You can’t help but be taken aback at the sight. Plates smashed across the floor; the table riddled with food- some even seems to have gotten stuck in the chandelier (you tilt your head as you focus on a fried egg slowly slipping off it).
(I’m sure we can salvage it…) You feel your mouth water as delectable aromas of breakfast foods fill the room. You push your hunger away as your eyes fall onto the three women.
Daniela tightly holds Lena by the collar while Alessia struggles to reach for a book pierced into the chandelier, accompanied by the various bits of food. Just as Daniela raises a fist at the brunette, their mother promptly clears her throat – clearly vexed (her arms are crossed, and you poorly attempt to mirror her dominate energy. Though, your energy is closer to that of a cat next to a tiger). All three women immediately look towards their mother’s direction, frozen in place (wild-eyed as they shrink under their mother’s gaze).
Alcina’s voice is light and yet you can hear the underlining threat peeking through, “girls. My dear, sweet. Girls. Pray tell…”, she aggressively clasps her hands together while closing her eyes. The sound thunderous in the silent room. Both you and her children slightly flinch in reaction to the gesture. Neither you nor the women refuse to move a muscle as you wait for the matriarch to continue…
Alcina emphasizes each word, “What. Are. You. Doing?” Her eyes finally snap open on the third word, golden orbs blazing and full of ire. Her aura radiates fire. The room is still silent until the egg finally slips down onto Alessia’s head (though the red head does not react under her mother’s gaze). Your eyes simply widen at the surrealism of the situation. A far cry from the cautionary tales of vampires being harbingers of death (well, Alcina’s energy clearly fits that title right now)…..yolk then starts to drip down Alessia’s face (somehow she doesn’t seem bothered by it). You fight back reaching for a napkin to help wipe her face as you wait for the situation to unfold.
Daniela loudly gulps before letting go of her sister’s collar, the girl lets out a small, “oof” as she falls down with a heavy thud. The women’s eyes never leave their mother, careful not to move, reacting as if the woman hasn’t spotted them yet (praying they can still escape into thin air). More yolk starts to drip…still, the redhead doesn’t react.
Lena is the only one brave enough to address the towering matriarch. She continues to lay against the floor (testing the water before making any dramatic moves), her gaze is upside down as she rolls her head back to address her mother and yourself. You can’t help but respond by tilting your own head as far as you can (the rest of your body twists into the action), attempting to view her right side up. The ends of Alcina’s mouth slightly perk up as she notices you in the corner of her eye. Her stern look falters for a second before forcing it back.
[Focus, Alcina. We’re well aware of how endearing she can be] Though the matriarch was slowly starting to notice she found almost everything the human did as charming…
“Oh, why good morning, mother. (she dawns a smile as her eyes turn to you) Good morning, tell me, was the gown to your liking? (Her eyes drift back to Alcina before you can answer) And can I just say, mother, you look positively radiant this morning, you seem very well rested (she avoids her mother’s gaze as she ends off)….I wonder what could have effected that.” Her words read as hollow as she attempts to masquerade them with a sickly-sweet tone. You only then notice Lena sports a busted lip; it stands out against her nervous smile. You give her a nervous smile in return as it’s evident Alcina is not satisfied by the girl’s greeting.
More silence fills the room as the matriarch patiently waits for a valid explanation. Her eyebrow raising as it says, “I’m waiting”…
Your eyes simply go between mother and children, hoping one of the younger women will speak to break the silence. You imagine beads of sweat start to form on their foreheads as the tension rises. Your crossed arms soften as you keep looking around the room.
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Finally, Daniela cracks.
You let out a breath you weren’t aware you were holding in. (thank the gods)
The tension quickly dissipates.
“LENA CANNOT FATHOM MINDING HER OWN BUSINESS!” The blonde growls while aggressively pointing down at the brunette. Alcina’s eyebrows shoot up until her gaze falls onto the girl on the floor (Alcina’s body language remains sturdy). Lena simply responds to the accusation with a smug smile, overall, quite satisfied all things considered. As you take in the blonde’s outburst, your eyes narrow as they discover the love bites on Daniela’s neck. She quickly notices you staring and bares her teeth as she smacks a hand over her neck in an attempt to cover them. You can’t help but wonder if the person who gave them to her is still alive…but quickly replace the thought with another.
(what being would Daniela allow that close to her besides her own family members? I’m probably the only human still alive whose been in such close proximity to her and that required a sickle to my neck.)
The blonde then notices similar bruises scattered across her mother’s neck, as her eyes narrow at her discovery, the matriarch feels her gaze. Once Alcina picks up on Daniela’s wandering eyes, she immediately clears her throat and attempts to avoid the blonde’s scrutiny (she feels warmth in her cheeks).
Alcina’s body language finally starts to soften a bit. The matriarch’s response immediately makes Daniela snap her head towards you, eyes widen as the realization hits her (suddenly a nearby plant is the most fascinating thing you’ve ever seen. You instead focus on it while pretending to whistle, looking anywhere but at the blonde). Alessia’s eye travel around the room as she picks up on the various silent conversations. Somewhat entertained by how her mother and you mirror bashful responses.
The brunette starts getting up, “I was simply curious as to the whereabouts of my younger sister, does that make me a villain?” The woman says with a slight smirk as she shrugs. Daniela clenches her fists at the statement (once again, revealing ger bruised neck) as rage slowly returns to her eyes. Lena dusts herself off as she stands next the blonde, flashing her a cheeky smile, challenging her to attack under their mother’s gaze (knowing very well Daniela is using every inch of her willpower to hold back from striking again).
Alcina finally rolls her eyes at the display, quickly realizing she was pulled out of bed for a needless squabble. The matriarch’s body language relaxes as she lets out a heavy sigh. [naturally, it would be the one morning…]
You notice her defeated energy and place a hand on her arm in support. She instantly relaxes under your touch and you smile up at her as she turns towards you. Suddenly it feels like you both never left bed. [you’re still here.]
The tender moment leads Lena to discover something….
Finally, Lena’s eyes catch the dark bruises on her mother’s neck, Alcina immediately feels anxious as she notices a large grin slowly forming on the brunette’s face, [those eyes hold no mercy…]. You feel Alcina tense up.
“well, well. It looks like mother had a night similar to our dear, Daniela-“ (the blonde jerks her head towards the brunette).
“…One would assume it’d be the all-powerful, creatures of the night, strength unmatched (Daniela and Alcina both look away shyly) leaving marks of domination and lust-“
(you avoid the room’s gaze and scratch the back of your head)
“…and yet…..who can resist the idea of bedding a human (Lena moves a finger along her bottom lip)- so soft and so impressionable.” Her tone turns to a whisper at the end.
The matriarch’s hands go to cover her now bright red face, while Daniela looks away trying to look annoyed as she fights off a blush and you simply cross your arms as you focus your attention back onto the plant.
You can’t help but bit somewhat impressed as you reflect on the reactions brought on by Lena’s words. The redhead parallels the brunette’s thoughts as she also focuses on the marks on her mother’s neck.(the gown really helped then. Mother happily accepted the tissue paper.)
Alessia’s eye fall onto the human who has captured her mother’s affections. She notices how the human has unconsciously moved closer to the lady of the castle.
You, Alcina and Daniela take a few seconds to recover only for you and matriarch to meet each other’s gaze without thinking (both aware your every action is now under the women’s scrutiny) and quickly look away as your developing blushes start to match. You loudly clear your throat as you greet your new friend, the plant.
Alcina stutters a bit as she tries to save face, “w-we are not discussing me or my ( for a split second she looks down at you from the corner of her eyes)… personal matters right now.
Each of the younger women gives you a curious look as your deemed “personal matters” (one suspicious, another inquisitive and one giddy with excitement at the potential teasing material this now brings). You once again feel like a kitten in a room full of lions. (dearest, plant, may you give me the strength to navigate through this family…).
It isn’t until you turn back and take in Alcina’s flustered energy that your dramatic thoughts (though humorous at their core) instantly vanish as the matriarch’s wellbeing takes precedence over your interests (I’m here.)
You decide to throw caution at the window as you reach for her.
You gently rub a hand against her arm, an attempt to support and hopefully soothe her. Your touch both excites and comforts Alcina as Alessia notices the subtle change in her mother’s demeanor.
(interesting. Mother’s intentions are clear….but what about yours, human? Do you truly care for you the way she cares for you? What is she to you…what are we to you?).
Alcina’s reaction is not lost on the other women, Lena can’t help but look away as she smiles (if you continue to care for her with such tender tenacity then you are always welcome here.).
Daniela simply thinks, “your intentions better be pure, human- if not I will kill you myself.”
After a few moments, Alcina attempts to re-establish dominance. She lightly clears her throat once again.
“Now girls. I don’t believe after all these years I need t-“, Alcina speaks directly only to be interrupted by the sound of your stomach loudly growling, the sound emphasized against the quiet room (oh gods). Time seems to freeze for a few seconds as the women process what’s happened.
The vampires’ heads immediately snap towards your direction. Alcina coughs in an attempt to stop a giggle from escaping [always full of hunger I see], though Lena isn’t nearly as subtle as a happily surprised grin covers her face as she snickers. Daniela simply rolls her eyes (great, now we must remember to feed her- whom will be in charge of walking her I wonder) while Alessia actually grabs the egg a top her head and holds it towards you, offering you to take it whenever you’d like.
Though you and your stomach appreciate the effort. You instead walk towards the redhead and gently take the egg from her hand and place it onto the large table. Realizing the yolk on the woman’s face has now dried, you lightly dip a napkin in a nearby glass of water and begin wiping the yolk off her face as best as you can (Alcina’s heart swells at the image).
[how is it possible you keep giving me hope.]
Surprisingly, the redhead simply watches you curiously but doesn’t move as you help clean her up. Alessia can’t help but be slightly taken aback by the warm gesture. The rest of the room
mirror Alessia’s initial shock by the situation but are quickly starting to accept this seems to simply be your nature: earnest, foolish (believing you need a stronger sense of self-preservation) but kind-hearted non the less it seemed.
Alcina walks over to you as you finish removing the egg from her daughter’s face. She places a hand on your shoulder as she addresses you, her demeanor instantly softening.
“if you’d like, you’re more than welcome to start heading to the kitchen. We have plenty of food and you’re more than welcome to help yourself to whatever you fancy. (she flashes you a warm smile) I’ll follow you in a bit (as she takes in the state of the dining room) …or if you think you can wait, we can always find something when go pick up some things for you today (Daniela’s ears perk up at the mention of going shopping) .”Alcina’s tone is loving as she gives your shoulder a gentle squeeze.
Instantly picking up on the distraction in her mother’s eyes, Lena can’t help but mentally thank you as she attempts an escape, “WELL! (she loudly clasps her hands together) We simply can’t have our little human run on an empty stomach, now can we. I think it’s best if I go shop around and buy plenty of food and water-“
(she speaks as if I also have designated bowls for each of those…though I suppose if they were nice I wouldn-) You quickly push away the ridiculous thoughts, hunger is clearly obscuring your mind.
“…for her, now if you’ll excuse me…”
“You haven’t asked her what appeals to her tastes.” The red head says dryly.
Lena briskly brushes off the statement with a wave of her hand, “well, we clearly already know she finds women of a certain stat- (the matriarch’s eyes immediately lock onto her, fire courses through her expression as she challenges her daughter to finish the statement)….BUT I MUST BE OFF NOW!” The brunette says while swiftly leaving.
You attempt to hide your sudden shyness with a cough. Though you’re not sure who could resist a woman like the matriarch. Her impressive demeanor was only one of the many traits that both made your head spin and believe dreams can peak through into reality…
You decide to quickly start heading to the kitchen as your stomach loudly chides you once more, interrupting you from getting lost in your thoughts as you often did around Alcina.
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As you enter the large kitchen you immediately feel a shiver run through your body, the temperature in the room feels like it instantly drops (I’m not alone…could the castle be haunted as well?).
You slowly turn around (ready to expect a phantom) and realize Daniela is behind you (what seems like only a breath away), you subtly take a step back. At least that’s what you tell yourself when you almost jumped back into the nearby counter, hands stretched against it as your body recreates a star-like position (I feel like a ghost would have been less terrifying).
Daniela fights back an eyeroll as she notices your skittish energy around her (though she couldn’t blame you and often welcomed such a reaction from humans).
For the first few moments the blonde avoids your gaze and crosses her arms impatiently. You wait for her to start berating you about the nature of the relationship you had with her mother and yet, no words leave the vampire’s mouth. Your eyes look around as awkward silence starts to set in, your body still rests against the counter.
You attempt to address her (more so because the sooner this was dealt with the sooner you could eat) ,“umm did you need-“
As soon as you speak the vampire abruptly interrupts you, as if she was finally able to overcome her anxious thoughts, “You’re a female mortal.” The vampire states more as a fact than as a statement.
Your brows knit together as a look of confusion covers your face at the outburst (those do seem to be my defining features within this castle).
Daniela attempts to continue her thought process,“….what do you…(her eyes again look to the floor)…suggest for a gift?” her voice is low and annoyed, with a small tinge of vulnerability. You slightly tilt your head at her unexpected question, trying your best to process the situation, let what she’s asking you.
She takes your silence as judgement.
Her eyes finally snap back to yours (unwilling to allow anyone to make her feel weak under their gaze), “well?” Her tone challenging and impatient.
You decide it’s best not to ask for further context (you would prefer if your last moments weren’t on an empty stomach).
(Though I will need some context)
You weakly attempt to get more information,“…well, what does she like?”
“if I knew that, I wouldn’t be wasting my time asking you, now would I?” The vampire answers while raising an eyebrow at you.
(fair point.)
“Hmmm, okay, um what does she do for a living?”
Daniela takes a few second to decide whether she trusts you with that information (eyes narrowing as she looks you up and down), luckily she sees you’re not one to pry for the sake of it. “she….she works at tavern.” Her voice is low but no longer hostile. Body language starting to relax.
You bring a closed first to your nose as your other hand rests against on your arm. You speak through your mental process. “well, it’s probably best not to get her any jewelry that’s too luxurious since taverns don’t exactly attract the nicest clientele …..”
(perhaps a weapon she can hide on her person may be useful, but Daniela would run with that idea.) You couldn’t suggest anything fashion wise considering you knew nothing of the woman’s taste ….and because anything fashion wise was out of your expertise.) You notice Daniela thinking just as hard (this woman must have left quite the impression on her).
Your mind naturally wanders, and it unsurprisingly goes back to Alcina. As you allow her image to fill your thoughts your senses suddenly give you a possible idea.
“OH! How about a fragrance!?” you say excitedly with a small hop. Daniela is slightly startled by your energy, though she genuinely ponders your suggestion.
“…..that… is not the worst idea I suppose.” The vampire says as she seriously considers the idea (annoyed she did not come up with the suggestion herself).
Your enthusiasm only increases at her lack of malice (you start moving up and down with a smile on your face). She instinctively rolls her eyes (though with the slightest hint of a smile forming) at your goofy grin and gently presses down on your shoulders to get you to stop (is mother sure she didn’t adopt a puppy? Are we sure the poor creature is even house trained?).
“I suppose we’ll both be looking for gifts today then.” Daniela says while walking towards the icebox. Your eyes narrow in confusion as you take in the statement.
“What do you mean?”, you ask cluelessly as you reach for a nearby bowl filled with fruits.
Daniela looks back at you as she takes out a link of blood sausages (you can’t help but wonder if they’re “homemade”….), “well, mother’s day of birth is at the beginning of next month (she holds back saying, duh), I believe It’s a blue moon.” She says while raising an eyebrow at you before taking a large bite of the link (resulting in a loud chomp).
(oh…oh I see) It takes you a few seconds to process the information. But once you do you feel your spirit fill with fire of a thousand suns as you tightly clench a fist (bringing it near your face) and speak passionately, “I vow to buy her the greatest gift possible.” You say more to the heavens than to the vampire.
Daniela furrows her eyebrows at your change in demeanor (clearly confused at your sudden serious tone), “humans continue to baffle me”, the vampire says while wolfing down the meat.
Despite the comment, you can’t help but feel your relationship has improved.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You originally assumed the carriage ride would be awkward considering the morning’s events but in reality, it was quite quiet as each passenger was consumed by their thoughts.
You personally go through an extensive mental catalogue of possible gift options for the woman seated next to you. She rests against a hand as she looks out the small window, she wears a pensive look of what you can see of her face…perhaps also with a tinge of sadness. Her low spirits hurt your heart; you wish you knew how to help with whatever consumed her thoughts, but you don’t want to pry.
You instead put your hand over hers and give her a reassuring squeeze. The gesture immediately breaks her from her thoughts, and she looks backs at you with a small smile as she intertwines her fingers with yours. Her mood is still loaded but hopefully she knows whatever she faces, internal or external, you’ll be here for her (if she’ll have you).
[I’ll protect you. I promise, they won’t take you from me.]
Your mind eventually drifts back to your mental catalogue.
You couldn’t help but feel this gift should be something she’d enjoy first but also symbolic of something more….something you’ve been thinking about since the day you arrived at castle Dimitrescu (what am I to you?).
You look across at Daniela. One could mistake her leaning back with her arms crossed, eyes closed as relaxing. But in reality, her furrowed brows and the action of her biting her lip mean quite the opposite. You assume similarity to yourself; this gift may be more than just a present. (whomever this woman is she’s clearly had an effect on Daniela) You can’t help but smile at the thought of Daniela constantly being “annoyed” by your human traits (in reality just your existence), only for her to find her own mortal companion.
(I’m happy for you. I hope she truly cares for you.) As if the blonde would accept even the slightest instance of negative treatment towards her, let alone from a human. Despite how unexpected the situation is considering your first interaction; you can’t help but smile as you find it all a bit cute.
(we truly have no control over whom our heart chooses.)