Topic: Queen of the Coven

Angel of Death

Date: 2012-12-30 22:53 EST
*Warning! This storyline contains graphic violence, language and intense scenes that may be disturbing to some readers.*

Snow lazily drifted down across the coven grounds from a cloudy gray sky. It wasn't the prettiest of winter days, but none the less still held its charm. The morning had been spent filling the kitchen of their home with sweets. Cookies, cakes and a few chocolate treats fit to burst from colorful tins with stacks of ribbons near by. "Come along, Angel. I think we have made enough of a mess. You are covered in sugar and a bath will do us both some good." Chuckling as she lifted Angel from the bar stool to set her on the slate tiled floor. "Run along and get your bathrobe. I'll start the bath." A few of her own crimson curls shimmered with sugar. Cheeks sprinkled with flour and only the gods could guess where the sprinkles had jimmied into. Shaking her head as Angel scampered off in a cloud of flour dust, maybe tonight was a good night to order out for dinner.

"Can we make it a bubble bath, mommy' Besides, I can't wait for daddy to come home! He has to try our new cookies!" Grabbing her stuffed bunny from his perch, who was no less sugary, Angel raced off for her bedroom leaving a small shimmer of white haze floating in the air. She couldn't wait to tell daddy all about what they had made and who was going to get it. Her hand writing wasn't very good still, but maybe she could talk him into helping her write names on the tags. That is if she remembered to ask. "Maybe you should have a bath too." Setting her stuffed bunny up on her bed and patting some of the sugar off of him. Angel's nose wrinkling up in a giggle at the idea of bunny in a bubble bath. Pink bathrobe pulled down from its hook and in hand as she headed for the bathroom hearing the water already running. Half way down the hall it came with force, the sound of something heavy hitting the wooden floor. Halting for a moment, Angel timidly called out. "Mommy' Mommy did you drop the bubbles in the tub again? Mommy?" She was hoping it was nothing, that mommy just couldn't hear her over the running water. Trying to be a brave little girl, she rounded the door frame into the bathroom. Her feet came out from under her forcing her to fall straight to her bum, Angel looked around. Hands and feet covered in red sticky liquid as confusion claimed the features of her innocent face. Purple eyes looked up to see her mother held by the throat and the vampire Bree smiling down at her.

Miranda Branson

Date: 2012-12-30 22:55 EST
The front of Miranda's green dress now brown with the mix of red. She could feel each of Bree's fingers hold firm to her ribs, trying to keep her from fighting. Each breath was harder than the last as blood trailed down her neck from a tattered gash just behind her collar bone. The mixture of cold air and exposed nerves causing the sensation of burning flesh to roll down her spine. Seeing Angel's scared face only made her gather more will to do something so she could run. Bree was not one to give more than an inch, but as soon as she, Miranda would take it. Even if it cost her own life at least it would mean Angel kept hers.

"Hello there my darling." Bree simpered while her fingers danced along Miranda's ribs enjoying the feel of blood and bone. The beat of such a weak heart nearly in her palm. "Your mommy was kind enough to let me in." Moving her shoulder aside to show the window that had been pulled from its frame. Snow and cold seeping into the room without mercy. "One day you will understand and be grateful for what I have done. We will play tea party forever. A queen and a princess." Pearl fangs pulled at her pink bottom lip trying to hold back from biting Miranda. The heavy scent of blood making her mouth water. No matter how long the centuries it pulled at the most primal parts of her being. It was beyond delightful to watch the innocence drain from Angel's face. The tears almost palatable. "Soon enough I will drag your halo around your neck, dear heart." Taking a step towards the little girl to hear her racing heart better. "Pull you from the cloud of protection your mother foolishly kept you in and make you new." Simpering those last words with delicate trills like a lullaby. Deep in its haunting melody to keep this child forever in darkness. One hand palm out reached for Angel as if to offer her the world and in the process Bree's thin fingers lost their grasp of Miranda's ribs.

As Bree's fingers came loose from around Miranda's ribs, she rolled her hips sharply back in an attempt to topple the unknowing vampire. Eyes burning with the fires of her forge, every ounce of strength being poured into this one move. Feeling her ribs struggle against her lungs, she shouted anyway. "Angel run!" The women started to tumble back towards what had once been a window. Miranda fought to straddle Bree, buying Angel time.

Scrambling back at her mother's yell, Angel found her own shadow waiting. Enveloped in it's dark folds was like being tucked in to her bed by her parents taking her to the place in her mind. Before she was even out the other side, her scream came. Greeted by the darkness with no reply. Tears rolled down her ashen cheeks. Gasping while the shadow spat her out on the floor only to scream again. Coughing and trying not to be sick, Angel held tight to her stuffed bunny as she called out, "Auntie Fi!"

Fiona ONeill

Date: 2012-12-30 23:11 EST
Fiona sat in her office nestled within the halls of Demon House on the coven grounds. The scream of a little girl went straight to her heart. Book cast aside to a nearby table, Fiona moved swiftly to the source only to find Angel in a horrible state. "Darling, what has happened?"

"Mommy." Sobbing as she tried to hold onto her stuffed rabbit. Dress, hands and feet all coated in blood. Coughing and gasping as she stared blankly at the air between them. Fiona's words seemed so distant. From the depths of fear came that fanged smiling face. "Bree." Face falling into her hands as Angel rocked on the floor. In her heart, she figured if Angel looked like this, she would be terrified to see Miranda, knowing that she would fight to the death to save Angel no matter what it cost. Needing more answers in order to keep Angel and everyone on the coven grounds safe, Fiona placed her hands on the little girl's shoulders, slowly easing her to look up at her face. "Where are they, love?"

Feeling Fiona's hands upon her still didn't stop the world from spinning. Even though her Aunt's words were tender they brought the terror of the moment back in force. Sobbing harder thinking somehow it was her fault, "We..we...were at home and mommy said I needed a....bath." Cheeks and eyes red with the effort of crying. Hiccuping between breaths.

Fiona quickly scooped up Angel from the floor holding her close to her. She rarely would use her abilities so blatantly in front of others, but she did not care about putting up a public appearance in a time like this. Drawing the mist around them and walking through whatever stood in their way. They were instantly coming out of her silvery mist in the security station in Demon House. Fiona quickly explained the situation and explaining that this was to be considered highest security threat to the coven. As quickly as she made her appearance, she faded into her mist once again, going to each of the main houses on the grounds, reporting to the security. She saw to the secret guardians of the estate; knights laying in wait in the Houses and stone soldiers hidden deep underground in the catacombs activated to defend the grounds and its inhabitants. This would be the first time it would need to come to this and she prayed it would be the last. Finally, she emerged from her mist to the Academy and spoke with security there. Soon, the entire estate would be filled with defensive protectors. All of the time, she held Angel close to her. She fought the urge to go and fight against Bree, but she knew that, above all else, Miranda would want her to protect the two things most dear to her ? Angel and the coven. She would do her duty' for Miranda. Angel clung to Fiona coating her in a layer of her mother's blood. All the little girl could do was weep and pull at the fabric of the banshee's dress. Not even her beloved stuffed bunny could bring comfort as fear consumed her. When the silver hound appeared at Fiona's side, unwilling to leave them alone for even a moment, Angel cried all the harder. Wailing into her aunt's chest, unable to express the pain and terror that consumed her.

Kruger

Date: 2012-12-30 23:37 EST
Morgan had an odd feeling as he loomed over paperwork. Everything was far too quiet, and when he was alerted by security, his suspicions were secured. He shot up, his black pants and red dress shirt fluttering as he shifted around his desk and plucked a silver rose from a basket beside the door. As he stepped out of the room it morphed into a blade, Morgan's green and gold eyes narrowing and fixing on the nearest window. The best way out was down, so he threw it open. Morgan headed first for the cabin, where his priority lied. Checking on Miranda and Angel was the only thing that could calm his nerves so that he could focus on searching the rest of the coven. The blade split and the second half was taken in his other hand as he approached the front of the cabin rounding towards the back to check the perimeter first.



***** ***** *****



The smith laughed as he fought to walk, two weights on his ankles. The twins Timmy and Tommy were clinging to his legs pretending to be a pair of cement shoes. "We mean ta make ya sleep wif da fishes Anvil...you shoulda thrown that last match." Kruger laughed mockingly at the twins and walked onward. "You'll never stop The Anvil, I will do as I like and your no match for me!" He shot a wink across to the student who had volunteered time with the children as part of her course work. The boys seemed to have a fascination with organized crime as of late. Kruger couldn't really fault them since he knew others liked to play pirate. To him it was no difference between the two. A thump on the door brought him up short though, bending down to disengage from the boys who had been just as startled. Kruger looked out to find a large gray wolf hound next to a security guard banging on the door to the daycare. It shot in between the man's legs and scrutinized all the children before departing quickly. Its child wasn't here. The smith shot wide eyes at the dog and then looked at that intern. "Watch them!" It was a command and he had no clue what if anything the girl might have said. His hand quickly snatched up his weapons belt, hidden away from little hands and he was out into the corridor on his way towards Miranda's since he knew Angel was supposed to be with her all day.

Miranda Branson

Date: 2012-12-30 23:39 EST
Mint green eyes hazed with pain as one sensation rolled over the other. For all the world nothing made sense as she tried to get something out of the vile woman. "You know you are going to end up dead." Forcing a smile as she felt her icy fingers grace her back. Quickly that cold was turned on her ankles and pulled tight. Her body being pulled into the air. Breath hanging in front of her face as her own blood mingled with her hair. Where those flowers? Bree's fingers traced the pads of Miranda's feet, trailing down to her legs. This was going to be hell for a while, but she was not about to give up. Mint green eyes finding a matching pair staring back under her battered self.

Bree softly sang while dragging Miranda from the cabin to the shade garden of mage house. The trail should be clear enough for Morgan to follow. Licking her fingers along the way, Miranda's blood was tasty if a bit gamey with fear. "I am already dead and will claim what is my pet." Once safely in the darkness of the garden, Bree could move freely. Wrapping the lacings from Miranda's corset around her ankles and pulling her up the heavy limbs of the aged tree she watched her swing like a slab of meat. "I always get what I want." Hearing the first drop of Miranda's blood hit the reflecting pool below, sweetly fingers trailed down Miranda's calves digging into her thighs and shredding her skirt. Fresh blood raced to greet the bitter air. "What a delightful smell." Leaning down to lick at one of the claw marks while her fingers wrapped around Miranda's ribs again, twisting, just to try and make her scream.

Kruger

Date: 2012-12-30 23:42 EST
"No."



Seeing their home torn open and the coating of blood made Morgan's blood boil. Each of Angel's handprints made in her mother's blood weighed heavy on his heart. Seeing the trail he wasted no time. Moving with grace, Morgan hunted like a mad man. He looked towards the gardens of mage house, a bit of rage building as he clutched the blades, knuckles going white while he moved. Without fear he continued his charge, hell bent on making Bree feel as much pain as had put Angel through and what pain she was causing Miranda. Pausing before the entrance to the shade garden, he looked around the side of the stone column and gritted his teeth. Seeing blood coming from Miranda only ignited what little restraint he had over his rage. Stepping around the corner, clutching to the blades in his hand he shouted to the vampiress loud enough to draw others attention, "That is enough, Bree!" The green was almost gone in his eyes, gold building as he glared at Bree's figure. "Let her go. Your fight isn't with her, it's with me."

***** ***** *****

The dog was ahead of Kruger as he moved with speed to keep up with the long limber canine. It had picked up on his thought he watched it making an almost straight line towards Miranda's place. He urged himself onward closing the distance between the dog, and inevitably the house. He hit the doorway as he heard Morgan's bellow, the dog however slipped through between him and the door frame and bounded off towards the bathroom. The smith didn't need any other signal. Trailing after the hound, his eyes took in the tiny blood hand prints leading out of the bathroom which could only have belonged to Angel. Smears in the pool of blood telling of Miranda's struggle to buy time in front of the splintered window frame. The weight of the room banishing winter's kiss from his skin. There was more than hell to pay for this day and he would see to it. The smith was still just behind the dog and watched as they barreled into the gardens of mage house. Watching the hound launched itself, teeth exposed in an attempt to bite at the vampire's clawing hand. Hammers flew from loopholes in the belt with a spinning flourish. "Welcome back to the coven...any particular place you would prefer we bury you?" His teeth were clenched as he said it, his eyes looking to the bloody mess of the one he called sister.

Fiona ONeill

Date: 2012-12-30 23:44 EST
Miranda watched as Morgan, then Kruger, came to her aid. Mint green eyes pleaded with them both to keep each others backs. Bree was not one for tricks or sheer skill. Miranda's face struggled to be calmed at the sound of one of her own ribs cracking. Gasping and fighting with herself to be still. Miranda couldn't tell if it was sweat or blood in her eyes anymore. She only wanted them to come out of this alive.

"It is never enough." Delicate fingers slipped between muscle to grab hold of bone. She could feel Miranda's heartbeat in the wound. Slowly her fingers turned. "I have always hoped to fight with you. It makes the evenings enjoyable and the sleepless days full of want. You will look much better after you turn again." Smiling at Morgan as the breaking rib sounded off. Eyes never taking notice of Kruger. "Thank you for the welcome, but I will take a nap when it pleases me." With her free hand the hound was flung to the other side of the garden with unearthly grace. A well trained smile showing off her pearly fangs, lips stained with Miranda's blood.

"You want to turn me, hm.." Make me one of yours huh?" Morgan showed off his neck as he patted it to get that artery throbbing hard and loud for her ears. Could she almost taste the blood? Could she smell it rushing through him' It was as though he had laced it with something oh so addicting. Morgan dropped the blades at his feet squaring up his stance. "Well come on, the dinner bell's ringing, callin you Bree. Come and get it while it's still warm." Morgan hoped that Kruger took the chance to get Miranda out of danger with his distraction. He might have detested Bree, but he knew what she craved, what drove her to lose focus if only for a moment.

The dog snarled almost silently at Bree, the sound of bones breaking making its hackles rise even further as it rolled and righted itself. The sound of claws on the hard frozen earth as he circled hunched and ready to strike at any opening. Kruger watched Morgan with a respect that was mixed with revulsion. The smith would get to Miranda or he would die. He had promised to protect Angel to the very end and that thought alone caused the dog to disappear completely. It was as though it was never there. Somehow the smith knew dog was racing to be with Angel. He locked eyes of sun dried grass with mint greens as though to tell her to brace for impact however she could. Growling in the back of his throat at the curse he wanted to say, but stifled it only to get closer to his sister.

Fiona ONeill

Date: 2012-12-30 23:51 EST
Miranda's mint green eyes went wide at what Morgan was offering Bree. She tried to get free. Gargling noises as she fought to protest and couldn't. The cold sunk deeper than just her skin biting at the very core of her will that hope was no longer on their side. Those she held dear were on the line and she couldn't bring herself to lose them without a fight. Deep in her bones she felt the hum. Mint green eyes cast to the pool watching her lips move silently. Hearing herself shouting in her ears, "You cannot give up! Reach for the fire of your soul! Burn! Burn till the metal drips from your soul!" Mint green eyes turning sliver one of the blades Morgan carried pooled at his feet. Darkness creeping into her vision with the effort Miranda refused to blink while the metal began to swirl. The words left her lips with force echoing out from the reflecting pool. "No!" The metal leapt to Morgan and Kruger's neck twisting and turning into thick collars of steel.

"Tempting, but even after I turn you, I know you Morgan, you will still seek her out." Bree said while the fingers of her free hand danced in the blood cooling on Miranda's thighs. She couldn't understand the appeal in such a short life. What could it possibly give him when she could give him forever. "I can't blame you to much. She is a pretty tart. A simple distraction...oh...clever girl." Taking the moment to punish Miranda by breaking another rib. Bree grinned at them both. "I want what is mine and I will settle for no less, including her death." She couldn't bring herself to say Miranda's name. It always left a foul taste in her mouth.

Morgan ran, fury in his eyes, green and his goodness and gone. Gripping Bree by the neck he tossed her far away from Miranda as old strengths burned in his muscles. He may have been cured of his night walking, but he was still a monster of a different making. "Listen to me you foul bitch, you will never, ever, take another's life so long as I walk the earth, dead or undead." Looking back to Kruger and Miranda before he moved after Bree. Golden gaze burning in the dark like moon beams.

The metal spoke to Kruger with Miranda's voice, something the two of them had discovered a long time ago, that point at which he had begun to call her sister. His attack came quickly, that move a distraction was all he had needed. The smith was quick for all his bulk diving in with a shoulder to swing out with the armor piercing point of a hammer at Bree's exposed torso. A dangerous twisting, exposed his back, but bulky arms wrapped themselves around the dangling red head in protection. He hissed at Miranda as he moved. "I'm afraid this is gonna hurt sister..." Probably the both of them as he used his all of his strength to tear Miranda from her binding knowing there was little time.

Kruger

Date: 2012-12-31 00:03 EST
Miranda's view suddenly righted with the sharp crack a tree limb breaking. The pain came from the cord around her ankles being yanked free and Kruger's arms. His muscles shifting to hold her brought new pain as they pushed against the open wound at her side. Crying out, eyes shutting as she tried to keep the world in place. Beat after beat her heart slowed from the lack of blood. Body cold as ice in Kruger's arms, nearly limp like a newborn struggling to flop their own head around. Miranda could feel something run down her face, but if it was blood or tears she couldn't tell.

"I love it when you tease me like this, Morgan. My A choir." Bree chuckled as she knew the pet name between Miranda and him. "You will come around." Her eyes flickering pink to red while circling him. "Think about it. One bite and you and I can be together forever. That primal fear filling you gone. No more worrying about death or what will come. Just us. Our family. I know you love Angel at this age and we can keep her there. Our baby girl. Our Angel darling." Gracefully her foot slipped under the discarded dagger flipping it into her hand. "Come back to me. Let's rule what is ours."

The pet name, the threat to Angel, it was all sickening and blinding. Morgan roared with rage," You will not touch my family! You could never replace them!" The cold roar came again as he fell for it, diving right in for Bree despite the dagger that laid in wait, he'd tear her from throat to gut and rip the very heart from her chest if he could get a hold of it. But one thing was clear in his mind, he'd never let her touch Miranda or Angel again.

The smith righted Miranda quickly, angry out how she had been hung like livestock to bleed out. He moved her away from the fight that was not far. Though first he would need to see to the worst injuries, stop the bleeding if he could. The collar on his neck had trapped his shirt collar beneath it so he ripped it way and into strips to bind what he could. Kruger often looked over at Morgan knowing the man to be a good warrior, but also that this wasn't just anyone he was fighting. He spoke softly to Miranda. "Sister, please...wake up I need you to apply pressure...Miranda!" The last word rose in volume and he smoothed the hair from her face leaving her own blood smeared anew on her cheeks. "I need to get to Morgan. Miranda....he needs me." It was a lie, but one he hoped would cut through the haze.

Fiona ONeill

Date: 2012-12-31 00:05 EST
Her head lulling as Kruger's words drifted to her ears, Miranda's body protested as she struggled move each limb. Fingers numbly covering what was being asked of her. Miranda wanted to respond, but there was nothing coming between garbled breaths. Mint green eyes opened to a spinning distorted world. The heavy scent of copper filling her nose trying to bully her body into a blind panic, flight or fight response. What surrounded them was a blood bath to be sure.

"Oh yes, be the hero." Bree said, letting the dagger slip between his ribs as they tumbled back to continue this fight. She relished the scent of his blood so close again. Feeling his body pressed to hers. He could be brought back, made to serve and nothing would stop her. "I will take this coven, Angel and do as I please!" Trying to bite at his neck only to find the metal. Bree was not about to let it end here and now. Fire burning in her veins with pride, with what she felt was her right and no one was going to take it from her! Fangs bared against the man she claimed to love, clawing at his back and arms for control.

The sting of the blade registered Morgan's eyes squinted in agonizing pain. That didn't stop him from pinning Bree beneath his frame and tearing the dagger from his chest. Caved breaths, made his breathing hollow as he lifted the blade and drove it down against her chest growling roughly. "I swear to you, here and now, Bree McCaid, once proud and pure friend of the clan Doyle, this will be your end." To show he was serious, even though he felt his frame weakening Morgan drove the blade and twisted, sticking it in her ribs as heavy, shallow breaths, forced him to roll off her and onto his back. Blood filling his lungs, Morgan's eyes turned to Kruger with silent pleas. "Make...sure...she...stays...down." Said between pained breaths and hard rasps.

Fiona ONeill

Date: 2012-12-31 00:06 EST
Oh, how he smiled for Bree, leaning in close to whisper as he took her wrists in a bulky hand and squeezed them til bones crackled under the pressure. Kruger pulled that angel encrusted light war hammer from the ground and held it before her eyes whispering cruelly. "I do see an angel in your future. Just not the way you might have believed. No one will get to that girl while I breathe you undead whore." The point of that hammer punched through the top of her skull with a sickening crack like lightening and drove her body into the ground turning her once beautiful body to ash. The scream that filled the air only lasted for a moment. Driven into the ground and shattered. Even the metal blade Morgan had driven into her chest laid in a pile of ash, mangled around bits of bone.

He was no longer holding the hammer, attention going to the two wounded. A pile of ash was simply that. These two needed more help than he could give them. The smith shivered in the cooling air, holding to wounds that were oozing. "Hey!! Someone get the hell down here and help me!" He was speaking to the air, to no one...to the very grounds themselves. In his head all he could see was a violet eyed girl with her parents gone.

Moving onto her knees, Miranda tried to make her way over to Morgan. One arm holding her side to keep the torn clothing. Each time she moved the pain only became worse, but her will remained hard as the steel she forged. Her hand found Morgan's and gave it a squeeze nearly bringing her form to the ground with him. Miranda's voice was reduced to sputtering cough between breaths leaving blood on her lips. Mint green eyes brought a smile to her face just for him no matter the cost.

Miranda Branson

Date: 2012-12-31 00:09 EST
The feel of Miranda's hand squeezing his brought a dying smile to his face as pale green eyes focused on those beautiful mints. He tried to reach for her face, coming short about half way as he whispered, weakened breath flowing from his lips, "Be...strong, A choir." His hand gave a trembling squeeze before the roll of his lungs ceased, the beat of his heart failed, and his frame grew still and pale. Yet, even then, he stared, his dead gaze locked on his life and his love. Tears rolled down her cheeks as her forehead rested on Morgan's. Taking in his eyes as her bloody numb fingers closed them. A goodbye kiss to his lips as she whispered back to his fleeting soul, "I will, A choir." Heaving as a pained cry escaped her. Miranda took a moment to let the pain, the lose of him wash over her. Struggling to control her body, she finally spoke to Kruger. "Morgan is gone. Carry him back to the house out of sight. I will do my best." Trying to rise to her feet. This would be a long night and one never to be forgotten. The normal warmth and kindness of Miranda was gone, replaced with the well trained mask of a lady at court. There were duties to tend to, a child waiting to be told everything would be alright and a shattered heart to gather in the night away from the eyes of what would be her care takers. She thought they had lost each other once to time, but at least there was hope then. Now there wasn't even that to hold onto.

Kruger

Date: 2012-12-31 00:23 EST
The smith rose and lifted the shell of what was the coven's founder, Miranda's heart and Angel's father. His heart ached for the woman whom had only just survived only to have lost so much. He let that hammer rest in the earth, it could retrieved later. The silence hung between them painfully as his sister struggled to simply walk. "I'm so sorry Miranda....this is not what I wanted for you and Angel. Not what Morgan deserved." Miranda's eyes struggled to stay on his face and in that fleeting glance her silent thanks was given. Words made this moment real and all the more painful, but it seemed far better that if come from her brother in arms than from those who would come in the after math. Kruger stayed to the shadows and entered the cabin through the back, placing Morgan on their bed. Once Miranda had settled in a chair beside what was left of him, Kruger took to the grounds to find her help and let the others know that the threat had passed, but not without paying a heavy price.

Fiona ONeill

Date: 2013-01-23 22:19 EST
Picking Up The Pieces

The whole time Fiona was with Angel. Even if she wasn't carrying her in her arms, she was holding onto her hand. She brought the girl back to her personal quarters and would not let the girl out of her sight for a moment. Fiona made it her mission to keep Angel shielded from rumors, just as much from harm. Eventually Fiona had calmed Angel down enough to take a bath with Bunny to wash off the dried blood. She had a security guard run and collect a set of Angel's night clothes. Throughout the bath, Angel continued questions about her parents.

"Auntie Fi, is Mommy okay?"

Fiona would only hug her with supportive arms and answer with a simple, "We will see, love."

Refusing to give the girl false hope, it was all she could think to say. In truth, she did not want to give herself false hope. All while trying to come to terms with the possibility of the truth, she maintained a calm demeanor for Angel. Eventually the soothing water helped to ease any concerns and Bunny's distracts helped too. The stuffed rabbit was soon bouncing along Fiona's bed between mist and shadow while Angel's blonde curls dried. Giggles were filling the air instead of questions and for a brief time they both smiled.

Soon, the Demon House security knocked on her door of Fiona's room. She told Angel to stay on her bed. She opened the door and was informed of it all. She nodded to them stoically and closed the door. It was not her place to tell Angel anything that had happened and she would be hell bent if she would give away any her own concerns in even the slightest hint in her face. She sat next to Angel and said softly, "It's time to go see your mother."

Angel jumped up excitedly and said, "And daddy?"

"We will see, love.?

Angel of Death

Date: 2013-01-25 10:46 EST
Angel happily stayed in Fiona's arms as the great silver hound and Kruger walked beside them. The eyes of those she new as members of the coven looked at her with worry, sadness and some even tears. It was all so confusing. Mommy was okay! Auntie Fi and Uncie Krugie were taking her there now! Why cry' Why look like someone had taken away their bunny"

Resting her head against Fiona's collar bone she sighed. Even Kruger had taken on the look of the others. Part of her wanted to yell at them. Stomp her foot and have one of her questions answered without "We will see, love." What was that suppose to mean anyway' Peeking over Fiona's shoulder to look at Kruger, Angel was the first to break the silence on this march to mommy.

"Uncie Krugie don't be sad. I am sure mommy managed to save your cookies and Auntie Fi's too. We put them in a big tin. Your tin has the pattern of the men's skirt."

The heavy moan of Mage House's front door opening had her turning in Fiona's arms. Inside were more sad faces only this time they were rushing about. A mixture of people from all houses. Frustration rose leading her to flail with one hand at them.

"Please move! You are blocking the way to mommy and I want to hold her!?

Holding onto her stuffed bunny tight, her purple eyes peeking out from between its ears as they made their way up the stairs.

Miranda Branson

Date: 2013-01-25 12:27 EST
It had all happened so fast. The guards of the coven had secured the house while Miranda held onto Morgan's hand, eyes fighting the urge to close. Her bloody body lifted gingerly into the air before racing off to get her more extensive medical treatment.

"Don't worry, Miss Branson. You and your daughter are safe."

Somehow the words held no comfort. Morgan's hand fell away from her own numb fingers as if she were encased in ice. The desire to respond came, but was reduced to a burble, thanks to the fluid in her lungs. She could feel them. Each tear running down her face a memory. The day she and Morgan had met, their first kiss, finding each other again, and Angel coming into their lives. All slowly being consumed by darkness.

"We have done our best to repair the major damage and keep her comfortable. Go and inform Fiona O'Neill while we dress her."

The world had a haze like looking through a glass orb covered in cream. Miranda could hear the healers and feel their hands running along her body, but her mind had yet to reconnect the two.

"Miss Branson, you are in Mage house and your daughter is being brought to you. You can hold her, but do not leave this chair. Your body can't handle the extra strain. It is likely you will not be able to lift her for upwards of a month."

A cheery fire crackled in the hearth of the small room, casting dancing shadows along the wooden floors and walls. Miranda sat propped up in an over stuffed high back armchair, her body wrapped in a quilted green bathrobe. Hair pulled back for her in a simple ponytail and her swollen feet slipped into plush house shoes. The flames were measured and weighed in their own way. A fruitless attempt to keep Miranda from facing the words that had to finally leave her lips. What she would tell her daughter. Angel was a sweet girl and it wouldn't be her without asking about her father. Sweet, darling Angel. Everything was going to change now. Lost in the logistical list of duties to keep her heart from shattering farther, the door opening brought her mint green eyes to face her first visitors.

Miranda Branson

Date: 2013-04-04 11:31 EST
Becoming the Leader

The white candles flickered along the edge of the counter with the smoke of the incense drifting between and dancing in the flames. Lightly the dark of the room began to take on the scent of vanilla, lavender and the jasmine of the candles. In those dancing flames hope kept rising like the steam from the filled tub. Miranda held onto hope for many reason even when it seemed to most she should have let go. Staring into the depths of the water, it was time, but that didn't help settle her nerves. The last time she had witnessed this was her mother just before she was taken and burned at the stake.

Kneeling at the edge of the tub, she pulled the cork stoppers from the glass jars of salts. Sage to purify, chamomile to keep her calm, lavender for luck, rosemary to pull the negative thoughts, doubt from her mind and body, and peppermint to heal the wounds no one could see and bring the passion of her soul out in the open. Each of the infused salts settled under the glassy water creating a haze that made her face easier to see. Fear crept up in her throat at what she might find buried deep within herself. There were many things that still needed tending, answers, but they couldn't come without letting go and so Miranda had agreed to the rituals of old; a cleansing bath.

Tenderly the white robe slipped to the slate tiles. Miranda's body settling into the warm water enfolding her in warmth without words or expectations. The curls of her hair drifting to the rhythm of the shifting water. Mint green eyes looked to the goblet of wine waiting for her in thanks to the gods when she was through this journey. With the door locked all of the wards she had kept up, all the things she held back started to tumble free. Tears welling and hazing her vision as the first thing that came to her mind was lose. This coven was all Morgan and her had ever wanted, a dream come true.

The houses, a family of their own, but the dream was shattered. Like ghosts they lived in the same house, but the love they had shared for each other had changed. What had once been so intimate and filled with passion became the love shared between siblings. As they fought to make this dream, it had took them down different paths that were never meant to meet again. The image of him laying their with a knife sticking out of his heart, had her gasping between sobs. The weight of the world forcing her head to rest on her knees.

Angel flooded her mind. Sobbing at her chest, holding bunny tight. In the quiet of the night asking over and over again why her daddy had been taken from her. Why. Miranda wanted to take that pain from her, but that would be taking life away and all its lessons. Each sweet tear that rolled down Angel's cheeks breaking her heart more. Broken bones, wounds had healed and all the while she pretended to smile, to laugh so that life could go on, but for her life had stopped when her soul bled. Out of the depths of her mind came her father's voice. Guiding her to what choices she had to make.

"It's okay my little coal. You can do anything you want. Be what you want to be. Walk away at anytime. You don't have to keep feeling this pain."

"No father. I can't. Promises have been made and they must be kept."

"Promises can be broken so long as you are honest and explain, darling."

"No they can't." Tears started rolling down her cheeks. "I have to finish what I started, but it hurts." Memories tumbled one over the other in a sea of pain that threatened to sink her to the bottom of the tub. "No matter my personal wants it must continue, I must continue. Just as a mother has a child, the mother shouldn't walk away for she is needed. We started this coven, I can't walk away."

Miranda could see his smile in her mind. Remember the wrinkles it caused around his mouth and those fine lines making his eyes seem so wise and bright.

"My little coal, all grown up and even taking an interest in the politics she fought so hard to ignore. My brave coal now a roaring fire. Mira, you have to let go now. Let the pain go. Wash it away in the tub and be you again."

His words rang clear in her ears as her body slipped farther into the tub. Hands brushing those crimson strands under the water while bubbles escaped from between her lips. Under the water it felt like she was caught in a storm. Droplets splattering and running down every part of her body. Cold and brutally honest each thought, fear, worry laid bare. Voices old and new turned to shouting, then a murmur, a whisper, then nothing but the rain. Only the sound of her breath catching. Her honestly, facing what kept her soul bleeding had mended it.

Miranda pulled her body from the water to see that it had turned black with all the things she had let go of. It had washed her anew for what she wanted to do. What her heart sang to her soul with all the fire the drove her to carry on even in the darkest of times. Tenderly, her fingers wrapped around the stem of the goblet of wine. Taking a sip, it was raised in the air marking the end of the ritual bath and the beginning of her next task.

"Blessed be."

Miranda Branson

Date: 2013-04-04 11:33 EST
Out of Mage house, Miranda walked, wrapped in a silver dress with green lace she bare foot into the forest at the edge of the property. The warmth of the bath still clung to her skin against the cool night. Moon light shimmering on the ground as she found the sacred space waiting. There was no need for words yet. Nimbly fallen twigs, limbs and rocks were collected, her alone. Minute by minute a fire was made, burning brightly as she gathered her words. Miranda's mint green eyes focused with passion and purpose.

"I humble come calling. Asking the elements that drive us, that make us to see and judge if my heart is right for what needs to be. Earth that guards the north, Air that guards the east, Fire that guards the south and Water that guards the west, I, Miranda Branson, your daughter beg for your presence."

The forest suddenly seemed to come alive. The animal spirits of the element's glowing eyes watching from between trunks, ground and rocks silently waiting to hear. Miranda's eyes remained open as her skin hummed. Goosebumps running up and down bringing her senses on a maddening edge as their power encircled her.

"I pledge openly to be faithful, honest and kind to all no matter where my feet tread. To be a mother, a guiding force, protecting and loving with all that I am and all that I ever will be no matter what comes our way. All gather round my lighted hearth with welcome arms always and forever. I will be the rose I carry. Soft, loving and kind, but a warrior if ever there is a need in all forms. This from my lips to your ears whether by your hands I become the leader of Bristle Crios or not. My pledge, my heart will not change."

Miranda Branson

Date: 2013-04-04 11:37 EST
Through the brush she could hear their movements. Closer and closer to the fire, Miranda knew that in asking for this judgment it could be her undoing as well. Out of the darkness with glowing eyes, the Hag came from her mountain perch. Resting on a branch near by was her owl. Had this wise creature been listening the whole time" Pulled out of her question, Miranda bowed before the great Hag. Upon rising the two stood face to face in the looming woods. The face of the her truly looking like the mountains she hailed from. Jagged lines that come form living life, facing it head on. Every wrinkle, spot and scar a reminder of a lesson learned and a lesson to give. Lumbering behind her came the Green Man.

His face a mashing of leaves gathered from the cast offs of the great oaks, maples and beeches with ripe blueberries for eyes. Upon his head a crown of wild clover with little button antlers stating spring was soon to come to Rhy'din. The whole of his body hidden under a twig and pine needle cloak so heavy it cleared the forest floor of debris. As his face came to grace the glow of the fire, Miranda bowed to him as well. Heart hammering against her chest with a chill running up her spine so violent she thought her body would shake itself a part, yet in their eyes her reflection stayed still.

"Daughter of Branson, your words have brought us here. Do you hold to them before judgment is passed?"

The green man's words boomed in the space, rattling the trees and shaking the earth like a raging storm. Miranda kept them both in view acrossed the flames. The Hag's gray eyes sparkling like polished silver unwavering in their study of her as the whole forest went silent around them.

"Aye. I hold them to my soul and accept whatever will become of it. For words are just as powerful as any weapon."

Miranda continued to stay still, rooted to the ground like the trees around them. It seemed like an eternity between the words formed in her mind and leaving her lips when in truth it must have only been a few seconds. Neither one of them showed any emotion in their gaze, only herself. The Hag began to speak, her words rumbling one over the other like rocks rolling down the mountain side, sharp, powerful and unforgiving.

"You come to ask for the collar, the torc of these people and all that it represents. For generations men and woman have come calling to the gods on bended knee, accepting that their life is no longer their own."

Out of the fire came a glowing circle of metal hovering just above the flames. Before Miranda could even speak the circle tore itself into pieces, shearing with such force it sounded like screams. The bits of metal pulsed ominously, suspended like stars for a brief moment then rushed towards her. Gasping and trying not to flinch as the metal latched to her neck.

"The torc is yours to bare alone. From this day forward know that you belong to the people, their slave, their guardian, their all. It is you who must prove to them through your actions that you are worthy. Know your actions and feel the weight of them before they are even made."

The Hag and Green Man's voices filled her mind as the fire consumed her. Each breath was becoming harder than the last as the metal pieces became a whole circle once again hugging her flesh tightly enough to feel her beating heart. Miranda found herself unable to stand, her skin feeling like fire. Her vision was starting to haze over, but she was determined not to lose sight of them. Mind racing as her fists balled up in the parched earth, she struggled to say the only words she could think of.

"Blessed...be..?

Miranda Branson

Date: 2013-04-04 11:42 EST
Everything was lost to her. No sense of warmth, sound, or herself. The void, the nexus in it's pure essence. All and not seamlessly woven into one existence. Miranda simply waited for her time in this place to pass, trusting that this was only a beginning.

Softly the sensation of something cold and wet touched her face again and again. The void spitting her out and back into her own mind while it spun. Miranda found herself face down in the dirt, the fire reduced to smoldering coals. Only the first rays of morning light lazily drifted down from the tree tops to reveal the hare twitching it's whiskers on her face. Spring was coming fast waiting to bring in the new.

As soon as Miranda reached for the hare it hopped off indignantly through the mist. Rising from the ground, her dress had changed. The lace gone and the silver slip turned a pale rose gold nearly matching her skin. The dress had been altered to show her neck and collar bones. Nestled tightly at the base was a braided torc of three colors of gold. At the open ends resting in the hollow space behind the spread of her bones were amber roses that glowed with a warmth all their own. Somberly, Miranda moved through the mist back to Mage house, exhausted from the ordeal. A smile on her face that came from the very depths of her soul. The gods had accepted her pledge.