Topic: A Package For Lord Ravenlock

Giminicka

Date: 2006-11-25 03:21 EST
'Yotsuba's Cake Shoppe' in the Market Place......not a finer establishment in Rhydin could truly be named for the freshest, most scrumptious breads and the sweetest delicacies in the land. The excellent reputation of the business and their renowned recipes would tempt the most bland of eaters to gorge themselves with exotic cake frostings and delectable pie crusts.

As it would happen, early this morning, as the sun was peeking its golden face above the thick clouds to herald in a new dawn, it could be noticed that there was a foreign object outside of the main entrance to the Shoppe". Yes indeed.......a well wrapped package was neatly placed outside of the main door and left in plain site of whomever came early to open this respectable "house of treats".

The wrapping was a muted ivory in color, prepared nicely with a tight crimson bow. A small, folded card was attached to the box with simple ribbon. Written in green ink, with an evidently shaky hand, it read: "To Lord Brian Ravenlock, a close and esteemed friend of the Scathachian Nation?

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-11-28 08:01 EST
The morning was like any other for little Yotsuba Urashima, as the green haired youth awoke from a restful slumber to start the new day. Semi awaken jade hues panned her room a moment, while her mouth lazily 'smacked' a few times, handsand arms then went into motion, as she then rose from the comfiness that washer pillow topped futon.

A yawn that would make a hippo proud soon followed, and up went the small name sake, as her daily routine commenced. Her face washed, teeth brushed to ivory perfection, as she then commenced to dressing for the day. Her garment of choice was the same as always during the work week, which consisted of something akin to a mini swiss miss outfit, that by the way was rather hard to pull off. Especially given all of the exotic types that worked the market place, still the small Japanese girl pulled it off adorably, and the small angel wings that adorned her back when wearing said outfit, just screamed at customers. But we digress..

Father Urashima was already up, and had the ovens fired and raring. Truth be told, he had been up a few hours, and was already hard at work, as was Mother Urashima in the store room. The aroma of freshly baked breads, pastries and freshly brewed coffee of various kinds wafted from the kitchen, and serving counters, and soon began to escape the windows of the Shoppe.

The sun was just breaking over the opposite side of the square and began to signal a new day for the market, as it literally began to come to life. In accordance with her usual routine little Yotsuba grabbed her broom, and a small pale of water and ladel and set about to 'cleanse' the front door, that was until she saw a small package settled on the door step of the famous Sweet Shoppe. Jade eyes blinked a few times, as her broom, bucket and ladle were set aside. The youngster leaned a bit, and recognized the name on the package, and quickly with no hesitation scooped it up and headed back inside.

On the opposite end of the spectrum the morning wasn't so bright and shiny for one Brian Ravenlock, as he was trying as hard as he could to stay in bed next to his beloved Jenai. Blue eyes fluttered open a bit, as Brian then slipped carefully from the silken sheets and carefully padded over towards their balcony window, all the while silently cursing late nights, the rash of activity in his newfound quarry, and the sun for daring to creep into their window and try to disturb he and Jenai in the comfort they shared in one another's arms.

Sometimes, this was the only time the two could truly spend time together, especially given how hectic it had been with the murders, and Isuelt's arrest and more so, and Brian would be damned if the sun would impede on his 'Jentime'. So balcony window closed, and extra heavy curtains lowered, as he snickered in content a moment.

"Take that...Mess with my quality time, will ya...Tax fattened hy—"

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-11-28 08:02 EST
Turning once more, Brian's words were simply caught. There truly was no other way to put it, as he watched his beloved nestled in a content slumber in their bed. A warm sappy type smile took hold, as Bri stood there for a few moments, and silently regarded what was easily the most amazing thing that entered his life ever. Gods she was a sight to behold in all she did, and this was easily a testament to that fact, as Bri was captivated. Gently he sat on the bed, and settled back into the covers. His hand gently reaching and settling aside flame kissed locks, as he leaned to her, placing a soft kiss upon her head and whispering a quiet declaration just for her.

He knew these last few weeks had been tough on her, and tough on them. Even as much as they wanted to leave town for a time, or just to be alone for a while, it seemed circumstance was not on their side at the moment, and was not willing to let go of them just yet. He had promised her a trip, and they were set to go, and once again it had to be shelved. Still, they faced it headlong together as always and knew sometimes this would be the case. Given what happened the last few weeks, Brian was thankful to no end for the time they shared during the evening when each came home, which was more time than they had spent together before she moved some of her things into the loft and spent more time there.

Still, he knew this was hard on her, on him and on many others that were caught up in the machinations of someone bent on causing some serious chaos that seemed to centre around the Daughters of Scathatch, and possibly those close to them. Brian knew each had their part in this effort to try to lift the mask from the face of this 'thing' and give name to it, still no one had anything at present, save the hairs Brian found at each scene, and truth be told that could be anything, he would not know until he made contact with young Garet Jax, who was currently in the employee of one Lady Myllyanna, and the University of Rhy'din. With any luck, Garet may be able to possibly find something within the samples that Brian missed..

Still that was all set aside for the moment, as Brian wrapped his arms around his beloved, and held her closely. A soft sigh of pure contentment escaped his lips, as the elder Ravenlock began to drift once more...That was until he heard that ever familiar voice coming from the stairs, and knock on their door.

"Raven-sama!! Raaaaaaven-sama!! Ohaiyo! You have a package, it was left at the front door. I'll leave it here for you, and tell Ane-san Jenai I said good morning and I have muffins! Bye!"

The sound of feet quickly descending the stairs was heard, as Bri groaned softly and once more detatched himself from Jenai, mind you quite under duress. Padding over to the door, Brian opened it and looked down to the package at his feet. Quickly it was snagged in hand, door closed and once more Bri was padding his way back to the bed, as he looked to the card with a raised brow. His eyes panned to his beloved in her slumber a moment, and to the package once more. He decided to make for their coffee table, and take a seat and examine the package further. Slowly, he proceeded to open said package with no real idea of what may be inside...

Giminicka

Date: 2006-11-29 00:04 EST
As Lord Brian Ravenlock unwrapped the mysterious gift, the ribbon effortlessly came away from the box. After he lifted off the lid, Brian saw that lying across a luxuriant foundation of crimson material, was a single white rose. Beneath the plump flower, as he removed it, was a neatly folded piece of silk. The material was hued a deep crimson.

As the supple embrace of the silk wrapping was peeled away, a small ebony hinge-box was noticed. The box was not locked, so when it was carefully opened, the horrific contents were clearly visible against its dark interior.

Lying within the center of this container, neatly arranged for Lord Ravenlock, was a pair of ferociously severed human lips. The surrounding perioral tissue was neatly cleaved and stained with dried heme. Thick black sutures, like a nest of winding serpents, tightly sewed the lips together as a symbol of blissful silence.

Lying next to the grisly gift was a folded ivory card. Inscribed in brash green ink, with the same shaky handwriting, the words flowed with a demented ring which reeked of the overtoned voices of the insane. The poetic note callously read as follows:



"If only I could whisper, in your noble ear If only my sealed lips, could chase away your fear.

At The IronHelm they'll find me, hanging from a wall My dark eyes may be mangled, but I can still see you all.

So when you find the rest of me, and I'm quite sure that you will Before you vow lawful vengeance, take a look under the window's sill.

Perhaps in the cold slaughter, you will stumble upon a new clue You may yet still solve the riddle, that death has left for you.

What is left behind may sing a tale, of my next victim's inevitable fate The piercing screams of an infant, as its flesh is devoured with hate.

Though you help the Sisters struggle, against this onslaught on the rise You, my friend, can not prevent who lives and who ultimately dies.

But as you quickly run forth to protect the city, please remember this well I still have my mind on your little Jenai, and with a kiss I will take her to Hell.

Anon"

Jenai Ravenlock

Date: 2006-11-29 10:47 EST
Normally Jen slipped into deep sleep when ever the opportunity presented itself. With all that had been going on, those moments were far and few between now. As deftly and quietly as he moved, the sound of the voice at the door and the all becoming all too familiar groan of one Disgruntled Brian as he had just settled back in with her.

The hidden smile slipped away as her love withdrew.

An ever soft shift amongst the sheets, she rubbed her face along the pillow that still carried his scent. Lilac eyes watched across the distance as He took a seat and an interest in a box? There was no way that in this time and date that something like that would bring a smile as easily as it used to. And the expression that grew on his handsome face left little room for even a grin from her as she watched lifting herself to her elbows under a tumble of flame red waves.

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-11-29 11:08 EST
Horrified" Shocked" Digusted" Scared as hell" No, not in this lifetime...Brian carefully regarded the 'gift', and card the accompanied. Whoever sent this, must not have known what he and his dealt with the last year since his return, and more so before then. Then again, maybe they did.

Blue eyes narrowed a bit, as he set the box down gently, and took the card in hand, and quietly recited the poem bit by bit...It was when he got to the last part, the part that referred to his beloved that emotion came to bear, and anger took hold for a moment of three. Still, he kept himself in check.

This meant a great deal of things. Foremost, his actions had not gone unnoticed, which is what he was aiming for, second he and Jenai's location was no longer as secret as they once thought, and both were being watched it seemed. Still, he felt annoyed more than anything, and once more looked to the card. With the softest of whispers, Brian spoke.

"I will send you to hell you heartless, bitch...If I don't I'll be there to watch.."

A pause, as he carefully regarded the card yet again, and the box. His ears had heard his beloved stir in their bed, and as much as he didn't want to, he knew it was impossible to try to protect her from this, to do so would be an insult to her and her incredible abilities. Brian knew whatever came at them would have to deal with them both, together. He knew she would not try to keep him from anything either, and in turn he would not do the same.

A loving smile, as he set the card down, and rose from the table. Padding over to Jen, he leaned to the bed and offered the sweetest of kisses to that which he adored above all others, and to boot offered a few more kisses.

"It is time to wake, my heart. It seems someone has called upon us yet again, and this time I think it is a bit...personal. I will start some coffee, and ready the shower. We can bathe, and then have a look see at what they left for us. I have a feeling this may be what we were waiting for."

Another kiss offered, and off the Raven went. Coffee started, the shower followed soon after. So the day began as any other, save the gruesome package and cryptic message. Why, though' Why react in this manner? It was simple, truthfully. Brian would be damned if anyone would ruin his morning with Jenai, and would make sure every morning they spent together was in this manner. Regardless of what was left for them, regardless of what was happening, it didn't matter. So maybe this was not the reaction the sender had anticipated...Then again, the day was just starting, and there was plenty of time in the day yet left to react.

Jenai Ravenlock

Date: 2006-11-29 12:36 EST
She smiled and purr a happy little note to each of his kisses and slipped into a stretch along the length of the bed as he spoke.

"It is time to wake, my heart. It seems someone has called upon us yet again, and this time I think it is a bit...personal. I will start some coffee, and ready the shower. We can bathe, and then have a look see at what they left for us. I have a feeling this may be what we were waiting for."

"Can we change our number?" she sat up swinging her still deeply tanned legs over the bed and threw back the sheets with a sigh. Calling calling" their vacation was calling. Thankfully the early morning activities from down stairs left the floor warm with rising heat.

As she heard him start the coffee, she pushed her toes into the bunny slippers. She loved them. As she wiggled her feet she watched the ears flop. Awe the simple things. She would still enjoy them. She lifted her voice just enough to reach him across the loft as she got to her feet. The bunny slippers alone would be her choice of clothing this morning.

"A bit personal" When is it not personal?" she had not heard his whisper, nor did she have an idea what was in the box as she gave it one more glance passing through to enjoy a long shower. She stood in the doorway to the bathroom, shaking out the crazy bed-head as he had started the water.

If they were getting gifts here" she knew they should see what santa "claws? left on the Sanctuary steps.

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-11-29 16:10 EST
"Can we change our number?"

"I wish it were that easy love o' mine, but you know they would still find us, such as our lot in this life. I'll ready the water, and meet ya in the bath."

"A bit personal" When is it not personal??

"Point taken, baby."

The water was readied and waiting, as Bri went back into the living area of the loft and grabbed some fresh towels, allowing Jen time to scoot inside and get comfy. Another wary glance was sent towards the box, and card before he his steps took him to the bathroom once more. Granted he wouldn't let the card or 'gift' get to them, it still caused some concern. Especially, if other gifts were being passed about the city.

So a bit of time, and one incredible shower later, Brian found himself in the living area dressing once more, and watching Jen a moment. His boots laced up, he then poured two fresh cups of joe, and grabbed a couple of muffins, and made for the table once more, setting each out and awaiting Jenai so they may discuss their next move.

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-11-29 23:02 EST
<<Adapted from Live Play 11292006>>

Setting the coffee down for Jen, Brian smiled and watched his beloved quietly, and absently fingered the card once more, pondering the words and what may follow, for the moment however that again was tossed aside, as he admired his beloved once more.

"Gods I could watch you forever, and a day."

She pulled a t-shirt over her head as she walked towards the box and gave him a grin as she shook out her wet hair. "And just a day....I could watch you forever and two days!" She sent him a wink as she took her coffee cup.

"Point taken, love. So let's have a look see...It seems someone has sent us a pair of lips, and how cute...They are stitched, no less. We also got this rather cryptic card, but I digress, have a look see. Maybe you can find something in this."

Shoving the small box towards her, as he too sipped his coffee and offered a faint smile. It would be just like he and Jenai to have breakfast talk over body parts and threats. Jenai lifted a brow just as she was about to take a sip. "Lips" Lips."Finishing her sip and with the other hand flipped open the box.

The note now in hand, she skimmed it with her eyes quickly, a brow lifting then a snort as she finished. "Well it's nice to think someone kept us in mind this holiday season."She pushed back the folds of crimson until she saw the sewn together lips and curled her own in to a distasteful sneer. "Well that is kinda gross, baby. Were any of the bodies missing them?"

"None as of yet, the female was missing a tongue....Her other parts were located, and the man was whole...The brothers didnt lose any lips either, yet the note says I will find the owner somewhere."

A ponderful look, as he reached down and set all of his paperwork on the table as well, autopsy reports, police diagrams and his own work as well. "Hmmmm.. She then fingered the crimson silk as she set down her coffee long enough to pick up her breakfast muffin. "Well I guess we'll find out soon enough....but why lips...sewn shut. I could think of why "I" would send that....but....maybe it's to mean the kiss part?"

"Kerri says it is a woman, and I am inclined to believe her. We found similar strands of red hair, more auburn on closer inspection, each had a distinct compound on it, I asked Garet Jax, the young man who is working with Lady Myllyanna, to see what he could find out by using the Universities resources. Kiss of death maybe? No idea."

Nodding Jenai licked crumbs from her fingers and answered. "Or to shut up.....Well, I mean them. I don't know."

"So far, we have two different MOs and a great deal of rage. I did find the strands of hair at each scene as well. Other than that, I am flying on speculation, but I know for a fact someone has an ax to grind against your sister's and you and in turn all of us now. The infant remark is left field...No idea there. But they are telling us where the next body is, and where my next clue is. No doubt it is a trap of some kind...But then again, when has that stopped you and I?"

Smirking she can't help but chuckle just a little and reached over tucking and closing the....present. "I think you're right baby. I mean if they go thru this much trouble to throw us a party....we should go. But I would like to stop by the Sanctuary first....I was wondering what they possibly left there...."

"I agreed, baby...Chances are, if they know of us and found us here, they know about everyone else, possibly my sister, and Lucky, Icer and more...Also.." His voice taking a more somber tone.

"I'm sorry.."

She stopped as she went to pick up her coffee, blinked and took her hand away. She turned to face him and tenderly places her hands to cup is face. On her knees she just could think of nothing more then giving him one long sweet heartfelt kiss with a touch of sigh. Her own answer soft and gentle.

"You did nothing wrong love. nothing. This is something against me and mine....and since you are a part of mine...you have been dragged into this."

Blue eyes closed with that kiss, as a hand lifted and caressed her cheek softly. They opened and settled upon her warmly, as he remained that close to her.

"Love, I am not sorry for this...Whatever comes our way, no matter who it is directed at, I am at your side always...I honour your goddess, and stand with her daughters in any way I can, simply because of the blessings she has set upon me through herself and her children, and the love you and I share every moment. I am sorry for the fact, we have yet to find our time...I swear to you, on all I am...We WILL find that time, Jenai...I do not care what I have to do to get it...We will go away, and take all the time we want to live as we see fit...When this is over, let the world ask where we went, and let them wonder, cause we won't be around to answer."

"Brian..." A more serious look took hold upon her face. "I have been thinking."

"Thinking?"

"I know, it's dangerous....but yes."

"No silly, I mean what about?"



"Good after we do that, I will head to the location specified in this poem an see what I can find."

Jenai leaned back in the cushions, having a huge sigh and stretch. They had such a busy day ahead of them already. This would mean some serious fun later. She let her mind drift to Issy as she got to her feet and went to find a pair of low ride-jeans to wriggle into and snagged her boots. She sat on the table top and just watched him a while.

Brian watched her with a smile, and regarded the book once more. He knew this had been tough and would continue to be tough on them, but he knew so long as they faced it together and head on, they would be jake.

"gods I love you, Jenai."

"And I love you too. Deeply."

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-11-29 23:04 EST
She bit her lower lip and reached over to the corner of the sofa, and right tucked against it was a weathered plain, unnamed book with frayed ends of a few ribbon page markers framing the bottom.

"I want to teach you some things....things most would never know."

"About you?" His eyes followed her and looked to the book a moment, and then to her once more.

"No...Scathach."

"One of my favorite teachers and priestess at the island gave that to me on my 10th birthday. well what we called my birthday."

"Really' I'd love to learn...I mean it. I want to know all I can. I feel...Well I feel I need to in some way, and I want to know all of your world, and have you know mine. Your birthday' I see." His eyes follow to the book once more.

"You can read this, it's very...basic. I'm sorry. But there is so much information. And we can talk about more. Well if you want that is. I just want this to be the first step into opening more of my world that's seeming to draw you into it."

Brian's eyes softened a moment, as he eyed Jenai and the book...He recalled 'talks' he shared with what he believed was a listening goddess inside the Sanctuary, thanking her for the blessing that was and is Jenai, and her sisters, for the second chance he recieved, and for the newfound freedom he felt, and shared with them.

He knew she was in fact there, he knew she truly did love her daughters, and wanted to know more, yet he didn't truly know how to come across with it, it was strange enough he was living among them, especially in a time when many sisters would have openly objected to such an arrangement, yet this group of her daughters allowed him into their lives, good and bad. He decided then and there he would truly learn of her world, more earnestly than ever, truly he wanted to share in all she would allow, and more so.

"Jen...I want to, and thank you. I will read, and we can talk too. Baby, thank you. This means a lot to me, more than you know."

"Just a thought love." Her voice softened as she actually turned a shade of red, she had not done that in ages. Sipping her coffee once more, her attention drifted to the box and her mind started working once again.

"A grand one....And when we finish this, when we really do so, I want to take you to my home, my true home...Tyrsis and Tantegel...I want you to see what I came from. A step at a time, yeah?"

"Yeah." Chuckling she looked back to him.

"So I guess, we head back to the Sanctuary and see what else may have popped up?"

"Popped up, cut off....yes."

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-11-29 23:48 EST
Brian pondered a moment, and once more a somewhat somber look took hold, as he regarded his beloved.

"Jenai" Are we wrong" I mean am I wrong" Or maybe selfish?"

"Wrong" About what?" She gave him a confused look.

"About wanting time away with you.."

"It's like, I dont care anymore. I will do anything, I just want a normal life with you. I know we each have some work to do...But...Outside of that, I just want time with you." His voice softening once more..

"So bad.."

Lilacs blinked a few times, and looked to him once more. "No, never. Baby.." She gave a little defeated sigh and continued. "Thats all I have been wanting. We have been so busy with everyone else, that...I feel there are still very important parts of us, we, that we have been not letting grow, neglecting.."

Tiki jumped her lazy fuzzy butt out of the kitty condo and passed thru the room towards her dish. Jen snagged the cat nip bag and threw it her way letting it buzz by her and make her jump and scatter after it across the tile. Well scatter after an evil look to Jenai and then making up her own mind that she "wanted" to play with it, that was.

"I agree baby, I feel there are parts of us that need to grow, and I want that time for us." Kairee has said we have a home in Appleburg...I was thinking, maybe we could live on that farm, and just take our sweet time."

"As soon as this is over...."

An affirmed nod in reply.

"As soon as this passes."

Nodding she set her empty cup down and crawled into his lap, keeping him from getting ready as he offered warm smile to her, while his arms wrapped around that which he loved to no end, a soft kiss planted to her cheek.

"You are all I need."

As he held her she gave him smile, one saved just for him and ran her fingers along his cheek.

"And you, mine. And soon we will be on that farm....relaxing."

She just thought about that.

"I've...never been on a farm farm. I don't know anything about...farming" Are we going to have to do...Farm stuff"!"

Brian laughed lightly, and kissed her head gently. "It's an old farm, it isnt in use anymore. But we can have a garden if you like, and plenty of room for the monkey and rock lizard."

"Oh yeah."

"I am sure Tiki would have a blast." Blue eyes settling on the cat a moment, and then back to Jen as he continued. "It is settled in an apple orchard as well."

"Okay...I'm not milking anything.."

"With a small lake, and stables. It's aways from the castle towne. An don't worry baby, I can milk em."

Jenai snickered a bit, and grinned. "They have cows" I can see you being my milk sop!"

"Baby, Im yer bullet sponge and meat shield remember?"

"And I'm your bullet plucker and meat patcher..."

Brian laughed loudly, and smiled to her yet again. A soft kiss was then placed upon her lips, as his hand caressed her cheek.

"We need to head out, let's pack up and head for the Sanctuary, maybe we can find out something there."

So up they went, and packed they did. They then headed down the stairs, and spoke with Yotsuba's parents, who by the way were of the Shinto, and made sure to bless the building and grounds once more, to be on the safe side.

So off Bri and Jen went once more, into whatever life would chuck at them, save this time the life of a loved one hung in the balance. Isuelt still jailed, more possibly to die, loved ones being watched, and Lord knows what else. Still, Brian and Jenai joked and laughed, smiled and kissed, nuzzled and whispered lovingly.

It was what they were, and it was what they would always want to be, no one could change that...Perhaps this gift sender had no real idea, of what the Relucant one, and the daughter of Scathatch truly shared...With any luck, that oversight might very well be the difference in the balance that was this game of chaos.