Ellie Ravie's Story

David looked down at Belle, the young maid was visibly concerned about Ellie as was David. He crossed his arms over his chest as he shook his head.

"Not sure. Her sisters in there with her now. I'm... I'm sure she'll be fine."

Just then a small black cat approached him. She looked up at him, her feline eyes seeming vastly too intelligent for a simple house cat.

Give me the gun

The voice rang out in his head. Unnatural, inhuman, as if calling to him. His eyes widened in shock at the invasion of his mind by the voice. The sirens call in his own mind. It was then he was able to snap back to reality enough to speak.

"I uhhh... I'll be right back Belle."

David turned allowing the cat to lead him cat to the room he'd set Ellie in. The ridiculousness that he was following a cat was fortunately not in the forefront of his mind. Helping Ellie however was. Reaching the door he pushed it open and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Ellie was awake now, sitting up. He smiled warmly, happy to see her awake.

"Hey look whose up."

He said as he took up his seat at her bed side.

"You really scared the hell out of me. Are you ok Ellie?"

David asked, his concern evident in his voice. The gun in his belt seeming heavier in her presence but his worry over Ellie over rode the unnatural sensation of the object behind him.

Salem tuned everything out but his own mind and the task at hand. He silently worked on Ellies soup, forgetting about the stress of the last couple minutes. Best to clear your mind when preparing food, your emotions wont taint the flavor. He had many superstitions about cooking that sometimes wierded fellow cooks out. Once he finished the soup he pulled off his apron and threw it on the counter. He grabbed a spoon from a drawer, poured a bowl, and left the room. He made his way to where David had taken the unconscious Ellie.

He entered the room. David and Ellie were inside talking. Salem strode to the bedside and placed the soup on the nightstand. "Chicken Noodle" He explained. "Nothing better for the headache you will probably have." he said. He smiled and took a step back from the two. David was checking her condition. What the hell kind of mansion doesnt have a doctor? Strange.

Ellie was crying, quietly, softly, holding Dannie's hand tightly, holding it against her cheek. She pulled her sister into her lap and held her for a long time like that, wrapping her arms around the small girl and pressing against her. Dannie had heard her, even in her dream. Dannie was here for her.

"Please," she begged, "please, Rhodanthe...do you love me? Please, please..." she felt foolish, begging a little girl to love her, but she had to know, had to be sure of her feelings.

David entered the room, with Rhodanthe's beautiful kitten Josephine, and Ellie looked up at him, smiling with the tears still streaming down her face.

Yes, I...I'm sorry I scared you. I was feeling poorly since this morning. I'm sorry. I'll go appologize to the others later." Memories were pouring into her head, yelling at them all. Terrible. She was a terrible person. "And where's the--ah."

She saw the gun in his belt, and her body grew heavy again, sagging slightly, as though the very sight of it burdened her.

"Yes. That," she glanced at Dannie, not knowing exactly what she would do, but knowing she could do something, "please, ah, give that to Rhodanthe. She...she knows what to do with it."

Salem came into the room with a bowl of soup, his attitude guarded, but polite. It smelled good, but even thinking of eating made her want to retch. He must be terrified of me, she thought sadly, and how can I blame him? I was so rude, so scary...

"I'm...so sorry, Salem. I shouldn't have...you must be terribly upset with me. After all I did, you're still here to care for me. You are a far better person than I am."

She held her sister tighter, placing her lips against her tiny forehead and kissing her gently. Ellie could only pray that her sister knew how very much she loved her, and with that, she released her. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and she climbed out of bed, walking uncertainly towards the door, one hand on the wall at all times, the other on her amulet.

"I need to go apologize to the others now. I'll come back to bed soon."

Bells jumped when Jack yelled snake and turned quickly, only to cover her eyes and turn back just as quickly. "Um ... Jack ...," she said, crouching down, facing the opposite direction.

{EDITED}
Dannie looked at her sister as she cried."I do love you, and so does Josephine and Charlotte and Ava. Your like our mother," Dannie said, her eyes going soft for a moment, then hard and cold again. “Give me the gun.” The command was short and blunt, but scary and full of control. “Give me the gun, then show me who removed it from its resting place … actually … gather everyone in the dining room,” Dannie said, snatching the gun out of David’s hand. “And do it now, David.” She quickly handed the gun to Josephine, and the small cat began to drag it down the hall, the trigger loop in her mouth. Dannie stared at her sister and pet her sisters head. “Good morning, Ellena. I’m sorry you had to dream such a foul dream. I’ll prepare you a tea that will make you forget it if you wish.” Dannie took out a small knife and cut the tip of her finger, drawing blood. “Or I could do it the easy way.” When Ellie began to get up, Dannie’s eyes went cold. “Ellena, lay back in the bed. You have no need to apologize to anyone. You need to rest. Josephine and I are taking care of this.” Dannie didn’t mean for her cold eyes to be directed at her sister, but at the intruders. Dannie took her sisters arm, took her back over to the bed and began drawing a symbol on Ellie’s arm.

Josephine came back, having put the gun back where it was found and leapt onto the bed where Ellie was. Whatever was stirred up has settled a little, but not completely, she said to Dannie. “Well, we might have to make a human sacrifice then,” Dannie replied. Your sisters wouldn’t approve of that thought.

“You’re probably right. I guess we’ll have to find something else … although I’ve always wanted to do a human sacrifice,” she mumbled the last part.

Your time will come, Princess. Just be patient.
{EDITED}

David was vastly out of his element. The unique power of Rhodanthe, the sudden and jarring episode Ellie had in the kitchen, the cat which David was still trying to wrap his head around. Rhodanthe was lovingly tending to her sister but what exactly she was doing was a mystery to Grayson. Her fingers drifting over her older sisters skin as they mapped out some mystical pattern. David decided now was a good time to take his leave.

"I'll give you two some privacy."

David said, still very unsure of what was going on. He took a few steps out, ushering Salem out with him as he went along so the siblings could have their time. Once in the hall he closed the door behind them before breathing out a sigh.

"What the hell did you get yourself into Grayson?"

He muttered to himself before looking at Salem.

"C'mon, they want everyone in the dining room. Better get to it."

He said sounding more tired than he was. The strain of his mind trying to grapple with the recent events of the day were beginning to exhaust him. Once downstairs where the others were gathered David spoke up so they all could here.

"Ellie awake. She's ok. Her sister's with her now checking on her. They want everyone in the dining room asap so if you all just head there for me."

Once the group began to make their way toward the dining room David spoke up a second time, this time his voice distinctly less booming and more reserved as if he was regretting having to speak.

"Salem, Luna... Hold on a second."

"I'm alright, Rhodanthe," Ellie whispered to her sister, and stood again, "it isn't angry with me anymore, I'll be alright. I need to go talk to them all, you know that." She stooped to kiss her sister's head, then swept out of the room, down the stairs and towards the foyer, confident everyone would be waiting. She felt stronger already because of her sister's abilities, but worried that she would tire herself out. She had apologies, as well as discipline, to hand out to everyone here.

She stopped short when she saw Salem, David and Luna all standing in the midst of it, Luna obviously worried. Taking a deep breath, she took a few steps forward, then cleared her throat so that her presence was known. She smiled weakly, then closed her eyes thoughtfully.

"Luna," she began softly, "I'd like to speak with you, if you don't mind."

Bells looked at Daemyn with wide eyes. He was being so forceful and angry. “Umm, he didn’t tell me anything.” Then David came out and said that everyone needed to gather in the dining room. “Maybe we can find out what happened now,” she said, standing up. Even though she knew she hadn’t done anything wrong, at least as far as she knew, she was still worried. I really hope I don’t get yelled at, she thought. She looked down at Jack and smiled gently. “We should probably head in. Coming,” she asked, holding a hand out for him to take. Once he grabbed it, she ran into the house and towards the dining room, which she remembered passing once. Everyone was gathered in there, looking worried and scared. Bells walked to the back and stood there, hiding somewhat behind one of the chairs.



Dannie sighed as her sister stood up, but followed her out anyways. Why did her sister have to be so forgiving? She felt as though she would never figure that out. “Come Josephine,” she called to her kitten, who obeyed her owner. Be careful, Princess … I don’t want you getting angry. Dannie looked somewhat sweetly at her kitten, eyes soft. “Don’t worry, Josephine. Everything is going to be fine as long as the puppets learn their place, right Sister?”

As they arrived in the dining room, Dannie saw that everyone had gathered. She moved silently over to David and smiled up at him. “Thank you, David.” Then her sister spoke.

"Luna," she began softly, "I'd like to speak with you, if you don't mind."

Dannie could see that anyone who touched the gun still had somewhat of a black mist staining their hands. It sent a chill down her spine … even her. Dannie might have been powerful, but she was weak compared to some of the things that called this place home also. It made her angry, and a little upset that something was more powerful than her, that she couldn’t protect her family like she wanted to. That’s why she studied so much. Princess, don’t worry. We will protect them, Josephine said, sending a kitty smile her way. Dannie smiled, “Thanks Josephine.”

She entered the dining room and looked around at all the faces she had been observing all morning. She knew just about everything about everyone by now, except their pasts. Just their names and personalities. What they loved the most and what they hated the most. Dannie smiled to herself in satisfaction. She was getting better results than she thought.

Daemyn followed behind Bells and the new guy through the house and into the dining room. He wasn’t kept waiting long before Ellie showed up. She asked to speak with Luna before he could run over and start babbling away, so he stood there, waiting politely. Then a smaller girl appeared, looking around the room like she owned the place. It must have been another sister of Ellie’s. He loved how they all had beautiful, long black hair … at least as far as he knew. He had only seen three Ravie children so far, met only two of them. Ellie’s eyes were a beautiful blue, Charlotte’s were a deep captivating black and this girls eyes … they were a knowing red that seemed as though they could paralyze with a simple look. But she was so small, couldn’t be older than seven. How was it that her eyes could be so knowing and powerful. It definitely sent spiders down his back. But there was something odd about this house, so it only made sense that its inhabitants would be so … unique.

The ex Navy Seal was standing near the doorway keeping an eye on everyone, making sure no one left the room. His broad arms crossed across his chest as the silent man stood watch over the group. His mind lost in the quagmire of the mystery. What was going on? How was Rhodanthe able to do what she did? What happened to Ellie? What was the connection to the gun? It wasn't long before Ellie walked in, looking a little weak but none the worse for wear. He was impressed with her strength. Most young women who have a black out episode wake up tentative to walk around on their own. She took a few deliberate steps forward before taking a breath and speaking.

"Luna," she began softly, "I'd like to speak with you, if you don't mind."

Rhodanthe walked in shortly before she took up a position at David's side. He looked down at her giving her a half hearted smile. She looked up at him in return. A sweet, warm smile dawned on her face as her sharp ruby eyes looked deeply into his own.

“Thank you, David.”

Her voice soft, little more than a whisper. Like a baby bird chirp on an icy winter morning. The 'thank you' soothed his nerves. David smiled, her words spurred his mood to brighten significantly. If the mysterious enigmatic young Ravie sister could warm up to him enough to thank him maybe he had a chance of helping these girls after all.

"Any time."

After Jack was led to the dining room by Bells. He was shocked to see how many more people were there. He was always surprised to see that some were female. Not wanting his red face to be shown, Jack went to one of the corners of the room so he can see whats going on while not having to look fully at everyone.

"Luna," she began softly, "I'd like to speak with you, if you don't mind."

Jack was confused of what was going on, but everyones faces to him were scared. "It can't be because of me can it?" Jack thought. Jack then looked at the ground so that way he wouldn't look suspicious to anyone in his eyes.

David turned as yet another Ravie sister entered. This one was around Ellie's age, with chesnut colored hair and ocean blue eyes. She seemed considerably more relaxed than her other siblings. David took a step forward, volunterring to be the first to introcude himself.

"My names David Grayson, Ms. Ravie. I'm the new head of security. Your sister hired me this morning."

The ex Navalman said firmly but warmly, polite as ever.

Charlotte entered the dining room in silence, staring straight out in front of her. She looked at no one, her deep dark eyes ignoring every soul in the room. Charlotte looked small, but also elegant and beautiful. She sat down in a chair at the very end of the table and placed her hands in her lap. Her eyes lost their dazed look as she focused on one person in the room: Ava. She had never understood Ava, nor had she ever liked her very much. But of course Ava didn't know that. Ava was helpful some of the time, but for the most part it seemed Ellie was always running around trying to keep everyone else satisfied while Ava was nowhere to be found. Ellie was always the one with the stress, taking on all the responsibilities. Then again, Charlotte may not have been giving Ava enough credit. It doesn't matter anyway. I will watch over Ellie and keep her safe.

Jack looked up at Bells and responded, "I-I t-think I'm ok....It's j-just I-I n-never left my h-house a-alot, so I d-don't k-know h-how to talk to p-p-people. T-That and I-I'm r-really s-scared to i-introduce m-myself. W-W-What happens if they h-hate me?" Jack asked, shaking in fear. The image Jack sees in his mind right now is that everyone is going to hate him and force him out which will lead him back to........mother. Jack grabbed his left arm again, hoping to stop the shaking but sadly he could not.

Jack let go of Bells when he heard a voice, a voice he never heard of before. He looked up to see another female which made him go red.

"Hello there. My name is Ellie. I understand you must be scared right now. Can either of you tell me what's going on, and how I can help?"

"H-Hi E-Ellie, I-I'm J-Jack and I'm o-ok" Jack said, "Just the darkness, no matter how far I go I can never run away from it." Jack thought. Jack looked down at the ground nervous, "Ummm can any of you please direct me to the r-restroom?" Jack asked fully red. "I-I need to do something heh heh."

"On it."

David replied dutifully as he turned and hurried out of the room. He went to his room and rifled through one of his bags until he found what he was looking for. A simple med kit for standard injuries and ailments. He was back downstairs and beside Ellie in a flash. He knelt beside her as he handed her the kit.

"Here you go boss. What happened to him?"

David asked as he looked down at Jack. His face was beat red and he was sweating profusely. It reminded him somewhat of what he looked like before he fell down the steps but nowhere near this bad.

"I'm starting to think we should get everyones medical information if people are going to keep passing out around here."

David said only half joking.

Bells looked nervously over at Ellie. She was doing so well, taking charge of things. That made Bells happy that she was going to have an adult figure around 24/7 … someone she could talk to if she really needed to. “I’m not sure what happened Miss Ellie … Jack started shaking, so I was worried that he was cold and then he fell and looked like he was in a lot of pain.” When David came back with the medical kit, Bells looked up at him with worried eyes. “Do you know what’s wrong with him? Can you help him?” David was the oldest and seemed the most experienced, so it was only natural for her to turn her worries to him to defuse.


Dannie followed Charlotte quietly, Josephine padding along behind her. They arrived in the kitchen and Charlotte gave a list of things for Dannie to have. “Can I have some yogurt to share with Josephine?” Then she received he sisters thought and smiled. “I know how you are feeling, but don’t worry about these new people. I see it as an opportunity to test a few things. I view them as puppets, maybe if you do the same, you might feel better. Besides, we can scare them into not touching anything anymore. And if they create another disturbance,” she said with an evil grin appearing on her face, “Their will be consequences. Don’t you think?” Then her face turned light and excited. “We could be like the discipline committee!” Princess, you should make a plan before talking so big. “I know Josephine,” Dannie said, then grabbed her sisters hand. “But I need help from my sister to do that, right Charlotte? Its gonna be like a game. We have to protect our family after all, and we can’t let these puppets ruin our family.”

[Just saying, but Rhodanthe doesn't really have evil intentions! DX She really is trying to protect her family, but has certain influence making her a bit more ... demented. Just clearing up any ideas about Dannie becoming a murderer! XD You are all completely safe. :)]

“Do you know what’s wrong with him? Can you help him?”

Belle asked, the worry evident in her voice. He smiled calmly, warmth and reassurance beaming through in the gesture.

"Nothing to worry about Belle. I've handled worse. He'll be fine."

He said before turning to Ellie.

"Let's get him out of here. The less people are hovering around him the better."

David repeated the process he'd done with Ellie earlier and lifted the light young man into his arms. He turned and headed out of the kitchen and took the boy upstairs to set him in bed to lay down. After setting him down David stood and rubbed the back of his neck with a sigh.

"Let's hope you'll be the last one I carry up here after passing out ok kid?"

He said jokingly to the unconscious boy before turning and heading to grab a seat.

Ellie helped the boy to the restroom, sighed gently, then strode back to the dining room before collapsing heavily into a chair at the head of the table. It felt odd, being in the spot that Father usually sat in, but the house demanded a leader, and Ellie had to be that leader. She activated the cold pack from the first-aid kit and set it to the side for the sick boy to grab at his earliest convenience, along with two small painkillers. They were tiny, but strong; Ellie kept a bottle of them in her bedside table for late night headaches.

Charlotte and Dannie reentered the room, taking their seats at the table, and Ava was getting accustomed to the new people. With an appologetic smile, she glanced at Daemyn, who seemed fairly enraptured by her twin. That was natural, boys seemed to like Ava care-free, party attitude more than her own motherly worries, and she had grown used to it. Still, it made her a bit sad, jealous even. She began to gaze at her sister's long, honey-blonde hair in envy, something she did often.

Somehow, though she knew it was not true, it seemed as though whatever taint in this house had not touched her. Ellie was born with dark hair, and Ava with light hair, though they shared many other similar features--blue eyes, pixieish faces, sweet voices...twins seperated over an edge of destruction. With a sad smile, she straightened her back and leaned to the side, remembering her place now.

"So," she said, loud and clear, "if anyone has any questions or concerns, I'd like for you to ask me now."

Charlotte looked at her sister straight in the eye. "Boundaries need to be set. Our new..." Charlotte glanced at each person in the room "workers need to know what they can and cannot do, where they can and cannot go. Rules must be established.." Charlotte's gaze returned to Ellie, sharp and dead-set. "so that no more disturbances occur."

Charlotte was determined to try and keep what little peace and happiness she had left alive. No way were the workers going to ruin it. But still... the tiny voice she was always trying to keep quiet was wondering if these people might not brighten up the house. Before the disturbance, Ellie had seemed genuinely happy, and Dannie had seemed somewhat amused. Charlotte sighed internally. Maybe she ought to give them a chance... who knows what could happen?

Ava smiled at Daemyn, and then felt her sister's stare. She shot Ellie a wave, and then turned to the table, and listened to the workers.

This was going to be tough for everyone. The Ravie children had never had many other people in their house besides distant relatives, and most of those had died off years ago. Now there was a full set of workers, and Ava could tell it had some of her siblings set on edge. She had never been very close with any of her sisters, she just didn't fit in much. Sometimes she wondered if she was actually part of the Ravie family, but her few similar features she shared with Ellie disproved that theory. Ava knew she looked, and acted, different than her family. She also knew most of the younger kids in the family didn't like her that much, but she never let that stop her. Although she had done most of the cooking, she had spend a lot of time out of the house, unlike her sisters. While Ava's other siblings had made friends with eachother, Ava had left the house often, and met strangers. She had even had a boyfriend, which was really odd for a Ravie member. Because of her sisters' limited social lives, they didn't really know how to act around strangers. Ellie was getting much better at it as she grew older, but she had those random panic attacks. Charlotte and Dannie were just odd, Ava had to admit, and Ava knew that meeting them for the first time could be terrifying. The poor workers had no idea what they were walking into. Ava didn't really know much either, considering her sisters had mostly kept her out of the loop.

Ava shook her head, and sighed. She had to stop worrying; everything would work out.