Angel blood....

I was sitting in Haven, like a hundred times before, only this time perhaps I was looking with different eyes, scanning the room and the bar’s patrons. I don’t think I set out to take advantage of an innocent, but her light shone so bright, and it was so easy to do. She sat down at my table, as I was writing in my work journal, clearly uncomfortable among the noisy, slightly rowdy patrons. Her name was Karon, and she was an angel.
Karon Jinx: “Well I’m stranded here at present”
My eyes widen slightly, a small smile upon my lips "I am familiar with that feeling. Have you tried the shelter?"
Karon Jinx: “What is it you write about?” ... eyeing her journal “The shelter is not so clean”
"What anyone writes about I suppose. This and That. Thoughts and Reflections. Desires and Dreams. Spells and Shadows." my smile is just a touch cold now, I did not want to tell her what spells I was working on "But that's my own business" and I tucked the journal away in my bag. "The shelter has its merits and drawbacks I suppose, but at least it is a roof over your head in a city whose streets are not safe even in the day"
Karon Jinx: “The people at the church are always inviting”
"Ah the church. Where the righteous dwell ... and stagnate. .....where else have you been?"
Karon Jinx: “I have traveled the entire city but not go in any clan homes”
This makes me raise my brow "The church is a clan home... but yes I suppose it is open to all. Have you met very many residents of our fine city?"
Karon Jinx: “Very few I suffer from shy to strangers, this place, it is very different to my life before”
I nod, to show sympathy, understanding. Emotions that used to come so much more easily for me. Can she tell I feel little of this for her in reality? That I have already chosen her to serve my own purposes? "Well now that we have met, strangers we are nevermore. So progress has been made."
Karon Jinx: nods "Yes, that is true.”
"I also do not find the shelter to be inviting... but I am lucky I suppose, I reside on the cities outskirts, a small ship..."
Karon Jinx: nods "I fight monsters here not people”
I laugh and I am actually really amused "Most of the people here are monsters childe. How ever do you tell the difference?"
Karon Jinx: “Yes I had a look around but I find the church was always open”
"Only to some.... there are certain ones that are forbidden to enter, although they do not always listen."
Karon Jinx: “Oh I did not know they tell me I am welcome”
"I am sure you are... " my smile is more to reassure her then in pleasure, but my eyes reflect memories that are not so pleasant "I am sure you are. They only fear the dark"
Karon Jinx: “One is like me she earned her wings recently”
"Earned her wings? Are you an angel then little one?" I knew of course she was. All the signs were there; her aura screamed what and who she was.
Karon Jinx: nodding "Yes I am"
"I am surprised the Righteous did not snap you up then... they have a fondness for the innocent and the angelic"
Karon Jinx: “Is most often nobody there when I pray there”
"Do you seek to walk the path of the self Righteous? You could always seek out their leaders..."
Karon Jinx: “Not so innocent four times I have had to take life here, but to earn my wings I must help others and protect the weaker if I can”
"The city can be a great place to learn and grow, if you live. I myself have found it to be a very interesting life here"
Karon Jinx: “Yes it is interesting”
I finish my tea and set the cup back on the table with a small forlorn look at its empty center. "Sometimes it can be a hard life. Resources here are scarce. People don't like to share" It is time to sink the hook. Show my need, establish a bond of being alone and trying to survive in a city that preys on the weak…
Karon Jinx: smiles “I can refill your cup Devi I have powers”
I shake my head "No... it never tastes quite the same when it is magic'd up so to speak."
Karon Jinx: “Angels must eat also were not immortal”
My eyes widen in surprise, just how untried was this angel that she does not know her own strengths, and the advantages of her kind "You're not? Um but your an angel. Are they not by definition immortal? Unless of course your essence is eaten?"
Karon Jinx: “In human form not immortal but you are right”
"Although I have heard, that angel blood can be... most sustaining"
Karon Jinx: “It can save life but not good for vampires”
"Actually... I was working on a spell tonight... and that might be just what I need to help it work... would you perhaps be willing to give me a small sample?" I look at her thru my lashes, I only allow sincerity to shine thru, my mask firmly in place. I am so close to my desire, and she would give me what I needed.
Karon Jinx: “It would depend on what the spell will be used for”
"Well I am a healer, and alot of times I am called upon to use my powers...I try to be prepared. I am constantly honing my craft so to speak. Looking for new ways to improve my methods" I carefully word my reply to exclude any lies because I had heard angels can sense untruth, I did not want to take any chances.
Karon Jinx: “In that case I will be happy to help” and held out her arm toward me.
I blink at her and I am generally startled "I don't actually have what we need here.... I did not come to Haven planning on obtaining a blood sample.”
Karon Jinx: “I guess not, who would plan that?”
I pretended to consider the matter as if I had never thought about where to go when I had first noticed her "Lets see.... maybe the best place to get what we need would be the hospital?"
Karon Jinx: she nods “Yes I think so.”
We travel thru the streets towards the hospital. I can sense the predators lurking in the shadows, and I am wary as there are so many diseased rats in this city masquerading as its citizens. We enter the hospital and I swiftly guide her to the back examination room. I wash my hands and draw on a pair of gloves, seeking to use the common place routine of any medical examination to keep her soothed. She lies there on the table, a willing sacrifice. I am almost tempted to take more then I need. Almost tempted to just take it all. Almost. Instead I gather up a few needed instruments and walk camly over to the angel.
Karon Jinx: “Is this okay Devi?”
I nod and look down at her, asking her the ritual question. This is a key point. The added power is in the fact the blood is given up willingly. "So you will allow me to draw a few samples of your blood?" She hesitates for a moment. My ancestors whisper in my head to just take what I need, they argue that they had always used the blood of the screaming innocents to fuel their spells, that had been more then enough to serve them but I resist their insidious whispers. I had learned much from my studies of white magic, and desired that second layer of power.
Karon Jinx: “Well how much do you want?”
"Not much..” I sought to reassure her, keep her compliant “No more then you would allow if you had to have lab work done"
Karon Jinx: raises a brow and smiles at me.” But I don’t need lab work done...I tell you what draw 2 syringes, after all it is very powerful don’t forget. A little would be enough for most spells.”
I just nod and carefully prepare a small syringe. On its end I attach a strange looking vial made out of a cut hollowed colored stone. Quickly inserting the syringe into the angels flesh I draw her blood. Sealing the first one I repeat my actions then seal the second. I pretend to hesitate for a moment. "I don’t think I will have this chance again.... would you perhaps permit me a third?"
Karon Jinx: watches carefully but reluctantly nods her head “I suggest you not hesitate and take one last sample”
I pick up the last vial, letting it rest in my hand. I glance at its case and then back at the angel. I purposely smile as gently as I can manage as I quickly fill and then secure it in the brown leather case for the vials. It had been charmed with a preservation spell to keep the blood fresh. Closing it I whisper a small chant to seal it and slip it into my black bag. To complete the illusion of my old self I Lay my hand upon the spot where I had taken the angel’s blood and concentrated for a moment, sending a small spurt of healing energies to it, watching a corresponding wound begin to appear on my own flesh. I look down to see if the angel's arm was now healed.
Karon Jinx: “Thank you well I think you will have enough now…yes?”
“Thank you... this should be most interesting. Yes I do think I will be able to fulfill my desires for this... it should be most useful" again I manage my words with care.
Karon Jinx: “For healing yes?”
"That’s what I do...my chosen field of interest. I am most interested in working with bodies, to ascertain their limits and how they heal when broken" I ease away from her before she presses me closer. I did not need an angel calling attention to me at this point in my plans because she feels I have tricked her out of her blood. There was no need to point out my research might come to include the breaking of bodies and souls more then the healing of them. I would need the city to see my old mask for a while longer, until my plans fell into place.
Your will Dark Goddess,
My Desires.

Muffin Quest

I stand there on the rooftop of the Pit. I feel its darkness reaching out to examine my own. I ignore it. I could not deal with its desires today. I find it ironic that the woman I was before did not have the easy grasp of white magic that the woman I am today does. I chatter with the shadow son that asks me what I am doing here, but my focus is inward. I had earlier sent out 3 members of the Shadows and a Prowler named Quiet to fill a sort of shopping list of ingredients that were need to preform a spell. It amused me to send them for ingredients to make muffins at the same time. "Welcome back Shaynee, looks like were almost ready"
Shaynee Xi grins at Devi "Good..." looks at Stra "sup Bro?"
Stralack Hayek looks up and then looks back down to Shaynee, "The sky....what else?"
I ignore the byplay between them and grab the cooler she has brought to me. Its contents will serve many purposes tonight. It is a step towards my long term goals, it will facilitate helping those I consider friends, and it will feed an appetite that grows stronger as the night progresses.
Shaynee Xi: Stra never took you for the smart ass type *wink* we should hang more often *looks to Quiet and giggles* but now... I got magics to do
I grab my ever present bag and draw out a shiny silken alter cloth. Laying it flat on the ground I smooth it out at the corners. "Quiet, would you please lay down here.. in the center?" Quiet Thunders swallows looking back to Shaynee" are you sure about all of this
Shaynee Xi: Yes Quiet it’s for the best *pats her head softly and helps her to lie down*
Quiet Thunders nods and slowly lays down
I reach inside the cooler and grab the salt to make an outline of a circle upon the ground then going upon one knee I drew out from my bag two bowls, a wooden spoon, a muffin tin, a small dull brown stone, a feather, a small bottle of water which I pour into a bowl and also a candle. With a small gesture I light the candle and start the spell.
Placing the stone on the North side of Quiet's body I chant as I do so
"Hail and welcome powers of the Earth
Powers of stability, security and fertility.
Bless my rite and protect this circle."
Quiet Thunders leans her head up a bit to see what is going on
I place the feather on the East side of Quiet still chanting, my eyes have started to glow and there is a sudden stillness to the air.
"Hail and welcome powers of Air
Powers of freedom, perception and thought
Bless my rite and protect this circle"
I place the candle on the South side of Quiet's body and my voice is now growing stronger, and I continue to chant.
"Hail and welcome powers of Fire
Powers of love, healing and nature
Bless my rite and protect this circle"
Shaynee Xi listening carefully watching ever move Devi makes around her Quiet, she smiles
Quiet Thunders her eyes a bit wider she looks up to Shaynee
Finally I take the bowl of water and putting the last element in to place sets it on the West side of the alter continuing to chant.
"Hail and welcome powers of Water
Powers of emotions, feelings, and dreams
Bless my rite and protect this circle."
Closing my eyes and drawing in a deep breath I slowly open them again. Gathering the flour, sugar, left over salt, oil, eggs and milk into a bowl. Mixing them gently to set the bowl down then reaching into my black bag to draw out a small vial of powder. Adding this to the bowl I stir then toss in a handful of the blueberries. In a separate bowl I mix together some of the sugar, a small portion of flour, butter and a dash of cinnamon. Pouring the contents of the first bowl into the muffin tin I then sprinkle the contents of the second bowl on top. Content with my work, I nod before placing a quick heating spell on the container. Setting it aside I now turn back to Quiet's body.
Quiet Thunders lets out a little whimper hearing all the noises of mixing going on
"Quiet do you desire to be changed, to metamorphosis into a new being imbued with the qualities of loyalty, strength, confidence and willpower that already reside within yourself? If so assent by saying I do"
Shaynee Xi watches as she whips up some magic and muffins at the same time, tummy begins to growl ... looks back at the volcano, wondering if Quiet would get too upset if she finished up the recipe, hears the whimper and smiles down at Quiet reassuring her everything is okay
Quiet Thunders: and love for my wife. if that as well then I do
I nod and drape the leopard print latex pants over her body “this will ensure your safety and protection and enhance your ability to protect others “I hesitate and add softly “I hope”
Shaynee Xi blinks "hope?"
I watch as Quiet repeats after me and her wife mouths the words as Quiet says them. I smile at Quiet in reassurance and assure her “Almost over" and afterwards there would be muffins..... Quiet shivers looking up to me… she questions me “there is more?” She seems to want to be finished with this ritual.
I place the white obsidian shard on Quiet's forehead so its properties will call out Quiet's natural self esteem and confidence, then the jade upon her pelvis hoping to evoke its nature affinity for loyalty, desire and faithfulness. Etching several symbols into the air, they glow with a silver sheen then fade away. Turning a third time to Quiet I once again asks "Quiet do you desire this change? If so say "I do"
Shaynee Xi licks her lips "mmmm muffins"
Quiet Thunders shiver feeling a charge in the air. she looks up at Devi and then to Shaynee and finally back to Devi" I ... I .. I hope this works. I do
I nod at her but I must be firm if this ritual is to be completed "Thou must acknowledge and say I do... or this will not work"
Shaynee Xi points to herself "I do?"
Distracted I stare at Shaynee for a moment then reply "Um no.. her... Quiet I mean... " I look nervously at the muffins and calculate how long till they will be done, they need to finish with the ritual to be bespelled properly
Quiet Thunders " um yes I want to be a good kitty again I do
I extend my hands towards the sky and draw out a thin silver wand. Raising it in the air I pause for a moment to breathe in the aroma of freshly baking blueberry muffins before tracing a symbolic circle around myself and Quiet and beginning another chant "The circle is cast. I am between the worlds, Beyond the bounds of time, Where night and day, birth and death, joy and sorrow, meet as one. The fire is lit, the ritual is begun. As I will it, perform the task at hand. So let it be done. So mote it be!"
Shaynee Xi looks down at Quiet with a grin and a nod
“All done Quiet, you can get up. " and quickly I remove the items on top of Quiet's body.
Quiet Thunders reaching her paws back she start pushing herself up. Suddenly she take in a deep breath of air and falls back to the roof. her head hitting it with a dull thud
Shaynee Xi smiles as she leans over to help her wifey up hoping this has fixed any problems for her. Shaynee Xi blinks "ummm" tilts her head then looks at Devi "what did you do to her?
I am a bit concerned watching her head boink and yet distracted by the muffins "Well, I just realigned her natural energies and attuned her 4th chakra "I shrug "Maybe her blood sugar is low?"
Quiet Thunders groaning she reaches a paw up slowly to the back of her head. " ouchis " she whimpers.
I gesture once to each of the four watch towers and then quickly gather up the materials used to cast the spell, scattering the circle I had cast with the salt. Going towards the muffin tin I gesture to remove the heating spell. "Muffins any one?"
Shaynee Xi nods with a grin "so that’s what the muffins are for" picks up Quiet and reaches for a muffin. Quiet Thunders whimpering a bit the poor kitten seems dazed and confused
I do not correct her impression, the muffins were bespelled to serve my own purposes but they would not hurt my friends. "Well... you should see the results in 4 to 6 hours.... have a muffin and um... try not to get wet for a little bit " my smile is fixed "Really bad idea to get her wet"
Shaynee Xi tilts her head and feeds her a muffin "what about feeding after midnight?"
Shaynee Xi smiles at Quiet giving a nose a kiss "Thanks Devi" she giggles
“It’s probably not a great idea..... Better eat that muffin quick" is my muffled reply as I go, snagging most of the muffins for further use and head off "See you in a few days!" This night went well, I have started to cement my bonds to some new friends and the muffins imbued with tonight’s energies will be useful in the near future. I will seek out an old friend, and see what happens.

Your will Dark Goddess,
My Desires.

...time heals all things?

They say time heals all things. Even souls? I feel stronger so perhaps it is true. I know I have changed. I am no longer the childe working so desperately to defend a family that was in reality even then lost to her. I have changed. Have I grown stronger in fact? Perhaps. I still feel uncertain, like a colt on fresh legs. Gabriel did things when he refused to let me cross over. Bad things? Perhaps to some, but he made his decisions with a clear understanding of consequences. I choose to take the rope he binded me with. I knew it was in defiance of what was meant to be, and even in my death could feel the taint of the dark arts on it. Once a Nightfire dabbles in the dark, the dark does not let her go again. Yet I could not leave my lover alone when his soul cried for mine. For now the illusion of innocence I still wear is effective, and I will use it till my desires have been met. My power, it evolves and I have begun to feed it thru knowledge and deeds. I feel the centuries of power my line has nurtured surging thru me now, my ancesters whispering in my head. I have opened the ancient journal that contains all the knowledges gained thru blood and lust, it's power seeps from it's pages and I will use everything to ensure the proper fate for my mate and myself. We will never be separated again.

Your will Dark Goddess,
My Desires.

Night betrayals

So much has changed. I could not bear to put it down in words as it happened. My flesh was torn from me, sisters against each other, not only was I to choose between my family but my alligence to the Rightous. I cast it all aside, I enter a time of darkness and seek safety within the arms of my beloved. One sister is lost to me, so I concentrate on the healing of the one that is left torn and bloody by the others hands. I do not understand how I can love thru all the betrayal and bloodshed. Why can I not cast her aside as she has done us!! I bleed , oh Goddess how I bleed! I cast her aside! To the darkess I cast her memory , to the darkness I cast my love and loyalty to her. It is where she desires to be, let her stay there to rot in the dark! Right? It is only right as she has forsaken our house and our sisterhood to the shadow she calls family, how can I still .. how can I still... I lay in the comfort of my angel's arms and weep. I weep for the bonds we had that now lay broken, I weep for the sister's blood I still see on my hands, and I weep like a child for my own battered heart. What will become of us... so of course I had to push the limits and see if she was still my soul's reflection, I had to know. She choose them over me, she left me torn and bleeding on the street. Does she know my soul left my body that day? Does she know only the thread that tied me to my Gabriel kept me on this side of the light? He grew darker that day. He called me back in ways he was not suppose to know of. I call him my angel , yet he used the dark to chain me to his side, and I feel it seeping into me. How can I bear to do this again?

Journal Entry May 8th
I found the Shadow Prince tonight. Unfortunately I could not tear him from my sister’s side. He was like a moth to the bright flame that is my sister’s unique personality and spirit. I will have to track him down tomorrow night, and find Poncho too. My plans must not be delayed much longer, my Gabriel will be home soon, and if he finds out what dangers I put myself in he will try to stop me. The Righteous are all in an uproar because of the slayings of 5 Angels last night. Jon, one of our strongest officers, is adamant about hunting down and seeking justice from the murdering fiend who not only killed so many with out remorse, but betrayed us. I find it extremely ironic that we worry about seeking justice for the slain, yet we can not exterminate the vermin before they infect our city with the plague of despair and pain that their actions bring. I will use this though. I will use it to help cast a shadow of discretion on my own plans.
Your Will Goddess.
So Mote it be

Journal Entry May 7th
I dinna go to Toxian tonight. The lure was incredible but instead I choose to spend time with a girl that has grown into another sister for me. GG. Wonderful, kind, loyal, fun loving lady who is one of the spots of light in the dark place Toxian has become. We both choose to live away from the city, her with another friend, and me with my angel man. He does not like me going to Tox, knowing how unsafe it can be. I haven’t told him about the events unfolding that is enveloping us in a web of danger and intrigue. I will use this time that he is away dealing with business to ensure my plans fall into place. But last night GG and I were dancing, the rhythmic swaying of our bodies luring the worries of the last few days to the furthest reaches of my mind. I almost was able to forget what I know has yet to be done until later that night, as I lay in my Gabriel’s bed, wishing his arms were holding me, and I heard a knock on the door. It was Vish and she was on her way to Toxian. Jon had called her, and no surprise that the city had not taken a night off as I had. She rushed off into the night answering Jon’s request for a meeting, leaving me wondering what effect tonight’s events would have on my own plots.
Your Will Goddess.
So Mote it be

Journal Entry May 6th
It was quiet tonight. V had to explain herself to Jon tonight, about the drama that had played out the night before. I admit to eavesdropping on their conversation. I wanted to know if there was any consequences to last night’s drama, yet couldn’t bring myself to step into the light. I am like a ghost in the city, neither a citizen nor a stranger. V wanted me to put my pin back on. The one I tore from my breast during the terrible events of last night. Righteous. Guardians. How can I claim that title when I am unable to protect my own sister? For now I will draw my cloak of anonymity tight across myself, it will serve me well while I seek to tweak destiny.
Your Will Goddess.
So Mote it be