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Risky Business (Marie)


Re: Risky Business (Marie)

The woman followed with a curious look on her face as she was swept along down a side alley. Her neck craned and her eyes narrowed as though searching into the darkness of the alleyway for the non-existant guard. A few seconds in and Marie turned on her new companion her fangs extending as she sunk them into the woman's neck.

A momentary gasp of pain was soon followed by an exultant sigh as the woman's senses were overwhelmed by the kiss. Marie herself could not help but to enjoy the wonderful taste of the woman's blood as it flowed into her mouth. It was so much better than her last meal of boar's blood that she was not sure she could stop herself. Finally she pulled away after what had seemed forever but could only have been a few seconds. She caught the woman as she swooned and ensured that she licked the wounds shut as she had seen Erzsebet do.

Now however she felt unsure of how to continue, the countess had simply left her prey laying on the ground. Marie could do the same but she was unsure how she felt about simply leaving this woman lying on the cold ground in a dark alleyway.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie most certainly would take more care, even after the fact. It was only polite, after all. If she let minor slip ups happen because she was more or less alone it would only lead to bad habits forming, and for the foreseeable future, which was not decades at the very least, Marie had to be on her best behavior! Ironically, that's why she was so nervous in the first place too. The bad vibe wasn't going away, and she couldn't help but feel as if Erzsebet's lack of knowledge about the area was leading them into something bad.

She gently eased the girl into a sitting position, propping her up on the closest tree, as long as it looked "clean", which all things considered was kind of a silly worry. No doubt sooner or later someone would find her and attend to her, though Marie did not go out of her way to drag her into view. Marie's nervousness was slightly lessened though by the fact that her acting skills allowed this to work out so far. If someone saw she might use her fragile look to her advantage again, but if not interrupted then finding Erzsebet was definitely still the priority.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Once the girl was propped comfortably against a nearby tree, Marie cautiously looked about from the entrance to the alleyway. The streets were essentially empty with the exception of an occasional peasant on their way home for the evening. None of them seemed to give her much notice and so she nervously made her way down the street.

Neither Erzsebet nor the carriage were anywhere to be seen along the main street of the village. The countess had said she would be nearby but not how nearby. Thoughtfully she looked towards the church and the main square, there would be more people and perhaps torches but it seemed the most logical choice. The other choice would be any of the smaller side streets where an out of the way inn could be found, much like the inn she had met Erzsebet at in the first place.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie was a bit annoyed the carriage had moved, though she knew it was only practical. Marie had a definite feeling complaining about it would not win her favors, as it should just be a minor inconvenience... if not for Marie's suspicions. No matter, it could not be hard to find, and at least the big dummy would be near by, if not Erzsebet. Most places only needed a cursory glance to check as she focused on the main street. She did not place any true ill intent on the noble for wandering off, so it shouldn't be like hide and seek...
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie walked down the main road of the village giving a cursory glance down the side streets in search of her companions or the carriage. She made a conscious effort to avoid the few places that had lanterns, the fire within them giving her an unnatural fear as she searched. Finally she came to town square with the great church and it's shadowy spires stretching into the night sky.

To the east she could see the carriage sitting alone near a darkened shop but her attention was more immediately drawn to the collection of tents to the west. A number of poorer folk roamed among the motley tents and the bright bonfire that burned in between. A crier called out proclaiming a demonstration of the miraculous healing to be shown within.

As she wondered about which way to head, she noticed the countess among the crowd, speaking to a darkly cloaked figure near the very edge of the light cast from the bonfire.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Not the ideal place for the carriage to be, definitely, but it could be worse. Marie would approach slowly, to draw less attention, and because she did not want to disturb any important figures if she must. For all her nerves, Marie had to remind herself that nothing bad seemed like it would going to happen in the next few seconds. She could likely afford to wait her turn.

That said, she also was not above trying to listen in on the hushed conversation nearby too, though if noticed she would of course keep her distance. There was enough genuine curiosity as to what the "healer" was about to do that she could make it seem outwardly that's why she was drawn closer. Either way, with the carriage now found she had a bit more confidence, and felt it safe that she could survey the commotion was.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie meandered in the direction of the tent where a crowd was quickly growing. Though the majority seemed to be peasants and beggars, a handful of the higher classes were present. Seeing the Countess standing in the shadows with a fur lined cloak over her pale shoulders she silently wished she had thought to ask for a cloak as well.

Moving along the edge of the crowd she edged her way closer and closer to her companion. This was the closest she had come to a fire since her embrace the previous night and she could feel the beast urging her to flee, by keeping her eyes down and thinking of other things she found herself able to resist the urge.

She was a mere five feet away before she found herself capable of eavesdropping on the countess and another vampire. Or at least she seemed to sense the other was like them. Her eavesdropping seemed of little use however as their words did little but confuse the poor fledgling.

"Ulfur the Black you say...childe and ghoul were more than capable...oh, how the harpies will talk...surprisingly few...miracle worker is one of us...Malkavian perhaps."
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Despite just snippits and some context she didn't have, Marie figured the two might be talking about her, given the name drop for Ulfur. Also the mysterious figure causing the stir seemed to share their condition. There were likely larger and more important implications, but Marie was reassured because Erzsebet did not seem agitated, at least not as far as she could tell. That had to be a good sign. Maybe she wasn't on best of terms with other vampires here, but at least they were speaking, not fighting, which had to be a good thing. Sure, maybe Marie had just intruded on "feeding territory" or something like that, like how nobles had private hunting grounds, but if those two could have conversation than surely a transgression could be solved peaceably, if it came to that.

Assuming the conversation did not break to let Marie join, if she had not been noticed despite her clumsy attempt or was beneath notice, then her confidence slowly returned enough that perhaps she could venture forth to catch maybe a better glimpse of this "healer". She was more at ease, but still cautious, so she would still stick to the edge of the crowd and try to avoid anyone's notice. Marie did not feel a need to get involved in anything without due cause, but more observance would not hurt.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Erzsebet and the local vampire continued to speak though the conversation remained just as difficult to piece together. Either way neither Marie nor her companion seemed to be in trouble. She could always ask the countess later about the conversation if she were curious.

Marie slipped into the crowd of townsfolk as they worked their way into the healer's tent. She had seen a few charlatans in her days, though this seemed far more than some simple traveling magician. There were an awful lot of people present and they seemed so full of zeal and energy.

The tent was crowded and it was rather difficult for Marie to see over the head's of the crowd. She slowly made her way towards the center of the tent where a disheveled looking man barely in his twentys stood raising his hands toward the crowd. Something about the man as he stood there seemed to draw her in as it did the others. As she drew nearer she could sense that he was indeed another vampire, though he had yet to even move from the spot he stood in.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie dared not get too much closer. Though not scared as before, it would be unwise to tip her hand. No telling how this act would go if the man sensed an unexpected vampire too. Maybe the other two had the full story, but no doubt soon one of the crowd of peasants would go forth for the display and she could see first had what exactly this "healer" was doing. Likely it could not be too bad, or else the townsfolk would be spooked. Indeed, violence was likely "bad for business" as they say, and the owner of the inn had said a lot in regards to preventing brawls. Even with strength and extraordinary power, temperance was still a virtue, and Marie hoped this confirmed her own attitudes. She would not get too excited until she saw what exactly this healing entailed, though.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

"Good people of Mons," The man suddenly intoned, his voice sending a ripple of silence through the gathered crowd. "My lord bids you welcome in to his graces. Though many of you still doubt in his powers and there is no room for doubt in the flock. Still I got on my knees and begged him to forgive such minor transgressions and I now come before you one last time with a demonstration of his power."

The majority of the crowd had grown quiet as the man gave his speech. So charismatic was his voice that Marie herself had grown quiet and engrossed in listening. She felt strangely compelled to just stand and listen, yet somehow she realized it was not a natural feeling. She was sure he was using his vampiric power and that she should resist but it was so tempting to just stop and listen.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie's lips twitched, wanting to frown but not quite making it, given the circumstances. It would have been a more thoughtful frown, mostly. Such presence was... well, kind of cheating, but not really the type of cheating most vampires would be above most likely... including herself. This would definitely be something Marie would want to try and hone as a skill herself. That said... while Marie's transformation had suddenly not made her much of a fan of the old "Lord", she also didn't think thrusting something new on the peasants was a good idea either. After all, Marie was fresh out of that mindset herself, and as a peasant she knew all full well how most could not handle new ideas or actually thinking. Her concern increased again at this.

She was somewhat torn. She wanted to watch, in a detached manner, and maybe learn how this man was commanding such attention. It was hard not to be drawn in, though, and that also meant there was maybe a bit of a danger to herself again. Not enough to warrant a retreat just yet, and certainly bolting for it would cause a scene if it came to that, which would definitely not be good. For now Marie would try and anchor herself in willpower as she watched, though if things got too dicey she might have to go and get Erzsebet.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

"Until now I have only told you of the miracles I have performed. My lord has now deemed it time for a more practical demonstration. Surely this is one among you who is desperate need of the lord's healing? One who is strong in their belief of my lord's power?" The man continued while Marie did what she could to avoid being ensnared by his power.

The crowd seemed to surge forward as one at the man's urging, many flinging their hands upwards to volunteer. Old and young, rich and poor they begged for the man to choose them. The man knelt on his haunches to look over the crowd. To Marie he looked very much like a wolf who had been given his choice of the sheep, but the crowd apparently did not notice.

His eyes continued to scan the crowd until they seemed to catch her gaze for the briefest of seconds. A smile spread across his lips as he looked at her before returning to the crowd. Finally he stood and pointed to a lowly beggar, bent and crooked from age.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie stiffened when the healer locked gazes with her. Outwardly the reaction wasn't that bad, but inside it almost felt as if her dead heart wanted to restart, just so it could skip a few beats. Once he continued his business though she felt relief. He didn't feel the need to stop what he was doing to "deal" with her, in whatever manner that may be, so likely the threat level was still not very high.

If anything, her willpower kind of resurged. Now that she didn't really have to worry about being detected, because it had already happened, it was just one less thing to worry about. Marie could now focus on being more dispassionate as she watched, out of pure curiosity. Would he feed right here in front of everyone? That wasn't exactly a miracle... would he turn someone right here?! That might be serious. Erzsebet and the other might want to be here in case something happened, but at the same time Marie did not feel as if she could pull herself away either, in case she missed what was about to happen.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

The beggar hurried forward, or at least made his best attempt at hurrying as crippled as he seemed. Marie watched as the lame beggar knelt before the charismatic healer, who grabbed a rather ornate wooden cup from the dais. The healer knelt in front of the beggar and set the cup between them, lifting his hands once more he intoned.

"Join me now in giving blessing to the lord for the gift we are about to be shown." After which he lowered his head as did a surprising amount of the crowd, Marie found even herself lowering her head. Though she was unsure if she had done it merely out of habit or if it was the healer's power. By the time she looked up the healer was already holding the cup out and asking the beggar to drink deeply.
 
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Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie gently shook herself a bit to wear off any effect that was getting to her. Regardless of her lapse, she got the general idea of what was going on. Usually there was some sort of metaphor Blood of Christ at mass, but she had a feeling this was something more literal, and of course not holy. There had to be a purpose behind it, but Marie didn't have all the puzzle pieces to to fully comprehend. She had some guesses, but Erzsebet would likely be able to fill in the gaps perfectly from what she'd just seen.

Hopefully now the noble would be done with her conversation. Marie turned and left, somewhat quickly but not so much that she would draw attention or look out of place. Maybe Erzsebet already knew, filled in by the other vampire, or maybe Marie had new information. Though something was definitely amiss in this village, perhaps her initiative here could be spun to make her look good for Erzsebet, while also learning something.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie slowly made her exit from the tent. It was difficult moving against the surging crowd and she was trying her best not to draw attention. Hopefully the closest thing she had to an ally would not be too far. Of course she was unsure of what any of the healer's activities might mean, despite her suspicions. Still it seemed an excellent means of ingratiating herself to Erzsebet and perhaps even the other vampires of this town.

She absentmindedly gulped as she looked at the flames outside of the tent. Quickly she ducked her head and looked toward the edge of the shadows for the countess. Thankfully she still stood there apparently still engrossed in the conversation with the other vampire. Of course this time they could not help but notice Marie as she walked towards them. A smile spread across Erzsebet's face while the other simply stood observing Marie as she joined them.

Marie could not help but notice the other vampire was dressed as finely as the countess, suggesting another of noble birth. He was also quite handsome with bright hazel eyes and light brown hair. A well-kept goatee covered his manly jaw, which currently held a pleasant but roguish smile.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

"Ah, hello." This did appear a chance to join the conversation legitimately. Marie hadn't expected to not have a lead in, though, so was a bit unsure of how to proceed. "There appears to be more goings-on in this village than we first expected." She directed it at Erzsebet, who could probably at least acknowledge such fact. The real problem was Marie did not know what the relationship between this well dressed man and the healer was, despite the earlier snippits. "I do hope this is not going to be... problematic for us?" That was probably a safe probe, and Marie was indeed legitimately wanting Erzsebet's reassurance. The other vampire was also interesting, and thankfully seemed to be giving off a "friendly" vibe, for lack of a better word. If Erzsebet wasn't worried, she wouldn't be either.
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

"Ah, and here is my wayward fledgling with a most interesting tale," The countess winked at Marie as though telling her to play along before adding. "Robert, please allow me to introduce my childe, Lady Marie of Luxembourg."

The other vampire bowed and taking Marie's hand gave it a gentle kiss before standing and greeting her. "A glorious pleasure it is to meet you, milady. Though I'm afraid your sire's description did not do you justice."

Erzsebet gave a soft laugh before turning to look at Marie and asking, "Now do tell us what you have learned, my dear. Robert is the appointed sheriff and I'm sure he would be most anxious to know."
 
Re: Risky Business (Marie)

Marie smiled broadly and gave a fancy little curtsy-bow. What she lacked in actual knowledge of noble custom she could pass off as her own flair, flourished up as a not-all-insincere response to Robert's charm. No doubt if it were not for her new condition she would have trouble suppressing a blush as well. Marie caught on fast to Erzsebet's ploy. Luxumborg sounded vaguely familar, but she could not be bothered to recall more deeply in the heat of the moment. Her flustered nature could again be redirected to seem a giddy response for Robert.

"You do not know fully what this man is up to?" Marie made sure to take on a curious tone, not an accusatory one as if Robert was failing in his job, for she was still feeling out the situation herself and did not wish to appear ill-informed. With how fluffed up the formalities were right now it wouldn't be hard to make it a gentle probe. "Well, he is currently giving quite the show, as you would imagine. From his speech he seems to be ready to take it to the next level... I think he is starting to feed people his blood..." Marie took it slow, choosing her words carefully, but stating the simple facts was both truthful and allowed the other two to insert the implications to those facts that they knew, but she didn't.
 
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