01st Affair | Action/Voice

[highprices]

Waking

[Watery blue eyes peek beneath thick dark lashes as Crystal rouses within the strange pod. She isn’t familiar with hangovers however there have been rare occasions where she’s been drugged. She remembers bidding her neighbor goodnight and leaving for the evening when she unexpectedly arrived here. Her dress is untarnished. Her shoes, jewelry and shawl are the same as when she left the house. It’s odd that nothing is stolen or misplaced and that her captors have yet to introduce themselves.

She slowly rises into a sitting position, her heels dipping into the water while long slender legs stretch from their static position. She lifts her purse to her lap as well as the odd little box that is resting in the pod with her. First she opens her purse. The golden clasp clicks, echoing within the cave as she fetches a small pocket mirror. She inspects her face, her make-up untouched and her bright blond hair curled just as she remembered. There are no marks on her skin, nothing implying a force or harsh treatment.

Slipping her pocket mirror into her purse she begins to look through the peculiar chest that she found next to her. She quickly realizes that it is meant for her which isn’t a comforting thought. She decides she dislikes the provided necklace and slips it into her purse with no intention of ever wearing it. She reads through each piece of information carefully, her brow creasing as the situation grows more complicated.]

Action; Any City – Early Morning

[It’s evident that she isn’t in New York anymore and so she quickly moves passed that glaring fact and inspects the information she does know.

Crystal isn’t ready to rule out any possibilities; she wants to learn more about her new gilded prison. With the items she’s deemed important stashed in her purse she steps across the turning water and out of the bay. The hologram makes her pause, a thin eyebrow rising at its explanation before she continues onward.

A light smile plays across her lips as confidence radiates from her countenance, like a perfect mask her expression mixes both truths and lies. It won’t be hard to pin her as someone new though she isn’t acting like a gawking tourist or lost soul. When she steps it’s as if she knows exactly where she’s going. She doesn’t care about those who gawk at her height, beauty or very short dress.

She steps into a few curious shops, her gaze examining their wares even if she isn’t interested in purchasing them.]

Excuse me. [Crystal asks in a friendly tone.] Is this your establishment?

Action; Nova City – Early Evening

[After exploring each city Crystal finds that she enjoys Nova City the most. There are classier establishments, cleaner streets and while some of the futurist technology is beyond her knowledge it isn’t beyond her understanding. She can be found eyeing apartments as well as the general area with the same air of someone who moves with assurance.

She decides to look for bars or clubs that might prove to be interesting. It’s only the start of the night and she doubts that any establishment has yet to truly open. It will, however, give her an understanding of this place which is her intent as she moves through the cities.

If she catches your eye she’ll smile, her expression confident and inviting.]

Action; Everglade – Early Night

[Everglade is the last stop on her trip and she quickly finds that she doesn’t care for the mist covered city. There is nothing pertaining to the curfew in the provided information, leaving Crystal unaware as she steps into the city proper. Night is when Crystal is accustomed to working. She’s always been comfortable beneath the lingering light of the moon, even walking down desolate streets like these.

It doesn’t take her long to sense that something is wrong, the sun wanes and a gloomy atmosphere grips the town. She turns to leave however the sweet scent of lilacs drifting from her skin calls forth a hungry predator who quickly blocks her escape. Her mask remains in place, her lips positioned in a careful smile while her gaze locks onto the approaching figure. She moves briskly however the shadow is much faster than her, catching her by the wrist and throwing her against a nearby wall.

Her eyes level a glare at the stranger: his skin is a sickly pale, his eyes sunken in with black irises staring hungrily at her, his clothes hang on his bony form, tattered and torn from wear.]

That isn’t anyway to say hello.

[Crystal replies in an even voice, her wrist already working its way out of the dead mans grip.]

Voice; April 19th

[A melodious voice echoes over the network.]

It looks like I should have asked for assistance earlier, in the end I see little point of the provided information with so much lacking. [The light and silky voice sounds like it’s smiling.]

Now that I’ve learned my way around I wanted to say hello. Perhaps get to know my fellow martyrs.

Comments

action; Everglade

[iridescentillusion]

[You know what also isn't a way to say hello? A large hyena-like creature pouncing on the woman's captor from his blindspot to tear him aware from her. While the creature's face muscles peel back to stun the the assailant, another man steps out of the fog. This one, however, looking much healthier than the thing that the krenshar has occupied. He quiet sighs, idly glancing over to the woman.]

You shouldn't be wandering this place alone in the night.

action; Everglade

[highprices]

[Crystal slips her wrist from the man’s grip just as the hyena drags its prey away from her. She exhales a slow breath, her mask falling perfectly into place as she turns towards Cipher. If the four legged animal is following this man’s command then it’s this man that deserves her attention. Sapphire eyes rest on him while a slight bend pulls at her lips.]

I noticed. [Her voice is smooth even though she just avoided a very slow death.] And are you my hero or my new captor?

[She watches him and waits, knowing that running would be completely pointless with his friend feasting behind her.]

action; Everglade

[iridescentillusion]

I have no interest in being either.

[But if she wants to label him her hero, then he won't attempt to change her mind one way or the other. He watches the krenshar carefully, mildly disgusted at the creature's ability to eat undead flesh, but it doesn't show on his face. He turns his attention back to Crystal.]

I don't spend my time capturing women like so many decide to do.

action; Everglade

[highprices]

[Her composure remains intact, her eyebrow raising at him as if feigning surprise. She appreciates his honesty; she doesn't need a hero or a man captivated by her features. He will simply be titled as a stranger.]

That's commendable of you.

[Her fingers brush against her white dress flicking dirt to the ground.]

I will leave you to your musings but give you my thanks. Be it intentional or not but you helped me.

action; Everglade

[iridescentillusion]

Helping you was intentional.

[He just calmly puts that out there. The krenshar finally finishes maiming that unfortunate undead and returns to Cipher's side, its face muscles sliding back into place.]

I can only guess that a woman of your caliber is only out here for one of two reasons: You are more powerful than you seem, or you're new to this place and are unaware of Everglade's night law.

action; Nova City

[orlokbutterfly]

[Someone's been working reasonably hard to get his new establishment open (well, his and Ivina's, but details), and for now he's calling a break because he's got other things to do. So there's a cyborg stepping out of a nearby building, decked out in his purple flight suit and butterfly mask. He stretches his arms before glancing ahead, his eyes falling on a particular beautiful woman exploring the city. His arms fall to his sides and he rests one hand on his hip, giving a smirk.]

Goood evening, miss.

action; Nova City

[highprices]

[Her shoulders turn, followed by the elegant swivel of her head. Her eyes fall on Gale, her lips curling into their usual smile.]

Good evening.

[Her voice is sweet as if finding a small amount of humor in her situation or perhaps it’s the fact that Gale is wearing a purple flight suit. She glances behind him, noting the building which is undergoing renovations.]

Do you work here?

[It is most likely a safe assumption but it’s polite to ask.]

action; Nova City

[orlokbutterfly]

You could say that.

[He glances over his shoulder at the building before looking back to her.]

I'm one of the owners, actually.

action; Nova City

[highprices]

[Crystal steps towards him, her hips pulling his gaze downward and across her lovely curves. Her smile is at ease across her lips as if it's at rest.]

Oh?

[She asks allows intrigue to seep into her tone.]

What sort of business will it be?

[toogoodforwords]

[ Neo catches Crystal's eye and moseys on over, drink in hand, music blazing, strobe lights flashing, bodies gyrating everywhere.

Neo waves as she approaches. ]

Nova City; Club

[highprices]

[Crystal watches the girl walk over, her lips forming their usual elegant smile. Her eyes shine as if colored by the light touch of humor. She nods her head in return to the girl’s wave knowing that there is no way she could speak to the stranger until she steps closer.

As Neo comes closer Crystal notes her attire, her demeanor and any other piece of information this girl might involuntarily share. She isn’t a master at the art but she’s decent at reading people and she pegs this girl as someone who, like her, doesn’t care about what those around her think.

When Neo is within range Crystal’s smile tugs into an expression that resembles a smirk more than a smile.]

Good Evening.

[Her voice is silky smooth and somehow cuts its way through the noise without her raising her voice.]

[toogoodforwords]

[ Neo gives Crystal a subtle nod of the head when she arrives, and takes a sip of her mojito. She gives Crystal a very obvious look over. Her eyes seem to say she likes what she sees. ]

[highprices]

[A smirk tugs at the corner of Crystals smile. She watches and waits as the girls eyes roam over her curvy frame, it’s only when Neo’s gaze meets hers that she speaks again.]

Thank you.

[She replies while bringing her drink to her lips. Neo looks quiet lovely herself though Crystal’s gaze is more subtle than her companions.]

action; nova city

[askypirate]

[It was early evening when a beautiful woman dressed to the nines stepped into the bar over which sat Balthier's apartment. Needless to say, he'd become a regular at the establishment, as walking home was as simple as walking up the stairs.

He was currently in a booth toward the back of the establishment. The habit of watching the door for someone looking for your head was difficult to shake. When she walked in and found her way to a table, he sent the waitress to take her order. When the girl arrived at Crystal's table, she smiled politely.]

Good evening, miss. The gentleman at the back would like to pay for this drink. What would you have?

action; nova city

[highprices]

[Crystal glances at Balthier before pulling her gaze back to the waitress. Her lips pull in their usual sultry smile.]

I'll have a diamond martini please and I'll take my drink at the gentlemen's table.

[With that she stands, her purse lightly bouncing on her hips as she steps over towards her secret admirer. Each movement is elegant and alluring. She stops next to Balthiers table.]

Can I take your offer as an invitation to join you?

[Her voice is a smooth as honey, her eyes sparking with humor as she studies him.]

action; nova city

[askypirate]

[Balthier smiles his casual, lazy smile as he looks up at her and gestures to the chair opposite him.]

There does happen to be another seat at this table, though, from the look of you, I'll say you're welcome to come and go as you please.

action; nova city

[highprices]

[Crystal slips into the offered seat, her lips curling into an elegant smirk.]

You have a keen eye.

[The waitress arrives at their table with Crystal’s drink. Clear liquid swirls in the martini glass which has been frosted by ice along the outside of the glass. A small twist of lemon floats in the liquid adding a light splash of yellow to the drink. She brings it to her lips taking a small sip before placing the drink lightly in front of her.]

Do you have a name or will our meeting be shrouded in mystery?

[Her tone is light and teasing, her posture perfect but also relaxed as she urged the conversation forward.]

action; everglade

[alittlebitofhell]

[Since hearing about the place, Clay's been putting together something like a kit. It contains the basics he knows kill monsters in the movies: wolfsbane, holy water, garlic (oil, in a glass bottle, easier to use as a projectile), silver bullets for the one gun that came with him, three stakes. Now it was time to test them. If all else failed, he had other weapons at his disposal.

The thud of a body against a wall down a dark alley caught his attention and he was there in an instant. Off-handedly, Clay's mind noted what was probably one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen, and he'd seen several, but what was more important was the thing with the fangs going for her throat.

Taking out his pent up hatred for vampires on a vampire? There was something poetic about that. From his jacket pocket, he pulled a little glass vial of holy water, lined up the throw, and hurled it, hitting the vamp square in the side of the head. He felt like he'd stepped into a bad horror movie watching the flesh sizzle and peel away from its skull as it screeched in pain and released the woman, then turned on him.

He was ready, with a wooden stake of all things, and man was that thing fast. It hit him like a Mack truck and they both went down, but he'd had the stake ready and leveled at the creature's heart as it charged him. He'd been prepared for it, and it twitched atop him, then stopped moving.

He pushed the dead (re-dead?) thing off of him and dusted himself off. It was weird watching it not bleed, then he looked back to the girl, approaching cautiously.]

Hey...you okay?

action; everglade

[highprices]

[Her eyes widen as Clay reenacts an overdone scene from a horror movie. Her surprise, however, is momentary. Crystal quickly collects herself, looking down at her wrist where her gold bracelet has been scuffed by the dead man’s fingers. Her wrist and back hurt but it’ll leave no mark which is all Crystal has ever cared about.

At Clay’s question she looks up, her lips poised in a light smile as if they were meeting on a brightly lit street mid-day and he’d offered to hold the door open for her.]

I would lie and tell you I had it handled. [Her smile widens.] But in this instance I didn’t.

I’m unharmed, thank you for your help.

[She studies him for a moment, her eyes roaming over his face, jaw and then lower. Her gaze lingers at his arsenal before looking back up at him.]

Is this common practice for you hero?

[He’s either a hero or he’s stealing the vampires prey. For now, Crystal prefers to think better of a man with so much forethought.]

action; everglade

[alittlebitofhell]

[It took Clay a moment to realize he was staring and he ran a hand back over his hair and looked around, sending out his mental tendrils to see if anything else was lurking in the shadows.

It was a good distract from what might be the most attractive woman he's ever laid eyes on.]

I'm not a hero. The name's Clay and I was testing a kit. [And it was in that moment he realized that probably meant nothing to her.] I mean the...stuff. That I killed that thing with. I'm glad you're alright.

action; everglade

[highprices]

[She doesn't mind staring, in fact, she's rather used to it and considers it a compliment. Crystal's lips remain fixed in a light smile as she steps away from the wall. Her fingers brush over her white dress hoping that the silky fabric isn't stained or ruined. She blatantly ignores the dead figure on the ground.]

Are you planning to run around after hours?

[Her smile slowly slips into something more genuine. Her tone light and teasing despite the situation.]

action; everglade

[thorons]

[while robin had been looking for good places to live- she had gotten extremely carried away in her search. in the end, before she knew it the sun had set and she was now just wandering around everglade. it was't until he heard the sound of someone talking, along with a struggle. robin headed over to the source of the sound- only to see a woman struggling.

alright, time to help. robin brought out a tome she had been carrying with her, now casting an arcfire spell on the dead man.]

Arcfire! [as soon as she said that, the dead man burst into flames.] Get way from there!

action; everglade

[highprices]

[Crystal's wrist slips from the dead mans grip while Robin's spell flares to life. Crystal knew of mages though she hasn't seen one casting first hand. She steps away from the burning figure.

It doesn't smell very good.

The man flails but his efforts are quickly proven to be useless. He falls and all that's left is the scent of burning flesh. Crystal looks over at Robin, her lips curled into a delicate smile which seems out of place.]

Thank you.

[Her voice is light and sweet.]

Does my rescuer have a name?

action; everglade

[thorons]

[there is something off about her-... but she actually reminds robin of someone like henry. always smiling, even when facing off against scary enemies.

robin sighs in relief when the man crumples and burns. she closes her tome, now moving closer to the woman.]

You're welcome. And my name is Robin. I'm just glad that I happened to come across you at just the right time.

action; everglade

[highprices]

[Crystal has seen enough horrors to hide any reaction she might have had to the burning corpse. It smells awful though she can admit that she's smelled worse. She steps closer to Robin, away from the dead man smoldering in the street.]

I'm glad as well. I'm Crystal.

Would it be to much trouble to ask you to guide me to some place safer. Perhaps then we can talk?

[Clearly this woman knows more then her.]