theeblackthorne

[theeblackthorne]

The scent of coffee and aged parchment swirled together in the quiet hum of the library café. Azlee sat in her usual spot by the window, where the light cast soft, golden streaks over the leather-bound book resting beneath her fingertips. A cup of espresso sat untouched beside her, long since gone cold. The real weight in front of her wasn’t the drink, but the story she had just finished writing; the one she had spent centuries living. She had been keeping journals since the night she was turned, over a thousand years ago. Thousands of pages filled with memories, losses, revolutions, resurrections. In April of 2022, she decided to do something with them; to stitch together a coherent narrative from the chaos of time. It had been a daunting task, reliving each moment, deciding what to keep and what to leave buried. But now, after relentless nights of sifting through the past, the autobiography was finished. Azlee traced her fingers over the final page, her name inked at the bottom in bold, deliberate strokes. Azlee Feven Blackthorne. It was strange; closing the book. After lifetimes of writing, recording, documenting, she had reached the end; at least, of this chapter. Around her, the world continued on. Baristas called out names, patrons whispered over open books, the espresso machine let out its familiar hiss. For the first time in a long time, she felt unmoored. She had spent so long writing about her past. The question now was... what would she do with her future?

[theeblackthorne]

Azlee’s gaze flickered over Lucien’s face, catching the subtle undertone in his words. A soft breath of amusement left her at his remark. “Of course you are,” she murmured, swirling the liquid in her glass before taking another sip. “It’d be terribly out of character if you weren’t.” But she knew him well; just as he knew her. Beneath the smirk and the casual ease, there was always something else. Something unsaid. She let the silence settle between them for a beat, watching the light catch against the rim of her glass. “And yet, you’re deflecting,” she noted, her tone light but her eyes sharp. “I suppose we’re both doing that tonight, aren’t we?” A small smirk played on her lips as she glanced back at him, as if daring him to challenge her on it. “Tell me, dear brother,” she said smoothly, “do you ever tire of pretending everything is just fine?” Her voice held no accusation, just a quiet understanding. Because out of all their siblings, he was the only one who could ask her the same thing and actually make her answer.

LUCIEN COULDN'T HELP THE SOFT SMILE THAT FORMED. it was teasing moments such as this that reminded lucien of the connection he still shared with his siblings. however, her words had him raising a brow in her direction. "well enough." there was no question in his tone. just repeating her. because... well, he understood. maybe not exactly what she was thinking... mainly because getting azlee to open up always took work. which wasn't surprising for any blackthorne, not really. "you missing a good party? that'd be the day." his tone was both amused while also hold a hint of concern. asking a question without asking. lucien had always been good at getting az to talk. they had a habit of pushing each other without actually pushing. at her questioned, he smirked. "oh you know me, sister." he smirked. "i'm fairing better then most." he shrugged. because despite everything happening, lucien was doing fine.

[theeblackthorne]

Azlee’s gaze flickered to the ring on Natalie’s finger, a smile curling at the corner of her lips. “Full circle,” she echoed softly, her tone warm. “Seems fitting for you two.” There was a rare tenderness in her expression; one that only surfaced when it came to family. Azlee knew Erik was going to ask but didn't know when. Her eyes lingered on Natalie for a moment longer, her voice softening. “I’m really happy for you both,” she said sincerely. “You’re good for each other.”

"It's so crazy being here of all places and being engaged," Natalie admitted, looking around the place before her eyes came back to her ring, yet again. She wasn't vain in any way. She would have loved a little piece of string as a ring so long as it came from Erik. It was beautiful and an endless reminder that she was going to marry the love of her life. "This is where Erik and I got together and it's just so full circle!"

[theeblackthorne]

Azlee’s expression remained steady, though the faintest trace of something softer flickered in her eyes. She could hear it; the way Ashlyn’s voice wavered just slightly, the way her words carried a weight she wasn’t sure how to set down. She gave a small nod, acknowledging the honesty for what it was: something rare, something fragile. “That’s fair,” she said simply, as if to tell Ashlyn she didn’t have to have the answers right now.

A beat passed before she exhaled, tilting her head slightly. “Staying, huh?” A hint of something—amusement? Curiosity?—ghosted across her features. “It’s a good place to put down roots. Or at least,” she smirked lightly, “as much as we can.” Her fingers curled around the strap of her bag, debating for half a second before she added, “If you ever want to talk, about anything, or nothing at all, you know where to find me.” It wasn’t a demand. It wasn’t even really an invitation, just a quiet offering. A reminder that, despite everything, she was still here.

UPON HEARING HER SIRE SPEAK, ash felt so many more emotions flood her. but she calmed her mind enough to stay mostly stoic. "actually, i had been planning on staying." she admitted, but now she wasn't sure that was a great idea. the easier option would be to run away and not deal with all these overwhelming emotions. . . but she had already started to feel comfortable here. she wanted to FINALLY settle down. and this town was perfect for that.

at azlee caring tone, ashlyn almost broke down in tears. despite the bitter rage ash felt toward az most of the time... it was the moment like this, where you can JUST SENSE how much the older vampire actually c a r e s... it makes it hard to hold onto the anger. "i- i'm gonna be honest. i don't know right now." she admitted.

[theeblackthorne]

Azlee arched a brow, arms folded as she regarded her younger brother with amused skepticism. “Hard to believe is an understatement,” she mused, lips curving into a smirk. “But sure, let’s pretend you’re just that charming.” She plucked the offered glass from his hand, swirling the liquid before taking a slow sip. “Not bad,” she admitted, tilting her head. “Though I have to wonder; was it the charm, or does he just not want to be on your bad side?” Her gaze flickered over the glittering ballroom, the hum of music and laughter filling the space. “Another year gone,” she mused, lifting her glass slightly. “Here’s to surviving another one. And to you, for somehow convincing people you’re likable.”

"I know this is hard to believe but the bartender gave me this because he likes me, not because I compelled him or terrify him," Erik replied with a slight smirk, "Would you like some?" he asked, gesturing to the other glass.

@theeblackthorne

[theeblackthorne]

Azlee nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “That’s thoughtful of you. Aida’s adjusting, but having something tangible, something familiar yet new, definitely helps. Food is one of those rare things that transcends time, even if we don’t need it the way we used to.” She tapped her fingers against the table, considering. “And Lucien being back… well, that’s another reason to make this dinner special.” Her tone was neutral, but there was a flicker of something unreadable in her expression. “It’s rare to have everyone in one place without a looming catastrophe. Feels like we should make the most of it.” She glanced back at Natalie, her smirk returning. “Besides, if you’re handling most of the cooking, I might actually get to enjoy the evening instead of putting out kitchen fires; literal and otherwise.”

"Exactly. We need a reason to celebrate. And Lucien is back too, so everyone will be here for once," she noted. Even if Lucien didn't like her, she was happy for Erik and the others to have him around. "Well cooking and baking is one of my strong points. And I thought it would help her feel a little less out of place. I know it's still hard for her adjusting to modern times. This way she's a part of it in a way that's easier for her to deal with."

[theeblackthorne]

--end

"That's a new development. I have a talent for spotting the talents of others, seeing it in myself is thanks to Natalie. She helped me see it and process my grief and guilt in a way I could never do on my own," Erik explained, "Self-healing is great but sometimes it's good to have others remind you of the good inside of yourself," he smiled, "I hope you do find your Natalie, you deserve it."

[theeblackthorne]

Azlee arched a brow, stepping aside to let him in. “Your favorite older sister? Now, that’s a dangerously exclusive title. I’ll try not to let it go to my head.” She smirked, closing the door behind him. With a graceful flick of her wrist, she gestured toward the slightly wilted pumpkins still perched outside. “Besides, decomposition is just nature’s way of storytelling; drama, transformation, a little bit of tragedy. You should appreciate that, Erik. Maybe I’m just letting the gourds live out their final act.” She walked toward the living room, settling onto the couch like she owned the world. “But I’m guessing this visit isn’t just to admire my seasonal laziness. What’s on your mind?”

"Ah yes, the story of decomposition," Erik retorted with a chuckle, "That one seems more likely but also a little unlike you," he stated as he walked into the house, "Just a visit to my favourite older sister. Is that alright?"

[theeblackthorne]

Azlee studied him for a long moment, the ghost of a smirk tugging at her lips, but her eyes—those ancient, knowing eyes—held something softer. Understanding. Maybe even a touch of amusement at his honesty. “You still could, you know,” she mused, tilting her head slightly. “No one would stop you. Not really.” She paused. “Not even me.” But they both knew that wasn’t true. Azlee exhaled slowly, fingers tracing the rim of the untouched glass in front of her. “I get it. The simplicity of it. No strings, no weight pulling you down, no need to care more than what’s necessary.” She let out a quiet chuckle, but there was no real humor in it. “I miss it too sometimes.” She looked at him then, really looked at him, before shaking her head. “But you’re still here, Vik. And that has to mean something.” Her voice softened, the edge of her usual guardedness smoothing over just enough to let him in. “You’re exhausted because you care. Because you stayed...” A moment passed before she huffed out a quiet laugh, leaning back in her chair. “You always did hate admitting when you gave a damn.”

THE MAN SIGHED SOFTLY–- more out of understanding. there was a lot going on lately. and so many changes for almost everyone. it did almost feel like there was no time to process it all. he nodded along to what she was saying, even offered a 'that's fair'. however when the question was flipped on him, he found himself sighing once more. this out out of e x h a u s t i o n. "honestly... i've been thinking how a few decades ago, with all thats going on, i would have just left." he admitted. after what they've been through, viktor didn't try to hide his thoughts from the original vampire. "i think part of me misses that." of not making other people's problems his problems. but he also knew that him doing that is what bonded the two of them. and well, he'd never regret that.

[theeblackthorne]

A sly smile curved Azlee’s lips as she accepted the glass from her brother, her touch light against Lucien’s. “Flatterer,” she murmured, a hint of amusement glimmering in her dark eyes as she raised the drink to her lips. “Your favorite sibling?” A single brow arched in dry amusement. “I’ll try to contain my shock.” Her tone, though cool, carried the faintest warmth beneath its polished veneer. Tilting her head, she studied him for a moment, her smile softening. “I’m well enough," she paused, the flicker of something unsaid passing through her eyes. “I almost didn’t come tonight but you know I was never one to pass up a good party.” She tilted her head, a dark curl slipping over her shoulder, as a smirk chased away the more solemn expression. “So, how is my favorite brother faring this fine evening?” she teased, echoing his own sentiment with a knowing look. The playful jab masked deeper things she wasn’t quite ready to say... but perhaps he would hear them anyway. He always had a knack for that.

「 closed starter.」 lucianus and azlee. @theeblackthorne.

THERE WAS A TIME WHEN LUCIEN USED TO ENJOY SUCH EVENTS. now, he just found them a little tedious. however, he always showed up to them. shaking his head, lucien raised a glass out to his sister as he approached. "looking lovely as always, dear sister." he spoke as she took the offered glass. "how is my favourite sibling tonight?" his tone playful. while they had been the closest at one point... it was something he actually said to all his siblings, and they all knew it.

[theeblackthorne]

NYE 2025 Ball at Town Hall: Azlee Blackthorne

[theeblackthorne]

Azlee chuckled softly, the warmth in her voice familiar and unguarded, as if the years hadn’t stretched between them. She knew exactly what he was asking. It wasn’t about her physical scars; those were fading, but the ones left in the corners of her mind that lingered a little longer. "You're always too perceptive," she said with a small sigh, her gaze drifting for a moment before meeting his eyes again. "I guess I’ve been… trying to make sense of things. Been a lot of changes. You know how it is." She paused, leaning back in her chair, her lips curving into a soft smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I’ve had worse seasons though," she said, her voice growing quieter, more thoughtful. "I’m still here, still standing." She met his gaze then, her expression lightening. "Enough about me. How about you, Vik? You’ve been back a little while now… What’s going on in that mind of yours?"

{ closed starter. } - viktor and azlee.

@theeblackthorne

HE COULDN'T HELP THE AMUSED LOOK THAT HE GAVE HER. despite everything that was going on, the two finally had a moment to catch up. and like always, their conversation started on the lighter side. "don't try to distract me." he playfully demanded. "now... tell me how you're really doing." it wasn't a question and he knew that azlee knew that. he knew she was healed up at this point, they both knew he meant emotionally, mentally... he didn't really remember how their friendship started, it just DID. and while they could go some time without being around each other, every time they met up again, it was like no time passed.

[theeblackthorne]

“I don’t mind hosting. It’s been a while since the manor was filled with family for something other than a crisis," she chuckled lightly, her expression softening at the thought of Aida learning holiday recipes. “And I think it’s wonderful that you’ve been teaching Aida. She’s always been eager to learn when it’s something that brings people together. You two can bring what you’ve prepared and I’ll make a few dishes myself.”

closed starter - @theeblackthorne (Azlee)

"Your place is probably the best option for holiday dinner, but don't worry. I'm more than happy to do the cooking. And I've been teaching Aida some holiday recipes so we could whip something up at Erik's and bring it here to save some time," Natalie suggested, resting her chin on her hand. "Are you okay with that? If not, we could just use the restaurant."

[theeblackthorne]

Azlee smirked, leaning against the doorframe as Erik approached. "You’re supposed to, yes," she said, folding her arms, "but I like to think of them as little time capsules. Each one tells a story." She glanced back at the Jack-o-Lanterns, some starting to sag and wrinkle. "Or maybe I’ve just been too lazy to toss them," she added with a teasing shrug. "What brings you here? Surely it’s not my questionable pumpkin etiquette."

🎃 - Our muses carve Jack-o-Lanterns together.

"You know you're supposed to throw the pumpkins away after Halloween, right?" Erik asked, nodding to the Jack-o-Lanterns as he walked up to her front door, "Been busy or something?" he joked.

@theeblackthorne

[theeblackthorne]

Azlee smirked at the younger woman when she paid for their tickets, beating her to the punch. "Well thank you, Adelina. You're always so thoughtful," she said, tucking her hands into her coat pockets as they stepped away from the counter. She glanced around the bustling theater, the laughter and chatter of costumed patrons filling the air.

"You’re probably right," Azlee mused as they walked toward Screen 3. "If Halloween had stayed rooted in its original spookier traditions, I don’t think it would have become this worldwide celebration." Pausing just outside the theater door, she glanced over at her friend, "But I do appreciate the ones who still honor the spirits quietly, in their own way. It feels... grounding."

Adelina loved her traditions. When you lived this long, you always need something to look forward to. Halloween had changed so much over the years and so had her traditions. After moving to Northknot, going to see a scary movie had become that tradition and she never failed to do so every year, even if she wasn't in town. It was nice to have the company of Azlee this year, especially when she so often did this by herself.

When Azlee commented on the nature of the holiday, Addy could only nod in agreement, "I suppose so. Though I still know many who take this time to honour the spirits," she replied, "I don't think everyone would celebrate if it still had spookier connotations," she added as they stepped to the front of the line. Before the other could protest, she ordered and paid for the tickets for both of them, "My treat. We're in Screen 3."

[theeblackthorne]

Azlee’s step faltered the moment her eyes landed on Ashlyn, a flicker of surprise breaking through her usually composed demeanor. It had been years... and while she often wondered about the younger vampire's well-being, seeing her here, now, was like a memory come alive. Her gaze quickly swept over Ashlyn, almost instinctively checking to see if she was okay, and her lips pressed into a faint but warm smile. “Ashlyn,” Azlee greeted, her voice calm, steady; soft in a way it rarely was with anyone else. “It’s... been a while.”

She studied the younger vampire’s face for a moment, searching for any hint of how this unexpected meeting was landing on her. There was tension, sure, but something else Azlee couldn’t quite place. “I didn’t expect to see you here either. Just passing through or…?” she trailed off, not wanting to assume too much but the question lingered in her expression. She shifted the bag in her hand and took a small step forward. “How have you been?” she asked. Though her words were casual, there was an undercurrent of care that Azlee couldn’t quite help, even if she was unsure how welcomed it would be. "Are you doing alright?"

{ closed starter. } - ashlyn and azlee.

SHE'S ALIVE! SHE'S ALIVE AND SHE'S HERE! SHE'S ALIVE, HERE, AND JUST LIKE ME! her mind seemed like it was running a mile a minute and just in circles. it was a lot to process, but she was trying. part of her was excited. part of her was scared. ashlyn didn't really know what to do with this information about her sister. she wanted to get to know her all over again. wanted to know everything that happened. wanted her to know that she looked for her. but she also felt very lost. didn't know where to start.

which is why she felt so overwhelmed NOW. she was making her way to a studio she was told about. when she was overwhelmed like this, she wanted to not have to think at all. she was so focused on that, that she didn't realise that azlee was walking out of the store she was passing until it was too late. "stai scherzando." she mumbled in italian under her breath when they made eye contact. ash has spoken to az since being turned against her will... has even had moments where she's gone to her for help. but there was always that part that DIDN'T couldn't forgive the original vampire. "az... hi. i didn't realise–" she stopped trailed off. she knew that the original vampire and her family founded this town. had even know that az was here a lot. but she guessed part of her wished this would be a time that az WASN'T in town. smiling awkwardly at the elder vampire, ashlyn tried to clear her head to focus.

@theeblackthorne

[theeblackthorne]

Azlee's expression softened further, a flicker of surprise and pride crossing her features as she held the younger woman's hand. "Audrey," she began, her voice trembling slightly, though whether from emotion or her weakened state was unclear. "That means more to me than I can even say. You’ve always been a part of me, and making it official…” She paused to gather her breath, her smile growing as she gave Audrey’s hand a gentle squeeze. “It’s your choice but if that’s what you want, I’d be honored. But do know, you've always been my daughter. It never mattered what name you carried."

"I promise," Audrey said, "Always." She nodded at her, a small smile on her face. "I think... I don't know if it counts because I'm technically dead but... I want to change my last name, to your last night. I don't want any connection to my father anymore. I don't want him to have anything over me anymore."