Rain Starling's Story

The sun disappeared finally behind the full, green furs that dotted out the horizon, casting a deep navy shadow across the entire Starling Estate. But with the onset of night, comes the ringing sounds of echoing music and blinding lights from hundreds of rooms ablaze. Masquerade. The servants of the Starling castle spent the entire day prepping and creating a flawless and enchanting party full of drinks, food, money and music befitting the Romanian Queen of Night herself, Miss. Rain Starling. Everything is perfectly the way it was asked to be.
Many of the guests she has not met. Miss. Starling has kept a constant watch for any supernatural activity among the world's elite. She wants to offer her sprawling estate as a sanctuary and Coven for the wealthiest and most powerful of the world's Vampires. All the names on the guest list were collected due to their already status of the night, or their potential at joining the Coven.
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Rain stands in front of her long mirror admiring the dress she had bought for tonight she has pressed against her. Simply Flawless, she thought. She tucked a fallen curl before placing her beautiful lace mask over her blacked out eye shadow and smearing a deep plum on her moist lips.
*KNOCK, KNOCK*
The door opens to one of he help, letting Miss. Starling know that more guests are arriving by the minute.
She smiled. Well, what are you waiting for, Darling?.... Let them in!."
The man smiled and ran off to open the massive doors and let them flood through the hall to the Ballroom.
Taking a final glance at herself once again in the mirror Rain began making her way toward the quickly filling ballroom.
The massive sprawling ballroom is filled with the warmness of the fireplace and the quickness of the Charleston, as the thousands of guests dine and dance in every corner of the room. Famous singers, actresses, dancers, millionaires, politicians and royalty all together in celebration of lust and wealth.

I got out of the carriage helping my sister out, by grabbing her hand gently and walking up the stairs, I saw this women she was quite an surprise, she was actually....beautiful, but I was just more interested to see what was in store for us here once we walk through these doors.

"Dear Brother, No miss behaving" I said nudging his shoulder and smirking,"she's probably not in your age group anyway" We walked up the steps and entered the massive room, it was amazing I tell you, I saw food also...Sweets, I just hoped Chocolate wasn't on the list

I licked my lips hungrily, seeing all the humans walking I craved foe blood I shook my head trying to control my self from freaking out, I bit my lip harder and harder drawing blood, "So many people Clare...I don't think I can control myself.." I said to my sister looking down at her whispering afraid of what I would do.

"Its Okay.." I said softly gripping his hand, "We are gonna split up, see what I can see before the night ends I want this night to be something I never forget.." I said to my brother walking away, "Be safe, and be careful..if anything happens..." I started knowing he would finish what I was gonna say.

"Whistle" I said watching my sister walk away, I looked around myself and adjusted my mask going deeper into the crowd seeing women who danced and some who eyed me which creeper me out, I think they were flirting with me...

Danielle stopped dancing as soon as the music stopped. She looked around the room to figure out what was going on. "Ah. The hostess of tonight's party." she thought to herself. She turned her attention toward the woman who began speaking. Something about the way she talked bothered Danielle a little bit, but she couldn't help but have respect for her.

As soon as she was done speaking, the music started up again and everyone began dancing. She picked up on the energy of the people around her and matched it to the sound of the music. Once again, she lost herself in it.

Adam was particularly interested in the hostess of the grand party. As soon as she was done speaking, he stood up and made his way into the crowd. His eyes stayed focused on her. It wasn't long before he was able to catch up with her. "Excuse me, Miss. I assume you are the hostess of this extravagant party. My name is Adam," he said in a very polite tone. Adam was curious as to how she knew about him and his sister and why she invited them to her party. He assumed the latter question was because she knew they were vampires. What he didn't understand was how she knew. "This woman seems to have a lot of money. I wonder what kind of connections she has and how many others here are familiar with her."

Clark walked around the room, he had been away from his sister for quite a long time now, he walked around the ballroom until he saw her safe and sound going up to the lady who invited them, he had wondered why they we're here what was they're purpose her its not everyday you get invited to a masquerade...

"Hello Miss" Clare started kinda shy rubbing her arm and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "Thank you for inviting me and my brother here to the ball" she bowed making sure her mask wouldn't fall of, she looked at the women since Clare herself was short she was around 5'3 in height, "Why did you invite me and my brother to this party" she asked more like a demand in a serious tone noticing a young man also talking to her.

On her decent from the center stage, Rain had been snagged by the large group of older ladies sitting at one of the tables. They were drinking from large crystal wine glasses and sat in a circle gambling their fortunes away. Drunkenly, they slurred and cackled having a merry time trying to suck Rain into an entire evening of sitting around gossiping. She politely chatted for a moment, before announcing that she had other guests to attend to and must go.
Oh, I do hope you are having a marvel.... She began before being interrupted by two of her other guests.
She turned around from the group of loud drunks with a smile. Immediately, she had to adjust her gaze in order to see the small female and then look back up again for the man beside her.
Why did you invite me and my brother to this party?
The hostility in the female's voice caused the smile to slowly melt off Rain's face, before quickly spreading again.
She wrapped her arms around the girl in an embrace meant to make her feel safe.
Little suspicious are we, my darling? Have something to hide? She giggled, flashing her fangs.
Do not worry. You are safe. Enjoy the party. All will reveal itself in time. She gave her another huge smile before blinking up to the man in front of her.
You're hair is simply the Cat's Pajama's, darling...

Adam was a little shocked about how straightforward the girl was to their host. "I don't think I can subtly ask questions anymore. Thanks, young girl." he thought sarcastically to himself. A smile spread across his face at the hostesses compliment. "Thank you. You look very lovely tonight, Miss." He glanced at the other guest. "As do you. What is your name?" he asked, continuing in his polite tone.

Meanwhile, Dani was chatting it up with anyone who was willing to carry out a conversation with her. It was weird having a bunch of other vampires in the same place, especially a party. She had only ever been in dance clubs full of humans. A couple of which her and her brother would target and make a meal out of later in the night. She came a cross a guy that was staring at a girl near the hostess. "Hi! My name is Dani," she said with a big smile on her face.

Clare heard the boys voice seeing he was asking for a name, she thought for a moment not really wanting to tell anyone her name after learning that this 'hostess' was a Vampire, she didn't panic she was just surprized as she took all this apart and tried to do a puzzle in her head sorting things out. "My Name is Clare, what's yours?" Clare asked as some of her blond her moved in front of her face


"...um, Hi Dani..." Clade said not sure what to say, "I'm Clade, a little happy are we?" she said smirking at the girl and chuckling on how excited she looked, "I'm taken your happy about the Masquerade" he added to his comment.

Thank you kindly, she winked, turning to collect two full crystal wine glasses from the table behind her.
Please... she urged, handing the chalices to both of them. Have a grand time. I will meet you both....with your siblings, of course... in the Library to continue the questions and answers....BUT, later, my darlings. I need a few more drinks in me, and quite a bit more dancing before I am ready for the serious talk. She laughed, grabbing herself a full glass and taking a long drink.
Her eyes remained closed as she slowly pulled the cup from her plum lips with a lick. Mmmm...Handsome Young Aristocratic Male....My favorite... she beamed and turned, pushing further into the huge crowd, dancing and mingling with more of her guests.

Arturo 's eyes were fixated on Rain watching over her carefully, his eyes were also trained on the surroundings in case any harm was to come to her. He growled every so often at the vampires who stared at him, vampires still didn't hold werewolvesS in the highest regard and the feeling was mutual. He watched the entrances and exits and kept an eye out for any suspicious behaviour. His eyes and ears focused to a table where the blood was being served.

Moving quickly through the crowd he watched as a male vampire poured a dark coloured liquid into one of the blood bottles, sniffing quickly Arturo could tell,that the bottle was laced with poison. Lunging forward he grabbed the vampires wrist snapping it out of place and growling deeply. He checked the other bottles in case they had been sabotaged, luckily it was only one. He picked up the bottle and dragged the struggling vampire to Rain. He bowed his head as a sign of respect " Miss Starling. A bottle has been poisoned " he held up the bottle and pushed forward the Vampire in question digging his hand into his broken wrist. " here is the culprit. What are your wishes Miss?" He asked bowing his head again growling softly.

Everything was going wonderful. Rain was feeling buzzed from the 'wine' and music and was tingling all over. Her guests seemed to be enjoying themselves. She swayed and twirled alone to the music. Everything will be perfect....I won't be alone anymore.... she thought as she turned to see Arturo across the hall watching and quietly gasped at the sight of Arturo headed her way, a male in his grasps.
" Miss Starling. A bottle has been poisoned. Here is the culprit. What are your wishes Miss?"
Oh my...well, that's no good is it?... She calmly said looking from the male to the bottle and then around at some of the gawking guests.
Arturo, my darling, please take this fine gentlemen to the Billiards room, I think he will be more comfortable there, don't you think? she said with a sideways glance at Arturo that said...."Wait to kill him."
I'll personally bring him something to make him feel better.... she smiled before heading toward the ball room doors.
Upon reaching the doors, she turned to look over the crowd one more time before slipping into the long darkened hallway and up the spiral stairs.

Arturo nodded and bowed once more, he pushed the male forward holding onto the back of his neck tightly wanting so much to snap his neck clean or in fact slow it would make killing him that much more satisfying. At least Rain said that he could kill the would be assasin, he dragged the male who now began to plead with him " please I'll do what ever you want, you need money whatever she's paying you I'll double it, let me go please. You filthy dog " Arturo chuckled darkly " you think she's paying me? It is my duty to keep my mistress safe and for that I do not need to be paid, and for your information I'm quite clean." he explained opening the door to the billiards room.

He threw the man down into a chair, he stood behind the chair and held onto the males shoulder, applying the slightest ammount of pressure to cause the most pain. " now we wait, I bet your wishing you didn't taint this bottle. Do you?" He asked growling fiercely. At least his mistress was safe now. Safe from harm, safe with him being there for her.

The male her Arturo had caught poisoning the bottles was a very wealthy young vamp from America. She had only met him a few times, but each time she felt more and more disgusted with his sinister and greedy personality. He was constantly in pursuit of the fame and money Rain possessed.
Damn Americans....How very rude...I invite him to one of the largest and exclusive parties of the year and....he tries to kill me she thought with a hiss. Oh well, Arturo will have fun with him... I do love to see him smile... she thought before shaking away the idea and focusing on the way she planned to let Arturo end him. She giggled at the thought as she made it to the closed Billiard's room door, and lightly knocked. Scanning the hall for watching eyes, Rain silently opened the door and slid inside.
Arturo already had the male in one of the rooms cushioned armed chairs, his muscled arms keeping her 'guest' in place.
Now, Arthur....Why can't you ever play nice? she asked slowly strolling toward them both.
I honestly am bored of this. I'm done playing this little game of yours. Let's just end and call me the winner, okay? she said in a calm a polite tone with a comforting smile on her face.
Arthur looked at her with a look of relief, as if she had just told him not to even worry about the entire situation. She laughed a hearty laugh and looked to Arturo.
Make Confetti of him, my Darling. I need something to sprinkle on the crowd during the fireworks... she giggled at her sick joke before turning and leaving the room to the pleading sounds of Arthur, that was quickly silenced with a snap.

Adam gratefully accepted the glass from the hostess. He offered a friendly and understanding smile as she gave a quick explanation. "Of course. I am looking forward to talking to you later," he said with a nod and turned his attention back to the other guest. He held the glass in his hand, but did not sip from it. "My name is Adam. It is a pleasure to meet you." A few strands of her hair moved in front of her face and he gracefully reach over and tucked it behind her ear. "It would be a shame to hide that pretty face of yours. If you will excuse me, I must be getting back to my sister now. She gets a little wild sometimes." He gave her a friendly smile and politely walked away. When he reached Danielle, she was speaking with another male.

"Of course I'm happy. I love parties. Being alone isn't any fun at all," Danielle said just as her brother approached. She grinned at him. "And this is my brother, Adam. He doesn't party much." Adam lightly nudged her arm for the comment and gave a slight nod in the direction of the other male.

Before anything else could be said, a male vampire was grabbed by what appeared to be a werewolf. "So the hostess has a guard dog on duty. That should not surprise me," Adam thought. Even Danielle turned and watched as the man was hauled away by the strong beast. He confronted the hostess who appeared to instruct the canine to bring the man to a certain place. "Poisoning the drinks? I don't understand why anyone would do such a thing at an event like this one," Adam thought again. "What an eventful night this one is turning out to be," he said to both Dani and the other male.

Pippa smiled innocently at the guards as she walked into the ballroom, her light blue dress trailing not too far behind. As the woman walked , her head was held high and her shoulders back and you could see the confidence radiate from the small quirk of her lip that formed into a smirk as she entered into the ballroom.

A few sincere 'hello's' and 'nice to see you!' were inevitable, but she was most prepared for the raised brows and talk about her. After all most people named her murderer thinking she was the one who killed her creator so that all his wealth would have been hers. But she pushed that aside, because above all she had to admit she enjoyed the attention and the slight fear that clicked in most peoples eyes as she walked by.

To make matters worse she'd give them a devilish smirk, even a few winks to the women to send them completely off their high horses."It's good to be me.." She chuckled adjusting her dark blue mask, the peacock feathers pointing out in all directions, even a few were assorted in her gorgeous curled golden hair that evening.

As the slow ballad moved to a quick paced Charleston, Rain's smile spread. She lifted her ankles in beat, singing along and giggling. She opened her eyes to the sound of whispers. She looked toward the ball room doors. There stood a gorgeous blond in a pale blue gown. Men and women were jumping at her feet to say hello and touch her hand. Just as many were scowling in her direction and whispering. Pippa. She hadn't seen her friend in quite sometime, and had really missed her. She was also very curious what mischief Pippa had gotten herself into recently. She always seemed to be in some sort of fun.
She helped keep Rain alive with her crazy shenanigans and adventures. Grabbing two glasses from a gentleman with a tray standing on the edge of the crowd, her eyes brightened and she skipped toward the woman.
Pippa, My Darling! she exclaimed the glasses extended outward.
She handed the full glass to Pippa, and lowered her other outreached hand.
Pippa Darling, how have you been? I haven't seen you in ages. Why must you leave me here in this giant place alone? [b] She made a pouting face at Pippa as she wrapped her arm around Pippa's.
[b] It's Winter in the mountains. I'm bored.... Rain beamed.

Arturo returned the dark smile as Rain said that he could kill the would be assasin how he liked. Keeping a tight hold on the vampires shoulder he spun the chair around and allowed his nails to elongate into sharpend claws, he hit and scratched the vampires face over and over again. His face was unrecognisable, the criss cross pattern etched into his face along with the screams and whimpers. He tried desperately to get away but as soon as he put a limb forward Arturo grabbed it and snapped it with ease, he became bored and finally became bored so punched the vampire in the chest so hard that his ribs snapped and pierced his heart and lungs.

After taking the vampires jewellery he slipped it in his pocket, it was always good to take things of value back to Rain. She might want them as a gift, scooping the dead vampires body up he placed it into the incenarator. Warming the house comfortably, Arturo checked his clothes for any sign of blood or tearing, he was fine.

Returning to the ballroom he walked up to Rain bowing his head " sorry to bother you Miss Starling, unfortunately Mr Arthur has had to leave prematurely, he sends his apologise and a gift of his gratitude for your hospitality this evening." He held out the rings to Rain bowing again " will there be anything else Miss?" He asked smiling softly.

Pippa raised her eyes at the man who came towards them, He was quite the looker after all. The vampire made a small whistle sound under her breath only her and Rain could hear. Then listening to their conversation the girl flicked a single golden curl back and chuckled, knowing truly what had happened. Rain wasn't much for mercy, it was something Pippa adored in her friend. She was just so deliciously evil sometimes, dangerous. But she kept it so well hidden you maybe would have never known.

As she heard Rain ask for a dance with the handsome stranger, all she could do was silently be proud of her friend and her choices, then falling back to let them be together. After all Pippa wasn't one for intruding on that, nor was she one for subtlety as she winked towards Rain.

"Dance with me"

Arturo had to take a second glance at Rain as she asked him to dance with her. " Miss?" He had to asked in disbelief, she had never asked him to do something that personal and close before. Of course he had to do whatever she asked ( even if he had no knowledge of it ever happening) but she didn't ask him that often to do personal things for her. She had other servants for that, even then there was not a lot of servants around.

The statement rolled around in his mind for a while before he nodded bowing again " As you wish Miss Starling" he held his hand out as the band began to strike up a slow dance. Arturo hoped that he remembered how to dance he hadn't really danced much. He vaguely remembered dancing with his family but the memory was hazy, in fact it hurt to remember.

He lead slowly as the pair walked into the center of the ballroom, she took her hand and wrapped it around his waist. He could feel his breath hitch as she guided him through the steps, he felt Rain's head rest against his shoulder, close to his neck so he could feel her delicate breath trace along his skin.

He kept his back straight and followed through on every step, obedient as ever. He held Rain close to him, looking down at her as she spoke to him.

"Do you like it here, Arturo?"

" yes Miss, I really do. I'm very grateful to you for everything you've done for me. Taking me in, putting a roof over my head and clothes on my back. Not to mention giving me a job here protecting you, which I enjoy" he explained. "Do you feel I have slipped in my duties? I hope I haven't disappointed you in anyway. Apart from my dancing" Arturo added he smiled again spinning Rain around he brought her close to him again, dipping her down low burying his face into her shoulder purring softly. Bringing her back up straight he swayed with her again.