed a bit as you squinted up at her in mild disbelief. “Wouldn’t… wouldn’t it be more efficient to travel that way?”

“It would,” Stefana replied. “But for occasions such as these, one must arrive on the premises with a bit of finesse,” she gave you a smirk and finally stopped at the end of a hallway that was blocked off by an enormous wooden door.

Two guards stood posted, their faces hidden behind their metal helmets and when they noticed Stefana, they simultaneously bowed before the three of you. When they finished with their greeting, they slammed their lances against the hard stone floor and the door slowly creaked open.

Waiting for you outside was an ornate carriage made of sleek black wood, covered in golden decals. Two large black stallions stood at the ready, huffing and puffing as the coachman adjusted their reins from his plush seat.

“Wow,” you gasped and stumbled a bit as you followed Stefana’s lead to the stairs that lead inside the luscious caravan. You felt your heart begin to hammer in excitement as you bundled up the edges of your dress to prevent it from getting dirty and ascended the stairs, finding a spot besides Stefana, who sat in between you and Carmilla.

Stefana tapped the roof once and after a moment, you heard the coachman make a clicking sound and the carriage surged forward as the two stallions whinnied and kicked into gear.

You had never been a huge fan of riding in these things, but the seats in Stefana’s personal carriage were so comfortable that you were almost certain you could have fallen asleep in there. Gently, you pushed aside the velvet curtain to get a peek outside, surprised to find that twilight was already beginning to creep on the horizon and the moon was slowly starting to appear within the ever-darkening sky.

The trip was much shorter than you had anticipated and before long, the carriage was slowing down to a halt.

“We’ve arrived, mistress,” you heard the coachman say.

“Excellent,” Stefana replied and pointed to the door to your left. “Exit through there, little witch. If you need any help, Christopher, my coachman, will be there to assist you.”

You nodded your head and pulled down on the golden handle, carefully stepping down the ladder as slowly as you could, even if your whole body was humming in anticipation.

When you rounded past the carriage, the sight before you left you breathless. Castlevania had been transformed from its usual gothic self into something that looked like it came straight out of a children’s fairytale. Large red banners fluttered in the gentle ocean breeze and you saw that even the windowsills had been decorated with golden chains or even a string of various flowers. Colorful bouquets sat upon every step that lead to the large ornate doors of the castle, which were currently ajar, allowing the warm, energetic glow that emanated from inside to seep into the chilled air.

The sound of several slamming doors snapped you out of your trance and you realized that the three of you weren’t the first to arrive. Dozens of carriages were scattered around you and the distinct cry of horses from down the hill alerted you that the influx of guests was far from over.

It suddenly dawned on you that you were about to enter a castle filled with some of the most illustrious people within all of Wallachia--within all of Europe, if not the world --and on top of that, they were Lisa and Vlad’s family… and possibly also vampires.

You swallowed nervously and took a step back, this whole thing beginning to feel a lot more daunting than it had a few hours prior. A sudden gentle grip on your shoulder caused you to jump, but you relaxed when you found Stefana standing beside you, a kind smile on her face.

“Are you alright, little witch?”

You took a shaky breath and chuckled quietly to yourself. “I think… I think I’m just a little nervous.”

“Don’t be,” she replied and urged you forward with a gentle push. “This is a night of celebration. Just be genuine, just… be you. I promise that everything else will come naturally,” she gave your shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “How about we make our grand entrance, hmm?”

A smile tugged on the corners of your lips and you nodded your head, taking a tight grip of your skirts as you started to confidently trek up the ornate stairs of Castlevania to the party awaiting you inside.

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patricksilvrrozartistry · 6 years ago

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Current Music Obsessions: October 1 - 16, 2018

Well. I'm obviously working on purging my watch later playlist because this list is LONG. So let's get started with the honorable mentions.

MaYaN - Saints Don't Die Progenie Terrestre Pura - Twisted Silhouette LVCI - Not Yours Suodeth - Gauja The Number Zero - Web of Truth Trail of Tears - Poisonous Tongues Harpyie - Berserker A Metaphor for Betrayal - Confess Rave the Reqviem - Are Yov Happy Now, Fidelio? Jem - Come On Closer Shadowrise - To Live and Die For Dust in Mind - This is the End MaYaN - Tornado of Thoughts (I Don't Think Therefore I Am) Dim7 - Spinecrawler Oudn - Chaos Ignea - Queen Dies Black Mirrors - Mind Shape Bif Naked - Lucky MaYaN - The Power Process Illuminata - Phoenix Infinite Tales - Innocent St. Evil BrightStorm - Vampire Setanera - Spettralia Michael Romeo - Djinn Bysantine - The Cicada Tree Lena Katina - Косы Victorius - Lazer Tooth Tiger Elyose - Psychosis feat. Mark Jansen (Epica, MaYaN) The White Swan - Pelvic Sorcery

And now for the MANY obsessions.

1. The Last Martyr - Into the Black

This a really great find on Spaceuntravel that really caught me by surprise. I'm so glad I decided to give this song a shot, because it's super great. I wasn't sold at first, but when homegirl started screaming I was totally on board. I'm definitely am gonna check out more from these guys.

2. Asphodelia - Cassandra

I found these guys through IG one day when the band/singer liked a post or followed me, so I decided to check them out. The song is fairly simple, but the impression it leaves is a strong one. Their singer has a really pretty voice and the video is so striking with the look she wears where she's sporting the contacts.

3. Zahna - Underneath

Ok, from now on, I'm gonna put Spaceuntravel at the beginning of my statements for any song from them since I keep finding such great jams from that channel. This is a really beautiful alternative metal track and I'm obsessed with the lead singer's voice. There's just something about it that I'm just over the moon about. And the song is pretty catchy too, so that definitely helps.

4. Dol Ammad - Force of Freedom

This song is my favorite off their new album. The middle in particular is absolutely everything to me. There's something about that one singer just softly singing those lines and the rhythm that just really gets me. It's such a simple song, but the production and execution make it the excellent track it is.

5. Lavinium/Levinia - Alluring Fear

After discovering Levinia, I decided to look more into them and found their bandcamp where I saw they had their first demo/EP of the same title when they were originally called Lavinium. This song is definitely one of my favorites off that demo and is an absolute powerhouse of a track. I can't wait for Levinia's debut EP, Liberation, to drop on Halloween. These guys have quickly become a band on my immediate radar, and the fact that they are a symphonic metal band from the States that are this good blows me away.

6. Leprous - Contaminate Me (live)

Thank you Facebook memories for rekindling my love for this ballbuster of a track. Ihsahn is a fucking beast. He really takes this song to the next level, especially on this live version. And Einar's voice is gorgeous as always. I really love the fact that him and I have similar vocal ranges.

7. MaYaN - The Flaming Rage of God

This is my favorite song off Dhyana. It's so dramatic and powerful. The choirs in the beginning are absolutely everything. The verses where Laura and the male singer (not sure if it's Henning or Adam) are singing are so epic and haunting. They harmonize together so well. The pacing of this song is so great and I love the solos. Definitely give this track a listen.

8. Battlelore - Journey to Undying Lands

Another song I rekindled my love for thanks to Facebook memories. Definitely one of my favorite early tracks from them and the video for it looks like a legit movie. It's so exciting to know that they're working on a new album after such a long hiatus.

9. The Anix - This Machine

This is the second single they've released and I'm so hyped now for their upcoming release. This song has so much energy behind it, but still has an ambience to it in the verses leading up to the chorus. I hope a lot the new album packs in a lot of energy like this and Fight the Future. I love the softer, ambient tracks, but these tracks really show off the singer's voice so well, and he's got a beautiful one.

10. Chthonic - Millennia's Faith Undone feat. HOCC

This is the latest single these guys have put out and it's an intense one. These guys are a symphonic-ish blackened death metal band from Taiwan that I've known of for a little while now, and this is my favorite song I've heard from them so far. The energy behind it and the female guest singer has a lovely voice that adds such a great dynamic to the song.

11. Alesti - Eye of the Storm feat. Diego Tekuo

Spaceuntravel. This track isn't that special, but the production and Diego's voice are wonderful. This is the second song I've heard him on (the other is The Hidden Truth by Against Myself, which shows off a lot of his vocal talents) and is nice to hear this kind of singing from him. He's got a nice voice.

12. Sick N' Beautiful - Megalomaniacal

I discovered these guys after finding the singer on IG one day and holy tits is this a fun song. I'm definitely am gonna check out their new album, The Art of Sex. It sounds like it'll be just as fun and wild as this song. I live for the sci-fi vibes of their look and the video is so much fun to along with how fun the song is. I love their singer's green hair and her look in the video is amazing.

13. Sirenia - Love Like Cyanide feat. Yannis Papadopoulos (Beast in Black)

I wasn't so sure how I felt about this new single of theirs at first, but it grew on me and became an obsession. It's a bit all over the place in experimenting with different sounds. You got some symphonic metal, gothic metal, power metal, black metal. It's a big melting pot of different stuff and oddly everything mesh well together. It's a definite improvement over the last album, I'll say that much.

14. Dead Can Dance - Sanvean (live)

My Facebook memories really gave me a lot of stuff to reminisce over. This live performance is absolutely divine. Lisa is an absolute goddess and she proves it with this performance. I'm so excited for the new album to come out.

15. Dark Sarah - Golden Moth

I wasn't too keen on listening to the new album since a lot of the singles have been pretty lack luster, but this song changed my mind. This song is exactly what I needed to hear from them. It's full of so much beauty and emotion. And don't get me started on how amazing and gorgeous the video is. I can't get enough of it.

16. Eliza Red - Still

I can't remember how exactly I found this guy, but I found a song of his and thought it was too short and found this song, which in my opinion is also too short. But that doesn't stop the fact that I absolutely love it. It's an atmospheric r&b track and his voice is so lovely. I'm definitely am gonna look more into him, even though all his songs are super short.

17. Soulextract - Cryosleep

Spaceuntravel. This song became an obsession for one possible reason only: SPACE SHIT. I love it when songs are about space. Hello, I'm Patrick and I'm a sci-fi buff who's obsessed with space and the universe. Anyways, the song itself is pretty simple, but the execution and the fact it's about space shit is what makes me love it so much.

18. Meg Myers - Numb

I found this song through an IG ad one day when browsing through stories and had to check it out immediately. It's a great alternative track that has a punk vibe to it. I'm really interested in checking out more from her and seeing just what else her music entails.

19. Soul Desire - From the Flames

This is one of my favorites off their debut EP. It's such a lovely song that really shows off their front woman's range and the beauty of her voice. It's much slower compared to the other songs, but that's what helps it to stand out.

20. Northward - Get What You Give

This project is looking like it's gonna be an amazing one. After listening to an interview Floor did recently, it turns out that this is going to be strictly a rock project, so no soprano moments (hopefully Nightwish will incorporate that aspect of her voice way more in the new album). I'm still hoping there will be some growls that will pop up here and there though. Anyways, this is a really fun track that has some groovy verses. She gets some good high notes in the chorus, especially the final one, which is always wonderful to hear from her.

21. Hydria - Enjoy Your Greed

This is a throwback track for me. The second verse randomly popped into my head one day and I wound up rekindling my love for this track. I really need to get back into these guys. They had a really great symphonic metal sound and Raquel's voice is so lovely and stands out next to a lot of singers in the genre.

22. Arcane Roots - Curtains

Found this song one day when I tuned into a Metal Ass Gaming stream on Twitch. Jake decided to play this album and I had to give this and a couple other songs a listen and I wound up falling madly in love with this one. This song is pure proof as to why I love prog so much. It starts out really ambient (like Sigur Ros level ambient) and slowly picks up pace and then jumps into some hard-hitting djenty progressive metal. It's such an amazing track and you bet your sweet ass I'm gonna check out more from them.

So yeah. A SUPER LONG list. I know. I can't guarantee that the next half of the month will have a super long list, but it just might. At least we got some really great jams out of this though.

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stargleeksil-blog · 7 years ago

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Criminal Minds s03e20 Lo-Fi review - or more aptly named: ...

Episode 20 – Lo-Fi

So this is it! The finale of season three! I am so excited about this, this is unreal, dudes!

Alright, let’s cut the crap.

Let’s see what happens

LADY LIBERTY!

MANHATTAN!

I’m already in love with this episode XD

TIMES’ SQUARE!

SUBWAY TO DOWNTOWN AND BROOKLYN!

Why does it look like that guy has a bomb?

Wait. Did that dude actually shoot the guy who looked like he had a bomb? What the fuck?

Something’s not right.

Awwww! JJ and Will are going to pick out cribs! So cute!

Whoa. Straight to business, not even sitting down, okay.

“Five shootings in two weeks, it’s about time we got the call.”

Yeah, no kidding!

“22-caliber pistol’s only 152 decibels. New York streets and subways are routinely well over 100. It could be people aren’t even registering the gunshot until the unsub’s already leaving the scene.”

Damn.

“They sound like mob hits.”

Damn, straight.

“Except none of them have ties to organized crime.”

Oh, crap

“That’s the best image they have?”

Ooh, judgy JJ. I love it.

“Son of Sam all over again.”

:O that is some big words there, little poodle.

Voltaire: “The man visited by ecstasies and visions, who takes dreams for realities is an enthusiast. The man who supports his madness with murder is a fanatic.” DAMN. That is some powerful stuff.

“How come I only get to travel with you guys like once every two years?”

“Trust me, mama, it can get old.”

“Oh, right, like the way that spa treatments in 5-star hotels can get old.”

Can we just talk about the fact that Derek freaking carried her carry-on for her? Oh my god, so much flailing here. And he has his hand behind his back and everything. Oh my god, my head is just spinning with ideas.

lso, I LOVE her outfit! She dresses like a British noblewoman and I love it.

“Remember the time we got on board and they hadn’t chilled the Cristal?”

“Ooh. I almost quit the BAU that day.”

Oh god, I love Emily and Derek so fucking much.

“Okay, you know what? You guys can joke all you want. ‘Cause I am never leaving this plain.” I hear you, lady. Especially with Derek looking at me like that.

“It doesn’t make any sense. There’s no common victimology, no sexual component, no robbery, no geographical connection.”

“Do the police have any leads?”

“It’s a joint FBI-NYPD taskforce?”

Rossi don’t look happy.

“I heard she can be a little bit of a pain in the ass.”

Oh boy.

“I didn’t think so.”

Yet, Derek once called you a pain in the ass. So that doesn’t say much, does it?

Wait. That lady looks EXACTLY like Hayley!

“Is it just me or does she look exactly like Hayley?”

Thank you, JJ, for confirming I haven’t gone bananas.

POODLE FACE

“What can you tell us about the city’s surveillance system?”

Bam, no wasting time, goddess. God, I love you.

“And I’ll have complete access?”

Isn’t handing her the access kind of dangerous? She’s one crazy girl, isn’t she? XD I’m kidding. She’s amazing. I love her.

“I see you brought your own computer.” About Reid. HEY! No insulting my puppy!

“They, um … liaised when she was at Scotland Yard.”

“Of course.”

Oh my two lovelies! I love it when they gossip XD

And Morgan’s like, I don’t like that he has secrets with her.

“What can you tell me about Derek Morgan?”

WHAT? What’s this about? Have they met before? What’s going on?????

Garcia on the scene, everyone should be afraid XD

“Bitchin’, how many cameras?”

Did she just say bitching? Oh my god, I love this show so much.

“This is icky, but these creeps, they sometimes like to come back and watch the police deal with their handiwork.”

I love her choice of words.

“Voila.”

Gorgeous ladies at work.

Poodle coloring.

“Are we boring you?”

Yeah, you do NOT act like that to my babies.

So Derek was a cop in Chicago. Awesome!

“And I need everybody working on this case taking it personally.”

“You have that.” XD I love you baby.

“We’ll see.” WHAT?! Apologize right now, bitch.

“You know what helps me?”

“You make it your own.”

Oh honey, she just uses her own quirkiness to separate herself from the horrors. I love you.

“This isn’t exactly, uh … regulation.”

“Well, then, thank god it’s only us in here.” XD I love you, lady.

“Do you want to see a superfox?” What’s that?

Oh. So she’s talking about Derek. XD I love you.

“.22’s aren’t exactly the weapon of choice these days.”

“Unless you’re Israeli intelligence. That’s what Mossad uses for their political assassinations.”

Good to know.

“A need-motivated killer operates within his own comfort zone. An organized killer with some other motivation will make sure to strike outside that zone.”

Bam. Profiled.

Why did he drop that Tarot card? Weird.

“Let’s not be too quick to decide what we do or don’t have.” WHAT? Why you so bitchy to my baby?

“You mind telling me why I’m catching attitude from her?”

Yeah, do explain, Aaron.

“FBI brass has made it clear to her that if she doesn’t bring this case home, she’s gonna be reassigned. And you are at the top of the list to replace her.”

Wait. They want Morgan to head the NY office? Oh my god! How can he leave baby girl?

“You’re kidding me.”

“Why should you be surprised? You’re good at your job. People notice that.”

“What happened to the bureau patting itself on the back for stealing her away from Scotland Yard?”

Oh honey, you are so amazing for deprecating yourself, but you need to admit you are one to ugh cookie and people are noticing that you are amazing.

Oh crap. Now Derek knows he has a target on his back from the lady who brought them into the case, he’s extra cautious. You smart puppy, you.

So the fucker is playing with them and sending them tarot cards as messages? Oh boy.

“He sprints off in one and walks calmly in the other. it’s two entirely different demeanors.”

WHAT?

“Garcia, are you still there?”

“Would I ever leave you?” oh honey.

“I found something tres weird.” Oh baby, I love it when you speak that voulez coucher stuff to me.

Shit. There are two of those fuckers.

Shit.

“Could be some kind of gang initiation.” Oh boy.

Shemar talking about gangs shouldn’t be this hot.

Oh honey, he’s trying to be helpful, he’s good at this, but then Aaron doesn’t want that bitch to hate on him even more and ruin everything, so he’s stepping in. I’m with both of them, to be honest.

Aw!!!!! Will made it all the way to DC, missed her, and then took the train to New York to see her? Oh my god, I love you Will!

Wait. So JJ didn’t tell anyone she’s pregnant? Why?

Of course Hotch is immediately worried.

Oh, Will, she should have had the time to tell when she was ready. Poor thing.

Wait. He proposed??? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS SHOW THAT THEY DON’T SHOW IMPORTANT STUFF???? FIRST MORGAN ASKED GARCIAOUT AND NOW THIS????

I’m with Hotch, she should have told him.

But he’s so happy for her, it’s so clear.

Wait. Now Will is asking her to come back to DC? Why?

Sweetie, you’re carrying Will’s baby inside you, of course he’s going to be worried.

“We only have until seven. So can we argue about names and cribs?”

“Only if you let me win.”

Ha.

“Not a chance.”

KNEW IT!

They’re so cute! I love JJ and Will so freaking much.

Oh come on, cops, stop being pissed at my superheroes. Not all FBI dudes are dicks. Most of them are, but those aren’t.

Okay, can we talk about the fact that Penelope got Lisa to eat while watching surveillance?

And can we talk about the fact that she has one of the biggest coffee mugs I’ve ever seen that actually says ‘Miracle Worker’? I LOVE THIS SHOW AND I LOVE THIS WOMAN AND I LOVE HER CHARACTER.

Crap. They caught someone on the subway of 59th and Lex. Damn.

They were there. Fuck.

And he’s got a gun.

And it’s over. Fuck.

Crap. They lost visual.

Wait. The police aren’t even there? Why?

“We could’ve had that guy.”

“Even if we were on that platform, odds are he would have moved on to somewhere more isolated.”

Um, Negative Nancy much?

“Maybe, but it was wroth taking a shot.”

“We had every available man on the street.”

“And I suggested to you that you use this team.”

EXACTLY.

“Hotch, how am I supposed to look these cops in the eye and tell them that we’re actually here to help them?” I love you, baby, so much.

“We’re here to present a profile.” REALLY?

“I said to put us at express stops – 14th, 42nd, 59th, and that’s exactly where they hit.”

My passionate cupcake.

“It’s not your place to have this discussion.”

“My place?”

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU HOTCH?

“Focused.”

“From where I’m standing, all your focus is on her.”

WHAT? He did not just say that.

“Take a walk. Now.”

Uh. Yeah.

“I just felt like Hotch was taking her side.”

And he kind of was, Derek was absolutely right.

“Rossi, I hope you’re not saying you think I want her to fail.”

“It might be nice to finally be the one making the calls.”

Yup, cuz he’s a typical alpha male and it’s hot as fuck (shit, I just went primeval female there)

And yet.

“And dealing with the politics of running a field office?” Exactly.

“BAU wears people out, man.”

“Look at Gideon.”

“That man was the best, and in the end, he simply ran away.”

“I mean, Hotch hasn’t even thought about cracking a smile in over a year.”

“That man has to take a personal day just to have a conversation with his own kid.”

“I get it.”

You really do, papa bear.

“But I’ll make you a deal. If you think you’re losing it, I’ll pull you out myself.”

“But right now I see someone who wants to get back on the job.”

Oh my god, that tiny gesture just killed me.

God, that scene was powerful as hell. Just seeing Shemar express all those emotions hit me in the heartstrings like crazy. Fuck you, you amazing man. No seriously, I want to fuck you.

Hey, lady, when Derek Morgan comes in and wants to apologize, you let him!

Wait. There’s three shooters now? What the fuck happened while Derek was at the bar?????

“Okay, people, talk to me. Mouseketeer roll call.” OH MY GOD I JUST DIED RIGHT NOW.

I know it’s very serious, but that line was dang funny.

Wait. I don’t get it. Now Rossi thinks the profile they gave was wrong?

I’m confused.

Wait. So they’re targeting those people and trying to get the FBI and NYPD’s attention alone? Not start a city-wide panic? Why?

And I’m only at the 31:30 minute mark, and already this is one of the longest reviews I’ve ever done, and I got nearly 200 pics. Fuck.

Sorry, guys.

Wait. So they’re setting up the ground to wind up the authorities for their big reveal? Shit.

“Talk.” I’ll even sing for you, girl.

Why is Reid asking about the people they have out on the street? I’m scared now.

Oh Emily just described the Cooper to a tee, and I’m so impressed. I love you.

Wait. Someone’s hacked into the surveillance? SHIT.

Shit. Another murder. That brings us up to eight. Fuck.

Did that fucker just kill Detective Cooper???? FUCK YOU! I actually liked that guy!

And Emily totally shot one of the unsubs. Good for you, lady!

Wait. Now Emily’s second-guessing her actions? Why?

“He shot a cop. You did what you had to do.” Exactly, babe.

Wait. So the idiot wanted to get caught? Why?

Yup. They need to go backwards.

Cuz if they’re trying to make them think it’s finished by killing off one guy, that’s dangerous grounds.

“We think we might have a serious problem.”

Another one?

“Terrorism.”

Shit.

“The murderers simulate a bombing. From there they station someone to watch and gauge police response time.”

Fuck.

“At which point they know when to bring in a second bomb.”

Fuck. So all those killings are just dry runs for the finale? Shit.

“Talk to us Garcia.”

It’s still killing me that he’s talking into the hearing part of the phone.

LEARN TO USE A PHONE, SHEMAR!

SERIOUSLY! STOP TALKING INTO THE HEARING PART!

Wait. So Will is going home to New Orleans? Why?

Aw, concerned poodle.

Wait. He’s quitting his job for her and the baby? So they can be safe? OH MY GOD WILL!

Wait. One of the cars that one of the team went into exploded. WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU FUCKING DO THIS TO ME?

Okay, no episode review, I’m going straight to the next one. Bye.

I’ll throw whatever is left from the post here later when queuing this.

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theactivatedspectator · 5 years ago

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Interview with Lucas Gabellini-Fava

I had the pleasure of meeting Lucas Gabellini-Fava recently at Paris Photo. Lucas is a recent graduate of Photography at LCC. He has come out of university and landed himself directly in the art scene, interning for Broomberg and Chanarin and directing the emerging artists platform Revolv. I caught up with Lucas via email to enquire about his continued success after leaving university last year.

AK: Whilst you were studying, through which channels did you find recognition and artistic connections outside of the learning-institution?

LG-F: I always mention how I’m adamant that 70% of my education came from trying to find a foothold in the London art scene as quickly as possible - I was absolutely militant about it. I emailed every single artist that came in as a guest lecturer at my university - asking to work for them, I went to every opening and talk that I could find and I would find artists that were where I wanted to be and then try and find ways to spend time around them. Once I started to work for a few bigger names and know more people, it became much easier for me to not only understand how the art world in London functioned but also what I had to do to try and swing things my way.

The only recognition I’ve ever received so far has been because I went out and looked for it. I was actively looking for these people to look my way and 95% of the time it didn't work. Honestly, I think the important thing is doing as much as you can... I mean literally until you can’t do anything more. You’ll be rejected and set aside most times but then there’s always that one opportunity that changes something and you feel as though you’re one more step into the right direction. I see it as a ladder and you just have to ensure that you're always finding ways to step up a tiny bit higher.

AK: How have these evolved since your graduation?

LG-F: I pushed myself too hard for my degree show and being able to realise that has really helped me grow as an artist and has actually helped me make positive changes within my own practice. I’m making work at the moment, which I feel is much more interesting and mature - simply because I’m making more calculated decisions and I've created an environment for myself which allows me to think better. I was trying to go 'big' with my degree show and I realise now that sometimes this is not the best way to do things. I still love the work that I made, but months after I feel as though I understand myself as an artist much better now and I don't need to be big or impressive to make work that stands on its own two feet.

In terms of my connections, they have improved greatly. The fact that I tried to make so many of these connections whilst I was still studying has helped immensely. I now work for most of these people as a freelancer and I get to learn from them at the same time. They also end up becoming friends, which helps me join the right social circles and in turn helps my own practice. Everyone always says that the most important part of being an artist is being social and I couldn't agree more. Going out and spending time with other artists and creatives has been more important for me than spending time in the library and studying.

AK: What is your opinion of competitions, spring boards or belly flops?

Competitions are super important, just ensure that you're not paying £50 for them... So many out there are complete scams. For example, I would consider most BJP competitions scams simply because of the pricetags of their competitions. However, there are some great organisations out there such as Photo Works that are actually worth it. Also, Revolv (which I run alongside another 3 people) put out a few open calls a year and we put a lot of time and love into them. Our website is currently down because it was hacked, but check out the Instagram!

AK: Which current trends in the art world are you actively following / actively avoiding?

LG-F: I tend to avoid people that are making art that they label 'socially' or 'politically' important, which ends up just being a way for them to grab attention. There's a huge issue with this kind of stuff in the art world - using important issues to try to elevate your work to something that it clearly isn't. With today's social and political climate, this is happening more than ever and it's so infuriating and honestly slightly nauseating.

I am however open to a lot and I am constantly inspired by other art forms. I'm in love with Lisa Brice at the moment (go see her show at Friedman if it's still on). It's truly what real and important feminist work should make you feel. I'm being a bit careful with technology at the moment because it's very 'in' and annoyingly my current work and research situates intself in the middle of it. The way that the art and technology world are intersecting right now is fascinating, but I'm afraid of how utterly overdone some of these things are becoming. I'm just watching from afar for now and seeing where it all goes.

AK: and finally recommend me something great that you have read :: )

Anything from the goddess herself - Hito Steyerl. This woman has changed everything for me in terms of visual culture! Her writing blows me away. Start by reading 'In Defense of the Poor Image' and work your way through her books and e-Flux essays from there.

AK: Thanks for your time Lucas!

#ARTIST INTERVIEW

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movietvtechgeeks · 7 years ago

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Latest story from https://movietvtechgeeks.com/lisa-berry-talks-supernatural-death-wayward-sisters/

Lisa Berry talks 'Supernatural,' Death and 'Wayward Sisters"

I was fascinated with Lisa Berry’s character when she first appeared on Supernatural as Billie the Reaper, and chatted with her shortly after her second episode aired. So needless to say, I was thrilled to see Lisa return to Supernatural as Billie in the finale of Season 12 (to be killed by Castiel) and then again in Season 13 – this time as Death herself. We had a chance to chat after her appearance in Episode 13.05, the aptly named Advanced Thanatology. Billie had a pivotal confrontation with Dean Winchester, which was one of my favorite scenes in the episode, so I couldn’t wait to ask her about that and more! Lynn: This last episode that you were in, that scene between Billie and Dean was so pivotal to that episode… it was amazing. What made it so pivotal is that Billie was in a sense the audience’s point of view – through her eyes, we realized how much Dean had changed. How hopeless and despondent he had become. Going into it, how much if anything did you know about what Dean’s mindset was at the time, because you really played that realization so well? Lisa: Oh thank you so much, I appreciate that. As a fan of the show, I appreciate that you appreciated it! (laughing) Lynn: I did! Lisa: I didn’t get much background, I kind of was just assuming a lot of things. So when I got the script, I had to fill a whole bunch of things in. But the way that Steve [Yockey] wrote it, it made it easy enough to see that this is the path to where Dean is probably at, this is what he’s probably doing. A lot of clues were given in the script. So I think that was a really big help, but I didn’t get to read the first four scripts beforehand so I was kind of just like an audience member left with the Season 12 finale. Lynn: That’s what I thought, especially because it was so early in the season. I often wonder how you as a guest actor are able to so seamlessly put yourself there, in the moment. Obviously, the writers are following along with the story, but it seemed like you were able to put yourself right there where the viewer was and Billie just sort of jumped in to explicate our point of view. Lisa: I really appreciate that, because you know I’m a huge fan of the show myself. Lynn: (grinning) I know, and I love that. Lisa: I had the history and the background [of the show] and so in my interpretation of the character I’ve always put myself as right next to Death, his number one, even if you couldn’t see me. So I endowed my character with a lot of knowledge and background and history and being there for all of those touching Dean moments, because I have it in me. I’ve seen the series like a couple of times over. Not just the show, but the whooooole series, and there’s so many of them! I have really dedicated a lot of my TV watching time to Supernatural…. Lynn: (laughing, because err…me too) Lisa: I have! And a lot of times, I’ll just go back to one of my favorite seasons which is like when Death was introduced, which was so mind-blowing for me. And I’ll have it in the background while I’m working. I’ll have it on, and then I’ll just get caught up in a moment, and then you find yourself just watching it again – and I’m like, you’ve seen this, like seven times! Lynn: I totally love you. Lisa: You know? Lynn: I totally do. I do that too. Like, a lot. Lisa: (laughing) OK then I don’t feel so crazy because it’s a comforting show to have on in the background when you’re doing something. And then when I got the call that I was gonna be back, and I got the script, I immediately messaged Steve and said OMG this is so amazing and I’m so grateful that you trust me with this role. And they gave me lots of time with the script. I was also working at the Shaw Festival at the same time, so I was doing two plays in rep. Lynn: Oh wow, that’s a lot. Lisa: And then on my long weekend on Labor Day, I had to go and film the episode, and they somehow made it work. They were like; this is a big scene, are you sure she can do it in one day? And I was like; I can handle it, you’ve given me plenty of time to learn my lines and really digest the character. So I just went and basically had fun on the day. All the work was done, and then Jensen is like an amazing actor and scene partner, it’s just like, “Annnnnnd scene.” Lynn: It’s funny when you say that, it didn’t occur to me that it might have been filmed in one day because it was such a big and complicated scene. But I’ve talked to other guest actors on the show who have said – I remember Curtis Armstrong telling me that when he did that really long dialogue scene with Rob… Lisa: Oh yeah… Lynn: That they wanted to do it as much as possible all in one day, just get in it and do it and he felt like that was part of why it came off as so powerful. I wonder if that’s part of why that scene with you and Jensen came off as so powerful too. The energy just crackled between the two of you. Lisa: Oh yeah, and our director [John Showalter] was so great – at the time I was very much in the theater world, so all you do is you show up and you do a play. You know all of your lines, and you just go for it. There’s no cut, try that again. And [on this episode] everybody was kinda just like ohhh he wants to kinda film it just like one shot, like continuously going and not breaking it up. In TV a lot of times you only have to know so much of your dialogue, and then you cut and then you can take it from there and space it out. But a scene like that, I was definitely an advocate for no, let’s just do it as one scene. Lynn: And it so worked. It’s interesting too because Jensen has said that one of the things that frustrates him sometimes – and they’ve sorta gotten away from it in Supernatural because they’ve been doing this so long – but it’s doing those very fragmented repeated takes kind of thing. He and Jared sorta joke about it like when they do it too many times, it’s like ‘I’m running on repeats’. Like you won’t get the best stuff. Lisa: Yeah and really, if you show up and you’re prepared, the set is completely open arms for you. I mean that as much for Supernatural as for any set. When an actor shows up and is prepared, then they can have fun. When an actor is not prepared, then it can become a really long day. Lynn: (laughing) Lisa: But it’s such a fun role, and it’s just gotten better and better every time I’ve gotten a script. I’m just so humbled – you know the show, there are about a million gazillion people they could bring back and story lines they could weave in and could be a part of their consideration – it always just makes me a little teary eyed to be brought back, like really? Lynn: You’re right, but it’s interesting, some fans long ago thought maybe Billie will be the next Death. And Julian Richings, a few years ago, said that he’d like to see you play Death if it isn’t him – and he said he loves you too, by the way. So maybe it was in the collective consciousness of the show. Lisa: I was just like, I hope the fans don’t hate me, because I love Julian too! So I was just like, I really want to play the role with as much dignity and honor as I possibly can, because it’s like picking up a baton, you know? Lynn: Was that intimidating? We’ve talked before about Billie’s epic entrances. And this one was too – I think I said something in my review like the character is both beautiful and intimidating. That long coat and the ring and just the way she has about her. Was it intimidating to step into that role? Lisa: Awww, thank you. Absolutely, absolutely, because it’s such an iconic role. Whether you play it on television or film, or whatever. I went to see Thor Ragnarok and I thought OMG she plays the goddess of death – as do I. It’s like a role that I don’t know any woman who wouldn’t be like, YES PLEASE. Lynn: Oh yeah Lisa: And to sink your teeth into it…I was nervous obviously, I’m not gonna lie about that, but that’s the beauty of playing a role like that. I know when I’m in Billie, because Billie doesn’t have any nerves. She doesn’t get afraid and she doesn’t feel judged and she doesn’t worry about those things. And Lisa does. So it’s very easy to tell when I’m in the character and when I’m not. It’s a wonderful opportunity just as a human being to stand your ground and be confident and bold and to live in that energy. You don’t get to live in that energy that often, or stay in it that long, because something comes around to be like uh you’re actually human and you can be hurt, scarred, bruised, cut. Lynn: Alas, you have to go back to that. Alaina Huffman and Ruth Connell have said that too, that stepping into the shoes of their (powerful female) character who really doesn’t give a damn in the way most of us do is kinda therapeutic Lisa: Oh my gosh, yes. And especially with the role that I was playing on stage, it was so nice to straighten my spine and get to say how I feel and have an opinion and move through the world with confidence. Because when you’re playing a slave girl in 1833, you don’t get to do that. Lynn: I guess not, what a contrast! Lisa: It was, oh yeah. This past year I went from playing the handmaiden to the queen to a slave trying to make it through the day to Billie. It’s been all in a week, and that was kinda cool. Lynn: This is why I’m a psychologist and not an actor – I think that would mess with my head! Lisa: (laughing) Lynn: I don’t think I could do that Lisa: Oh man, tools. As a psychologist you absolutely know that people have their tools and I just always try to be the sanest actor I know. We do have a reputation for being crazy. So I do try and go in and out as gracefully as I can from roles and still be a functioning human being in the rest of the world. Lynn: It’s interesting, I know that’s the stereotype. But I know so many actors now from doing this research and writing these books for so long, and they’re some of the least crazy people. High strung maybe, and emotional – very empathic often – but not crazy. Lisa: Yes, yes. Lynn: So if you put yourself in your head canon for Billie right now, where is she in terms of the Winchesters? She said that her perspective has shifted, so how does she view them now? Is it a little grudging admiration, or is it why do I have to keep these guys around? Lisa: I think, and this is with having zero information, I think she has a soft spot for them now, now that she can see the big picture, you know? Lynn: Mmm hmm Lisa: It’s like when you’re mad at somebody and then you find out they go home to a cardboard box and they actually don’t have a home and their puppy died, and it’s that whole bigger picture. And you realize, I was really hard on you, looking through my little telescope, but now I have the bigger picture and wow, it really costs you guys to do this. And what you’re doing is for a much greater good. I don’t know any human who has ever made that sort of sacrifice. So I think she’s begrudging because she’s just hated them for so long and she’s had this sort of thorn in her side with them. And now it’s like she has to take it out and feel that weight. Lynn: That makes sense, that’s what I would guess too. I think you played the opening of that in the last few lines she had. And talk about iconic, Steve Yockey gave you a call back to one of the most iconic lines in the show – when Billie said ‘you’ve got work to do’ it was a call back to ‘we’ve got work to do.’ How did that feel, to deliver such an iconic line? Lisa: The whole scene hit me, like every word, hit me as important. I really did my absolute best to mine the script as best as I could and just try to find and turn over every stone and understand what is going through her mind and where she’s coming from and what she wants and needs. I asked why to every single thing that she said. Because as human beings, we always know why we’re doing what we’re doing, very specifically. Even when we’re telling a story about people needing to mind their own business, it’s like you have someone in mind. Lynn: Totally, you’re so right Lisa: You’re not just randomly saying that, you know? So I really wanted her to be able to think in and around the words and they all really struck me as this whole scene is very iconic. It made me think of when we first met Death, in the slow motion and the car and everything. This is a new spin and a different play to it, but lines like that – and hearing you say it now makes me hear it even more than I even heard it then, which is kinda cool. I really thought that about a lot of the scene, even the ‘we need to talk’. Lynn: Oh yeah Lisa: Like wow, you’re just given me one like everyone-wants-to-speak-like-that kinda line. Lynn: True. Lisa: I remember doing a guest spot on Lost Girl and my superpower was I could ignite fire from my hands. Lynn: Cool Lisa: And I was ready to burn a building down with my hands and in the end they’re like cut, no, we’re scrapping it, and I have to be like ‘I hate getting all hot and bothered for nothin’ Lynn: (laughing) Great line! Lisa: What actor doesn’t want to have to say that line? So as an actor and an artist, you’re grateful when you get to say the cool lines and do the echoes of the episodes that came before. Because it’s been well over a decade, so to be able to bring that back – and I also think it kinda represents where the show is at right now, kinda like when I read the script I was like – okay and now I’m talking as a fan here – when I read the script I was like whoa they really could keep opening up one dimension after another, and this show really could go on forever! Lynn: That’s what it feels like. Lisa: Yeah, I mean it evolved from being a show about monsters and then it got very biblical and now we’re talking about worlds and galaxies and I was like whoa, okay. Okay! Lynn: I know, right? So much potential. Lisa: Exactly. And it was also very exciting to be part of opening up a new avenue, a new portal. That was cool; I was like wow. Lynn: I’m assuming that you watched the episode when it aired. The other thing that worked so well, I think, is what Jensen did in that scene. It’s something that Julian Richings has talked about in his scenes with Jensen, that what worked so well to invest Death with awe and fear is that Jensen played all that in Dean, through Dean’s perspective, so Julian didn’t have to. And he did that in this scene too, with you. The way he was looking up at Death, looking like a little kid, like absolutely in awe of her. Lisa: Totally. Totally. He, like I said, he’s one of my favorite actors to work with. He makes you better, I think, he’s that kind of actor. Lynn: You both played off each other masterfully. And it was an important scene too because we learned a lot about the main character. Any scene in which we learn a lot about the mental state, and the emotional state, of one of the main characters, it becomes so important. Lisa: Mm hmm. Thank you. And personally, I’m just a fan of Dean monologues, so I’m always game for that. Lynn: (grinning) Me too. I remember when we chatted before, you said that the first time you were on the show you were nervous, because you were a fan of the show. How is it now, after multiple guest appearances? Is it more relaxed? Lisa: You know, I’m like a hair – and I mean that literally, like a cat hair – more relaxed (laughing) But because I shoot these episodes with a lot of time in between shootings and I’m there for a day or two, so all in all I’m probably there for like eight days over three years (laughing) so the nerves haven’t had a chance to completely subside. First, I get a script and I’m like I can’t believe they’re bringing me back! Lynn: Right! Lisa: I always look at it like what a wonderful way to go out, that’s how I am – any time I’m a recurring character on any show, the last episode I shoot I’m always like, that’s a great way to go out! And if I come back again, that’s great. [caption id="attachment_51949" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Source: Lisa Berry[/caption] Lynn: That’s a great attitude to have, especially on Supernatural! And then if you come back, it’s a lovely surprise. Lisa: It’s always a lovely surprise. That’s the beauty of it. And this was definitely one of those episodes where I was like oh THAT is the way to go out! Lynn: You’ve had epic entrances and exits, come to think of it. And you’re still there. Only on Supernatural! Lisa: (laughing) Only on Supernatural, it’s so true. God bless that show. So I do feel more at ease as an actor because I’ve been lucky enough that I’ve continued to work on my own projects, so I feel more prepared as an actor, having learned and grown as an actor. I feel like I’m able to bring something new when I come back, so I feel more confident as an artist. But fangirling out, feeling like a nerd? That hasn’t subsided. Lynn: I think I like that about you, Lisa – don’t let that change! Lisa: (laughing) I’m still like, can I get a picture with you, Jensen? Lynn: Hey, some things you never get used to. When I’m talking on the phone with them I’m fine, but then when it’s in person, I’m distracted all over again. Lisa: I know, seriously. And they’re just such loving people, that’s also what makes the gush happen. It’s like well you can’t be super nice, because now I’m gushing even more! Lynn: (laughing) That’s right, it doesn’t help. If they were only standoffish… Lisa: (also laughing) Totally. Lynn: I know you did some viewing parties with some of the other guest actors, and I know they all think very highly of you. How has it been to get to know some of the other SPNFamily? Lisa: When I was living in LA for a while I spent a lot of time with Alaina and Ruth especially, and they have really taken me under their wing. It’s crazy. And Briana and I knew each other from back in the day, and Kim has just been so kind, and Sam is literally like just such a nice person. One day when I had off, she was like hey, you wanna hang out today? And I was like, you wanna hang out with ME? Lynn: Awww. Lisa: I was like um yeah sure! And I find that to be really heartwarming and it makes me really grateful to be a part of something that’s more than just a show. Lynn: Oh yes, it is more. Lisa: And getting to do a calendar with them was wonderful [for Stands], and even though I haven’t met everyone in person, we know each other on social media and via email and text, because we’ve got a little group thread that’s ongoing. Lynn: Everyone seems to value that so much Lisa: Sometimes people will just chime in with a great quote or something or just send somebody some love. And I find that to be really cool. I lost a friend this year to mental illness… Lynn: I’m so sorry Lisa: And I put it out there like hey I lost somebody today. To be welcomed back like I was, because we don’t see each other a lot, I haven’t done the conventions like many of them have, so we don’t talk on that level, but I just wanted to still keep them included in my life and what’s going on and they are just super kind people. Lynn: They really are. It’s a unique bunch of women. And speaking of the kickass women of Supernatural, I wanted to ask you – Kim, Briana, Ruth and Rachel all wrote chapters in my book that’s out now, Family Don’t End With Blood… Lisa: Which I have! I bought it. I’m about to start reading it when I head back to Chicago. It will be the first thing I read in 2018. Lynn: Oh, awesome! You have to tell me what you think when you read it. Everyone – both the actors who wrote chapters and the fans who did - really did an amazing job writing very personal chapters. My next book is focused on the women of Supernatural, and I wonder if you might want to write a chapter. Lisa: OMG I would be honored to do one, are you serious? Lynn: I am, it’s right here on my list of questions. Lisa: Oh my god, thank you so much. Oh my goodness, you don’t wanna know – literally when I picked up your book I was like, this is so cool. Lynn: The actors who wrote chapters had some really important things to say, and I think what they wrote has made a difference. That’s what we wanted to do. Okay, last two questions. Why have we not seen you at conventions? Lisa: I don’t know! Lynn: Fans would love to have you at cons. Lisa: I would love to be at conventions. To be honest, I’ve always tried to be the person who says well if it was meant to be, it’s meant to be. Everything is trying to find its way to you and you’re trying to find your way to it. I did get to do a convention in the UK and it was such a wonderful experience. But I only want to be there if people want to hang out and have a good time, I’m not really a push my way through the door person, so if nobody invited me, I just kinda move on and go with the flow. Lynn: I think people would love having you there. And you’re back as Death, so it’s a no-brainer now! Lisa: Aww, thank you. Check Out Our Holiday Gift Guides: [abcf-grid-gallery-custom-links id="50643"]

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drades-lair · 8 years ago

Text

Dean’s tender side

Author: Drade666

Rating: G

Pairings: Dean x OC, Gabriel x OC

Fandom: Supernatural

When Reeka first saw Dean she couldn’t stand the smart mouthed hunter but the more they hung out together the more Reeka started to fall for him. Dean couldn’t believe that Drade and Gabriel had managed to reproduce again let alone that they’d managed to have what was turning out to be a female Gabriel, which was just what they needed. Dean was absolutely against the young archangel hybrid until he found himself absently watching her as she walked away or listening intently when she spoke. Soon enough both of them had fallen for one another resulting in an awkward first date when Sam bailed one night that he’d promised Dean he’d go see the new hot action film leaving Dean alone until Reeka showed up in the line up waiting to get in. The coincidental date ended with Dean having a rather good time with Reeka especially when he accidentally put his arm around her and she simply leaned over onto his shoulder making his heart skip a beat for a moment. Reeka asked him to go out again about a week later and it blossomed from there until finally 3 months had passed but the most amazing thing was that Dean didn’t just jump into bed with Reeka like he did with all women he dated instead he waited until she asked him to sleep together. After sleeping together for the first time Dean felt more closely to Reeka then he had ever with any other woman even more then Lisa the only problem was now he had to prove himself to Reeka’s parents, which wouldn’t be a problem except Reeka’s father is an archangel and her mother is a reincarnation of a goddess need less to say Dean was more then just a little nervous.

Fortunately Drade was happy for her daughter meaning she could keep Gabriel under control. Since revealing they were dating about 5 months ago Gabriel still hadn’t killed Dean and Drade was clearly still thrilled about her daughter having someone to depend on so all in all it had gone about as well as it was going to when dating the daughter of an archangel. Dean spent a lot of time with Reeka now taking her to dinner, to the movies, on hunts every thing you could imagine but what he hated was having to let her go on hunts alone cause she was after all a hunter like her mother.

“But why don’t I go with you?” Dean suggested in a worried tone

“Dean, it’s just a simple hunt. Two hunter’s would be over kill” Reeka scoffed with a smirk as she packed her overnight bag.

“I don’t have a good feeling about this” Dean stated as he leaned against the doorframe to the bathroom of the motel room he and Reeka were sharing currently.

“Look I’ll go, I’ll call…then I’ll kill and I’ll come back” Reeka assured Dean with a gentle touch to his cheek before pushing passed him into the motel room.

“Just promise me you’ll be careful,” Dean said placing his hands around Reeka’s waist just above her hips causing her to turn around.

“Promise, besides I’m an archangel hybrid remember” Reeka said with a giggle while wrapping her arms around his neck then kissing him deeply.

(~)

Dean was pacing the safe house living area anxiously awaiting Reeka’s return especially after she’d called two days ago stating that the hunt would take longer then anticipated. Drade tried desperately to keep both her mate and Dean calm so that when she did arrive they wouldn’t pounce on her but even Drade had to admit she was getting a little worried. Night fall came leading to Drade finally deciding to send Gabriel out to look for their daughter just in case she needed help but she made Gabriel promise that if she was fine to not interfere just return unnoticed. Gabriel promised Drade then took off to find his daughter seeing as Drade had suffered a strain to her left wing about a week ago other wise she’d go herself.

Gabriel feverishly soared over the treetops till he reached the area where Reeka was supposed to be hunting. Gabriel swooped into the dense forest searching amongst the trees but when he found nothing Gabriel began to wonder if maybe he had over reacted then suddenly he saw a trail of blood on the ground. Folding his wings Gabriel landed on the ground to check out the faint blood trail revealing it to be Reeka’s that made Gabriel’s heart stop as he looked around frantically Gabe noticed that the trail got more prominent the further it went. Gabriel swallowed hard before following the trail after a few miles he saw something in the distance like a dark shape on the ground with some sort of weird structure around it. Gabe took off towards the figure only to have his worst fears confirmed it was Reeka laying on the ground and the structure was trees with ropes tied to them then tied to her.

Gabriel ran up to Reeka taking a knee in front of her then cupped her face in both his hands, as he looked her over. Reeka was on her side with both hands tied together in front of her then tied to the tree while another set of ropes bond her manifested wings to other trees. Reeka was beaten badly with bruises all over her body along with a split lip, a cut above her eyebrow that was still bleeding a little, cuts littered her body as well but the worst was one cut on each of her wrists that were deep but thanks to the ropes being so tight they’d actually slowed her blood loss. Gabriel cut the ropes from the trees then un bond her wings only leaving the ropes on her wrists in place to keep the bleeding under control until he could get her back to the safe house. Gabriel picked up Reeka’s unconscious body to cradle her in his arms then took off for the safe house not stopping till he arrived resulting in him being mostly out of breath when he arrived in the middle of the living area.

“Gabe?” Drade asked as Gabriel scared the crap out of everyone by randomly landing in the middle of the living room.

“Gabriel! Next time a little…” Dean trailed off as his eyes fell upon the figure cradled in Gabriel’s arms.

“Reeka!” Drade cried out when she realized as well what Gabriel was carrying; leaping from the chair she was sitting in to get to them. Dean stood watching in complete shock as Drade frantically tried to look over her daughter in Gabe’s arms before instructing him to take her to the infirmary in the back of the safe house. Dean snapped out of his haze enough to follow them into the back room where Drade told Gabriel to lay Reeka on the treatment stainless steel treatment table while she ran around gathering items. Gabriel did as he was asked but now in the light she looked a lot worse then what he’d seen when he’d looked her over in the woods. Three of Reeka’s wings were broken, 5 had been damaged in other ways, she had a stab wound to her one leg and the ropes around her wrists were soaked with blood from the cuts to her wrists. Reeka’s breathing was vary faint along with her pulse leaving Drade in a very concerned state for her daughter as she grabbed various items to place on a cart before rolling it to Reeka’s side. Drade’s first goal was to stabilize Reeka’s condition before moving on to her wrists to close the wounds that were slowly draining the life from her. Drade found a vein in Reeka’s arm to start an IV in then slipped an oxygen mask over her nose and mouth to help her breath a little easier before finally looking at her wrists, which were turning a purplish-red from the lack of circulation for what Drade estimated to be at least 2 days but there was also something else. After gently examining the wounds Drade found a strange substance on her skin it had been in the feathers of her wings as well but when Drade brought it to her nose it smelled like some kind of poison.

Now Drade definitely couldn’t use her abilities on Reeka not just cause she was an archangel mostly but also cause she had no clue what would happen with this poison. Drade indicated for Gabriel to come over to help her handing him a towel to wrap firmly around Reeka’s one wrist while she did the other then pointing a finger at the ropes holding her wrists Drade let a small burst of her energy out to break the ropes. Reeka’s wrists started to gush blood despite the pressure being applied while Drade scrambled to grab a needle and thread to close the wounds. Dean watched as Drade was finally able to close the injuries as his heart broke but he had no idea what to do or if he could even do anything at all for his lover. Reeka started to come too while Drade finished stitching the final wound causing her to at first wake with a groggy moan but swiftly she squeezed her eyes shut with a whimper that turned into a cry of pain as everything hit her at once.

“Reeka, honey…hush…hush…don’t move” Drade insisted as both her and Gabriel grabbed her in an attempt to get her to hold still. Reeka cried out as the excruciating pain continued to pulse through her with fresh blood running from the wounds all over her body as well as the ones on her broken wings. Reeka also appeared to be delirious cause she wasn’t talking to them but rather her words were directed to phantom attackers.

“No! Leave me be! Don’t touch me!” Reeka screamed

“Reeka! It’s us! It’s me!” Gabriel said sternly grabbing Reeka’s face in an attempt to make her focus.

“Huh?” Reeka asked as she finally calmed slightly

“That’s it, you’re safe. It’s your father” Gabriel told her

“Daddy?” Reeka finally had enough clarity to see it was indeed her father.

“Yeah, it’s me baby” Gabriel confirmed for her. Suddenly with tears in her golden eyes Reeka lunged forward grabbing at Gabriel desperately before sobbing into his shoulder. Gabriel held his little girl close with soothing little sounds while Drade swallowed her own heart break for her daughter to continue treating her injuries.

“Daddy! Daddy it hurts…so…bad!” Reeka sobbed causing Dean to have tears well up in his green eyes.

“I know sweet heart, it’ll be over soon” Gabriel assured her while Drade looked at the damage done to Reeka’s wings.

“Reeka, it’s just me okay? I’m going to check your wings” Drade informed her daughter so she wouldn’t be alarmed. Reeka winced while Drade determined that luckily her wings weren’t to badly injured and if they simply stitched them with a couple splints for the broken bones it should suffice. Drade needed to tend to the last injury on her thigh so she waved her hand to get Reeka out of her bloodstained clothing causing Reeka to grip Gabriel tighter until Drade wrapped a blanket around her before leaning down to get a better look at the stab wound on her thigh. Dean walked up beside Gabriel that’s when Reeka saw him with a small whimper she pushed up from Gabriel then with a little maneuvering Dean replaced Gabriel as Reeka clung to him now with Dean placing gentle comforting kisses to her temple.

“I thought I’d never see you again” Reeka sniffed

“I thought I’d lost you” Dean retorted softly

“I’m sorry” Reeka sobbed

“For what?” Dean asked furrowing his brow in confusion

“For breaking my promise,” Reeka responded but the response broke Dean’s heart all the more.

“It’s okay, it’s okay…don’t worry about that” Dean told her with a little quiver in his voice as he placed a little longer kiss to the top of her head.

Drade finished stitching the wound on Reeka’s thigh then repaired her wings followed by bandaging her injuries. Reeka fell in and out of consciousness on Dean while Drade finished her work then waved her hand to put Reeka in a nightgown then told Dean to help get her to one of the recovery beds. Drade did the finishing touches before leaving Dean with Reeka. Dean came upstairs later for something to drink but stopped before entering the living area that connected to the kitchen when he saw Gabriel sitting on the couch sideways with on leg crooked on it while Drade was kneeling in front of him with her face buried in his shoulder shaking as the sounds of sobbing could be heard radiating through the safe house. Gabriel was holding Drade close with one hand on the back of her head gently stroking her crimson hair while the other rubbed her back. Dean couldn’t believe what he was seeing it was very rare that Drade lost all control like this but he could also understand considering it was her daughter. Dean opted to leave them be so he simply went back down stairs and got a drink out of the tap down there before returning to his vigilant spot next to Reeka. Reeka finally came too several days later as she started to recover Reeka also explained what had happened to her in better detail this time. Apparently she’d been ambushed by several rival hunters who had found out she wasn’t entirely human resulting in her being tied up, beaten with bats then they slit her wrists in an attempt to make it look like a suicide or cult ritual as for her not healing that was due to the poison they injected into her system but she had no idea what it was. Drade did though she had figured it out while Reeka had been unconscious it was a substance created from the blood of a purgatory resident, rare but not impossible to get.

“Anyway I’m sorry Dean” Reeka apologized again

“I already told you not to worry about it” Dean insisted rubbing her back between her crimson wings that looked like they bled into black.

“I’m just glad your safe now” Drade stated placing a warm kiss to the top of Reeka’s head.

“Me too” Gabriel agreed also giving his daughter a chaste kiss to the cheek.

Drade ushered Gabe out of the room to allow Dean time with Reeka. Dean gently pulled Reeka close to him till her head was resting on his shoulder while he rubbed her opposite shoulder with his hand.

“I’ll never let anything happen to you again,” Dean swore in a whisper making Reeka smile then nuzzle into his chest before falling into a peaceful sleep.

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