Meier: *gasps as he strikes water, head breaking the surface of the break a moment later as he treads water, frowning about him in distaste for the liquid all about*
Juraviel: *as always, is perched on a low-hanging branch not too far from the lake, and calls out to the vampire* How is the water, friend?
Meier: *sighs, swimming for the shore*
Meier: *pauses to look up* It is.. pleasant enough.
Juraviel: Though still inconvenient... *chuckles softly, shifting to sit upright on the branch*
Meier: *smiles slightly and nods* Very much so. *gives up swimming in his heavy clothes and simply pulls himself out of the water, floating above the surface* Ah. Much better, though... I am still quite wet.
Juraviel: *tilts his head to the side a little, though is unfazed by the display and gestures to a path not too far off* The Inne is off in that direction, if dry clothing is of interest to you...
Meier: *shrugs* It is of little concern... I do not often feel the cold. *smiles slightly* Thank you though.
Juraviel: *shrugs one shoulder* Think nothing of it, I take it upon myself to be of assistance to those who are lucky enough to find themselves soaked quite unexpectedly.
Meier: *bows slightly, then looks around himself* My... what beautiful grounds.
Juraviel: *smiles a bit broader* They are, are they not? Not only beautiful, but vast and full of unexpected sanctuaries for those who find solace in no other place.
Meier: *nods, moving toward the edge of the lake* I would believe it.
Juraviel: There are few who have need of them, however. Most choose to find their sanctuary indoors. *looks up at the sky, smiling and the strange star patterns found there* A pity.
???: *falls with a surprised sounding curse and a splash into the lake*
Meier: *smiles slightly, turning in a slow circle* Yes.. the night is beautiful. I do not recognize-- *turns back to the lake, blinking and waiting to see if the person needed assistance.*
Juraviel: *snaps his gaze from the sky to the lake, jumping off the tree branch, also waiting to see the same*
???: *hauls himself from the water, spluttering in a mix of French and Romanian*
Meier: *moves to the newperson's side in a flash, the voice familiar* Juste?
Juste: *spitting out some of the water, brushing wisps of hair the color of moonlight from equally pale eyes* Hmm? *looks up, recognizes Meier immediately, and a faint smile touches his lips* A sight for sore eyes you are, Meier....
Juraviel: *gets a small, knowing smile on his face and remains silent for the moment, though watches the pair intently*
Meier: *smiles, helping the other vampire tuck hair behind an ear* I have to agree with that... How fare you?
Juste: Rather wetly, at the moment....but well enough.... *looks up and around* Is this....the Fall Inne?
Meier: *nods* Yes it is.
Juraviel: *speaks up softly, stepping forward and gives a slight bow* Indeed... and I welcome you, Juste Belmont.
Juste: *turns a little from Meier to regard Juraviel curiously* And who are you, good sir? *with a polite bow of his own*
???#2: *drops into the center of the Sun Room, looking around confused* What...the hell....? *stands and looks around curiously, hand dropping for a sword he no longer carries regularly*
Meier; *smiles slightly, stepping away from Juste slightly, giving the other some space*
Colbey: *can be seen outside the Sun Room, starlight glinting off the sweeping arcs of the twin blades as he finishes up his sverglese*
Juraviel: I am called Belli'mar Juraviel. "Sir" holds no meaning to me. *straightens and smiles, looking up at the vampire* It is a pleasure to make your aquaintance.
Soma: *catches sight of the starlight on the blades, and finds himself entranced by the swordsman's movements, before slipping out the nearby door to head out and get a closer look*
Juste: *smiles pleasantly back* A pleasure to meet you, Master Belli'mar. *to Meier* /You've no reason to move away from me, my friend, save if the touch of water burns you...I've missed you terribly./
Meier: /I am simply falling back on old habits... most of the vampires I know dislike anyone near them... and I too fell into the water./
Colbey: *shows no signs of seeing the blonde, though quite aware of the presence at his back the swirl of blades coming to a dead stop as he finishes swords tucked neatly in the scabbards resting on his hips*
Juste: /Then move closer, Meier...it's been so achingly long since we shared company.../
Soma: *blinks* That's....incredible.... *softly*
Colbey: That's the beauty of a sverglese, lad.
Meier: *shifts back to where he was, one hand brushing lightly over the back of Juste's shoulders, then falling back to his side* /I have missed your company./ *looks back to Juraviel* There is more to the grounds, yes?
Soma: *head tilts to the side slightly* Sverglese?
Juste: *exhales an almost inaudible breath at the touch, his hand seeking out Meier's and twining their fingers together*
Meier: *lips twitch into a smile, squeezing Juste's hand ligthly*
Colbey: *tosses the feathery blonde bangs from his eyes* Where others merely practice the Renshai have sverglese... it is how we honor Sif and improve ourselves and our swordarms.
Juraviel: *smiles warmly at the two and nods* There is.... though paths are rare things, should you wish to find the truly marvelous things... *slips his hand into a small pouch at his side, palming a small object*
Soma: I've never seen anything like it....
Meier: *arches a silver brow* I think exploring shall be no problem. *smiles*
Juste: *gives Meier's hand a gentle squeeze back as his eyes dart about, eventually wandering to the sky to study the unfamiliar starscape*
Colbey: As well you shouldn't... Renshai don't exist in your world. And rarely do those not of the tribe get the pleasure of seeing us practice.
Soma: Then what I saw was truly something more special than I had originally thought. *expression falters* Wait...in my world?
Juraviel: Then explore at your leisure, my friends... *steps forward, holding a key out to Juste* A formality, the number is 138.
Colbey: *smiles* Yes, Soma Cruz, your world is not the one from which I come... I have my own troubles back home.
Juste: Oh! *takes the key and slips it carefully into a pocket in his coat* I thank you.
Soma: *Blinks* If I'm not home...where am I then? *blanches a little* Please tell me I'm not in another eclipse....
Meier: *nods, the gesture almost a bow* Thank you. /Do you wish to explore the grounds or go to the Inne, fair Juste?/
Juste: *exhales a soft breath and smiles* /Let us explore the grounds a bit, Meier...it has been so long since I've seen the sky not obscured by London fog..../
Juraviel: *smiles and bows his head slightly* You are quite welcome. *steps back* And now, gentlemen, I leave you to appreciate whatever beauty you find this night. *jumps back up into the tree, tiny wings aiding his ascent*
Colbey: *chuckles softly* No, nothing that horrible. You are now a guest of the Fall Inne. The bosses here decided you needed a respite and thus here you are.
Soma: *looks around, a little uncertainly, before nodding a little* A respite from what, I'm not sure....boredom maybe....
Meier: *nods* Thank you Belli'mar Juraviel. *squeezes Juste's hand once more* /Shall we?/
Juste: *smiles at Meier warmly* /We shall.../
Colbey: Perhaps... perhaps you were lonely... there are many guests here that come and go as time allows.
Soma: *hand goes absently to the pendant he wears, clutching it quietly a moment* Perhaps that's it...
Meier: *chuckles softly and starts wlking, chooing s direction randomly, voice soft* How have you fared? Any new developements?
Juste: *shakes his head* Nothing much new....I've spent the last six months now in England...Dreary place, really....but there are universities there and brilliant minds to keep me occupied.
Colbey: *looks at the young swordsman* Perhaps it is... There is someone for everyone as they say. *turns to head inside the Inne*
Meier: *smiles* I am glad you have something you enjoy to keep you occupied.
Soma: *blinks* Wait a sec...Okay...um...Can you at least tell me *where* this Inne is? I'm confused.
Juste: It serves a dual purpose...having friends among the students means I have access to the libraries...I am still information gathering...
Meier: *nods* Your curiousity is refreshing.
Juste: *Expression becomes a bit melancholy* I have a promise to keep.
Colbey: *glances over his shoulder* Everywhere and nowhere... just a lovely bit of chaos space.
Soma: Oh.... *walks over until he's standing beside the swordsman* How did you know my name? And, since you do, would it be too much to ask what yours is?
Meier: *nods* I know... but... *sighs softly* I seem to have said the wrong thing. I apologize.
Juste: *shakes his head* No no...don't apologize.... *gives Meier's hand a small squeeze and offers a smile* I'm being desolate tonight.....
Colbey: I know your name because the Patrons wished me to greet you. I am Colbey Calistinsson of the Tribe of Renshai and currently Keeper of the Balance on Asgard. *bows politely*
Meier: *quirks his lips* Why Juste?
Soma: *bows back* A pleasure to meet you, as well....Do you suppose...I might have a look at one of your swords at some point? They look like very impressive pieces...
Juste: *chuckles* Because it seems to be something inherent in the Vampires' Curse?
Meier: *laughs softly* I believe you may be on to something...
Juste: *Sighs happily* I've so missed the sound of that laugh.
Colbey: *regards Soma quietly* Perhaps... We shall see, when we see how dedicated a swordsman you are... perhaps...
Meier: *shakes his head*
Soma: *nods* A fair enough answer...In the meantime, is there a chance of you telling me a little more about this place?
Juste: What?
Meier: *smiles* It is nothing... An idle musing.
Juste: *chuckles* Ah, we've only been within each other's company for a few moments, and all ready I must try to wheedle and answer from you. Tell me of this musing, won't you?
Colbey: *nods* That is easily done. This is an Inne so obviously we need to get you checked in. The grounds are quite lavish and almost anything you crave can be sated here.
Meier: *chuckles* And if I refuse?
Soma: Hmm...maybe... *touches the pendant idly again* But all right, let's see about getting me checked in....
Juste: *Smiles and leans up, pressing a kiss to Meier's cheek* You know what a curious creature I can be, Meier....
Meier: *smiles* I was simply musing on how I liked the sound of your voice when you are happy.
Colbey: *leads Soma through the Sun Room and into the hall, giving descriptions of the Rooms they pass on the way to the Main Hall, pausing a moment as one of the shadow wrapped foxes darts from the kitchen and down the hall*
Juste: *blushes softly, but smiles back* Thank you....
Soma: *listens intently, blinking and staring at the thing darting down the hall* What was that?
Meier: *bows over Juste's hand, eyes playful*
Colbey: Pysk... fox riders... you'll never see the pysks about though, just the foxes... so don't fret over them.
Soma: Oh...I'll guess they're harmless, then....
Colbey: Any and all of the staff here are harmless... the other Bouncers and I are probably the most deadly things running about, and I'm willing to wager I've seen more blood than they have. *rests his hand on one of the hilts*
Soma: That's...good to know. Just kind of a reflex reaction.... *smiles a little* But I'm not really sure how much you know about me...
Colbey: *walks into the Main Hall, unfazed by the stone portrait* Only what the Patrons wish me to know... which is just the basics, lad.
Soma: Oh I -- *looks up and sees the stone portrait* Jesus! What *is* that?
Juste: *can't help but smile more brightly at the playful expression in the other vampire's eyes* And how have you fared at home?
Colbey: *That* is the brains behind the operation... That is Xanth, one of our Patrons, there is a much more flattering picture in the Patron's gallery upstairs.
Soma: *blinks* I see....startling, to say the least... *takes a deep breath to still his rapidly beating heart*
Colbey: *goes behind the desk, rummaging through the keys* You look like you'd appreciate a nice quite space...
Soma: *nods* That would be appreciated.
Colbey: *scribbles a figure in the ledger* Well then young Soma, room 355 shall serve you.
Meier: *stands back up, shrugging his shoulders* It is... tolerable.
Soma: All right....
Juste: That hesitation is cause for concern, but I suppose I'll not prod you about it this night...
Meier: *nods* Thank you.
Colbey: *gestures to the opening of the stone tower* Those stairs lead up to the guest rooms which are located on the top 3 floors of the Inne... the second floor is dedicated to the galleries.
Soma: *nods* All right.... *smiles a little* Then I suppose I'll get my key and get out of your hair...
Juste: Of course. *halts their steps and smiles* But there is *one* thing I am going to prod you for right now...
Colbey: You're no trouble, lad. I'll always be around... and the grounds outside are fascinating... I'll be around if you should get lost, just hollar out... word'll reach me somehow.
Soma: *smiles* All right...I would like to get to know you better....
Meier: *arches a brow* Yes Juste?
Juste: *blushes a little* Might I trouble you for a kiss? *softly*
Meier: *smiles* It is no trouble. *steps closer to Juste, lifting his chin with a finger*
Colbey: *nods* You are welcome to... you don't look much older than my own boy... maybe you'll prove as skillful with a sword someday.
Juste: *sucks in a soft breath, letting his eyes raise to meet Meier's*
Soma: I can only hope.... *smiles* I've had a passion for them for awhile...I'm reasonably good, although after seeing you, I can honestly say I still have a lot to learn.
Meier: *lowers his head, brushing his lips to Justes once, twice, then kisses him more thoroughly*
Juste: *moans very softly into that kiss, savoring it like a fine wine for a few moments before parting his lips in silent invitation*
Colbey: *softly* After four hundred years I should hope to rival the gods... *chuckles a little*
Soma: *jaw drops* Four...hundred.... *blinks* Are you a vampire?
Meier: *accepts the invitation, exploring Juste's mouth with a soft sound, arms sliding around the smaller vampire's waist*
Juste: *wraps his own arms lightly around Meier's shoulders, purring softly as his tongue brushes against Meier's*
Colbey: No, I'm quite alive and likely to never see Valhalla as one of the glorious dead. But some dreams never fade...
Soma: Then... *smiles* Wait, I'm getting ahead of myself...is there somewhere more comfortable we could go and talk? You've just roused my curiousity, and that can be a time-consuming thing.
Meier: *makes a soft sound, deepening the kiss*
Juste: /I've missed this so much...../ *brushes a light touch along Meier's cheek*
Colbey: Many places to go and talk... Are you hungry, boy? I'm sure the maids won't mind us raiding the kitchen this late at night.
Meier: *breaks the kiss with a soft press of lips to Juste's forehead, then hugs the moonlight toned vampire to him for a moment* /I missed _you_./
Soma: *blinks and nods, not realizing he'd been hungry until asked* That sounds good. *smiles*
Juste: *lets his head rest on Meier's shoulder* /I've missed you, too....so very much.../
Meier: /It has been... difficult having no one to speak to... but I am so very glad to have you back./
Colbey: Then lets head back to the kitchen then. *blithely hops over the desk and starts back down the east wing*
Juste: In spite of the acquaintences I've made, I have so very few who I can speak to freely... And even fewer with whom I can share such simple affections...
Soma: *follows the man, finding himself still fascinated with the swordsman*
Meier: *smiles* I am glad you find me useful. *winks*
Colbey: *enters the kitchen skirting around the wispy form of one of the maids* What do you crave, Soma?
Soma: *blinks at the maid, then turns his attention back to Colbey* Something with meat, preferably something I don't have to kill first. *smiles*
Juste: *shakes his head* You know that isn't what I meant.
Meier: *chuckles softly* I am teasing Juste... making an attempt to be light-hearted...
Colbey: *chuckles* Easily done... *goes to the fridge pulling out some leftovers* God know what's in the stew though... someone said dragon meat...but judging from the health of the dragon in the garden I'm guessing not.
Juste: *blushes softly* My apologies...I am so unaccustomed to such a thing anymore....
Soma: *Blinks* Dragon...in the garden? There's...all kinds of things populating this place, aren't there?
Colbey: That there are... and some can hurt you if not careful... because they are not on the staff.
Meier: *shakes his head* I am sorry...
Soma: I'll take it under advisement.
Juste: Do not be sorry. I have a feeling I shall become accustomed to such things quickly enough with exposure.
Meier: *chuckles* I seem to be having little trouble... *cants his head, claret eyes curious* I wonder why that is?
Colbey: Just remember that... guests can hurt one another if they're not careful or that mean tempered.
Juste: *smiles* I care not for the cause, so long as the effect remains.... *nuzzles Meier gently*
Soma: *nods* I'll remember that...might want to start carrying a bit of protection again.
Colbey: We discourage violence, but realize it happens... *heats up the stew in a microwave* I can personally garantee that there will be no deaths on my watch... and the other Bouncers feel pretty much as I do on that score.
Meier: *nods, petting Juste's hair*
Soma: Maybe not, then...if they're even a fraction of what you are, I'd just as soon not cross any of you....even accidently....
Juste: *Sighs happily* Have you seen Gene or Schu?
Meier: *shakes his head* No... I have only been here a few times as of yet... I have seen neither.
Colbey: We each have our specialities... that I'm a Renshai is enough.
Soma: What do the other two specialize in?
Juste: I hope they are here..... *softly, then smiles* I am pleased to see you here as well.
Colbey: I'll leave it up to you to ask them... they're out and about often enough that you'll meet them someday.
Meier: *nods* I am glad to see you. *nuzzles the top of Juste's head* And I hope they are here for you as well.
Soma: *nods* All right.
Juste: And for you....Gene never got to know you as well as he would have liked....
Colbey: *dishes out the reheated stew and sets one in front of Soma and keeping one for himself* So anything else peak your curiosity?
Soma: *nods* You could tell me more about your tribe, if it's not too much to ask.
Meier: *smiles slightly, the expression that would normally be accompanied by a blush*
Juste: *Frowns just a little* When was the last time you fed, Meier?
Meier: *cants his head, considering*
Juste: *waits patiently for an answer*
Colbey: *smiles proudly* My tribe survives...though the other Northern tribes tried their damnedest to wipe us from the face of the planet. We are swordsmen of unequalled skill, even though I say it myself...
Soma: *seriously* I'm inclined to believe it. *smiles back*
Meier: *frowns* Sometime in the last two weeks. *firm nod*
Juste: *nuzzles his lover lightly* You seem to be running a bit low...you've not even enough left to blush...
Meier: *shakes his head* I am fine lovely...
Juste: *softly* Are you certain? I've fed very recently, and the blood of our own kind is better suited to such a task...I'll share willingly... *smiles*
Colbey: A Renshai's only goal in life is to make it to Valhalla. We are trained from the time we are small... even babes in arms are given toy swords to hold.
Soma: Valhalla.... *Frowns a little as he tries to recall* It seems I used to know a little something about Valhalla....
Meier: *smiles* I thank you for your offer, but I shall be fine.
Juste: *Raises an eyebrow* If you are still so underfed when I see you again, we *shall* deal with it. *smiles a bit* I'll make you practice what you preach yet.
Meier: *laughs softly* All right Juste.
Colbey: *curious* Really? I never realized that Valhalla was something that other worlds were familiar with.
Juste: *Smiles at that laugh, and leans up, pressing a soft kiss to Meier's lips again*
Soma: *nods* The religion is called Asatru now....it dealt with the Norse gods and Valhalla....At least, if I'm remembering all this correctly.
Colbey: Well, at least in my world the gods aren't what they used to be.
Meier: *wraps his arms around Juste in a loose loop, looking up at the stars*
Soma: How so?
Juste: *Purrs softly, turning in Meier's arms to rest his back against the elder vampire's chest and stare up at the sky as well* They're beautiful.
Colbey: *streches out in one of the chairs* The AllFather is dead, Ragnarok is over and those who still survive do hold a few grudges... but I would still save Frey over Odin any day.
Meier: *nods* Yes they are. *nuzzles the crown of Juste's head*
Soma: Honestly, no one is sure any of them really exist in my world...at least, anymore...I'm inclined to believe almost anything after my experiences...
Juste: *Purrs happily* But there's no familiar constellations....
Colbey: Extremes have no place in the world... Loki was right about that.
Soma: *Nods* That's very true....It throws things out of balance...
Meier: We are somewhere new... we need to learn the major constellations for here.
Juste: *Nods* Or create our own...
Meier: *smiles lowering his head to kiss Juste on the cheek* Perhaps next we meet. But until then... *disappears*
Colbey: I have always advocated balance... and Harval reflects that balance in my world.
Soma: It's something I learned in the kendo classes I've taken. It's very important to groups of people in my world, too.
Juste: *Sighs softly, still smiling to himself as he heads for the Inne to go find his room*
Colbey: *grins* Good to know somethings are universal.
Soma: *nods* I've...tried even harder to hang onto balance since the whole incident in the eclipse...it's been hard...something's been changed...and I can't remember what it was, but it's thrown my whole life off-balance....
Colbey: *looks thoughtful* Really now? Something you can't remember, huh?
Soma: Well...not something, per se....someone.... *touches his pendant* Whoever gave me this....they were extremely important...I know that...but I can't remember who they were.....it's very frustrating....
Colbey: Ah... I think I understand... and I wish I could be of help to you. But... that is not part of my job
Soma: *smiles a bit* I try to keep up the hope that it'll all fall together again, and just have been struggling with my internal balance...it's just as important.... *smiles* I'd always wanted to go pro with my sword fighting...
Colbey: If you were a Renshai it would be so much easier.... but I can help you with that...
Soma: How would it be easier if I were Renshai?
Colbey: For one...I could teach you Renshai techniques that are only taught to those of our tribe. Plus for while you were here I wouldn't be against the idea of being your torke, I haven't had a student except for Raven in years.
Soma: But you *did* say there was something you could do to help....
Colbey: Just because I can't teach you, doesn't mean we can't spar... and any practice is a good practice.
Soma: *expression brightens considerably* I'd like that very much.
Colbey: *chuckles at the change in Soma's mood* Good...but if you ever wish to join the tribe we have been known to accept outside blood...
Soma: *blushes a little at that* Perhaps we should see if I'm worth my sword first....I've saved my own life with it before...but that doesn't always require skill....
Colbey: *nods once* That's a good thing to realize... We'll see then.
Soma: *nods and smiles a little* I...had a sensei tell me once that a good swordsman is honest about his skill level, and about the skill level of his opponent....
Colbey: A wise sensei you had... perhaps you already have a good torke... We shall assess your skill after you've had a bit of rest.
Soma: *nods and smiles, looking somewhat content*
Colbey: *gets up slowly, passing Soma and patting him on the shoulder* Time for this old warrior to put his bones to bed for the night.
Soma: Sleep well, Colbey...I hope we see each other again. *smiles*
Colbey: We will... I'll keep an eye out for you. Leave a message for me if you need to...there's a board by the desk...
Soma: *nods and smiles* Sleep well then.
Colbey: You too, Soma... I'm sure the room will suit you fine.