So lost in his own memories, Xerxes mistook the quiet sobbing for that of his sister's cries as she knelt before their dying parents. His heart ached and he yearned to go to the little girl to comfort her, knowing what hardships she would face before her life's end.
But, after a few moments, the Persian realized the girl huddled near him wasn't a memory of his childhood. She was in fact real. The girl bore little resemblance to his sister, he noticed now, but the confusion and pain of her sobs was similar.
He rose, taking gentle steps towards the girl and placed his hand upon her shoulder.
"Shhh," he comforted her, "its ok, sweetheart. What's wrong?"
Between sobs that shook her body, the sort of crying that came from the core, she looked up at him. Her glassy eyes held large teardrops that streamed their way down her face. Her face showed her dissappointment - she didn't recognize the olive-skinned man kneeling beside her.
She stopped from crying, however, and Xerxes saw that same spark of determination he had seen in his sister so many years before. She said quietly, "I've lost my parents, they told me to meet them at the," her face wrinkled up as she pronounced the foreign word, "Ty, I mean, Tai section."
Xerxes smiled warmly at her and said softly, "It's ok, we will find them. You are in the Persian exhibit. I can take you to someone that works here, and they will page your parents; it will take them only a few minutes to find you, I promise."
The girl looked relieved and her smile lit her face. Xerxes appreciated her youthful beauty then. He knew this girl would grow to be a strong woman, someone he would admire. He winked at her as he began to speak again, "I bet you they even have some candy here for courageous little girls like you, let's go!" He tried to put as much reassurance into his voice as he could, knowing it would calm the girl.
His mood changed suddenly as he turned to escort her out; something was dangerously wrong.
But, he was too late.
The edge of a katana blade, sharp and deadly found the front edge of his throat; the sharp blade already threatening to cut his skin.
History Lessons (Private - Megan)
Xerxes walked through the museum as he made his way towards a small display that, much to his dissappointment, was rarely visited. As he entered the dimly lit room, the echoing expanses of the greater museum abruptly changed to the quiet solitude of the display area. The carpeted floors silenced his footsteps, though had he wished even the tile outside wouldn't have responded to his stride. The walls were painted in earth tones with small recessed lights casting warm light on the displayed works.
Memories flooded back and a storm of emotions barraged the man. Pain, loss, happiness and fond memories flashed through his mind's eye as he gazed upon relics from his natural youth.
The display had been here for years, for it the relics had been uncovered nearly a century before - a side project Xerxes had helped to fund. He tried to visit often but, as of late, had found himself coming less frequently then he would have liked. This place was to him as a gravestone was to mortals; a reminder, bittersweet and sobering.
He found his way to a small bench in the center of the room. His face was cast in shadows created from the glow on his past in material from. His thoughts were lost to him, and he was happy he had the exhibit to himself.
Xerxes Asha
19 years ago
Megan Björn
19 years ago
"So predictable,"Â? Megan said coldly, looking down the smooth edge of her sword at a man she hadn't seen in nearly 800 years. She motioned with her free hand, and the young girl pulled away from Xerxes, taking the time to turn and smile at him before making her way out of the exhibit. A pair of large wooden doors closed behind her, and Megan could hear the soft click of a lock being set in place.
"Did you think it wise to come tug at the strands of my web like some crippled insect?"Â? she asked, pressing the blade firmly against his neck. "After all this time, to come asking for me, as though you could turn time backwards when it pleased you?"Â?
Her eyes burned with an anger fueled by a millennia of scorn, and before he could answer she pressed the sword harder against his neck. A single drop of blood fell from the wound, racing down his neck. Megan smiled, she had waited so long for this moment.
"Tell me, what did you hope to find here, son of Persia?"
"Did you think it wise to come tug at the strands of my web like some crippled insect?"Â? she asked, pressing the blade firmly against his neck. "After all this time, to come asking for me, as though you could turn time backwards when it pleased you?"Â?
Her eyes burned with an anger fueled by a millennia of scorn, and before he could answer she pressed the sword harder against his neck. A single drop of blood fell from the wound, racing down his neck. Megan smiled, she had waited so long for this moment.
"Tell me, what did you hope to find here, son of Persia?"
Xerxes Asha
19 years ago
Xerxes scolded himself mentally. Yes, he had been predictable, he had helped a child in need. But, if he had to sacrifice being kind-hearted to avoid being put into traps...
He concluded he would always be at risk due to his nature and silently accepted it.
Her blade drew his blood, though he knew it was just the start of what was to come; Megan had the intent to fight, he could see her anger burning in her eyes, at the heart of her being even. His words could not stop her now, though his most powerful weapon would not come unbrandished.
He smiled up her, though it never reached his eyes. Those stared into hers, mirroring her intensity, though not her thirst for revenge. His anger streamed from her exploitation of him and his values. No, Megan hadn't changed after all.
"Megan, so good to see you," he began, though his voice carried none of the pleasantness that the greeting normally possessed. "What has it been, nearly eight centuries? You haven't changed a bit." His smiled faded then, his face becoming a mask of impassivity. "Still as bitter and vengeful as before."
He moved in a flash, rolling backwards and away from the keen edge at his throat. He came up in a croutch with his matte black pistols in his hands, seemingly conjured from the air around him.
He smirked at the woman, "Helpless? Hardly."
His mind worked around her final question furiously as the two seemed locked in time, each staring down their respective weapons at the other.
"I seek nothing other then resolution of the past and a new beginning so to speak." He chuckled dryly, "Something you probably wouldn't understand."
The vampires radiated power and the building groaned in protest.
"Let's dance," he said and, without waiting for her response, began firing.
((OOC: Permission to move and damage has been mutually granted by both parties))
He concluded he would always be at risk due to his nature and silently accepted it.
Her blade drew his blood, though he knew it was just the start of what was to come; Megan had the intent to fight, he could see her anger burning in her eyes, at the heart of her being even. His words could not stop her now, though his most powerful weapon would not come unbrandished.
He smiled up her, though it never reached his eyes. Those stared into hers, mirroring her intensity, though not her thirst for revenge. His anger streamed from her exploitation of him and his values. No, Megan hadn't changed after all.
"Megan, so good to see you," he began, though his voice carried none of the pleasantness that the greeting normally possessed. "What has it been, nearly eight centuries? You haven't changed a bit." His smiled faded then, his face becoming a mask of impassivity. "Still as bitter and vengeful as before."
He moved in a flash, rolling backwards and away from the keen edge at his throat. He came up in a croutch with his matte black pistols in his hands, seemingly conjured from the air around him.
He smirked at the woman, "Helpless? Hardly."
His mind worked around her final question furiously as the two seemed locked in time, each staring down their respective weapons at the other.
"I seek nothing other then resolution of the past and a new beginning so to speak." He chuckled dryly, "Something you probably wouldn't understand."
The vampires radiated power and the building groaned in protest.
"Let's dance," he said and, without waiting for her response, began firing.
((OOC: Permission to move and damage has been mutually granted by both parties))
Megan Björn
19 years ago
Megan watched as Xerxes fired at her with those ridiculous pistols. She hated guns, not because of their modernity, but rather their lack of elegance. It took little training to master firearms, especially in the hands of a vampire. She hissed, baring her fangs, then fell to her side, rolling out of the way as the bullets sunk into wall behind her. A moment later she was on her feet, running towards him along the west wall of the room.
Xerxes continued to fire, but as she moved past a collection of Persian pottery, the shots became much more deliberate. She knew he wouldn't risk damaging the artifacts if he could help it. Just as the gambit seemed to be paying off, she took a bullet in the left shoulder, throwing her off balance, and causing her to roll forward. She winced but didn't let the pain slow her; she quickly pulled herself to her knees, lifted her katana, and threw it at Xerxes' head, forcing him to duck out of the way as it sunk cleanly into the wall.
Taking advantage of his distraction, Megan rose to her feet and closed the distance between them, grabbing the hilt of the katana and using it to help her run up the side of the wall. She twisted her body around and connected her foot to the back of his head.
Xerxes continued to fire, but as she moved past a collection of Persian pottery, the shots became much more deliberate. She knew he wouldn't risk damaging the artifacts if he could help it. Just as the gambit seemed to be paying off, she took a bullet in the left shoulder, throwing her off balance, and causing her to roll forward. She winced but didn't let the pain slow her; she quickly pulled herself to her knees, lifted her katana, and threw it at Xerxes' head, forcing him to duck out of the way as it sunk cleanly into the wall.
Taking advantage of his distraction, Megan rose to her feet and closed the distance between them, grabbing the hilt of the katana and using it to help her run up the side of the wall. She twisted her body around and connected her foot to the back of his head.
Xerxes Asha
19 years ago
Xerxes reacted as well as one could to a kick in the head; he went with the moment of the attack, tumbling across the ground to put some distance between himself and his assailant. He knew he had scored a hit in Megan's shoulder, but also knew the attack was weak - dealing minimal damage to the woman. Just as her kick had been, he considered.
He dropped the pistol in his right hand and drew his dull dagger as the gun fell towards the ground. He flipped the blade in his fingers, making an arch with the weapon as he reversed it's grip.
"Well." he said, "looks like you still like to play rough, don't you?" He grinned mischievously and lunged towards the woman, bladed weapon coming in a high semi-circle aimed at the top of her collarbone. The woman raised her arm, blocking the strike. Xerxes had counted on the block, however, and changed the direction of his swing slashing up towards her throat.
Megan was fast, Xerxes admitted to himself as she pulled her blade from the wall and diverted his attack. Mostly. He spun away from her, aiming the gun in his left hand at her chest, and noticed the small trickle of blood coming from a cut at her throat.
"Look," he said coldly, "we're twins."
He dropped the pistol in his right hand and drew his dull dagger as the gun fell towards the ground. He flipped the blade in his fingers, making an arch with the weapon as he reversed it's grip.
"Well." he said, "looks like you still like to play rough, don't you?" He grinned mischievously and lunged towards the woman, bladed weapon coming in a high semi-circle aimed at the top of her collarbone. The woman raised her arm, blocking the strike. Xerxes had counted on the block, however, and changed the direction of his swing slashing up towards her throat.
Megan was fast, Xerxes admitted to himself as she pulled her blade from the wall and diverted his attack. Mostly. He spun away from her, aiming the gun in his left hand at her chest, and noticed the small trickle of blood coming from a cut at her throat.
"Look," he said coldly, "we're twins."
Megan Björn
19 years ago
Megan moved forward, grabbed the pistol before Xerxes had time to react, and pulled it hard against her cold heart. She felt the warmth of the metal through her clothes, felt it press against her rising chest with every breath she took. "I waited for you to come back, you know. Naive as it was, I waited. Do you have the courage now, that you didn't have then? Will you at least say goodbye to me, this time?"Â?
She closed her eyes, and waited for him to pull the trigger. Somewhere, deep down, she even wanted him to, screamed for him to do it, to take some responsibility for his prior actions, though she knew that she might be asking too much of the man.
She closed her eyes, and waited for him to pull the trigger. Somewhere, deep down, she even wanted him to, screamed for him to do it, to take some responsibility for his prior actions, though she knew that she might be asking too much of the man.
Xerxes Asha
19 years ago
Xerxes' demeanor completely changed in the split second it took her to close her eyes. The fun of the fight was gone; she had gotten to the root of things, things he had been subconsciously avoiding for much of his life. He let the gun fall from his grasp, its weight supported by the woman before him. This woman, he thought, knew him more than anyone else in history. And he had abandonded her.
It wasn't something he could take back, and he knew that. It wasn't something he would take back, given the same decision today, were he in the same circumstances as then. It was something he needed to do, a part of his life, something as essential as breathing.
He took a couple awkward steps backwards, her words had inflicted a blow no physical attack could ever have done.
He said nothing.
It wasn't something he could take back, and he knew that. It wasn't something he would take back, given the same decision today, were he in the same circumstances as then. It was something he needed to do, a part of his life, something as essential as breathing.
He took a couple awkward steps backwards, her words had inflicted a blow no physical attack could ever have done.
He said nothing.
Megan Björn
19 years ago
She felt the gun fall away from her, listened to the hollow sound it made as it fell to the floor, and it infuriated her. She was tired of the centuries of running away, of pretending he had done nothing wrong in leaving. She was tired of him acting as though she had never existed, that they had never shared anything.
"You coward!"Â? she screamed as he slowly backed away from her. He wasn't going to run away this time, she wouldn't let him. Megan moved her foot back into an attack stance, and held the katana out with both hands. "Why can't you just say it!"Â?
She lunged at him with the blade, slashing downward towards his chest in unrestrained fury.
"You coward!"Â? she screamed as he slowly backed away from her. He wasn't going to run away this time, she wouldn't let him. Megan moved her foot back into an attack stance, and held the katana out with both hands. "Why can't you just say it!"Â?
She lunged at him with the blade, slashing downward towards his chest in unrestrained fury.
Xerxes Asha
19 years ago
Her slashes came at him, quick and unrelenting. He backed away with each strike, dodging the blows. Often times he wasn't fast enough, and small cuts began to accumulate on his body. Though they did little to slow him down, they were stinging reminders of his mistakes.
She slashed across his chest and he was forced to raise his blade to stop the blow. He drew his other dagger then, and though he had a brief opening to strike he pulled back, taking a few backward steps and reverting to his defensive posture.
His will to fight the woman before him was gone, though he had no intention on letting her rip him apart. She paused, briefly catching her breath. Her eyes bored into him, glaring hatred.
Her next barrage was slower then the first, though the attacks held in them a strength borne of long-festering resentment. She was becoming reckless, noted the professional in Xerxes, though his intellect told him she was losing her momentum. Anger can fuel a small smoldering flame for a long time, but the blaze that was fury was hard on the body.
She thrusted at his midsection and he caught her blade between his two daggers. He forced the katana up, using the strength of both his arms to force her blade between them.
Both combatants struggled against the other, their force causing sparks along the blades. Xerxes face was shining with sweat from his effort though when he finally did speak his voice was steady and low.
"I loved you," he managed. "It was myself I was running from, it was the culture I was forced into, the culture I so hated. It wasn't you."
He hopped backward, putting several feet between them. His eyes found the ground and he continued, "I have come back, realizing that. Realizing that no matter my personal misgivings with our kin, I have nowhere else to seek solace." The Ancient vampire looked pained, as if he were only now fully coming to understand his own feelings. "I am a solitary man, I will always be; but still I need companionship and a sense of importance and belonging. It took me a thousand years to realize my follies. For that, I am sorry."
She slashed across his chest and he was forced to raise his blade to stop the blow. He drew his other dagger then, and though he had a brief opening to strike he pulled back, taking a few backward steps and reverting to his defensive posture.
His will to fight the woman before him was gone, though he had no intention on letting her rip him apart. She paused, briefly catching her breath. Her eyes bored into him, glaring hatred.
Her next barrage was slower then the first, though the attacks held in them a strength borne of long-festering resentment. She was becoming reckless, noted the professional in Xerxes, though his intellect told him she was losing her momentum. Anger can fuel a small smoldering flame for a long time, but the blaze that was fury was hard on the body.
She thrusted at his midsection and he caught her blade between his two daggers. He forced the katana up, using the strength of both his arms to force her blade between them.
Both combatants struggled against the other, their force causing sparks along the blades. Xerxes face was shining with sweat from his effort though when he finally did speak his voice was steady and low.
"I loved you," he managed. "It was myself I was running from, it was the culture I was forced into, the culture I so hated. It wasn't you."
He hopped backward, putting several feet between them. His eyes found the ground and he continued, "I have come back, realizing that. Realizing that no matter my personal misgivings with our kin, I have nowhere else to seek solace." The Ancient vampire looked pained, as if he were only now fully coming to understand his own feelings. "I am a solitary man, I will always be; but still I need companionship and a sense of importance and belonging. It took me a thousand years to realize my follies. For that, I am sorry."
Megan Björn
19 years ago
The sword went limp in Megan's grip, and the blade fell into one hand at her side. She looked at the man standing in front of her, at the man who had betrayed her trust, her love, so many years ago, and felt sorry for him. A part of her was furious that she could be so weak, but it wasn't enough to force her hand any further. She touched a hand to her shoulder, where his bullet had pierced her flesh. The wound had closed, but her clothes were damp with blood. She looked at his own blood stained clothes, at the wounds she had given him.
"I would have gone with you,"� she said, her voice smoldering and weighted. "After you left, I couldn't stay behind alone. I took my own path, and went on to become... this-- Megan Björn, ruthless, cunning, unaffected."�
She suddenly felt very tired, as if the emotion she had spent was finally catching up to her, and in her mind his words repeated over and over. The words she had waited centuries to hear, and now that she had, she didn't know what to do with them. It was though a weight were lifted from her chest, only to be quickly replaced with another. For the longest time she just stared at him, neither daring to speak lest they awaken further demons.
"I should probably thank you for making me what I am,"Â? she finally said to him. "You did for me, what no one else could. Released me from that final mortal bond that keeps so many of us from realizing ourselves; you broke my heart, and set me free."Â?
"I would have gone with you,"� she said, her voice smoldering and weighted. "After you left, I couldn't stay behind alone. I took my own path, and went on to become... this-- Megan Björn, ruthless, cunning, unaffected."�
She suddenly felt very tired, as if the emotion she had spent was finally catching up to her, and in her mind his words repeated over and over. The words she had waited centuries to hear, and now that she had, she didn't know what to do with them. It was though a weight were lifted from her chest, only to be quickly replaced with another. For the longest time she just stared at him, neither daring to speak lest they awaken further demons.
"I should probably thank you for making me what I am,"Â? she finally said to him. "You did for me, what no one else could. Released me from that final mortal bond that keeps so many of us from realizing ourselves; you broke my heart, and set me free."Â?
Xerxes Asha
19 years ago
Xerxes smiled sadly at the woman as she explained her loyalty to him.
"I know you would have," he said softly, "but I knew that you needed to be a part of our world. It was in your nature to excel, and I couldn't take that from you. And, look, the unaffected you has risen to the top of her game." He smiled then, his eyes showing his pride for the woman. "What more could you ask for?"
He lowered his weapons, without even realizing it. He didn't put them away - he had been deceived by this woman once already this evening; but, he wasn't sure he would fight back if this was another ruse.
Nobody spoke for a long time, and then, as she thanked him, he found himself incapacitated by her words. His breath escaped him and he suddenly realized how much of his life had been spent running from this vampire.
He slowly formed his next words in his mind, checking them against his logic to find if what they meant was really what he believed. After what seemed eons, he found himself speaking them aloud.
"I don't know where I am going in my life, but I know that I want you a part of it. I know neither of us can go back to being lovers, but I feel we can help each other grow, support each other and learn from our past mistakes."
He almost regretted what he was about to say, but he knew that hiding from some things was worse off then facing them directly. This, like many issues with the Elder that stood before him, was one of those things.
"And, I have found another reason to stay," he looked sidelong at Megan, "Océane Émond."
He stoood vigilant, and almost cringed, unsure if the woman would attack him again, in anger, fury, or jealousy.
"I know you would have," he said softly, "but I knew that you needed to be a part of our world. It was in your nature to excel, and I couldn't take that from you. And, look, the unaffected you has risen to the top of her game." He smiled then, his eyes showing his pride for the woman. "What more could you ask for?"
He lowered his weapons, without even realizing it. He didn't put them away - he had been deceived by this woman once already this evening; but, he wasn't sure he would fight back if this was another ruse.
Nobody spoke for a long time, and then, as she thanked him, he found himself incapacitated by her words. His breath escaped him and he suddenly realized how much of his life had been spent running from this vampire.
He slowly formed his next words in his mind, checking them against his logic to find if what they meant was really what he believed. After what seemed eons, he found himself speaking them aloud.
"I don't know where I am going in my life, but I know that I want you a part of it. I know neither of us can go back to being lovers, but I feel we can help each other grow, support each other and learn from our past mistakes."
He almost regretted what he was about to say, but he knew that hiding from some things was worse off then facing them directly. This, like many issues with the Elder that stood before him, was one of those things.
"And, I have found another reason to stay," he looked sidelong at Megan, "Océane Émond."
He stoood vigilant, and almost cringed, unsure if the woman would attack him again, in anger, fury, or jealousy.
Megan Björn
19 years ago
Megan gripped the hilt of her sword tightly upon hearing her beloved Océ's name, and for a moment imagined herself using it to strike Xerxes down. In her minds eye she watched his head roll across the floor, his lifeless body crumpling before her feet-- justice, after all this time, finally finding its mark. Then, as quickly as it had come, her fury was gone, replaced with a vision of a hundred faces, looking up to her with questions in their eyes. The faces of those she loved, those who depended on her, and who she depended on in turn. She lifted the katana, and with measured speed, it vanished into a black lacquered scabbard, presumably silenced for the remainder of the night.
"I don't need you,"Â? she said evenly. "Not anymore."Â?
She paused, wrapping the wooden scabbard in a long swatch of red and gold silk, and then holding it firmly at her side.
"If you came here thinking otherwise,"Â? she said, her cold, blue eyes meeting his, "then I'm afraid you were mistaken."Â?
"I don't need you,"Â? she said evenly. "Not anymore."Â?
She paused, wrapping the wooden scabbard in a long swatch of red and gold silk, and then holding it firmly at her side.
"If you came here thinking otherwise,"Â? she said, her cold, blue eyes meeting his, "then I'm afraid you were mistaken."Â?
Xerxes Asha
19 years ago
Xerxes sighed inwardly. He didn't expect much better of a response then he got from the woman - an indication that he knew her better then either liked to admit - but he couldn't be blamed for hoping. Megan was like a mother to Oce, and Xerxes knew that. But, Megan was refusing to see he had changed. He had grown up from the man he once was, the man who ran from his life so many years before, thinking it would solve his problems.
In a way, he considered, it did. If he hadn't ran he may never have realized how important -belonging- could be.
His reflections occured only in his mind, however; his face held no hint of his thoughts. The *shink* of the woman's katana still rang in the air when she spoke of her independence from him.
"I know."
His simple statment made as much impression as the sheathing of her sword, though the deep pitched quality it had countered the higher pitched noise the weapon had made.
"And, for that, I am happy. You couldn't be further from the truth in my reasoning for coming back. I came back not because I thought you needed me, or anyone else did - my dissappearance and subsequent silence had made sure of that."
As he spoke he bent down to pick up his discarded pistol, checked the chamber and, after a satisfied nod, reloaded both weapons. The click of his safety was a quiet way indicated that he, too, had no intention to use his weapons again, at least not against the woman.
He looked back towards Megan and continued.
"No, I came back because I needed you."
He let the statement linger in the air which only made it more powerful.
"You, and others like you, of course. No Megan, I know you are independant and successful beyond comprehension - you don't need me, at least not in the way you think you do. But, I am sure of the fact that I need you. I need your forgiveness and friendship. I need your approval, and, I need your support."
He knew he was telling the woman more then he ever had in his life, though he had spoken with her for hours on end. His statements came from his soul and, he guessed, penetrated to hers, no matter the calm demeanor she maintained.
"I could present the benefits of allowing me to help you and your clan as if I were presenting to a board for review. Or," he paused briefly, "I could just ask for your forgiveness. Ask for a second chance to be someone you care about, someone you trust. A second chance to be the man I should have been the first time."
He smiled slightly, the expression more bittersweet than happy and concluded, "I know I had one chance with you, and I ruined it. I destroyed it as soon as I made the decision to leave. And, although I don't regret what I chose, I know that the alternative, had I stayed, might have made me a better man - both to you and to my kin."
He bowed his head as a show of respect for Megan bth as a woman and as a vampire. He looked up with tears in his eyes, not fully formed but present nonetheless.
In a way, he considered, it did. If he hadn't ran he may never have realized how important -belonging- could be.
His reflections occured only in his mind, however; his face held no hint of his thoughts. The *shink* of the woman's katana still rang in the air when she spoke of her independence from him.
"I know."
His simple statment made as much impression as the sheathing of her sword, though the deep pitched quality it had countered the higher pitched noise the weapon had made.
"And, for that, I am happy. You couldn't be further from the truth in my reasoning for coming back. I came back not because I thought you needed me, or anyone else did - my dissappearance and subsequent silence had made sure of that."
As he spoke he bent down to pick up his discarded pistol, checked the chamber and, after a satisfied nod, reloaded both weapons. The click of his safety was a quiet way indicated that he, too, had no intention to use his weapons again, at least not against the woman.
He looked back towards Megan and continued.
"No, I came back because I needed you."
He let the statement linger in the air which only made it more powerful.
"You, and others like you, of course. No Megan, I know you are independant and successful beyond comprehension - you don't need me, at least not in the way you think you do. But, I am sure of the fact that I need you. I need your forgiveness and friendship. I need your approval, and, I need your support."
He knew he was telling the woman more then he ever had in his life, though he had spoken with her for hours on end. His statements came from his soul and, he guessed, penetrated to hers, no matter the calm demeanor she maintained.
"I could present the benefits of allowing me to help you and your clan as if I were presenting to a board for review. Or," he paused briefly, "I could just ask for your forgiveness. Ask for a second chance to be someone you care about, someone you trust. A second chance to be the man I should have been the first time."
He smiled slightly, the expression more bittersweet than happy and concluded, "I know I had one chance with you, and I ruined it. I destroyed it as soon as I made the decision to leave. And, although I don't regret what I chose, I know that the alternative, had I stayed, might have made me a better man - both to you and to my kin."
He bowed his head as a show of respect for Megan bth as a woman and as a vampire. He looked up with tears in his eyes, not fully formed but present nonetheless.
Megan Björn
19 years ago
In a moment of weakness, Megan allowed Xerxes' tears to reach her, to pierce that fiercely guarded place where she hid herself from the world-- the fortress she had built to defend herself from this very man, and that had served to shield her from countless others. The irony was not lost to her that it was he who might begin to break through that defense. Still, she was not overly concerned just yet. The battlements had held for hundreds of years, and her resolve was stronger than most could imagine. It would take more then this simple show of vulnerability to give cause for her surrender.
"You ask much of me Asha,"Â? she said. "Forgiveness. Second chances. What makes you think I am capable of giving such gifts?"Â?
Her gaze fell away from Xerxes as she walked over to look at the many statues and ceramics that adorned the room. Some of them had been shattered in their previous activities, and she knelt and began to pick up the shards of what had once been a particularly lovely urn.
"Trust,"Â? she said, turning a fragment of the vase in her fingertips, "is a fragile thing. So easily destroyed, and so difficult to repair."Â?
As she moved the porcelain splinter between her fingers, its razor edge snared her flesh, and drew blood. She let it drip freely to the polished museum floor.
"You ask me to renew my faith in you, after all you've done,"Â? she whispered, nearly inaudibly. "Why should your promise of redemption mean anything to me now?"Â?
"You ask much of me Asha,"Â? she said. "Forgiveness. Second chances. What makes you think I am capable of giving such gifts?"Â?
Her gaze fell away from Xerxes as she walked over to look at the many statues and ceramics that adorned the room. Some of them had been shattered in their previous activities, and she knelt and began to pick up the shards of what had once been a particularly lovely urn.
"Trust,"Â? she said, turning a fragment of the vase in her fingertips, "is a fragile thing. So easily destroyed, and so difficult to repair."Â?
As she moved the porcelain splinter between her fingers, its razor edge snared her flesh, and drew blood. She let it drip freely to the polished museum floor.
"You ask me to renew my faith in you, after all you've done,"Â? she whispered, nearly inaudibly. "Why should your promise of redemption mean anything to me now?"Â?
Xerxes Asha
19 years ago
For the very briefest of moments, Xerxes angered flared. All that -I've- done! he thought. But as quickly as it appeared it was quelled and even a moment later forgotten.
This woman had been through much at his expense and he knew that, though he also had never asked her to carry the burden she had.
"I know that my trust has been broken," he began, delicately. This was fragile ground, currently, and, for any relationship between them to work, it must be made into a strong and stable foundation. "And I understand that trust must be built with time. It can be shattered as easily as a vase in a firefight," he indicated the broken pottery that she held even now, "but it is not destroyed beyond repair."
He licked his lips. "And so, for me to prove my change, something that in and of itself has been gradual and a long time coming, I need at least some way to redeem myself, some way to gain back that trust."
He knew what he was asking the woman, and he knew how hard it would be to convince her.
"Yes, I promise change, I promise loyalty. It should mean much to you now because you know me. Better then any other. I do not make promises lightly and I never make a mistake twice. And, of this you can be certain for I tell no lie, leaving you was my biggest mistake. I left the only person that cared for me, that honestly hoped for me. And now," he shook his head in disgust, "After centuries of running from you, I face you and realize the magnitude of my error."
He lifted his arms and turned in a circle slowly, eyes falling on the art around him, "I forgot this, my past. I forgot you, my guide. And, finally, I have come to honor both. To let one die and the other," he smiled, his eyes full of hope, "know how much she means to me."
This woman had been through much at his expense and he knew that, though he also had never asked her to carry the burden she had.
"I know that my trust has been broken," he began, delicately. This was fragile ground, currently, and, for any relationship between them to work, it must be made into a strong and stable foundation. "And I understand that trust must be built with time. It can be shattered as easily as a vase in a firefight," he indicated the broken pottery that she held even now, "but it is not destroyed beyond repair."
He licked his lips. "And so, for me to prove my change, something that in and of itself has been gradual and a long time coming, I need at least some way to redeem myself, some way to gain back that trust."
He knew what he was asking the woman, and he knew how hard it would be to convince her.
"Yes, I promise change, I promise loyalty. It should mean much to you now because you know me. Better then any other. I do not make promises lightly and I never make a mistake twice. And, of this you can be certain for I tell no lie, leaving you was my biggest mistake. I left the only person that cared for me, that honestly hoped for me. And now," he shook his head in disgust, "After centuries of running from you, I face you and realize the magnitude of my error."
He lifted his arms and turned in a circle slowly, eyes falling on the art around him, "I forgot this, my past. I forgot you, my guide. And, finally, I have come to honor both. To let one die and the other," he smiled, his eyes full of hope, "know how much she means to me."
Megan Björn
19 years ago
Megan brought her hand up, and sucked the blood from her fingertip, then watching as the wound sealed itself before her eyes. She sighed, and looked out the nearby window, to the glowing city beyond. If Xerxes meant what he said, he might become a powerful addition to the clan, and she sensed that they would need all the allies they could muster in the coming times. There was darkness on the horizon, and the city grew colder to her each passing night.
As though waking from some dark dream, Megan rose to her feet, looking into Xerxes' eyes from across the room. Her judicious gaze washed over him like a cleansing flame.
"You realize, I cannot offer you power." she said to him. "Blood lines mean little here; you would serve, as we all serve."
As though waking from some dark dream, Megan rose to her feet, looking into Xerxes' eyes from across the room. Her judicious gaze washed over him like a cleansing flame.
"You realize, I cannot offer you power." she said to him. "Blood lines mean little here; you would serve, as we all serve."
Xerxes Asha
19 years ago
Xerxes waited calmly for Megan to sort out her thoughts, no doubt it would take him some time as well. The weight on her shoulders was something that, being independant, he had freed himself from.
As she looked out the window he mood became, if possible, more solemn. Xerxes couldn't imagine what dark thoughts troubled her, though a small shiver ran up his spine regardless. Though he knew she possessed abilities to create illusions he knew she couldn't control temperature and the like. Though, he mused, powerful vampires could sometimes do strange things without even trying; and, she was most definately powerful.
Few lived to be as old as she had and even fewer made it to her place of prestige without being 'replaced.' True, she had power, but it was a power Xerxes would rather not obtain.
"No, my dear Megan. I do not seek power, not the convential type at least. As I am sure you have figured out that even as immortals wealth and position mean little. True, unlike humans, we can retain it longer but for what purpose?"
He flipped his daggers between his hands, twirling them in the air without any real conscious thought and continued.
"No, I do seek power, of a sort. This kind is fostered by close contact with beings of similar character, people that care for each other," he paused thinking of both Oce and Megan, "even love each other."
As she looked out the window he mood became, if possible, more solemn. Xerxes couldn't imagine what dark thoughts troubled her, though a small shiver ran up his spine regardless. Though he knew she possessed abilities to create illusions he knew she couldn't control temperature and the like. Though, he mused, powerful vampires could sometimes do strange things without even trying; and, she was most definately powerful.
Few lived to be as old as she had and even fewer made it to her place of prestige without being 'replaced.' True, she had power, but it was a power Xerxes would rather not obtain.
"No, my dear Megan. I do not seek power, not the convential type at least. As I am sure you have figured out that even as immortals wealth and position mean little. True, unlike humans, we can retain it longer but for what purpose?"
He flipped his daggers between his hands, twirling them in the air without any real conscious thought and continued.
"No, I do seek power, of a sort. This kind is fostered by close contact with beings of similar character, people that care for each other," he paused thinking of both Oce and Megan, "even love each other."
Megan Björn
19 years ago
"Love," Megan said evenly, "is a liability. One I'm not prepared to lose any more sleep over."Â?
She began walking, sword in hand, towards the double doors that had been closed earlier. Reaching out with her mind, she notified the guards waiting outside that she had concluded her business here. The doors swung open, and the two men stepped cautiously into the room. They took in the situation, and were notably relieved to see their employer unharmed.
Before she reached the doors, Megan paused.
"If you believe you can defend your words with action, then I may have a use for you,"Â? she said over her shoulder. She produced a small silver data stick, and tossed it in his direction. "You'll find a temporary security package on that. Your status may change in time, but it is not my decision to make alone."Â?
Megan was about to start again for the doors, but stopped herself one more time, looking darkly to the polished tile floor below her feet.
"Consider this your second chance, my gift to you,"Â? she said ominously. "Do not disappoint me, as there will not be a third."Â?
The two bodyguards swept behind Megan as she walked through the double doors. The three of them, along with the young girl, whose hand Megan held, exited the Museum and got into an elegant black limousine that had been waiting for them out front.
((OOC: Megan Out))
She began walking, sword in hand, towards the double doors that had been closed earlier. Reaching out with her mind, she notified the guards waiting outside that she had concluded her business here. The doors swung open, and the two men stepped cautiously into the room. They took in the situation, and were notably relieved to see their employer unharmed.
Before she reached the doors, Megan paused.
"If you believe you can defend your words with action, then I may have a use for you,"Â? she said over her shoulder. She produced a small silver data stick, and tossed it in his direction. "You'll find a temporary security package on that. Your status may change in time, but it is not my decision to make alone."Â?
Megan was about to start again for the doors, but stopped herself one more time, looking darkly to the polished tile floor below her feet.
"Consider this your second chance, my gift to you,"Â? she said ominously. "Do not disappoint me, as there will not be a third."Â?
The two bodyguards swept behind Megan as she walked through the double doors. The three of them, along with the young girl, whose hand Megan held, exited the Museum and got into an elegant black limousine that had been waiting for them out front.
((OOC: Megan Out))
Xerxes Asha
19 years ago
Xerxes stood, unmoving, and silently watched the woman known as Megan Björn walk away, followed by those that had come to rely on her intelligence and cunning to lead them.
He grinned slightly at the sight, an Ancient holding hands with the child as innocent as she was guilty. He shared a laugh with nobody but himself at her pride as well, bordering dangerously on arrogance. She had come into that room prepared to kill him despite her knowledge of his martial prowess and still, she kept her precious body guards outside. He had to respect her for that, respect her resolve and understanding that the fight between the two of them was just that, between only them.
'But,' he mused, still staring off in her direction, though her form had long ago vanished from view, 'her power is well deserved, her position earned and her pride rooted in skill.' It was for those reasons Xerxes understood her, for was he so different?
He stood there for several minutes, framed in the doorway that until recently had been closed. A doorway opened by Megan, a concept that didn't go unnoticed by the ancient Persian. Finally, he turned with a deep sigh and looked in on the aftermath of their short, but potentially deadly battle.
His clothes were torn and cut, blood from the wounds soaked into his white linen shirt. The room was equally damaged, pottery shattered, bullet holes neatly etched into the walls. Though, he noted with some sastisfaction, like his own wounds the room suffered primarily superficial damage.
Though he visited this quiet room infrequently it held a place of importance in his life. True, the meaning of his past had changed. He no longer dwelled on it. He had finally come to accept his place in the world. He was a vampire. But neither would he forget his roots. He was also Persian and was once a man, born so many centuries before.
Slowly, a grin began to form on his lips, something too rarely seen on the professional. No, he wouldn't forget, and neither would this Sorin. The vampire, the last reminants of his obession of the past would soon face the controlled and focused wrath that is Xerxes Asha.
He had no illusions that the fight would be easy, there would be no reasoning with the man. Either Sorin would be felled beneath his blades or Xerxes would die trying. The vampire was only happy that things had at least been settled with Megan. If he were to die in the inevitable fight at least now he could do it with a mind at rest. He also knew that his chances of survival were higher now, with an inner turmoil he hadn't even recognized now resolved.
He spent several more minutes alone, amidst his past, the reminders of his fight with Megan, and his thoughts. Eventually he slipped away, his steps making no noise as he walked, his passage leaving no trace.
Xerxes Asha was beginning to learn the meaning of home. And, he liked the concept.
((OOC: Xerxes Out))
He grinned slightly at the sight, an Ancient holding hands with the child as innocent as she was guilty. He shared a laugh with nobody but himself at her pride as well, bordering dangerously on arrogance. She had come into that room prepared to kill him despite her knowledge of his martial prowess and still, she kept her precious body guards outside. He had to respect her for that, respect her resolve and understanding that the fight between the two of them was just that, between only them.
'But,' he mused, still staring off in her direction, though her form had long ago vanished from view, 'her power is well deserved, her position earned and her pride rooted in skill.' It was for those reasons Xerxes understood her, for was he so different?
He stood there for several minutes, framed in the doorway that until recently had been closed. A doorway opened by Megan, a concept that didn't go unnoticed by the ancient Persian. Finally, he turned with a deep sigh and looked in on the aftermath of their short, but potentially deadly battle.
His clothes were torn and cut, blood from the wounds soaked into his white linen shirt. The room was equally damaged, pottery shattered, bullet holes neatly etched into the walls. Though, he noted with some sastisfaction, like his own wounds the room suffered primarily superficial damage.
Though he visited this quiet room infrequently it held a place of importance in his life. True, the meaning of his past had changed. He no longer dwelled on it. He had finally come to accept his place in the world. He was a vampire. But neither would he forget his roots. He was also Persian and was once a man, born so many centuries before.
Slowly, a grin began to form on his lips, something too rarely seen on the professional. No, he wouldn't forget, and neither would this Sorin. The vampire, the last reminants of his obession of the past would soon face the controlled and focused wrath that is Xerxes Asha.
He had no illusions that the fight would be easy, there would be no reasoning with the man. Either Sorin would be felled beneath his blades or Xerxes would die trying. The vampire was only happy that things had at least been settled with Megan. If he were to die in the inevitable fight at least now he could do it with a mind at rest. He also knew that his chances of survival were higher now, with an inner turmoil he hadn't even recognized now resolved.
He spent several more minutes alone, amidst his past, the reminders of his fight with Megan, and his thoughts. Eventually he slipped away, his steps making no noise as he walked, his passage leaving no trace.
Xerxes Asha was beginning to learn the meaning of home. And, he liked the concept.
((OOC: Xerxes Out))