undyingcourt | january tdm/event post

Entry tags:

january tdm/event post

JANUARY TDM - WINTER DREAMS

Welcome to the Undying Court's January Test Drive Meme! This post also functions as the January Event for existing characters, and continues the Winter Season, led by the Blue Court.

New characters may handwave or backdate the previous season's arrival prompt should they wish to, but you may otherwise assume they've been here the whole time! Additionally, all TDM threads can be taken as in-game canon if desired. And remember that apps open February 3-7, with invites opening on January 28, and reserves not long after!

Note that this post will contain: violence, enthrallment, torture, slavery, horror and potentially sexual content. Dreams come in many forms, after all.

This event also features another chance for characters to submit Regains, so make sure to submit after you've posted your top-level or reply to someone else's dream. For characters both new and old, feel free to brush up on the Premise, Vampire Powers, and head over to the FAQ/Game Info page if you have any questions!

Note that this event will be occurring throughout the month of January and into February, so characters are free to forward-date as desired!
For new characters please format your Top-level in this format: Character Name | Canon | Court | Youngblood/Novice | TDM
For existing characters please format your Top-level in this format: Character Name | Court | Youngblood/Novice
If you have any questions specific to the event, ask them in the Plotting Post Q&A section!

Top-Level Directory:

ONCE UPON A DREAM

A quiet falls over the Castle as a new day begins to break. As with every morning, this is a time when vampires must retreat to avoid the rays of the sun, pulling heavy curtains around their beds and windows to block out any light. However, this particular morning is abnormally quiet as the whole of the Castle seems to fall asleep all at once, and all together. After this enchanted sleep, and for the the next thirty days, the Castle's residents will start to experience strange phenomena within their dreams.

During this period, dreams become more vivid, so realistic it feels like the dreamer is awake. Dreamers can pass into each other's dreams without meaning to. Some of these dreams are in fact memories--either those from the lives the characters have lived in the Castle and the outlying lands, or the strange memories they've begun to gain back.

But be careful! For what starts as a regular memory might start to warp into something new. If you're lucky, it'll be something positive, like a dream of a home you've always wanted. But if you're unlucky, the memory might twist and turn into a nightmare, catching you in it and turning your worst fears against you.

Each nightfall, everyone will wake and return to normal. Or at least, most people will.

[Note: Any current characters who participate in the dream event by creating a top level or tagging someone else at least once in this prompt may be rewarded with a free impactful memory, which may be used in the dreamscape. Don't forget to submit for your Regains!]

A NIGHTMARISH CURSE

It turns out that not everyone wakes up. Those who stay in nightmares for too long may find themselves cursed, and unable to wake up. At first, the curse appears no different from regular sleep. But a few hours in the victim will start screaming uncontrollably. No touch will wake them, no amount of calling their name will break the spell. After too long, the victim will start to bleed, slowly at first, and then more and more as they remain afflicted. A victim left unattended will bleed out and die.

The Council works quickly to step in. Kashire (who is looking rather frayed this season) delivers the news that there's no need to panic, but everyone will need to do their part in locating and curing victims. In fact, the youngbloods seem to be taking this as the perfect opportunity for a teaching moment, and students are expected to try and find a cure with the skills that match their Court. Novices and youngbloods alike are encouraged to try and help lift the curse from anyone they can. (Get creative! Blood heals many wounds...) Any victims that have progressed too far will need to be seen to by Revar.

The nightmare curse, however, can spread quickly. Anyone who enters the nightmare of a victim will fall victim to the curse. Additionally, any attempt to reach out to the mind of a curse victim will also spread the curse. With the combined efforts of the students and teachers, the curse can be completely put out. But it will take time and care to ensure everyone is found in time, and cured safely.

ANYWAY, WINTER GAMES!

But a few curses aren't going to stop the Blue Court from making sure everyone has a good time. The days might be short, and weighed down by the threats of nightmares, but winter has hit Castle Courtsheart in full force, and the long nights and snow-covered grounds make for an excellent backdrop to the Inter-Court Winter Games!

There isn't really a reward for the winning house besides bragging rights and maybe a trophy that doubles as a chalice, but youngbloods and novices alike are invited to join in the festivities and compete against one another in the spirit of glory and the chance to lord over your Court's superiority. Even Council members and mature vampires of each court seem to enjoy cheering on their respective teams from the stands. Everything is fine! Forget your troubles and go play in the snow.

What kind of sports do vampires play? Feel free to get creative, but here are some examples:

Thrall-Curling: Since vampiric strength proves to be a little too much for this sport otherwise, teams of novices (or youngbloods) of the same Court can team up to gently compel their thralls to play the thrilling sport of curling. Coax that stone across the ice with care, and take out the opposing team! Or, well, the thralls will do that, assuming they're guided well. Try not to break them. (The thralls, that is.)

Figure skating: Practicing your pirouettes? For a vampire, a quadruple-axel is hardly worth breaking a sweat over. Favored for its beauty and almost seductive grace, the figure skating competition will be scored and judged by a multi-court panel. Participants might get extra points for incorporating bladework and masking into their sets, so these performances are sure to wow the judges.

Ice Hockey: Yes, the high-contact sport transcends time and space, but vampires don't need silly things like helmets or padded safety gear. Don your court's colors and hit the ice to toss the puck around and score as many points against the opposing team as you can before the time runs out. Violence is encouraged! Everyone likes to see a bit of blood on the ice this time of year. (Shadowstepping is considered cheating, but only if you get caught.)

And more! Snowball fighting may not be a sport, but there's no better time to enjoy the outdoors and stretch those growing fangs and muscles than the dead of winter. So whether you're cheering on your Court or watching from the sidelines, there's something here for everyone. Just because the castle is full of the the undead doesn't mean they can't have a little winter fun.

CLASS NOTES

Other notable happenings for the early winter season include:

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and maybe it's time to find or make gifts for that special blood claim in your life. This season blood jewelry is the hot ticket item. These are pieces made from precious metal and glass, which hold the blood of a vampire in them. Carry a lover's blood to show how much you love them, or carry your own to force down the throat of your enemies so you can influence them.

Whispers around school start to say that Black Court lost a novice this month. Not murder this time! He simply unmade himself trying to mistwalk. Eh, these things happen.

As a result of a tie in last month's pumpkin carving contest, members of the Black and Red Courts will find small packages outside their doors. They are gifted silver letter openers, with the handle inlaid with pumpkins and leaves, and a note from Revar with a little drawing of a pumpkin and their signature. How nice!

Lady Whisperfangs is quiet for now, but her time is yet to come... This month's check-in will have a field to submit gossip about your characters! Vampires do so love their drama.

Once again, characters are free to talk to the NPCs as well: Revar & Kashire. For any questions regarding this month's prompts, please comment in the Plotting Post. For general game questions, please check the FAQ/Game Info. In the meantime, remember to submit your Regains for this month's free reward, and keep an eye out for our AC Check-in next week, starting on January 25-31.

The new year has brought us plenty of thirsty vampires, so we're glad you're here to share them with you!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I. Around the castle

[ It was hard to pinpoint exactly when the young man first showed up in the castle halls. He hadn't been there for the Winter Sol and at first glance he could easily be mistaken for a novice. His features were youthful, didn't appear as if he had ever grown a beard, and while his long limbs promised height and breadth in full maturity he had only seemed to reach the height part of the equation.

Yes, it would be understandable to write him off as a out of cycle Foundling, or perhaps a white feather recipient; except. Even at a distance he moved with too much grace, and confidence to be either of these things.

Head up and chin held high, Lockwood strode through the halls as if to the manor born. Dressed in black breeches, a military style coat black with gold edging set atop a gold, silk double breasted waistcoat. A black sword belt was set around razor sharp snake hips, securing a rapier in a gold tooled scabbard that swung from his left side. Get close enough and it was impossible to miss the solid gold rim that circled brown eyes so dark as to be nearly naturally black. Vampirism made them all pale, but there might be a sense that this lad had always been pale, setting off his otherwise dark hair and dark eyes.

Lockwood always had a ready, if slightly superior, smile on his face and he gave a nod to anyone he passed, whether he recognized them or not. He was not Council, but he certainly gave off airs and when he spoke the deep timber and posh tones, if they were heard without seeing his face, might make one think they were speaking with a much older individual. ]

Allow me. [ He was not above holding a door, yet somehow his voice and his smile might come across as an order, rather than him doing one a favor.

He might also be found in one of the empty classrooms. Usually seated, and reading a copy of Lady Whisperfangs, his legs are almost always up on the desk. When seated, Lockwood is often sprawled like a proper adolescent, and anyone coming upon him might discover that beneath the tasteful, mature outfit the lad was wearing bright pink stockings. ]

II - Ice Hockey

[ When not strolling the halls of the castle, working in his classroom, or in the library catching up on back issues of Lady Whisperfangs, Lockwood made his way out to watch the hockey games.

No doubt he always cheered at the right moments, shouted the appropriate amount of trash talk towards the opposing team fans, and laughed with delight when blood went flying. But if anyone were to notice, they might notice that as often as not, Lockwood was as attentively people (vampire) watching as he was paying attention to the game.]

III. Sword Practice

[ Red Court were the blade masters, so it might count curious that Lockwood can often be found indulging in sword practice, usually in Red Court territory.

He wouldn't, couldn't go anywhere that was locked to Red Court vampires only, but practice fields that were unofficially considered Red Court territory? Lockwood invaded that space without any sign of regret.

Those who knew him, knew he did it to wind up Red Court youngbloods, as well as because Red Court had the best practice fields for sword work. Never let it be said that Lockwood didn't multitask his efforts at being a bit of a posh little shit, with genuine skill improvement!

As for Red Court novices. Most of the ~~NPC~~ novices watched the rapier made mince meat out of obliging thralls, and decided they had studies elsewhere. Oh don't look like that, the thralls weren't killed or even dismembered, but they would certainly be sporting some new scars when all was said and done. ]

OOC
[ I haven't had time to put up an AU-Workshop for Lockwood yet, but the gist would be he is a 50 year old youngblood in the body of a 19 year old. He's Gold Court, and splits his time between being out in the lands, honing the art of governing, and coming back to the castle to soak up all the gossip and teach a Season or two.

Any other youngbloods are welcome to assume they know him, have history with him. Just throw something at the wall and lets see what sticks, or if you'd like to discuss feel free to PM this journal or hit me up at

laekhund ]

[ One of the very important things when taking Darth Vader's courses is that you practice at least a couple times between each of those class sessions. Which was why she was getting to one of the rooms with one of the more unique practice swords strapped to the hip (look, if it stuck, she'd ask to get a personal set made.) Instead of a room with maybe one or two other nameless people practicing on their own, Eden got to see a literal blood show.

Maybe it's a good thing that she's one of the Silver Court novices that liked branching into weirder things. She had to watch her tone a bit though, because with the way the bystanders were acting, while not having gotten a good look at him, he was probably one of the vampires. ]

Why-

[ Ugh, the poor thralls. Elias was going to be pissed, as was Karma. They cared a lot for how the thralls were treated, and they weren't the only ones. Sure, she brought a thing of powder for any cuts, but it wasn't intended for this. ]

Okay, give them a break. They should be treated.

[ Oh jeeze, this was a mess. Which was why Eden was pushing past some of the onlooking novices while fishing through a beautifully designed red and black satchel bag. with a place that could make anything to match one another, it wasn't so strange that it went with the loose leather slacks and red silk shirt she wore. ]

[ Eden was going to find herself with the business end of a very sharp rapier pointed towards a spot just beneath her jaw, targeting her jugular. They were still far enough apart that the blade hadn't technically entered her personal space, but vampire speed could change that before the blink of an eye.

Lockwood was smiling, down the length of his extended arm. There was no overt threat in his expression, if anything he looked highly amused, but the rapier did not waiver. It's message was hopefully clear enough; she could approach the injured thrall when he said she could. ]

Established yourself as this season's thrall botherer have you? I was wondering where we were in that cycle with the new novices. [ His eyes flicked over her attire, eyes and what he suspects she's carrying in that bag. Silver Court, forever trying to save the world.

Lockwood rolled his eyes and lazily twirled his wrist, disengaging the rapier from its threat posture. ]

Have at, then. It was time to tag him out anyway. [ Lockwood stepped away from the injured thrall, and turned to flick a finger at a fresh thrall waiting off to the side. ]

[ Perhaps it was a bit on the odd side (or not,) that Eden seemed a little used to being at the pointy end of a sword. Even one specifically at her throat, though Vader usually closed the distance in his threat. She remained steady enough, fishing out a small jar after dipping her arm elbow deep- far deeper than the bag would've otherwise allowed. ]

It may come to surprise you that the vampires in charge of thrall care also take in novices. Being a 'botherer' is kind of expected at that point.

[ Though really, she just wanted to practice. This stuff was more for her, which was why she even went through the trouble of braiding her hair back, in case one of the more practiced novices were going to try and go at her hair. But it seemed they were going to disappoint her in different ways today. At least you couldn't be surprised by a youngblood relieving boredom in some manner.

In a way, she was really more annoyed with them just watching on, instead of practicing to be a partner in these things. Not even bothering to hide her ire at them, she walked over and directed the thrall to sit and be treated. Pulling out a towel, she went to work on cleaning, having to lick a thumb and smear the saliva to start the healing (such is the way of the earlier Silver novice seasons) and applying the topical over that to prevent scarring. ]

Why, again, were you using them as target dummies? Surely the novices here that haven't established themselves as failures would be more engaging. One of them even boasts about how good of a fencer they are.

[ The thrall he's summoned isn't armed in the traditional sense. Rather than having a weapon in his hand, Lockwood hands the thrall a bag of some sort and speaks softly to the man before stepping away.

Taking up a position a couple of feet away, the youngblood adopts a defensive stance. ]

And you believe in your right to ask questions. [ He says in an amused tone. ] Absolutely adorable.

[ In the next moment the thrall lifts their hand from the bag and tosses a white, powdery substance into the air. Lockwood spins, faster than the eye can track, around the misty substance, avoid it while at the same time slicing under the thrall's arm to nick the man's ribcage.

Though he did not verbally address Eden's question, if she watches for even a moment, she might have her answer all the same. The exercises Lockwood is working on are mostly defensive in nature, specifically honing the ability to avoid less solid matter.

He wasn't sparing with the novices because they didn't provide the sort of target he needed. The thralls weren't targets, so much as mechanisms for tossing the 'threat' into the field of battle. The nicks and cuts laid on them were a counterpoint, to the original deflection.

He didn't need a thinking opponent. ]

I'm just 'cheeky' like that.

[ It's a comment made more off to the side, focusing in the current wounds before her. Cheeky was a word that people had used about her, and this seemed like the kind of situation where in applied.

Given that she was just a beginner in these kinds of things, glancing over to see how the exercises were going, she wasn't fully sure of the point. Perhaps to keep up and be prepared against someone using shadowfighting, or preparing for a threat that could mistwalk? The nicks still seemed unnecessary, but then again, she was labelled a 'botherer.' Saying something could be at the tip, like a bit of chalk or something else, would've easily made the point as well.

Instead, the thoughts are kept to herself, under the defensive layer typically kept up. It was better to just finish up cleaning these cuts. The last thing she needed was a punishment of some kind for going too far. ]

[ She could say something about chalk at the tip. It would earn her an entirely unimpressed look and a reminder that he is a vampire, they are thralls and that if she can't abide bloodletting she'd best take herself off out of the castle before she fails and becomes one herself.

As it is, the further he gets into his practice, the more he forgets her presence. It really isn't personal, he doesn't know enough about her for it to be personal, he just doesn't have much interest in novices. This is in no little part why his Maker has pulled some strings and gotten Lockwood sent back to the castle for a couple of seasons.

To teach and to develop and interest in novices, and it is definitely going to be a work in progress. Example being the way he finishes up with the thrall, leaving Eden another bloodied body to tend if she is so inclined. ]

There you are then. [ His smile is megawatt but doesn't come close to reaching his dark eyes. ] Plenty for you to 'bother' over, and then wrap yourself in the warm glow of moral -by human standards- superiority. You're welcome.

[ The last two words and the small bow he sketches her are heavy with sarcasm. At least he then turns, and begins to walk away so as to alleviate her of his bothersome presence. ]

[ There were plenty of reasons why she didn't, regardless of the ability to speak about tips and all that. It was better to just get all these cuts cleaned up and to rinse the taste of blood out of her mouth. Not necessarily because she hated blood, but as a novice, there was nothing that compared to the taste of one's own maker's blood.

Just in time for there to be another one, and obligation turned its head around once more. There was no pride in her work, though the skills were more practiced than most novices would've been while in their seasons. If she left a thrall to bleed until their bodies finally closed up the wound, her own maker would be disappointed. Perhaps this was a little more reason why she was annoyed with the other novices, who seemed to be too busy watching the exercises to even send a note. ]

Gee, thanks. Because I had all the time this evening.

[ Well, she knew that a couple of these people were also in some silver classes for the extra approvals outside their intended court, after giving off a breath, she wrangled them up to take care of this themselves, handing the towel to one and the cream to the other. They could protest, sure, but one still owed her for losing a bet last week, and the other was very close to failing, and a comment to a teacher could lock them out of that court's approval. Taking care of the first thrall was free, but it's not like their hands were broken.

The youngblood wasn't going through those demonstrations and distracting everyone, so they could pitch in. Hanging the bag up, which changed to a plain black leather bag, Eden pushed the guards up on the swords in their single sheath, pulling them out with one hand. She had her own plans, after all. ]

Oi!

[Elias stands on the steps leading into the practice courtyard, pointing, furious at the thrall abuse. Not furious-mixed-with-horror, as if he’s going “oh gosh the POOR humans the IMMORALITY”, just furious. As in, imagine you’re a hardworking chicken farmer and you’ve just caught someone punting your prize egg-layers like a football. That kind of furious.]

It’s mid-winter, we’re not getting any new thralls until spring! Can you please not stab them!

[ The sheer indignity is amusing enough to cause Lockwood to pause in his actions and turn towards the flustered looking individual currently raising a flap. ]

I'm not stabbing them. [ He responds with an indignant expression of his own. Because puh-leeze, stabbing would be inelegant. He's got much better form! ] I'm just giving them a bit of a dice.

[ Suiting action to work, he lifts the tip of the rapier and cuts a delicate line of red along the high cheekbone of the thrall he's currently using for practice. ]

Stop giving them “a bit of a dice”, too. Injuries sour the blood and they're annoying to heal.

[With a hard look, Elias begins going down the steps at Lockwood, a hand sliding into his coat.

Well, he probably doesn't have a sword in there. This is honestly just because Lockwood has one, and he's not about to walk closer to an armed vampire empty-handed.]

(ooc: Saw on your permissions that you’re not up for pointlessly negative CR, so let me know if you wanna discuss the logistics of this argument on plurk or elsewhere! Basically Elias is just gunning for Lockwood to back off the thralls and will drop the fight once that happens.)

[OOC: Thank you!! For this note, I sincerely appreciate it and knowing it's not pointless negative CR. I am always happy to talk on Plurk, my pPlurks are open if you want to hit me up, and I'm also happy to go a couple more tags and see how they progress? ]

[ Injuries sour the blood...

Well now. That was logic with which Lockwood could agree. He didn't recognize the young man. Kneejerk reaction was to read him as a novice, but as Elias came closer the pure silver of his eyes could only belong to a fellow young blood.

Just not one Lockwood with whom Lockwood was familiar. Not that that meant much. Lockwood spent more time away from the castle than in the castle, so he'd no doubt missed a number of recent (recent being the past twenty to thirty years) worth of graduates.

Youthful young blood or not, Elias' logic was at least enough to stop Lockwood from delivering any further cuts to the thrall. However, he did execute a graceful pirouette, which brought the tip of his rapier on target with the other vampire's throat.

Between vampires the posture wasn't really a threat; more a bit of political brinksmanship for the sake of the novices in the area. ]

You're not wrong about the blood. [ Is what he said aloud, acknowledgement that Elias had struck upon a good argument. ] Though I don't expect we'll miss two from the weekly supper rotation. Not given the amount of washouts I've read about from last season.

[ Near black, gold ringed irises studied Elias closely, before that megawatt, cold smile broke across his features. ] Anthony Lockwood, please feel free to call me Lockwood.

Edited 2024-01-25 02:07 (UTC)

[A steel dagger flashes out from within Elias’ coat at the oncoming rapier, parrying the move. Elias takes a half-step back, flashing his fangs in an instinctive threat display, but he doesn’t try to swing back. He doesn’t much want to start an actual fight, either.]

That may be true if you were the only master of these thralls, but if every vampire here thought like that, we’d be out in a week. In the spirit of fairness, I’m afraid not even the illustrious Gold Court is above the policy to use our thralls responsibly.

[Elias’ gaze slides briefly to the onlookers, the statement partly also addressed to them: to any novice who may be taking notes from Lockwood in the hope of earning brownie points, he’d come after you, too. Winter is a hard time to keep thralls healthy and he’s especially cranky about it this time of year.

Still, in response to Lockwood’s smile he respectfully inclines his head in response.]

Elias Argent. [If Lockwood is politically savvy, he’ll recognise the surname as an offshoot branch of a Silver Court noble family- not particularly noble in themselves, Elias is one of many dozen youngbloods sired by the main family for… fun? Profit?] I mean no personal offense.

[ A Silver Court youngblood, was not a sufficient threat (in Lockwood's bias opinion) for him to take the dagger seriously. As such, he does not seek a riposte, simply allowing the rapier to come back into position without any further advance.

He does recognize the name, though he doesn't react one way or the other because Elias has raised a much more pertinent fact. They are being watched, by impressionable eyes no less and while Lockwood enjoys the spotlight he can see the wisdom of Elias' concern. Novices were known to take things too far, and while Lockwood could be measured in his thrall use it was not wise to assume the same of his audience.

There is a pause, a beat and then the rapier is artfully twirled backwards and sheathed at his hip. ]

None taken. [ He responds in a merry tone, and one that actually sounds genuine. Make no mistake, Lockwood can hold a grudge with the best of them, but this is not an instances that warrants a continuation of hostilities. Elias' logic is sound, and while the Gold Court youngblood was arrogant, he tended to save that arrogance for serious threats. Elias may have the name, but Lockwood did not regard him as a serious threat. ]

Pleasure to meet you, Argent.

[It's true. Elias is an incredibly non-threatening vampire. It's part of why he was more aggressive than he needed to be (than if he were an older, more intimidating vampire, for example), but on seeing Lockwood sheath his rapier Elias is also content with storing his dagger into his coat’s inner pocket again.

He takes a second to look at the thralls and motion for them to come over and stand behind him.]

I apologize if this has… inconvenienced you particularly. Do you desire any compensation for your time?

[Of course, they need to present a united front to the novices and make no appearances that becoming a vampire meant they could stand up to another for no reason. Ideally, this guy's just going to ask for a good vintage bloodwine or some other small platitude. Actually, many vampires ask for sex but Elias’ got a reputation for being a pretty lame bang, so.]

[ Elias' virtue was safe. Lockwood is something of a well known celibate. Well, at least he used to be well known, if Elias hasn't heard of him ... oh never mind.

Laughing, the sound deep and rich, Lockwood slid his hands into the pockets of his breeches and shook his head slightly. ]

You're not anything of the sort. [ He observed with a smile and no real rancor. ] Don't apologize, unless you mean it. It cheapens the sentiment and makes you look like a pretentious wanker. [ The words come with a quick wink, and a more pointed look at the novices -advice they would do well to remember- and then Lockwood is turning and moving to walk away.

It would appear that Elias will escape without owing anything. ]

Edited 2024-01-29 22:41 (UTC)

[A small shrug:] I'm pretty serious about not making enemies.

[Still, Elias looks satisfied with how things are going; he's getting off scot-free, and it's always good to do that. He doesn't try to chase Lockwood, instead waiting for the other vampire to fully commit to leaving before turning in the other direction and leading the thralls away to be healed.]

[ Xenk knows Lockwood, of course. The man had been around even in his own novice days, a topic among the gold court even when he didn't bother staying in the castle. He has Xenk's respect, as an older youngblood, which is why Xenk finds it amusing indeed to find the man reading Lady Whisperfangs.

The pink is a nice touch, one which Xenk meets with a nod. ]

Is this the issue in which I was featured? I've yet to read the lady's words myself.

[ Xenk's voice is distinctive and has Lockwood looking up with that megawatt smile, only this is one of the rare instances where he means it. He doesn't jerk his feet down, despite the pink stockings on display, no doubt Xenk has seen him in worse. Though the nod of approval (??) earns Lockwood's more relaxed, welcoming grin. ]

Should you have been mentioned? [ He answers a question with a question. He's not being a dick, in this instance at least, he enjoys conversations with Xenk. ] That is a rhetorical question. I should ask what have you done recently that would gain you notoriety?

[ Still Lockwood didn't move from his chair/desk sprawl but he does give an uplift of his chin towards a chair near his desk. A welcome and an invitation. ]

[ Xenk responds with that same smile. Look, if an older vampire wants to accessorize with some color, he should do it! More power to him. ]

Nothing so scandalous, at least not this month.

[ Xenk smiles. Likewise, he enjoys talking with Lockwood, as a fellow member of the Gold Court. Xenk takes a seat in the chair, crossing his legs comfortably. He's proud of his exploits, all told. Mostly because it was really good sex. ]

I had something of a public encounter with another youngblood during the Afterparty at the Winter Sol. It was the usual fare, by all accounts, but the novices found it noteworthy.

[ Exactly! He's still out here representing with his gold on black ensemble, but damn it there is going to be some pink as well!

As Xenk explains what events may have found their way into a more recent issue of Lady Whisperfangs, Lockwood both cringes and laughs. It is fairly well known that the man, despite having been turned at the height of youthful libido, was something of a celibate. At least by vampire standards. Lockwood always kept his language mannerly, as a personal choice, but he never looked askance at the more lascivious antics of his fellow young bloods. ]

You're practically beaming with pride, Xenk. It must have been a memorable encounter. [ He gives a quick, knowing wink (because no, he is not asking Xenk to kiss and tell) and then spends a moment folding up the paper and setting it aside. Lacing his long, lean fingers together before settling his hands atop his abdomen, Lockwood's grin grew wider. ]

Please, tell me about which novices found it noteworthy. Do we have anyone worth keeping an eye on?

[ That's just the way to be, old man! But naturally Xenk respects Lockwood's choice, and their own differences. Just because Xenk likes to indulge on occasion doesn't mean he expects everyone to. ]

It was quite memorable.

[ Yeah, he's smirking. It's a memory he's going to keep. And treasure. And think back on when he's too bored grading papers. You get it, Lockwood. He won't kiss and tell. ]

From the Silver Court, Eden Woods saw fit to embellish the matter as a form of mental barrier in my class. The young Gold hopeful, Reyson, seemed quite taken as well. And of course there is James Kirk, who I intend to take on as a novice, once he tires of the Blue Court.

[ Sir, one of those sounds like an evil plot. ]

[ Don't sell yourself short Xenk; they all sound like an evil plot! However, Lockwood hones in on the one he suspects the younger youngblood intended for discussion. ]

Tires of Blue Court? Or tumbles to your successful, seductive charms into the arms of Gold Court?

[ Xenk had form, and Lockwood wasn't above needling him about it. ]

[ Aw, see, he knew he liked Lockwood for a reason. He gets it. ]

Perhaps a combination of both.

[ Xenk's smile takes a bit of an edge to it. ]

I see the spark of leadership in his eyes. He has many such talents which I am certain would be wasted in the Blue Court.

[ He also just, like. Personally wants him. But he does want him because he knows he'd succeed. It's definitely a weird obsession, but he believes it's founded in logic so it's flawless. ]

[ Leadership? Always something they could use, especially as age and infighting seemed to keep knocking off their "elders" in that department.

Lockwood tilts his head to the side, then glances towards the doorway to confirm that no one seems poised to bother them. Then, slouching further into the awkward wooden chair in the sort of pretzel shape only the young can manage, he lifted his threaded fingers and made a 'come along then' gesture. ]

Tell me, more. I can see you've got a clever tail-on-a-weasel type idea bursting to be shared.

[ The words were a little overly dramatic, but that was Lockwood for you. The invitation was genuine and rooted merely in curiosity. Lockwood had his ambitions, but sniping novices out from under the noses of other young blood was not key among them. Here, he was just being nosy! ]

january tdm/event post

Anthony Lockwood | Lockwood and Co | Gold Court | Youngblood | TDM

Sword Practice

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

iii.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

i. two little gold guys, what will they do

The possibilities could be wide and varied!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)