WELCOME TO RAYVEN'S REIGN.

[♔ Bridget]

[ You can feel free to have humans and vampires approach her and attempt to talk to her but it's not recommended as she strongly dislikes both. Don't let that deter you if you really want to chat with her though; you might be able to prove yourself worthy to her. *shrugs* She's a cold hearted bitch, what can I say? xD ]





To say she was not amused would be a full out lie; Rayven The Damned was most entertained by her guests--watching them scurry around making 'friends' delighted her. Alexander was a flat out genuis and that was all she could say about her male companion--speaking of which, her eyes instantly found him on the other side of the hall, conversing quietly with a trio of lycans. She wasn't worried--her Second could hold himself against some of the worst people she'd encountered; at any rate, the lycans were in human form and shirtless--it didn't take an idiot to spot the swirling raven pattern on their right shoulders. So Alex had invited some of her followers to this little gathering, hmm? She brought up the goblet of wine she had perched between her fingertips, taking a slow sip as her dark gaze wondered from him back to the party, a slow smirk curving her lips upwards.

From her lounging position on a white canapé she had the good fortune of purchasing over half a century ago, she could see the room start to fill up considerably with invited guests. She smirked at the thought--they thought she personally invited them? Hah! Such arrogance. No, she had simply written a draft of the invitation and given Alexander her signature; it was her vampire friend who made hundreds of copies and stamped her signature at the bottom of each one before sending them randomly out to the world. It was Alexander who enchanted the invitations to take on the name of whoever read it, giving the false sense that they were personally invited; such cleverness was not unusual of her Second, but even this was impressive. Such forethought, she thought to herself before returning her attention to the crowds. She had to admit, she was impressed with her follower's decorating abilities; who would know that a group of murderers could properly decorate a ball? The room was tinted a light blue and numerous tables lines the walls with white, snowflake patterned clothes and filled with inexhaustible food and drink; a few humans stood near the tables clothed in matching dark blue dresses and suits, each with a dark band encasing their throats. They had a dull, lifeless look in their eyes; it was painfully obvious that they were lacking a conscience. A slightly raised platform stood at the far end of the room where the band played; they seamed to be favoring lounge music right now. Rayven shrugged at that; it wasn't bad. She smirked as she looked up; snow fell from clouds floating in the high ceiling, the icy particles floating back up than down a few feet from the tallest guest's head creating a never-ending snowstorm. That had been a bit of Rayven's own decoration; what better decoration for a Yule Ball than snow?

Her outfit was neither outlandish nor was it excessive; a simple lacy knee length gown proved to be the only thing that Alexander could coax his Commander into wearing. Wearing heels took another hell of an argument, but he also managed to convince her to wear them. 'Appearances, appearances,' he had told her with a shake of his head. She had scoffed; what did it matter what she wore? "Hmpf," she scoffed quietly, taking another sip of her wine before turning her attention to the first guest who had the nerve to approach her; it was about time someone had manned up to greet their hostess. "How are you enjoying the festivities," she purred at the newcomer, dark eyes alight with mischief.

[♖ Kimi]

It was only a few steps up to the mansion's wide entrance, stones curling up in an arch of a doorway before being captured by the golden light of the inside hallway, pouring and spilling from it's seams, but with Cleed's restless heart, it felt like it took an eternity.

She wore a pale, lime green dress, reaching floor length in delicate curves of silky material flowing like waves towards the concrete steps. Hiding her bare feet under the billows of lime green, Cleed heaved her self up the three step staircase before lifting her fingers to her still in tact updo, red curls clasped to her scalp only to fall down around her face for 'effect'. Her golden tinted and broken wings were plastered against her back, piercing through the skin fully on display due to the low cut back on the dress.

Even though this ball was ensured to by the place for immortals, non-humans, anything considered dangerous, anything considered magical - they were all welcome with outstretched arms and grinning, sharp teeth - Cleed still felt wary. She was half succubus after all and, despite the many years she'd lived, she still felt insecure about what and who she was. Her device that kept her from launching an attack on any male humans, delicious enough for a succubus, was firmly strapped around her waist, thin enough for no one to see that anything was there. This time, she'd made sure the device was fully working, checking it over an almost ten times until she was, slightly, satisfied.

The device had proven to be working efficiently up to that point as, beside her soon a man, dressed in a black suit and purple tie she had forced him into wearing instead of that purple cloak - after a while, he figured he looked quite suave. Cleed had made sure he'd gotten rid of that purple bandanna from around his hair, haing to settle with in stuffed in his pocket like a handkerchief. He'd convinced himself he would be able to woo all the ladies in such a 'strange' outfit. Besides, Cleed had found him roaming the streets of modern London only a week ago and he'd, since then, designated himself as her escort, or partner in this case. According to him, he was in Raynar city one minute, London the next - Cleed hadn't even heard the mention of Raynar city for years now and when she'd caught sight of Nayan, she could just about make out the figure of similar appearance to that man she'd met out in the plains one evening. She hadn't exactly made the right impression that one time by attempting to devour all energy through red eyed succubus fashion.

"Are you coming, M'lady," Nayan grinned, his elbow formed in a triangular shape so she she delicately place her fingers along his arm as a lady would. In a way, Cleed was sad Aldric wasn't with her instead, to comfort her, to accept her for who she was and convince her everyone inside that looming building would do the same. Yet someone had to keep an eye on the Medieval travelling salesman. Next thing she'd know, she'd turn around and find him trying to sell her to some willing, lustful vampire. Cleed furrowed her brow, shaking the idea out before doing as his arm suggested.

Cleed scoffed a little but smiling as she did so, she spoke, "You can stop all the 'M'lady' stuff. It is the twenty-first century after all." It was clear that Nayan wasn't used to the difference of centuries, but, to be fair on him, she'd had years to adjust to each change that would happen in history.

Lifting his fingers to his brunette hair and ruffling it a bit at the back, Cleed lowered her gaze as the two of them reached the doorway, stepping into the entrance hall of the mansion, it's walls spiraling with plant-like designs and golden glowing trees. It was different in the ballroom as they approached, decorated in soft blue and white - a winter wonderland in all it's glory, snow as if captured from a magical, romantic movie and taken for their own. The dim, yet strangely bright in context, lights seemed to dull the slight golden glow of her skin as Nayan's eyes pricked around, focused on one woman in particular.

"I think she's the hostess," He whispered into Cleed's ear, grinning before slipping away almost too far for her to reach out, grab his arm and pull him back. Yet, thankfully, he hadn't slinked away too far as she did exactly that.

"Nayan," her voice low and harshly muttered once she'd pull her back to whispering level. "Don't do anything irrational."

She felt like she was acting like a bit of a mother over him, but she had to make sure he was up to twenty-first century scratch if he was going to introduce himself to the host. Besides, he could most possibly have to be trapped in this time for a long period before discovering a way back home.

Cleed let him go only for him to re-follow the footsteps he'd already taken towards the hostess and, in the meantime, she glanced around the ballroom, her eyes searching for any familiar face.

"Good evening, m'lady! It is such a grand pleasure to be of your acquaintance," Cleed heard Nayan's distinct voice across the room, flirting with the woman who was designated hostess of the ball.

She furrowed her brow in frustration and embarrassment, briskly walking over to where Nayan was.

"And what a fine dress you have there! Such delicate detail. It really brings out your eyes."

Cleed approached them, slapping Nayan's hand as he reached out to stroke the hem of Rayven's dress and gave him a death glare with her soft, amber eyes.

"Behave," her lips mouthed before turning and smiling to the surprisingly scowling woman, and, in her nicest voice, spoke, "Sorry about my friend. I think he's just had too much to drink." On the word friend, Cleed glared again at Nayan as he sheepishly glanced away, his hand scratching the back of his head nervously. Cleed always thought the anxious look never suited such an outgoing guy such as Nayan.

[♖ Underdog91]

Aldric entered the ball wearing a black tux. He smiled as he walked down the stairs. He glanced around the room. He spotted the hostess. He swallowed nervously. "Alright this job should be easy enough."

He walked toward the hostess dodging other guests. He sighs mentally. 'Why was I given this assignment? Maria could be an even better job than I. Oh well what's done is done.' He reaches into his tux and pulls out a diamond pedant. 'Here goes nothing.

He bows in front of the hostess. "Dear lady, my boss wishes me to convay her sorrow. She sends this gift as a token of her graditude for inviting her to the ball. She also wishes me to tell you another representitive will be here with the other gift." He rises and holds out the diamond pedant to Rayven.

He shakes slightly in fear of the hostess.

This post has been edited by Underdog91 on Dec 13 2011, 01:38 PM

[♔ Bridget]

The sickly sweet smile she offered the human who approached her didn't fade as he spoke, "Good evening, m'lady! It is such a grand pleasure to be of your acquaintance." He was trying to flirt; what impudence! She didn't allow it to affect her though and allowed her smile to widen slightly, like a cat giving it's prey a head start. Either this boy was incredibly stupid or he had no idea who--or what--she was. She assumed it was a bit of both, and responded in a honey-smooth voice that had also been used to bark commands to her followers. "Good evening, young master," she replied simply with a dip of her head to acknowledge him. "And what a fine dress you have there! Such delicate detail. It really brings out your eyes." He started reaching out to touch the hem of her dress and her light-hearted smile quickly furrowed into a scowl, dark eyes dancing dangerously. Speaking to her was one thing but allowing a human to touch her? Unspeakable. Even though she had promised that human guests would not be harmed, this was going too far. Right before she was about to swat his hand away from her, the filthy mortal creature, a young woman appeared and slapped his hand away from her; her dark eyes rose with a bit of surprise to the nymph woman glaring at the human. "Behave," she heard the woman reprimand the human boy, bringing a smirk back to her face. So the human had a guide; it seemed reasonable with so many dangerous creatures roaming about the party. Like Rayven herself. "Sorry about my friend. I think he's just had too much to drink."

Rayven nodded slightly, the honey-sweet smile plastered back on her face; she could deal with nymphs excellently. "It's quite alright; just keep an eye on him. There are quite a few dangerous beings roaming around, some who don't like humans." Her voice lilted slightly, giving the indication that Rayven was one such creature and how close the boy had gotten to losing fingers for touching her. Still smiling pleasantly, she inclined her head to the woman. "Do enjoy the rest of the festivities with your companion."

Her attention was distracted as another human--this one very young in appearance with short blonde hair and blue eyes--approached her. She raised an eyebrow at him as he bowed before her--whoever he was, he had manners. She liked that--humans who showed her proper respect was uncommon, but she rather liked it. They knew they were lower on the food chain than her and respected and feared her, just as mortals should. A small, genuine smile crossed her face gently. "Dear lady, my boss wishes me to convey her sorrow. She sends this gift as a token of her gratitude for inviting her to the ball. She also wishes me to tell you another representative will be here with the other gift."

Ah, so he was a messenger boy. Obviously, she had no clue as to who his boss was, but it seemed she was a rather proper lady with the diamond pendant the human boy offered her. Dark eyes glinted in amusement as she noticed his slight quivering--he feared her. He knew what she was and he was afraid of it; maybe he'd heard the rumors circulating that she was growing her numbers again, preparing herself to take another swipe at humanity. Maybe he was trying to get on her good side? The thought amused her and she reached out with clawed fingers, accepting the jewelry while her flaming hot skin brushed against his briefly while she took the pendant from him. "It is lovely," she commented, examining the item for a few moments before unclasping it and draping it across her throat. "Please inform your boss that I am humbled by her generous gift and am deeply sorrowful that she couldn't attend. It is my sincere wish that she might be able to attend another gathering we will have in the future." She folded her clawed fingers in her lap and looked directly at the boy then, her dark gaze locking onto his blue one, her eyes searching and yet very amused by him. "As for you, please take anything you need from the ball and try to enjoy yourself. You have the right idea to be so respectful and I commend you for it; it is refreshing to see a human who knows their place in the world. So, do enjoy this brief sprint of freedom your kind has before we immortal creatures reclaim this world in our own image; when the time comes, you might just end up seeking me out again. I will undoubtedly have need for such polite, respectful and handsome humans in my world and I assure you that only I would be able to guarantee the complete safety of my human subjugates. Something to keep in mind, hmm," she purred, eyes glittering dangerously. She meant him no harm; she was merely giving him an idea of what to expect in the upcoming future. She didn't like humans because of their pompousness and arrogance; humans like him who knew of respect she would be welcome to share her world with, if only to rule them.

[♖ Kimi]

Cleed's voice seemed to dry up in surprise as she whispered. "Aldric..." It was almost like she was saying it allowed just to convince herself he was really there. A small smile curved at the corners of her lips as Cleed drew close to him.

"How have you been?"

She wanted to throw herself onto him in a tight embrace - Cleed had missed him for the short period she had been away from him - and yet, she knew it was possibly rude and indecent in front of the hostess who had invited her. However, it almost felt as if everyone else, apart from Aldric and herself, had disappeared and she was just with him. She didn't care what other people whispered about her, she was an enough of a disgrace for being half demon as well as nymph.

Cleed only feared he would be unsure as she had attacked him before because of her succubus instincts. It wasn't exactly the most practical relationship for a half succubus to be in, with a human.

Assuring him with her eyes, Cleed told him that the device was working, promising him, without a word breathed from her lips.

Smiling slowly, she stepped foreward, trying to calm his shivers by slipping her fingers into his hand.

----------------------

Nayan flinched away from the hostess, watching her reaction to this new guy. He concluded, quite disappointingly, that she didn't much like him - maybe that was an understatement. Besides, she seemed quite friendly to this other man that Cleed appeared to know quite well - and that his charms were lacking.

Furrowing his brow to Cleed an her man, Nayan turned his eyes back to the hostess, coughing politely before saying with rustiness, "I'm sorry, ma'am, did I not introduce myself?" Refraining himself from handing his hand out unless he got it slapped again, Nayan grinned sheepishly before announcing his name, "Nayan Addinell."

[♖ Underdog91]

Aldric jumped as Rayven's fingers touched his skin. He froze as he heard Cleed's voice. He licked his lips and whispers "Cleed." He smiles as Cleed holds his hand. "I'm fine. It's good to see you again* He kisses Cleed. He pulls Cleed into a hug and kisses her again.

Character used Eva Pandora.
Eva walked down the stairs with an escort. She wore a black formal dress. She smiled as the escort lead her to Rayven. She bowed and smiled at Rayven.

She shifts her grip to his forearm. "Dear lady, I was tasked to bring your second gift from the court. I bring this vampire. You may do with him as you please." She bowed again.

She gazed shifted to Aldric. She smirked. "Who would have thought."

[♔ Bridget]

Rayven's attention turned away from the two lovebirds, quickly dismissing them from her mind--they weren't her problem anymore. She observed the other human--the one who earlier tried to touch her--flinch away from her out of the corner of her eye and suppressed a small smirk. She watched through half-lidded, almost lazy eyes as his brow furrowed at Cleed and the polite human boy before his eyes jumped back to her and he politely cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, ma'am, did I not introduce myself?" He grinned sheepishly at her and added, "Nayan Addinell."

Her dark eyes drifted back over to the boy, giving him her full attention for a moment while a fellow demon approached her. Not turning her attention from the boy, she patted the space on the small couch beside her as an in an offer for him to sit beside her, her eyes crinkling slightly as she smiled. "And I am Rayven The Damned, hostess of these festivities. I am a demon and I am not particularly fond of mortals; refrain from touching me and we shall get along swimmingly."

Her attention returned to the demon woman approaching her with a a vampire; he was tall and gaunt and dark haired like a typical vampire, she noted with distaste. Her kindred he was escorting could easily be around her own age or even older--it mattered not to Rayven, though; the simple fact was that Rayven had worked hard in her lifetime to make herself well-known and feared. If her own kin did not do the same then she felt no sympathy for not knowing of them. The woman bowed and smiled at Rayven and she couldn't help but to smile back and incline her head in acknowledgement. She shifted her grip on the vampire's forearm, preparing herself to address Rayven. "Dear lady, I was tasked to bring your second gift from the court. I bring this vampire. You may do with him as you please." The demon lady bowed to her again and Rayven turned her attention to the vampire man--her nose wrinkled in disgust and she leaned over the arm of the chair enough to get a view of a distinct dark haired vampire.

"Alexander," she called, evoking the man to turn around and murmur a goodbye to his colleague before approaching his Commander. Bright golden eyes shifted from Nayan to Eva to the new vampire as he casually rested a hand on her shoulder, the contact casual between the two long lived beings. "Yes, Rayven," was his softly spoken response as he ran his free hand through his mussed hair. Dark eyes glanced at the vampire before turning to Alexander--he'd know how to respond. "Please show our guest here," she inclined her head towards the vampire in question, "How Blood Soldiers run things around here, hm? I think you'll be more understanding towards him--you know you're practically the only vampire I can stand other than my brother. Can you please do this for me, Alex dear?"

The man in question smirked down at his Commander as she batted her eyelashes at him; no matter how sweet she seemed, he'd seen her harsh and effective tactics before thus ruining the illusion. He couldn't deny that it was still endearing for her to try and convince him through sweet-talking though; both of them knew he'd oblige her request. "Of course, Ray," he responded in turn to her shortened use of his name. Very few people could get away with calling her anything other than "Rayven" or "ma'am"; he was proud to be one of the few who could. As he guided his vampire kindred back towards the group of lycans he'd previously left, Rayven turned her attention first back to Eva. "Thank you for your lady's gift. Tell her I will make good use of him," With that dismissal, she returned her attention to Nayan, a small smile on her face. "Now, where were we? I do hope you are enjoying the festivities. I know it's not often mortals get to linger with beings such as I without fear." Her fingers idly played with the pendant now around her throat. "Perhaps we should better acquaint ourselves, hmm? How old are you, young master Nayan? I am delighted to say I will be five hundred and thirty this upcoming Valentine's Day. Oh, how the years do pass by."

[♘ Knife Ears]

Dressed to kill. [LINK]

Anira grinned confidently as she took in her appearance in the mirror, admiring the vast amount of shining silvery skin she had managed to keep bare while remaining surprisingly tasteful. She had certainly outdone herself this time. Her plunging neckline left just enough to the imagination. The dress and her simple, yet neat, up-do left her entire back bare, the sash that encircled her waist tying the dress snugly to her frame. A pair of sexy, yet impractical, shoes clothed her small feet, heals sharp enough to pierce flesh and only a tiny band around her ankles supporting the delicate limbs. Perhaps if she were human, walking in these heals when her feet were so used to leather boots would have been a challenge, but she was sure that she could run in them if it came to that, which she didn't think it would. She wasn't going to the ball to assassinate anyone, surprisingly enough, though there were no doubt going to be plenty of people there who deserved to meet the pointy end of her blade.

She, along with a few other members of the band of assassins that made up her little "family", had all received the invitation that was cause for her game of dress up this night. She had jumped at the opportunity, needing the excuse to doll herself up and flirt with people that weren't flirting back merely to save their own skins. And if she didn't bed anyone tonight, so what? Sometimes a girl just needed to dress up, get drunk, and make a fool of herself on the dance floor.

A smidgen of make-up, a dash of scent on her thin wrists, and several hidden blades hidden in various places on her person (just in case) completed her outfit, and so she left the tiny bedroom lent to her by the higher ups. She didn't get far before one of said higher ups stopped her with a hand on her silvery shoulder. She turned to face him, bringing her fist to her chest, as was the proper salute given to someone of his status. He responded with a toothy smile, pulling a glimmering something from behind his back. A choker. Somehow Anira knew the jewelry wasn't going to be worn just for the looks. This was just another way of reminding her she was their property.

Not wanting a confrontation that could muss up her hair, she decided not to make an issue of it tonight. She lifted the tie to her dress with one hand and let the taller man clip the choker behind her neck, the intricate necklace clinging to her naked collarbone quite nicely. If it weren't for the fact that the thing reminded her of a dog collar, she would have liked it.

She thanked him with a silent nod before exiting the building with invitation in hand. Transportation had been arranged for the few of them that had received invitations from this Miss Rayven Asatoka. Before too long, Anira and the others, mere acquaintances of hers, and all males, arrived at the address noted in the invitations. Anira exited the vehicle before the others, not waiting up for them before the half-drow casually strolled into the building.

Not caring to stand in the doorway to examine her surroundings as so many others were apparently keen on doing, Anira continued on through the crowd until she found a butler of some sort carrying a tray of what delightfully looked like several glasses of wine. She wasted no time in relieving the deadpan man of one of the crystal glasses, rewarding him with a wink that seemed to do little to effect him. Hmph. Must be a eunuch. She rolled her eyes as she turned away from him, simultaneously lifting the glass to her lips and swallowing a sip of the sharp red wine.

Her eyes scanned the many faces that surrounded her, hoping to lay eyes on the person responsible for this lovely gathering, hoping to compliment her on the enchantment that caused snow to float in the air above the chattering guests.

Anira knew power when she saw it. She didn't need to notice the many people standing around the tall woman with dark hair and eyes to know that she was Rayven. Not wanting to intrude on the conversation the woman was already having, but not wanting to miss the opportunity to chat with her herself, Anira lingered peacefully off to the side, contenting herself with her glass of wine for the time being.

This post has been edited by Knife Ears on Dec 30 2011, 07:59 AM

[♙ Chrno]

Chrno, having just arrived, stepped out of the passenger seat of his vehicle. Taking a moment to look to his attire, making sure that there were no wrinkles in his silk dark blue changshan outfit. Looking back to his driver, he nodded to her and closed the door before she had driven off. Looking at the view of the mansion, he watched some of the guests entering as a small smile showed on his face. It was a strange thing, only a week ago he killed a lower vampire, but here he was now, invited by Rayven The Damned to join her ball. It wasn't strange for him to talk to others that weren't human, that happens on a number of occasions. The strange part for him would be that he would be weaponless this time, although he wasn't worried about it since he was sure that the guests here would behave themselves in front of her.

Taking a deep breath, he began to walk inside of the building. As he entered the building, he was surprised to see that most of the creatures that could look like humans were looking like humans, minus the few obvious marks. Looking around for a bit, he could see that the hostess was busy speaking to a few of the guests. Though unfortunate, he figured he could wait a little bit, before talking to her, after all the chances that a human could talk to a vampire, to Rayven herself, and live was not a common thing. Even so, he just wanted to see what the madam would be like, he had heard some of the rumors that had gone around before, but the one he cared for was the rumor of her soon to be attempt of destroying humanity itself. The thought of humanity being destroyed was not the main concern for him, it was the thought that chaos remaining in the world was his concern.

Soon after, he wandered around the large room, stopping one of the waiter that had been carrying a tray fill with wine, taking one for himself. As he wandered around, he started listening into some of the conversations and joining in on a few of them. It was obvious to them that he was a human, in fact, he was sure that they could just smell it as well, he only wondered if they could smell the blood of non-humans in the past as well. After sometime, he noticed a half-breed standing off to the side drinking by herself. Taking a sip from his wine, he walked over to her, "Madam Rayven certainly has a great selection of wine, don't you think Miss...