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Insomnia ((open to all))

Aislinn strolled along at a leisurely pace, her wide-eyed expression taking in everything around her. Fatigue had gotten the better of her for a few hours in her hotel, but she had woken up again. Car horns beeping, shouts of people, then general hustle and bustle of what she had found out was called the Strip. She was used to the silence of the moors and mountains at night, the pitch black of night. She looked at her watch. It was 10pm here, though it felt like 3am to her body. Looking around at the busy street she wondered if this city ever slept.
She looked in the windows as she passed them, sometimes stopping, sometimes just glancing in. The delicious smells coming from a pizza parlor reminded her that she was hungry, but she didn't stop just yet.
Another window was full of dummies dressed in the latest fashions. She glanced breifly down her own jeans and shirt with trainers, wondering if perhaps she should indulge in an outfit or two. Eyeing a particularly revealing outfit, she tried to think of when she might ever wear such a thing. She shook her head slightly; no, she couldn't imagine herself in that.
She carried on up the street, almost getting herself run over at the next crossing. Why did it show Walk Now, when cars still came round the corner? She took extra care from then on, while keeping a mental tab on how far she was getting from her hotel.

Shay 17 years ago
"Okay, here I am...hope you're happy Dayle. I'm doing what you asked...I'm getting out...looking for new people...among other things."

Shay's muttering was so deep under her breath, it would have taken someone with extraordinary hearing, to have known what was said. So far she was pretty safe, since everyone she passed on the street was caught up in their own private worlds, and could have cared less what the irritated vampire had on her mind. This was also safer for those she passed, since the smallest interest in her, and her cranky mood might have marked the passerby as her next meal. Shay was NOT looking for romance, no matter what her intentions had been initially that night.

Dressed in jean capris, leather flip flops, and a snug deep purple, v-necked pullover tank, Shay wasn't dressed for any of the local clubs, or nice restaurants. Since she hadn't planned on going anywhere, beyond her walk, it didn't really matter what she wore. The night air wasn't cold, and enough other people were dressed similarly, so she appeared to fit right in.

At that thought, she chuckled. If only people knew.

Once she looked up from her thoughts, and started paying attention to those she passed, she began to become a little interested in what the Nachton populace had on their minds tonight. Were there any more like her, out prowling about? How much easier it would be if everyone was marked to indicate their station in life. Coming to stop at an intersection, Shay blatantly gave the strawberry blond next to her the once over.

What was it about blonds that caught her attention?
Aislinn Ross 17 years ago
Aislinn watched the traffic carefully, not wanting to repeat her mistake at the last crossing. It looked safe now but she took one last glance around. Upon doing so she caught a blonde streaked brunette looking right at her as though giving her a once over. Aislinn met her eyes for a brief second then tore her gaze away and crossed the road as naturally as possible, for some reason un-nerved by the woman's scrutiny. As she reached the other side, this time without the screech of brakes and beeping of horns, she glanced over a shoulder quickly, her golden eyes watching to see where the other went.
Shay 17 years ago
When the blond's eyes met Shay's, then quickly shifted away, Shay shrugged. Fear wasn't something she got off on, and if the other woman couldn't even toss Shay a small smile, she apparently wasn't looking to meet anyone new. Or that was Shay's reasoning anyway. Too bad too, there was enough interest for Shay to have considered making the first move. Until she was blown off anyway.

Turning she went around the corner, took a street in the opposite direction, and missed the second look cast back her way.


(ooc - Shay out - sorry, but she's in a snitty mood - maybe they'll meet up again sometime )
Suki Langston 17 years ago
Suki practically skipped down the sidewalk with an engaging smile on her face. Two pigtail braids swung with each energetic step, the tips almost reaching her waist. Clunky combat boots adorned her feet making the black and purple leggings and mini kilt of the same shades appear mismatched due to the differing styles. Taking a page from Cyrus' book she topped it all with a simple silk tee shirt in black that was partially hidden by her black vinyl coffin shaped backpack.

A shopping bag dangled from her finger tips announcing that she had recently picked up something from a local lingerie store. The presents for her master was wrapped in tissue and only the pink paper was visible, peaking out the top. As her mind wandered to what kind of present she should buy Fallon she hummed along with a song in her head.

Her distraction almost caused her to crash into another pedestrian who just finished crossing the street. Stopping with a slight hop she tried to stop herself from slapping into the stranger. Nothing like beating your packages or braids to make friends, she thought sarcastically. Suki could not tell where the young woman was looking but it wasn't at her, which she could not decide if that was a good thing or bad. Best to just apologize for any damage she may have done anyways.


"Whoops! Sorry about that, I didn't mean to almost plow you down."
Aislinn Ross 17 years ago
Seeing the brunette go off in the other direction, Aislinn felt relived then almost immediately ashamed of herself. What a cowardly way to act, scurrying off as though the stranger would bite her. Her cheeks flushed with embaressment she turned her attention back to the street ahead only to come face to face with a shock of black and purple. She repressed a yelp as she stepped back, looking over this new encounter. Combat boots and a vibrant coloured kilt. Interesting. She almost chuckled at the mental image of her father scowling at such abuse of tartan.

Getting over her initial shock, she realised the woman had apologized. "Wha...oh, it's ok, I...I wasn't looking where I was going." She started giggling, unable to restrain it any longer as the tension of the last few minutes seemed to want to release itself this way. She took a deep breath trying to calm herself down. "I'm sorry, it's just...well, I just got here, and your kilt reminded me of my father..." She leans against the wall, and runs a hand through her hair then down her face, still red faced. She looks at the woman again, thinking how stupid she must seem. "I'm sorry." She says again.
Jan 17 years ago
Someone had run off with some of his good clothes and he had his suspicions as to who. It didn't really matter much to him in the grand scheme of things, clothes were just things and things could be stolen....like the nice leather wallet he twirled around absently in his hands while looking in a shop window. Jan doubted the guy he nicked it from would miss it either, at least not overly much.

In a flash of dexterous fingers, the wallet was gone and he turned towards the street again. Nothing in this shop seemed interesting enough to spend his hard 'earned' cash. He'd try another down the street. His attention was caught by an energetic Asian girl close by and the near collision that had occurred. She seemed to look familiar but perhaps it was simply that all goths started to look alike after a while.

Listening to the exchange between the two women, he smirked and couldn't help but comment.


"Your father? Was he also a wearer of purple plaid?"

Jan shoved his hands in his pockets and gave the golden haired woman a mischievous grin.


((OOC: Don't want to assume he'd seen Suki before but as he does gigs in the HoP I figure its likely, feel free to recognize him from there if you want. ))
Aislinn Ross 17 years ago
"Your father? Was he also a wearer of purple plaid?"

Aislinn looked at the newcomer in surprise, but she didn't bolt yet. Perhaps being forward was just a general characteristic of people here. She found herself answering him before she could think of a reason not to.

"Uhm...no, not exactly. He prefered more traditional shades, he would probably have scoffed at a purple one..." she trailed off, glancing between him and the kilt wearing Asian girl, and now stood with her back against the wall.
Suki Langston 17 years ago
Suki looked down as the girl giggled about her outfit. A brow arched up as she took in the super short material and tried to picture it on an older man. Of course that brought a smile to her face at the ridiculousness of it, but she doubted thats what this girl was thinking. Her mouth opened to ask more about the parent in question when HE sauntered up with a witty retort.

Immediately she covered her mouth with both hands and bounced excitedly up and down, still unable to form a coherent thought. The package slipped to her elbow and then bounced against her hip as she made each bounce. The apparently Scottish girl mentioned 'traditional shades' which slowed Suki's exuberance at randomly meeting one of her favorite musicians.


"Purple is a traditional shade, just not paired with black. I saw one that was green and purple, pretty but kind of muted. I don't think that this skirt could in any way shape or form be considered traditional by anyone."

Extending a hand towards HIM she chewed her lip while watching with her eyes wide. "Suki Langston, its so cool to meet you. I have seen you play at the HoP so many times when I waitressed there."

Trailing off she realized her hand was stuck out, straight across the girl with the package swinging wildly on her elbow. Giggling like a schoolgirl she realized how ridiculous she looked and shrugged apologetically to them both.

((Apparently she is a bit of a Fangrrl!))
Jan 17 years ago
Jan took a small step back; the blonde looked as if she was about to bolt like a jackrabbit. He raised his eyebrows when she spoke up and answered his question. Guess her dear da probably had a reason or two to wear a kilt if her accent was any indication.

The girl wearing the topic of discussion put in a reasonable retort. He had seen a similar plaid though he wouldn't have called it pretty. At mention of the length of her skirt, Jan couldn't help but look again. Nope, definitely not something he remembered seeing on many men in Scotland or otherwise. She extended her hand out to him and Jan smiled. So he did recognize her! Of course she used to waitress at the House of Pain.


"A pleasure to finally meet you, Suki, I remember seeing you around."

Jan looked over at the stranger they had struck up a conversation with and gave her a genuine smile. Crossing his other hand over the one shaking Suki's, he extended it towards her.

"I'm Jan Yager, and as Ms Langston here was kind enough to mention, I'm the lead singer for the band Nox Æternus."

He gave a small shrug of humility, hoping to get the point across that it was no big deal. He was hu... alright maybe not like everyone else; still Jan hoped he didn't have an ego about it.

((Yay, my first fangirl!! Take that Mr.Tall and Blonde! You aren't the only one with fans!))
Aislinn Ross 17 years ago
She looked between the two. Obviously this man was known somehow if the girls reaction was anything to go by. She began to relax a bit, a slightly amused expression on her face at the excitement of the girl who had now revealed herself to be called Suki. Sounds Japanese, she thought. Then the man flashed her a smile and offered his other hand as he introduced himself. She hesitated a second, then scolded herself for being such a scaredy cat and took his hand. She smiled.

"I'm Aislinn Ross, pleased to meet you." her smile took a slightly apologetic turn. "I just got here, so I'm afraid I've never heard of your band."
Suki Langston 17 years ago
Suki wanted to bounce with excitement. There was no way she wanted to let his hand go. This hand shake could last for hours if she had her say. Though she did blush slightly when he introduced her to the Scottish gal, but it was not enough for her to release him. Following his lead she held out her other hand to Aislinn.

"Pleasure to meet you Aislinn. You should really see Nox Æternus because they are amazing. Though I would not recommend going to the House until you have learned a bit more about Nachton or found a protec, er, friend to take you."

It was not like her to slip up but she was just so excited. She would have to tell Cyrus all about this just because he was a HoP regular. Maybe he was a fan of Mr. Yager's music too. As soon as he made her let go she was going to give him one of her cards. Maybe he would want to just hang out someday. Of course maybe the moon was also made of cheese but she had hope about the former.

Something Aslinn said clicked for a moment and drew her attention back to the young woman.
"You just arrived in Nachton? From Scotland?"

While Suki never really thought of ever traveling to someplace exotic like Scotland she harbored all sorts of feminine ideas about the country. In her mind the sexy men all wore kilts. A small smile formed on her face as she pictured Jan in a striking red and black tartan, his undoubtedly cute knees exposed.
Aislinn Ross 17 years ago
The last of her tension beginning to evaporate she took Suki's hand in her other then laughed at the three of them with arms interlinked.

"Yes, I am from Scotland, from the Highlands. I arrived this afternoon, but I can't sleep so came out for a walk." Thinking over what Suki had said about learning more of Nachton, her curiousity was piqued. "Protecter? Is it dangerous here?" She looked between the two for an answer. One thing was for sure anyway, she didn't think life was going to be dull here...
Suki Langston 17 years ago
This girl was a sharp cookie. Suki could just kick herself for the slip but decided she saw an acceptable reasoning behind it.

"It is called the House of Pain for a reason. Its a rather, um, well, dangerous place. If you don't know anyone."

The more she thought about it though the more she wanted to talk to this Scot. Maybe if Suki took her it would be like Aislinn was under Cyrus' protection. She had used that before with some of his meals.

"Though you could come with me. I am kind of a regular since I worked there before meeting Cyrus who hired me to be his assistant."

Rather than get all fangrrl she smiled at Mr. Yager and inquired politely all the while thinking of him in a kilt rather than his current outfit.

"Would you happen to know when you play there next? Or any place a bit less rowdy?"
Aislinn Ross 17 years ago
Go with this rather excitable girl to a dangerous place where this guy plays? She weighed up her options and decided she be aswell starting somewhere. She left home for a change of scenery afterall, these two looked like they came from very different backgrounds to her. She shrugged and smiled.

"Ok."
Jan 17 years ago
"You're forgiven...for now."

Jan gave Aislinn a wink. Suki was doing a good job of advertising for him and he thought that was far better than "tooting his own horn" about the band's talent. He did raise his eyebrows slightly at the near slip but refrained from turning sharply to give her a curious look. A vampire or a familiar obviously. If she were a Tacharan then he was blind because surely he'd remember someone like Suki if he'd seen her wandering around the Abby.

He added to the description of the House of Pain in order to help the Asian girl out with her explanation.


"Its a bit overwhelming, definitely not for everyone. I'd say you have to be okay with the rougher side of the goth scene or just really really like latex."

Jan did turn and look at Suki after hearing she was this guy Cyrus' assistant. Screamed familiar to him. Awww, no playing with the pretty school girl. It was hard not to feel a bit disappointed at that. He could still be friends, hopefully this Cyrus guy wasn't a jealous sort.

"We play this weekend at the HoP. You're both more than welcome to come and I can get you a place up near the stage then I'll be able to watch over you as well."

He gave Aislinn another smile.

"You'll be fine. We'll make sure nothing happens to you."

Gently taking his hands back, Jan asked.

"So you're walking..." He pointed to Aislinn "and it looks as though you've been shopping" the other hand pointed to Suki "and I've been hunting around unsuccessfully for some new club clothes. Would either of you be so kind as to help me on this most holy and honourable quest?"
Suki Langston 17 years ago
Suki just could not add anything more to describe the HoP without stating that it also doubled as BDSM club on the rowdy nights. Dark goth sounded more acceptable than that. The mention of a spot near the stage made her feel slightly light headed. How awesome would it be to see Nox up close. Her face had a huge dopey grin on it for sure.

Reluctantly she let go of Jan's hand as well as Aslinn's though the girls she did not linger over. The apt description of their activities confused her momentarily. While the quest for 'club clothes' snapped her back into top form as she beamed an excited smile at Jan.


"I would love to assist in this noble quest!"

Turning towards her new Scottish acquaintance she nodded enthusiastically. If the lovely young woman did not want to come along it would not break her heart. Meanwhile Suki was quickly flipping her backpack purse around to pull out her card. One for each of them. Unzipping the vinyl as it crunched into her package on her elbow, she dug around her wallet, PDA and hairbrush before finding the slim black metal case. Pulling two out she offered them to her companions.
Aislinn Ross 17 years ago
Her hands free now, she accepted the card and read it, hoping there was a phone in her room at the hotel. She glanced up again at Suki to smile a thanks but the girl was far more interested in Jan. She looked at Jan, returning his smile. He seemed genuine enough, it wouldn't hurt to do a little shopping would it? She glanced down her own comparitively plain attire then back to Jan.

"Well, if I am going to go see you play, I should dress appropriatly I guess. A little shopping won't hurt, I will join you." She smiles again as she puts Suki's card in her jeans pocket.
Jan 17 years ago
Jan felt that the night was looking up already. He had money to spend, shopping to do and two lovely companions to help him do both.

"Excellent! I was thinking of going to Torn."

It was at least a little less trendy than some of the mainstream goth places. Hot Topic paved the way for dozens of shadowy shops filled with black velvet and latex. He was sure many considered that a break through into acceptance but, as a group of people who call themselves outsiders, wouldn't being common place be counter productive? It was seen time and time again. The goths were shocking in their time just as the punks, and the hippies and the rockers. Each little group started out as some free thinking people doing their own thing, being creative, stepping out of the norm and then they gained followers and became the thing to do. The sheep flock to the cool people and follow along, having no idea that the original thinkers have pretty much moved on to something else.

That said, he was a vampire in a goth rock band and needed to look the part. As someone who could only record and play at night, it was simply convenient....besides he really couldn't see himself as a sk8ter.

Gesturing down the street, he headed towards Torn.


"What kind of clothes would you prefer? I'm sure we can figure out where to find them."
Suki Langston 17 years ago
"Torn sounds perfect."

She had several pieces from there and was always up for going again. Since she preferred to look more unique than all the people leaving Hot Topic or Gothica, it was one of her top places to find different pieces. Of course she did have items from the two top places but she liked to mix them with less expected elements. Hence the simple tee shirt instead of the typical layered mesh or corset that was usually paired with the mini kilts.

Swinging her backpack back onto her shoulders with long practiced skill she offered the delish Mr. Yager her elbow. With a wink and a nod at Aslinn she indicated the girl should take his other side so they could flank him properly. A mental prayer was said that her cell phone would not ring, calling her in from her fun before she got to witness the cute guy beside her trying on something sexy.
Aislinn Ross 17 years ago
After a seconds hesitation, she followed Suki's lead and flanked his other side while she thought on his question. She always wore the same things, jeans and t shirts mostly. It was comfortable for the lifestyle she had lead. The only break in that trend was in the summer when she wore the battle garb of her ancestors while performing the ancient battles of the Clans against each other and the English, or the rare occasion her father had coaxed her into a gown for some ball or another.

"Well, I have never been to a goth rock kind of place, so I am open to suggestions." She glanced at Suki, assuming she'd be good at picking stuff.