Barlo Mansion » Places

         Damakos shakes his head and brushes away the offer. He makes very little haste while following alongside Mr. Saiforro, who adopted a surprisingly leisurely demeanor during a clearly unstable situation. On the other hand it has made the Tiefling much more aware of his surroundings. There is no telling what else entered the mansion. What is twice as off putting about Mr. Saiforro is what he had stated before.

“Who are these ‘people’ you thought may know of others in need of ‘assistance’ here? Specifically in relation to me” he inquires “And furthermore, what ‘assistance’ are you offering here?” While asking this question, he hears Airi scream from down the hall, but she is of no real concern to him at the moment. He will definitely have to stay in the mansion right up until the storm clears up, watching his back the entire time, but the least the man can do is acquire answers while the opportunity remains.

         Airi had tried her best to keep up with Alice, but her legs were beginning to ache quite a bit. She whimpered in pain and clung to the young woman's dress as they walked. Upon hearing the loud crash from the Celebration's hall her grip tightened even more. "I wan't my p-papa!" The small girl whined, tears welling up in her large eyes.

A sound echoed through the halls. A bone-chilling, toe-curling, blood-curdling sound. Tap... click...tap... click... the sound came closer and close and soon a shadow appeared on the wall. A gigantic shadow, shaped almost like a dragon. The noise stopped and the shadow remained in it's place, sticking to the wall, quietly.

Upon seeing the shadow Airi let out a scream.

The shadow's head turned, and then the body seemed to lift into the air. Before they knew it the large beast from the Celebration's Hall stood before them, it's tail curled at it's side and it's eerie amber eyes studying their every move.

         When Ehren asked her if she had any questions it took Tsukasa a few moments to answer him. She wasn't sure if she should actually ask him anything. But, it couldn't hurt, could it? "How did you get in there? What did you see Did anyone else go in there with you? if so, where are they?" She may have sounded like a nosy child, but Tsukasa was genuinely curious.

She had a feeling that someone had gone up there with Ehren, and a great deal of concern washed over her.

         "So I'm guessing the whole "friends with benefits" is a no go then? So this place does have a magical barrier preventing me from the third floor or is it more like I'm suppose to follow the rules?" Ehren smiled slightly laughing at his own joke and a bit at the fact that his employer didn't seem to understand them.

"So about this paperwork I have to do. Will I be constantly be doing paperwork?" Ehren asked slowly and somewhat cautiously as he followed the man. He already had a feeling he was going to love this job with the sense of humor the people seemed to have here. It seemed utterly perfect for him.

         (GAH!)

         Damakos waited patiently, analyzing her eyes and expressions, the way she looks at Airi and especially at him. If he did not know what to say before; he certainly knows now. The fear, the sorrow he has cast upon her from that day in the dining hall is still there. Her reluctance is strong enough to make the Tiefling hate himself. This adds much needed incentive.

"It is simple” he begins, watching Alice return her attention to him. “The Saifforos have invited me to this mansion, and I want to know why. Once I have found out why, I will leave this mansion forever”. The corners of his lips curling into a grin whilst speaking in a serene tone as he reiterates “And I know just how much you want me out of here. Now is your chance. Assist me, and your reward is my eternal absence” what the Saiforros were is none of his concern, but he has put up with his callous act and these people one day too long.

Upon finishing the proposal, he folds his arms and waits, keeping both eyes fixated on Alice. He will not let her go anywhere until this transaction as been completed. Hopefully he caused enough negative emotions to where this will be instantaneous, though the past incidences have given him reliable ammo should anything contrary to what he wants to hear come out.

         The Coronai tried to maintain her cheerful facial expression as he tried to argue the point of her "beauty" but the word was so subjective that anyone, really, could throw it around while having no real bearing or authority on the matter that was being discussed. Tawny did, however, find it touching that her Flyboy, Tarik, would see her in such a light, notwithstanding the foregoing opinion. He was a kind and gentle spirit, much deserving of better than herself, but she were the type of selfish person who would still rather see him be happy with her than with any other person whose goodwill and merit matched his own.

Images of her past haunted her mind, then, when he asked her refutes to his claim; dark images filled with the type of wickedness that even the most stalwart Horror novelist would cringe at. All this time, she kept smiling innocently then shook her head - an immature rebuttal, "I'm.. just not."

Oh, how she had wished at that point that she had a mirror to see herself, a compact, but she would take his word as gospel. Maybe she'd catch a passing glimpse of herself in any of the dressing room mirrors on their way out but, right then, she didn't want to be separated from him. In a way, he was able to quell the rabid thirst she felt. There was a reason her Path was called the 'Anthem of Masochism'.

"Sure~" Tawny nodded a little bashfully, accepting his invitation to go back to the much too populated Celebration Hall. But, if it wasn't already understood, as long Tarik were there - she'd be okay with it. A puzzled look crossed her face at his small confession, "Really? You seem so much more comfortable than m..me." After all, he did proudly don the tribal wear of his race so.. why wouldn't he be more comfortable in a fancy party like this one? And, in thinking about it, Tawny found that she was a bit envious because there seemed to be no real advantage to being a Coronai; granted there was the vast power that came with it but that power could only destroy. She.. she wanted to create.

She couldn't even bear children. What good would she be to him then?

Having her reverie broken by his little pep talk, she dramatically inhaled and exhaled - with a much too stern expression - then covered her lips as a giggle filtered through. "Okay, I think I'm ready."

Tawny.. seemed more radiant and much more willing to face the world then. All thanks to Tarik.

>>>Exiting the Dressing Room>>>

         Aria noticed that he wasn't there anymore and felt saddened. Did she offend him? Did he not like what she was? She sighed and left the bedroom to go look around in the hallways. She wondered if she'd get to see the boy again in order to apologize.

         Tawny bit her lip and peered into the Infirmary bathroom, the glass from the shattered mirror was still strewn about the tiled floor and her scythe was still there. She stared curiously at the weapon, the blade still glinted brightly and strangely only reflected the hollow of her neck. No. Not now. Now, she'd ensure Tarik's safety - afterall, she had to prove herself to him, whether it started as friendship or bodyguard she was determined to be there for him.

She extended her arm and the weapon levitated on its own. It spun in the air once before flying straight toward her, blade-first; she ducked a little to the left and caught it at the handle, it'd barely missed her. A bastard scythe is what it was and selfish too. Slowly, Tawny ran her pale fingers over the long handle and made comforting noises as though talking to a child, "Shh, shh, shh. You get me what I want and I'll get you what you want." On its own, the blade flew from her hand and spun in the air, getting increasingly smaller till it vanished from sight. A sigh passed her lips then, demons were so hard to appease.. even if you were one yourself.

>>>Exiting the Infirmary>>>

         The previous night, after they all parted ways, Jordyn didn't sleep - he didn't need to after all, he was the Goddamnned Batma- Sand... Sandman. Or one of them, anyway. Were there other sandmen who were just as demented as he was? Maybe. And maybe they weren't demented either, what a beautiful world it would be to have one of them roaming the city instead of him.

But, an ever-boring world all the same.

Of course, his night was not complete without passing by Alice a few times where she rested on the windowsill. His steps were agile and made not a sound as he moved - part of his tricks of not waking up 'clients' as he did his service to them or collected 'debts owed'. The young man couldn't bear the thought then of peppering her eyes to ensure deep sleep and meaningful dreams but maybe he would do so another time - it was too soon at the present.

That day, he found himself on the verge of unconsciousness in the Common Room. He managed to stave off the sleep that attempted to penetrate his mind and he got up - Jordyn didn't look too hot, he looked tired and his clothes were all creased up and he hadn't actually /done/ his job in a few days. Damn. Maybe there was a dark side to the mansion as well.

Jordyn got up and stretched himself out, finding a note on the door - directing him, the lucky guest, to head to the Celebration Room.

What.

There was a Celebration Room now? He was pretty sure he would've heard of this when first arriving.
It was probably where Mr.Cheforro was planning the big cook-off. Main Course: Them.

         The sun had set and a cool breeze rolled through the air as Tsukasa made her way to the garden. She sat down underneath the branches of one of the apple trees and picked up a few dead leaves from the ground, then began to crumble them in her hands. She spread the bits and pieces of leaf around on the grass then leaned back against the trunk of the tree and staired up at the stars through the branches. Fall was here, and soon it would be winter.

She was so glad that she didn't have to spend another winter out on the streets. Though, it seemed as though something was going on at Barlo mansion, something very strange indeed. She did not know what exactly, but she didn't like it. Damakos was relatively violent, the head guard was as thin as a toothpick, and the Saifforo's... there was just something very strange about them.

Yes, something strange was going on. Something very strange indeed.

As she sat there her eyes drifted the the bell tower. it was such a creepy yet elegant aspect of the mansion. It looked like no one had been up there in years. Tsukasa then lowered her gaze to one of the windows on the third floor. Why was no one allowed up there? Was there something going on up there? Surely the answer to the second question that popped into her mind was a yes. of course there was something being hidden or going on up there. Otherwise, why would none of the residents ever be allowed to go there?

Just as she was thinking these things to herself the window she was watching creaked open. A dark figure then climbed out and shut the window, then seemed to lock it afterwards. The figure leaped down and landed gracefully on their feet. it was dark out so Tsukasa couldn't tell who it was. Instead of walking around the building the person was walking in Tsukasa's direction. They didn't seem to notice her as they walked on by, quietly. Their steps were graceful and quiet and Tsukasa could see from the shapely silhouette that it was a woman.

Instead of remaining quiet as usual she stood and addressed the person, "Excuse me?"

The person stopped in their tracks and turned to face her, "Yes?" Her voice was quiet and gentle, yet had a sense of authority to it.

Tsukasa knew right away that is was Lady Saifforo, "Ma'am, won't you catch a cold... being outside so late?" She asked. She tried to make it seem as though she hadn't been watching her.

"I think you should be asking yourself that," was all the woman replied.

"I grew up on the streets... I think im fine..." her voice trailed as the scent of blood reached her nose. "Is that blood? Are you okay Ma'am?"

"Who me? Why of course... I just have a bit of an injury is all. Im sure you saw me climbing out of that window... I followed Isamu up there to give him some of his medicine... but you see. He does not like being touched and has a bit of a violent side... he lashed out at me and bit my arm pretty hard..."

Tsukasa raised an eyebrow at the woman's response. There was no way that that even made any sense to her. Isamu didn't seem like a violent person at all. But, well, she couldn't argue with the lady. It was not her place, and so, she decided to steer away from interrogating her in the wrong way. "Would you like any help with the wound?"

Lady Saifforo shook her head, "That will not be necessary my dear, for it will heal on it's own," and with that she walked off towards the street. She didn't say a polite goodbye.

Tsukasa scoffed in disgust and headed inside. Maybe she should discuss this with the other residents...

         Tarik needed to get away from the infirmary and sit in a quiet place that would allow him to think. So, the medic made his way to the library. As he entered he noticed that other than the librarian, he was the only one there. What a relief. He went over to the section of the library that housed resourse and history books. Tarik then began a long search for a book on the history of Barlo mansion. Normally, such a book would be on it's own special shelf or something of the sorts. But the young man was having a difficult time locating such a book.

"Aha..." he said quietly to himself as he pulled a book off of the shelf. It was old and thick, the pages were yellowed and a bit brittle. The civer wa sleather and smelled of dust. Tarik thought it quit eodd that such a book would have to be searched for... it was almost as though whoever put it there had wanted it hidden. He walked over to a table and sat down, then carefully opened the book.

Tarik wasn't sure exactly what it was that he was looking for, but he had many questions that he wanted answers to. Maybe this book could deliver.

The Rogeralon family was found murdered on the third floor of Barlo Mansion. They had each been stabbed several times with some kind of laarge knife. It is said that the deaths were quick. However, no suspects were ever prosecuted."

After scanning over the first few pages he landed on one that caught his attention. There was a writing about the mansion's hauntings. Tarik scowled at it and read on...

[i] "The Barlo curse and haunting,
They say it's amystery, while others state it as fact. It is said that after one spends at least one night in the mansion, they will never be able to leave for more than one night. Whomever comes to live at the Barlo Mansion, will forever live there... even after death. It is said that this is why
the owners haunt the mansion. They are unable to leave. Are they looking for some kind of peace? Who knows. Perhaps they are waiting for the
day when justice will be served for their murders." [i]

         For a moment, Alice didn't believe the woman, but with a sigh she let it go. She could be telling the truth, and it would be pointless to argue against her outward kindness. She retracted her hand from Tsukasa's, still irritated about the situation. There was not much for her to do except get some space to herself. After giving the newcomer a quick glance, she realized how strange everything was. The juxtaposition between someone's normalcy and another's trauma was too much for Alice, being cooped up in her own war in her head.

Before she could say much of anything else, Alice sent the poor girl one last look of sympathy, truly hoping she would be alright in these people's arms. She stood up and left, leaving her food behind to get some space to herself.
//Exiting the Dining Hall//

         A large black bird screeched as it glided over the mansion. It's feathers were raggedy and it's body was scarred. it's beak had a rougher shape than most bird's and it's cry was shrill and ear-piercing. There was a scar on it's left eye and it's feet seemed quite scuffed up as well. The talons were not razor sharp looking, even though the bird was quite large in size. It seemed to be some type of bird of prey, but none a person would have ever seen before.

It let out another cry before landing in one of the apple trees.

         Aria looked around her room. The room was nicely decorated if a little plain. No doubt there wouldn't be any issues with her adding her own stamp to the room. If there was, she would just have to deal with that little bridge if and when she got to it. Aria dropped her bag on the bed and began to unpack, making sure everything was just as she liked it.

Satisfied that everything was just right, Aria walked to the window. She looked out, craning her neck in every direction to get the full impact of the view. This was wonderful, the view was incredible. Aria smiled. Today was a good day. There would always be good days just like there would be bad days, but today was most certainly a 'good' day.