Damaris was out looking at properties, not to move away from the manor but to find a place for an American branch of her academy. It was apparent she was going to be in the states longer than she had planned and she had to have something to do and couldn't pester Mai for more to do. She'd worked some with Ambrose and his recent interest in wolves. That was an interesting new hobby, but she wasn't obsessed. So it was back to what she knew.
It was an interesting challenge but with a little help from Ambrose, and the manor staff she was getting the necessary licenses and other things she needed. With any luck she'd be open in a few months.
As she drove, keeping up with the flow of traffic, a car passed her, the driver distracted. People could be reckless. As he flew down the off ramp she wanted, Damaris swore and she was just starting to think maybe the invention of the car had been a bad idea when every thing went a bit haywire. The man who'd passed her laid on his horn and this was followed by the unmistakable sounds of metal crunching and screeching breaks.
As near as she could tell the sedan of some kind with a single driver, a younger man, had looked down at something (probably a text but she could only guess). He had seen something dash across the road and in his efforts to avoid the animals had lost control and crashed into two other cars.
While not one to go out and save a human for no apparent reason this, to her, qualified as extraordinary circumstances. She pulled her car off to the side of the road and was out of it extremely quickly. There was already a woman off on the side of the street on the phone.
"Did you call 911?"
Once she had an answer Damaris double timed it to the three car pile up to see exactly what they were dealing with. There was the man in the car that had caused the wreck, two young men in a two door car and a single female passenger in a minivan.
"Come on," she called to the woman on the phone, "give me a hand. Do you know any first aid?"
Not that either of them should be moving any one unless there was a chance of fire, but it couldn't hurt to know something.
That Might Have Been My Fault (Attn: Damaris)
Mara trotted along the Nachton streets, well fed and heading home to Jin and Amir. Her paws made no noise as she hopped here and there, over garbage cans, dancing along fences, through gutters. She enjoyed traveling the city this way; it was like an obstacle course. The streets were far too busy, even this late at night, for a lone feline to wander close to. Natchon's roads were a twisting turning maze of roaring traffic, particularly here at the intersection of two major highways.
Even as that thought flitted through her mind Mara caught sight of something flashing at the corner of her eye. She turned and tilted her head, looking for the quick splash of color. Finally she spotted it, and her ears pricked forward as she realized it was a small animal.
A kitten.
She leaped down from her fence, glancing back and forth along the street. A stray kitten, wandering into the middle of the off-ramp where fast-moving traffic was blending into regular local traffic... it wasn't safe at all. Mara had a soft spot for cats, particularly strays. She couldn't let this little one suffer. If she could pick it up and sniff it thoroughly, she might be able to locate its mother, if it had one.
Quickly she darted out into the street. As she did a bright pair of lights rounded the off-ramp. Instinctively she turned and was blinded by the headlights. Her heart thumping she ran further into the road instead of turning and running away. Her little nose told her the kitten was here. She heard the screech of tires, reached out with her paws, and snagged the kitten, pulling him close.
There was a sudden rush of wind; horns blared, deafening her sensitive ears. How fast had the car been going, anyway? She should have had plenty of time! It was as if the driver hadn't even slowed at all! Mara clutched the now yowling kitten and flattened herself down, giving a little moan of distress as the car, thankfully, passed over them.
She raised her head and watched, wide-eyed, spots dancing in front of her eyes, as the car that had just passed over her careened up onto two wheels and then slid onto its side into oncoming traffic. She ducked her head as several crunches resounded through the street, followed by horns in a plethora of keys that made her head ring.
Horrified, Mara grabbed the squirming kitten in her mouth, ran to the side of the street, and deposited him safely in an empty trash can. Shifting forms she placed the lid on the can to keep her little fugitive inside. Then she crouched, pulled her cell phone from her jeans and called 911.
She was a little bit mortifed that, in sixteen hundred years of vampirism, this was her first actual car accident.
Damaris
12 years ago
Mara
12 years ago
As Mara reported the accident, the next car to come down the off-ramp had pulled over, a tall black-haired woman emerging. The woman approached Mara, asking a question. As she was on the phone Mara couldn't answer really, but she did give the woman a quick nod to indicate she was calling the emergency service.
As she hung up the phone the younger woman ran toward the wreck, calling to Mara for assistance. Mara blinked at her. Did she know first aid? Only if you counted vampire emergency services for werewolf injuries. She shook her head and hesitantly approached the scene so she wouldn't have to yell.
"Should we be here?" She asked, cautiously approaching the first car, the one that had driven right over her and slid on its side into the street.
The man inside was moaning softly; Mara could smell blood. "The ambulance is on its way," she reassured him in her soft voice, not sure if she could be heard over the shouts of onlookers. "Someone will be here to get you out soon."
She wasn't sure how she felt about having caused such a crash; Mara still thought this man had been driving far too fast around the corner. Something else might have caused him to do so. Either way there was little she could do about it now.
Her sensitive little nose picked up the strong, unpleasant odors of motor oil and gasoline and she realized that there were fluids leaking from beneath the hoods of all three vehicles, which were undoubtedly totaled. She stepped away quickly.
"They're leaking," she said.
As if on cue, someone driving across the overhead above them flicked a cigarette out of their window. The smoldering butt flew in a little arc, descending over the guard rail and down to the street below. Right into the midst of the pileup.
Mara ducked away as a sudden blaze flared, lighting the area and covering them all in a blast of heat. The onlookers who had been crowding around now ran away with various cries of alarm. Cell phones whipped out all over the place. Mara blinked at the fact that people seemed more interested in taking pictures than helping, but she had to admit the fire was intimidating.
There were people stuck in it, however, and their cries took on notes of increased urgency. That was enough to compel Mara forward again. She hopped onto the side of the first car and pulled at the driver's side door, opening it up. Kneeling down and finally seeing the man inside clearly, she leaned over, balancing carefully, as she tried to determine whether or not he could move safely.
Turning back to the other woman, who was still there, Mara said, "Here. I can get him down to you and you can move him away."
As she hung up the phone the younger woman ran toward the wreck, calling to Mara for assistance. Mara blinked at her. Did she know first aid? Only if you counted vampire emergency services for werewolf injuries. She shook her head and hesitantly approached the scene so she wouldn't have to yell.
"Should we be here?" She asked, cautiously approaching the first car, the one that had driven right over her and slid on its side into the street.
The man inside was moaning softly; Mara could smell blood. "The ambulance is on its way," she reassured him in her soft voice, not sure if she could be heard over the shouts of onlookers. "Someone will be here to get you out soon."
She wasn't sure how she felt about having caused such a crash; Mara still thought this man had been driving far too fast around the corner. Something else might have caused him to do so. Either way there was little she could do about it now.
Her sensitive little nose picked up the strong, unpleasant odors of motor oil and gasoline and she realized that there were fluids leaking from beneath the hoods of all three vehicles, which were undoubtedly totaled. She stepped away quickly.
"They're leaking," she said.
As if on cue, someone driving across the overhead above them flicked a cigarette out of their window. The smoldering butt flew in a little arc, descending over the guard rail and down to the street below. Right into the midst of the pileup.
Mara ducked away as a sudden blaze flared, lighting the area and covering them all in a blast of heat. The onlookers who had been crowding around now ran away with various cries of alarm. Cell phones whipped out all over the place. Mara blinked at the fact that people seemed more interested in taking pictures than helping, but she had to admit the fire was intimidating.
There were people stuck in it, however, and their cries took on notes of increased urgency. That was enough to compel Mara forward again. She hopped onto the side of the first car and pulled at the driver's side door, opening it up. Kneeling down and finally seeing the man inside clearly, she leaned over, balancing carefully, as she tried to determine whether or not he could move safely.
Turning back to the other woman, who was still there, Mara said, "Here. I can get him down to you and you can move him away."
Damaris
12 years ago
"We are here."
Yes this could get weird but Damaris wasn't going to worry about it. All Damaris really cared about was making sure all four people stayed breathing long enough for the paramedics to get to them. Then it wouldn't be her problem any more.
Damaris too smelled the blood. And while not an expert in first aid, in general if some one was bleeding that much you tried to stop it. That or you had dinner, and this wasn't the ambiance she sought out for her meals.
The young woman, with pretty silver eyes, was attempting to sooth the man who'd caused all this. He seemed to be bleeding rather badly but she couldn't immediately tell from where. Damaris ripped off one of the sleeves from her long sleeved blouse and handed it to the young woman.
"Here, see if you can figure out where he's bleeding from and put pressure on it."
She was just going to check on one of the other vehicles when she heard her impromptu helper. Leaking? Damaris stopped and took a whiff, she too smelled the fuel. If they were lucky though...
Apparently she had jinxed them as suddenly they had a fire on their hands. So much for not moving the people. They had to get the various victims out now. She sneered at the people who were not helping. They were gawking or taking pictures or video, it was disgusting.
Damaris crossed and picked out two of the biggest men and threw weight into her words, commanding their assistance.
"You. Get these people back and keep them back. You, come with me."
Their wills temporarily not their own the two men complied readily. It wasn't ideal, putting a human in danger but they couldn't do this on their own.
"Do it."
She said to the woman who had started out helping. Damaris would take the driver and pass him off to the man who had 'volunteered' he could get the driver clear and they could repeat. Maybe she should have grabbed another helper.
Yes this could get weird but Damaris wasn't going to worry about it. All Damaris really cared about was making sure all four people stayed breathing long enough for the paramedics to get to them. Then it wouldn't be her problem any more.
Damaris too smelled the blood. And while not an expert in first aid, in general if some one was bleeding that much you tried to stop it. That or you had dinner, and this wasn't the ambiance she sought out for her meals.
The young woman, with pretty silver eyes, was attempting to sooth the man who'd caused all this. He seemed to be bleeding rather badly but she couldn't immediately tell from where. Damaris ripped off one of the sleeves from her long sleeved blouse and handed it to the young woman.
"Here, see if you can figure out where he's bleeding from and put pressure on it."
She was just going to check on one of the other vehicles when she heard her impromptu helper. Leaking? Damaris stopped and took a whiff, she too smelled the fuel. If they were lucky though...
Apparently she had jinxed them as suddenly they had a fire on their hands. So much for not moving the people. They had to get the various victims out now. She sneered at the people who were not helping. They were gawking or taking pictures or video, it was disgusting.
Damaris crossed and picked out two of the biggest men and threw weight into her words, commanding their assistance.
"You. Get these people back and keep them back. You, come with me."
Their wills temporarily not their own the two men complied readily. It wasn't ideal, putting a human in danger but they couldn't do this on their own.
"Do it."
She said to the woman who had started out helping. Damaris would take the driver and pass him off to the man who had 'volunteered' he could get the driver clear and they could repeat. Maybe she should have grabbed another helper.
Mara
12 years ago
Mara shook her head at the offered torn shirt sleeve. She could not see where the man was bleeding from; if she could, she had adequate clothing to apply pressure. However, she reconsidered when she realized she was going to have to remove him from the wreckage. She took the sleeve and wrapped it around her hand after she climbed up on top of the side of the man's car. The twisted metal was precariously balanced and growing very warm; Mara used her sleeve-wrapped hand to punch away the remnants of the window when she realized the door would not open.
Lowering herself gingerly into the car she anchored herself, then bent over and pulled the seat belt free. Thank goodness for small favors. She moved quickly, yet unhurriedly. It wouldn't do to further panic the man.
"Can you move your head?" she asked.
The man nodded and winced, but complied. Mara reached down and easily pulled him free. She saw the blood was coming from his forehead; well, the woman giving orders out on the street could do something about it if Mara was going car-climbing.
Without regard for witnesses Mara gently lifted the man through the car window and climbed out after him. Once again balanced on top of the car she passed the driver down to the large man waiting there and moved along.
The fire was very smoky but it wasn't burning very hot as far as she could tell. She was worried that a car would explode if the flames reached the gas tanks, but she wasn't certain how that worked. Maybe there was no more fuel in the cars to combust?
Tiptoeing her way across creaking metal Mara headed toward the woman in the minivan, determining that she was the likeliest to have a child in there with her. Mara wouldn't like it if her kitten rescue had injured a child. As it was, this was bad enough.
Lowering herself gingerly into the car she anchored herself, then bent over and pulled the seat belt free. Thank goodness for small favors. She moved quickly, yet unhurriedly. It wouldn't do to further panic the man.
"Can you move your head?" she asked.
The man nodded and winced, but complied. Mara reached down and easily pulled him free. She saw the blood was coming from his forehead; well, the woman giving orders out on the street could do something about it if Mara was going car-climbing.
Without regard for witnesses Mara gently lifted the man through the car window and climbed out after him. Once again balanced on top of the car she passed the driver down to the large man waiting there and moved along.
The fire was very smoky but it wasn't burning very hot as far as she could tell. She was worried that a car would explode if the flames reached the gas tanks, but she wasn't certain how that worked. Maybe there was no more fuel in the cars to combust?
Tiptoeing her way across creaking metal Mara headed toward the woman in the minivan, determining that she was the likeliest to have a child in there with her. Mara wouldn't like it if her kitten rescue had injured a child. As it was, this was bad enough.
Damaris
12 years ago
They were both working rather fast and the fire was distracting, to say the least, but Damaris was impressed by the other woman's agility and strength. It wasn't out of the question that this was another vampire. It didn't matter one way or another though, it just might help the people trapped in the cars if both women had a bit of extra strength and speed at their disposal.
Her drafted helper took the one driver to the side of the road far enough away from the fire that he should be safe and came back.
"Help her."
She commanded as she took on the other car with the two younger men. The driver seemed to be unconscious but the passenger was trying to get out. The door, however, had jammed.
"Its OK, its OK... we'll get you out. Can you undo his belt?"
She hopped to distract him a bit as she set about pulling the door open. If anyone thought to question how she'd done it she'd claim adrenalin or that the door wasn't as bashed in as they thought. The odds were no one would notice.
The handle was hot and it burned her hand, but Damaris ignored the minor discomfort. As the passenger reached over to the driver she gave two good hard yanks forcing the door open.
"Can you walk?"
"I don't know."
Looking down Damaris saw a dark stain at the bottom of his pant leg. How in the world? What had happened in this accident? She could smell blood but couldn't tell if it was this man or the driver.
The smoke was becoming over powering and they really didn't have time to waste.
"Now is a good time to find out."
As the young man hobbled away Damaris looked back to the other woman to ensure she was all right and to see if she needed help. If the woman was indeed a vampire what ever clan she belonged to wouldn't exactly thank Damaris if she was hurt or killed and fire... fire was dangerous to human and vampire alike.
Her drafted helper took the one driver to the side of the road far enough away from the fire that he should be safe and came back.
"Help her."
She commanded as she took on the other car with the two younger men. The driver seemed to be unconscious but the passenger was trying to get out. The door, however, had jammed.
"Its OK, its OK... we'll get you out. Can you undo his belt?"
She hopped to distract him a bit as she set about pulling the door open. If anyone thought to question how she'd done it she'd claim adrenalin or that the door wasn't as bashed in as they thought. The odds were no one would notice.
The handle was hot and it burned her hand, but Damaris ignored the minor discomfort. As the passenger reached over to the driver she gave two good hard yanks forcing the door open.
"Can you walk?"
"I don't know."
Looking down Damaris saw a dark stain at the bottom of his pant leg. How in the world? What had happened in this accident? She could smell blood but couldn't tell if it was this man or the driver.
The smoke was becoming over powering and they really didn't have time to waste.
"Now is a good time to find out."
As the young man hobbled away Damaris looked back to the other woman to ensure she was all right and to see if she needed help. If the woman was indeed a vampire what ever clan she belonged to wouldn't exactly thank Damaris if she was hurt or killed and fire... fire was dangerous to human and vampire alike.
Mara
12 years ago
Mara had to climb up over the windshield of the minivan, which was canted at an angle as the passenger side was caved in and the wheel was missing. She could clearly see the woman inside, though. She was awake but struggling, pushing against the airbag.
Mara knocked on the window to let the woman know she was there. Slowly she lowered herself to a patch of ground. She tried the door handle; it didn't work. She pulled. Nothing.
The man who was supposed to be helping her could not get into this smallish space. Mara wasn't entirely sure how he was supposed to help, really, but he seemed to be blindly following the taller woman's commands. Oh. Or, Commands. Mara had seen plenty of that over the years... maybe that was it. Well, either way. There wasn't much he could do.
She was tucked between two cars; Mara knew the cameras and phones wouldn't catch her next actions and didn't much care if anyone close did. She wrapped her hands around the door handle and pulled, hard. The door came loose, but it wedged against the other car. There might still be enough room though.
Carefully she slid in next to the woman, who was crying, clearly terrified.
"It's all right," she said. "Take my hands."
The woman did so. Although she was still buckled in, Mara reached down and pulled the belt buckle apart. Then she slid her arms around the woman and caught her as she fell out of the minivan.
"Is there a child inside?" she asked softly, soothing.
"No, no, she's with my husband. It's just me."
"All right, come on. We'll get you out of here."
Mara looked around. The fire wasn't exactly raging, but it looked scary. They'd get out, though.
Mara knocked on the window to let the woman know she was there. Slowly she lowered herself to a patch of ground. She tried the door handle; it didn't work. She pulled. Nothing.
The man who was supposed to be helping her could not get into this smallish space. Mara wasn't entirely sure how he was supposed to help, really, but he seemed to be blindly following the taller woman's commands. Oh. Or, Commands. Mara had seen plenty of that over the years... maybe that was it. Well, either way. There wasn't much he could do.
She was tucked between two cars; Mara knew the cameras and phones wouldn't catch her next actions and didn't much care if anyone close did. She wrapped her hands around the door handle and pulled, hard. The door came loose, but it wedged against the other car. There might still be enough room though.
Carefully she slid in next to the woman, who was crying, clearly terrified.
"It's all right," she said. "Take my hands."
The woman did so. Although she was still buckled in, Mara reached down and pulled the belt buckle apart. Then she slid her arms around the woman and caught her as she fell out of the minivan.
"Is there a child inside?" she asked softly, soothing.
"No, no, she's with my husband. It's just me."
"All right, come on. We'll get you out of here."
Mara looked around. The fire wasn't exactly raging, but it looked scary. They'd get out, though.
Damaris
12 years ago
It was with some relief that Damaris saw the other woman get the driver of the minivan out. And then there was one. The unconscious driver of this car. It would probably do less damage to extract him from the driver's die rather than pulling him across to the her so Damaris quickly moved across to the other side.
This door was just as difficult to open and the handle just as hot. But this time she was prepared for the burn and knew how hard she would have to tug. Fortunately she doubted anyone would ever have the chance to duplicate exactly what she'd done and wouldn't realize exactly how much strength it too.
The driver had cut his head and the air bag had apparently broken his nose. There was quite a bit of blood. She had more than a few centuries under her belt and it didn't bother Damaris as much as it would a younger vampire, she noticed it but wasn't controlled by it.
She didn't even bother to try and wake the driver but lifted him as carefully as she could and walked with him away from the burning wreck. Knowing how much of an audience they had she did make it a point to at least -look- like she was having trouble with the young man as she called her draftee back.
"Here. You. Help me."
The much larger man obliged and took the unconscious driver to where the the other two had gathered as they watched the rescue and fire. Seriously, why were all these people watching and not helping? It was irritating.
Although she doubted the humans could hear them just yet Damaris finally started to think she heard sirens in the distance. She ended her commands on the human.
"You just took charge, you're not sure how you did it and you're just glad every one is OK. I don't need your help any longer."
If she had to she'd influence him again but for now they seemed to have everything under control. She was more worried about the only other person who had helped of their own will at the moment though.
This door was just as difficult to open and the handle just as hot. But this time she was prepared for the burn and knew how hard she would have to tug. Fortunately she doubted anyone would ever have the chance to duplicate exactly what she'd done and wouldn't realize exactly how much strength it too.
The driver had cut his head and the air bag had apparently broken his nose. There was quite a bit of blood. She had more than a few centuries under her belt and it didn't bother Damaris as much as it would a younger vampire, she noticed it but wasn't controlled by it.
She didn't even bother to try and wake the driver but lifted him as carefully as she could and walked with him away from the burning wreck. Knowing how much of an audience they had she did make it a point to at least -look- like she was having trouble with the young man as she called her draftee back.
"Here. You. Help me."
The much larger man obliged and took the unconscious driver to where the the other two had gathered as they watched the rescue and fire. Seriously, why were all these people watching and not helping? It was irritating.
Although she doubted the humans could hear them just yet Damaris finally started to think she heard sirens in the distance. She ended her commands on the human.
"You just took charge, you're not sure how you did it and you're just glad every one is OK. I don't need your help any longer."
If she had to she'd influence him again but for now they seemed to have everything under control. She was more worried about the only other person who had helped of their own will at the moment though.
Mara
12 years ago
Mara helped the woman in her arms as they climbed over the wreckage. The cars were tilted sideways and all mashed into a cluster. It wasn't difficult to get her out, not really... she didn't pay much if any attention to the video. The most important thing was getting the victim free.
It was accomplished fairly quickly, and fortunately so, for as they moved away toward the roadside with the rest of the humans one of the cars truly caught fire and went up in a smoky blaze of acrid fumes. Mara flinched away from the sudden heat at her back.
"There, you're all right," she said to the injured woman, who was shaking badly, obviously terrified. "I can hear the ambulance coming now."
She meant it; there was a subtle difference in pitch and tone between the ambulance, the fire engines, and the squad cars in Nachton. All three were on their way, and getting closer quickly. Mara wanted to leave. She also wanted to rescue her trapped kitten before he panicked too much. She wondered how Jin and Amir would feel with a little pet around the house. Amir had never complained and she couldn't really see Jin being bothered by it.
"Thank you, thank you," the woman kept repeating to Mara. Mara shook her head and patted the human's hand gently.
"It's all right," she repeated. "It's over now."
Could she get away now? She wondered. She glanced at the other woman who'd been helping, a Clanmate. Mara did not know her but that wasn't anything new. She didn't socialize with her fellow vampires on a regular basis. Or on any basis at all really. Jin was the sole exception and while Mara would like to think she'd have been attracted to him without Amir's intervention, the fact of the matter was that she would not have gone with him to the halloween party if Amir had not asked her to.
The humans in the crash were safe. Mara didn't think the overall outcome of the fire was their concern any more. She touched the other vampire upon the shoulder.
"I think we should be going, before the authorities arrive," she murmured softly.
Without waiting to see if the other followed Mara faded back into the crowd, slipping between the onlookers easily and emerging behind them. She turned and walked over to the garbage can she'd been hiding behind initially. Opening it, she saw her tiny stowaway inside, batting at the walls of his impromptu prison as he tried to escape.
"Patience, little one," she said with a smile, reaching down and picking him up. He was tiny enough to sit in her hands, which he did, opening his little mouth and yowling at her in protest.
"I'm sorry. I don't know if I can find your mother now," Mara said. The air was full of smoke and fumes. She had keen senses but even hers might be hard-pressed to overcome the odors and sniff out the subtle hints that might have led her to the little feline's family.
"You might have to come home with me."
It was accomplished fairly quickly, and fortunately so, for as they moved away toward the roadside with the rest of the humans one of the cars truly caught fire and went up in a smoky blaze of acrid fumes. Mara flinched away from the sudden heat at her back.
"There, you're all right," she said to the injured woman, who was shaking badly, obviously terrified. "I can hear the ambulance coming now."
She meant it; there was a subtle difference in pitch and tone between the ambulance, the fire engines, and the squad cars in Nachton. All three were on their way, and getting closer quickly. Mara wanted to leave. She also wanted to rescue her trapped kitten before he panicked too much. She wondered how Jin and Amir would feel with a little pet around the house. Amir had never complained and she couldn't really see Jin being bothered by it.
"Thank you, thank you," the woman kept repeating to Mara. Mara shook her head and patted the human's hand gently.
"It's all right," she repeated. "It's over now."
Could she get away now? She wondered. She glanced at the other woman who'd been helping, a Clanmate. Mara did not know her but that wasn't anything new. She didn't socialize with her fellow vampires on a regular basis. Or on any basis at all really. Jin was the sole exception and while Mara would like to think she'd have been attracted to him without Amir's intervention, the fact of the matter was that she would not have gone with him to the halloween party if Amir had not asked her to.
The humans in the crash were safe. Mara didn't think the overall outcome of the fire was their concern any more. She touched the other vampire upon the shoulder.
"I think we should be going, before the authorities arrive," she murmured softly.
Without waiting to see if the other followed Mara faded back into the crowd, slipping between the onlookers easily and emerging behind them. She turned and walked over to the garbage can she'd been hiding behind initially. Opening it, she saw her tiny stowaway inside, batting at the walls of his impromptu prison as he tried to escape.
"Patience, little one," she said with a smile, reaching down and picking him up. He was tiny enough to sit in her hands, which he did, opening his little mouth and yowling at her in protest.
"I'm sorry. I don't know if I can find your mother now," Mara said. The air was full of smoke and fumes. She had keen senses but even hers might be hard-pressed to overcome the odors and sniff out the subtle hints that might have led her to the little feline's family.
"You might have to come home with me."
Damaris
12 years ago
Oh there was going to be evidence that they'd both been involved and some one would probably do some idiotic segment on the news about anonymous good samaritans that had disappeared but Damaris didn't care and she doubted anyone would really spend too much time looking for them. She looked about and all of the humans seemed to be fine, more or less. That was good enough. Not giving a flip about 'leaving the scene of an accident she nodded at the silver eyed woman.
"I happen to agree."
Her car was far enough back from the crowd that they could probably use it or they could ditch it and she'd have some one reclaim it later.
Quietly following along she saw the little kitten retrieved from the trash can and grinned. There was no understanding cat people. But she couldn't say much as she had been known to foster a puppy here and there. It wasn't a hobby or a passion but now and then one would inspire her.
Apparently the other woman was looking to find the little one's home and family.
"I might be able to help, but I'd be a bit conspicuous and with all of this... I don't know if I'd have any luck. You might be better taking him home. Do you need a lift?"
She nodded back to the car still sitting unnoticed as people watched and recorded the accident and fire.
"I happen to agree."
Her car was far enough back from the crowd that they could probably use it or they could ditch it and she'd have some one reclaim it later.
Quietly following along she saw the little kitten retrieved from the trash can and grinned. There was no understanding cat people. But she couldn't say much as she had been known to foster a puppy here and there. It wasn't a hobby or a passion but now and then one would inspire her.
Apparently the other woman was looking to find the little one's home and family.
"I might be able to help, but I'd be a bit conspicuous and with all of this... I don't know if I'd have any luck. You might be better taking him home. Do you need a lift?"
She nodded back to the car still sitting unnoticed as people watched and recorded the accident and fire.
Mara
12 years ago
The other woman had followed her; Mara smiled at her as she straightened, ball of gray fluff in her hands. Tilting her head at the idea that her new acquaintance might be of some help Mara nodded in understanding. Mara had many ways to find things, but sadly looking for one kitten's mother in Nachton was like a needle in a haystack.
Would Jin mind an adopted kitten? Mara suspected not. She already knew how Amir would respond... or she thought she did. He'd changed a bit recently, although, whether he realized it or not, the things that made him 'Amir' were still present. She suspected he would glare at the tiny thing for a good long time, warn it to behave, and then get caught playing chase in jackal form when he thought no one was around.
She sort of knew this from experience... repeatedly.
Mara looked at the black-haired woman and nodded. "I would appreciate a ride," she said.
Then, tucking the kitten against her chest she held her hand out. "I don't believe we have ever been introduced. My name is Mara Mahin."
She felt fairly safe in making certain assumptions. She wasn't sure if the other woman knew or not, but she would discover that soon enough.
Would Jin mind an adopted kitten? Mara suspected not. She already knew how Amir would respond... or she thought she did. He'd changed a bit recently, although, whether he realized it or not, the things that made him 'Amir' were still present. She suspected he would glare at the tiny thing for a good long time, warn it to behave, and then get caught playing chase in jackal form when he thought no one was around.
She sort of knew this from experience... repeatedly.
Mara looked at the black-haired woman and nodded. "I would appreciate a ride," she said.
Then, tucking the kitten against her chest she held her hand out. "I don't believe we have ever been introduced. My name is Mara Mahin."
She felt fairly safe in making certain assumptions. She wasn't sure if the other woman knew or not, but she would discover that soon enough.
Damaris
12 years ago
The way the other woman kept the kitten close made Damaris smile. It really was rather sweet and it wasn't as if she minded the cat in the car.
Since things had settled down, or at least she and the other woman were no longer part of it, Damaris had a chance to look at her more closely. If it hadn't been for the silver eyes she might not have remembered her. After all they hadn't met, not to the best of Damaris' knowledge, she'd just seen her in passing here and there.
Taking the offered hand she responded in kind.
"Damaris Hunnisett. Have I seen you with Amir Rashid?"
If the name meant something to Mara it would save a lot of tedious dancing. But Damaris wasn't confident in her assumption.
The sirens were getting considerably closer and she nodded to the car, a nondescript black sedan.
"It should be open. I didn't have time to lock it."
Damaris waited for Mara and the kitten to get settled before pulling back out into traffic, which was a bit of a challenge because even with the late hour the road had backed up a bit with rubber neckers.
"I appreciate the help back there."
Since things had settled down, or at least she and the other woman were no longer part of it, Damaris had a chance to look at her more closely. If it hadn't been for the silver eyes she might not have remembered her. After all they hadn't met, not to the best of Damaris' knowledge, she'd just seen her in passing here and there.
Taking the offered hand she responded in kind.
"Damaris Hunnisett. Have I seen you with Amir Rashid?"
If the name meant something to Mara it would save a lot of tedious dancing. But Damaris wasn't confident in her assumption.
The sirens were getting considerably closer and she nodded to the car, a nondescript black sedan.
"It should be open. I didn't have time to lock it."
Damaris waited for Mara and the kitten to get settled before pulling back out into traffic, which was a bit of a challenge because even with the late hour the road had backed up a bit with rubber neckers.
"I appreciate the help back there."
Mara
12 years ago
The woman's name sounded familiar to Mara, but then, many names did. It didn't mean she had a face to match. She smiled softly as the woman immediately associated her with Amir though, and nodded her head.
"Yes. He's my Creator."
The word embodied so much more than that though, for Mara. He, too, had found an orphaned kitten and fed it, raised it, loved it to the best of his limited ability. She didn't blame him for being unable to love her the way she had wished for, unknown even to her, all those years. How could she, when she knew exactly what Subira had been doing to him?
She slid into Damaris' car and buckled her seat belt. Her tiny mewling passenger had huddled up against her breast, inside her coat, and was shivering a little. She stroked him soothingly with her fingertips; when she got him home she would shift and wash him the way his mother would, comforting him with long strokes of her sand-papery tongue, but that was hardly the way to travel in a moving vehicle, much less the behavior to engage in in front of someone new.
"It was no trouble," Mara said, smiling again at the woman driving the car. She didn't mention that it might have been her fault. The deed was done.
"Amir taught me to respect human life," she said slowly.
Yes, Amir killed frequently... but he did not kill needlessly. Like a farmer with a herd of cattle he had often told her that a living human was one that could feed them again while a dead one simply took up space. She was aware that his philosophy had become somewhat blurry around the edges lately but he was working it out... regardless, he was the one who'd taught her that lesson and she adhered to it. Had the risk to them been too great though, Mara would never have run into a burning car wreck.
"If we can go to the Manor that would be good," she said. She had thought about going home but she was filthy and wanted to bathe. She also wasn't sure how well suited the contents of her kitchen were for feeding her new kitten and she knew the Manor, with its many familiars, would be much better suited.
"Yes. He's my Creator."
The word embodied so much more than that though, for Mara. He, too, had found an orphaned kitten and fed it, raised it, loved it to the best of his limited ability. She didn't blame him for being unable to love her the way she had wished for, unknown even to her, all those years. How could she, when she knew exactly what Subira had been doing to him?
She slid into Damaris' car and buckled her seat belt. Her tiny mewling passenger had huddled up against her breast, inside her coat, and was shivering a little. She stroked him soothingly with her fingertips; when she got him home she would shift and wash him the way his mother would, comforting him with long strokes of her sand-papery tongue, but that was hardly the way to travel in a moving vehicle, much less the behavior to engage in in front of someone new.
"It was no trouble," Mara said, smiling again at the woman driving the car. She didn't mention that it might have been her fault. The deed was done.
"Amir taught me to respect human life," she said slowly.
Yes, Amir killed frequently... but he did not kill needlessly. Like a farmer with a herd of cattle he had often told her that a living human was one that could feed them again while a dead one simply took up space. She was aware that his philosophy had become somewhat blurry around the edges lately but he was working it out... regardless, he was the one who'd taught her that lesson and she adhered to it. Had the risk to them been too great though, Mara would never have run into a burning car wreck.
"If we can go to the Manor that would be good," she said. She had thought about going home but she was filthy and wanted to bathe. She also wasn't sure how well suited the contents of her kitchen were for feeding her new kitten and she knew the Manor, with its many familiars, would be much better suited.
Damaris
12 years ago
It didn't surprise her that Amir had a child. If Damaris understood correctly she was younger than Amir and she had more than one. But it said something about Mara, to be associated with a man of his reputation. Good.
Glad to have missed the emergency vehicles and avoided any more notice than necessary Damaris drove and noticed that she was short a sleeve. Well damned. That was going to have to be fixed, or more likely, replaced. A shame too it was a nice blouse and she hated waste.
"If you asked those folks watching us from the side lines, it was trouble."
She said a bit disgusted. You'd think the humans would at least look out for their own. But there was too much self preservation and fear about them these days. Perhaps there had also been years ago when she was still human, but that was harder to remember. Still those that refused to act tended to irritate her.
Nodding at the idea of respecting life she agreed, in her own way.
"It is a valuable resource isn't it?"
Damaris didn't ask if Mara lived at the Manor or not, one was as likely as the other and it didn't really matter.
"I was hoping you'd say that. I need a shower and some... less damaged clothing before I go out again."
Taking a deep whiff she wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"It smells bloody awful, gas and burnt rubber hardly romantic or aromatic."There was no hiding the soft Scots burr in her voice. "I hope they get it out alright though."
Glad to have missed the emergency vehicles and avoided any more notice than necessary Damaris drove and noticed that she was short a sleeve. Well damned. That was going to have to be fixed, or more likely, replaced. A shame too it was a nice blouse and she hated waste.
"If you asked those folks watching us from the side lines, it was trouble."
She said a bit disgusted. You'd think the humans would at least look out for their own. But there was too much self preservation and fear about them these days. Perhaps there had also been years ago when she was still human, but that was harder to remember. Still those that refused to act tended to irritate her.
Nodding at the idea of respecting life she agreed, in her own way.
"It is a valuable resource isn't it?"
Damaris didn't ask if Mara lived at the Manor or not, one was as likely as the other and it didn't really matter.
"I was hoping you'd say that. I need a shower and some... less damaged clothing before I go out again."
Taking a deep whiff she wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"It smells bloody awful, gas and burnt rubber hardly romantic or aromatic."There was no hiding the soft Scots burr in her voice. "I hope they get it out alright though."
Mara
12 years ago
Mara attended to her tiny passenger while Damaris drove them around the scene of the accident and out away from the city where the Manor was located. She looked up long enough to nod at the other woman and then lifted her shoulder in ambivalence at Damaris' words. Mara wasn't planning on asking the folks watching from the sidelines; she'd just been interested in avoiding pointless deaths.
"Our most valuable," she said, agreeing with Damaris. She didn't understand how some vampires killed mercilessly. Yes, human life was abundant (perhaps too much so) on this planet, but it was still their best food source. Vampires were not self-sustaining. Sure, they could live off the blood of animals if they must but that wasn't their best fuel. They needed human blood, for they could not feed each other indefinitely.
Damaris' words, her mention of going back out coupled with the notion of romance, had Mara blushing a delicate pink beneath her golden skin. "Did you have a date tonight?"
If so she was sorry her Clanmate had been sidetracked. Mara figured at least they were on their way home now, and they could both clean up. After she had showered Mara would leave the Manor and go home to Jin and Amir. She didn't want to track this scent into their house.
"Our most valuable," she said, agreeing with Damaris. She didn't understand how some vampires killed mercilessly. Yes, human life was abundant (perhaps too much so) on this planet, but it was still their best food source. Vampires were not self-sustaining. Sure, they could live off the blood of animals if they must but that wasn't their best fuel. They needed human blood, for they could not feed each other indefinitely.
Damaris' words, her mention of going back out coupled with the notion of romance, had Mara blushing a delicate pink beneath her golden skin. "Did you have a date tonight?"
If so she was sorry her Clanmate had been sidetracked. Mara figured at least they were on their way home now, and they could both clean up. After she had showered Mara would leave the Manor and go home to Jin and Amir. She didn't want to track this scent into their house.
Damaris
12 years ago
That made Damaris laugh. It was an open happy laugh with no sarcasm or bitterness in it. It was simply an amusing thought.
"Only with a relator and a business consultant."
Both of whom were human and connected to Anantya, probably some one's familiars. But so long as she didn't bite it didn't really matter who they were.
She had ended her most recent relationship, by mutual consent, several years ago. While she'd had a date here and there it wasn't anything serious or lasting. But on a Saturday night she was more likely to be in or working than out with someone.
"I haven't been in town too long and it seems like I'll be staying a bit. I hate to be at loose ends so I've been thinking of opening up a branch of my academy here."
Blasted American laws weren't something she was terribly good at. In all fairness she wasn't terribly good at laws, regulations and the like back home either, but she was more than capable of hiring the right people and the clan did make finding the right people considerably easier.
"I hope your plans weren't terribly interrupted."
"Only with a relator and a business consultant."
Both of whom were human and connected to Anantya, probably some one's familiars. But so long as she didn't bite it didn't really matter who they were.
She had ended her most recent relationship, by mutual consent, several years ago. While she'd had a date here and there it wasn't anything serious or lasting. But on a Saturday night she was more likely to be in or working than out with someone.
"I haven't been in town too long and it seems like I'll be staying a bit. I hate to be at loose ends so I've been thinking of opening up a branch of my academy here."
Blasted American laws weren't something she was terribly good at. In all fairness she wasn't terribly good at laws, regulations and the like back home either, but she was more than capable of hiring the right people and the clan did make finding the right people considerably easier.
"I hope your plans weren't terribly interrupted."
Mara
12 years ago
Mara gave an little 'ah' of comprehension when Damaris explained her purpose in being out tonight. She didn't think it was unreasonable to assume a woman as young in appearance as she was out for a night on the town, but Damaris cleared up the misconception.
"What sort of academy?"
She was a curious cat; she always had been. Their kind were long-lived and it was not at all uncommon to see some of them cling to old ways, old passtimes, old forms of study. Amir kept old martial arts very much alive within their Clan and their family. She knew people who crafted, wrote, sang, read, whatever... old habits died hard and sometimes not at all. Look at her own hobby; glasswork was a dying art. The industrial age had murdered it but Mara loved it and would continue to engage in it.
"I had no plans," Mara said with a soft smile. "I was simply going back home anyway. I live with Amir, and with Jin."
Mara did not specify the nature of their living arrangements. There was no need to. Damaris knew who Amir was, and she must surely know who the current acting Elder of the Night was even if she didn't know Jin personally. It could be left for speculation and she would allow that, with a little bit of mischief.
"What sort of academy?"
She was a curious cat; she always had been. Their kind were long-lived and it was not at all uncommon to see some of them cling to old ways, old passtimes, old forms of study. Amir kept old martial arts very much alive within their Clan and their family. She knew people who crafted, wrote, sang, read, whatever... old habits died hard and sometimes not at all. Look at her own hobby; glasswork was a dying art. The industrial age had murdered it but Mara loved it and would continue to engage in it.
"I had no plans," Mara said with a soft smile. "I was simply going back home anyway. I live with Amir, and with Jin."
Mara did not specify the nature of their living arrangements. There was no need to. Damaris knew who Amir was, and she must surely know who the current acting Elder of the Night was even if she didn't know Jin personally. It could be left for speculation and she would allow that, with a little bit of mischief.
Damaris
12 years ago
"Fencing." Damaris answered cheerfully. "Well general sword work. I'm not terribly sure if there is much of a market for such a thing in the city or in this day and age but you never know."
Older vampires might already poses such skills and if they did she couldn't see them seeking out public instruction. Younger ones might not care for such a thing, but humans, well they were an unpredictable lot it seemed. Some of them found swords and fencing quite romantic. Some actually understood it and became quite dedicated. She liked those.
Lived with Amir and Jin. Well of course a statement like that was going to give way to rampant speculation. Damaris would never give voice to such speculations but a body did wonder. She wouldn't be shocked no matter what the answer was though. Certainly every idea Damaris had others had considered when she told them about living with Graham and Dougal years ago and that had been innocent enough... more or less.
"That could be... cozy."
Damaris teased and suggested but expected no details and absolutely didn't ask for any more information. Mara had a right to her privacy and they barley knew each other.
She did want to ask about Jin and his work concerning those with command. But it wasn't right to pump Mara for that information. She'd simply continue trying to keep an eye on the Elder of the Rose when it was her turn, although at some point she'd track down some one for answers.
"I could drop you and the little guy off at your home instead of the Manor if you'd rather. Speaking of the little guy... will you keep him?"
Older vampires might already poses such skills and if they did she couldn't see them seeking out public instruction. Younger ones might not care for such a thing, but humans, well they were an unpredictable lot it seemed. Some of them found swords and fencing quite romantic. Some actually understood it and became quite dedicated. She liked those.
Lived with Amir and Jin. Well of course a statement like that was going to give way to rampant speculation. Damaris would never give voice to such speculations but a body did wonder. She wouldn't be shocked no matter what the answer was though. Certainly every idea Damaris had others had considered when she told them about living with Graham and Dougal years ago and that had been innocent enough... more or less.
"That could be... cozy."
Damaris teased and suggested but expected no details and absolutely didn't ask for any more information. Mara had a right to her privacy and they barley knew each other.
She did want to ask about Jin and his work concerning those with command. But it wasn't right to pump Mara for that information. She'd simply continue trying to keep an eye on the Elder of the Rose when it was her turn, although at some point she'd track down some one for answers.
"I could drop you and the little guy off at your home instead of the Manor if you'd rather. Speaking of the little guy... will you keep him?"
Mara
12 years ago
"Oh," Mara said, perking up at the idea of a fencing academy. "That sounds like fun. I hope you get plenty of students."
Amir loved swords. Mara had more than a passing familiarity with them. While her Creator focused mostly on older styles, he did know how to fence and they had both done so on occasion.
Damaris' comment about her cozy living arrangement was met with a soft smile and a satisfied nod. "It is," Mara said.
"That's all right," she said, though, when Damaris offered to bring her home. "I have clothing at the Manor and it might be best to change there instead of our house."
It was practical; their home was for them alone. At the Manor there was a staff who could help her clean her jeans and sweater, perhaps get the smell of smoke out of them. They had no such permanent help at home, not yet. Mara didn't relish he idea of strangers in their living space.
"Oh yes. I think we will," she said, smiling down at the little grey furball she held. He had settled nicely onto her lap and was curled up comfortably, blue eyes closed, purring away. "There's plenty of room for a kitten there, and our yard is nice and big. You'd like it there, yes?"
She ran her index finger over the kitten's tiny head; he burrowed deeper into the folds of her coat.
"I think that might be a yes."
Amir loved swords. Mara had more than a passing familiarity with them. While her Creator focused mostly on older styles, he did know how to fence and they had both done so on occasion.
Damaris' comment about her cozy living arrangement was met with a soft smile and a satisfied nod. "It is," Mara said.
"That's all right," she said, though, when Damaris offered to bring her home. "I have clothing at the Manor and it might be best to change there instead of our house."
It was practical; their home was for them alone. At the Manor there was a staff who could help her clean her jeans and sweater, perhaps get the smell of smoke out of them. They had no such permanent help at home, not yet. Mara didn't relish he idea of strangers in their living space.
"Oh yes. I think we will," she said, smiling down at the little grey furball she held. He had settled nicely onto her lap and was curled up comfortably, blue eyes closed, purring away. "There's plenty of room for a kitten there, and our yard is nice and big. You'd like it there, yes?"
She ran her index finger over the kitten's tiny head; he burrowed deeper into the folds of her coat.
"I think that might be a yes."
Damaris
12 years ago
"So do I." Damaris said with a bring smile and some amusement. "I'm rather terrible at sitting around and waiting for something to do."
But at the same time she wasn't good at drumming up business. Well for the fee she was paying that consultant he could drum up some clients for her or at least find her someone else to hire for that.
Oh, was that how it was? That smile said quite a bit, or at least it give the imagination license to wander. While not envious per say Damaris could appreciate the... possibilities.
She nodded understanding and acceptance of Mara's preference to go to the Manor. No matter how old or how rich one vampire was there would be resources at the Manor that were hard to beat.
It was charming to watch the little kitten and Mara even if she could only do so out of the corner of her eye.
"Well then I'd say he has found a good home. I'm afraid I'm a bit more of a dog person so it is lucky you were the one to rescue him. What will you call him?"
Damaris wondered briefly how the kitten had gotten into the trash can and why and how Mara had found him there. It seemed logical to assume Mara had put him there, but why?
But at the same time she wasn't good at drumming up business. Well for the fee she was paying that consultant he could drum up some clients for her or at least find her someone else to hire for that.
Oh, was that how it was? That smile said quite a bit, or at least it give the imagination license to wander. While not envious per say Damaris could appreciate the... possibilities.
She nodded understanding and acceptance of Mara's preference to go to the Manor. No matter how old or how rich one vampire was there would be resources at the Manor that were hard to beat.
It was charming to watch the little kitten and Mara even if she could only do so out of the corner of her eye.
"Well then I'd say he has found a good home. I'm afraid I'm a bit more of a dog person so it is lucky you were the one to rescue him. What will you call him?"
Damaris wondered briefly how the kitten had gotten into the trash can and why and how Mara had found him there. It seemed logical to assume Mara had put him there, but why?
Mara
12 years ago
Mara laughed softly at Damaris' words. "I am familiar with that feeling," she said. Perhaps not entirely personally, but Amir didn't like to be idle and Mara had lots of experience entertaining him, and herself, while they were forced to be patient for something else to happen. "It's good that you can do something like that to fill the time. I like to sculpt."
Mara didn't usually volunteer information about herself but Damaris was friendly and a Clanmate, so she offered the little tidbit of information. It would be rude to not at least try to be open in return.
She pondered the little kitten in her lap when Damaris asked about a name. "I don't know," she mused. "I'm tempted to say Smoke or Ash but perhaps we shouldn't constantly remind him of car accidents. I suppose I'll ask Jin and Amir and see if they have any suggestions."
She expected something fierce from them both, really... both of the men in her life had somewhat similar senses of humor and she imagined they might enjoy giving their new pet a name to grow into. Nothing like being pounced on in the middle of the day by Ripper, your two pound kitten. Down, Ripper! Bad Ripper! Not my big toe, Ripper! Augh!
Mara chuckled at the thought. Turning to Damaris she explained the source of her humor. "Then again perhaps I should name him before we go home. Otherwise I might have to live with the result for many years."
Mara didn't usually volunteer information about herself but Damaris was friendly and a Clanmate, so she offered the little tidbit of information. It would be rude to not at least try to be open in return.
She pondered the little kitten in her lap when Damaris asked about a name. "I don't know," she mused. "I'm tempted to say Smoke or Ash but perhaps we shouldn't constantly remind him of car accidents. I suppose I'll ask Jin and Amir and see if they have any suggestions."
She expected something fierce from them both, really... both of the men in her life had somewhat similar senses of humor and she imagined they might enjoy giving their new pet a name to grow into. Nothing like being pounced on in the middle of the day by Ripper, your two pound kitten. Down, Ripper! Bad Ripper! Not my big toe, Ripper! Augh!
Mara chuckled at the thought. Turning to Damaris she explained the source of her humor. "Then again perhaps I should name him before we go home. Otherwise I might have to live with the result for many years."